This is spin-off of CP Coulter's Dalton. I also do not own Glee.
My name is Caroline and I am the only girl at Dalton Academy. A three generation Legacy, actually. Let's just say that my dad wanted a boy, and happens to have boatloads of bribe money at his disposal. That's okay, I didn't want to go to Seaton Liberal Arts, anyways.
But, I fit right in the guys, so I don't mind. And I get my own room owing to my gender – and life would be a whole lot boring anywhere else, to tell you the truth. Things could've ended up a lot worse, and Dalton is known for being accepting of people.
For six months I had been keeping my secret, and tonight was Cody and I's six month anniversary. We were going to some place really nice, and that posed problems. One: my fashion sense was terrible, and I definitely needed major help. Two: nobody at Dalton knew I had a boyfriend. Well, can you blame me? They would've scared him off on the first date. Frankly I'm surprised nobody had found out for six whole months.
That first problem was easy: I could just ask one of my club gymnastics friends for some advice there. It was the making sure that nobody ever found out I had a boyfriend that concerned me. I had tirelessly kept up the charade for all this time, and I really didn't want to face up to having lied to everyone now.
I resolved to stuff my dress, heels and all other clothing accessories into a large bag and do my makeup and hair here in my room. Then, I would leave the building and change elsewhere. Like the bathroom in Dalton's front most building - the athletics building.
Fingers crossed nobody decided to stay late at practice.
I should've known that plan wouldn't have worked.
After taking hours on my own in my room – letting nobody in – I half-heartedly stuffed my clothes into my bag, for the first time realizing how little time I had. I pulled my hood up as high as a dared, fhoping the shadow would conceal my curled hair and fancy makeup.
But then the Tweedles were waiting for me outside.
"What you up to Qweenie?" Said Ethan. 'Qweenie' was their nickname for me – short for my other nickname: the White Queen. Okay, I was a bit of a pacifist sometimes, but any normal person would be in contrast with these two.
"Why have you been hiding in your room all day?" added Evan.
"What's in the bag?"
I looked down; I really could not be having this right now.
"Uh nothing, guys, just going to a friend's house..." I said trying my best to not show my face. I hurried down the hall, and dashed down the stairs, hoping to avoid notice.
Wes spotted me, as he and David sat on the couch. "What's in the bag?" he said, echoing the twins. His voice was thick from a handful of chips he had been shoving into his mouth.
"Don't talk with your mouth open, Wes, that's disgusting." I didn't even break a stride as I answered.
"What's in the bag?" he repeated.
"Nothing, just some random stuff." I checked my phone, I was really, really running out of time. I hesitated a fraction too long in answering. Ethan grabbed the end of my bag, spilling is contents all over the floor. I gasped and scrambled to pick them all up, my hood falling in the process.
"Qweenie's on a date!" squealed Evan, pointing at the floor.
"I – no I'm not – this is just –" I stammered shoving the dress and heels back into my bag. I looked up, noting everyone's eyes fixed on me with a shocked expression. "Umm... Bye!" I stepped out the door, and upon closing it. I slid down the wall, swallowing panic. That was what I called a disaster. I remembered my ticking time and hopped up, jogging to the athletic building.
Other than my secret being uncovered, my date went off without a hitch. My panic only returned to me when he drove up towards Dalton. I could see my doom looming in the distance.
"I don't see why you couldn't've just told them to begin with." Cody pointed out, smirking a little at my distress, "I really can't understand why it was so important to keep it from them."
"I just… I couldn't tell them. There never seemed like a good time with all that was going on… All I know is now I'm in for it." I looked up at him, "Any ideas?" He just smiled and kissed me, having pulled up to the gate.
"'Night Caroline."
"'Night" I said getting out of the car.
I walked to Windsor, not even bothering to stop and take off my dress or makeup. Why should I even try pretending? Nobody would believe me, anyways.
I stood in front of the door, my hand hovering over the doorknob. I took a deep breath and gathered my courage. I peeked in. A dozen stern faces looked as if they'd been expecting me.
"Hey guys." I said as nonchalantly as possible, heading for the stairs. I hoped to make a quick escape, and possibly avoid whatever they had planned.
"Caroline." I froze at the bottom of the stairs, and turned around slowly.
"…Yes?" I met Blaine's eyes, which barely concealed his amusement.
"How was your date?" Smirked David from his seat on the couch.
".. Good." The room exploded with cheers, and I was being hugged and besieged with questions by a sea of navy blazers.
"Is this your first date?" asked Evan.
"Did you kiss?" Said Ethan.
"Why couldn't we know about this?" Asked Reed, who was rubbing his shin – he'd run into the railing trying to get to me.
"You wore heels?" said Kurt, aghast. I was notoriously terrible in them.
"Guys, back off, let her breathe." Said Blaine, peeling off the layers of questioning boys.
"What?" I asked.
"Well?"
I sighed; I really just wanted to go to my room and fall asleep. Talking about this was the last thing I wanted to be doing right now…
I guess the twins saw my look, because they hooked their arms through mine and dragged me to the couch where I was surrounded by uniformed boys. "Now talk."
I sighed. "His name is Cody, we met over the summer – " And with that, everyone exploded again, and even Blaine couldn't reign them in. "Guys!" yelled, trying to cut through the din – I wanted to get this over with. "Hey, GUYS!"
They fell silent. "There. Now, I want to get this all out, and then I am going upstairs and going to bed. And no one is going to stop me." I glared through the crowed. "Okay. Here are the details..."
I told them everything, how we met up until tonight. Then, I left my stunned audience and marched upstairs with as much dignity as I could manage. I could feel their eyes following me.
I only hear one thing as I turned the corner, though: "I can't believe she kept that from us for six months…"
I turned the on shower and walked into my room, taking off my earrings, wondering if it was even going to be worth the hell I'd get tomorrow. I sighed as my phone started to vibrate.
Texts: dozens of them. Only one I really wanted to see.
Cody:Miss you babe, see you tomorrow
I smiled. How could I even question that?
"Hello? Earth to Wes." David was waving his hand in front of my face. "You okay, man?"
"Wha - ? Oh yeah. I'm good..."
"You sure? 'Cause you been staring at that staircase for like an hour." It was about fifteen minutes after Caroline had retreated up the stairs, and the Common Room had begun to buzz with conversation again. He began to look between me and the staircase. I could see the thought forming in his eyes.
"No…" His eyes went round "No man... you are not crushing on her."
"What? No what are you talking about." I peered anxiously around the room, seeing Blaine whispering in Kurt's ear with a meaningful glance at me. Shit…
"You aren't going to put Teenage Dream on loop are you?" Said David, with a barely contained smirk.
"No! Dude I don't have a crush on Caroline..."
"You just feel like grounding her boyfriend to mush?"
"Well don't you?"
"No." I looked at him. He raised his eyebrows at me.
"Man your crazy. She's like a sister to me." And with that I strode up the stairs and into the room David and I shared.
David fell back on the couch, shaking his head. No matter what Wes said, he had definitely fallen. And he had fallen hard.
I stepped out of the shower, letting the steam flow around me. Sighing deeply, I opened the door and nearly screamed.
"Wes! God don't scare me like that," I said, smiling and the tall boy sitting on my bed.
"Hey," He said with a small smile tugging at his lips. I felt a lurch in my stomach. Whoa what was that…
"Do you need something, Wes?" I said, taking a seat next to him.
"Uh yeah actually…" He glanced at me.
I was suddenly aware of only being in a towel. He seemed to realize this as well.
"Umm, I'll wait for you to get dressed outside, shall I?" I grinned as he retreated with a somewhat awkward expression. I checked my phone, I'd left Cody's message open... "Miss you babe"…
I sighed. What was wrong with me…?
I had just closed the door and turned around to see David, the Tweedles, and Blaine all waiting behind me.
"Why were you in Caroline's room, Wes?" said David.
"Why are you waiting outside Caroline's room?" I retorted, Biting down mild discomfort.
They were still standing in front of me, smirking.
"What!"
"I told you," Said David, turning to the others.
"It's bad," remarked Blaine, with a small knowing smile.
"What are you guys going on about?" Said Caroline: she was now in her pajamas, wringing wet, blonde hair into a towel. "What are we talking about?"
"Oh, nothing." I said, throwing them a meaningful look.
"No it's definitely something." Chimed the twins, grinning devilishly. Caroline's blue eyes gave me, and then then others, a slightly puzzled look. I shrugged.
"Anyways... you wanted to talk with me Wes?" She said, returning her attention to me.
"Yeah…" I followed her into her room, shutting the door before the others could follow.
I sat on the bed and patted the spot next to me. "What's up Wes?"
"About this boyfriend – " I groaned and fell back on the bed.
"I'd hoped to avoid a lecture Wes." He grinned, looking away for a minute. His eyes are goregous, I thought, I'd never noticed...
"I know, I know. I don't want to lecture you just…Hoped trust me enough to tell me. Why didn't you, anyways?" Now it was my turn to look away.
"I don't know I just... I didn't tell you guys over the summer, I kept saying 'I'll tell them when I get back to school.' When we did… I don't know. Just never found the right time, I guess… what with all the drama, I didn't want to add to it."
"'Never found the right time'?" he said incrudiculous, pushing me gently. I sat up. "There is no right time... just next time, tell us. Or at least tell me, you know I can keep your secret."
I snorted; Wes could be a huge blabber mouth sometimes.
"Yeah," I snorted, "Right."
"Hey! I'm not that bad..." I fell into him unable to contain my laughter anymore, my head landing on his shoulder. He looked down at me with the strangest expression, and I felt everything go out of focus… His eyes…
Suddenly the door slammed open, and the Tweedles, Blaine, David, Kurt and Reed were all looking inside, staring at us.
"What?" I said, standing up, and shaking off this weird feeling.
"Having fun, children?" said Evan with a sly grin.
"Yes, it seems quite cozy in here." Added his twin.
"Yes, very," I said, rolling my eyes. I grabbed the door, "If you guys don't mind, I'd like to go to sleep now. I have gymnastics at eight."
Wes grinned, and obligingly left the room, walking past the others. They returned they're gazes to me.
"'Night!" I said, slamming the door in their faces.
Fifteen minutes later, when Wes walked into his room, a crowd was waiting for him.
"Hello, Wes." Said David.
"Umm... Hi?" I said, uncertain of what they were doing here.
"So you are in love with Caroline, Wes," Said Kurt, in a crisp, businesslike tone.
"What? I'm not – "I said.
"Oh, shut up Wes," Said Reed, waving off my protest, "It's become pretty obvious."
"Wait, actually," Said Blaine, "Only after her whole relationship came out..." He raised an eyebrow.
"This is ridiculous." I said, walking into the bathroom.
"Ah, the first stage of love" David said reminiscently, "Denial." He flopped onto his bed, adding sarcastically "This is going to be so much fun…"
I dashed out of my door, gymnastics bag in hand, and ran down the steps. I skidded to a halt at the sight of a tall brown-haired boy standing in front of the door.
"Wes!" I said, "Aren't you up a little early…?" I said, checking the time. 7:30.
"Well I thought I could tag along and watch you practice." He said, with a small smile.
"Yeah. For two hours. On a Saturday morning. Definitely. Can you just tell me what's going on here and what you really want to do here? Kinda running late." He just shrugged and offered me his elbow. I rolled my eyes and took it and we walked out the door.
I had barely started my bars routine when I figured out what Wes was up to. I looked over and nearly fell off the bar. I quickly dismounted and ran over to stop him from talking to my boyfriend.
"Wes!" I hissed, "He's the manager, stop it! Go sit down and text or something…"
"No, your boyfriend and I are going to have a little chat." He said shaking me off and tweaking my nose. I stood there, mortified, as I watched him approach.
Unfortunately everyone was staring.
"What?" I demanded, walking back to the bars. Fuming, I chalked up again.
I forced myself to concentrate through the routine, I would find out what had happened later. Coach would take my spot at Districts away if I didn't work on my routines!
I had barely stuck the landing when shouting reached us. Everyone's heads turned to me. I ran, flinching under the many gazes, while tearing my grips off. God damn it Wes! I thought furiously, running to the parking lot where they' dissapeared. NEVER again are you coming near my boyfriend!
"Guys!" I yelled, seeing them in the parking lot, 50 yards in front of me. "Guys! Seriously shut up your…" I trailed up and doubled my efforts into getting to them – then I could yell at them.
By the time I got there, though, they were both flushed red and yelling in each other's faces.
"You learn some respect before you can date –" yelled Wes.
"Excuse me? I don't need your permission, Wesley, and neither does she!" Cody bellowed back, pushing him roughly. I forced my way in between the two.
"GUYS!" I screamed, "Shut UP! I am sick of this, already! You've known each other, what? Ten minutes, maybe?" I looked from one boy to another, swallowing my fury. Wes, who'd been pushed to the ground, got up, still shaking with rage. "You guys both mean a lot to me," I added, "But you can't fight. Please, guys?" I put one arm around each boy.
"You two are going to shake hands, 'kay?" I said, addressing them like I would children.
"'kay…" Said Cody, dejected at the poison in my voice. He raised his hand. Wes looked at it with revulsion for a second, gave me a look and grasped it for a second. Then both let go quickly.
"Good." I said. "Now I have to get back to practice. Wes, you go back to Windsor."
"But –"He said.
"Go. Now." I interjected, "I'll get a ride." He sighed and walked off; I waited until he was out of earshot.
"Cody, you've got to watch out. He's pretty mellow most of the time, but his temper explodes if you push him to it. I've seen him do some crazy stuff when he gets that mad." I said, taking his hand, "What were you guys talking about anyways?"
"Nothing," he said, glaring at Wes's retreating back, "Nothing important. You get back to practice." He added, raising my hand and kissing my fingers gently, his blue eyes suddenly flirty. I giggled and blushed, taking my hand back.
"I'll see you later." I said, returning to the gym.
I had firmly resolved to never again speak to anyone inside it.
Wes sat in his car, not trusting himself to drive just yet. He was still furious with that sorry excuse for a man that was Caroline's boyfriend. That dumbass better learn some respect before he got what was coming to him.
He clenched his fists tightly. Caroline was already mad enough at him for yelling, he didn't want to think about what she'd do if he got out of his car and bashed that kid's head in. He took a deep breath and tried to swallow his anger. He put the car into gear started the long drive back to Dalton.
He walked into Windsor, and stalked angrily up to his room. He ignored all of the other boys downstairs who's looks that told him they knew exactly where he had been.
What he didn't want to see was their smirks turn to shock at what he knew must be a livid expression on his face.
David gave the others a shit-what-did-he-just-screw-up look. They shrugged and followed him upstairs.
"Wes! What happened?"
"Had a little – chat – with Caroline's boyfriend." I forced the words out through gritted teetch, the last word dripped with venom.
"Wes," Blaine said cautioningly.
"What did he say?" Dwight asked, flipping though a large ancient tome. "Do you think he's cursed? Were his eyes red? If so, he might be a demon - I need to know now if - "
Wes turned around, shot them a look, and kept walking. The twins exchanged looks and Blaine and David looked worried. They followed him into the room, and stood in a line as Wes threw himself onto the couch.
"What'd he say Wes?" David asked.
"He just… he doesn't deserve her." He avoided everyone's eyes and looked out the window, "they're all wrong for each other. She's sweet, down-to-earth, and independent," The twins snorted, he shot them a look. "And he's a douchebag." He spat.
David gave a sigh of relief, "Man you had me worried there for a second! I didn't know what he could've said to get you that angry," he punched Wes's shoulder, "Shoulda known!" he sat down.
"It's just… he's not serious. She deserves someone who will give it his all. Who'll treat her right. Someone better..." He sighed and put his face in his hands. He didn't know what it was about this guy: he just knew something was off. Something was missing – and Caroline deserved someone whole, and perfect.
Someone like me? I asked myself, I don't know if I could trust myself…
"So, dude," Said Evan, calling him back to reality, "How mad did you make her?"
"Not… not too mad… I think." I replied, calling to mind the look on her face when she saw them fighting. The expression of mingled fury and sadness and – and hurt. He'd hurt her… He was just trying to protect her…
"Hey, Wes! WES!" He'd been staring out the window again. Ethan was waving his hand in front of his face.
"What?" he said bitterly. The other boys exchanged smirks, all thinking the same thought: When Caroline got home, he was in for it. She had a bit of a temper. Wes winced, sharing the thought.
He needed to make this right, but how? How could he explain that there just seemed something off about her precious boyfriend?
He'd never even asked her why she liked him… he sure as hell couldn't be asking now…
He sighed and rested his head on his hands again. He was in deep.
"Thanks for the ride!" I yelled to Annie, one of my gymnast friends. I looked at the gates of Dalton with a sudden loathing, all my anger of this morning's fight returning to me.
What the hell had made Wes look so livid? I mulled the situation over, walking through the gates. I suddenly felt a little guilty. I never even asked him what was wrong… I just ran up and started yelling…
I approached Windsor. I felt bad, but Wes was still most definitely in trouble. He should know better than to pick fights in public! What was he, three? Once again, I was reluctant to open the door. I was sure by now Wes and given the others some idea that things had not gone well this morning…
I opened it to an empty common room. I looked around, disbelieving my eyes. I don't think I've ever seen this place empty!
Suddenly, Blaine strode out of the kitchen playing his guitar, and Wes slid down the banister and started to sing:
"Where it began
I can't begin to knowin'
But then I know it's growing strong"
I felt my mouth drop open. He was smiling, strolling up to me and singing:
"Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
Hands,"
He took my hand and spun me around.
"Touching hands
Reaching out
Touching me
Touching you!"
Then Kurt, Reed, the Twins and David jumped out from miscellaneous hiding spots and started to sing.
"Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
Oh no, no"
I didn't even notice them, and Wes and I were now dancing in the middle of the common room, and he just kept singing and smiling… I couldn't help but smile back. I couldn't even consider being mad. Damn I'm bipolar…
"Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Oh, no, no, no!"
The common room had developed an audience while we'd been dancing. I barely registered the din of the applause over the sight of his smiling brown eyes, so very close to mine. I looked at his messed up hair…Like he'd been tearing at it…He'd really beat himself up for this…
I smiled. How could I be mad at that?
"So I take it you're not mad anymore?" he said. I felt his breath on my cheek. My mind went a little hazy.
"No, it was stupid, I shouldn't have yelled."
"You had every right I was way out of line – "
"It's okay." I cut him off, nodding, "It's okay, seriously. And, after you went to such an effort to apologize to me!" I broke away and waved around the common room, noticing our captive audience.
I realized the twins had been chanting "Kiss her! Kiss her!" for the past five minutes, and went a little red. Boyfriend, I reminded myself before I could react, you have a boyfriend. I smiled and offered Wes my hand. I dragged him upstairs to my room, where we could talk this over in relative peace.
"Don't you all have somewhere else to be?" I yelled over my shoulder. My shout was met with applause, and I would bet that a dozen boys would be listening at my door.
All around Windsor bets were being taken, and black, green, white and gold decorations were put up – sometimes splitting rooms in half. The common room was evenly decorated, with the large flat screen TV the dividing line between the battle lines.
It was Superbowl Sunday: Packers versus Steelers.
Unable to deal with the amount of sheer football, I departed to the kitchen, as per my usual Superbowl tradition. I got out the ingredients for cupcakes. I had barley found the sugar when Wes came in the room.
"Why do I get the feeling your following me?" I asked, grinning at the tall dark-haired boy. He grinned back, and took a seat at the counter.
"No way, Cupcakes!" He said sarcastically.
"It's a tradition!" I said defensively, placing ingredients on the counter, "And I don't hear anyone else complaining!"
He rolled his eyes. "I was kidding Caroline," he said, laughing.
I gave him a look, "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Oh... okay, cause, I mean, I just" I flicked flour into his face, "ah, needed to do that." I grinned in silent daring.
"Oh." He said, wiping the flour of his face, grabbing some sugar, "Then how about this?" he said flicking it at me. I flinched as it dusted my face. I blindly grabbed ingredients and took shelter behind the counter.
"Oh, it's on!" I yelled. I reached my hand into the flour bag, and prepared to strike.
"What is going on in there!" Said David, giving the kitchen an odd look. Fifteen minutes ago, Caroline and Wes had walked into the kitchen, which was now giving off odd thumping sounds.
"Lets hope not sex," Said Ethan nonchalantly, sipping a smoothie.
"'Cause things are crazy enough around here without a baby." Finished Evan, equally nonchalant, nodding at his twin. Blaine shook his head and Reed was giving the kitchen a horrified look.
"Well I'm sure that's not it…" I said, looking back to the door.
"Why are we discussing this?" asked Kurt, going over to the door, "Why don't we just –" His sentence was cut off as he got hit with a mysterious white powder. "– find out"
A dozen boys rushed to the door.
"Ho –" Said Ethan
" – ly –" Said Evan
"Shit." Blaine Finished.
It had only been a fifteen minute food fight between two people, but the damage was unbelievable. Flour, sugar and cracked eggs littered nearly every surface. Empty cooking bags and bowls half spilled of their contents lay everywhere, as Wes and I stood in the middle of the room, laughing our heads off.
We just couldn't stop. Even when Blaine stepped into the room to survey the damage. We looked at him, looked back at each other and burst into laughter all over again, falling into a weird half-hug.
Blaine just rolled his eyes, and dismissed us to go get washed up. I dimly heard him giving orders to have the kitchen cleaned.
By the time we'd reached the top of the stairs, my laughter had been reduced to vicious giggling. Everyone's face had just been so priceless! I turned to Wes, to look at just how much we had actually hit each other.
He was almost completely covered in white.
It sent me under again, "You look terrible!" I managed to get out." He must've started laughing again too, because his voice was equally breathy when he replied "You too!" Then we collapsed into a heap of laughter.
I barely heard Blaine say, exasperated, "Someone separate those two, before I barf?"
"Well you were no better," Reed said fairly, "Actually you and Kurt were twice as barf-worthy."
There were shouts of assent throughout the room. I fought my way into a standing position, getting my laughter under control.
"I'm fine," I said, still smiling like an idiot. I grabbed Wes's arm and hauled him up, and dragged him to his room. He managed to walk, his grin mirroring mine.
"Wow we are in for it," He said, breaking away from me, "See you when we get hell from Blaine and Howard."
"See you." I said, feeling my smile falter for a second. I turned away, hearing his steps fade down the hall.
What just happened! I thought, furious with myself, Boyfriend. You have a boyfriend
...so why am I crushing on Wes?
It was that treacherous, brutally honest part in the back of my mind. I had to face it… I really, really liked Wes. But I still like Cody, too. Or at least I think I do… I shook my head. These problems could be put aside for now…
I pushed through my door, the last effects of adrenaline fading from my veins. I sat on the couch, unaware of still being covered in cupcake ingredients. I fell face down and sighed.
"Ahem?" It was Kurt and Reed, standing side-by-side, arms folded and eyebrows raised.
"Yes?" I said, positively baffled by their presence in my room.
"You, my friend are experiencing what we like to call Man Troubles." Said Reed, sharing a look with Kurt, "Which we, of course, are no stranger too. Although you are."
"Oh?" I said, raising my eyebrows, "And how many guys have you dated, exactly?"
"Irrelevant." Said Reed, brushing the insult off. He nodded to Kurt.
"So, you are in love with Wes." Said Kurt, studying my face for a reaction, "You still love your boyfriend…?" I kept my face impassive.
"Good, you don't deny it," Said Reed, "that makes our job all the easier."
"And what job is that, to be exact?" I said.
"That is for me to know, and you to find out." Said Kurt.
"Excuse me?" I said, sitting up. Kurt just rolled his eyes.
"Don't try that one on me, sweetie," he said, ignoring my livid expression and patting my hand, "I know all the tricks. I went to public school, remember?" I shook my head and walked towards the bathroom.
"I don't have time to deal with this." I said turning around, "If you didn't notice, I am covered in flour from head to toe, and a huge biology test tomorrow. So don't let the door hit you on the way out."
They just smirked, but left as I had demanded. I watched until they were out of the door, then collapsed onto the couch again. Oh, screw the Superbowl… I thought, overrated, anyways.
I headed out the front door, waving goodbye to the enthralled Windsor boarders. I laughed quietly, running to meet Cody at the Dalton Gate. My entourage hooted and whistled when he kissed me, and opened the car door. I shot them a look and dissapeared into the cars cool interior.
"You have some interesting friends here," Said Cody, taking the driver's seat.
"What can I say? They're sweet." He shot me a look, with something of a spark in his blue eyes I couldn't Identify. I felt a flicker of confusion.
"Yeah." He said, "Sweet. I saw that guy who was pushing me around. What's his name?"
"Wes? Yeah, I was pretty surprised. Like I said, he's usually pretty mellow. You'd like him; he is just a little protective, sometimes."
"Oh?"
"They all are, Cody," I said, shooting him a warning look.
"Yeah. Protective, right." I studied his face awhile longer, and leaned forward to turn up the radio.
I've never seen this side of him before, and I'm not sure I like it… he better not keep this up.
We arrived at his house, having no further disputes. We walked in and he silently took my hand, leading me to up the stairs. I saw a petite woman with cropped brown hair sitting at the island reading a thick novel.
"Uh, mom we're going to go upstairs and watch our movie now." He said tugging my hand that was still captive in his. We marched back upstairs as his mother remained buried in her novel, having barely nodded in response to her son.
"Interesting." I said. He shrugged grabbing the remote as we walked into his bedroom. "What are we watching?" I asked sitting on the bed.
"Up to you," he said, tossing me the remote. I scrolled through the guide, picking Valentine's Day out of the listings, "Good choice." He said, pulling me back onto the bed. I laughed and allowed myself to be tugged backwards until our heads rested on the headboard.
I found it hard to concentrate on the movie at all as Cody kept playing with my hair, kissing my neck and whispering in my ear. I gave him a look.
"What is up with you today?" I said half amused half exasperated.
"Nothing," he said, resting his head against mine, "you're just especially beautiful today." And with that he kissed me long, and hard. I allowed him to kiss me for a little while longer when I started to pull away. He caught his arm around me and locked me in close.
I let out a muffled protest: his mouth was still on mine. He was straddling my hips, and pulling at my clothes. I fought, but he had at least fifty pounds on me. It seemed like foever to struggle free.
"What is wrong with you?" I all but screamed. He looked a little confused, "What just happened!"
"Caroline – I –" he stammered, taken aback by my reaction.
"I protested and you climbed on top of me?"
"I – " I stormed out of his room, and a terrifying thought came to me. How far would he have gone…?
I walked out of his house as quickly and quietly as possible. I felt the tears rushing down my face before I even cleared the driveway.
I was laying curled up in my bed staring out the window. After leaving Cody's house, I took a bus to Westerfield and took a thirty minute walk to Dalton. I wanted to take time and try to calm myself down.
It didn't help.
I was still panicked and distressed when I arrived back at Windsor house. And my clothes were still a mess.
"I'm fine," I told the boys in the common room, with barely concealed emotion, adding a shaky smile. They didn't believe me either.
So, I was laying depressed in my bed, while the boys hung around my room shooting me confused looks.
Blaine and Kurt were having a whispered conversation on the couch, the Tweedles looked almost bored. Wes was sitting on the edge of the bed, eyes never leaving me. David hovered behind him, looking at the two of us.
"Why are you guys in here?" I asked for the millionth time.
"Because you showed up from your little date with messed up clothes and on the verge of tears, and won't tell us why." Wes intoned, hesitantly adding, "Please Caroline. You can trust us. What happened?"
"Nothing happened. Will you guys please just leave me alone?" I couldn't meet his eyes. This just wasn't something I could confide in a roomful of boys…
"Can you guys give us a moment?" He said, eyes leaving me for the first time. There was a general mumble of assent as the other boys filed out of the room. I glared at him.
"I'm not telling you anything, because nothing happened." I informed him, "And you know they're just going to listen at the door."
"Yes, but this at least gives an illusion of privacy,"
"Which is the closest anyone is ever going to get in this place…"
"So what did Cody do to you?" I stiffened, and his eyes went wide, "Oh my god, he really did do something to you – "
"What? No he didn't – "
"Did he try and force you to do something? Are you okay? I – "
"I'm fine."
"But he did try to force you, didn't he? Don't you dare lie to me, Caroline."
"I – " I shut my mouth, I turned away. I couldn't help it was just embarrassing. His hand closed on mine.
"Are you okay?" he repeated, "Did he go far…?" I shook my head. I couldn't meet his eyes, though he was trying to catch mine.
"'m fine." I mumbled, "I just need time to… think…"
"Okay, " I could hear his disapproval of this idea. He got up, kissed my forehead and left the room.
I walked out of Caroline's room, right into the usual group of eavesdroppers. By the looks on their faces, they'd heard it all.
I motioned for them to follow me.
"You guys heard?"
"Yeah," Said Blaine, "Is she okay?"
"As okay as someone can be after that…"
I surveyed the people around me. Kurt had his lips pressed into a thin line, Dwight and Reed mirrored each other's horror struck look. The twins had a murderous look that promised revenge. I turned back to Blaine.
"What should we do?"
"I think that's up to you, Wes, and to her."
"Why is it up to me?"
They all gave me looks that said, Do you really need to ask that question? I rolled my eyes and gestured into the room. We quickly filed in and I shut the door.
"Well she will be after she breaks up with douchebag back there…"
"I don't think she's going to." I don't know where the words came from, but I somehow knew they were true.
"How could she not?" Kurt demanded, "I have half a mind to go over there dump him into a dumpster…" Blaine put an arm around Kurt.
"I think we should give her some time, but really she can't stay with him." He said, turning his gaze to all of us.
"Whatever happened to 'her decision'?" I asked.
"Your saying you want her to stay with him?"
"Well no – "
"Wes," David said, tiredly, "Just shut up. I thought we were here to plan go beating him up…"
"That sounds nice right about now," I growled.
"There's this curse I could use – " Dwight began.
"Unless its my fist colliding with his face, I'm not interested." I swatted Dwight away as he began to spout random curses and spells.
"But seriously, are we just going to let this go?" Said Ethan.
"Because we could dust off some of our plans," Offered Evan.
"Wow, I almost forgot you guys were here." Said Reed, cautiously taking a seat on the couch.
"That in itself is frightening." Said Kurt, sitting beside him.
As soon as I got myself under control, I set off on a quest. I needed to find Blaine, the only one in Windsor who's advice I could really trust. I was completely baffled on how to handle this whole situation. So I set off in search of him, deciding to check his room first.
I was zoned out and was passing Wes and David's room when I almost ran over the boy's currently vacating it.
"Hey what's going on here?" I asked, and eight boys were suddenly frozen in their tracks.
"Oh you know, just talking…" Said David cautiously. I rolled my eyes, as if I had no idea this was going to happen.
"Guys, I can handle myself. I'm not made of glass." I stared them all down.
"Its not that we don't think you can't handle yourself…" Said Evan.
"Its just that you can't punch someone in the face as well as we can…" added Ethan.
"Do I need to remind you who beat you both in that airsoft war sophomore year?" I asked, turning my full attention to the Twins. They gave me their most devilish smiles.
"We're always up for a rematch," They said, reaching for the nerf guns they always carried on them.
I rolled my eyes. Wes grabbed my hand.
"Let's take a walk," he said, pulling meaway.
"Okay?" I said, a little thrown by this sudden change in events. "But seriously guys, don't do anything you'll regret!" I added over my shoulder. "Tweedles your on when I get back!" I shouted as an afterthought.
Outside warm spring air greeted us. Wes was pulling me towards the woods that were Dalton's westernmost border.
"Aren't we supposed to stay on Campus?" I asked, a little wary. He gave me a really-we-do-way-worse-stop-freaking-out look. I shrugged in surrender, allowing him to pull me towards the looming trees.
"Do you even know where were going!" I asked after fifteen minutes of silently being pulled through the woods.
"No, I've never been out here," he said, smiling down at me, "It's against the rules."
I rolled my eyes and gave an exasperated sigh, "So were going to get lost?"
"Hopelessly."
"Fantastic." We continued walking, side by side. For a few more moments there was silence, then:
"So how are you doing?" Wes said, trying to make the question sound nonchalant.
"What?" I said, having zoned out, "It's not that big a deal Wes…"
"Look," he said, rounding on me, "I care about what happens to you, Caroline, and I don't want you to get hurt. This Cody guy, I don't know him too well and I just want to be sure that its not going to happen again or anything else…." I pushed past him.
"Wes, your insistence on protecting me is getting old. I appreciate it but…" I said, taking his hand, "but please, contrary to popular belief, I can handle myself." He smiled with a trace of bitterness, not quite meeting my eyes.
"Yeah, I'm sure," he said, squeezing my hand, tone turning light. "How about that whole Winter Formal fiasco, freshmen year?" I cringed.
"Okay now that was totally not my fault you know…" I said, returning his smile. We continued on, rounding a bend of the creek we'd been following. It widened out into one of the most beautiful forest clearings I could ever imagine.
The small, gurgling creek fell suddenly into a small, albeit breathtaking waterfall. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall was flushed with tiny fish and small stones, surrounded by small bushels of wildflowers. I let out a small "Oh!" hopping of the small cliff created by the waterfall, landing in a soft patch of grass.
"What is this place?" said Wes, sounding mystified. He was walking around the outside of the clearing running his hand along the trees.
"Nowhere…" I said, half unaware of saying anything.
"It's like it's not even a part of the natural world." He said, resting his hand on a particularly large tree, whose roots had grown over a bend in the water
"I know what you mean." I said, turning to meet his gaze. I opened my mouth to say something else.
But then his lips were on mine, and I stood in shock for a split second before letting him pull me close. My arms went behind his neck, and I felt the race of electricity where our bodies met.
My mind couldn't keep up with this shocking turn of events. It was like no other kiss I had ever had with Cody –
Right. Cody. My boyfriend. I froze, and Wes broke away.
"I – I'm sorry Caroline I shouldn't have done that –" He was turning away, "I don't know I just, sort of…" he trailed off, seemingly unable to come to terms with what had just happened. Well that made two of us.
"No…" I said, looking up at him, "No." I said more forcefully, walking towards him, and turning him to face me, "It wasn't wrong…"
"You have a boyfriend Caroline." He reminded me, blinking furiously. Is he going to cry…? Over me? I couldn't believe this. He'd always been like a brother to me, my mind still couldn't wrap its mind around that astonishing kiss.
"Hey," I said, reaching up to brush the first tear away, "What are you crying for?"
"I don't know," he said, chuckling, "You, maybe?"
"Me? I don't think you need to be worrying about me, Wesley Hughes." I said, smiling at him. I don't know what made me do it, but I reached up and kissed him softly, "I'm just fine."
"Caroline –" he said, starting to push me away, "this is wrong, you have a boyfriend."
"Hey, you kissed me, remember?"
"I know, call it .., a momentary lapse in judgment…"
"Oh so I'm a bad decision now?"
"No – not that – it's just," I turned away, "I don't want to be that guy, you know? I don't want to make you cheat. It's not worth it. I'm not worth it."
"Yes you are," I said turning back, "I promise. "
"Then you'd break up with Cody?" he said, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know if I can do that… I don't want to know what he'd do…" I said. Remembering the last conversation I'd had with my beloved boyfriend. I knew I should break up with him, but I honestly didn't know how he'd react. A thousand scary possibilities raced through my mind.
"See? I don't think we can be together. Think about what he'd do if he found out, thats ten times worse than breaking up."
"So you kiss me, and make me realize the only one I want to be with is you, and then just leave me hanging? That's it?" I could feel my temper rising, and didn't bother to stop it. I was always terrible at self control, anyways. "My friends were right Wes, your just a player."
Hot bitterness raced up my throat and I could feel the tears coming on. My back was to him now. I could tell my words had stung him. Good. I thought savagely, Let him see what it feels like, leading me on like that…
No... I was the one leading people on.. Or am I? This is such a mess…
But somewhere in the back of my mind, I could suppress one tiny glimmer of guilt. I was the one who said breaking up with Cody wasn't an option. I really just couldn't handle that right now. I tore out of the clearing, not really caring if I was headed in the right direction.
I just needed to get away.
"Your just a player." Those words cut me each time I thought about them, but I couldn't make myself think of anything else. I had led her on. I'd kissed her. What on earth could have possibly possessed me to think that would be okay!
I stumbled through the woods, in the opposite direction of Caroline. I really didn't care to go back to Windsor and have to see all those smirks, and explain what had occurred in that tiny forest clearing.
Nowhere. I thought, she called it nowhere. The only place we could possibly be happy, away from everything. Nowhere.
I realized what dropping Cody for me would mean to her reputation. I knew she was probably already slandered for going to Dalton instead of Dobry, did I really want to set off what could only have been ticking bomb?
I punched a tree in frustration. Oh god, what have I done…?