SCHOOL OF LOVE

A/N: Okay, thanks for the reviews of the last chapter (from Ghostwriter, Cindy and Queen of Shadows). I'm glad some people like that story, and I hope that you will enjoy this chapter too. I'm actually writing chapter 23 but I want to take time to polish the next chapters because I think I can make them better.

RATING: T (just to be sure)

CHARACTERS: Shelby, Scott, Susan, Wendy, Brian, Martin

SUMMARY: AU. Shelby, Wendy, Scott, Brian and the others are all in high school. Walt still exists, but is slightly different in comparison with the show. Elaine happened but is now out of the picture.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of the original characters. The others are completely made up, unless my subconscious worked on things I saw on TV or something…


CHAPTER NINE


Two Weeks Later
wo eeks ater

Saturday

"Shelby, could you go to the box-room, see if there are still books of Stephen King's last novel, please?" Susan Barringer asked her part-time 'employee' and smiling warmly at the middle-aged blonde woman who had asked her about the book in question. Susan owned the only bookshop that was in the place and even if the place was cozy, it was particularly warm and hearty.

"Of course." Shelby nodded with a small smile and went to the back shop at once. When she entered the room, the lights were already switched on. Shelby frowned a little, being almost sure that she had switched off the light when she had left the room, a while before.

"Hi." Scott whispered behind her back, scaring and startling her. "Sorry." He apologized with a tiny cute laugh.

"Scott, god! Never do that again!" She shockingly said a hand to her heart then shook her head as he did his puppy dog eyes. "What are you even doing here? And how did you get here unnoticed?"

"Well, you know there's a back door…" He slyly said and she bit her lip softly. "…and to answer your first question…I was missing you, baby." A smile crept onto Shelby's face and she felt her heart take a jump at his statement. Scott took it as a sign he could approach and held her close against his body.

"I missed you too…" She began and Scott showed her he would not listen anymore by distractively running his hands along the sides of her body. Shelby pulled away a little and Scott frowned knowing he had lost their little game. "…but I have to take this book and…" She was cut off by a kiss. "Scott!" She moaned but Scott gave her a quick peck, then another and another… "You're completely crazy." She said, not giving up though.

"I'm only crazy about you." He seductively replied with a wink.

"Your mother is waiting and the customer is too in case you didn't realize before." She explained, breaking their embrace and walking to the back of the room, searching in the numerous boxes of books.

"So? I waited for you almost twenty minutes in here." Scott whined with a slight pout and Shelby laughed a little at the face he made. He was really acting childishly sometimes…

"Scott…" She started but was quickly cut off.

"Are you free tonight?" He asked her, slightly pressuring her.

"Um…I don't know. What do you plan on doing with me?" She asked with a mischievous smile. Scott walked towards her and did his puppy dog eyes again.

"Well, what about something classic but nice? We could go to the movies and then eat somewhere?" He suggested and she pretended thinking about it twice. "C'mon, what do you have to do that is a better plan?" He asked, with an annoyed sigh. He absolutely wanted to spend time with his girlfriend and after all, it was legitimate. They were supposedly going out and yet they didn't have had only one real date since.

"What does Wendy do tonight?" She asked him and he did his puppy dog eyes again. She had to make sure they wouldn't get caught by Wendy, after all. Because if she didn't take care of it, Scott wouldn't do it at her place. He didn't really care about what his sister would think of their relationship. If he had agreed, it was only for Shelby's sake.

"I dunno." He said with a shrug.

"And what if she's planning on seeing me or if she calls me an-" Shelby started but was interrupted by Susan's voice.

"Shelby, what are you doing? Did you f- Ah, I see…Scott, what are you doing here except for trying to corrupt my young employee?" Susan asked, a warm smile playing on her lips and the couple smiled back. Scott looked like really attached to Shelby, and it was actually the first time he seemed so hooked on a girl.

"Hey mom. Well, I…uh, wanted to say hi." Scott stuttered and Susan smiled knowingly.

"I saw you this morning I think, uh?" She responded, trying to act dumb but not really succeeding. "So...unless you came for Shelby, I don't know what you're doing here, in the box-room." She finished and waited for his poor plea, amused inside.

"In fact, Scott asked me about this book he needs to read for English literature class." Shelby saved him and he raised an eyebrow in question. Like 'what are you even saying?'

"Oh, and what is that book?" Susan curiously asked, teasing them. Shelby went deeper red and Scott ran a hand through his hair, like he did when he was embarrassed.

"Uh, classic, it's from Ray Bradbury, I think it's called Short Stories and it is not for class, it's for me and if you wanna know everything, my girlfriend recommended it to me." He said emphasizing the word 'girlfriend' and sending a playful glance at Shelby who couldn't help but smile sweetly as her eyes met his.

"Okay, go see in the shop if it's there." She said and Scott nodded then shrugged at Shelby, apologizing for having his mother breaking their 'moment'. Susan looked back at Shelby, who had a book in her hands. "Is this the Stephen King's one?"

"Ya." Shelby replied and shivered from coldness.

"Okay, come on, it's freezing in here." Susan said crossing her arms and rubbing them with her hands before wrapping a shoulder around Shelby and walking her back inside the shop.

"I'm not sure that Scott had property closed the back door." The young girl replied and Susan nodded, letting her go. "I'm going to check it up."

"Okay." Susan only said before closing the door behind her as she entered the shop again. "I found your book, Mrs. Flannelly." She announced to the woman who was patiently waiting. She noticed Scott looking at the door in the corner of his eye and his face brightening when he saw Shelby reappearing.

"Great. Could you wrap it up please? It's a present." The elderly woman asked with a smile.

"Of course." Susan warmly answered the woman before taking gift wrap from under the counter. Shelby walked towards Scott as she noticed him standing next to the shelves and asked him if he needed help. He told her something and she giggled a little, nodding softly. Scott brushed his hand against hers, almost holding it and dropped a paper in her palm. She folded the paper in her pocket and smiled gently.

Tonight on the rooftops of Jill's around 11.

Ps: Just remembered about her birthday…and that you 'absolutely have to be there'. Quote from W.


"Wendy?" Brian asked, slowly running his hand through her messy blonde-dyed hair. The brown roots were already showing up but it wasn't really shocking. The fact she had curls was probably helping her case. Wendy turned to look at him and noticed he looked a million years away.

"Um?" She asked rubbing her eyes as the sun hit her face. It was late in the afternoon and they couldn't make their minds and get up. That bed of his was way too comfortable.

"What do you think your brother would do to me if we decided to tell him about us?" He asked and noticed her pull away slightly. Another blunter, he thought, kicking himself inside.

"Brian, let's no talk about it again, okay?" She harshly requested but he decided it was important and needed to be talked about.

"But it is important Wendy. I'm tired of seeing you in secret. I want to go out with you in public, talk with you and hold your hand when we're at school, and I want everyone to know and be happy for us." She sat on the bed and reached for her clothes. Brian watched her back with apprehension and Wendy turned to him.

"I don't want it, you can understand, right?" She asked pulling back her shirt and buttoning it back as quickly as she could do. "Remember what happened the last time I went out with a guy with him knowing. It was a complete disaster." She added and Brian nodded, without completely agreeing with her.

"I know but I'm his bestfriend. He knows that I wouldn't hurt you on purpose." He tried to explain and she shook her head in denial. She got up and ran a hand through her hair, slightly panicked.

"When it comes to me, Scott doesn't know anymore. It's like he's completely out of mind. Look at what happened with Shelby." She said, zipping back her jeans and looking at herself in the mirror. "God, I look like hell." She muttered to herself and watched as Brian approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist. She leaned against his chest and sighed deeply.

"It's different with her." Brian whispered in her ear, before tugging it softly.

"How so?" She asked him and he chuckled a little. She was the only one who couldn't see the obvious.

"Well, she isn't his sister." He stated and she sighed, turning around in his arms. She wrapped hers around his neck and kissed his mouth softly.

"Yeah, and you see that didn't make any difference. Why are we even talking about her?" She wondered then stopped her hands which were doing circles on the back of his neck for a few seconds.

"Wendy, I love you okay? And I want him to know."

"Never. If you do that, it's the end between us okay?" She warned him with a menacing glare. He pulled away and looked at her worriedly.

"You wouldn't end us because of that, would you?" He asked placing his hands on her shoulders and looking straight in her eyes. She closed her eyes for a second, feeling the tension in the room.

"Yes, I would."

"Then, why are you even going out with me if you don't want me?" He said frustrated by her comment. He couldn't believe she would jeopardize their relationship instead of tell the truth to her brother.

"You know I do want you Brian."

"Then, what's so wrong with you not wanting to show me off? Are you ashamed of our relationship?"

"Of course not. I'm just terrified Scott will find about it and screw everything like he always does."

"You know he wouldn't do that on purpose. Plus, he is like, my bestfriend! He knows who I really am." Brian whined and Wendy looked hardly at him. There was no way she would let him tell her brother and everyone else.

"Brian, I said no."

"Then, give me a good reason." He pleaded and she looked straight into his eyes.

"I love you." She whispered then gave him a peck on the lips.

"That's not a good reason."

"Yes it is. I don't want you to be hurt and beat up by my crazy brother." She answered harshly and started to leave the room, taking her shoes with her. "Don't bother calling me, I'll do it."


"I had an interesting visit this afternoon at the shop." Susan said at her husband who was finishing reading a dossier. They were both in his office and she was slightly bored as her three children weren't home at the time. Scott and Wendy had gone to a party and Harmony was sleeping over at a friend's home. Martin's head shot up and he looked curiously at his ex-wife with a raised eyebrow. She sat on the edge of the desk and he smiled, knowing she was here to gossip. "Scott came to see Shelby and they had that secret meeting in the box-room."

"Why would they meet together?" Martin asked though, he wasn't really interested by her comment.

"Martin, don't you see what's happening between the two?" She questioned with a laugh. She sat on his desk and he looked up at her confusedly.

"What are you talking about?" Martin asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"God, you're so dense! They are in love with each other!" Susan exclaimed, slapping her hands against her thighs.

"They are just good friends."

"Martin, you should have seen them this afternoon…the way they looked at each other…"

"You are sure? Because I think that's nothing more than a crush, only coming from Shelby. Scott obviously couldn't reciprocate it." Martin replied with a harsh tone. He knew his son was a player and only hung out with girl for fun and Shelby wasn't that stupid to fall into his trap.

"Why not?"

"Don't get me wrong. Shelby is a cute and nice girl, but look at all Scott's ex girlfriends. They just aren't the same type."

"Just because he's used to date brainless cheerleaders doesn't mean he can't fall in love with a sweet and smart girl like Shelby. I tell you, he's hopelessly in love with the girl. Besides, I don't know if you saw Shelby lately, but she changed a lot." Susan explained and Martin rolled his eyes at her. He couldn't believe she was thinking that. That was the grotesque thing he had heard since a while.

"Still, I don't believe it. And I don't think it'd be a wise idea. They're too different and Shelby's Wendy's bestfriend." He replied and his ex-wife shook her head knowingly.

"So? What if they're in love and happy together?"

"No, we both know it wouldn't work between them. They're too close friends. Besides, Scott considers her like his little sister. It would be like if Wendy was going out with Brian."

"It could happen. Our daughter is particularly pretty and Brian is a great cute young man. They'd make a great couple too."

"Wendy's too young anyways. Guys don't interest her a lot."

"She's 16 for God's sake! Besides, I guess you never heard Wendy and Shelby talk together when they're in her room. All they talk about is guys and fashion, and lately sex is also on their naughty minds of teenagers." Susan said and Martin looked at her oddly. His little baby girl couldn't possibly think of sex, she was too young and innocent for that.

"Sex?" He replied with a disgusted smirk. His daughter with a man… It was already hard picturing his son going for it, but Wendy?

"What did you think? That your daughter would be a virgin until her late thirties?" Susan asked with a laugh and Martin looked at her disbelievingly.

"You think that…" Martin trailed off, at a loss for words.

"Martin, I don't know, why don't you ask her?" She suggested with a smirk. Since he wasn't looking at her, Martin missed it and thought she was serious.

"You think I should?" Martin frowned and Susan chuckled, and patted his thigh.

"I was kidding. Besides, even if you did, I don't think she'd tell you." She said then got up and left the room, leaving him with his thoughts.


"Phew!" Shelby exclaimed as she joined Scott on the rooftops of Jill's house. She was giving a party for her birthday and had invited a lot of people. Shelby and Wendy had chosen to offer her a silky nightdress together by Victoria's Secret. That had cost an expensive price but it was worth it. Jill was just simply delighted. "I almost thought your sister wouldn't leave me alone all night. I'm sorry for our night together. Apparently she had plans but changed them at the last minute." She explained and he nodded understanding. "Why did you want to meet me here?"

"Because it's quiet, no one can disturb or see us or find us actually…and I wanted to spend time with my beautiful and sexy girlfriend. Plus, it's warm today…" He flirted and she smiled shyly at his compliments. She walked over to him and stopped a few centimeters away from him.

"Nice line…cheesy but cute." She grinned at him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He leaned in and captured her lips, kissing her lightly at first, then more deeply. He couldn't help himself, she was too much. She moaned against his lips and he backed her up against the wall, his fingers teasing her hips with light tickles. She squirmed slightly and Scott felt himself becoming hard at her innocent but still suggestive moves. They both stood up; looking at each other in the eye as she nervously removed her coat. With trembling hands, she took off his shirt as well, unbuttoning it quickly. She gasped with surprised pleasure at the exposed muscular set of abs and chest she could make out through his wife beater tee shirt. Scott smiled down at her and took her back in his arms. God was she beautiful! So soft and sweet and feminine. He ran his hand through her hair and let his finger run a trail over her face. She looked up at him with the purest of love and adoration. Scott lowered his mouth onto hers and let his tongue explore every sweet crevice. Shelby kissed back softly at first then with more passion. His left hand rested on her flat exposed belly and she moved it up to feel the thin material covering her breasts. Scott's lips sucked the nape of her neck as he moved his hands with more feeling. Suddenly she found herself panic-stricken. What if she didn't come up to his standard? Shelby gasped when she felt something growing against her thighs. "Scott, wait." She pleaded and he dropped his hands to the side, and stayed silent. "Wow, cowboy, just not so fast." She added, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

He pulled away immediately and looked at her. "You okay?" He asked breathlessly. "I mean, don't you want to? If you're not ready, that's cool. I don't want to pressure you…"

"No, it is okay…just well, I never… you know?" She said, glancing at nothing particular on the ground, nothing that could keep her eyes away from his piercing ones. Scott frowned then understood why she acted like a shy kid.

"You mean?" He asked, making sure and then breathed softly. She shook her head ashamedly and he slapped himself on the forehead. "Sorry, I just…" He said slightly embarrassed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah. I thought you knew…I mean Wendy does…" Scott's fingers grazed over her chin and pulled it up so that he could look into her eyes. He smiled at her reassuringly and kissed her lips quickly, but very sweetly.

"Hey, you don't have to be ashamed or anything, baby. I love you and I can absolutely take it slower if that's what you want. Just don't tease me so much, okay?"

"I wasn't teasing you, I was just being myself." She replied slyly and closed the small space between them. He wrapped her in his arms and breathed softly in her hair. "I know it might be kinda frustrating…but I'm glad you understand." She said breathing out with relief. He nodded and stroked her cheek softly.

"You know, it's the first time a girl refuses me when I'm ready. Someone had to do that once, to make my pride falling a little bit. I thought I was irresistible, you know?" He said with good humour and she laughed with him. She let her head drop on his shoulder and he kissed the crown of her head tenderly.

"I love you, Scott and I want to make love with you so bad but I'm scared. I've never been with anyone; let alone being naked in front of a guy. This is kind of embarrassing but I don't even know how I can do it… I just don't want to disappoint you but I don't think I'm ready yet." She explained and he simply nodded.

"You would never disappoint me." He reassured her, speaking from his heart. "Shelby, I don't care what we do tonight as long as I get to hold you in my arms all night."

"All night's gonna be hard with the stalker waiting for me downstairs." She said and they both chuckled before becoming serious again. "Thank you."

"What for?"

"Being so understanding, and perfect, and for not pressuring me into the whole big deal that sex is."

"Shel, you have to understand something. I don't want to have sex with you. I want to make love and have it in a special way. I wasn't going to have sex right here with you; I just wanted to be closer. I guess I'm not ready either." He admitted and she smiled up at him then thought of something. Did he really mean it or was he just saying that to make her feel better?

"But if I hadn't said anything…would you have stopped me?" She whispered biting her lip softly. She feared his answer but trusted him to tell her the truth.

"Certainly." At that, she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She giggled nervously and Scott leaned against the wall, and took one of her hands in his, bringing her closer.

"Okay. That's good. I better get going before she throws a search party on me. Good night and behave."

"I will. Night, sweetie." They kissed again and Shelby reluctantly pulled away from his warm body, still in a daze.


Please R & R

Next chapter: Thanksgiving diners! A cute S&S moment…they're attached by the hips…really!

Love. Linkie.