Part 32

Like previous year the Warblers and Trixie wanted to keep Wes from finding out about his surprise party. Trixie hadn't told anyone about what she planned and the Warblers only had two days before Wes' birthday now. So they were all hiding from him at the Bean, it was 9 pm so Wes wasn't allowed outside, Carmichael now held his curfew at 9. So the Warblers were sitting in the Lima Bean. They had pushed their usual tables together and were now sitting at one big table.

"Okay", Brad said, his whistle hung around his neck, just in case. "The first thing we have to think off his how to get Wes away from the Bean while we make sure everything is okay for the party."

"I'll handle that", Justine said smiling happily and pushing some of her long hair over her shoulder.

"No", Nathan said sharply and pointed at her. "You'll only try to molest him again!"

Justine gave him a tired look.

"He hasn't complained about it", she said. "So why are you?"

"Because he's a baby!"

"He turns 14", Justine said. "He's already had one breakup and I am sure it won't be his last he has tons of admirers around Westerville."

The boys stared at her, except Mitch.

"Oh come on", Justine said. "You must've noticed that girls are fawning over him! He's sweet and adorable, good looking, polite… everything you'd want in a boyfriend."

"Except for height and strength", Jesse said.

"Oh excuse me but who trashed your ass in the dojo last time? And the time before that? And the time before that? And the time before that? And-"

"We get it", Jesse said and Brad blew his whistle and everyone jumped and looked at him.

"Knock it off", he said. "We're not here to have you two bitch around, we're here to plan a party. Any objections?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"So", Lucas spoke up. "Who are going to attend this party?"

"Well all of us in the Warblers of course", Philip said.

"No exceptions", Brad said without looking up from the paper he was writing on.

"And his friends from the Dragon?" Otto asked.

"Yeah", Jesse said. "You know all guys there are protective over their mascot."

"Stop calling him our mascot", Nathan scolded him. "He hates that."

"But that's the only thing he's good for!"

"What?!" Justine yelled and flew up.

"I meant measured by his height!" Jesse cut in and held his bag up in front of his face so that she couldn't claw it off with her nails. "He's the perfect Dragon and Dalton mascot!"

"He's not a mascot", Austin spat, still not liking Jesse… at all. Justine beamed at him before sitting down again.

"Okay, okay, geez." Jesse said, put his bag down and held up his hands.

"So what more do we need Brad", Julian asked trying to avoid more fights.

"Well", Brad said. "We need drinks, strictly no alcohol, something to eat and a cake."

"Oh and Alvaro", Mitch said and they all nodded. "He's one of Wes' friends after all."

The others just nodded and Brad wrote down Alvaro's name.

"He'd probably come even if we didn't invite him", Kim said with a grin. Alvaro and him were really good friends now. They even had a little special course going on. Kim was teaching Alvaro Swedish and he was teaching Kim Spanish.

"Is it okay if I bring my boyfriend along", Isaac asked shyly and the others all grinned at him. They had yet to meet this mysterious boyfriend.

"Of course baby", Justine told him. "The more the merrier."

Isaac blushed and mumbled a thank you while the others laughed or chuckled.

"So what are we giving the little runt", Eric and Brett asked with affection and the boys looked at each other and then Brad.

"Uh", he said so they all turned to Justine and Mitch.

"What are you looking at us for", they asked.

"You're the resident shopping gurus", Nathan explained as Trixie and another waiter came over with their normal drinks. "That's why!"

"Maybe, but why must we think of everything", Justine said and huffed. "We don't even know what to give a teenage boy."

"I feel insulted", Mitch said and looked at her. "Of course I know what to give a teenage boy."

"Say video-game or Playboy magazine and I will skin you", she threatened and pointed at his face. Brad found himself wondering why the two of them weren't dating, it certainly looked like it. But he knew Mitch was with Nathan and that both boys loved each other one hell of a lot. The spectacle at Thanksgiving had proven that, yes all Warblers knew about that and to say that they were angry was an understatement. Almost everyone had wanted to find Nathan's father and killed him, the ones that didn't wanted to do horrible, horrible things to him that would keep him alive but suffering. Mitch hadn't wanted them too though so they didn't.

"I was thinking more of the stuff this boy is interested in", Mitch said and gently slapped Justine's hand aside. "Like music, books, drawing or martial arts stuff. He could always use some more 'civilian' clothes, records, games or just funny stuff."

"Are we talking about Wes here my sweets", Trixie asked and put a hand on Brad's shoulder.

"Yes", all the Warblers said and she smiled..

"We're trying to figure out a birthd", Charlie began but Trixie cut him off.

"Why wasn't I informed you were planning until now?!"

"Uh", Brad said and she glared at him. "We um… um just started? Ow!" she had slapped him on the head with her tray. The others sniggered and she bopped the three boys closest to her with the tray.

"Don't laugh at other's misfortune", she told them and then looked sternly and Brad again. "So what are you planning to do? Where will this party be held? What kind of food are you having? I hope for your Justine and you boys' sake that there will be no alcohol. How about the cake? Will all his friends be there? Well answer me!"

"We", Brad began.

"He will suspect it being here", Trixie said. "So we move it to the Warbler hall, I will wipe up a few cakes, cookies and something more foodish, you boys will handle the music I trust you know what everyone can enjoy. Make sure that Carmichael is there and the boys from the Dragon that are available, Alvaro too of course and the boys from the martial arts team, Jesse don't give me that face, drinks I can fix."

"But", Brad tried.

"It won't cost you anything dear."

"But-"

"Oh don't worry about Carmichael and his stupid rules about no parties during a school night. We will have him and there to keep an eye on things."

"But-"

"And for gifts, go in groups tomorrow so he won't suspect anything. You can buy whatever you think you'd buy for a boy his age. He turns 14 right?"

"Yes but-"

"Good deary, now none of you buy anything that has to do with sex, he is still too young for that. Make some funny music number for him, I think he'd enjoy that, he did last year. How about that song you keep singing Kim, something about waterfalls… or was it rivers…"

"But-"

"And to keep him out of the loop you just carry on like usual."

"Trixie-"

"That way he won't suspect a thing and I don't think he will care. He didn't last year right? Do you think he will be expecting something this year?"

"Will you just-"

"So, Brady-boo you make sure Lucas, Kim and Alvaro just helps him with his homework as usual and come to your choir room around 5 pm and everything will be done and ready!"

"Ma!" Brad cried indignant, while pointing at her with his pen.

"Okay? Good sweethearts. See you then." She patted Brad on the cheek and stormed off with the other waiter that was giggling like crazy.

"Nelson stop acting like a school girl!" they heard Trixie scold before she disappeared into the kitchen. The Warblers looked at Brad. He was frozen in position, he was still pointing with his pen, but this time into thin air. All the Warblers started to giggle, snigger, laugh or guffaw at the whole thing. Charles patted Brad on the back and with a shudder Brad lowered his arm and looked at the laughing, giggling, sniggering and guffawing boys around him.

"What just happened", he asked.

"I think mommy just told us what to do", Mitch giggled. "Again."

"Mommy's word is law and we better follow it", Lucas said and nodded while smiling. "Anyone else had a feeling of déjà vu?"

All Warblers from last year nodded while the freshmen shook their head.

"Don't worry", Otto told them. "You haven't missed anything."

The freshmen looked at each other.

"That proves it", the Everetts said and the other freshmen nodded. "Being a Warbler makes you crazy."

Everyone laughed at that because… it was true. But no one noticed the satisfied smile one Michael Abrams was sporting behind his cup. His gift for Wes would be the best one, hands down.

While all this was going on Wes was sitting on his bed looking at a drawing. It was a drawing of a caged warbler, but the door was open and the little thing was looking as if it was trying to figure out if it should fly out into a room full of danger or stay in the cage. He remembered when he did it. It was last year around this time.

The Warbler was him and the cage was Dalton. The big room represented the world and the "dangers" there was a cat, things the bird could eat that would kill it, a snake, a ferret, a falcon, an eagle and a fire. He knew what they presented, dangers out in the world. He had drawn this as a reflection of himself because he was wondering if he should take his stuff and just run away from Dalton and never come back. The world outside had looked so tempting but the cage was comfy and safe and he needed that.

He flipped to the next page and now it was of the bird cage and the bird was in it, asleep between two bigger warblers. Wes knew who those were, they were his Warbler brothers. Not any specific just his big brothers. He smiled and put the sketchpad aside and hurried up to the drawing he was working on for Lucas' graduation and continued to work.

Wes woke up on his birthday when someone jumped onto his bed. His eyes snapped open in fright and when he looked up he saw a grinning Nathan and Otto look at him.

"Happy birthday baby!" Nathan yelled and pulled him into a tight hug. "Our baby is getting big!"

Wes felt his eyes water because he could not breathe… at least that's what he told himself. He was touched they remembered his birthday because no one had ever done that before.

"Nate you're choking him!" Otto exclaimed and Nathan let go. Wes gasped for breathe and Otto looked at him. Wes smiled and held his arms open and Otto hugged him tightly, just not as tightly as Nathan. When they hugged Nathan ruffled Wes' hair fondly. He noticed the sketchpad on Wes' bedside table. Wes had looked through it the last two nights. Wes looked at him and Nathan gave him puppy-eyes, asking for permission to look at the pictures. Wes nodded and Nathan grinned and took the pad. He looked through them and smiled at some, frowned at some and some he just didn't understand. There was one of a bunch of snowflakes for example.

"Baby what's this", Nathan asked and turned the pad to Otto and Wes. Wes looked up and smiled the tiniest of smiles.

"Fredric tried to cheer me up last year when I felt out of place", Wes explained. "He said that all snowflakes look different and no one looks the same… So no one really fits in but they are all still the same snow storm… so even though I'm different I still fit in."

"Aw", Nathan and Otto teased. Wes just stuck his tongue out at them before getting into the bathroom to get a bit cleaned up and into his uniform. When he got back he squeaked as he was hoisted off of the ground and over someone's shoulder. This someone was Charles.

"Charlie!" Wes yelled and hit on his back. "Put me down!"

"Soon birthday boy", he said. "Just have to make sure you don't eat in the kitchen but go to the cafeteria instead."

Wes' eyes widened.

"No!" he said and started to squirm. The others just laughed and brought him to the cafeteria where the whole school would sing for him… after the Warblers at his table standing up and singing of course. The other boys would realize what was up and then take part. Making Wes feel embarrassed, so embarrassed his face turned red like a tomato.

Wes got congratulations from everyone he met, including a few teachers and even though he hid it well he was smiling very wide inside. This feeling was completely new to him. Last year no one other than the people at his surprise party knew of his birthday so no one paid him any mind. Now it was the complete opposite. The boys in the martial arts team even gave him cake at practice that morning.

Wes was right now in his "classroom" at the library working on an essay about a European country of his choice. He had chosen Romania because of Transylvania. Wes would never admit it but he loved Dracula. He'd gotten to borrow the book from Richard Diamond last year and had loved it… Mark and Jerry weren't that amused with Richard though. But Wes didn't mind. He discussed the book with Richard a lot and often Richard would claim to be Dracula and tickle Wes as he tried to drink his blood. Wes would shriek in laughter until someone "saved" him. He looked up from his paper when there was a knock on the door.

"Yes", Ms. Lincoln called and the door opened and in came Alvaro.

"Excuse me Ms. Lincoln", he said. "But Mr. McKneel has gotten food poisoning or something so they need a French teacher."

"Oh my", she said and put a hand to her mouth. "But I can't just leave Wes all alone."

"Don't worry Ms. Lincoln", Wes said. "I can finish my work on my own and I know what you want me to do in the other subjects."

"But I need someone to keep an eye on you."

"If I sit out in the library the librarian can do that", Wes said with a small smile. Ms. Lincoln smiled, took her things and left, telling Wes sternly to do his work. Wes promised and took all the stuff he would need for the rest of the day and started to work. Alvaro, Kim and Lucas later joined him because Ms. Lincoln never said they couldn't.

But Wes started to get a bit suspicious. He knew the boys and he knew of at least Lucas' coffee addiction and not ones did he suggest they take a break for coffee. Something fishy was going on, were they planning a party at the Bean again? As they sat their working they heard footsteps coming towards the table and they all looked up and saw Brad.

"Hi guys", he said. "Sorry to interrupt but we need to have an emergency Warbler meeting."

"Why", Wes asked feeling very suspicious.

"The board contacted me and they said we can't perform only a cappella at regionals", Brad grumbled and looked really upset. "Sorry for pulling these guys away Alvaro… and for ruining your birthday Wes."

"It's okay", Wes said and got up. He was used to being let down on his birthday. "Let's go." They packed their stuff up and said goodbye to Alvaro.

They walked towards the Warbler hall talking about anything and everything. When they arrived they were discussing Simon and Garfunkel vs. The Beatles. They laughed at some of the arguments the others had about which was better and which was worse. Wes reached for the door handle and opened the door. The room was dark and he reached for the light switch and hit someone else's hand. This someone yelped in fright and that caused Wes to jump. Then the lights came on.

"SURPRISE!" the Warblers called happily and some of his friends from the Dragon. Trixie was there as well as Carmichael. Wes turned to Brad.

"You lied", he said.

"Of course", Brad said and ruffled Wes' hair. "We had to keep you from finding out of course."

"Which is why we refused to go to the Bean", Lucas said. "Now if you excuse me… I really need some coffee."

The others laughed and Wes hugged the boys closest to him. Alvaro had followed them and entered after a little bit. Wes got hugs from all his friends and Justine kissed his cheek. But Nathan and Otto hung around closely to make sure she didn't "molest" him again. Wes just rolled his eyes at their antics. He had kinda liked the kiss Justine gave him back at the mall. They talked for a bit before Michael Abrams cleared his throat. Everyone turned to the Greek-looking boy with glasses and he smirked.

"I think it is about time to hand out the gifts", he said and everyone nodded. "And I decided to go first this year."

Wes looked curious because Michael was looking way too pleased with himself.

"Wes close your eyes", the boy ordered and Wes rolled his eyes but obeyed. He felt a pair of hands cover his eyes.

"Just to be sure", Nathan teased. "Hey!"

"Exactly", Otto said and covered Nathan's hands with his own. Wes just rolled his eyes.

"That tickles!" Nathan said because Wes opened and closed his eyes to do that and the eyelashes tickles Nathan's palm. Wes just grinned and batted his eyelashes again and Nathan giggled. But then he heard footsteps entering the room.

"Open your eyes", Michael said and the hands were removed from Wes' eyes. He blinked a few times at the light and then…

"Mark!" he called and the tall African-American hurried over and gave Wes a hug, picking him up as he did so.

"Hey don't forget us!" another voice said and Wes looked over Mark's shoulder to see Scott Crawford, Bastian Nolan, Brad Raymond, Fredric Fitzgerald and Richard Diamond stand in the door.

"Guys!" he exclaimed with a happy grin.

"Michael got us tickets to get here", Fredric said as Wes hugged him, after Mark put him down about 2 minutes later. Wes turned to Michael.

"Really?!" he asked.

"Sure", Michael said and grinned. "Can't celebrate a birthday without the family members that are still state side partaking right?"

Wes nodded and then ran over to him and gave him a big hug. Michel grinned and hugged the little Asian close to him. Michael had felt incredibly guilty for the "crash and burn incident" last year and for not noticing Jesse acting weird when he had just locked Wes into that janitor closet. Michael had known something was up, but hadn't acted on it.

He was still feeling guilty so to make sure Mark and the others were there was his way of saying sorry. Jerry was now in Beijing and couldn't come obviously. But Wes and he had talked over the net last night and early morning and Jerry had sent him a gift with the mail. It was a locket that contained their pictures.

"So you won't ever forget me", Jerry had said in his letter. "And so that you can always keep me close to your heart. I have one identical close to my heart too."

Wes wore the locket underneath his shirt and kept it secret from the others because it was just his and Jerry's. Wes was pulled backwards and away from Michael by Bastian Nolan and Brad Raymond. He was squeezed in a double hug and laughter was all around. Wes happily hugged all former Warblers and then the current Warblers and boys from the Dragon.

"Present time", Justine called and grabbed hold of Mitch and hurried over to Wes with a rather large package.

"I get déjà vu feelings", Wes said and smiled as he took the package. He opened it and gaped. It was a black and very stylish jacket, one that would make one Kurt Hummel coo and smile in agreement.

"We all do", Mitch said with a chuckle. "I hope that one will fit."

"When it gets warmer", Trixie warned because it was clearly a spring and summer jacket. "Promise."

"Promise", Wes, Justine and Mitch said because it was known of Justine and Mitch to talk boys into wearing stylish clothes anyway.

Carmichael chuckled at how everyone acted around Trixie. Arthur Carmichael may be that father of the boys at Dalton and especially the Warblers but Trixie was the mother. It was probably the reason for their boys being so good kids. No other teenagers were so sweet, kind, unselfish, friendly and trustworthy as the boys at Dalton Academy. And that had turned out to be just what one young lonely little Asian boy needed.

Carmichael smiled as he watched Wes getting showered in love and realized just how much the boy had grown in a year. Last year at this time he could not believe that anyone would love him enough to do something like this and when he arrived he didn't believe anyone loved him at all. This was an almost completely different child. There were still some worry and fright in the boy and Carmichael knew what that was. It was because Wes was still afraid to completely trust that he would stay at Dalton until he graduated in senior year. The boy still wasn't 100% sure that he was safe. But that would come in time. At least he wasn't so haunted anymore and not so broken and Carmichael felt ones again that he had done right by accepting and caring for this child.

"Hey sorry we're late this idiot got lost", Isaac Newton's voice cut in and everyone turned to him and the boy by his side. The guy had brown hair and heavenly blue eyes. He was also about a head taller than his boyfriend. He was 180 cm and Isaac was 169 cm. The guy smiled at everyone and Isaac said:

"Everybody this is my boyfriend Vladimir Paulova from Westerville high. Vlad this is everybody."

"Hi", Vladimir said and then saw Wes. "Happy birthday buddy. Been practicing much?"

"Not really", Wes said and everyone stared at him. "Practicing what exactly?"

"Growing", Vlad teased. He'd agreed to keep Wes' little skating practice a secret.

"Ha, ha, ha very funny", Wes said and crossed his arms. Vlad only walked up to him and ruffled his hair.

"You'll get there soon enough", he teased. "You only need more practice."

"Thanks", Wes said and smiled with mock gratefulness. But then Vlad chuckled and Wes smiled for real and they hugged.

"How do you know our Wes", Isaac suddenly asked and stared at the two boys. The duo looked at each other and then said in unison:

"Freak accident."

The duo laughed while the others were confused, but the confusion soon got swept away as everyone partied and got to know the people they didn't know. Wes was the happiest kid in the world because even though Jerry wasn't there in the flesh his spirit and love was there with Wes and that was a lot better than nothing. Right?

TBC Sorry for the long wait but I had no imagination :S

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