Whispered promises

Chapter 37

The crisp night air sent a shiver down my spine as I parked my car beside the bus. Allison and I had swapped on the way here, giving her a break from driving. I closed my car door and walked over to join Allison, Erik, Lydia, Scott, and Stiles near the entrance of The Glen Capri motel. "I don't like this place," Lydia voiced her unease, her eyes scanning the worn-out exterior of the motel.

"I don't think the people who own this place like this place," Jj added, a hint of amusement evident in his voice. I couldn't help but chuckle, understanding his sentiment as I looked at the rundown motel before us.
"It's just for a night," Allison reassured, trying to ease the tension. "A lot can happen in one night..." Lydia murmured, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Leaning against the outside wall of the motel, I held my medication for IED in my hand . I decided not to take them again , I hated taking them . I pulled my phone from my jacket pocket which was still Derek's , he's always got the best jackets . I dialed my dad's number, seeking some comfort in his voice.

"Do you want me to come pick you both up? I don't mind a late-night drive," my dad offered, concern evident in his tone.

"No, no. It's okay. We're at a motel," I replied, trying to reassure my dad that we would be fine.

"The school paid for that?" my dad questioned, his concern increasing.

"Yeah, yeah. It's not great, but it's just for a night," I assured him, hoping to alleviate his worry.

"What's it called?" my dad inquired curiously.

"The Glen Capri. Do you know it?" I asked, curious if he was familiar with the place.

"Yeah, it... sounds familiar. Listen, sweetheart, I'm gonna hop in the car and come and get you guys," my dad proposed, his tone firm with fatherly protectiveness.

"No, Dad. Seriously, it's okay, I promise," I responded, grateful for his concern but wanting to handle things on our own.

"If there's something you feel like you can't tell me, I just want you to know you can talk to me. We don't have to keep anything from each other remember ," my dad said, his voice filled with love and understanding.

I paused for a moment, guilt gnawing at me. I hadn't told my dad about Allison and me helping Scott with the alphas the other night. Or the fact I had taken my medication. He wanted us to stay out of it all, thinking it was safer for us and maybe he was right maybe it was safer for us . But I couldn't just abandon my friends. I had a responsibility, and they looked up to me.

"I know, Dad," I replied softly, my voice tinged with both gratitude and guilt.

"We'll be fine. I promise."I reassured him .

With those final words, we bid each other goodnight, leaving me with conflicting emotions. I appreciated my dad's concern and unwavering support, but at the same time, I couldn't let fear hold me back from doing what I believed was right.

••••••••••••••••••

Inside the cramped motel room, the atmosphere weighed heavily on us. Coach had strictly banned any mixing between boys and girls, leaving us girls alone while jj joined Scott and Stiles. The thought of the boys being left unchecked made me worry. They had a tendency to get into trouble when left to their own devices.

"One hundred and ninety-eight?" I said, my voice filled with disbelief, breaking the silence that enveloped the room. Allison and Lydia turned their attention towards me, their expressions mirroring my perplexity.

"Yes, and we're talking forty years. On average, that's... four-point-nine-five a year, which is... actually expected. But who commemorates that with a framed number? Who does that? Who?" Lydia exclaimed, her frustration palpable as she tried to make sense of the macabre decor in the motel room.