Chapter Twenty Four: The Return
Brooke's POV-
As I hung up the phone after the conversation with Castiel, I laughed to myself inside. I felt stupid for ever thinking that he had feelings for me. He hadn't acknowledged them once, and I assumed it was because the idea of that was slightly unfathomable. Castiel was my best friend, nothing more, and I felt silly for thinking any different.
I laid back down onto my bed, surrounded by the soft protection of my many pillows and blankets and sighed, trying to straighten the thoughts in my head. Leigh wasn't going to stop until I forgave him, which was obvious, so I concluded that the only thing I could do was avoid him like the plague. I also worried about Armin, and what I would say to him. He was great, don't get me wrong, but no matter how hard I tried to picture myself with him, the thoughts would not process. I knew that the only option for me was to tell him the honest truth, and hope that he would notice Rosalya a little more instead, which I figured wouldn't be hard to do, since Rosalya was the prettiest and sweetest girl I knew.
I was nervous about the days to come; hoping that I could be brave enough to avoid Leigh and talk to Armin, but I rest assured that everything would be fine just as long as I had Lysander and Castiel by my side. They made me feel resilient and unshakable, and I couldn't imagine a world without my best friends in it.
-Two Months Later-
The next two months were effortlessly golden for me. Armin and I had reached an understanding quickly, and he no longer pursued me as a love interest, instead seeming more and more interested in Rosalya every day. Steering clear of Leigh, I hadn't seen or heard from him in a while, and although I sometimes thought about him, his absence from my life finally helped me to move on and forget the pain he caused me.
I was a happier person, and looked forward to coming to school to spend time with my dear friends. Armin and Alexy were now a permanent part of my life, but often did their own thing for lunch, while Castiel, Lysander, Rosalya and I continued to eat in the music room, with the occasional visit from Nathaniel and Melody, who warmed up to hanging out with us instantly and even enjoyed listening to the boys play music with Rosa and I.
Christmas came and went, and I spent the holidays surrounded by my friends and Auntie. I was truly beginning to find my place in this town, and in my mind I would never leave Amoris. I hoped to stay seventeen forever, driving these streets in my Jeep with Castiel and Lysander, singing and laughing to our favorite songs, or under the cherry blossom trees of the school garden, pretending to study but really just talking about pure nothingness and stuffing our faces full of fast food. Yes, it truthfully seemed as though times could not get any more perfect, but something deep down inside told me that things were too perfect.
Things were going so well- I was just waiting for something to crash and burn into my picturesque life. I had the best friends I could ask for, school was going well, and for the first time, I felt assertive and strong. I waited for something to come along that would ruin everything, and on a cold February morning something did walk into my life, but it wasn't bad. It actually may have been the very thing I had been waiting for to make life even better. Yes, they stomped right into my life through the doors of Sweet Amoris High School, and all I can say is that I was blown away at what that 'something' was.
Castiel's POV-
Things were great, and every day seemed like a step closer to telling Brooke how I really felt. She was growing strong and ready, and although I bit my tongue, waiting for the perfect time to tell her everything and sweep her off her feet, it appeared as though the right time never really came. I was always feeling pessimistic about it, thinking if I said anything she would not return the feelings. I had to find a way to make her see me in a different light, because every day was looking more like I was being friend-zoned. Time was running thin, and I hoped that something would come along that could change the course of everything.
This February morning was cold, and I zipped my black bomber jacket up, letting it wrap itself tightly across my body to shield me from the wind as I walked out to my car for another day at school. I quickly smoked a cigarette on the five minute drive and threw it out the window as I approached the entrance.
I was instantly pissed off when I pulled into the parking lot. My usual spot next to Brooke's Jeep had been stolen by a fancy black Range Rover that I didn't recognize. Everyone at this school knew I always parked there, and I scowled as I parked across from her car, next to Lysander's Toyota instead. Thankfully he was just arriving to school as well, so hopefully he would be able to turn my bad mood around.
"Can you believe that asshole?" I muttered, walking up to him and pointing at the obnoxiously large Range Rover.
Lysander chuckled, shaking his head.
"Castiel, there isn't a sign with your name on it staked into that spot, you know…" He laughed.
"I know…but I've been parking there practically all year long…" I growled. I was still not fully awake, so the little things were getting on my nerves even more than usual.
"You'll live…if the parking spot means so much to you get here earlier next time!" Lysander teased, matching my stride as we walked towards the school.
I pulled open the doors to the entrance and immediately started off towards the bathroom for my morning ritual of making sure I looked presentable enough before seeing Brooke. Lysander made his way past me to the courtyard, where we would meet when I was done primping.
As I walked into the bathroom I saw an unfamiliar face standing at the mirror, also grooming his appearance. I had never seen him before in my life, and stared at him quite noticeably.
He had scruffy brunette hair and emerald green eyes that darted towards me once he heard my footsteps. He looked tough, and his tight white collared shirt hugged his biceps for dear life, but despite his hard exterior, one glance at me and he was hurrying out of the bathroom as fast as possible. The stomping of his military styled black boots that were pulled over camouflaged cargo pants made me roll my eyes.
'Yeah, you'd better get out of my way.' I thought to myself.
Clearly I was the tougher looking one. I glanced in the mirror and pulled off my bomber jacket, flexing my arm muscles to examine my own biceps. I sighed when they didn't pop nearly as much as that new kid's did. Maybe it was time to start working out.
I ran the brush through my hair a few times, starting to worry if the Brooke welcoming committee would get ahold of this new guy, and if so, what she would think of him. I hated admitting that he was an appealing guy, but surely if the ever-charming Armin hadn't been her type, neither would this army-brat.
The first thing I did when I exited the bathroom was head for the student council room, where I knew I could find some answers. I threw open the door to find Nathaniel, rummaging through files and sipping on coffee, like every morning.
"Hey Castiel!" He chirped happily.
"Who's the new kid?" I asked him, gruffly.
"Oh, uh...lemme see here." He said, searching through the numerous papers clipped to his clipboard.
"Kentin Polanski…a military school transfer. I guess he previously went here, and now he's back? Have you seen him? He hasn't been by yet to register." He explained.
"Kentin Polanski? Why don't I remember him? I've never before seen the guy in my life…" I explained.
"So he's here?" He asked me.
"Yeah, I passed by him real quick on my way into the bathroom. He looks like he's trying to be some kind of hard ass…like he stepped foot out of some low-budget action movie or something." I scoffed, rolling my eyes.
"Well he is from military school, and according to these records he was a top student in both academics and physical fitness…" Nathaniel read from his notes.
"Please…from what I've heard the physical part of military school isn't even that hard. Anyone could do it. I better get to Brooke before he does, because everyone knows that girl can't resist welcoming new students." I muttered, heading for the door.
"Good luck!" Nathaniel laughed.
I nodded my head back to him and made my way towards the courtyard where I hoped I would find Brooke.
Brooke's POV-
I stood at my locker, still half-asleep and fruitlessly trying to punch the combination to my lock in with no avail. I entered the same three numbers into the padlock every day, and yet for some reason I couldn't remember my combination. When I finally got it open, I sighed a breathe of relief and started to shovel through the many books and loose papers that were stacked inside my locker. I grabbed for a book, but not before feeling a light tap on my shoulder. I quickly spun around, accidently dropping the book in my hand and looking up at an unacquainted face.
The boy chuckled, holding his hand to his mouth and bending down to pick it up at the same time that I did. Our heads collided, and I grabbed mine and looked up at him. His piercing green eyes struck a chord in my heart immediately.
"I'm sorry, looks like I'm still as clumsy as ever…" He huffed, picking up the book and handing it to me with a warm and for some reason familiar smile.
I quietly took the book from him, unable to speak. I felt shy, for what must have been the first time in my life.
"Gosh, it's so good to see you, Brooke…you look…you look great." He sputtered, running a hand nervously through his hair. Wait…how did he know my name? I was utterly perplexed.
"I-I'm sorry…but, do I know you?" I asked him, raising an eyebrow and cocking my head to the side. He automatically started to giggle.
"I should've known you wouldn't recognize me…It's me, Kentin!" He exclaimed, still trying to contain his chuckles.
Kentin? I only knew one Kentin, and this certainly was not the same person. I tried to reach back into my mind and find memories of this boy, but surely I would've remembered this Kentin. He was gorgeous.
"Polanski…" He added, now tilting his head. My eyes grew wide. No…it couldn't be.
"Ken?!" I exclaimed, immediately throwing my arms around him for a hug.
He hugged tightly back, his deep laughter filling my ears. This was impossible! I couldn't even begin to understand how Ken could've changed like this.
"Yeah…but from now on, call me Kentin. That stupid nickname died with the old me…" He smiled.
"Kentin…wow…is it really you?" I asked, my mind still pounding with questions and confusion.
He had grown at least four inches, and from what I could tell was in pretty great shape…to say the least. His hair was lighter, the bowl cut of his past completely taken over by a messy, layered style. He wore a tight black tank top, covered by a white collared long-sleeved shirt. Two dog-tags hung around his neck, and his long legs were complimented by camouflaged cargo pants that were tucked into black boots. The most striking feature of all were his sharp green eyes, once covered up by his thick glasses, they were now burning a hole into my mind.
"Yeah…this is all a product of military school. I kind of went through a growth spurt. I also realized how much of a wimp I was, and really tried hard to break out from my old shell." He explained.
"I just can't believe this…I never thought I'd see you again!" I cooed, trying to contain my surprised laughter. He snickered along with me.
"I always knew I'd come back to see you, Brooke." He told me softly, sending me a smile that set my heart on fire.
"Well, I'm really glad you're here. You look…so different." I told him, trying to come to terms with the idea of this incredible boy being the very same that had stalked me all of those years.
"Is that a bad thing?" He asked, tilting his head with concern.
"Oh, no…it's a very good different…" I squeaked. I felt like an idiot just standing in his presence.
A wild grin erupted onto his face and he giggled again, obviously feeling as frazzled as I was.
"You're so much taller than me now…and from the looks of it, stronger, too!" I commented, eyeing his bulging bicep muscles.
He looked over to his arms.
"Yeah…I've really gotten into weight training." He explained, a slight blush rising to his cheeks.
"I bet you could pick up my car by now!" I laughed. His blush grew even darker now.
"Maybe not your car, but I know something I can pick up with ease…" He teased, winking at me.
"What?" I asked him, but before he gave me an answer, he was scooping me up and placing me on his back for a piggy-back ride. I was so shocked that the only noise coming from my mouth was pure laughter.
"Kentin! What are you doing!?" I giggled as I clung onto his neck.
"Giving you a ride! Where do you want to go?" He asked me, looking up to me from the corners of his eye.
"You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?" I laughed.
He shook his head no. I could tell people were staring, but I wasn't embarrassed being on the back of probably the hottest boy in this entire school.
"Well, if you must…you can take me to the courtyard and meet my friends!" I told him. He smiled to himself and nodded his head, walking out to the courtyard while holding onto my legs to make sure I didn't slip off.
He walked as though my weight was that of a feather, and I couldn't stop laughing as he carried me through the school and out to the courtyard. When he pushed open the door and the sunlight pierced my eyes, I held my hands up to them and searched the yard until I saw Castiel, Lysander and Rosalya sitting on the benches, staring at me.
Kentin placed me back on my feet and glanced at me.
"Do you see your friends?" He asked me.
"Yeah, they're over there." I told him, pointing to them. Rosalya waved at us, while Castiel and Lysander continued to stare.
Kentin took a look at them, before scratching his neck.
"C'mon, let me introduce you!" I told him, grabbing for his hand. He kept his eyes on Castiel, and snapped his hand back.
"Uh, actually…" He said, glancing down at his watch.
"I've got to get to the student council room and register before classes start…I'll see you later?" He explained, looking down at me.
"Oh, okay. Yeah, come and find me at lunch, you can sit with us!" I told him with a smile. He grinned back down at me.
"I'm so happy you're back in my life, Brooke. I've missed you a lot." He whispered into my ear as we hugged, sending chills down my spine.
"I am too, Kentin." I told him with a smile before making my way over to my group.
"What the hell was that all about? You made the new student into your personal pack mule?" Castiel asked, crossing his arms and staring at Kentin as he walked inside. I laughed at Castiel's snappy, sarcastic response.
"Yeah Brooke, who was that?" Rosalya inquired, seeming allured by him.
"My old friend, Kentin! Remember, the one with the glasses?" I asked Castiel and Lysander as I took a seat.
Castiel immediately burst into laughter, holding his stomach and doubling over.
"What's so funny?" I asked him, tilting my head.
"You're…you're trying to tell me…that he's the same boy…who stalked you when you first moved here? Oh, that is rich." He laughed wildly, hardly able to speak.
"Yeah, clearly military school can change a person…" I laughed along with him.
"I'm sorry, but I have a hard time believing that's the same weird little nerd who creeped you out so bad…" He snickered, still trying to contain his laughter.
"He didn't creep me out that bad…" I sighed, my eyes still on the place Kentin left me.
"Excuse me, what? You used to complain about him all the time, Brooke…" Castiel snapped at me, his look fierce and kind of strange.
"I didn't…did I?" I asked him. Lysander nodded his head this time.
"You used to tell us about how he was always following you, trying to shove cookies down your throat, or something like that…" Castiel explained.
"I think he's redeemed himself…" I muttered under my breath, my eyes still glued to the doors he had tromped through.
"What?" Castiel asked me, sounding quite annoyed.
"Nothing…" I sighed, blowing a straight piece of hair from my forehead.
I couldn't deny that Kentin was on my mind, and I also unfortunately couldn't deny that it was generally his appearance that really stuck. I felt shallow and rude for daydreaming about what he might look like without a shirt, and I decided to make it my top priority to get to know the new Kentin's personality as well. I couldn't be love struck over someone judging by their looks alone…it didn't feel right.
"He seems into you…" Rosalya peeped, bumping my shoulder and raising her eyebrows.
I knew this. It had occurred to me that Kentin may still be harboring that puppy love he had shown me all of those years. It made me giddy just thinking about it. I knew being so nice to him all of those years would pay off someday!
"Yeah?" I asked her with a bright smile, letting a giggle trickle out from the back of my throat.
"Don't tell me you're suddenly into him now that he's taller and dresses like a GI-Joe…" Castiel growled. Lysander bumped him with his shoulder to shut him up.
"I don't know…maybe there's something about him I hadn't noticed before…" I sighed in lust.
"Put a pig in lipstick and it's still a pig. He can stomp around my school in his Santa Claus boots all he wants, but he's still an annoying dweeb deep down inside." Cas shot, rolling his eyes.
"You're telling me that people don't change? From what I've heard, you've changed a whole lot over the years." I spat back at him. He was starting to get on my nerves…
"Castiel is still the same old softy he always has been, even under the red hair and hard exterior…" Lysander told me, nodding his head. Castiel scratched his neck uncomfortably.
"People never change." He told me, before the bell signifying a five minute warning before classes rang throughout the courtyard. He hurriedly grabbed his bag and marched inside the school.
"Don't mind him Brooke, he's not having the best day so far…" Lysander told me quickly as he walked past, trying to catch up with him.
I shrugged it off and took my bags, walking with Rosalya inside to my classes. When I entered the school, I felt a tap on my shoulder and spun around, my gaze falling into the deep emerald green that I knew only belonged to a certain pair of eyes.
"Hey Brooke, can I walk you to class?" Kentin said, standing there with an eager grin.
"Yeah, sure!" I expressed happily. Rosalya smirked and winked at me, turning in the direction of her own classroom.
"Did you get your registration out of the way?" I asked him as we walked.
"Thankfully. What's your first class today?" He asked me.
"Trigonometry…" I sighed, rolling my eyes.
"No way, me too!" He laughed, scratching his neck.
"Really? That's great! Well hopefully we can find seats next to each other, then." I grinned, beaming up at him.
"R-really?" He asked me, wide eyed.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"Sure! I know you probably don't know anyone quite as well as me." I told him as we walked.
"Well, you are and always have been my only friend, really." He admitted, sheepishly.
"Aw, well I'll introduce you at lunch to my friends, you'll really like them!" I told him.
"Oh…so you're friends with that guy with the red hair?" He asked me, looking a little concerned.
"Yeah, that's Castiel Parker. He's my best friend!" I explained.
"He seems…intimidating." Kentin confessed.
"He can definitely seem that way at first, but he's a big sucker once you get to know him!" I laughed.
"He already glares at me like he doesn't like me. I can hold my own, but I still don't like the idea of confrontation…maybe I should just eat in the library or something." He shrugged.
"He's really not that bad…" I pressed, sighing.
"Not that bad?" He asked me.
My mind floated back to the past. I thought of Castiel's shiner on his face from the fight with Leigh, his snappy comments about Armin and Alexy, and his even snapper comments about Kentin this morning. Maybe he was a little hard to get used to. I knew he didn't really like new people, and didn't always get along with other guys. Perhaps it was a good idea to keep Kentin and Castiel separated. Kentin might be too mild for Castiel's taste…then again; Nathaniel and Lysander were also pretty passive...and so was I! I came to the conclusion that Castiel was an utterly confusing individual, and figured that keeping Kentin out of Castiel's way until he decided to warm up to him was probably my best bet.
"Okay, so he's a little rough around the edges. Maybe you should steer clear of him until he's ready to show you his good side, which I promise exists." I told him with a giggle.
"That's what I figured…" He chuckled as we walked into the classroom and found two desks next to each other.
During the whole class, Kentin paid attention and worked diligently. I wasn't used to having a friend in the seat next to me that didn't pass the occasional note or give me a smirk or two when the teacher said something ridiculous, but I tried to pay attention just as much as Kentin did…maybe to impress him?
When the bell finally rang I looked over at Kentin with a smile.
"This is way easier than my old school…" He laughed, collecting his things.
"Really? I think it's pretty tough. Math is my worst subject…" I huffed, slinging my bag over my shoulder.
"I know…I tried to tutor you, remember?" He chuckled.
"Oh yeah! That didn't go so well…" I giggled also, recalling memories and yet again being shocked that this was the same Kentin.
"You were always so distracted…" He recalled, still laughing as we walked into the hallways.
"I can never really focus on math, it's so boring." I sighed, brushing my bangs back behind my ear.
"I can try to tutor you a little during lunch if you want to join me in the library…if you'd like." He asked, tilting his head.
"Oh…well, I usually eat in the music room…" I respired, looking at him as his face dropped.
"But…what's one lunch, right?" I grinned, watching his face turn bright red.
"You're sure your friends won't mind?" He asked me blushingly.
"Nah, they'll understand!" I told him confidently.
And yet another obstacle for Castiel, and this time, does it seem like Brooke's into him, too? Uh oh...stayed tune, things might get a little crazy! Thanks SO much to all of my fantastic readers, I love you guys!