𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 ▷ Stiles Stilinski²

26|suspicions

"Circular, self-replicating DNA molecules often used in cloning proteins," Lydia answered without skipping a beat.

"Nicely stated, Lydia. Now, can you tell me what vitamin is absorbed in the stomach via parietal cell production of a glycoprotein?"

As Lydia gaped, I stepped in quickly. "B-12," I told Mrs Finch.

"Correct," she nodded, turning to Scott. "Mr McCall, did you know the answer?"

"Um, no," the boy replied honestly.

"It's a common test question. What's your number one college pick?"

"Um. . ."

"Stop saying, 'um'," the woman told him, really putting a harsh spotlight on him. I didn't envy him at all in that moment.

"Sorry," Scott said, sitting up straighter. "UC Davis."

"Good choice. It's the best school on the West Coast for biological and physical sciences. You're in the right class if that's what you're hoping for."
She then focused back on the whole room, "Who else thinks they're in the right class?"

A hand rose in the back of the room, and I looked back to see Theo Raeken smirking. My cheeks burned, thinking to how I had been speaking about Stiles' suspicions earlier.

Theo must have arrived late, though, because I didn't see him when I was talking to Scott. Was it a coincidence that he was in this class?

Either way, I just prayed that he hadn't heard what I had been saying to Lydia. If he wasn't on our side, me voicing my thoughts right in front of him wasn't exactly going to help.

More hands were raised into the air, until the whole class had their hands up.

"Good. Then you should all be prepared for the test tomorrow," Mrs Finch told us, listening as a wave of groans travelled across the room. "Don't be so disappointed. This test is specifically to help you determine whether you should actually be in AP Biology. You have two weeks to drop. Tomorrow's test will just weed out the ones who shouldn't be here. And that could be any of you."

I felt a nervous flutter in my chest, not expecting a test so early on. I didn't really enjoy surprise tests like that.

"You'll be fine," Lydia reassured me, noticing my sudden discomfort. "You're really good at biology, Ri. You'll ace that test."

"Thanks, Lydia," I told her, truly appreciative for her presence. It didn't exactly lower my anxiety, but I was glad to be with her.

Scott didn't seem all that confident either, but none of the class did now that I looked around. Mrs. Finch really knew how to start off the year.

♧♤♢♡
✧*:･ﾟStiles･ﾟ:*✧

After my class, I immediately headed for the courtyard in search of my girlfriend and bestfriend. I had searched a fair bit of the school, when I finally found them seated together on a set of steps.

"Hey, you two," I called as I rushed over to them. "You're both coming with me. Come on."

"We've got a free period," Scott told me, half closing the biology textbook in his lap.

I nodded, gesturing for them both to stand up. "So do I. And so does Theo Raeken. Let's go."

Riley got up rather quickly, while Scott was still hesitant. He didn't share my beliefs about Theo not being who he said he was, yet. I had been right about these things before, I don't know what it was about Theo that had him pausing.