Mischief

Chapter Six

This fic has some quite heavy topics like mental health, panic attacks, violence, murder, drugs, sex, human trafficking and r*pe (not described, only referenced/insinuated and talked about), so MAJOR TRIGGER WARNING.

FIVE YEARS AGO

-Saturday 9:23 am- Stiles

I grab my phone and plug my earphones in. I'm stressing over some assignments due in the next coming weeks, so I've decided to go on a walk to clear my head and get my thoughts in order.

It's my senior year and the assignments are becoming a lot more intense. So, I figured taking a walk might help me out in the long run. Fingers-crossed.

So, I slip my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and start my walk in the direction of the preserve. Maybe nature will help too.

For the next few minutes I leisurely walk along the side of the road, which is to my right, and the woods to my left. But, I'm torn from my peace of mind when someone's hand grabs my shoulder.

I spin around instantly, hands raised in defense. But, once I realise who it is, my hands drop and my shoulders sag in relief. "What are you doing here, Theo?" I ask, taking out the earphone in my right ear. "I haven't seen you all week."

He smiles and chuckles lightly. "I was just going for a walk and I spotted you, so I decided to come over and say hi. What are you doing out here?" Evading my observation.

I shrug. "Same thing. I'm struggling with some of my assignments, so I thought going for a walk might help."

"Any luck?"

I scoff. "Not really."

His eyes widen and so does his smile. "Hey, why not come around to mine? We can help each other with our assignments."

"Yeah sure, can we just quickly head back to mine so I can grab my laptop?"

"Absolutely. Let's get going."

When stopping back at my house, I leave a sticky note, letting Dad know I probably won't be back by the time he does, so not to worry. Then, I get into Theo's car and head to his apartment.

Theo only recently moved here, but by himself. I don't really know why he came alone, and I've never asked. I probably won't, in case it's a bad memory or something for him.

"So, how've you been?" Theo asks as he focuses on the road.

I shrug. "I've been burnt out because of school. But I'm looking forward to break so I can crash."

"Yeah, I feel that."

The rest of the drive is in silence and a weird feeling bubbles in the pit of my stomach. Like, that sick, uncomfortable feeling that makes you feel like you shouldn't be where you are. That something bad could happen if you keep going or stay.

His apartment is in a rundown, shady area of the town. The only place Dad has told me is off-limits for my escapades.

This probably explains my bad feeling. Surely Dad will let me off just this once because of my reasoning.

"C'mon. My apartment is up this way."

The lobby is vacant and a cliche sound of a shotty light bulb flickers above the admin desk. Very shady.

I follow him up the stairs - there's no elevator - and to the third floor. Yeah. Bad feelings... everywhere.

I brush these feelings off and walk into Theo's apartment behind him. I won't be here long, so I don't really think about the bad feelings. I just want to get my assignments done and get some help while I do it.