Part 20
"Of all stupid, stubborn and annoying teenagers in the world you are the worst Brad Sullivan", Wes grumbled as he entered his room after dinner. He and Lucas had tried, more than tried, to talk the council into letting Kim join. Austin was all for it but not Joseph and especially not Brad.
Wes had no idea what Brad's problem was but he told Wes over and over again that Kim was not to join the Warblers. When Wes had demanded a reason why, Brad had said that he didn't have to tell Wes and that it really wasn't any of the kid's business. Wes had stormed off and was now in his room. He threw his bag on the bed and kicked his chair. He still hadn't gotten a roommate and was happy for it at the moment. Then his phone rang.
"What", he asked as he answered.
"Is that really a way to great your big brother", an amused and familiar voice asked.
"Jerry!" Wes said happily and his voice split into a big grin.
"Now that's more like it", Jerry said and laughed. "How are you kiddo?"
"I'm good", Wes said. "How are you? Everything going okay?"
"Everything is fine with me, but are you just good?"
"Yeah", Wes said and sat on his bed with heavy sigh.
"Kiddo talk to me, what's going on", Jerry's voice was calm, soft… caring.
"There's this kid here", Wes said and lied down on his bed.
"Is he giving you a hard time? Is he being mean to you? Do I need to call some of the boys to kick his ass?"
"No", Wes said and smiled knowing that Jerry was just as protecting of him as always. "It's quite the opposite… kinda."
"Wes, tell me everything."
Wes told him everything, how Kim had sung for them in his native language and how that made him unfit to be a Warbler in the eyes of Joseph and Brad. He also told Jerry about Jesse and how Brad saw him as lead singer material and how Austin, Austin, was somewhat mean to him. Wes could hear how shocked Jerry was even though Jerry didn't say anything. That Austin was mean was something unheard of. Austin was one of the boys with the biggest hearts.
Wes told Jerry about how he'd tried to talk Brad and Joseph around about Kim with Lucas' help. But it hadn't worked at all. Jerry listened patiently and let his little brother rant a bit and blow off some steam. When Wes was done Jerry told him what to do… and that required, which Jerry admitted reluctantly, a theft of a certain whistle. A somewhat evil smile crept onto Wes' face when he heard that. The plan was simple and would be executed at the next Warbler meeting. When the plot was done Jerry wanted to know how things were with the rest of the Warblers and Wes told him everything he knew.
He talked so happily and eagerly that he didn't notice his door opening. Lucas, Alvaro, Otto and Nathan stood there watching the kid stand at his window talking happily… and with wild gestures with his only unoccupied arm. They wondered who he was talking to with such enthusiasm.
"There are five new Warblers", Wes said happily. "I already told you about Jesse right? Well there are four more. What they're like? Well I don't know them yet. Well my first impression of Robert Barton is that he is a nice guy. He is tall and have brown hair and green blue eyes. He's a bass. You should've heard him sing She it was amazing!"
"Totally", Lucas whispered to Otto and Nathan. Alvaro just looked clueless.
"Then when Brad told Nate to bring in Brett Everett he entered with his identical twin. They're African-American with long black hair that they usually have in loose pony tails. The only difference between them is that Eric has a scar underneath his left eye. They came in carrying a guitar and a pair of bongos. They played and sang Cecilia and everyone joined in. You should've seen it, we were all amazing! Oh and Eric is hilarious. He sat down beside me and had funny remarks and comments going on."
"I still want to know what", Nathan whispered. Wes hadn't noticed them yet and by the looks of it wouldn't.
"The last freshman is a boy named Isaac Newton", Wes went on and Otto noticed his best friend growl a bit. "When he came in we could all see that he's troubled about something. His eyes were kind of dull and empty and he looked as if he was in misery just being there… until he sang. When he sang he came to life! Like… he shone Jerry."
Lucas smiled and walked over and took the phone from Wes.
"Hey!" Wes objected and spun around but Lucas had already put the phone to his ear.
"Jonston you are such a jackass", he said and Wes stared at him. "Only calling the kid and not the rest of us? Now that's low."
"He loves me more", Wes said happily and sat down on his bed grinning.
"Oh shot up Shorty", Lucas teased and Wes stuck his tongue out at him. "And don't stick your tongue out to people it is very rude Wes. No Jerry I am not ignoring you, I've just taken over your job since you left us."
"Too early", Otto called and he and Nathan fake sobbed. "Come back!"
Lucas looked at them.
"Alvaro", he said and nodded at the duo. Alvaro nodded, grabbed the two boys and knocked their heads together.
"Ow!" Nathan said.
"Your will is still our command Jerry", Lucas said into the phone. "Yes Alvaro smacked them up the head."
"He did not, he knocked our heads together", Nathan yelled.
"Sorry I couldn't hear you", Lucas said pretending to be innocent. "What didn't sound like what?"
Wes rolled his eyes but smiled at Alvaro and Alvaro winked at him.
"So how are things at Harvard", Lucas asked. "Seen Rich around? That's good. Any certain reason you called then? Oh I see, yeah it's hard not to miss him. Yeah I know… really? Wow. Well that will be interesting. Okay, yeah I'll tell him and the guys. Yeah you too man. Take care." Lucas hung up and then turned to the others.
"Jerry says hi", he said and threw Wes his phone. Wes caught it, nearly dropping it but then got a grip on it. "He also said that Wes has a plot to get Kim into the Warblers."
"Well", Wes said and blushed. "It's not really a plot… it's more like instructions so if you excuse me I have some stuff to do." He hurried out of the room and the older boys left too, not caring about locking the door behind them… Wes never locked his door.
While all this was going on Justin and Mitch were sitting with the newest addition to the Warblers and having small talk.
"So you two are never separated", Justin asked Eric and Brett Everett.
"Never", Brett said. "If we are the other one is miserable until we're together again."
"We can be parted while being in the same room but not for long distances", Eric said and smiled. "Like I can't be in the gym if Brett is in the dorms… he's too far away."
"But what happens if one of you get sick?" Mitch asked and tried to ignore that Isaac was sitting really close to him.
"We don't", the twins said at the same time.
"Well not only one of us get sick", Eric clarified. "We always get sick at the same time."
"Twin-thing", Brett said happily. "We are very much alike but also individuals. For example… Eric plays bongos and loves basketball and lacrosse."
"Brett plays guitar and likes reading, drawing and poetry", Eric said happily.
"Poetry", Isaac's head snapped around at that.
"Yeah", Brett said and grinned. "I love poetry."
"I do too", Isaac said happily.
"Sweet we gotta have a writing session soon then?"
"Sounds boring", Jesse said. He was sitting in his chair with his feet up on the table, tipping the chair back on only two legs. "Poetry is just a bunch of words some misfits put together."
"I'll have you know that an attitude like that can land you in a lot of trouble", Justin said coldly. "And sit like a normal person will you? It is rude and inappropriate and you show that you don't respect anyone."
"Okay, okay geez", Jesse said and sat normally on the chair and he glared at Justin. "What crawled up your butt and died?"
"Don't mess with me freshman."
"Justin please", Mitch said and put a hand on the strawberry-blonde's. "He's a freshman, take it easy. Jesse is just trying to find himself like all of us. So please honey take it easy."
"Fine", Justin grumbled. "For you."
Mitch smiled and then looked at Jesse.
"So Jesse what dreams do you have in that wavy-haired head of yours", Mitch asked with a soft smile and Jesse bit his lip, feeling slightly… nervous. What was it with the tiny brunette that made everyone so calm and easy going?
"Well", Jesse said. "I want to become a performer. That's what I live for."
"Well then I guess you have to lose a bit of that angry and hedgehog attitude you got going on honey", Mitch said and smiled. "Like Austin pointed out. Your attitude isn't the best."
"And yours is", Jesse spat.
"I never said that", Mitch said calmly.
"You're so sweet all the fucking time did you know that? What are you made of, candy sticks and cotton candy?"
Justin flew up and Isaac glared daggers at Jesse, Mitch only snorted.
"No", he said. "I'm made of fluff and cotton."
They all stared at him and then Jesse started to laugh, followed by the twins, Mitch only smiled, Justin started sniggering and Isaac just sat down. They laughed for a bit and then settled down.
"One question though", Jesse said as Mitch drank from his tea and Justin took a bite from an apple. "Who's that little kid? Is he a dwarf?"
Mitch nearly choked on his tea and Isaac was quick to start thumping him on the back. Justin had gotten a piece of apple down his throat and had to cough for a bit. The twins, Jesse and Isaac stared at them. Mitch took a rasping breath, he was all red in the face, had tears in his eyes and was shaking a little bit.
"Thanks Isaac", he rasped and Isaac smiled at him, but didn't let his hand drop from Mitch's shoulder. Mitch then turned to Jesse, Justin was still coughing but a bit easier and much quieter.
"No", Mitch said. "He's not a dwarf."
"Then who is he", Eric asked. "Is he like some wonder-child that started early or jumped over classes?"
"No", Justin said with a thick voice. "Wes is in seventh grade."
"But what is he doing in a high school then", Brett asked confused.
"That's really his thing to tell you", Mitch said. "He'll tell you when he's ready."
"Speaking of the devil", Justin said and a small form ran up to their table.
"Hi Mitch", he said and pressed something into Mitch's hand. "Bye Mitch." With that the little Asian disappeared from view, after him came a panting Otto and he stopped by their table, leaning a bit on Justin's chair.
"Wessey!" he called but the little Asian was already gone. "Damn he's fast."
"What's this", Mitch asked holding up the pear he'd gotten.
"A pear", Otto said. "He's handing those and bananas out to everyone."
"Why? Wait… I don't think I want to know."
"Just keep it with you at all times today", Otto said and took a big breath. "Seriously that kid is too smart. Oh hi fresh meat." He looked at the freshmen. Jesse looked confused, the Everett twins looked curious and Isaac didn't seem to really notice him. He wondered were that Robert Barton was but couldn't see him anywhere.
"Rob is with Roger, Matt and Austin checking out the cross-country court", Mitch answered as if reading his friend's mind and Otto smiled at him… but then noticed Isaac's hand that had moved from Mitch's back to rest on his arm. Otto narrowed his eyes at the freshman and the freshman gulped. Mitch didn't seem to notice.
"Well", Otto said. "I'll see you at… wait isn't that the Swede?" He pointed and they saw the blonde boy walk into the cafeteria looking confused. Otto understood why, Wes was dragging him by the arm. He saw Wes telling Kim something before darting off again. Kim stared after him before laughing and following.
"Now what is he up to", Otto asked, meaning Wes.
"Something, like always", a voice said behind him and Otto jumped and turned around. He saw Lucas stand there with a smirk on his face. "You should know by now that Shorty is full of mischief."
"True", Mitch said and smiled.
"Shorty", Eric asked.
"Only I am allowed, somewhat, to call him that", Lucas said before walking off and the tiny group broke into smaller ones.
When the time came for the Warbler rehearsal to start nearly every Warbler had gotten a fruit from Wes during the day. The freshmen were all surprised when he gave them fruits as well but that was nothing against how they reacted when the doors to the Warbler hall opened and in came a girl with long chestnut hair, blue eyes, black stilettos, white knee-high socks, a grey short skirt, white shirt, red and navy blue tie and a navy blue blazer with red piping. She was very beautiful and she smiled at them all.
"Happy you could grace us with your presence", Brad said without looking up from where he was taking notes. The girl just smiled and skipped forward and to the freshmen's astonishment she dropped down on Mitch's lap and kissed him on the lips. Mitch didn't kiss back but didn't pull back either. When the girl had kissed him she sat down beside him and curled into his side.
"Chestnut today", Mitch asked pulling his fingers through her hair.
"Of course", she said and smiled. "I'm trying to find myself."
"Well stop finding Mitch's lips", Nathan said and walked over, took Mitch's tie in his hand and pulled him up slightly to kiss him. Isaac glared at him and a few others just chuckled.
"Keep your greedy lips off of my boyfriend", Nathan said to Justine after the kiss. Isaac felt his heart break into a million tiny pieces. Mitch had a boyfriend. Of course he had a boyfriend, someone so beautiful and kind had to have a boyfriend. The Warblers started to chat all around him but he didn't really care what.
When it was time to start the volume in the room was a bit loud so Brad reached for his whistle and froze. He felt on his chest pocket but there was nothing. He felt on all his pockets but found nothing. He was slightly panicking but then realized… that his whistle hung from a chain around his neck. He felt on his chest and felt the thin thing there. He sighed in relief and grabbed it, before putting it in his mouth and blowing… nothing happened and it felt wrong in his mouth.
He tried again but got the same result. With the thing still in his mouth he looked down and saw that he was having a ball-point pen in his mouth. He spit it out, took the chain off of him and stared at the thing lying in his hand. He growled and Austin and Joseph looked at him in confusion, but then saw the pen. Joseph smiled, while Austin broke out laughing. Brad looked around the room. He saw Wes lean on the wall next to the table where Lucas, Michael, Matt and William were sitting. Wes was smirking at him before he winked. Brad flew up with a:
"MONTGOMERY!"
Everyone turned to look at him and they all looked confused, save Wes. Brad held the pen up.
"What is this", the senior growled.
"A pen", Wes said innocently.
"Seriously Brad you must know that by now", Charles said with a grin. Brad grabbed hold of the chain and held it up so that the pen dangled from it.
"Does anyone know what this is", he asked coldly.
"It's a pen on a silver chain", Otto said looking confused.
"It is", Brad said through gritted teeth. "But it is supposed to be a whistle."
At first there was no sound at all and then all the Warblers from the year before started laughing and Michael gave Wes a high five. Brad kept glaring at the kid who was only smirking.
"That got your attention didn't it", Wes said and crossed his arms.
"What do you want Wes", Brad said with a tired sigh and ran a hand over his face.
"I thought you'd never ask", Wes said happily.
"Just get on with it."
Wes jumped onto the table next to Lucas.
"I call for a Warbler duel and if my team wins Kim's joining the Warblers", he said and Brad looked at him cocking an eyebrow.
"What is a Warbler duel", Philip asked and looked at the oldest Warblers in the room, but none of them knew.
"Any Warbler can challenge the chairman's decision about who is and not is to join the group. This is done by a Warbler duel", Wes explained happily. "Jerry told me. He said that if a Warbler feels that the chairman is completely wrong he can challenge him… well actually challenge his lead singer and another singer. Kim and I challenge Philip and whoever he wants to sing with… Philip has to do his best." The last he added because he knew Philip wanted Kim in. But Philip was a competitor. He loved to win so he would give it his all.
"Fine", Brad spat and sat down, throwing his pen aside. "You and the Swede against PP and Jesse."
"Sweet", Jesse said and got up.
"Tomorrow", Lucas said and put an arm around Wes' waist to show that he was on their side. "They will crush you."
"How do we know who wins", Otto asked.
"All the Warblers act as judges", Austin called from where he was reading the rule book. "The council has no say. The winner is the team that either gets most votes or has the most Warblers join into the singing."
"That will be Wes and Kim", Mitch said with confidence.
"Bring it on", Jesse called.
"We intend to freshman", Wes said happily.
"Shut it midget."
"Oi!" the Warblers from the year before called, they didn't like that someone insulted their little brother. Jesse held his hands up in defense.
"Shut it yourself Wavy", Wes called back.
"Wes you're going down", Philip teased pointing at the kid.
"Nah we all saw what happened at sectionals last year when you lead us."
"Why you little", Philip said with a grin and ran at the Asian. Wes squeaked and ran off, Philip close behind. Otto and Lucas laughed and decided to save Wes so they followed. Austin smirked at Brad before hurrying after them… the Asian kid looked as if he was in trouble and Philip was known as the tickling master and they all knew Wes was ticklish. When they were gone Brad swore… he still didn't know where the whistle was… or why nearly every single Warbler had a banana, an orange or a pear in front of him.
The next day was a Saturday and the Warblers decided to start the competition in the afternoon. The two pairs spent the whole morning and lunch away from their friends so that they could prepare. Brad still hadn't found his whistle but was starting to suspect the big pile of fruit that was now in the Warbler hall. When no one was watching he would snatch a fruit and cut it open… and then eat it when he found no whistle.
The problem was that Wes kept handing out the fruit so the pile got bigger instead of smaller. Brad had no idea where Wes could get all that fruit but he decided to look into it later. The other Warblers seemed really amused by the whole thing and they were all suspecting the fruit pile that was on the council table. Austin was smirking, Joseph was sniggering and Brad tried to keep things going smoothly. He saw the two competing pairs walk in and sighed before getting up.
"Welcome to the first ever, during our time here, Warbler duel", he said and the Warblers had a seat. "Before we start I must ask Warbler Wes to return my whistle."
"You haven't found it yet", Otto asked with a grin. "Great maybe we can actually get rid of it this time!"
"I doubt it", Wes said and crossed his arms. "That thing is a boomerang."
The Warblers that knew of Wes' battle last year laughed, even Brad but then he cleared his throat.
"You all know the rules", he said and things quieted down. "Now since Wes and Kim challenged me it's 'my' team that will start their performance so PP and Jesse get ready."
Both boys nodded.
"The council has no influence here", Joseph piped up. "It's up to you guys to name the winner."
"May the best men win", Austin said.
"That will be us", Jesse said and smirked. "We're two men and they're a boy and a midget."
"Oi!" many voices objected and Jesse held his hands up in defense.
"It was a joke", he said and Wes rolled his eyes.
"Start then old man", he told Jesse and sat down. "We don't have all day."
Jesse glared at him and Philip smirked. They were allowed to have background music so they put a CD in and started to sing… they sang the Sound of Silence. To the surprise of Jesse, no one joined in. He couldn't understand why but Philip did. They had chosen a song meant for two voices and nothing more, but they sounded really amazing and he could see Mitch, Justine, Isaac and the Everett-twins wipe tears from their eyes as the song ended. When they were done everyone clapped, even Kim and Wes. Wes even had a big grin on his face. The council also clapped, Austin looked as if had some critic to hand out, Joseph looked neutral and Brad smiled big. Wes rolled his eyes and then walked over to the boom box and put their CD in.
"This song suits Kim's situation perfectly", he said and stood beside Kim. As soon as the music started Wes made the same noises that they do in the original: (Wes, Kim, both)
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
Chica cha ha ha
No matter what they tell us
No matter what they do
No matter what they teach us
What we believe is true
All eyes turned to Kim to see if he would be able to sing and he was… and everyone smiled:
No matter what they call us
However they attack
No matter where they take us
We'll find our own way back
Nathan, Lucas, William, Michael and Austin joined in directly. (Wes, Kim, both, backup)
I can't deny what I believe
I can't be what I'm not
I know our love forever
I know, no matter what
If only tears were laughter(ooh)
If only night was day(ooh)
If only prayers were answered(hear my prayers)
Then we would hear God say(say)
No matter what they tell you(ooh)
No matter what they do (ooh)
No matter what they teach you
What we believe is true
The Warblers all joined in, even Brad and Philip and Jesse and they harmonized with the main singers.
And I will keep you safe and strong
And shelter from the storm
No matter where it's barren
A dream is being born
(Ooh)No matter who they follow
No matter where they lead
No matter how they judge us
I'll be everyone you need
No matter if the sun don't shine(sun don't shine)
Or if the skies are blue (skies are blue)
No matter what the ending
My life began with you
I can't deny what I believe(what I believe, yeah)
I can't be what I'm not
(I know, I know) I know this love's forever
That's all that matters now
No matter what
No matter what (no, no matter, no)
No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
No, no matter
That's all that matters to me
The Warblers all cheered loudly and Wes turned to Brad with his arms crossed.
"Well", he said and Brad sighed.
"Fine", he said. "Kim I am very sorry, I was wrong. You'd be a great addition to the Warblers… that is… if you still want it."
Kim looked at Wes and Lucas by his sides and grinned.
"Yeah I still want", he said and Wes cheered and hugged him. Otto and Nathan followed suit.
"Well welcome to the Warblers then", Brad said and everyone hugged happily. But after a little bit Justine broke away from the group to put lipstick on. She took off the cork and stared.
"What on earth", she asked and they all turned to her and she turned to Wes. "Baby what did you do to my lipstick, it's all thin and pointy?"
"Wait a minute", Brad said when he heard that and snatched it from her. He pulled the stick out and saw that it wasn't really lipstick… it was his whistle.
"Aw damn it", Wes said. "Uh oh." Brad had turned red and was shaking with rage. "Um bye!" Wes called and ran out.
"Next solo goes to the guy that brings me that kid alive!" Brad yelled and pointed after Wes. All the Warblers smirked and took off… well nearly everyone. Wes heard them coming and squeaked before running as fast as he could to find the perfect hiding place because he knew that if he just kept running… it would only by a matter of mintues before he was caught.
TBC
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