What You Least Expect
- endymion -
Reviewer Shoutouts:
Summer "Tinkerbell" Hathaway Loves Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones – omg, that's gotta be the longest effing penname I've ever seen! But I agree with it completely. Aren't they just the cutest? Haha. Anyhew..thanks so much for reviewing as always.
Kara – he does kinda make you wanna go 'awww', doesn't he? Hmm…He is a gentleman in his own right, what with the offering his jacket and opening doors for you if you let him. I see him as a huge walking contradiction actually. He treats the women he dates like they're princesses (as he's been taught to do so) but really, he's a complete jackass. Once he gets his booty, you're back on the nameless list of women on his scoreboard. Why settle for one, if you could be with a dozen, right? At least…he used to be like that. College…and the right person can change that. (Winks). Zack..we'll learn more about him through the course of the story, and he might just make an appearance somewhere in the future chapters.
Jojo – hey thanks! You really think they've got depth? Wow. But you people should read The Lies They Tell Us by thesolitarydragon if you're looking for depth. This fic is chickenshit compared to that thing. Anyways, going back…Yep, they're relationship had always been strained before, what with the two of them always going at each other's throats. Add the Zack-bestfriend-and-boyfriend factor and poof! You've got a huge dilemma. That's why its such fun writing them!
A Bloody Vampire – he's too hot for his own good. And geez, how I hoped that I was born in Highland Park Illinois, just so I could stalk Kevin Clark. Oh eww, wait, that just made me sound like Olivia.
D.M. Ralte – why bother counting to three? I'd probably lock them up in a room until they fornicate. Whoops…that came out wrong. Zack…yes he's such a lovable character too, no? But he's only human. Let's leave it at that.
I am not a chipmunk – holy geez, I was that predictable! I'm so ashamed…(hangs head) Which movie has that? I don't think I've seen any. Haha. Thanks for reviewing, as always!
August Coldfeather – kamusta ka naman kabayan. Haha. I didn't think there are other Pinays in the School of Rock fandom, but it's good to meet one. Personally, yeah, I'm more into F/S, but some F/K fics (like Power to the Pout) are cool too. Absinthe, gad I love that bar. I wasn't able to resist putting it in.;p Thanks for reviewing!
Nanners77 – I think you'll get to know Freddy a little better this chappie. ;p thanks for reviewing Love Letter too, by the way. :D
writingrox12 – thanks for reviewing Love Letter!
Disclaimer: School of Rock (and its characters) is, never was and never will be mine, although I very much want to own Freddy and/or Zack.
Note: Names in bold and italics mean a change in POV. The verses in italics are song lyrics
On with the story!
Chapter 6: With Boredom Comes Insight Freddy
'Ugh…white plaster,' I thought with disdain as I glared up at the ceiling. It's so…plain. Bland. Lifeless. Much like this afternoon.
"Summer," I said loudly, trying to get her attention. She was seated with her legs crossed on the swivel chair in front of her laptop, while I was stretched out comfortably atop the floral-print sheets of her carefully made bed, my hands crossed beneath my neck.
I know what you're thinking; and you're wrong. Dirty little pervs.
I'm here in her room because I was boring myself stupid at home. If you can call that hellhole of an apartment I had a home. I wasn't doing anything productive anyway, so I thought I'd come over here and bother Summer and Billy instead.
Billy, who was working on Summer's study table, looked up when I spoke, but Summer still didn't budge. "Summer," I tried again, turning over to my side.
"What do you want?" she replied, still not seeing the need to turn around.
"I'm bored," I said.
"Go home," was her curt reply.
"I'd still be bored."
"Can't you go and bother someone else for a change?"
"No."
"Fine."
Silence. Man, this was stupid. It's a weeknight, and there's nothing to do, nothing good on TV, and I don't think there's no place better to go to. I think I have a paper due next week, but…duh.
I asked Billy and Summer if they wanted to go somewhere, but they said we needed to study for tomorrow's test.
"Summer," I said, more to annoy her than anything, really. Hah, it worked. Her shoulders slumped before she turned around and pushed her glasses higher up her nose.
"What do you want?"
Wait a minute. Her what? "Did you always have glasses?" I asked, bewildered.
"Only when I'm reading, and when I'm on the computer," she said.
"Oh good, they make you look like a bug," I smirked and exaggerated widening my eyes. Reading glasses tended to magnify one's eyes a bit. It didn't look bad, really. It's just fun to watch Summer's eyebrow raise in irritation.
"Why are you even here?"
"Why'd you always have to ask me that?"
"Because you've been coming here almost everyday, and you never give me a good answer."
Right, so I don't. So?
"Because you have better food than I do," I told her the first excuse I came up with. That's true, at least. Both Summer and Billy can cook better than I do (I've just mastered the art of boiling eggs with Summer's help, and believe me, it wasn't easy), so I've made it a point to swing by during dinner time. And lunchtime.
All right, all right, I come here all the time. Like I said, I've grown to like their company. For two weeks now, I've been coming here every chance I get. Go ahead, sue me, I have money.
Before we made that deal, I would've been in a bar, getting drunk or scoring on multitudes of chicks. But our 'agreement' forbade me to do anything of the sort, so I couldn't do that now, can I? For some reason that even I couldn't imagine, I felt that I should honor the promise I made to Summer. So instead of fooling around, here I am. Hell, I think I'm even getting used to an alcohol and sex-free life.
Doesn't matter anymore anyway. After our initial movie date, Summer and I go out on Fridays and weekends, or the occasional weekday dinners. Sometimes Billy came along; other times it's just the two of us. Hanging with them seemed like a stupid idea at first. I mean, dude, who'd want to hang out with people who tell you you're an idiot on a daily basis? But then I realized that it was a refreshing change from all the eyelash batting and hair flipping that I've been getting from other people, so I stuck around.
"It's pointless talking to you, do you know that?" she sighed, and turned back to the laptop, her long ponytail swinging behind her. She always wore her hair in a ponytail, except for the times when we go out on more pretend-dates.
Back in high school, she usually leaves it down, so I asked her about it. She said she's always wanted to get a haircut because the weather was warmer here but Zack wouldn't let her because he liked her hair long. I told her Zack had a point. Summer had nice hair; it's really long, and it always reminds me of black silk. Part of the reason I was always tugging at her ponytail was because I like how her hair felt.
But she doesn't need to know that.
"We have a test on Accounting tomorrow. Aren't you going to study for it?" Billy said, dragging me back to the present abruptly.
"No," I said, not missing a beat.
"Sorry I asked," he rolled his eyes. He put down his pen, and got up on his feet. "I'm getting coffee. Want anything Summer? Peanut butter cups?"
"Yes please," she replied before Billy left for the kitchen.
"Peanut butter cups? Who the hell eats peanut butter cups?" I wondered out loud, getting up into a sitting position on the bed.
"What's wrong with peanut butter cups?"
"They give you diabetes, and they go straight to your thighs," I said. Obviously, I wasn't a big fan of chocolate as a snack food. They make me extremely thirsty and they never seem to satisfy my appetite. Now, pizza on the other hand…
"They go straight to your thighs?" Summer turned around to spare me a smirk. "Oh my goodness, dear Freddy. I didn't know you were in league with Billy."
I narrowed my eyes at her. "Are you implying that I'm gay?"
"If the glittery pump fits," she smiled sweetly and gave me an appraising look. "Not that there's anything wrong with being gay. A lot of accomplished people in our society are gay. Leonardo Da Vinci, Oscar Wilde, Elton John, Keannu Reeves…"
"I'm not gay!"
"Thou dost protest too much, methinks," Summer quoted, laughing.
"You sound like a complete loon," I glared at her. "And I'm not gay."
"Whatever you say," she sang, her voice grating on my nerves.
Oh yeah? We'll see about that.
In my desire to get even, I walked up to her, grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her up to her feet.
"Hey! What's the big—" her voice trailed off when I my arms went around her, and my hands on the small of her back, pushing her towards me.
"Care to test that theory of yours?" I murmured in her ear.
Wrong move.
With her body pressed so closely against mine, I could hear her heavy breathing. She was looking at me strangely, a pink blush staining her cheeks. I haven't been this close to her since that night at the movies. I smelled strawberries again…and is it just me did her mouth have just the right shade of redness? Without any makeup too. I couldn't help wondering how they'd taste like…
At least, until Summer's fingers clamped around the skin of my abdomen and twisted. Hard.
"Bitch!" I yelled, releasing her immediately. I rubbed my side, feeling a bruise starting to form. "What the hell's wrong with you?"
She doubled over in laughter. "Sorry, Jones, but that fake I'm-going-to-kiss-you trick was getting old."
"What's this I'm hearing about a kiss?" said Billy who unceremoniously reappeared inside the room and tossed a pack of peanut butter cups to Summer.
"Freddy tried to kiss me to prove he isn't gay," Summer explained in a tone that would make you think she was commenting on the weather.
"I'm not gay, and I'm getting tired of this conversation," I declared, flopping back down on the bed with my arms crossed on my chest.
Billy arched an eyebrow, looked at me from head to foot, and clucked his tongue. "With that kind of fashion sense? Trust me hun, he's straight. My Gaydar has yet to fail me."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear the first part," I said.
"Oh, I almost forgot. I have to go to the supermarket," Billy said, picking up the car keys on Summer's bureau. Yeah, Summer's car keys. Billy knew how to drive, but he didn't want to get a car yet because he spends most of his money on materials that he needed for sewing up his designs. He never did give up on the fashion design bit. In the meantime, Summer let Billy share her convertible as long as he gave his share on the gas. "We're out of coffee, and there's nothing for dinner in the fridge except that leftover egg salad wannabe Spazzy here made last week, and personally, I'm not eating that," Billy said in explanation.
Summer cringed at the mention of the egg salad, and I couldn't help grinning. The concoction was positively rancid. "I guess you'd better go, then."
"Are you staying for dinner yet again, leech?" Billy then addressed me.
I gave him a wide grin. "When do I not?"
"Sometimes, I think we should start charging him for the food. He eats more than we do!" Billy told Summer, throwing up his hands in disbelief. Summer laughed heartily and Billy waved goodbye. "Be back in a few. And try not to kill each other while I'm gone."
When the door had swung shut again, Summer turned back to me, glaring. "I'm trying to study, so either you shut up or you go home."
"Fine," I grumbled, and satisfied myself by pacing around her room. By now, I've almost memorized every nook and cranny in not only her room, but also their whole apartment.
I went to the study desk Billy had been using, and picked up several books. I could try to study, that Accounting test was kind of a big deal. I sat down on the other swivel chair that Billy was occupying earlier, meaning to do just that.
On second thought…nah. All those numbers would only give me a headache. I'm good at Accounting anyway; I'll survive that test. Maybe I'll mess around Summer's stuff again, that's always a good pastime. Last week, I'd found all these Disney Classics DVDs and storybooks in her closet. I never knew she liked Disney that much. She sad Peter Pan had always been one of her favorites, which is why she didn't mind the Tinkerbell nickname Dewey gave her.
I put the books back where I got them and noticed a familiar volume sitting in the shelf. Summer's School of Rock scrapbook. I pulled it out and began rifling through the pages.
I didn't know we had this many photos. But I suppose this was what the roadies did when they didn't have anything to do during our practices. And I have seen Summer, or the groupies carrying a digital camera around with them sometimes too. Summer must've worked really hard to put this scrapbook together.
I began to smile as I looked at one picture to another. There's a photo of Lawrence laying out a music sheet on the keyboard. There's also one of Zack teaching Katie the bass for our new song. There's Summer, hands on her hips and yelling at me for being late again, and Zack trying to calm her down. There's Gordon, showing Billy and Marco the new light show he made on his laptop. Eleni and Michelle were here too, of course, posing as though they were in a photoshoot for a magazine.
There's one particularly funny picture of Katie as she tried to run away from Billy, who was carrying a shimmering sample outfit with him. Oh hey, there's Frankie and Leonard imitating the backup singers' dance moves. That's Dewey right there, his face hopelessly crumpled as he sang into the mic. And I think that blond guy in the shiny blue outfit was me wearing one of Billy's ridiculous costumes.
Ah, of course, photos of Zack and Summer, some of them included me holding up bunny ears behind Summer's head. There were pictures of the band in practice, the band playing in a gig somewhere, the band fooling around in Dewey's old apartment. There were also pieces of paper with some Zack's original songs, Billy's original designs, schedules of band practice and several newspaper clippings about us.
I felt my smile grow rueful as the memories came flooding back.
Okay…the truth was that…well. I missed Horace Green. I missed School of Rock. I missed the band, the crew, Dewey…everything. I wouldn't even be here if the band hadn't broken up. I was one of the few who were against the band breakup. One of the few who thought the band was his only life. Probably the only one.
Before Dewey came along, I had no idea what to do with my life. My parents told me what I should do, and I did what they told me. All the mischief and trouble I caused, and even that pseudo-playboy persona I put on were just attempts at gaining my own identity. I only learned to stand up for myself when I'd become part of the band. Like Zack's dad, they disapproved of my interest in rock, but I told them that it was I wanted and that it's the only thing that really made me feel good about myself so they let me indulge in it, given of course that I passed my subjects.
But then the band broke up, and I had to deal with it. So here I am, back to taking my parents orders. My family owned a chain of hotels all throughout the country so they made me take up business management, when all I really wanted to do was play our music. It's my father's idea; he said I could take over the business in the future.
My only consolation was that he let me keep my drums, and that he let me choose my own college. I chose the one Summer took (on Zack's tip, of course), so I'd be sure that there would be someone I knew. I didn't like her much then, but at least I knew what to expect from her. Zack asked if I wanted to try going to the conservatory with him and Katie, but I said no. I don't know why but I think playing music with other people just didn't feel right.
I guess the reason I hung out with Summer is because she was a reminder of everything I left behind. She was our band manager after all; she was the backbone and overall representative of the band.
And of course, there's also the fact that I'm starting to like her.
I shut the scrapbook with a snap, hoping these weird thoughts would go away. Damned boredom's starting to turn me crazy.
Summer
I heard a book snap shut, and I looked up from the calculations I was trying to figure out. Freddy was seated on my study table, and apparently had just finished looking through my scrapbook. Then he stood up and paced the room yet again.
I shrugged to myself and let him do what he wanted. I have no idea how his crazy mind worked, and I have no intention of trying to figure it out. I haven't even figured out why he suddenly wanted to hang out here every day. I tried to kick him out many times, but he was like dry rot. He never stays away permanently. Eventually, I got tired and let him stay when he wanted to.
It's strange isn't it? Not long ago, I didn't even want to be in the same planet as he is.
I guess he's not that bad, really. Annoying, yes, but hateful, no. I can tolerate him now, at least. And sometimes, I can even go as far as saying that I actually liked him. Contrary to popular belief, Freddy wasn't a complete idiot, even though he often acts like one. He's got some pretty interesting things to say, especially when it came to music. Like the rest of School of Rock, he always seemed so passionate when he talked about music. We spent a lot of our time arguing on which band is better, which album is the best and which genres of music should have never been invented. When we're not arguing, or studying, we go to movies or eat out and stuff together. He never listens when we tell him to buzz off anyway. He'd always forced his company on Billy and me, and now, I find myself looking for him when he's not around.
Of course, he doesn't need to know that.
"Hey Tink, what's this?" I heard him say, and I sighed in exasperation. How on earth am I supposed to concentrate with him interrupting every five seconds?
"Jones, if you're going through my underwear drawer again, I swear I'll choke you to death with a G-string," I snapped without turning around. Yes, he did go through my underwear drawer once, and I chased him out of the apartment with a broomstick. And yes, I have a G-string, but I never used it. It was a gift from Michelle and Eleni, who apparently thought that it would be funny to give me underwear on my sixteenth birthday.
"Yeah, but then you'd have to explain my dead carcass to Billy," he replied. "And a G-string around my neck might make him think I died because of kinky reasons, and you'd be in trouble with your boyfriend."
"Your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me," I rolled my eyes and spun around on the swivel chair to see what the fuss was about. "What did you find in there anyway?"
"This," he said, holding up the acoustic guitar in its black leather case. "Is this yours?"
"Yes, would you put it down please? It's fragile," I told him, but of course, he didn't listen. He unzipped the case and pulled out the instrument.
"As in you actually play it?"
"Nah, I just thought it was shiny and pretty and would make my closet look cuter," I said scathingly. "Of course I could play it, what else would I do with it?"
"I didn't know you could play the guitar," he said, bringing the instrument with him and settling down on the loveseat next to my study table.
"I told Zack that I hated the clarinet, and that I wanted to learn how to play something else, so he taught me," I explained, a smile creeping up my lips. I remembered the how Zack tried to hide the frustration on his face when I couldn't do a simple transition from an A chord to a G. "That guitar was from him, you know. He gave it to me on our second anniversary."
"Yeah?" Freddy grinned, and held the guitar out to me. "Play me something."
I shook my head. "No way. I'm not very good, and I know you'll only find another reason to laugh at me."
"I'll find another reason to laugh at you sooner or later anyway, so what's the difference? Go on, play. This thing needs to be used."
"I know only Michelle Branch songs," I protested as Freddy laid the instrument on my lap. Pathetic for someone who's managed a rock band, I know, but I was only a beginner, and those songs were easiest to memorize.
"I could deal with that," Freddy shrugged. "Summer, I'm waiting."
Obviously he wasn't going to let this up until I do what he wanted. "Fine, I'll play one song…if you promise to shut up and study for tomorrow's exam."
"Deal," he agreed. I shook my head and began to tune the strings the way I remembered Zack told me. Then I played the opening chords to Michelle Branch's Breathe, singing along to the lyrics I've long since memorized. This was the first song I ever learned on guitar, you see.
I've been driving for an hour
Just talking to the rain
You say I've been driving you crazy
And it's keeping you away
I felt my ears grow hot again, like they did earlier when Freddy tricked me into that hug. Yeah I laughed it off and acted like it wasn't a big deal, but that hug had unsettled me more than it should.
I'm surprised my voice had come out steady when I began to sing, because inside I was a nervous wreck. I kept my eyes on the strings, and tried to ignore the fact that Freddy was staring at me.
So just give me one good reason
Tell me why I should stay
'Cause I don't wanna waste another moment
In saying things we never meant to say
Freddy
I watched as Summer played the song without bothering to hide my admiration.
She sang along to the lyrics as she strummed the chords, and before long, I found myself tapping a rhythm on the desk with her pencils. It wasn't really my kind of music, but I had to admit, she can play. Of course, she's nowhere near as good as Zack, but it's a start. I never learned how to play guitar myself; my fingers just couldn't seem to cooperate. Her singing voice had gotten better too. It was by no means brilliant, but it was certainly better than it used to be. The only time I heard her sing was in fifth grade, when she tried to convince Dewey of her singing prowess with the song Memory and failed miserably. The memory never fails to make me wince.
And I take it just a little bit
I hold my breath and count to ten
I've been waiting for a chance to let you in
My eyes traveled from her strumming fingers and up to her face, her brow furrowed in concentration. I felt myself begin to smile again. A strand of dark hair had fallen onto her eyes, and I had to resist a sudden urge to tuck it away for her.
It's not really a big secret that I've been with a lot of women before, but I've never met anyone who could make me smile and laugh like she can. I've also never met anyone fascinating enough to keep me wanting to spend time with her, even if she always told me do the world a favor and just hang myself.
If I just breathe
Let it fill the space between
I'll know everything is all right
This afternoon sure had been full of surprises, though not necessarily of the unpleasant sort.
I had to wonder then…How is it that I've known someone for so long, and not know anything about her that actually matters? I hadn't even known that she needed reading glasses, or that she was such a chocoholic and that she liked Disney so much. I hadn't known that although she had chosen to agree with the band breakup, the band still meant enough for her to spend her time and effort in putting that scrapbook together. These little things about her that I didn't know about…they were actually the things that make her so interesting, and I don't know how I've gone so long not knowing them. I mean, we've been classmates since kindergarten, and I knew every single thing that could infuriate her to the edge of her sanity, but other than that…there was nothing.
It just makes you think…doesn't it?
Breathe
Every little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is all right
If I just breathe…
To be continued…
A/N: And that's the getting-to-know-you phase one! Not much action and a bit boring, I know, but it all has a purpose. Like Rosalee Futch said in Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, one has to love another for her details…whatever that meant. Anyhoo, this chapter just shows Freddy's interest in Summer has been ignited, and that he wanted to get to know her better. I hope ya'll noticed the significance of the song there.
As you may have noticed, I only write about the significant events in the story, and the other less significant details are just mentioned in the passing. It's supposed to represent how much time has elapsed.
I guess no one's interested in the Y! Group. I'm keeping it though. I uploaded the room layouts (Summer's, Billy's and Freddy's) and the apartment layouts there. Also, I posted several pictures of actors and actresses who I thought would be perfect for the parts of the older SoR characters. So if anybody would want to see them here's the address:
http colonslash slashgroupsdot yahoodot comslash groupslash whatyouleastexpect
Up Next: Chapter 7 I've Never
Alcohol plus former School of Rock members equal trouble and tender moments between the ex-drummer and the ex-manager.
Review pretty pretty please!