Chapter 50: Changes and Connections

Allison woke with a jolt, her body tingling with newfound strength. Her senses sharper, the world around her more vivid. A faint sheen of sweat covered her, and she wrinkled her nose at the new sensitivity to her own scent. Without a second thought, she slipped out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

Scott stirred in the chair where he had spent the night watching over her. When he noticed Allison heading to the bathroom, he stretched and followed her, leaning casually against the doorframe. 

"Morning." He said with a teasing grin. "How about I join you, and don't worry, my mom won't hear us. She's still asleep."

Allison turned, raising an eyebrow at him. "Really? But what if sh..."

Scott stepped forward and kissed her, cutting her off with a smirk. "Relax, she won't be waking up anytime soon."

---

Later, when they finally made their way downstairs, Melissa was waiting in the kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand and a knowing smile on her face.

"Well, good morning." she greeted, her eyes flicking between the two of them. "You look okay, Allison. I was a bit worried, but it seems I was worried for nothing."

Allison's face turned bright red as she shot Scott a glare, pinching his arm hard. "You said she was still sleeping!" she hissed.

Scott winced, rubbing the spot. "Ouch! Allison, you have super strength now, remember?"

"I remember." Allison said with a smirk. "I just don't care."

Melissa chuckled, shaking her head as she placed breakfast on the table. The three of them sat down to eat, the mood light and relaxed. 

---

At school, the morning passed quickly. Before lunch, Scott leaned over to Allison and whispered, "How about we help Stiles ask Lydia to the formal tomorrow?"

Allison's face lit up. "That's a great idea. I'll talk to Lydia and convince her to give him a chance. You handle Stiles."

With the plan set, Scott found Stiles later and gave him a pep talk. "Come on, dude. Just ask her. What's the worst that could happen?"

Stiles groaned. "You mean besides her laughing in my face?"

Scott patted his shoulder. "She won't. Trust me."

Meanwhile, Allison approached Lydia, who was sitting alone with her books. "Hey, Lydia." Allison began, her tone casual. "You know, Stiles really likes you. Maybe you should give him a chance. He's a great guy, even if he's a little… Stiles."

Lydia hesitated, twirling a strand of her hair. "I don't know, Allison. I mean, he's nice, but…"

"Just one dance." Allison encouraged with a smile. "You might surprise yourself."

---

By lunchtime, Stiles worked up the courage. Marching straight up to Lydia in the cafeteria, he asked, "Lydia, will you go to the formal with me tomorrow?"

After a long pause, Lydia sighed and nodded. "Fine." she said, her tone reluctant but not unkind.

Stiles froze for a moment before pumping his fist in the air and shouting. "Yes!" The entire cafeteria turned to stare, and he quickly ducked his head, sitting back down. "Please don't regret it." he added sheepishly. And Lydia just rolled her eyes at him.

---

After school, Scott suggested. "How about we all go shopping for the formal?"

Stiles agreed. "But we need to swing by your house first to grab some money, though."

The group headed to Scott's house. When they arrived, Melissa was by the door. She pulled Allison into a warm hug. "Allison! How was school?"

Allison giggled. "Hi, Melissa. School was great."

Scott crossed his arms, feigning offense. "Mom, I'm your son!"

Melissa glanced at him with a playful smirk. "Oh, hey, Scott. I didn't see you there."

Her attention shifted to Lydia, and she raised an eyebrow. "And who's this? Stiles' girlfriend?"

Lydia blinked, startled. "What? No. Like I'd date a dork like him! I'm just his date for the formal." She said arrogantly.

Melissa's smile vanished. "Well, I've known Stiles since he was a kid, and let me tell you, he's a good kid. Honestly, I think he deserves someone better than you. And another thing, young lady: when you're in someone's house, show some respect. The world doesn't owe you anything. Remember that."

Lydia's cheeks flushed. Scott and Stiles exchanged a look, and Scott gave Allison a wink. Allison caught on and quickly ushered Melissa into the kitchen.

Scott turned to Stiles. "Let's go get the money. Lydia, wait here. We'll be right back."

Upstairs, Stiles let out a breath. "Your mom doesn't like Lydia, huh?"

Scott shrugged. "She's just looking out for you. You know how she is. What do you think she'd do if either of us talked to her like that?"

Stiles shuddered. "She'd probably whoop our asses. Or worse—Mexican Melissa would make an appearance."

Scott laughed nervously. "Let's not think about that. Just grab the money so we can go."

Scott took the money he got from Eric's safe. "How much do girls' clothes even cost?"

Stiles scratched his head. "No idea. Let's take four thousand each. it is better to have it and not need it."

Scott raised an eyebrow. "We need to buy suits too."

---

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Lydia lingered awkwardly. "Um, Ms. McCall? I'm sorry about the way i talked to you earlier. And I wasn't trying to look down on Stiles or anything, even if he is a bit of a dork. Honestly… he, Scott, and Allison are my only real friends. It's just…" She hesitated, her voice trembling. "My parents just got divorced, and they won't stop fighting. I broke up with my boyfriend recently, and I don't even know why. The worst part is… I think I still love him."

Her voice broke, and tears began streaming down her face. Melissa's expression softened as she pulled Lydia into a comforting hug. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry if I lashed out at you too, you're carrying a lot on your shoulders. I can't imagine how hard that must be. But for what it's worth, you've got friends here who care about you. And if you ever need someone to talk to, my door is always open."

Allison joined the embrace, and for a moment, the three women stood there, united in a quiet moment of understanding.

Melissa said gently. "How about this: we'll have a girls' day out. No boys, no drama—just shopping and fun."

Allison smiled. "It'll be good for you. Lydia."

Lydia nodded. "Yeah. That sounds nice." 

When Scott and Stiles came downstairs, they found Melissa and Allison hugging a crying Lydia. Both boys froze, their faces full of confusion.

Stiles pointed awkwardly. "Uh… what's going on here?"

Melissa pulled back from Lydia and turned to them. "Change of plans, boys. I'm taking Allison and Lydia shopping."

Scott blinked. "What? Why?"

Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Because I said so. Is there a problem?"

Both Scott and Stiles instantly shook their heads. "No, ma'am," they said in unison.

As Melissa and the girls prepared to leave, Melissa walked up to Scott and Stiles, holding out her hand expectantly.

Scott blinked. "What?"

"Money, you idiot." Melissa said, rolling her eyes.

Stiles opened his mouth. "Didn't you say you were tak—" But he stopped mid-sentence at the sharp look Melissa shot him. He coughed awkwardly. "How much do you need again?"

Melissa smiled sweetly. "Give me a thous... no, two thousand each. You still have the money from Eric, right?"

"Mom, this is extortion." Scott complained.

Melissa's smile grew wider. "Did I say two thousand? I meant three."

Both boys groaned in defeat, handing her two thousand dollars each.

"Good boys." Melissa said, tapping their cheeks lightly before tossing the money into her bag. She stepped into the garage and drove out in a sleek black Dodge Charger.

Stiles gawked. "When did she buy a new car?"

Scott shrugged. "I don't know. She said she'd get one after I told her about the money in that bank card."

Stiles whistled. "Your mom's going wild, man."

Scott smirked. "Tell me about it. Yesterday, she told me to start calling her 'sister.'"

Stiles laughed. "What?"

Scott grinned. "As long as she's happy, she can do whatever she wants. But no dating, though."

Stiles chuckled. "Good luck with that. She looks twenty now. If she wasn't your mom, even I'd..." Before Stiles could finish, he felt a shiver run down his spine.

Scott's eyes glowed red, fangs and fur appearing around his jawline. Scott growled. "I dare you to finish that sentence, Stiles. By tomorrow, there'd be one less person on this planet due to an 'animal attack.'"

Stiles held up his hands. "Hey, calm down, buddy! I was just joking! You know I think of your mom like a mother. She practically raised me. Why are you still growling? Are you losing control?"

Scott grinned wickedly. "Maybe."

"Shit." Stiles muttered under his breath. "I always knew my jokes would get me killed one day."

Without another word, he bolted back into the house. Scott snorted, reverting to his normal form, and headed to the kitchen to make himself a sandwich.

After a while, Stiles peeked into the kitchen. "Hey… uh, what are we eating?"

Scott didn't look up, passing Stiles a sandwich.

"Thanks." Stiles muttered, taking a bite. Then he hesitated. "Hey, Scott. Can you give me the bite now?"

Scott grinned, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "My pleasure. I'm gonna enjoy this."

Stiles frowned. "Wait. Is there a catch or anything?"

Scott's grin widened. "Nah. Just pain."

Reluctantly, Stiles extended his arm. "Fine. Let's get it over with." But seeing Scott's wolfish smile, Stiles yanked his arm back. "You know what? Never mind." He turned to run, but Scott pounced, his eyes glowing red as his fangs sank into Stiles' arm.

"AHH! That hurt!" Stiles screamed.

Satisfied, Scott walked back to the kitchen, rinsed his mouth, and calmly finished his sandwich, leaving Stiles groaning on the floor.

After a moment, Stiles stumbled into the kitchen, holding his arm. "You could've been gentle, man."

Scott snorted. "Even when I bit my mom and Allison, they didn't act like you. Keep this up, and you'll turn into a husky instead."

"Hey, it really hurt!" Stiles protested. Then his eyes narrowed. "Wait… you turned Allison? What about her family? They're hunters!"

"They won't hurt her." Scott said.

"Sure." Stiles replied. "But what about you? They'll take their anger out on you for turning her."

Scott smirked, his eyes flashing briefly. "They can try."

"Alright, alright." Stiles said, shaking his head. "Let's just go get some suits for tomorrow."

"Bandage that arm first." Scott glanced at Stiles' arm. "And we need to stop by the clinic to feed the animals."