A/N: While Wilbur Wallace Eaton was a real war hero and a star rugby player in Long Beach, he did not build the school described in this chapter. The layout and creation of the school is from my own mind, based upon schools I attended. I took my favorite parts from four different schools, one college and kind of made up my dream high school. I know the description of the building may seem like "filler" but it is not. It is important that you have a visual so you will understand the layout of some "special" places that are important to the story. Thank you, and I hope you are liking this one. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood.
Eric rolled his eyes. Why could a teenager get up at the crack of dawn to catch an ocean wave during summer vacation, but never wake up when school started. It was just one of those questions that no one could ever answer.
"Adam Joseph Copeland-McMahon, get down here in five minutes or I will drive you to school, in my pajamas and kiss you on the school steps!" Eric's parental voice echoed over the house intercom system. He called from the kitchen where Adam's breakfast grew cold.
Adam nearly fell over as he tried to put his shoe on. He was almost ready, but he still had to do his hair. The school allowed boys to have long hair, but it had to be in a pony tail or man-bun.
Adam hit the button on the intercom. "I'm coming, daddy. I couldn't find my new hair bands. Five more minutes, I promise." He grabbed his brush and pulled his long, silky blond locks into a low pony tail. He sprayed a bit of Randy's favorite cologne on his neck.
Adam picked up his backpack. Thankfully he'd packed it will all his new supplies last night. He slung the pack over his shoulder, grabbed his wallet, cell phone and sunglasses. He ran down from his huge room on the third floor and headed for the kitchen.
Eric put a fresh cup of coffee at Adam's place at the table and took a plate of eggs and sausage out of the warming oven. Just as he put the plate down, Adam slid into his chair like a baseball player into home plate.
Adam kissed Eric's cheek as his dad leaned in to put his own plate on the table. "I'm sorry, daddy. I could find my fuckin'... oh um... damn hair bands. I was up, I swear." He began to devour his breakfast with a growing boys gusto.
Eric laughed. "Okay. You look very nice. Your father said to tell you he loves you and do him proud. Oh, when see Steph and Shane today, he wants you to tell them to come home for the weekend." He took a bite of his own meal.
Adam swallowed his sip of coffee. "Will do. I have Shane last period. Steph is usually in the hallway by her office during class changes. You know how weird it is to call your brother and sister, mister and miss?"
"I'm sure, but it's the rules. Steph can bring Bayley if she wants to come. She's such a sweetheart." Eric smiled as he spoke of his step-daughter's girlfriend.
Adam finished his breakfast. "Yeah, I like Bayley. I gotta go. I hope to see Randy before class." He stood and took his breakfast dishes to the sink.
Eric still sat and ate his food. "Okay. You drive careful, that car still scares me. I'll be home around five or so. Will you please put the casserole in the oven at six, if I am not home." Eric took a last sip of coffee.
Adam slung his backpack over his shoulder. "I will, daddy. I'll be careful, I'm not risking a ticket for anything. It would wipe out my savings. Speaking of, lunch money?" He held out his hand and gave Eric the puppy dog eyes.
Eric shook his head and pulled out his wallet. He placed twenty dollars in Adam's hand. "And our insurance rates would be even higher. Have a great first day, baby. I love you." Eric stood and kissed Adam's cheek.
"Love you, daddy. Thanks." Adam gave Eric a wave as he went out the kitchen door that led to the massive five car garage.
Adam slid into the drivers seat of his Mustang Cobra II. He buckled his seatbelt, put on his sunglasses and started the car. He pushed the button that raised the garage door. Adam carefully backed out of the garage.
Fifteen minutes later, Adam pulled into the student parking lot of WWE High. He took one of the first row parking spaces, closest to the building. That was his right as a senior. Heaven help any underclassman who dared park in senior row.
Just as Adam got out and locked his car, Roman and Seth pulled into the space next to him on the right. Roman drove a new Chevy Silverado pickup truck that was all black.
Roman got out and went around to open Seth's door. Adam followed and greeted his friends. "Hey guys. Seth, I found your note, that was too funny." He hugged his two friends with a smile on his face.
Seth laughed. "Good. Did you get it?" He took his backpack from Roman and slung it over his shoulder.
Adam patted his own backpack. "Yup. Where is Dean? I thought he rode..." he was halted by the sound of a motorcycle pulling up next to Roman's truck.
The motorcycle rider parked, then pulled off his helmet. The rider was Dean Ambrose-Hart. Dean was handsome in a boyish way. His dark auburn hair was short and always mussed. Dean didn't care about fashion or the latest fads. He was like a rebel from the fifties. Adam secretly found Dean's look sexy even if the man did unnerve him.
Roman chuckled. "So your dad finally caved?" He checked out the bike with a bit of envy.
Dean grinned. "Yeah, but boy, is he worried. Pops backed me up. So are we ready to rule the school as seniors?" He took a tired looking backpack out of one the panniers of his motorcycle. The bike had been Bret's. It was a black Honda 350 from 1970. It looked and ran like it was brand new. Dean had been proud when Bret had turned it over to him.
"Oh Roman... I've gotta get up to the office. I wanna get in first period history with you guys. I'll see you." Seth kissed Roman and hurried off toward the school building.
Dean had walked over to Adam's car. He looked at it with awe, his mouth almost watered. "Wow, this is beautiful. Who's ride is this?" Dean's voice was a near whisper.
"Mine. I got it a couple of months ago from Vince." Adam answered Dean with a flutter in his stomach. Why did Dean always make him feel so... weird?
Dean nodded. "It's a cool car... oh fuck... Big Dog let's get out of here." He growled as a car pulled in and parked on the other side of Adam.
The car was a brand new, classic red Dodge Viper. It was Randy Orton's one hundred and forty thousand dollar ride. Bob had bought it for his son for being the State Wrestling Champion. Randy only got it two days ago, but word had already spread. It was the most expensive car ever driven by a student at WWE High.
Roman and Dean quickly headed into the school building. Adam squealed and ran to his boyfriend. Adam then remembered he was mad at Randy for not communicating with him last night.
Randy Orton was tall, muscular and lean. He had extremely short hair, like a soldiers buzz cut. Randy's eyes were the color of a storm tossed ocean and there were as piercing as a king cobra's. That's one of the reasons he'd gotten the nickname of Viper. Randy was also as fast as a snake and could strike an opponent from seemingly out of nowhere.
Randy was dressed in khaki colored slacks, and his white button down shirt was open three buttons. It was against the dress code, but who would challenge the State Wrestling Champion. All of Randy's clothing carried the Affliction label, it was the only brand he wore.
Randy was confused when Adam suddenly stopped and crossed his arms over his chest. Randy pushed his sunglasses up on top of his head, like Adam had done.
"Baby? What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy to see me." Randy looked at Adam with a slight pout.
Adam gave Randy his best impression of a ice cold, soaking wet, sad puppy. "You didn't contact me last night. Viper, you made me worry. I wanted to call you, but I respected your request that I not contact you cause it would break your concentration. But, you are supposed to contact me."
Randy smacked his forehead. "I forgot. Well, no, I was just too exhausted. Angle worked us to death yesterday. I'm glad Coach Hart takes over now. I'm sorry, forgive me?" Randy's brow arched as he looked at Adam.
Adam gave a huff. "But not too exhausted to go to Leo's. You could have at least texted me between slices of pizza." He turned his back on his boyfriend.
Randy walked up behind Adam and wrapped his arms around the blond's lithe waist. He put his lips against Adam's ear. "I'm sorry, baby. I should have... wait... how did you know about Leo's?"
Adam made himself stiff in Randy's arms. He wanted Randy to know he was really upset. "Vince. Coach Angle had to get permission for the trip to Leo's. I'm really upset, Randal. I was worried." Adam sniffed deeply.
Randy sighed. "Should have guessed. Come on, baby. I can't keep saying sorry. Please, baby?" He kissed Adam's neck.
Adam's resolve to be angry melted. He spun in Randy's arms. He looked into Randy's eyes. "Okay, I forgive you. But don't do it again." He pressed his lips against Randy's and kissed him.
Their kiss was interrupted when a red Audi parked next to Dean's motorcycle. A long haired, platinum blond got out of the car. He was built like Randy, but smaller. He slightly resembled Adam.
"Hey, Viper. So this must be Edge." The stranger approached the couple.
Randy spoke. "Hey Ziggle. Yeah this is my Edge. Edge, baby, this is Dolph Ziggler, he's new. He's in the one twenty six weight class. He's from Hollywood... well, the one in Florida. Dolph, this is Adam."
Adam shook the new students hand. As they touched, a chill ran down Adam's spine, like someone had walked over his grave He shook the feeling. Strangers always made him wary, ever since he was little.
"Hey Dolph. Welcome to WWE High, I hope you like it here. That's good, our lighter weight classes need good people." Adam was friendly, but only because he was safe in Randy's arms.
Randy nodded. "Let's go in, I promised Ziggle I'd show him around. He's in our first period history class with the new teacher." He let go of the trim waist, but took Adam's hand as the three walked up to the school.
Wilbur Wallace Eaton High School looked a three story castle. The front façade was imposing, but the flower beds that edged the sidewalks were friendly and inviting.
The school had been named after a local hero of World War II. Eaton had laid the cornerstone and financed the extensive library. While ancient looking outside, inside WWE High was ultra modern. It had been refurbished five years ago, all but the third floor bathroom as it was hardly ever used. It was considered the best school in L.A. County.
Behind the school building was the football field, a mile long oval track encircled the field. The practice field was between the stadium and the pool house.
The pool was Olympic sized with a springboard, and low and high diving platforms. The temperature of the water was controlled by a state-of-the-art computer system.
The weight room and wrestling practice area was adjoined to the pool house. Both areas were filled with the newest training equipment.
The gymnasium where basketball, pep rallies and other events were held, was located at the east end of the main school building. The auditorium where a huge stage had been built was located at the west end of the building. The band hall was behind the auditorium and served as a dressing/waiting room during school plays.
The school was three stories, but most of the classrooms were on the first and second floors. The third floor was where the art classes were held. It was also where the school newspaper was created and printed.
The Eaton Library was on the north side of the main building and was two stories. The last huge room was the cafeteria and was also on the north side of the building. A court yard made up the quad between the library, cafeteria and walkway to the sports complexes.
The court yard was like a well kept park. Lush green grass, flower beds, palm trees, benches and picnic tables of concrete completed the area. It was where students ate lunch and hung out, unless it rained, which was rare.
The lockers for the seniors were down the east hallway and were the most convenient. Randy and Adam would share locker number one. Roman and Seth had locker number two and Dean shared a locker with a guy named John Morrison, or as he preferred to be called, JoMo. JoMo kept to himself and hardly anyone knew anything about him. It suited Dean as JoMo was like a ghost and wouldn't be hanging out at the locker when he needed in.
Adam, Randy and Dolph entered the building. The hallways buzzed as students and teachers milled around. Standing in the middle of the "cross roads" of the four hallways was a very large man.
The man stood six foot four. He was brawny and fit. He had shoulder length blond hair, slicked back into a low pony tail. He wore a stark black suit, white shirt and deep red tie. His name was Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Principal of WWE High.
Hunter was one of Vince's friends and sometimes came to dinner at the McMahon house. As Principal, Hunter was strict but fair and most the students liked and respected him. However, Hunter had one problem... Shawn Michaels-Hart.
The two had dated, for a time in college. Shawn then met Bret and fell in love. Hunter hated Bret and wanted Shawn for his own. He had one goal, to break up the Harts and marry Shawn himself.
Shawn had no clue that Hunter felt the way he did. He considered Hunter a friend. However, Bret and Hunter did not get along. They had been enemies since the day Shawn chose Bret over Hunter. Bret and Hunter were professional while at work, mostly because of Shawn. The Harts also had no idea, that this was the year Hunter was going to make his move and carry out his plan to have Shawn to himself.
Randy kissed Adam, then left with Dolph, to show him around. Adam didn't mind he had his own things to do.
Adam managed to avoid Hunter, he hated that he knew the man so personally. He liked Hunter, but, as a student it was awkward. Adam called him Hunter when he was over at the house, but now he had to be Mister Helmsley. What Adam hated about it was, that the other students would find out and think he was Hunters pet, so at school, he stayed away from the Principal as much as possible.
Adam went to where he hoped to find his step-sister. Stephanie was the Guidance Councilor for the sophomores, but, she would help any student who came to her for help. Steph was kind and worked hard to see things right for those in trouble.
"Adam!" Stephanie saw her little brother first. She was proud of him, and understood his problem with trying to please their father.
"Miss McMahon." Adam smiled as he got to where Step stood. She was near the doorway of her office. She waved Adam into her office where they could talk as family, in private.
Stephanie left the door open, but sat behind her desk, already piled with student files and other papers.
"Ready for your last year, kiddo?" Stephanie asked as she sipped her cold coffee, and rested for a moment.
Adam smiled. "I guess so. Strange to finally be a senior. Listen, I won't keep you. Father and dad want you, Bayley and Shane to come for the weekend. I don't know why. Can you do me a favor and tell Shane... you know how he is..." He looked at his step-sister with anxious hazel eyes.
Stephanie smiled. "Well, I'll have to check with Bay. I'll call dad tonight. Yes, I will talk to Shane. You have him last period, don't you?"
Adam nodded. "Yes, I do. Not looking forward to it. I should have done my last science credit last year, but I didn't think. Well, I'll manage. Thanks, sis. I'll get going now. Give my love to Bayley." Adam waved as he left his step-sister's office.
Adam went to his and Randy's locker. He opened the door and started to organize the locker. He took the lower shelf. Adam stuck a magnetic mirror to the inside of the door. There wasn't much else to do till he got his textbooks and workbooks. He smiled when Seth joined him.
"I did it! Got into first period history. Dean, Randy and Roman... " Seth frowned and felt bad for Adam being in the middle of the three enemies.
Adam rolled his eyes. "Why can't Roman and Randy get along? It's not like they are on the same team trying to be number one. I'm glad you will be there to help keep peace." He nearly jumped out of his skin when the first bell of the year suddenly rang.
The bell meant they had ten minutes to get to their first class. Adam and Seth walked together. The history classroom was only two doors down from their section of lockers.
Adam and Seth were the first to arrive. An young man with a mop of brown hair sat at the teacher's desk. He had a close beard and mustache.
"Hello. Grab a text book and sign for it here, please. For now, just sit where you want." The young man nodded to the piles of brand new history text books.
Adam grabbed the book numbered one. He signed next to the same number on the sheet. This process would be repeated in each class all day.
Adam looked at the book while he waited for Seth. "New books? That's great." He was honestly glad, a lot of textbooks at WWE high had seen better days.
The teacher spoke. "Yes. You will find that these books have removed alternate history. I'm going to teach the truth, or at least try. I hope you will enjoy it." His smile was warm and friendly.
Soon the line to sign for books grew. Adam and Seth hurried to the back of the class. They sat down and placed their backpacks on the desks next to them, one for Randy one for Roman. Seth also saved the seat in front of him for Dean. Adam decided to be nice and save the seat in front of Randy for Dolph.
Randy and Dolph joined Adam. Adam and Randy briefly kissed. Roman and Dean came a minute later. Roman and Seth kissed as well. For now they were a cozy group, but would it last?
The final bell rang. The new teacher got up and closed the classroom door. "Good morning. My name is AJ Styles. I hope you will enjoy my approach to history. History is not just dates and facts. It's full of excitement, adventure and discovery. Now, first things first..." He paused and sat back down at his desk.
AJ looked at the class record book. Each student was listed by last name, alphabetically. Attendance, homework scores and test grades would be recorded as needed.
"I am going to start with term papers. This will give you eight weeks to work on it, so no excuses. I'm handing out a list of subjects. Pick what subject you want to study. Take a few minutes to look the list over, then I'll call role and you tell me what your topic will be. You can write a paper, create art, or think of another way to discuss your subject. Be creative. If you chose to write, say... about the Native American battles, write as if you had been there, like a journal. I want you to see how exciting it can be." He spoke as he handed out the list of subjects they would study for the current term.
A buzz broke out, Mister Styles was already interesting. He'd made homework and term papers seem like a fun thing to do. Seth raised his hand.
"Yes?" AJ asked when he saw Seth's raised hand.
"What if more than one person picks the same subject." Seth asked with a bit of excitement in his voice.
AJ responded. "No problem. If two or more choose the same subject, you can form groups or go solo. Maybe a group could act out a scene from a play you have written about your subject, or cook a meal from the era. I'm open to anything that's creative and different." He gave Seth a smile.
Adam looked at the list. He wanted to pick something Randy wouldn't like. They could not do class projects together, they always wound up fucking and then Adam had to rush to finish the project. So, it was better not to do a project together.
Adam saw most of the subjects were about very early history. Adam loved knights and damsels in distress. When he saw the Tudor period on the list, his mind was made up. There were a lot of creative things he could do.
"Adam Copeland?" AJ called out Adam's name... for the second time. Adam liked to use Copeland for school, again, it kept him from being teased about being the son of the Superintendent. Some could be down right mean about it.
Adam had been so concentrated on ideas he hadn't heard the teacher start to call out names. Randy had finally reached over and nudged Adam, then nodded to the teacher.
With a red face, Adam quickly spoke. "Sorry, Sir. I was lost in thoughts and ideas. I pick the Tudor period, please." He answered with a smile.
Dean glowed inside, he'd chosen the same subject. He guessed Adam hadn't heard him when he announced his choice to the teacher. Maybe they could work together.
Randy snarled at Adam. "Why did you pick the same one as Assbrose." He glared over at Dean.
Adam looked over at Randy. "I didn't hear him. It's not like Dean and I will work together, Ran. Calm down, please?" He gave Randy an earnest look.
Randy knew Adam was right, so he relaxed a bit. He looked when Styles called his name. Randy quickly scanned the list again. "Christopher Columbus." Orton gave his answer. He figured it would be easy. The man sailed a ship, discovered America, the end. AJ wrote it down next to Randy's name.
Roman and Seth chose to work on the history of the Gladiators. Adam was a bit surprised when Dolph also picked Christopher Columbus. Oh well, maybe Dolph could help Randy get a good grade if they worked together.
After everyone had made their choices, Mister Styles launched into chapter one of the text book. He made the usually boring subject, interesting.
"Finish reading unit one and answer the questions for homework." AJ finished just as the bell rang to signal the end of class.
Adam quickly dropped his history book onto his shelf in the locker, he also had Randy's book and placed it neatly on the top shelf. Adam had to hurry, his next class, was way down the west hall, next to the auditorium.
Adam had Drama for second period. He loved acting, but knew Vince would not want it to be his career, but for now, Adam could enjoy. It helped him be less shy and would help him become a better public speaker.
The drama teacher was a handsome man named Chris Jericho. His method of teaching was a lot like AJ's. Chris always kept things exciting when he taught about the factual parts of the subject. Everyone loved Chris.
Adam picked up the smaller textbook and signed for it. This time he took a front seat. He was startled when Dean slid into the seat next to him.
Dean looked at Adam and shrugged. "Dad said it would be good for me." He wasn't thrilled with the prospect of making a fool of himself in some stupid play. However he knew Shawn was always right, and he would do what ever Shawn and Bret asked of him.
Adam just nodded. He looked at the blackboard, that was actually green. Chris had a list of plays written on the board. Probably choices for the fall play. It was an interesting list. Adam hoped he would at least get a bigger supporting roll this time.
Just before the bell rang, Jericho came into his classroom. He had a medium sized box in his hands. He sat the box down on the podium and opened it. He pulled out a small book and smiled with a nod of approval.
When the bell rang, Chris closed the classroom door. "Well people, I hope you had a great summer. Things are gonna go fast this semester. We're going to launch right into the fall play. On the board you will see a list of plays. I want you to pick one. When you do, find a good monologue and prepare it for presentation. I will be looking to fill roles for the fall play from your readings." Chris nodded to the list on the board.
Adam raised his hand. When Chris noticed, he nodded for Adam to speak. "So, what is the fall play?" He was curious and wanted to pick a good monologue.
"Ah, so glad you asked..." Chris took one of the thin books out of the box. He held it up. "Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliette. But, we are going to do it in the traditional way. All the roles will be played by men. Girls, I'm sorry, but there will be plenty of things for you to do. And, to make it up to you, the spring play will be a girls only cast."
Dean was confused. He spoke without raising his hand. "What do you mean? Guys played girls?" He thought Jericho was making things up.
Chris chuckled. "Adam, lets see what you remember. Explain it please." He looked at the blond with a smile.
Adam replied. "Well, back in the time of Shakespeare, women didn't perform on stage. Acting was not a reputable profession, so women wanted no part of it. Women first began acting, in England, in the mid sixteen hundreds." He recalled what he could and hoped he was right.
Jericho beamed. "You do pay attention when I teach. Adam is correct. I decided, that it was time people saw Shakespeare in the way it was intended and presented when he wrote a play. We are even going to attempt to work on stage levels, like the Globe Theatre where Shakespeare's plays made their debut. So, anyone in workshop, hone your skills. Girls and guys, thread up your sewing machines. We're gonna rock this school off its foundation." He was happy as he spoke.
Chris then gave the class time to study monologues from the list of selected plays. The students quietly went to get a script from their chosen play from the vast collection of scripts that filled the shelves around the room. Adam was polite and showed Dean where everything was.
Adam picked Auntie Mame. He loved the play and knew there were several good monologues to chose from. He told Dean how to check out his chosen script. They scammed the bar code sticker on the back of the script. Next, Adam scanned his student ID card, Dean copied him. It was the same system the library used.
When Adam returned to his seat, he saw that Mister Jericho was still smiling. It had been a long time since he'd seen that.
Chris Jericho was a widower. Chris had been married to Bret Hart's younger brother, Owen. They had met and married during their first year of college. The love filled marriage had lasted a wonderful fifteen years.
Owen had been a contractor for one of the shipyards on Long Beach. A new crane was being installed to lift containers from ships to the docks. When a problem brought the crane to a halt, Owen climbed up seventy five feet to see what was wrong.
Just as he got to the trouble spot, a swift ocean wind rattled the crane so hard, it broke one of the crane's guy-wire cables. The cable smacked into Owen and knocked him off the crane. During the fall, something caused Owen's safety harness to release. Owen died on impact with the shipyard dock below. Chris was devastated.
Shawn and Bret looked after Chris and somehow managed to hold him together. Bret and Chris were the best of friends and spent time with Dean. That was the reason Dean was in drama now, but that was a secret Dean would keep. Hardly anyone knew or realized Dean was Chris Jericho's nephew by marriage.
Adam opened his script. Well, whatever the reason, he was glad to see Chris smile. Drama class had been filled with dark plays for the last two years. While Romeo and Juliette certainly wasn't light hearted, Chris' attitude was. It was the way Chris had been before Owen's death, just at the end of Adam's sophomore year.
When the bell rang, Chris dismissed his class. Adam had just enough time to dash up to the third floor. It was time for his Journalism class. Adam wrote the music reviews for The Parrot, the WWE High newspaper. Writing was another thing that Adam liked very much.
The entire south side of the third floor was the Journalism Department. The room had to be big to publish the paper, as they had their own printing press. It wasn't nearly as large as a city newspaper press, but still it took up a lot of room. Anything that needed to be printed for the school was done on the printing press.
The Journalism class and school paper were taught and overseen by a very vibrant, odd and colorful man. His name was as odd as the man himself, Enzo Amoré. Enzo had dyed blond hair that stuck straight up. One side of his head was closely shaved and leopard spots had been cut in. He wore clothes of the trendiest styles and didn't care if he wore a purple shirt with orange pants. He was the coolest teacher in school.
Enzo was married to Cass Morrissey, the basketball coach. They made an odd pair. Cass was nearly seven foot tall, to Enzo's five foot eleven inch frame. The hot topic among the students was, who was the top in the marriage. It led to many interesting lunch time debates. No one truly cared, it was just a fun thing to discuss.
Adam couldn't believe it when Dean walked into the classroom. He knew Dean worked in the printing section but that class was after lunch. Why was he here in the journalism class?
Mister Amoré stood by the doorway and greeted his students. He beamed when he saw Dean. "Well, I am glad you decided to accept my offer. Go take a seat, we will get started soon."
Dean took a seat at the long table, where computers were set up, he was two seats down from Adam. He gave Adam another shrug when he saw the blond stare at him.
Adam was relieved when Seth came in and sat down between himself and Dean. Adam leaned over and whispered in Seth's ear.
"Architect, why is Dean here? He's usually in the printing class." Adam tried not to sound upset, but Dean was really getting to him.
Seth chuckled. "Mister Amoré wanted him to take Jason's place writing about cars and stuff. Jason left a big hole... oh... sorry, Edge. You must really miss him." Seth sighed when he saw the sadness darken Adam's face when he'd spoke of Jason. Jason was Adam's very best friend in the world.
"Yeah, Seth, I do. Long time till Christmas break." Adam sighed deeply. He really missed his brother from another mother, as the old saying went.
Jason Reso was Adam's closest and dearest friend. He'd graduated in the spring. Jason was now at Harvard, on a full scholarship. Jason wanted to be an entertainment lawyer in L.A. but, it would be a long time before he moved back to California for good. Christmas was the only time Adam would see him and it hurt, deeply.
Jason and Adam had met in the first grade. They became instant friends when Jason stopped a third grader from stealing Adam's lunch money every day. After that the two boys were inseparable. Some found it odd that a romance never developed between the two, but it wasn't that kind of friendship. Jay and Addy were too much like brothers, and that's the way they stayed.
Adam had to put away his thoughts of the missing hole in his heart when Enzo started the class.
"Alright my little cubs, we have something important to do. Our Editor had the nerve to graduate on us, so we need a new Chief. Any nominations?" Enzo looked at his students. He called them his cubs because that's what they were, cub reporters. They were just starting in the world of the printed media. Enzo hoped some students would go on and take up the trade.
Seth's hand shot up faster than a rocket. "I would like to nominate Adam Copeland." He hoped Adam wouldn't kill him, but he thought Adam would be the best Editor.
Adam kicked Seth under the table, but another student had already seconded the nomination.
Enzo was pleased. Adam had been his choice but it was up to the class. "Any other nominations?" He waited, but none were made.
"Well, Adam, looks like the job is yours. Are you willing to be the Editor of The Parrot?" Enzo looked at Adam with wide eyes and a cheesy grin.
Adam sighed, it was a hard job. It had kept Jason hopping, but, it was an honor and would look good on his record. He also knew Eric and Vince would be proud. He cast a glance at Seth, Adam decided he could at least get some revenge.
"Yes, Sir. I would like Seth Rollings to be the Assistant Editor. Thanks, everyone. I hope I don't let you down. All I ask is that articles and pictures be turned in on time. I will keep Jason's policy of total freedom of speech, no censorship." Adam accepted the job. Jason would be proud when he found out. The class applauded their new Editor with enthusiasm.
For the rest of the class, Enzo taught about how a reporter should go about getting a story with the 5 W's. And the most important H. The students took rapid notes as he spoke.
"... So again, what happened, who is involved, when did it happen, why did it happen and most important, and what most reporters gloss over, how did it happen. You write only the facts. Keep personal opinions to the opinion section. Integrity is something a good reporter can never afford to loose..." the end of class bell rang.
Enzo held Adam back as the room emptied. "I'm proud of you, Adam. You were my choice, but they had to decide. You were also Jay's choice. Here are your Editors credentials. Those get you access to Board meetings and other important places. You'll do fine, and I'm always available to help. Now get to lunch." He gave Adam a pat on the back.
"Thank you, Sir. I hope I don't let you or The Parrot down. See you." Adam dashed out of the class. He had to piss before his bladder exploded. He headed down to the far end of the long hall.
It was dark, Adam was a bit scared. When he and Randy used the bathroom for sex, it wasn't a bit scary, but alone, like he was now? All he could envision was a hideous killer clown, hiding, waiting to to pop out at him.
Adam shivered as the door squeaked when he pushed it open. If he didn't have to go so bad, he'd run. As usual only one lone florescent tube lit the large ten stall, six urinal room. He hung his backpack on a hook on the wall. He went to the first urinal, whipped out his dick and pissed with a sigh of relief. He finished, tucked himself back in and went to wash his hands. Before he could think a hand was over his mouth and an arm dragged him toward the last and darkest stall.