The Archer ➳ Derek Hale {1}

thirty five; alleged killer

I groan at the volume of the radio that's set as my alarm. I pull the maroon comforter over my head and try to ignore the world and the thought of returning to school today.

"Police search continues for alleged killer Derek Hale-" I quickly yank the blanket away from my face and slam my hand on the clock, shutting it up. I sigh and stare at the white ceiling above me until my eyes start to burn, before finally crawling out of my bed. Just hearing Derek's name made me feel like a poor excuse as a person, especially when it followed 'alleged killer'.

I might not have known Derek Hale for long, but I had wanted to. He was like a big brooding puzzle and I wanted to piece him together, figure him out. I walk over to my bathroom and sigh at my reflection in the mirror. The bags under my eyes are ones that even the most expensive cover up can't hide. I wash my face and brush my teeth, while trying to avoid my responsibilities for one more day.

I quickly put on some foundation and mascara before throwing my hair up into a messy bun. I walk over to my closet and grab my big white sweater and slip into  it before matching it with black leggings and black combat boots. I grab my bag before walking out of my room. I look up when I notice Allison leaving her room as well.

"Hey Al," I smile brightly, trying to get some type of response. She gives me a forced smile before turning and walking down the stairs. I sigh and let the smile fall from my face. I miss my sister and she lives in the room next to me.

"What's up with the cold shoulder?" I quickly turn around and face Kate. I feel my pulse quicken and the first thought after seeing her face is 'she shot Derek'.

I look back the way Allison left before shrugging my shoulders, "I don't know," I turn back to face Kate and force a smile. "I probably unknowingly stole her shirt and haven't given it back," I laugh and shrug again. "You know, sister stuff."

She laughs with me, but the calculating look in hers eyes doesn't go unseen. I turn again and start moving towards the stairs, "Well, I should get going. Don't want to be late."

I start down the steps, but the second set of foot steps surprises me, "Actually, I think I'll ride along with you guys this morning."

I force another smile at her and keep walking.

Great first start to this terrible day.

➳➳➳➳

I watch as we finally pull up to front of the school. The ride here was what one would describe as 'utterly and completely awkward'. I reach for the handle immediately, only to find it locked. I sigh and lean back into my seat. I notice Allison roll her eyes as she scoots to the opening between the driver and passenger seat, "Dad, if you're going to insist on driving us to school, you at least have to let us out of the car."

I only nod in agreement and he looks between us before turning to look at the school in front of us, "Kate, what's your opinion on home schooling?"

I roll my eyes again and I swear they are going to fall out of my head one of these days.

Kate pretends to think about the idea before smirking, "Well, you know, I'm more of a learning-by-doing kind of girl."

Allison turns to look at me with annoyed eyes and I shrug sharing her feelings, "What's your opinion on overprotective dads who keep ruining their daughters's lives?"

Kate leans over and hits the unlock button before smirking at us. Allison sighs thankfully as she opens the door, "Thank you."

Allison climbs out of the car and I try to follow, but my dad's voice stops me, "Abigail, wait."

I shut my eyes tightly before pulling the door shut and turning to face him. "I really need to watch out for her. I understand you can't always be there, but you know more than she does. You know the real danger." I look down at the console between us and let his words sink in. How can I protect someone who doesn't even want to be near me?

"I know, dad. I'll be extra watchful. Allison's safety is number one." He opens his mouth to speak, but I just shake my head and step out from the car. I hear the car pull off from behind me and I inhale deeply starring at the building I've been dreading to return to. Today is going to be a long day.