Just Like You
Summary: They know all too well about their past, but their daughter doesn't. She knows of her own present, but they don't. A shame, since the past and the present are very much alike.
I do not own One Tree Hill or any of its characters and plots!
Introduction:
Mr. Jones's Class Essay: Who Are You?
Jerry Grant Blakeney once said, "Sometimes you have to find yourself. And when you do, you realize that you may have lost what you wanted in the first place. And you find yourself missing something, like a kiss or a word and you hate yourself for not being more forgiving. By then you realize that the one you hurt will never want you. And you know that when you face the uncertain horizon you do so with love that will never fade, but will always grace the intended from afar."
When I first heard the subject of this essay, I figured it would be incredibly easy. I mean, how hard could it possibly be? I might have written something along the line of: My name is Aubrey Sophia Scott. I'm a junior at John F. Kennedy High School and the current captain of the cheerleading squad. I also happen to be dating Jordan Monahan, star quarterback of the football team. Simple, right?
But, when I actually started to write this paper, I found that none of those things really describe me as a person. I suppose most people would likely write me off as a popular, outgoing, and overly perky cheerleader. And I probably am most of those things. Yet, I feel like I'm still trying to find out exactly who I am. Shouldn't most sixteen year olds be pondering that same thought?
I wish I could say that I'm this A-plus student who tutors small children after school and saves kittens from trees on the weekend, or something like that. Like someone such as Gertrude Tildy. Okay, well, maybe not quite like her. But, you catch my drift. She's every colleges dream applicant and I'm…not. I barely manage to pass my classes in school, which is kind of embarrassing considering that my dad happens to be a high school English teacher. I'm not super sweet and, honestly, I have no tolerance for children, at all. But, somehow, I manage to get all the attention. Everyone seems to be fascinated by my life, while Gertrude finds herself as the butt end of many jokes. I guess my question is, why? I am certainly not doing anything that spectacular. Kind of seems like a double standard.
I do have a few things going for me, though. My parents are really pretty cool, compared to most other parents, that is. It probably has something to do with the fact that they are just eighteen years older than me. They are complete opposites of one another. My dad is usually fairly broody and quiet, while my mom is cheery and infamous for her one-liner offbeat comments. They are totally perfect for each other, if only they could see that. My parents broke up before they even knew of my existence, and have never gotten back together. I don't know the real story behind their break-up, but, according to my mom, they "were so young and rushed into a relationship way too fast." Whether or not that's true, I kind of wish that we could all at least live in the same state. My mom and I live here in New York City, which is perfect for us, since we absolutely thrive on shopping daily. My dad, on the other hand, resides in Tree Hill, North Carolina. Tree Hill might be pretty and quaint, but the lack of fashion boutiques and Starbucks is enough to drive one crazy. Thank god I only visit there in two week intervals!
I couldn't end this essay without mentioning my friends. My best friend is, hands down, Courtni Calloway. We've known each other since kindergarten and have gone through so many things together since. The rest of my close friends are all girls on my cheerleading squad. They might be clumsy and oblivious at times, but they really are trustful and loyal friends. I think we can all use people like that around from time to time. And then, there is Jordan. He's a great guy, but…I'd rather not go into all that at the moment.
All this brings me back to the ominous and seemingly incompatible quote. What I really wanted to say is this: we're all just kids trying to find ourselves, hoping not to lose sight of the people we care for and love the most. For, once you've lost someone, you'll never get them back. And, if by some chance you do, things will never be the same. We're really all just kids trying to make it through the day, trying to keep the remnants of our childhood alive, and trying to hold everything together before it all comes apart…unless it already has.
By: Aubrey Scott
September 3, 2023
He placed the essay on his desk. Never would he have guessed that the girl could put more than two coherent sentences together, especially since she chose to use his class as a social period. If she kept up this kind of work, he just might consider raising her grade to a B-, a vast improvement from the D she currently held. How a child could have that kind of grade after just two weeks of school puzzled him. "Aubrey Scott," he said quietly to himself. "You never cease to surprise me, even after three years of being your teacher." With that, he laughed slightly, before picking up the next essay that lie in front of him. My name is Gertrude Millicent Tildy. Oh, this would be an interesting night, very interesting.
Author's Note: In case you didn't catch it, Aubrey's parents are Brooke and Lucas. Everything that happened in seasons 1-5 has happened in this story too. The story takes place a little over sixteen years past the season 5 finale. I don't want to give too much away, since a lot of this is explained in the story, but, I will tell you that Naley and Leyton are still together. I love Brucas, and it may eventually happen, but I'm still not too sure. Oh, and Aubrey doesn't dislike Peyton and her dad as a couple or anything. She just thinks her parents make a good match.
I welcome any questions, comments, suggestions, and critiques. Hope you enjoyed!
To Be Continued...