Part 14
The mood in the Warbler Hall was depressing to say the least… all the Warblers were sad and down, like they were every year around this time. It was two days until the end of the school year and two days until graduation for the seniors, their seniors as well. The Warblers would lose Scott, Bastian, Brad, Fredric and Richard. But what hurts the most, at least in young Wes' life, was that they were losing Mark and Jerry. For Wes it meant he lost his big brothers and for the other Warblers it meant they lost their Mama and Papa, they had tried to find a silver lining to this cloud but there was nothing to be found… okay maybe that they wouldn't have to listen to that stupid whistle but still!
"You can't leave", Nathan yelled getting up and glaring at Jerry who was sitting behind the council table as usual.
"It's not Jerry's fault Nathan", Austin said and tried to calm the freshman down a bit.
"We can't stay forever", Bastian said. "This year it's our turn to leave. But it's not like we'll be gone forever."
"Exactly", Jerry said and stood up. "Remember our saying boys. Once a Warbler…"
"Always a Warbler", the rest of the boys said half-heartedly. Jerry smiled.
"So", he said. "Does our seniors want to tell the rest of the group where they are headed? Bastian."
Bastian stood up and smiled. His red and I mean red hair hung in his eyes so he brushed it aside and his brown eyes were soft and his tan skin looked as amazing as always.
"I'm going to University of the Arts in Philadelphia", he said and the boys cheered and congratulated him, while they applauded.
"Brad", Jerry said calmly.
The boy with brown hair and green eyes smiled gently, he was one of the shortest Warblers that year. Just to make things a bit clearer further on, there were two Brads in the Warblers, one who was a senior and one junior, who was on the council.
"I'm going to UCLA", he said. "I'm not gonna tell what I'm gonna study until we have our ten years reunion." He winked after the last and everyone cheered again.
"Fredric", Jerry ordered.
"I'm going to study law at Princeton", he said and got cheers as well. He pulled a bit on his blonde ponytail. "Don't hate me if I'm against anyone in the courtroom in the future… I hope I won't see anyone there." His friends all laughed and promised not to hate him.
"Can I hire you when I get arrested", Nathan asked with a grin.
"You are not doing something illegal", his boyfriend said and pointed at Nathan warningly. Fredric just smiled.
"Of course", he said, his brown eyes sparkling. "Us gay guys must stick together after all." The room laughed happily and Nathan pulled Mitch onto his lap nuzzling his neck happily, as if to say sorry.
"I want to hear where you are going Rich", Justine told the platinum blonde beside her and took his hand.
"I", Richard said and bit his lip. "I'm also going to study law, but at Harvard."
"Oh it's on now", Fredric teased with a wink and Richard's blue eyes sparkled. "We're gonna kick your asses in everything!"
"Oh hell no", Richard said. "We'll win."
"We will", Scott cut in smiling behind his glasses. "Stanford." More he didn't want to say, no matter how hard they tried to pressure him.
"I wanna know what our resident criminal wants to do", Otto said happily and turned to Mark. "Come on Papa tell us!"
"No", Mark said and looked away blushing.
"Aw please", Nathan begged but Mark didn't move a muscle. They all tried, even Jerry but they all got declined and then Wes smirked. He got up from his seat and sat on Mark's lap, putting his arms around the giant's neck.
"Wes", Mark asked suspiciously. Wes looked up at him. "Oh shit." Wes was giving him his best puppy eyes and they made him look like the cat in Shrek. The other Warblers grinned happily because they knew Mark would crumble. And he did. With a heavy sigh he pulled Wes into a tight hug.
"'lice ool", they heard him mutter.
"What was that", Peter asked.
"I think he said police school", Wes said happily and was pulled tighter to Mark. "ACK!"
The room started laughing.
"That's perfect", Michael cheered. "No criminal will dare to touch you Mark! I feel safe already!"
The others agreed and patted Mark on the back and congratulated him, then all eyes turned to Jerry who sighed.
"I'm going to study medicine at Harvard for a semester", he said and they grinned. "Then I'm off to Beijing, Tokyo, the states, Europe and then hopefully wherever I want to go."
They all stared at him in horror and Mark let go of Wes in shock.
"But that mean we won't see you in the flesh in like forever!" Justine shouted and put her arms around him. "No! I won't let you do that."
"I don't have a choice…" Jerry said sadly. "It's my parents-"
"I hate them then", Wes cut him off and they stared at him and saw how broken he looked. "Excuse me." He left the room before anyone could stop him.
"Wes", Jerry called after him.
"Go after him", Justine said.
"But-"
"Go!" the others nearly yelled at him and Jerry hurriedly left, following the tiny 13-year-old.
Jerry found Wes in the younger boy's room. Wes was sitting on his bed, drawing and he was drawing angrily… or maybe it was sad Jerry couldn't tell for sure. He closed the door behind him and sat down at the foot of the bed. He reached out and put a hand on the boy's ankle.
"You okay kiddo", he asked.
"Yes", Wes muttered. "Everything is fine…"
"Are you sure? You look a bit miffed."
Wes looked up at him, no glared at him and then looked at his pad again. Jerry sighed and sat beside him and looked at what he was drawing. He didn't know the man Wes was drawing but all the lines were sharp from the force he put in drawing lines. The man was familiar but Jerry couldn't place him.
"Who's this Wes", he asked and the boy glared at the drawing. Then Jerry gaped as Wes tore the page out of the pad and scrunched it up into a ball and threw it aside.
"My dad", he spat. "I always draw him when I'm angry."
"What um… do you draw when you're happy?" Jerry asked carefully.
"You or Nitch."
"Okay seriously, are you too using that couple-name now?" Jerry asked. It had been Justine who started to call Nathan and Mitch for Nitch.
"It's easier than saying both their names", Wes muttered and put his pad aside. Jerry sighed and moved so that he was half lying half sitting on the bed with his legs outstretched towards the foot. Wes moved so that he could rest his head on Jerry's arm and Jerry put his arm around Wes' shoulders.
"I don't want you to leave", Wes mumbled sadly. "You're the first person to really care about me… you're my big brother."
"I know kiddo", Jerry said and sighed. "I don't want to leave my little brother either but sometimes we have to do things we don't want to. But we can always call each other and e-mail right? You have an e-mail account right? Or do you have Myspace?"
"None of the above", Wes mumbled.
"What", Jerry asked and gave him a look. "Then we'll make sure you have an e-mail. Come on hand me your laptop." Wes followed orders and the next half hour they spent getting Wes an e-mail and teaching him how to understand how to use it. They laughed and had fun and Jerry showed Wes his Myspace and all funny photos and videos he had there. The way they sat, Wes pointing at the screen asking questions and Jerry explaining things to him reminded them both of the first day they actually met.
Wesley was intrigued at once and when they entered his dorm room he ran up to his notebook and ran back to Jerry and showed him what was in it, other than journal notes. He had lyrics and sheet music and name of songs to sing. Jerry ruffled his hair fondly.
"Sweet Wes", he said and grinned. "You know you got quite the voice. Maybe you should join the Warblers."
"Really?" Wesley grinned. "That would be awesome!"
Jerry laughed.
"You couldn't compete with us though, it would be against the rules but you can attend all our non-competition performances."
"Non-competition… against the rules?"
Jerry nodded at the bed and the two boys sat down on it and Jerry took a paper and wrote down things as he told Wesley about the competitions and all of the Warblers performances and results since they started to join the competitions. Wesley was listening in awe and watched with a big smile on his face as Jerry showed him pictures taken with the camera he always carried along. Jerry noticed the little kid that had seemed so sad and broken shine with happiness and excitement when they talked about music. Jerry wondered if this was how it felt to have a little brother that listened to every word you said. Jerry even dared to put his arm around Wesley's shoulder and pulled the boy closer so that they could watch the pictures with more ease. Then there was a knock on the door.
Jerry leaned his head onto Wes' and couldn't keep his tears back. One of them slipped from his eye, travelled down his cheek and dropped down onto Wes' cheek. The younger boy reached a hand up to his cheek when he felt something wet hit it. He then looked up at Jerry.
"Jerry are you crying", he asked and Jerry sob-chuckled.
"Don't worry kiddo", he said. "It's fine, just fine."
Wes snuggled closer to him and Jerry put both arms around him.
"I will miss you so much when I'm gone", Jerry said and sighed. "Promise me you won't ever forget me."
"How can I forget you", Wes said and felt tears burn his eyes. "You're the person that has meant the most to me in my life. I can't forget you and I won't!"
"I won't forget you either and I can't because you've helped me realizing what I want to do with my life. My plans were to go to NYADA, do you know what that is?" Wes nodded. "Well I was halfway in already but then you dropped into my life and I realized how great it is to take care of people. Dad's company specializes in hospital equipments and while I'm working for him when I'm away I'll also get an education as a doctor so that I can help kids and grownups that needs it… but can't always afford it. I never thought of things like that before… until you dropped into my life. God kiddo I will miss you so much."
"I will miss you too", Wes sniffled. "And the Warblers will miss you… Except for your whistle." Jerry chuckled at that. "Do you know who will take over after you?"
"Well I told Austin and Brad that I want Brad to take my place, that I want Austin to stay secretary and then have someone they trust to be the third guy on the council."
"I can join", Wes teased. "But I doubt the new freshmen will listen to me very much."
Jerry laughed. "In the future I'm sure you can join, when you are a sophomore."
"Because it would be odd for the other freshmen that join the same time as I become a full member if I'm at the council at once right?"
"Exactly… are you sure you don't want Carmichael to tell anyone about you next year?"
"Yes. Not the entire school needs to know… it's enough with everyone now… do you think they will keep quiet about it?"
"Well Carmichael told them to on your behalf", Jerry said remembering the latest assembly. "Kids here understand things after all." They sat there in comfortable silence for a while, just cherishing the little time they had left. Wes snuggled close thinking back to all the times he'd had with all the seniors that were leaving. He smiled.
"Jerry what's gonna happen with your whistle?" he asked.
"I'll leave it for Brad", Jerry said calmly and Wes grimaced. "Keep your tiny little hands from it."
"Of course", Wes said with a smirk. Then there was a knock on the door and Jerry looked up.
"Come in", he said and Wes and he got that feeling of déjà vu again. But this time it wasn't Nathan and Otto arriving, it was Mark.
"Hey", he said and walked inside. "You two look comfy."
"Jerry's the best pillow ever", Wes said happily. "Join us?"
"On that tiny little bed?"
"I can lie on top of you", Wes supplied and Mark chuckled.
"No, no just lie on your sides instead and I think we might all fit", Mark said. Jerry and Wes complied and they lied with Jerry against the wall, Mark towards the room and Wes between the two. Wes felt really protected and snuggled close to Jerry but let Mark nearly wrap himself around the duo. Wes had his back to Mark and held his arms around Jerry.
"Hmph bed's too little", Mark muttered as he balanced on the edge. "You feeling better little buddy?"
"Uh huh", Wes said. "Jerry showed me how I could keep in touch with him. He helped me get an e-mail."
"That's good", Mark said and smiled at Jerry who grinned back. Wes was their baby after all. When Wes felt Mark's arms around him he got reminded of his first true meeting with the guy, in this room as well.
Mark walked to the Dragon and walked into the boy's room. Wesley was sitting on the windowsill looking out at the school grounds with a forlorn look on his face. Mark smiled and walked over to the boy and leaned on the wall beside him.
"What do you want now", the boy asked sadly. "Can't people just leave me alone?"
"Not in this place", Mark said and chuckled. "Boys here care too much I'm afraid. So how are you feeling?"
"Why do you care", the boy whispered and Mark chuckled and sat on the other side of the windowsill.
"Because I know how it feels being somewhere and don't feeling like you belong", he said.
"What do you mean", the child asked and looked at him.
"Most kids at this school are rich, I guess you have concluded that already." The boy nodded so he continued. "But I'm not and I didn't get sent here because of great grades."
"Then why were you sent here", Wesley asked confused.
"To get straightened out."
"You're gay?"
Mark blinked and then started to laugh and had to wipe a tear from his eye.
"Goodness no I'm not, that's not what I meant with straightened out", he said.
"Oh", the boy looked sad again.
"Uh… is that why you're here?"
"No", the boy looked out through the window again.
"So why are you here?"
"To be kept as far away from dad and his perfect little family as possible." Mark looked at him in confusion and then remembered Wesley saying something about half-brothers. He could see that the boy was close to tears so he sighed.
"Anyway", he said. "As I was saying, I got sent here to get straightened out because I had just been released from juvie."
Wesley stared at him with big eyes that held a little bit of terror and Mark chuckled. His voice was very deep so it sounded like a small rumble.
"Relax I am not going to hurt you", Mark said and put a rather big hand on Wesley's head. "I'm a good guy now."
"I believe that when I see it", Wesley grumbled and Mark laughed and ruffled his hair.
"So Wes can you tell me what is really going on", he asked kindly and Wesley mumbled something. "I didn't hear that buddy. What did you say?"
"Why can't people just leave me alone", Wesley asked and buried his face in his knees. "Why does everyone always have to stare at me? I get it. I'm not supposed to be here."
"And with here you mean Dalton?"
"And the world."
"Wes don't say things like that", Mark said sternly.
"Why, it's true."
"No it isn't."
"How do you know", the tiny boy shouted and flew up glaring at the older boy. "You don't know anything about me! None of you guys do! Just leave me alone!"
"Wes", Mark said getting up. Mark was around 220 cm and Wesley was small for his age and only stood 120 cm. Mark was looking down at him and Wesley was glaring up at Mark with an angry glow around him.
"I never asked to get sent here", Wesley yelled. "I don't want to be here! What did I ever do wrong? Answer me that? The only thing I did wrong was being born and that's something I've been loathed for all my life! You got sent here because you're an ex-con! I got sent here to be hidden away so that my father can live on without shame! He sent me away from the day I was born! 8 years with his parents, posing as a cousin and then off to the other side of the nation and then off again! What did I do to deserve this? Is it a crime being born?"
"No."
"In my case it is!" Wesley yelled and he now had tears pouring down his cheeks. "I'm a sin!"
"No you're not."
"I am! My father is ashamed of my existence! Why else would I be here and not with him and the others?"
"It's he who is at fault. Not you Wes."
"Shut up!" Wesley yelled and wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. His little body was shaking with tears. "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"
Mark sighed and pulled the distressed boys into a hug and the boy clung to him as he cried. Mark wondered when anyone had ever just held the small boy. Jerry had been talking to him and showing him pictures. Otto and Nathan had tried to include him among the other freshmen of the Dragon but that didn't work and Justine… she had tried to treat him like a child and protect him. But it hadn't turned out well… nothing of it had turned out well.
Mark held the sobbing boy close to him and after a bit picked him up and sat down on Wesley's bed. He had Wesley in his lap hugging him as the small child cried. Mark knew the kid was just distraught about all this and yet again he wondered when someone had actually just held him. The boy was crying so badly it tore at Mark's heart. After a bit when the heartbreaking sobs were ebbing out a bit Mark started to sing softly.
(After song) Mark looked down at the face of the boy resting his head on his shoulder and saw his eyes closed and he was sleeping. Mark smiled and gently got up and put the boy on the bed and put a blanket over him. He then tiptoed out of the room, determent to find the other Warblers.
He had been the first to really hold the boy and he guessed that meant much because afterwards Wes would let others just hold him if he needed it, even Otto, Nathan and Alvaro. Alvaro was the most fascinating thing, after all… they had started out like "enemies" and were now pretty close friends.
Mark would miss the tiny boy so much. Mark had thought that things at Dalton had been pretty dull but then this tiny little firecracker arrived and livened things up a bit… well at first he wasn't really a fire cracker. He had been a sad, broken and lonely little boy that had to get used to being cared about. That had hurt Mark the most, because even though he had been in juvie he knew that his family had always loved him. Suddenly he and Jerry got aware of Wes singing quietly to himself. The two seniors looked at each other and then down at the boy.
"What are you singing", Jerry asked him.
"Nothing", Wes mumbled. "Just… my favorite song."
"Well then", Mark said. "Sing it to us, please?"
Wes bit his lip but started to sing:
Come along
Will there be sunshine shinin'
Will we find a silver linin'
Come along
Sing a song
When today becomes tomorrow
We'll we find joy or sorrow
Sing a song
Is it wrong
To put all our hopes together
And wish for something better?
Is it wrong?
To belong?
To face the future with another
Who means more than any other
Is to belong
We'll paint the gray coulds
With pretty rainbow hues
And we'll brush the gloom away
And save it for a rainy day
Rainy day, oh today
If troubles cast a shadow
And shadows make the sun afraid to stay
But it's okay
'Cause there'll be sunshine shinin'
And we'll find a silver linin'
Another day
Tomorrow is another day
How I hope you'll always stay
Tomorrow is another day
"So true", Mark said. "Tomorrow is another day… our last at Dalton as students."
"Don't remind me or I might start crying again", Jerry said with a small chuckle.
"Not as much as I will", Wes remarked and then sighed. "What will I do…"
"What", Mark asked confused and Wes looked shocked.
"I said that out loud didn't I?" he asked.
"Yes", the other two said.
"What do you mean kiddo", Jerry asked and Wes sighed.
"I mean… I can't run around Dalton all summer can I? What will I do when everyone goes away on vacation?"
The older boys looked at each other.
"That is a good question", Mark said and looked at Wes. "Hasn't Carmichael talked to you about it?" Wes shook his head looking up at the two of them. Mark and Jerry had propped themselves up on their elbows. The two older boys shared a look and Jerry lied down again.
"Don't worry kiddo I'll fix something", he said and Wes smiled. Jerry smiled back and held the child close and Mark hell both of them close, they stayed in that position until the next day because all three fell asleep.
Wes and the other Warblers watched their friends get their diplomas and Carmichael holding a speech to all graduates… and Jerry doing it too. Wes smirked because he saw that the chain hanging around Jerry's neck was empty, the older boy hadn't noticed that when Wes hugged him before he left to go prepare for the ceremony Wes also managed to unhook the whistle. Wes had hid it in the perfect place this time.
Jerry would never look there and Brad would be allowed to find something else to gain everyone's attention… as long as it wasn't a megaphone Wes could live with it. Jerry talked about the friendships and brotherhoods he had created at Dalton, about dreams the boys had when they came there, how the dreams had changed and how they were now on their way to fulfill their dreams. The Warblers sat in just behind the graduates so Jerry turned his gaze to them.
"My favorite role at this school has been working as the chairman of the wonderful Dalton Academy Warblers", Jerry said and the audience cheered. "Stand up boys… and Lucas make sure that everyone can see our littlest member will you?" Lucas winked and as the Warblers stood up to receive their praise Lucas and Otto hoisted Wes onto the back of the chair he had been sitting in and they held in him so that he wouldn't fall. The boys of Dalton laughed at the shocked look on the small boy and then they cheered when he grinned and waved. Parents and family members of the graduates all got curious as to what that tiny boy was doing that. But Carmichael had made all students of Dalton promise to keep quiet about Wes' situation, he added the fact that Wes' life would be in danger if they spoke too much about him. That motivated everyone to keep quiet. Wes grinned at Jerry and Jerry smiled.
"I am as an ending of this speech", Jerry said. "Giving the new chairman the token of leadership, use it well." Brad grinned and Jerry beckoned him towards the stage. Everyone cheered as Brad got up and he and Jerry hugged.
"The whistle is yours now", Jerry said and moved the chain from his neck and put it around Brad's. "Please keep it away from Wes."
Brad laughed and looked down at his chest.
"Um", Brad said and held it up. "I would Jerry, if there was a whistle."
The room erupted in laughter and Jerry stared at the chain and then turned his burning gaze towards the Warblers. They were laughing hysterically, but Wes had disappeared from view. Otto and Lucas had let him down from his perch so he could easily hide. Jerry sighed and took the mike:
"Wesley just you wait until I can get my hands on you!" he barked and everyone laughed again. Carmichael walked up to the two Warblers and gave both of them a hug.
"Now", he said. "The boys in the Warblers wish to send the seniors off with a song."
The Warblers all went onstage, Wes hiding in the crowd, partly to escape Jerry and partly for waiting for his 'entrance'. Jerry and the other seniors sat down in their seats while Brad joined his friends. The Dalton orchestra was going to help out this time. Philip took a step forward and started singing. (Warblers, Philip, Wes)
And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives
Where we're gonna be when we turn twenty five
I keep thinking times will never change
Keep on thinking things will always be the same
But when we leave this year, we won't be coming back
No more hanging out 'cause we're on a different track
And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now 'cause you don't have another day
Cause we're moving on and we can't slow down
These memories are playing like a film without sound
And I keep thinking of that night in June
I didn't know much of love
But it came too soon
And there was me and you
And then we got real blue
Stay at home talking on the telephone with me
We'd get so excited, we'd get so scared
Laughing at ourselves thinking life's not fair
And this is how it feels
Otto and Nathan grabbed hold of Wes' arms and hoisted him up and over Philip and when he took ground he sang his part.
As we go on
We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be
Friends forever
So if we get the big jobs
And we make the big money
When we look back now
Will our jokes still be funny?
Will we still remember everything we learned in school
Still be trying to break every single rule?
Will little brainy Bobby be the stockbroker man?
Can Heather find a job that won't interfere with her tan?
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
And this is how it feels
As we go on
We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be
Friends forever
The Warblers were doing their normal kind of dancing and the seniors nearly cried.
La, la, la, la
Yeah, yeah, yeah
La, la, la, la
We will still be friends forever
Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now?
Can we survive it out there?
Can we make it somehow(somehow)?
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're women and men
Will the past be a shadow that will follow us 'round?
Will these memories fade when I leave this town
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
As we go on
We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be
Friends forever
As we go on
We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be…
Friends forever
The crowd cheered and the seniors got to their feet applauding and smiling brighter than anyone, Jerry and Mark the proudest of them all. The Warblers bowed and Wes winked at Jerry and then looked at his tie. Jerry followed his gaze and laughed. Wes' tie clip… was Jerry's whistle.
Cameras were flashing as the Warblers took photographs with their departing members and Brad… stole back the whistle and fastened it to his chain. Wes had given him a glare.
"What", Brad said. "The battle must continue after all." He winked at Wes and Wes grinned. Wes felt a large hand land on his shoulder and he looked up at Mark and grinned.
"Hi Papa", Wes said and Mark smiled gently.
"Come here you little rascal", Mark said and bent over Wes and grabbed hold of his middle, pulling him upwards. Wes now hung upside down, laughing. Mark turned Wes so that the boy's face wasn't facing his stomach. Lucas smiled and bowed down to Wes' face.
"How's the view", he asked.
"Well you look much better upside down", Wes said. "And much more interesting."
"Oh really", Lucas said. "But you know this gives me a perfect opportunity to do this…"
He tickled Wes' side and Wes squeaked with laughter.
"Lucas not now or he'll kick me", Mark scolded lightly. "Can someone please take a picture of me and this little rodent?"
"Rodent?!" Wes asked and actually kicked Mark with his heel, he hit his shoulder hard.
"Ow", Mark said with a chuckle. "Sorry, could someone take a picture of me and my little buddy?"
Some cameras flashed and Wes was dropped back onto his feet. Bastian then appeared out of nowhere, wanting a picture with the littlest Warbler ever and after him followed all the other seniors. Then it was Jerry's turn… time to say goodbye. He looked about to cry and crouched down and Wes ran over to him and threw his arms around his neck, fighting the angry tears that were about to spill over. Jerry stood up straight holding onto the boy that clung to him as well and Jerry started crying too. Mark ushered the rest of the Warblers off to give them some privacy.
"You promise to write me okay", Jerry told his little brother and Wes nodded, too sad to even speak. "It's gonna be just fine buddy. You will get new friends and look at it this way… you will have fun at this place longer than anyone else!" Wes sniffled but chuckled at the same time and Jerry tried to stop his own tears.
"Jerry", a stern voice said and Jerry looked over his shoulder and saw his parents walk towards them.
"Aw damn it", Jerry swore and put Wes down on the ground, but still held an arm around him and Wes bit his lip, looking shy.
"Jerry dear we are so proud of you", his mom said and kissed Jerry's cheeks. "Oh and who is this sweetheart then?" She looked at Wes. "I saw you perform with the Warblers."
"I'm Wes ma'am", Wes said and held his hand out to her and she shook it.
"Hmph", Mr. Jonston snorted. "What were you doing with this boy Jerry? Who is he?"
"Oh he's just a friend that I care a lot about", Jerry said and put his arm around Wes' shoulders.
"Jerry's been taking care of me ever since I came to Dalton", Wes said and smiled. "He's been like a big brother for me and has always been really supportive. He will make a great doctor in the future."
"He sure will", Mr. Jonston said proudly. "So taken care of you, you say? When you've gotten injured?"
"Well yes but he has also helped me with studies, when other boys have been mean to me and has made sure I eat and sleep properly… and don't get too many bad habits."
"Like stealing", Jerry muttered and Wes elbowed him in the side. "Ow…"
"What was that Jerry", his mother asked.
"Nothing, just stomach cramps mom. Wes is like my little brother, it is thanks to him I decided that becoming a doctor would suit me really well."
"He's a natural", Wes hurriedly cut in. "He is so well organized he could even run a big company in the future, he makes sure things go smoothly, he cares a lot about others and he is always patient with me and the other boys when he helps out with homework. Jerry won't only become a great doctor or business owner he'll be a great father too!"
"See I told you", Mrs. Josnton told her husband. "Now you boys just say goodbye and then we must really get going Jerry. Nice to meet you Wes." She gave Wes a hug, Mr. Jonston shook his hand before leaving. Jerry looked at Wes.
"What", Wes asked.
"You are unbelievable", Jerry said and noticed that the rest of the Warblers were coming over. "They first don't like you and you charm them into liking you just like that!" he snapped his fingers. "Where did you get that silver tongue from?"
Wes shrugged. "How should I know, I don't know my 'family'. But don't think these are my only weapon Jonston", he pointed at his eyes. "I got a bigger arsenal than that."
"And don't we know it", Bastian said hugging Wes from behind. Jerry sighed.
"I guess this is it lads", he said.
"Group hug on Jonston!" Nathan shouted and the Warblers all hugged their leader and Jerry laughed. Wes and Mark were closest to him and hugged him the hardest. When the hug ended Jerry gave all other boys one quick hug and then he hugged Wes close, running his fingers through the boys hair.
"You take care of yourself now okay kiddo", he said and Wes nodded mutely. "Don't let anyone step on you."
"They wouldn't dare", Philip cut in. "We won't let them!"
Jerry smiled.
"Love you kiddo", he said to Wes.
"Love you too", Wes said back and let go of Jerry, Mark pulled him into a hug and Jerry waved at them… leaving Dalton for the last time and he left wearing his graduation gown and cap but underneath it he wore 'civilian' clothes as tradition was. When he was out of sight Wes started sobbing again and Mark, Lucas, Otto and Nathan hugged him close. They too were nearly crying because they felt for the small boy, Jerry had been important to him, if not the most important and now he was gone and it would take "forever" until they met again…
Next to leave was Bastian and all hugs he got were hard and full of emotions, no one could stop crying on a day like this. After Bastian Brad left, then Fredric, Richard, Scott and last it was time for Mark to leave. The bigger boy bent down and slung Wes over his shoulder.
"Come here little buddy", he said and Wes laughed as Mark held him. "I want you to meet some people."
"Save me!" Wes called to Otto and Nathan. "The giants are going to eat me!"
"Oh poor baby", Mitch said in a teasing tone as he leaned on Nathan, hearing Wes' plea. "Such a young boy and still he has to die."
"Mitch save me!" Wes called while giggling because Mark tickled him with his free hand. "S-s-s-save me!"
"Don't worry", Nathan called. "I'll save you!" He made to run at Mark but the older boy sent him a look and he froze, his foot in the air and arms in a ready-steady-go-position. "Later." He said and moved back so he was standing beside Mitch again.
"You are a horrible superhero", Wes remarked as he was carried around the corner. His world spun as Mark spun him over his arm and set him down on the ground. Wes had to steady himself on the taller boy or else he'd fall.
"Who's this Mark", a deep voice asked. "Jerry's brother? Does he know you kidnapped him?"
"No pa", Mark said and Wes turned and couldn't stop his mouth from dropping open. In front of him stood four men that were all around Mark's height but some of them were more muscular and in the middle of all this was a "tiny" little woman, no taller than 175 centimeters, well tiny in comparison.
"Ain't that the kid that sung with 'em Warblers", one of the tall men asked.
"Yeah Clay", Mark said and nodded, he put his hand on Wes' shoulders. "Guys this is Wes Montgomery. Wes this is my pa Logan Connors, my lovely ma Jacqueline Connors, my oldest brother Clay, my older brother Kevin and my fraternal twin Jessiah, he's two minutes younger."
Wes shook hands with everyone, still in shock and awe… especially over the "tiny" woman that was Mark's mother. She was shorter but a bit on the heavier side but still… How had this tiny woman been able to carry around these giants?
"He ain't saying much is he", Kevin asked.
"He's in shock dear", his mother told him gently. "Isn't that right baby?"
Wes only nodded.
"Never seen guys this big have ya", Mr. Connors said and Wes shook his head. Mark was the biggest guy he'd ever seen but his older and younger brother were both bigger than him and the oldest was just a tad shorter but more muscular.
"You got your family around here baby", Mrs. Connors asked and Wes nodded mutely. "Oh come on baby I want to hear that pretty voice of yours when you are not singing."
"S-sorry", Wes stuttered out and blushed. "I'm just… a bit intimidated."
"I wonder why", Jessiah said with a grin. "So ya got any fam'ly around here?"
"Well… um Mark", Wes said and looked at the bigger boy who just chuckled.
"Yes you got me and the Warblers", Mark said.
"What about your parents", Mr. Connors asked.
"Yes baby, where is your mom and dad?" Mrs. Connors asked.
"Um…" Wes bit his lip and looked at his feet. "I um… I've never met my mom… she um left me with my dad's family when I was just a babe."
"Oh baby I'm sorry", Mrs. Connors said and pulled him into a hug. "How about your daddy?"
"Um…" Wes hesitated.
"Wes' dad's family is a bunch of assholes", Mark stepped in. "Wes' dad cheated on his wife with Wes' mom and then to hide it he sent Wes away to a private school when Wes was 8 and had him stay away from their home ever since."
"Wait", his mother said. "So you mean you've been staying at school all this time baby?" She looked at Wes who nodded. "All alone?" Wes nodded again. "Oh hell to the no I am not gonna stand for this. Mark Connors why did you not tell me this?"
"Uh", Mark asked confused.
"Did you spend your Christmases here all alone baby?" she asked Wes.
"Well one here… this is my first year here ma'am and-"
"Oh don't ma'am me baby just call me ma."
"Sorry ma'am I mean ma…" Wes blushed.
"Aw baby you are such a sweetheart. How old are you anyway?"
"13 ma."
"13?! And you have been spending your life on your lonesome since you were 8?"
"Well… not really. I've been on my lonesome since I was old enough to walk around on my own."
"What?! Oh hell to the no I am not gonna stand for this! That is child abuse I will personally find your father and-"
"No ma please", Wes begged and backed away from her. "I don't want you to meet him. I don't want anyone at Dalton to meet him… he's not worth it." Wes looked at his feet, looking a bit said. They all knew what he really thought… Wes thought he was not worth the attention he was given about this.
"Oh but baby", Mrs. Connors said. "Of course I won't do anything unless you want me to. Now what are you doing when all boys will go home?"
"I… um Carmichael will tell me as soon as things calm down here ma."
"Well baby if you ever need anything just call or write to me okay?"
"Uh… okay?" She pulled him into a hug and gave him her card, that stated her name and address. Wes looked at the Connors-males.
"Does this happen often?" he asked.
"Yes." "Uh huh." "All the time." "Believe it." "Oh yes."
They five men of different ages said at the same time, looking a bit afraid, worried, annoyed or just sheepish.
"Excuse me", Mrs. Connors said and turned to them. "Does anyone of you have a problem with this?"
"No", all five said at the same time, shaking their heads fearfully and Wes smiled. Mrs. Connors winked at him.
"Now have a good summer baby", she said and then turned to her husband and sons. "Now you all get going before I use the nutcracker in my bag on your nuts." Her husband and two oldest and her youngest hurried off and she followed Wes turned to Mark.
"Guess this is goodbye then", Wes mumbled and looked at the ground.
"No", Mark said and pulled the kid into a hug. "It's a see you later." Wes smiled, still sad but anyway and hugged Mark back.
"Now you got my e-mail from Jerry", Mark asked and Wes nodded. "Write me whenever okay?"
"Okay Papa."
"Aw come here you." Mark said and hoisted the smaller boy up so that Wes could put his arms around his neck and Wes grinned at the whole thing. Mark sniffled a bit and Wes smiled.
"Don't worry Papa I'll be just fine", he said. "I got Lucas, Alvaro, Nitch, Otto, Justine and all the other Warblers… I'll be okay."
"Don't forget me okay little buddy?"
"How could I forget someone as big as you?" Wes asked with a cheeky grin.
"Okay that's it", Mark said and started to tickle him and Wes started laughing hysterically.
"Yo Mark we ain't got all day!" his brother shouted and Mark sighed and put Wes down and pulled him into a hug.
"You be good alright", he said and pointed at Wes as he backed away. "Don't let anyone mess with ya."
"I promise", Wes said and felt hands on his shoulders, knowing it was Lucas.
"Lukie-boy you'll keep an eye on the kid alright?" Mark said with a choked up voice.
"Of course Mark", Lucas said and pulled Wes into a backwards hug.
"Don't let anyone hurt him or boss him around Nitcho", Mark called to Nathan, Otto and Mitch that had joined the group too.
"Wouldn't dream of it", Mitch called.
"Be good Wes", Mark called and turned his back to them. "I'll see you all around. See you later!"
"See you later!" the group called and Wes leaned on Lucas sniffling slightly, Lucas just held him.
A few hours later all the boys of Dalton had left with busses, taxis or had been picked up by the families and Wes was all alone in the Dragon. It was creepy but he had promised Lucas to stick it out. Nathan and Otto had made him swear to try get Carmichael to assign the duo the same room like this school year and Wes had done that… but had rigged a small surprise from them. He had also agreed to store some of the other boys' stuff in his room and keep an eye on the rest of the stuff that was locked into one of the common rooms… all name tagged and organized so that it would be easy for the returning boys to get their stuff back when they returned in the fall. Wes was right now in Carmichael's office having dinner with the man.
"Well Wes this is a first", the man said and smiled. "I have never had to have a dinner with a student this time of the year."
"Sorry about it sir."
"Oh no no don't apologize Wesley it wasn't any harm in what I said. It is just unusual… now I just have to figure out what to do with you during summer."
"Can I stay in the Dragon sir? I'll make my own cooking and clean and everything!"
"Well for a few weeks you can but then I have an idea", Carmichael put his fork down and dug through his bag.
"What sir", Wes asked.
"Wes what would you feel about Asian Camp?" He handed Wes a folder and the boy cocked an eyebrow as he received it. It was a white folder and on it was a sign and big letters that spelled:
"Asian Camp."
"I don't like where this is going", Wes remarked and Carmichael laughed and they continued to eat their dinner. Wes wondered if this was what Jerry had been saying he'd fix? Maybe he'd give it a shot… I mean… how bad could Asian Camp be?
TBC Okay confession time... I cried writing this chapter.
Answer to non-members' (or not signed in members') reviews:
Sarah - Well it won't go the entire way up to Big Brother Wes (BBW)... only until Wes meets one of the Warblers in the group... just hasn't decided which one yet.