5 Seconds of Sirens

“Cali! You made it! And you brought a friend!” Scott actually looked happy to see me as Cal and I walked into the bowling alley.

“Calum.” My friend introduced himself with a shake of Scott’s hand before he led us to the rest of the group. I recognized Stiles’ annoying laughter right away and I let out a groan. Scott just laughed while Cal gave me a confused look.

“She’s not too fond of Stiles.” Scott answered for me as we grabbed our shoes. I only got them because I needed to wear them in order to see the group play. I had absolutely no intentions on playing the stupid game myself. Bowling is stupid. Just sit down and shut up. “Look who showed up!” Scott announced to the group. I noticed that Stiles turned his attention away, but Jackson’s eyes were glued to me. Even though Cal had protested I’d left my workout clothes on, though I cleaned up a bit. The fuck is he staring at? “You playing?” Scott had popped up next to me and I had to hide the fact that he had startled me just a little bit. Kid needs a fucking air horn to announce himself.

“Not really my thing. Cal’s gonna play, though.” I played with the sleeves of my leather jacket. I had contemplated the entire way here about telling Scott about Derek. They obviously knew each other, so would it be a mistake to say something? “I-uh” I cut myself off, not really knowing how to approach the topic. From the corner of my eyes I saw Calum nod to me before going back to his conversation with Jackson. This was a mistake. Get it fucking over with. I need to have a serious conversation with my bed. “I met Derek Hale today.” I rushed out the words before I could chicken out, and I watched his expression shift before he took my sleeve and led me away from the group. Cal pushed his worry into my head and I tried to reassure him to the best of my ability. Vampire boy needs to hakuna his tatas. Get the fuck out of my head, Calum. I’m fine. I directed the last though to my friend as Scott pulled my out of the building. It was a good thing I still had my combat boots on, since the parking lot was slowly becoming covered with puddles from the slowly falling rain.

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you? What did he say?” His words were frantic and his hands moved to my shoulders. I instantly tensed and took a step back, causing the limbs to fall back to his sides.

“I’m fine, Scott. Do I look hurt?” I tried to keep my cool face, but I was actually pretty rattled by his worry. We had just met that morning, yet he was already acting as if we were best friends. “He just told me to stay away from you.” I gave him a nonchalant shrug, trying to act as if the whole situation wasn’t bothering me. In all honesty, I was freaked out. My best friend’s brother just showed up at my house and pretty much admitted to stalking me right before subtly threatening me to stay away from a kid I hadn’t even wanted to be around. Kinda hard to stay calm internally. Externally wasn’t really a problem for me. “He said he saw us talking at school.”

“Wait, where did you see him?” Seriously, McCall? That’s what you get out of the conversation? He looked more on edge than I felt if that was actually possible.

“He showed up at my place a little while ago.” I tried to keep the shaking from my voice. The creep knows where I live. Seriously, it’s freaky. I watched Scott’s face switch from worry to anger in a split second.

“Don’t worry about him, okay?” His hands reached out to me again but I flinched, so he tried to cover up his movements by running his hands through his hair. “If he shows up again call me, alright?” I gave a quick nod. I was about to tell him that he didn’t have to worry and that I could take care of myself, but a high-pitched squeal that I had become far too familiar with beat me to the punch.

“Balls.” I mumbled the word before I simply left Scott standing outside. As I had through, there was a small group of girls surrounding Calum. Even though he was used to the attention, he seemed a bit awkward accepting it without the other boys. Chill out, Cal. You look like Ash tried to hit on you again. I directed the thought to him and his head whipped around in an instant. Relief flooded his face as his eyes pleaded with me. I let out a light laugh before I approached, putting on my intimidating face. I slid right next to Calm, making sure our arms were touching, before I raised my eyebrow at the girls. “I think that’s enough crowding of the rock star.” I pushed a light rasp into my voice to add to my scary factor. “Time to scatter, kiddies.” I narrowed my eyes at the group before I hooked my arm through Cal’s and led him back to our own group.

Scott had rejoined everyone and was looking at us quizzically. “What was that about?” Calum and I both snorted out a laugh before we sat down. I finally traded out my combat boots for the goofy bowling shoes while everyone else attempted to figure out the score sheet. I had completely ignored Scott’s question, as had Cal, and I separated from the group once more to grab a drink for Cal and I to share. “So you’re gonna go back to ignoring me, now?” I raised my eyebrow as Scott popped up next to me. Seriously. Wear a bell or something.

“Cal’s in a band with our other friends. They’re pretty big.” My voice was monotone as I replied. I’d been too open all day. I had to pull it back so I don’t screw up again. The last time was bad enough. I needed no repeats.

“Ah. I guess that explains the fan girls.” He nodded to the lane next to ours and my eyes narrowed. The group had grown into a gaggle in a span of ten minutes. I could feel my anger flaring as I glared at the gathering of inconsiderate douche nuggets before I felt a tickle in my head.

Fuck off, Cal, I’m fine. My thought was aimed at him as I returned my gaze to the counter. Obviously I wasn’t fine, but I knew how to control myself. To an extent.

“McCall, you’re up.” Jackson’s voice sounded right next to my ear but I paid no attention. I needed to focus on calming myself down. “You joining us, Sweetness?” I almost puked in my mouth. As I turned to face the tool bag. He was reaching his hands towards me and I gave him my best glare.

“If you touch me I’ll eat your fingers.” At the tone of my voice and look on my face, Jackson got the hint and backed away. Finally I had the peace I needed to concentrate. Or not.

“Calia, they’re just fans. You need to calm down.” Cal’s hands were on my shoulders as he stood behind me, putting slight pressure down. What is it with people and my shoulders today?

“I told you I’m fine, Cal. Just go play your stupid game.” I heard him sigh before he ruffled my hair, leaving me to glare at him. He gave me a pathetic look that made him resemble a worried puppy, and my gaze softened a bit. A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth as I patted one of his hands. “Really, I’ll be alright. Go have fun. Make new friends.” He gave me a small nod before kissing the top of my head. Even though I had known Luke the longest, Calum was the one I was closest to. He was like the dorky brother I couldn’t help but love.

“You’re Acalia, aren’t you?” My head turned at a shrill voice to my left, my eyebrow raising. “Oh my God, you are! You’re on tour with the boys, right? What’s it like? What are they like?” She rambled on and on, and the more questions she asked, the more I wanted to drown myself.

“Look.” I started between clenched teeth, trying to keep my cool. “Cal and I are with our friends right now, and we’d really just like to spend some time with them.” I was trying to be as polite as I possibly could be, but the rage was building again. Bugging Cal was one thing, but bugging me to get to the boys? Big no-no in the Calia book. I could feel the power rising in my throat, begging to be released. If I didn’t do something soon, things were going to get ugly. Help me before I tear them apart. I thought towards Calum. I hated asking for help, but I knew what would happen if I didn’t, and the situation was already getting dire. More of the gaggle had surrounded me, some of them almost touching me. That was something I just refused to allow in my current situation, or any situation really. I attempted to back away from the group. They were like a pack of wild dogs converging on their prey. If they only knew that I was the actual predator.

“Calia!” The shout of my name snapped my head sideways. If you make a fucking scene I swear to God. I growled at the boy in my head, but he only pushed his was to my side. “You guys, I’m so thankful for all of your support, but Calia has high anxiety when it comes to groups of people. Give her some space and go back to your game.” He had pulled out the charm, and from the glassy look in his eyes, he was drawing from his power as well. I’ll never understand his freaky mind powers. I was thankful for them, though, as the crowd split off. When he looked back at me, his eyes were gold again, instead of the milky white. “Calia, calm down.” I thought I had calmed down, but according to the power still trying to push out of my throat, I was wrong. “Your eyes.” He whispered and my heart went into overdrive. I hastily searched my pocket for my phone, but Cal’s hand over mine stopped me. “He won’t answer. Let’s just get you outside for a bit.” I gave a saddened nod before Cal hooked an arm around my shoulder to lead me into the parking lot.

As soon as the chilled rain hit my face I took off towards the car. The power was nearly gagging me, and I couldn’t keep it at bay no matter how hard I tried. Pathetic. Fucking failure. Calum stayed a bit behind me, as usual, and unlocked the car for me. I hastily yanked the door open and jumped into the driver seat. Cal attempted to get in the passenger side, but I locked the doors with a shake of my head before I pulled my knees up to my chest. “Stay back!” I croaked out the words as I buried my head in my knees. Normally, my song didn’t affect other supernatural creatures, but there have been times when it has, usually when I was out of control. I don’t want to hurt you again. I sent the though seconds before the word vomit began. My voice bubbled up and poured out against my will, a haunting melody filling the car. From the corner of my eye, I saw Cal tense, but he stayed where he was. Idiot. I didn’t even know what I was singing. It was just a bunch of random syllables and sounds tossed together.

Even though I could clearly see the faint mist of his life force surrounding him, Calum stayed. I could feel tears stinging my eyes as I tried to hide in my seat. I willed myself to stop, but the melody kept flowing. I needed Ashton or Luke. They would know what to do, and I couldn’t hurt them like I could Calum or Mikey.

After what seemed like hours my song finally died down. Calum still stood outside of the car, swaying from side to side. My tears feel faster as I watched the mist swirl around him. Every fiber of my being yearned for the life force pouring from my best friend, and I knew it wasn’t safe for me to be there anymore.

I scrambled out of the car, backing away from Calum as quickly as I could. He was coming out of the trance my song had put him in, but the mist was still thick. He glanced into the car, then frantically searched the surrounding area. As soon as our eyes met he started to walk towards me, and I panicked. I stumbled back, trying not to trip. “Stay back, Cal!” I choked out the words as I swiped at my eyes, trying to clear my vision. He was still trying to come closer, but now he was reaching for me. “No! Don’t touch me! I can see it, Cal. I don’t wanna hurt you.” I sobbed out the words, no longer caring about how I looked. I was in full on panic mode.

“Everything okay out here?” Through bleary eyes I saw Scott approaching slowly. Even though he hadn’t been exposed to my song, I was still afraid that there was still some residual power floating around.

“Don’t come near me!” I shouted as I backed up further, narrowly dodging a pot hole.

“She’s having a panic attack.” Calum covered up for me, since I was nowhere near the right state of mind. “Can you get her home?” What the fuck are you thinking?! I could kill him! Calm just gave me a pointed look, and I wiped at my eyes angrily.

“I’ve only got my bike. Let me get Stiles or Jackson.” My heart rate accelerated and I almost flung myself forward. I had enough sense to keep my feet planted, thankfully.

“Not Jackson! Anyone but Jackson.” I actually whimpered the words and immediately wanted to stab myself in the face for being so vulnerable. I didn’t trust myself, though. Jackson rubbed me the wrong way, and I didn’t know if I could control myself in the event of him pissing me off.

“Stiles it is.” Scott mumbled before he rushed back into the building. As soon as he was gone, Cal tried to come forward again. I held my hands up in front of me in a feeble defense stance.

“Don’t. I can still see it.” He froze in his spot and it killed me to see the pain on his face.

“It’s not your fault, Calia. You can’t fully control it, yet. We still don’t know how strong you really are.” His voice was soothing, but I shook my head.

“Stiles is gonna take you home, Calia.” Scott popped out of fricken nowhere once again, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he had heard any of the previous conversation.

“My jeep is right behind you.” Stiles pointed to a blue jeep only a few feet behind me, and I bolted to it. Stay. Have a good time. I’ll be fine on my own. I sent the thoughts to my friend as I frantically pulled at the door handle. “Easy there, it’s locked.” Stiles approached his side of the jeep and unlocked it manually before climbing in and opening my door. I waited until he was at a safe distance to get into the vehicle. Since my vision was still blurry from the tears I couldn’t stop from falling I began fumbling with the seat belt. “Here, let me help.” When he tried to reach over I jumped back, hugging the door.

“Please, don’t touch me.” My voice was barely above a whisper, and I hated myself for how frail I sounded. Jesus fuck. It’s like I could break at any second. Just calm the balls down, idiot!

He held up his hands in defense and nodded slowly. “Okay. I won’t touch you, but you have to trust me for a second, okay? I know you’d rather not, but you need to, alright?” He was right. I didn’t want to trust him, but did I really have a choice? I nodded my head slowly. “Alright. Good. We’re getting somewhere. Now, I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Can you do that for me, Acalia?” I was hesitant, but I did as he said. As soon as I sucked in my breath he reached over. I panicked only a little before I realized that he wasn’t touching me in the slightest. He maneuvered the seat belt quickly and with no physical contact. When I no longer felt him hovering I blinked my eyes open. “There. Now keep your eyes on the windshield, okay?”

“Th-The house next to the park entrance. Er-state park. Um…Forest thing?” My brain was scattered but I still remembered to give some sort of direction to the house.

“Okay. I know exactly where that is. Now, eyes on the windshield, remember?” I nodded again, flinching as he started up the jeep. I hated how jumpy I was in my current state. As we pulled out of the lot, I followed Stiles’ instructions. I focused on the rain drops, watching them fall down the glass. He left the radio off, and the sound of the water droplets did more for me than trying to watch the rain.

By the time we pulled up to the gate, my tears had stopped and my breathing was finally even. Stiles pulled up to the call box and rolled down the window. We were instantly assaulted by stinging rain as he pushed the button. “Yes? Can I help you?” Stiles went to talk, but I beat him to it.

“Open the damn gate, Reed!” I shouted over the rain and watched the gate open immediately. As we rolled up the driveway I couldn’t help but notice the way the jeep wiggled and swayed in the wind. Even though I couldn’t stand the little shit, I worried about him driving all the way back in the fathering storm. “Come on.” I surprised myself by speaking once he’d parked by the front door. The van was still gone, which meant Reed was the only one home. The boy looked at me like I had spoken in a different language and I rolled my eyes at him. At east I was pretty much back to my old self. “You’re not driving in this. Now turn the car off and get in the damn house.” Without waiting I hurriedly unbuckled myself and flung the door open. I heard him grumble before he cut the engine, hauling himself out of the car. Together we ran to the front door, though he kept his distance. When we reached the door, Reed opened it without a knock, ushering us inside.

“Mistress Acalia, where is Master Calum?” Ever the vigilant, the butler held out towels for each of us. Stiles took his hesitantly, but nodded in thanks as he looked around in awe.

“Cal’s still at the alley.” As soon as I spoke the words, my phone buzzed. I checked it quickly before stuffing the device back into my pocket. “Never mind. He’s at Scott’s and staying there for the night.” Reed nodded before he glanced at the male I’d brought in with me. “This is Stiles. Set him up in a guest room then get him something to eat. I’m going to sleep.” I gave both males a nod before I darted up the stairs.

I made sure to lock my door before I pulled on a pair of Luke’s sweatpants and one of Mikey’s old shirts. After an attack like that I usually felt more comfortable in the boys’ clothes. It relaxed me, made me feel as if they were standing by my side. I let out a shaky breath as I climbed into bed, wiggling myself under the covers. It was odd, knowing that there was a human in the house. One that wasn’t Mikey, anyways.

I tried not to dwell on it, though, as I forced myself into a much needed slumber.