PROLOGUE. Sweet Sixteen

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SHE THOUGHT BIRTHDAY PARTIES WERE OVERRATED. Especially when your birthday falls just after Christmas and New Years, but who could say no to a sweet sixteen? Not her. Not when she had a reputation to upkeep. A reputation of teenage popularity, picture-perfect smiles, and teenage future prom queen angst. So, what's the harm in a party? A party filled with desperate teens trying to fuel their needs to get in with Beacon Hills Princess. A party filled with gossip of what could have happened with Beacon Hills High School's it couple. A party filled with gifts and cheery smiles and party dresses. A party decorated to the nines by a single dad who wanted nothing more than to spoil his only daughter.

Man, Kennedy Dawn Stallard had it all.

"Come on, dude! I can't be late!" Scott McCall shouted as he jumped out of Stiles Stilinski's Jeep. The two teens approached the familiar brick house, where they already heard music blasting from every direction. The home was large, one of the more expensive houses on the street, and one of the oldest. Cars covered the long driveway and the street in front of the Stallard home.

Stiles Stilinski, a teenage boy with a buzzcut who turned sixteen months ago, carries a present in hand, wrapped in pink paper-like their best friend always requested. A detail Stiles never forgot about. Scott, a teenage boy with longer, shaggy hair, and turned sixteen in the fall, held another smaller present, which he fiddled with nervously as he approached the front door. The tall wooden door stared him down like a threat. The amount of possibilities of what could happen once he entered the house was endless.

"Scott, you're fine." Stiles's less-than-actually-reassuring voice cut through Scott's thoughts. "It's just a birthday party."

"Yeah, the first birthday party where the girl I've had a crush on since we were twelve is actually single and I can actually try and-"

Stiles held up a hand. "Do not tell me you're going to flirt with Kennedy." Scott scolded his best friend, who began to laugh. "I mean, seriously? You? Flirting with Kennedy? It's a miracle she's friends with us, but dating her?"

The McCall boy waved Stiles off. "I get it! I get it!" He let out a loud sigh as the two of them turned towards the wooden door once again. "Let's just get this over with." Stiles shrugged, pressing his lips into a thin line before knocking.

It was like clockwork. Ben Stallard swung open the dark wooden door, holding a plate filled with Shirley Temples. Kennedy's favorite drink. "Boys! Hello!" Ben said with a grin, opening the door further to let the Stilinski and McCall step inside. Ben was a nice man, an old friend of Sheriff Noah Stilinski and Rafael McCall once upon a time. He had a scruffy beard and dark hair with a kind smile that reminded most people of a golden retriever. His father, Vincent Stallard, was a popular lawyer in Beacon Hills up til he retired and later died in an animal tack seventeen years ago. Hence the large house Ben definitely couldn't afford on a deputy's salary.

"Danny will take the presents. Kennedy is in the back with some other friends." Ben looked behind Scott and Stiles, seeing the blue Jeep down the street, but no sign of a Sheriff's car (other than his own) and Melissa's car. "Where are your parents?"

Danny Mahelani, a friend of Kennedy's and a member of the lacrosse team, came sweeping by and taking the gifts from the boys arms. "My mom's working, but she said she'll be here as soon as she can," Scott said with a polite grin.

"My dad's on his way," Stiles added. Ben nods, turning towards the kitchen to assist whoever's trying to eat from the nacho cheese dispenser. The boys shared looks, making their way further through the house.

Even in January, the air was warm in Beacon Hills. The most one would need was a light sweatshirt. That was obvious as guests came in short skirts and strapless dresses. Tables with pink tablecloths were covered with foods of all kind. From fondue to teriyaki chicken to a fruit bowl containing of mostly pineapple. Music blared, ranging from pop-punk bands like All Time Low to country-pop stars like Taylor Swift.

Scott fiddled nervously as he saw Kennedy right away. She was wearing a blue dress that fit her perfectly. She always had a knack for fashion. Her curly brown hair bounced on her shoulders as she laughed at a boy named Nathan Pierce's joke. He was flirting, Scott could see it from there. The cocky smirk and nudge of her shoulder when he laughed along. The teenage spun around, her haze; eyes instantly catching both boys. Suddenly, she looked a million times happier than before, which somehow shocked both Scott and Stiles. Quickly, she excused herself from Nathan, who still watched her as she walked across the pavemented backyard.

"You guys came!" Kennedy said excitedly, hugging Scott tightly. The boy's chest swelled with joy as he wrapped his arms around her torso. She didn't notice. That was obvious when she pulled away to then hug Stiles the same way she hugged him. Stiles smiled, quickly rubbed her back, and pulled away.

"We'd never miss this," Stiles said with a grin, looking around. "You guys really outdid yourselves,"

Kennedy shrugged, "It's not a whole lot. Six months of planning and my dad having a bigger cow about it than me," She looked around clicking her tongue in thought, "We need to take a picture."

A boy named Isaac Lahey walked by, getting caught by Kennedy. She handed him her phone, asking him to take a photo of her and her two closest companions. The boy with dirty blond (almost light brown) hair obliged. Kennedy stood in the middle while Scott stood on the right in his white dress shirt and pants. Stiles was on her left, his arm draped over her shoulder. The three grinned at the camera; Stiles's more goofy, Kennedy's more picture-perfect, and Scott's more awkward. Kennedy took her phone back from the boy, not noticing him awkwardly walk away as she looked at the photo.

"I'm definitely posting this later," She said as she looked back up, smiling at her two friends. "I have to go talk to my dad. Don't do anything stupid?" She pleaded with a twinkle in her eyes.

"I'd totally do something stupid, but my dad will be here any minute," Stiles said as he shrugged. Kennedy rolled her eyes playfully, walking past them both. Scott looked around, unsure what to do now. Stiles scoffed, slapping his friend's side. "Dude, tonight's the night."

Scott looked over in confusion. "What are you talking about?" He asked.

Stiles rolled his eyes. "To ask Ken out, man! The gift you got her was freaking amazing, and she's in such a great mood there's no way she'd say no!" He rambled off. The boy with the buzz cut tries to hide the real reason he wanted Scott to step up now. Tonight was the deadline. The deadline of a deal he and Kennedy made years ago. If Scott does something, he could put a halt to the said deal both parties are too stubborn to step down from.

Scott turned his head, watching Kennedy link arms with her dad as they both chatted with Natalie Martin. She was so effortlessly beautiful, even in moments like this. He smiled softly. "I don't know. Maybe," Was all the McCall could say.

Kennedy and her dad went to a large table filled with presents. Ben hummed as he rubbed his daughters arms. "Another year, another wall of gifts." He joked, a chuckle following his statement as they looked around. There were gifts wrapped in shades of pinks, whites, silvers, the occasional purple or blue, just like always.

But then there was one that caught the teenage girls attention. It was a baby pink wrapping paper with small white rabbits all over. The teenage girl frowned. She loved bunnies as a little girl, but that was a fact long forgotten by most people other than herself and her father. She picked up the small box, reading the label on the front. "Who's LH?" She asked as she looked over at Ben. Ben Stallard rose a brow.

"Family friend," He said as he looked at the box. The single father swallowed thickly, nodding to it. "Open it," The teenage girl smiled as she peeled the wrapping. Inside, was a small necklace with a three swirl pattern charm. Ben placed a hand on her shoulder, leaning close to observe the small charm. "It's called a triskelion."

The Stallard girl nods, "It's cute," She said as she grinned. "Help me put it on, please?" Ben smiled as he grabbed the necklace. Kennedy turned around, putting her hair up. She looked around the party as her dad put the necklace around her neck. She was surprised to see Lydia Martin walking over, holding a large gift bag. The bag was silver. Originally, Kennedy was going to wear a beautiful silver dress the two picked out together a month ago. But after everything that happened, Kennedy had long since given it to another girl for the winter formal coming in a couple months.

Ben caught sight of the familiar strawberry blond, his lips pressing into a line as he pulled away from his daughter, shifting his atttention to Noah Stilinski, who just arrived. Lydia Martin approached the birthday girl awkwardly. "Hi, Kennedy." She said bluntly. They weren't currently on the best of terms. Lydia and Kennedy's ex-boyfriend, Jackson, had kissed, and Jackson broke up with Kennedy for the strawberry blond. Ever since the two girls who had been best friends for ten years didn't talk much.

"Hi, Lydia," Kennedy with a soft, sad smile. "Thank you for coming,"

Lydia's mean-girl expression softened like it usually did around Kennedy. The two know everything about the other. There's no facade that they could create to fool the other. Lydia felt guilty about what she had done, and Kennedy definitely knew that. And Lydia knew Kennedy wanted her to feel guilty. Lydia deserved that.

"It's a great party." Lydia chirped as she smiled awkwardly. Kennedy nods, looking around. Lydia pursed her lips, pushing her arms out and handing Kennedy the large bag. "Happy Birthday, Kennedy."

The girl with dark hair took the bag, pulling it open slightly to see a designer handbag. Kennedy's eyes widened in surprise. "I said I wanted this back in September," The Stallard girl glanced at Lydia, who fiddled with her hands as she nods slowly. "This is amazing, Lydia."

Lydia tilted her head to the side, "I'd never give a bad present," She said. The two girls looked at each other, having a similar twinkle in their eyes from before Jackson Whittemore planted himself between them. Kennedy's eyes darkened, swirling in a pool of dismay and sadness. The wound was still fresh. Guiltily, Lydia opened her mouth to apologize when someone speaks up.

"Ken!" Stiles rushed over, "We gotta cut the cake!" Kennedy smiled wide, dismissing Lydia, and followed her best friend. Lydia slouched her shoulders, looking at the floor. Jackson Whittemore, class A jackass inside and out with daddy issues the size of a monsoon. He was only invited to the party because his parents were.

Seemingly everyone gathered around a table with a large red velvet cake that had a large candle that read 16. Kennedy was surrounded by Ben, Noah and Stiles Stilinski, Melissa and Scott McCall, and Danny Mahealani. Everyone began singing Happy Birthday, including a very obnoxious Bobby Finstock. A woman in the crowd smiled as she watched. Her name was Laura Hale. She couldn't miss the girls sweet sixteen, there was no way.

There was another figure in the crowd, with long dark hair and dark eyes. They watched as the birthday girl leaned her head on Stiles's shoulder, them and their friend Scott all swaying to the song as it ended. As it ended, and she blew out the candle, Stiles took a piece of icing, wiping it across the girl's face. The crowd laughed as Kennedy squealed. The figure hid back a smile, disappearing into the shadows.

Kennedy looked over everyone, looking in the direction of the gate that exited her backyard. It was swaying in the wind, open. Someone must have left it open, she thought as Ben cut the first piece of cake. However, a feeling in her chest left her unsure. She shook her head, looking back as she took a piece of cake, still standing with Scott and Stiles. It was a phenomenal birthday, spent with her closest friends and family.

And, if you're wondering what Scott and Stiles got their pretty and popular best friend for her Sweet Sixteen, don't worry. Scott got the young brunette a necklace with a small silver K on it, something she ended up wearing many days for the rest of sophomore year. Stiles, on the other hand, had given her a multitude of things. A dress she later wore their first day back to school the following week, a large array of nail polishes, a Beacon Hills Lacrosse hoodie so she'd stop stealing his or Scott's (one of the few downsides of her and Jackson's breakup).

He lastly got her a gold necklace she would eventually wear the night of their winter formal, as well as the night that Kennedy would later discover the truth about her family, herself, and her feelings for people she'd never expect.

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THE NIGHT OF JANUARY TENTH WAS A RAINY ONE. Storms washed over Beacon Hills, giving the town one last cleansing for the new year. Kennedy Stallard was in in her bed, having fallen asleep in her clothes from that day. That is until there was an abrupt knock that echoed through her house. She woke up, confused. The teenage girl turned her head, reading one in the morning on the clock. Who could logically be outside at this time? In the rain? Kennedy pulled herself out of her bed, leaving her yellow throw blanket behind as she made her way through her house.

She trotted down the stairs, pulling open the front door to see a teenage boy standing outside in the rain. Stiles Stilinski. Kennedy's eyes widened in confusion and alarm. "What are you doing?" Kennedy hissed, pulling the boy inside. His shoes squeaked on the wooden floors as he stumbled. "It's storming!" She scolded.

"Scott and I were looking for the body," The boy breathed, pushing the hood of his jacket off his head. Kennedy's eyes widened. "But my dad, and your dad, caught us. Well, caught me,"

Kennedy's eyes nearly bulged out of her head. "Scott is still out there? And you left him there?" She scolded her best friend. The boy yelped as she slapped his arm.

"He'll be fine! They probably found him already." The boy with the buzzcut explained as he waved her off. "But my dad sent me here for the night. So, uh," He trailed off with a sheepish grin. Kennedy Stallard scoffed, rolling her eyes and tugging him up the stairs. Stiles looked around the familiar house, observing photos of Kennedy throughout the years. Photos of her at her tenth birthday, a photo of her and Ben at Disney World when she was twelve, school photos throughout middle school and high school, photos of her in softball, and school dances. Stiles even saw photos of Ben and Kennedy's mother, Amanda Stallard; a pretty blond woman who died years ago. Kennedy didn't remember her much.

The boy stood in her bedroom as she walked across the hall. "You'll get a cold," She told the boy as she gestured to his soaking clothes. "I'll get you something from my dad's room." She informed him as she turned away. She walked down the hall, heading in the direction of Ben's empty bedroom.

Stiles looked around her room, observing the familiar yellow walls covered in art, fiddling his hands together. "So, how's being sixteen?" He called out. A week had already passed since her birthday. She had spent most of the last week alone, taking her driver's test, and crying over Jackson Whittemore.

     "Good," She chirped, walking back towards her room. She stepped inside, looking at him. They were both thinking about it. After all, if anyone had the balls to go through with a deal they made when they were twelve it would be he and Kennedy. The deal was simple, but the baggage around it seemed to make them both uneasy. She leaned against the doorframe, knowing he wanted to ask her an extremely awkward question. "No." She stated bluntly.

     Stiles's brown eyes widened. He was shocked, to say the least. "Really?" His throat ran dry as he tried to think about what to say next. Was this really happening? What the hell did he get himself into?

     Kennedy nodded, "Which means, there's a bet that we have to deal with." She hummed as she looked at him again. Her eyes were softer and more nervous than ever. She watched as he anxiously fiddled with the sleeves of his sweatshirt.

     "No, we don't have to. I mean we don't have to if you don't want to." The boy rambled. Kennedy rose a playful brow. "We were kids. I mean, it's not that I don't want to, I do. I mean, I don't mind. But I don't want to do it if you're uncomfortable-" Kennedy cut him off with his name. He paused, realizing he was still rambling like an idiot. "Yeah?"

     "Shut up."