Becoming The Shadows (Shadow Series #4)

12 - Tryouts

"Congratulations," Parrish hands over the piece of paper with a list of my new classes printed on it. He opens the door for the two of us as we step out into the school hallway. "You are officially a student at Beacon Hills High School." 

I half smile at the schedule in my hands. "Thanks." I trail my finger down the list of classes. I had smooth talked my way into the counselor's heart and was able to get classes with either Lydia or Stiles. My main intention is to keep my friend's safe. Scott and Stiles basically have all of the same classes, oddly enough. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Stiles had something to do with that.

"You start tomorrow." Parrish pats my shoulder while grinning. "Now, I don't have to worry about you staying home all day." 

I fake pout my lips. "Awe. I was having so much fun just laying around watching Netflix all day." I bump my shoulder into his, jokingly. 

Parrish rolls his eyes. 

We step out of the double doors of the school and out into the bright sunlight of Beacon Hills. I quickly pull my sunglasses back on. Parrish spins his keys on his finger and leads the way back to his car. I come to an abrupt stop when I see guys running towards the lacrosse field, all dressed in lacrosse gear. 

"Parrish?" I call out, focusing on the handsome guy a few feet ahead.

He spins around with his eyebrows raised in question of why I stopped walking. 

I jerk my thumb towards the field. "I think I'm going to go watch the lacrosse tryouts." 

Parrish glances towards the field. "Okay. I won't be able to drive you back to the house. I have to head back to work. Sheriff only gave me an hour off to get you registered."

"That's okay." I smile. "I'll catch a ride with a friend."

He raises an eyebrow. "What kind of friend?"

"What- Oh, my god. Parrish, no!" I bust out laughing when I realize what he means. "I don't have a boyfriend or anything. I meant I'd catch a ride with Lydia or Stiles."

"Stiles? As in Sheriff's son?" 

I shake my head with laughter. I point my finger at him. "Stop it! Parrish, I'm not dating Stiles. He's just a friend." 

"Okay." Parrish grins, yet gives me a look like he doesn't fully believe me. He holds his hands up and backs up towards his car once again. "I'll see you later tonight then."

The corners of my lips tug up to match his own grin. "I thought you were supposed to be my roommate, not my older brother." 

The grin on Parrish's face becomes even broader as a chuckle slips out. "I've got to take care of you, Claire. I'll see you at home then." Parrish spins around on his feet and head back towards his police cruiser. "Oh, and Claire?"

I look at him, waiting for him to keep talking. 

"Be careful. There's an axe murder running around Beacon Hills."

I nod. "I'll be careful." 

"Good."

I give him a small wave before I head towards the lacrosse field. I'm surprised to see students actually sitting in the bleachers. Kira and Malia are near the bottom and I find myself avoiding them. I head to the top of the bleachers and sit down by myself. The guys are piled out on the field, doing their absolute best to end up on the team. 

I remember Scott and Stiles would always worry about tryouts. They feared that they wouldn't make the team. Stiles worried the most. Everyone knows that he's not the best lacrosse player, but he doesn't give up and I think that's what counts most. He's always been determined and he works his ass off when he does play.