Chapter 2
Liam had finished his day at the docks, he was kind of a jack of all trades. He would do mechanic work on the ships and any maintenance required. He had welcomed the job once his Navy career ended, it allowed him to be close to his beloved sea.
His dream had not been that of a professional athlete but one of an honorable Navy officer. Sadly that dream was not meant to last. He tried to deny for a long time that something was wrong. He would lie and minimize rashes witnessed by his fellow officers. His skin became over sensitive to the touch because the fabrics friction caused burning, he tried over the counter relief because he didn't want to see a specialist.
He had somehow been successful for a time and hid the issue that eventually led him to be discharged. But the condition just kept getting worse and he was eventually exposed by his friends out of concern. Soon the doctors realized the allergies were not from food or airborne allergens, but a rare allergy to Uniform Wool.
It was just his luck that a bloody allergy would cost him his dream. Now all he had was an occasional glimpse at Navy ships passing in the distance. He sometimes wished he would have pursued his athletic career instead.
Liam saw his brother approaching while on his last break. He could tell his brother was upset just by the way he was walking, and the clenched jaw, an obvious tell sign.
"Hello, brother!"
"Hello Liam, how is your day so far?"
"I wager better than yours from the looks of it."
"I should be happy, truly happy, but I'm not."
"What is the problem?"
"I got my first undercover assignment; I'm a bloody undercover reporter." The excitement was obvious in the big glowing smile his brother was giving him.
"I fail to see the problem."
"I have to go back to high school to research contemporary teenage culture and no one believes I can do it."
"You are going back to high school? Killian, do you remember what it was like for you in high school?"
"It was so long ago. You don't think I can do it either."
"Killian, it is not that. But I think you forget why you chose to graduate ahead of your class."
Killian gaped at Liam as realization dawned on him. "I was miserable in high school."
"Exactly. But you know what, Killian? Things are different now.. You are successful, you aren't that same awkward kid. Just add some swagger in your attitude."
"Brother, for you it was always so easy and simple. If it was that easy I would have been able to do that the first time around."
"Brother you will be fine. I know you can do it."
"Thank you, brother, and on a different note; how is the house sitting going?"
"Fine, but is it really house sitting if I live there with my parents?"
"Liam, there is nothing wrong with that. You are getting your life in order."
"To make things more difficult, I have to compete with a little brother who happens to have a successful career and a place of his own."
"Younger brother," Killian corrected, "and mum and dad love having you, Liam, this is not a competition."
"Killian, you don't know how it feels. I feel worthless. I'm a failure."
"Brother, you are not a failure because your Navy career ended. You were honorably discharged because of your excellent record, although brief it was exemplary. The work you do is nothing to be embarrassed by."
"Thank you, Killian; you always know the right thing to say."
"So when should we expect mum and dad back? Did they say how long they will be away?"
"They are visiting dad's family overseas, and we both know the length of those visits. It is not like there is a lot for them to do here since they retired early, I think they want to go back."
"Oh, have they said that?"
"Not in so many words, but I have heard them talking and dad misses England. The only reason we moved out here was for mum's inheritance."
"I know, but what about us?"
"I don't think they expect us to move back with them if they do decide to move back to London."
"I sure hope not, I'm finally getting to do some actual reporting. My first big piece."
"We are both adults Killian it would be our choice if we go back or stay."
Killian and Liam continued talking while watching the ships come and go from the dock.
"Thank you for the chat and vote of confidence. I better let you get back to work."
"Nice talking to you brother, maybe we could go to the pub and have a night out?"
"I need to prepare for my assignment. I mean how hard can it be?"
Liam searched through his pockets and found his target. "Killian wait. Before you go, here take these."
Killian looked at the object his brother had put in his hand. "Liam, what are these keys for?"
"You don't recognize them? They belong to Aunt Corinne's old car."
"The same car mum will not let dad get rid of? Liam that car is ancient. What do I want that car for? It's a piece of crap. Does it even run?"
"Yes, Killian it runs. Mum has made sure it is maintained. She says it makes her feel close to her favorite aunt. Besides you can use it, you know for your second round of high school. Just pick it up and leave your car at the house."
"Alright, I will do that. I guess it makes sense, a high school student wouldn't have a great car."
"Oh and Killian, don't ever let mum hear you say that about her car." Liam laughed a little. "Don't worry I won't tell her, it will be our secret."
"See you around brother."
Killian left his brother behind and headed to his parent's home to retrieve the ancient car, then finally headed home
His flat was a clean and open space. The bottom floor had a gray sofa, and a low center table. The wood floor was covered by a striped rug and a comfortable black bean bag on the floor. He had a big screen TV hanging on the wall. That was more for his brother. The stairs were visible to the eye as they led to the bedroom which housed a simple dresser and bed.
The brick kitchen bar table was in the back, hidden behind four black bar stool chairs. It was a small but comfortable kitchen.
He loved his apartment, it was his safe haven. His parents had gifted him with the little space as a college graduation gift. He offered to pay them back for it, at least some fraction of the amount. Killian had told them he wouldn't accept it if his wishes were denied. So they folded and agreed on a price.
His black cat, a runt he had found abandoned in a box, was part of what truly made this place a home for Killian. He deduced that the other kittens in the litter had been strong and energetic, and therefore quickly snatched up. He had felt an instant connection with the cat. He too was the runt in the Jones clan. It turned out the kitten was a rare breed called Ojos Azules. Liam teased him about preferring a cat over the company of a woman, but Killian didn't care. He loved to read books lying on his bed with the company of his cat, Shadow.
Killian laid in bed that night, contemplating just what his upcoming assignment would entail. He needed to prepare for his new role as student. He had to believe that things would be easier this time around. He would not allow himself to be intimidated.
He was older, smarter, and not as gangly. He had decided on a small makeover. He now wore contacts and maintained a nicely trimmed beard. He may not be the athlete Liam was but he had taken up running and was naturally lean, all thanks to good DNA. He only enjoyed hitting the pavement for health, never for looks. Liam kept telling him he needed to let go of his shyness. He would tease him, "Killian, I'm not the only one graced with good looks, you just need the right clothes…" but he didn't care to find a woman that would only want him for his looks, or any superficial reason. As for love, he would find it; he knew it would be in the most unlikely place. He had no desire to kiss a bunch of frogs before finding his princess.
Friday morning came quickly, and Killian woke with a start. Deciding to go all in, he began processing his undercover identity. He shaved his beard and proceeded to take out his old glasses. His reflection was eerily similar to the one of all those years ago, and that made him nervous. Bloody hell, he needed to do this. He had to do this; this was the pathway to the career of his dreams.
After all, a man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets.
He stood in front of the mirror in dark jeans and a gray shirt topped with a black vest. After the finishing touches, Killian left for his first day of high school, again.
Walking out of his flat he thought maybe he should stay with Liam to sell the high school student vibe but quickly decided against it. He didn't plan to have friends over was going to just go in, find the story, write it, and finally be taken seriously. That was the plan.
He inspected the car in front of him. A 1971 Chevrolet Vega GT that had been part of the inheritance that led the Jones family to leave England for America. He might as well get the show on the road.
Killian entered Storybrooke High School lobby and was stopped dead in his tracks by a guard. He didn't expect this.
"Hey, you, you need to back up! Get in line with the rest of the group,." a gruff voice scolded him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know, it is my first day of school," Killian mumbled the response as he looked around.
"Whatever, get back in line," the grumpy security guard pointed at the line he had walked by and missed completely, "and you need to put your belongings in the basket, is that understood?"
"Aye, yes sir." Killian walked to the back of the line. Why would they need metal detectors at a high school? What had he gotten himself into?
When he was finally holding his schedule for the day he could discern he should be at room 815, that much was clear, but the school was like a maze. He asked for directions but failed to pay attention to the kid in front of him. He had a tongue piercing that distracted him from retaining the directions.
The ring of the first bell warning students to get to class had them all scrambling, pushing, and shoving each other out of the way.
He was close to running as he made his way through the halls to reach his destination, he made a sharp turn and then, oomph, he collided with another body.
Loose papers, notebooks, and books fell to the floor on impact. He knelt to the ground instinctively to collect the scattered mess. After a few minutes of sorting he rose to return them to their owner. He finally looks up and meets the eyes of the woman he almost ran over in his haste to get to class on time. He had not expected to be looking into the most radiant green eyes he had ever seen. Said eyes belonged to a woman with shoulder length blonde waves, a dazzling smile, a few freckles, and a dimpled chin. She was… breathtaking.
She too seemed lost in the moment, before blinking to retrieve herself.
"I'm sorry, lass, I didn't mean to run you down."
"There's no need to apologize I think we were both at fault." The words sounded breathier than she meant.
Handing her the items he'd gathered from the floor, their fingers briefly connected, and her smile increased his heartbeat.