A/N'S Hey everyone! I'm so glad to be back, after being MIA for a couple of months. Life has been hectic! T.G, it's finally slowing down and I can get back to what I love doing. Anyways, this is a new idea that popped into my head after watching pieces of Rebelde on you tube the other day. I am in no way leaving Star Crossed, but the idea for this just wouldn't leave me alone :) This story is basically AU and it takes place in the picturesque and fictional town of Crescent Hills, California. More importantly it revolves around Parker Elite Academy, and our favorite gang that attends this prestigious private institution. The background for Lucas and Nathan is the same, the only difference is that Dan (an important politician) was granted full custody of Lucas when he was only 6 (that will be explained throughout the story). Haley and Jake both come from a small town in Texas, although they do not know each other prior to entering P.E.A. Brooke and Rachel grew up as best friends and Brooke lives with just her father (one of the country's most prestigious District Attorneys), her mother took off on her and her father when she was only 4. Though, she does hold some resentment towards her mother, she is a total Daddy's girl. A totally spoiled princess, and the most popular girl in school. Peyton's mom died when she was only 4 and her Dad remarried when she was 10. Her relationship with her stepmother is complex and her Dad is away most of the time. There's a secret, something that they have kept from her that may just change everything...Everything else will be explained within the story.
Disclaimer: Obviously OTH does not belong to me, if it did Lucas and Haley would be the star crossed lovers and there would be a hot P/N/B triangle ;) Neither does Rebelde.
"When is the exact moment…that you begin to choose the path to your own life? When do our parents stop making choices for us? What school to attend, what dreams to follow? Did they take a special course to know if they are capable of choosing what's best for us? When they choose a school for us, are they aware that that institution has the potential to mark our lives forever?"-Lucas Scott.
Parker Elite Academy. It wasn't your average private prep school, not even close. With it's rich history and top-notch education, it was no wonder it topped the list of not only the most expensive, but the most prestigious collegiate academies year after year.
Set in the luscious hills of Crescent Hills, California, to the west of Beverly Hills and a couple miles from the Pacific, with it's state-of-the-art buildings and pristine surroundings, it really was the picture perfect setting of academic structure.
Offering the best education the country had to offer, along with an exceptional athletic and performing arts program,among other things, this was the school to go to if a bright future was what you seeked.
No, it definitely wasn't your average private institution.
But then again, it's alumni weren't your normal typical run-of-the-mill teenagers either.
The sons and daughters of some of the country's most prestigious and important families made up for more than half it's alumni. Thanks to it's scholarship-funded program, individuals with exceptional talent or intelligence, but with low funds, were given the opportunity to expand their horizons, make a brighter future for themselves.
Depending on who you asked, this was either a good or bad thing. Because at Parker Elite, you either belonged to the 'priviliged' or the 'non-priviliged' group. The 'haves', or the 'have-nots'.
Brooke Davis definitely fell into that 'priviliged' group. As the only daughter of Franco Davis, one of the country's most respected District Attorneys, money had never been an issue in her life.
Strutting down the spacious and modern hallways, a certain flair and bounce to her step, flashing her infamous dimpled smile, she was certainly a sight to see. And she knew it. Even in the school's classy and almost formal uniform, she managed to exude a certain amount of sexiness that only she could manage.
"Hey bitch." her best friend since forever Rachel Gatina, came up behind her and slapped her on the ass playfully.
Brooke swiveled around, "Slut!" she threw her arms around the slender redhead, "Oh, my god I've missed you!" she pulled back, a bright smile gracing her features, "How was your trip?"
She rolled her eyes, "Oh, y'know the usual. Dad was busy, Mom got drunk."
"I'm sorry."
She grinned, "Don't be. I certainly found my fair share of uh, Italian gentleman to make it worth my while if you know what I mean."
Brooke giggled, "You are such a whore."
"You're one to talk!"she scoffed, "Besides, monogamy is so overrated."
"Yeah, well don't let Nathan hear you say that."
"Whatever, like he's such a-"
"Will you guys hurry up!" Michelle Anderson, their other best friend ran up behind them "You guys are supposed to go on in 5 minutes."
"Mickey, hold on!" Brooke waved off the plump blonde. "My Dad's got to be around here somewhere. I know it. I have to make sure he's got the best seat in the house."
"B, I don't see him okay?" Rachel tucked her arm through the brunette's, "Mickey's right. We're on in 5. He's probably running late like always. You'll just see him inside."
Brooke was about to protest that it did in fact matter when a squeaky voice called out behind her.
"Hey Brooke!"
"Marvin!" Brooke turned around slowly, smiling sweetly at the boy standing in front of her, holding a perfect red rose. "Hey!"
"How was your summer?" he asked shyly, handing her the rose and tucking his hands into his pleated dark slacks.
"Oh, y'know visited Spain, passed through Italy." she snapped off the stem and tucked it behind her ear, "The usual."
"I wouldn't know." he admitted, a faint trace of envy in his tone. Marvin Mcfadden, though incredibly smart, fell into that 'non-priviliged' group. "What are you doing for the rest of the week?"
"Oh.." she looked over at Rachel and Michelle, who were trying very hard to contain their laughter, "I'm going out with some friends."
"Are you ever going to go out with me?" he blurted out. He shook his head, blushing profusely, "I'm sorry."
She smiled sweetly, "It's okay. Look, you have my house number. Why don't you call me this week?"
"Really?" he grinned happily.
"Really."
He leaned over and impulsively kissed her on the cheek, "Okay! I'll see you around Brooke."
She smiled, waving to him, "Bye Marvin."
Once he was gone, Rachel burst out laughing, "Brooke, how very sweet of you. But seriously? Aren't you forgetting something? You're leaving with your Dad to Paris today."
"Uh, hello." She replied in a duh-tone. "That's exactly why I told him to call me. I won't be there!"
Michelle shook her head as her two best friends dissolved into giggles, "Okay, guys? As amusing as all this is...you two still have to go on in 5."
"You're right. On with the show right?" Brooke grinned, throwing her arms around her best friends, briefly forgetting the fact that her Dad had yet to arrive. Life, simply didn't get any better than this. She had her two best friends by her side, and in a couple of hours she would jet off to Paris with Daddy dearest. Yes, life was good to Brooke Davis. She was the most popular girl in school, with the most fantastic Dad, who just doted on her and the best friends any girl could ask for...seriously. Her life couldn't be more perfect.
A couple of hundred miles away in a small town in southern Texas, Jake Jagielsky cradled a video camera in his hands as he sat in his room.
"Dad!" a younger version of himself cried, "The Dallas Cowboys are taking the title this year!"
He smiled sadly, watching through the lens as his father jogged over to him and easily picked him up, slinging him over his shoulder.
"Jake?"
Snapping his head up, he turned towards the entrance of his room, "Hey..Jenny." he wiped the tears from his eyes quickly and extended his arms out, "What are you still doing up?"
"I couldn't sleep." the curly-blonde seven-year old admitted, as she walked over to him. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah." he sighed, wrapping his arms around his sister's small frame, "I was just thinking about Dad."
"I don't like it when you think of Dad."
He pulled back and looked at her in surprise, "What?"
"You get very sad when you think about Dad." her lips trembled, "And I don't like to see you sad."
He bit his lip, trying his hardest to control the swirl of emotions, "I'm sorry." he whispered, pushing the golden strands away from her face, "I just miss him, sometimes."
"You look exactly like him." the small blonde responded quietly after several moments. "Sometimes...when you're sleeping, I come in...and I just watch you."
He chuckled quietly, "Why?" he couldn't help the curiosity that seeped into his voice.
"Because I look at you and it's like Daddy never left and he's just sleeping."
He sighed, closing his eyes as he wrapped his baby sister in his arms, feeling her sudden tears soaking through his t-shirt. "Why did he leave?" she whispered against his shoulder, "Did he get tired of playing with us?"
"No." he whispered hoarsely, brushing the hair out of her eyes, "He didn't. But.." he sighed, hating this. How in the world could he explain to a seven-year old, that her Daddy had been taken away from her because evil truly existed in this world? How do you explain to a seven-year old that she would no longer be able to play horsie, or have her Daddy read stories to her, because evil took on a human form in the shape of a man who couldn't see past his own personal interests? "But a very bad man, took him away from us."
"Is that why we lost the house and everything?" she asked, in the smallest of voices, "Is that why we lost Daddy?"
"Yes, it was thanks to that very bad man."
"Do you know that bad man?"
"No. I don't." he murmured, rubbing her shoulders in a comforting manner. At least, not yet. His eyes glazed over with something resembling hatred as he looked over her shoulder to stare at the un-opened letter of acceptance to Parker Elite Academy that lay on his dresser. But soon. And he's going to pay for taking Dad away. I promise.
"Dad…" Nathan Scott, started shaking his head. "I don't want to go to London."
"Nathan..." his mother countered, "You know, you don't really have a choice in this."
Lucas Scott shot a quick glare at his blonde stepmother. "Dad.." he grumbled, "Screw that. You promised I could visit Mom and Keith for the remainder of this week."
"First of all watch your tone, young man." Dan Scott replied, regarding his eldest son. "And, second of all..I promised no such thing."
The youngest of the Scott's rolled his eyes, "But, I was really looking forward to going down to Cancun." he jabbed Lucas in the ribs, smirking. "Why would you want to go to boring old NC, when you could head down to the land of the 24/7 bikini-clad chicks with too much tequila anyways?"
"Because I want to see my mother, you jackass."
"Lucas!" the elder Scott reprimanded, "Enough of this. We're leaving to Europe tomorrow." he replied firmly, adjusting his tie and regarding his two off-spring firmly.
Nathan let out a long sigh and looked at his brother for help. "But, Dad..."
"This is not up for discussion." Dan snapped, his eyes ablaze with determination. "You're both coming along and that's final."
"Fine, whatever." the blonde Scott snapped, rolling his eyes. "Europe it is." he'd learned long ago, that Dan Scott's final word was not to be messed with. He wasn't happy, but he wasn't about to question his father either. "I don't even care."
Nathan looked over at his brother and glared at him. Lucas was such a wuss, and he was tired of his lack of backbone when it came to their father. "Well, I do." he hissed, "Doesn't it always like rain in London? How the hell are we supposed to meet chicks, if we're stuck indoors the whole freaking time?"
Lucas glared back, "Don't you have a girlfriend?"
Deb ignored them both. "The ambassador of London wants to reunite with your father to discuss current affairs." she stated in a practiced, almost monotone voice. "The up-coming elections are but a few months away. Your father...we..cannot afford to miss this opportunity."
"Why don't you two go by yourselves then?" Nathan responded, "Why ruin our last week of vacation, before having to come back to this fucking prison you call a school?"
"Nathan Royal Scott..." Dan warned, "That's enough. I've come here to see you, despite the electoral campaign, and I'm not here to waste my time with your little tantrums okay? We're going and that's final."
Nathan rolled his eyes, "Whatever, just don't expect me to-"
"Nathan! Baby!" Rachel chose that moment to run up and grab the tall brunette by the arm. ""Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Scott." she smiled at them charmingly, leaning up to kiss her boyfriend sweetly on the lips.
Nathan turned to her, managing a smile and missing the wink the redhead threw his brother's way. "Nate, we're about to go on like in 5. You can't miss it babe."
Lucas rolled his eyes as he watched his brother being dragged off. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, sighing deeply as he watched his father take a call.
"What's wrong sweetie?" Deb asked, placing a hand lightly on his arm, noticing the sour look on the blonde's face.
"Oh, drop the act Deborah." he responded snidely, shaking her off. "Dad can't hear you, so you can drop the motherly act."
"You better watch your tone with me Lucas." she hissed, looking furtively to make sure her husband wasn't watching. "Because, you're right. I'm not your mother. So, frankly dear, I don't care what happens to you."
"Fuck you." he muttered darkly, watching as she sashayed off, a perfect happy smile replacing the angry glint in her eyes previously."Stepford bitch." Shaking his head, he looked at his surroundings, scorning at the perfectly clad prissy boys and girls as they all scurried past him into the auditorium.
He was really going to hate it this year.
Again.
"Dad!" Peyton Sawyer hissed, looking over her shoulder at her stepmother who was smiling at her sympathetically. "How could you do this to me?" she fumed, gripping her blood red blackberry so tightly in her hands, her knuckles were turning white.
"Peyton..." her dad sighed on the other end. "How many times have we been over this?"
"I can't believe you're just dumping me in that school and you don't even care!" she accused, her green orbs alight with indignation.
"You'll be getting the best education the country has to offer." he started, his voice sounding tired over the repeated argument.
"I'll be stuck with a bunch of whiny super snobs!"
"Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer!"
"You know what Dad? If you're going to ship me off to some high-end school designed for the super brats, then the least you could do is see me off!" she chewed on her lower lip, waiting for her Dad's response. She was so furious, she couldn't even see straight. Leave it to her Dad, to not only move them completely across the country in the middle of the year, but to just completely abandon her and leave her alone with the wicked stepmother literally from the west and on top of that just completely dump her in a private school, she just knew she was going to hate!
"Sweetie, I'm sorry I couldn't be there but-"
"Yeah, yeah I know, the company just switched owners and they just had to assign you to the new project in the Gulf right? Whatever Dad, that doesn't excuse you for not being here!"
"For the hundredth time honey, these things can't be helped. And I'm truly sorry I can't be there but at least you've got Ellie to-"
"It is not the same Daddy!" she cried, tears springing to her eyes, "She is not my mother!"
"Peyton!" he cut in sharply, "She is your mother! Albeit, your stepmother, but you will respect her! She's had nothing but your best interests at heart since the beginning and I will not tolerate this from you young lady."
The curly blonde scoffed, "Yeah, sure my best interests. Right. That is why she convinced you to move halfway across the country, away from my friends, my city, everything I've ever known and loved." she swiveled around, making sure the evil, blonde spawn was hearing every word, "And all for what? So that you could just dump me into the Alcatraz of the school system so she could have you and everything else to herself! Yeah, you're right. She's just looking out for my best interests!"
"That is not how it is and you know it." he stated firmly, "I've had enough of this attitude of yours Peyton. Perhaps, this is the right choice for you. This is the top preparatory academy in the entire country. Maybe, being there will teach you a thing or two about discipline. Which, I have no doubt is something you need in this moment of your life." he sighed, "I love you honey. You know that. But, I truly believe this might benefit you in some way. Maybe, being away with the strongest discipline and academics the country has to offer, you might learn a thing or two. At the most, make you mature."
"Mature?" she laughed bitterly, "Please, Daddy. There's nothing that school can teach me about life, that I haven't had to learn on my own. Y'know, seeing as though I've practically had to raise myself!" Squeezing her eyes tightly, to prevent more tears from flowing, she snapped the phone shut.
"Peyton?"
She opened her eyes, glaring hatefully at the slender figure staring at her, with what she knew was fake concern. "Well, congratulations Ellie!" she spewed. "You must be real, fucking happy to know that once again you've ruined my life!"
"Peyton.." she started, watching helplessly as the fiery blonde stormed past her and up the stairs of their brand new house. She sank down on the couch sadly. "Oh, sweetheart...if you only knew."
Haley James smiled politely and nodded as the last of the guests walked up to her and congratulated her, offering some last words of wisdom. Several times during the night, she had to keep from biting her tongue, try her hardest to keep her composure. Try her hardest to keep from screaming, Shut up! What do you idiots know? What could you possibly tell me that can prepare me for this new adventure in my life?
She wouldn't though. Because, simply that wasn't the person she was. Sighing, inwardly as the night came to a close, she couldn't stop the almost giddiness she felt at the prospect of what tomorrow would bring. At what tomorrow meant.
The start of a brand new day in the new life for Haley James. A chance to get out into the real world, study in the most prestigious academy this country had to offer.
Start over fresh.
Start over somewhere where she wouldn't be little old Haley James, daughter of Lydia and Paul James, sister of Taylor, Quinn and Vivian James. Resident number 652 of the small town of Honey Grove, Texas. Where everyone knew who you were, who you were dating..what you were doing.
Most of her life, she had felt trapped here. Like, she had never truly belonged. Like she was destined for something more. Like, she was destined to break away. Spread her wings.
And tomorrow she would finally get her chance.
The possibilities were endless.
She couldn't wait.
"Where the hell is he?" Brooke mumbled, her hazel eyes scanning the auditorium from behind the red, velvet curtains backstage.
Rachel let out a breath, "B? He's not here okay?" she turned to Michelle, "Go. Take your place."
"No, wait. Just a couple of minutes." Brooke held out her hand, stopping her. "He promised he'd be here."
"Brooke, no offense honey? But your Dad's a D.A., his promises get people sent to Death Row."
"Rachel, shut up!" Michelle scolded, watching the pretty brunette's face with concern. Giving her friend a squeeze, she added, "Brooke? Look, you don't have to okay? I'll talk to Alecia and tell her that-"
"No." Brooke shook her head, taking a deep breath and scanning the room once more, wanting to be sure. "Okay, screw it. He asked for it." she turned towards the rest of the squad who had gathered behind Rachel. "Okay, you guys, let's go for it." turning to Michelle, she added. "At my signal...you know what to do."
Her best friend looked at her doubtfully, "Brooke...I don't know, don't you think that might be a little extreme?"
"Please, what are they going to do? Give us detention? Suspend us?" the brunette scoffed, "School's not even is session yet. That's not an option."
"Okay, well if you're sure..."
"I'm sure." she nodded, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Turning to her other counterpart, she asked, "Ready, slut?"
The redhead grinned wickedly, as they heard Alecia announce them over the speaker, "Please, like you even have to ask."
"Its Main Street after midnight just like it was before, 21 months later at the local grocery store." Jake crooned softly, strumming the cords of his guitar lightly as he sat in his front porch, watching as the sun set. "Sherry buys a paper and a cold 6-pack of beer. The headlines read that Sonny is goin' to the chair."
"She pulls back onto Main Street in her new Mercedes Benz." his mother's soft voice carried over the cool breeze as she walked up to sit besides him. ""The road goes on forever and the party never ends."
"Yeah, the road goes on forever...and the party never ends."
"That was your Dad's favorite song." she stated, softly watching as her son's eyes twinkled sadly as he remembered. "He sang it to you...every night for the first 2 months after you were born."
"I know." he replied, his voice scratchy as he gripped the guitar in his hands. "And every time we went fishing...and every time we-." he shook his head, his voice cutting up, "Y'know, I can probably sum up most of my memories with Dad, with that one song."
"Jake.."his mom whispered, her hand reaching out to squeeze her son's. "I know how much you miss your father..and I know how hard his death was on you."
"He didn't deserve to die, mom. He was a good guy. Genuinely. I just don't understand how.." he stopped, unable to continue.
"I don't want you going to California." she replied quietly, staring out at the fading sky.
He turned to look at her, "What?"
She sighed deeply, reaching for his hand again. "I'm just afraid...that..Jake, honey I know why you want to go and-"
"I'm going for me, Mom. " he cut her off, "For you and Jenny. For a brighter future...Parker Elite...it's the best preparatory academy the country has to offer and-"
"Jake, honey." she shook her head sadly, "I know what's in California. Who. And I just...you're my son Jake. And I want what's best for you. But I'm just afraid that-"
"Mom..." he sighed deeply, refusing to admit what his mom was hinting at, "They have a really good performing arts program, and that's why I'm going. It's my best chance at a bright future. Believe me."
She stared at him, trying to decipher if he was telling her the truth. "Okay, I believe you. I trust you. But you can't blame me for worrying about you my boy." she smiled sadly, "You and Jenny are all I have left. You're my entire world...I don't know what I would do if something ever happened to either of you...just be careful okay? The thought of you being in any more pain...I just want what's best for you." she smiled, placing a kiss on his forehead. "I don't want you to ever hurt again, my boy."
Don't worry Mom. he thought, wrapping his arms around her tightly, inhaling her sweet scent. I'm not the one you should worry about. I won't be the one getting hurt.
"Mr. Davis, you're going to have to forgive me. But this wasn't simply just another silly prank." Mr. Lovell, took off his glasses and sighed, "And quite frankly I'm not surprised that your daughter was behind it all."
Franco Davis clasped his hands in front of him, nodding with all seriousness. "I understand. And I respect your decision to apply whatever punishment you deem necessary."
"I don't think you truly understand the seriousness of the situation Mr. Davis. This is a respected institution. One of the very best preparatory academies in the country. You have to understand, that some of the most prestigious and important families send their sons and daughters here. For the same reason, for it is a respected facility. I'm sure you understand, but I simply cannot have these types of behaviors disgrace what this institution has come to represent."
"Okay, so what do you suggest?" he raised an eyebrow, "Suspension? Expulsion?"
"Oh, no, no, no. Most certainly not, Mr. Davis." he shook his head, emphatically. "But that is precisely why I have called you here. See, there is no amount of discipline or punishment that neither I nor the institution can come up with to truly correct this problem of uh..certain rebelliousness that your daughter has shown. No, no. I believe, that it should be yourself, not the institution that has a talk with Ms. Davis about this certain, uh incident. And as you know, I can't exactly establish a punishment here. School is not even in session." he paused slightly, letting the other man digest his words, "Perhaps, and please tell me if I'm crossing a line here..but perhaps only with an extreme measure, will Ms. Davis learn to control her rather, uh erratic behavior."
"God, that was soo hot." Nathan growled in his girlfriend's ear, as his lips attacked her neck.
She giggled, "The best part? Was seeing your Dad freak out and go all Senator psycho on Lovell!"
"Whatever, let's not talk about my Dad." he muttered, pulling her back to him and hungrily kissing her, as they fumbled their way into the back room of the auditorium. "How about you give me an encore of that fine performance baby?"
She sighed contentedly, arching her back so that he could unclasp her bra, "I wish you weren't leaving to London tomorrow." she muttered, her fingers skillfully working their way down his shirt. "I'm going to miss you soo much baby."
"Yeah, I can't believe it either." he breathed, pushing her shirt swiftly off her shoulders.
"Yeah..."she gasped, shutting her eyes as his mouth worked rapidly down the side of her neck, "Y'know with you and Brooke both gone this week, I don't know what I'm going to do with myself."
"Hmm.." he murmured seductively, "I can think of a few things I can do to you..." he fell back on a love seat, a prop from the drama department he was sure. Whatever. It was comfy as hell. "Brooke being in Paris will probably be like music to Lucas's ears..."
"Yeah?" she breathed, grabbing his face and crashing her lips to his forcefully. She pulled back suddenly, "Wait, what?"
He chuckled, discarding his shirt, "Yeah, he was being his typical brooding self earlier today, but he'll probably warm up to the idea of going to London, now that Brooke will be in the same continent."
She stopped her movements, her full interest on his words suddenly, "Is he-" she frowned, "Don't tell me he still has that silly crush on Brooke?"
"Are we both talking about my brother Lucas Scott?" he shook his head, laughing quietly. "He don't do crushes baby doll. He's about one thing and one thing only..." he paused, "Speaking of..."he murmured, his hands working underneath her already bunched up skirt.
"Oh, god.." she whimpered, frantically working the zipper of his dark blue slacks, her response long forgotten, "Now, Nathan." she gasped, "I want you now."
"Brooke, don't you think it's a little weird that your Dad hasn't stopped by yet?" Michelle looked over at her best friend a little concerned, as she helped her pack for her trip.
Brooke looked up and caught the sweater she tossed her way. "Nope." she responded, frowning as she looked down at the already packed suitcase. She grinned in self-triumph as she pushed it underneath her bright pink fuzzy boots successfully.
Michelle bit her lip, "He's been in with Lovell for a long time don't you think?"
The brunette rolled here eyes, "Mickey, will you stop?" she flashed her dimples, "He's probably giving him a rave review of the spectacular show of the Dynamic Duo of Davis and Gattina."
"I don't think anyone else saw it that way." she replied worriedly, scrunching up her nose, "Except maybe the guys...but-"
"I can vouch for that." a voice called out behind them.
Brooke smirked as she spotted Lucas Scott leaning against the door frame of their room. "Why, does that mean you enjoyed the show Scott?" she asked, a faint trace of flirtation in her tone.
He grinned, making his way lazily towards them. He plopped down on Michelle's bed, leaning on his elbows as he leered at her, "So, the Dynamic Duo of Davis and Gattina huh?" reaching out his hand slightly, he grasped her hand and pulled the brunette so that she half-lay, half sat on his lap, "How bout the Dynamic Duo of Davis and Scott?" he growled in her ear.
"Oh, please!" she cracked up, pulling herself up in one swift motion. "You're losing you're game Scott. That was soo lame."
"Whatever, Babe." he smirked, running his hand through his short, shaggy locks. "Y'know, it'd be a shame, if you and Gattina got shipped out of here, after what you pulled today." he shook his head, "Dan Scott wasn't one happy electoral candidate let me tell you."
"I hate to break it to you, darling but Daddy Scott, doesn't make the decisions around here does he?" she retorted sarcastically, crossing her arms over her chest.
"No, but your fathers does, when it comes to you young lady."
"Daddy!" The brunette screeched, running happily towards her father, who was watching her sternly. "What took you so long?"
"Michelle, Lucas...Can you two leave us alone please?"
"Uh, sure." Mickey, threw an worried glance her way, "I'll see you later Brooke."
Lucas smirked, "See ya, Davis." he threw her a wink and sauntered out of the room, Michelle closely behind.
"So, what's up Daddy?" Brooke returned to her suitcase, arranging the last of her clothing. "What time do we leave today?"
Franco sighed deeply, "There's no trip Brooke."
She paused, and squinted at him slightly confused, "What do you mean? Did the case get cancelled or something?"
"Not, exactly."
"I don't understand...are we leaving or not?"
"I'm leaving. You...you're staying behind."
"What?" she dropped her favorite turquoise silver scarf and wheeled around, "Daddy, what in the world are you saying?"
"Brooke, what you did today..it was way out of line and it left the entire institution in complete embarrassment. And neither the school, nor I will tolerate that type of behavior from you."
"It was a dance!" she cried, her heart thumping wildly in her chest as she stared at her father, incredulous. "A simple choreography, that's it! I mean, what's the big deal?"
He stared hard at her, "You and I both know, that what you and your friend did was not appropriate for the image of this institution."
She flushed, and looked to the ground, tears building behind her eyes. Sure, she knew that when she and Rachel had stripped to Britney Spear's Gimme More in front of California's, if not the country's most respected families, that it was not going to be something that would go overly well...but.."Y'know what I know, Dad? I know, that you weren't there! And I waited for you! I really did! Till the last minute, because...because I was excited to show you. I mean, god Dad, I haven't seen you in months! You've been all around the country these last few months and I wanted to surprise you, with a really special dance that I choreographed just for you, but you didn't even show!" she cried, "You didn't even call!"
"Sweetie-pie, I'm sorry. I am very sorry, but it has to be done sweetheart. I can't just look the other way."
"So, you're way of doing that is by leaving me here?" she shook, her head, "I can't believe this Daddy! I've been looking forward the entire year for this trip and now you're..you..."
"I'll take you to Paris for Christmas. I promise you-"
"It's not about that! I just wanted to spend this time with you. Just you and me, because we never get that chance! Not since, you dumped me in this place 4 years ago!"
He sighed, "Brooke...I will not allow you to emotionally black-mail me." he rubbed the back of his neck, "But you leave me no choice sweetheart...I have to discipline you."
"Call, it whatever you want, Daddy!" she brushed her tears from her eyes angrily, "But you don't want me on this trip, you don't want me with you at all! But if you don't take me with you today...I will never forgive you for it!"
Jake took a deep, calming breath as he gripped the armrest of his seat tightly. Staring out of his window, to the right, he could clearly see the sun sinking slowly into the horizon. A new sense of panic, anxiety that had never been there before began to settle deep in his stomach. He wasn't sure, if it was out of nervousness of never having flied before...or if it was because of the irremediable change he was about to make in his life. This was it. Whatever, he did from now on...there was no going back.
Ever.
Oh, god. What am I doing? he clenched his eyes tightly shut, his arms gripping the armrest even more tightly than before. If, that were possible. What was I thinking? How could I possibly leave everything behind, my mom, Jenny, my friends, my home...all for what? For answers, I might never get? Revenge, I may never taste? Justice, that may never be served? His head was spinning and his stomach was lurching violently.
"First time?" a soft soothing voice, called out to him, inadvertently snapping him out of his reverie.
He opened his eyes, his vision slowly focusing on a petite brunette, smiling at him a little uncertainly, as she settled into the seat next to him. He nodded, unable to process any words at the moment. His head, still felt like it was going to explode and his stomach like it was going to bottom out.
She exhaled deeply, leaning against the head rest. "I know how you must be feeling."
No, you really don't.
"Uh.." Geez, what was wrong with him? Snap out of it Jagielski. You're already here. You already took the first step, you cannot wuss out now.
"It's my first time too." she admitted, shooting him another small smile. Through the fog, that had seemed to take over his brain, he noticed she was an extremely pretty girl. Maybe, not supermodel pretty, but she was definitely pretty. A natural beauty. She had average looking, sort of mousy dark hair. Flawless skin and large, chocolate doe eyes and a very pretty smile.
And she couldn't be more than 16..which made him wonder..
"Are you flying alone?"
"Ah, so he does talk." she teased, her doe eyes sparkling lightly. "Uh-huh. What about you?"
"Yeah, yeah I am too." he let out a long breath, feeling slightly more relaxed, "Where you headed?"
"LAX." she replied, blushing after she realized she'd said it. "Oh, god. Duh! I'm actually headed to uh...Crescent Hills..you've probably never heard of it but-"
"Wait, did you say Crescent Hills? You're not headed to Parker Elite Academy, are you?"
"Actually I am. I was just accepted this semester..." her eyes widened, "Wait, are you?"
He shook his head, smiling. "Wow, what are the odds huh?"
She grinned back, "Wow, that's actually, that's great! It'd be nice, to have a familiar face around, someone from the same town as me, someone else who's going to be new too I mean, I know us two won't be the only new students, but it's just going to be really great to have someone that you know-I know we just met but boy do I feel a lot better knowing you'll be there too because let me tell you, I may not show it, but I'm nervous as hell, although you can sort of tell, cuz when I'm really nervous I start to ramble and I go on and-" she stopped abruptly, staring at an extremely amused Jake. "Oh, god. I'm rambling, I'm so sorry! It happens, see I told you!"
Jake couldn't help but chuckle, "You know what's funny in all this? You haven't stopped chattering away since you took that seat, but you haven't told me your name yet Perky."
She clapped her hand over her mouth, "See? I get carried away. Sorry." she extended her hand out to him, "Haley. Haley James and you are?"
"Jake Ja-" clearing his throat, he shook his head at his own stupidity. He couldn't let that slip out easily, he had to start getting used to the fact that he'd changed his last name for obvious purposes. "Brown. Jake Brown. It's nice to meet you Haley." he smiled, the first genuine smile he'd smiled in days.
She grinned back, "Boy, am I sure glad I met you Jake. I'm glad, I'll be seeing a friendly face in California, because let me tell you. I'm a little terrified." she bit her lip, "I'm sure going to miss Texas." she said quietly, staring out the window at the fading sunset. "It's home..." she gave him a bright, yet nervous smile, "But, I'm excited. I get to start over fresh in a new place, new state. New begginnings. Not many people get those."
"No." he agreed, his eyes darkening slightly. "Not many people do."
She exhaled deeply, leaning against her head rest and closing her eyes, "Well, it's going to be a life-changing expierence, that's for sure. This new journey, could mark the rest of our lives.."she murmured softly, slowly drifting off.
Yeah, our lives will most definitely change. Jake agreed silently, closing his eyes too, as sleep slowly began to take over him. This will mark our lives forever...not only for you and me Haley...but for you too...Franco Davis.
A/N's I apologize for the sucky 1st chapter, if you find any grammar errors please forgive me, I kinda wrote this in a rush, in under 2 hours really because I just really wanted to get it out there. Let me know what you guys think and if you want me to continue, I promise the next updates (though not so frequent, as Star Crossed will be my top priority) will be much, much better and much better detailed :)