Earthshine

Once again the sounding of a bell signaled the end of a class. The classrooms emptied and the hallways filled with chattering students excited for the school day’s end. Rowan interchanged books and packed what she needed into her large black satchel.

“He can’t control it.” She heard Scott’s voice again. Rolling her eyes, she headed down the stairwell. “What the hell is Derek doing?!” He half-yelled at Stiles who rolled his head dramatically around on his shoulders.

“We just need to wa—atch that documentary on meerkats tonight!” Stiles jumbled together as he spotted the short brunette girl. “I love that one little, baby, merekitten…”

“Why would we do that” Scott asked completely oblivious. “I don’t even know what a meerkat is!” Stiles slapped his forehead dramatically.

Rowan watched the two. Something was up with them. Something weird. Whatever it was, they weren’t good at being secretive. When Scott still didn't catch on Stiles slapped his chest, immediately retracting his hand and cradling it. Scott caught a familiar scent just as Rowan passed.

“Meerkats,” he stated lowly, “yeah.”’ Rowan, avoided looking at either of the two as she passed the duo. Stiles watched as Scott glared after the girl, his eyes dimly glowing their wolf gold.

“Late for lacrosse!” Stiles grabbed Scott, quickly pulling him out the emergency stairwell exit. “What the hell was that? What’s wrong with you?” Stiles yelled. “You can’t just start to go all wolfy in the school whenever you feel like it!” He explained with his hands. Scott focused on his breathing and what had just happened. Confused he looked back to Stiles.

“I don’t know…” Scott turned back to the large school, glancing up at the second story windows and watching as the slender brunette walked by. “It’s like I felt threatened.” He explained.

“Threatened.” Stiles scoffed. “Threatened, okay.” He placed his one hand on his hip while the other was dramatically placed under his jaw as if he were thinking. “So, what? Are you wolfy senses telling you that she’s a werewolf? A vampire maybe? Oh, how about a unicorn?” He scoffed sarcastically.

“I don’t know!” Scott yelled back. “I just know that my human side… my human side was slipping.”

Allison walked down the hallway, briskly picking up pace. Her mind was on Scott, especially after her dad had caught them. Lost in thought she failed to see the girl looking out the window as they collided violently. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! I wasn't thinking—well I was thinking, hindering my sight and leading us to this,” she motioned to the scattered books, mainly hers. The other girl just laughed a little. Her hair was about shoulder length, Allison noted, really rich in color, dark brown and in loose natural waves. The tousles just brushed the shoulders of her over-sized cardigan. It was then Allison noticed her eyes. So unique, she thought.

“It’s alright,” Rowan spoke. “That’s what I get for gawking out the window,” Allison, too, looked out the window seeing the lacrosse team take the field.

“Hm, I guess Finstock must be starting early today. Guess I better get down there.” Allison offered another sweet smile.

“Would you mind if I followed you? I’m supposed to meet someone after, so I figured I’d watch the practice, but I’m new so I don’t really know where I’m going,”

“Sure,” Allison grinned. She was bursting with excitement. She could easily use the excuse of showing the new girl around if her parents became suspicious. “I’m Allison by the way,” she introduced as the began walking.

“Rowan,”

“That’s a different name… pretty though.” Allison commented, leading them through the school.

“Thanks,” Rowan responded shortly. “So your boyfriend plays?” She questioned to keep the atmosphere light.

“Yeah—No!!! I mean no…it’s complicated,” Allison was hesitant. Her eyes immediately grazed the field before landing on Scott.

“Complicated to the point of using the new girl as an excuse to attend lacrosse practice?” Rowan smirked as Allison’s already pale features completely drained of color. “It’s okay.” She smiled. “Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate.”

“The Art of War?” Rowan nodded as they took their seats in the bleachers. “Sorry,” Allison frowned feeling guilty as Rowan scanned the filled hoping to find those familiar baby blues masked by lacrosse equipment. “Are you here for someone?” Allison pryed.

“I’m tutoring someone after the practice. Nothing better to do, so I assume watch,” which was the truth, minus the request from Isaac. She wondered which number he was as they began the practice.

Boys were lined up on the sideline waiting for their turn in play. “Who’s the new girl?” Danny asked turning to Jackson. He shrugged.

“I don’t know. She’s kind of hot though. Maybe I should take a test drive after practice,” he smirked. Isaac growled at the comment. Why was he offended? It’s not like they were a couple or anything.

“I don’t think she’s your type,” Danny laughed.

Jackson’s face fell. “I’m everyone’s type.” He said in all seriousness before completing the last play of the practice. The boys were hoarded into a huddle before running past the bleachers. Isaac brushed past Danny and Jackson making his way to the small grassy aisle splitting the two sets of bleachers. “Hey,” he grinned up at Rowan who was sitting with her face resting on her palm.

“Hey,” she smiled.

“You made it,” he grinned even wider if possible. He watched as she tried holding back a giggle. “I’ll meet you in the parking lot?” Rowan bit her lip to stop herself from smiling at these new innocent feelings she seemed to be developing, nodding in response. “Then it’s a date,” he winked. Danny stood beside Jackson almost flabbergasted at the exchange in front of him.

“Looks like Lahey beat you to it,” he nudged Jackson.