Creatures from the Ocean (Sciles)

48: What it really means to have a best friend

~WARNING~
This chapter contains a little bit of self harm, so if that makes you uncomfortable, then I would advise you not to read this chapter. If you are battling with depression or self harming yourself, please know that it will get better, even though it doesn't seem like it. There is the light at the end of the tunnel. I would also advise you guys who are dealing with depression or self harm to talk to someone that you can trust about it, particularly close friends, parents, counsellors or psychologists.

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Stiles POV

Eventually, I manage to calm down and stop crying. I sniffle and look around me. The water is so peaceful. I notice all the fish have swam close to me, as if they are wanting to comfort me. I smile slightly. "Don't worry, I'm okay." I assure the fish, even though my voice cracks slightly. I take a deep breath, preparing to go back to the surface. "I wonder how long I have been down here." I mutter. It must be dark outside by now. I slowly start swimming upwards. Once my head breaks the surface, I look around to get my bearings. I was right. The sky is pitch black now, dotted with stars. I glance up at the half crescent moon looming up above me in the sky. It is quite a beautiful sight. I wouldn't mind spending the night here. However, I know I should be heading back. The others will be worried about me, including Scott. My heart clenches as I think of Scott. I shake my head and sigh heavily. That boy always seems to be overstepping personal boundaries these days. However, I also notice that he has only started acting like this once he met Samantha. Maybe she's not telling us something about her. Either way, I'm not sure if I'm ready to talk to Scott. He keeps apologizing, but then he goes back to hurting me again, even though he doesn't realize it as he is saying it. I don't know how my trust with him hasn't completely broken with him yet, but I know that today was pretty damn close. Whatever could break all my trust in Scott must be pretty big and important. As I swim towards the jetty, I hear a twig snap. I freeze in my tracks, terrified as to who it could be. God, I hope it's not a hunter. That would be the worst. I also hope it's not some random civilian. I would be toast if it was. Just as I turn around to dive back underwater, someone calls out for me to stop. I glance over to where I heard their voice. I watch as they walk out of the shadows, around the lake and onto the jetty. I swim over to the edge of it and look up at Malia. "I thought I said I wanted no one to follow me," I mutter. Malia rolls her eyes. "No one did follow. It's just that you have been out here for hours now. It's 10:30! I wanted to make sure that you were okay, so I ran from my house to here." She replies as she swings her feet over the edge of the jetty. I swim slightly further back, giving her room. "Oh. I'm sorry for causing you to worry." I grin sheepishly.

"It's fine. Now, Stiles, are you really okay?" She asks with concern. I sigh, not sure how to answer.

"Look, I wasn't really around you guys much when all that stuff with the Nogitsune happened, but I do know that it is obviously not your fault. You know that, right?" Malia adds.

"I don't know, Scott seemed sure that it was all me. That I'm the real monster." I look down at the water. There is silence for a moment. "Listen to me, Stiles. The Nogitsune wasn't your fault. You didn't kill all of those people. You didn't kill Aiden or Allison. I know you and you would never do that. The Nogitsune did. You couldn't stop it. Anyone in your situation wouldn't have been able to stop it either." Malia assures me. I look back up at her.

"The biggest things I admire about you are your strength and courage. No matter what happens, you are able to bounce back and keep moving forward with things. I know I wouldn't be able to cope with all of the stuff you have been through." Malia says.