Love Bites

”Mommy!” A six year old me yelled to my mom. I spotted her from the small gym full of little girls signed up for cheerleading. Clad in a little cheer outfit and white sneakers, I waved my pom-poms in her face. “Ms. Terri said I did very good! And that I’ll make you proud when I’m older.” I ran to her and she picked me up, kissing my forehead.

“It’s ‘you did very well, Honey.” My mom corrected then smiled. She waved goodbye to the other girls’ parents and coaches, then headed off to her car.

“Mommy, can we practice hunting today?” I asked curiously, as she strapped me into the booster seat. I was underweight, therefore making me chained down to this evil thing. She smiled and touched my nose lightly.

“Honey, we practiced last night and you did well. Why do you want to do it again?” She questioned in a soft voice.

“Because I messed up really very bad! Allison is going to be better if I don’t practice!” I whined. She shut the car door and got into the front seat of her Hybrid Tahoe.

“I’ll make you a deal: If you eat all your vegetables and dinner, we’ll go practice tonight?” She explained, holding out her pinky. I smiled big and locked my small pinky with hers.

“I promise!” I exclaimed excitedly.

I sighed, putting down my pencil. I was currently in Honors Algebra 2, making up a test I missed yesterday. I couldn’t think; whatever my dad had yelled at me for was really starting to eat me alive. Was it really my fault? I sighed and adjusted the buttons on my cardigan. I didn’t know if I should just turn in the test to my teacher or stay here all period so I wouldn’t have to deal with Scott and Allison’s lovey-dovey couple stuff.

“Ms. Adams?” My teacher asked, catching my attention. “Are you finished yet? I don’t want to keep you here all of the lunch period. You still have to eat.” I nodded and picked up my belongings. It was obvious my teacher was annoyed with my presence, so I handed my test items to her and walked out the door.

“Aweh, look at you trying to fit in.” A snotty voiced cooed. I turned around and saw Bianca with Aiden right behind her. “You’ll never fit in with that cheap make-up of yours.” She snarled. I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

“You know what Bianca? Make fun of my hair, make fun of my make-up, make fun of my life, whatever. I don’t care anymore. If you want to make a bully of yourself, then go right ahead because at the end of the day you took my boyfriend, you look bad, and you get the bad publicity. And you know what? I’m perfectly fine with it because I will be the better person. So fuck you and your skimpy ass. I can’t wait till you get pregnant.” I flashed a glimpse of my white teeth to them and flipped her off. I was in no mood to deal with anyone’s shit today. I walked the other direction and slumped down onto the ground, not caring if anyone saw. Frankly, I was quite tired of being controlled by Bianca, so I'm glad I told her off.

“Mari?” A sweet voice said. I snapped my head and saw none other than Allison Argent, the girl who once was my best friend. She was the only one allowed to call me Mari, since my middle name was Marlene, and as kids Allison never could find a cool nickname from Scarlett, so she stuck with my middle name.

“Hey.” I said, giving her a weak smile. She took a seat next to me and offered her half of her sandwich. I shook my head and we just say there in silence.

“So, since you’re going to the lacrosse game tonight, want to sit next to me? I’m sure my dad will be estatic to see you.” She said, giving me a toothy grin. I faked a smile and nodded, not wanting to say anything. “Have you been crying? Or is it just your make-up?” She noticed my eyes were swollen and somewhat bloodshot.

“I got some mascara in my eye.” I replied quickly. She made an ‘o’ shape with her mouth and nodded. She then parted away from me, saying she’d see me at the game. Boy, this was going to be eventful.



“Dad! You remember Scarlett Adams right? My best friend as a child before you made us move like maniacs.” Allison explained to her father. I looked at Chris Argent, and behind my sweet, innocent smile, I wanted to pound him into shreds for supposedly murdering my mother. I adjusted my beanie and couldn’t help but smile. I didn’t want to do anything I’d regret later.

“Ah yes. You were Matthew’s daughter right? The prodigy.” Chris smiled and pulled me into a fatherly hug. I awkwardly accepted it and soon after he released, Lydia called over Allison. She gave me a sad smile, since she stopped talking to me after Aiden had dumped me. She was one of my good friends but since I was no longer dating a “cool” person, she couldn’t be seen with me.

“Scarlett!” A motherly voice called me over. I snapped my head and immediately smiled.

“Hi Ms. McCall!” I exclaimed running over to her. She gave me a hug and this one wasn’t awkward at all. Scott’s mother was like my second mother, since I’ve had a fair share of sleepovers at Scott’s house when I was younger and my dad had to work night shifts. “I can’t believe Scott made first line. You must be so proud.” I said, pulling away from her embrace. She smiled even bigger and nodded her head.

“I’m more proud of you; three honors classes and captain of the volleyball team? I’m proud of you, kiddo.” She replied sincerely. I grinned and decided not to sit next to Allison, since she was occupied with Lydia and her dad. She didn’t bother to look for me, so I took a seat next to Ms. McCall and we cheered every time a shot was made.



Beacon Hills won thanks to Scott’s amazing performance. He seemed different and not once did he have to use his inhaler, which I found quiet strange. Everyone got off the stands to go congratulate the players, but I couldn’t help but notice a familiar leather jacket, staring at me. I sauntered over to him, not knowing what came over me. He stood there, with his hands in his pockets, looking as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

“Well, well, well. Looks like you can’t resist me.” Derek said, smirking. I rolled my eyes and shoved him lightly.

“Whatever, I told you I needed to get someone back. That kiss meant nothing to me.” I spat, but for some reason he still had that smug smirk on his face. “Look, I came to talk to you because…” I trailed off, scared that he might say no.

“Let me guess, you want to know what really happened to your mother, correct?” He asked, still having that smirk. I nodded my head, fiddling with the empty cup of hot
chocolate in my hand. “I’ll tell you, but under one condition.” I cocked my head to the side.

“And what would that be, Derek Hale?” I asked curiously.

“Go on a date with me.” He said.