Part 37
The next day all Warblers had returned to the school and Wes got squished in a tight double hug from the Everetts. Wes thought he would choke but Isaac and Rob saved him. No one said no to Rob when he asked for something because a: he was the sweetest guy ever and b: he was big. After Mark Rob was the biggest guy any of them had seen. Wes liked hanging out with him at times because Rob also practiced martial arts and was not afraid to do his best against Wes, other boys tended to hold back but not Rob… which scared the crap out of people watching them.
"Okay guys", Austin said as he and Joseph sat down behind the council table. "We have quite a few things to do today."
"What", William asked.
"We have to choose a third councilmember, elect a new lead singer and talk about what songs we should perform at the assembly on Monday."
"Cool", Otto said. "So who's the third member gonna be?"
"Well I decided to choose a junior", Austin said and put his pen aside, the whistle hung from a chain around his neck. "In that way the guy can get used to being on the council and since both Joe here and I graduate this year he will have to become the chairman after me."
"Ooooh", the boys all said and grinned… well not the juniors. They were all freaking out. They were pale and their eyes were big.
"S-so who is it", Julian asked nervously.
"Otto", Austin said and the blonde's mouth fell open.
"What", he then yelled. "Me?! Have you lost what little mind you had Diaz?!"
"No."
"But… but… but I can't take that kind of responsibility!"
"You'll learn", Joseph said. "Just look at me and Austin."
"But… but.. I-I-I'm not cut out for these kind of things!"
"Of course you are", Austin said calmly. "You're the captain of the fencing team."
"Yeah but-"
"And trust me that's harder than being secretary on the council."
"But… but…"
"No more buts. Now move your ass over here and sit down so we can continue the meeting."
"Bu-bu-bu-bu", was all Otto could get out. But Julian, Nathan and Rob just grabbed hold of him and got him onto his feet and then into the seat to the right of Austin… well left for the boys watching the table. Austin showed him the official minutes and gave him a quick lesson in what to do and Otto caught on quickly. After about ten minutes he had calmed down and Wes couldn't help but think that he actually suited behind that table.
"Now", Austin said calmly. "When that's been taking care of we have another matter to take care of. Since Philip graduated last year we now need to appoint a new lead singer."
"Our first choice is sadly not able to", Joseph said and smiled at Wes who only cocked an eyebrow. "He's still too young."
"Until February at least", Austin said and smiled. "If we got to regionals you are performing with us Wes."
"Wait what", Wes asked confused.
"I've spent all summer reading the rulebook for the competition and it doesn't say anywhere that you have to be in high school to perform, but you have to be 15."
"So that means that after Wes' birthday he can be an official Warbler", Mitch asked and Austin nodded. The Warblers cheered and Wes grinned, well all but one Warbler.
"That doesn't make any sense", Jesse spoke up and Austin looked at him. "He's not in high school."
"I talked to the arrangers about it", Austin said calmly. "I called them up and asked about the rule and they said that they changed it so that the participant only has to be 15."
"Why?"
"Because quite a few schools have kids that have moved up a year or two. They are in high school but are only 14 or 13… sometimes younger. They said it was not right so they changed it."
"That's awesome!" Nathan said and put an arm around Wes. "But in the meantime… who'll be the lead?"
Austin's mouth turned into a thin line and Joseph gave him a stern look.
"Jesse", Austin said calmly but Wes could see how much that annoyed him. Jesse smirked and got up as the boys applauded him.
"I knew you'd see my potential and star power sooner or later Austin", he said and sent Austin a flirty wink.
"I still have veto right St. James", Austin growled. "Don't make me use it."
Jesse hurriedly sat down again and some chuckled or sniggered at the scared look on his face. Austin looked through his papers.
"Okay", he said. "Before we elect two songs to sing on Monday's welcome assembly, are there anything else you wanna say or just get out of your systems?"
"I have", Matt Jonson, one of the seniors said. He was Asian like Wes and quite short.
"What", Austin asked and smiled.
"Two things are disturbing me to no end", Matt said with a smile. "One, Justine all dressed in black… that's just sad and wrong. I mean babe it makes you look like you're sick."
Justine looked at her black uniform with a sig, except for the red logo and red piping on the blazer everything was black.
"I know right", she said and looked sad. "Black is a nice color but this is stupid…" everyone laughed and Mitch hugged her tight and she snuggled up to him. Nathan put his arms around both of them.
"And second", Matt continued and didn't look so happy anymore. "Wes is as tall as me now!"
Wes grinned happily.
"That doesn't bother me", he said with a big grin.
"It's so not fair. I'm senior and you're not even in high school and yet you're my height!" Everyone laughed. "That's so not fair!"
"You're one to talk", Mitch said sounding almost frantic. "He's taller than me!"
"Yes", Wes cheered. "I'm not the shortest anymore!"
The Warblers all laughed but Mitch didn't look that happy. But Nathan kissed his cheek and soothed him with little kisses to calm him down. They Warblers then started to suggest songs to use at the assembly and after a bit Reed said:
"Well let's have Jesse sing the first song and then introduce our smallest singer."
"So Mitch is gonna solo", Wes asked innocently.
"Damn it I meant you", Reed said and ran a hand over his face.
"Then why didn't you say so?"
"Because I'm used to you being the smallest."
"Well you better get used to me not being the shortest anymore."
Reed just rolled his eyes but they all agreed with him. Jesse would lead the first number and Wes would take the second.
When the Warblers started to leave Wes overheard Roger and Matt talking. Roger was upset about something to had to do with the student council.
"We never get anything done because we keep being the same amount of people saying yes and of people saying no. We need a tie breaker."
"But you will get three new members this year when the freshmen join", Matt said.
"You know as well as I do that the freshmen only vote like the seniors most of the time and the sophomores and juniors stick together. We removed the double vote from the council president last year so now we're 12 represents that need to vote."
"So put in a fourth senior or something or reestablish the double vote of the president."
"We've tried but no one wants that… it's unfair. The student council should have represents from each grade and that means three of each year."
Wes smiled, the student council had been having this trouble for some time now.
"Wait", he heard Matt say. "Didn't you say represents from each grade?"
"Yeah", Roger answered. "Why?"
Wes felt someone look at him and then two hands landed on his shoulders, one on each. Wes looked to his left and saw Matt grin at him and then he looked to his right and saw Roger doing the same.
"I don't like that smile", Wes said and Roger smiled even wider.
"Wessie what would you say about joining the student council?"
"Uh…"
A few days later Carmichael had every student gathered in the big auditorium. He was holding a welcoming speech to all of the students. He informed them of rules and after school activities. Wes listened from behind the curtain. He'd been dragged to the student council and was now a member. Some of the older boys had objected at first but when Roger told them of the rule about every grade having a representing member they couldn't say anything. And soon all realized that they finally would have their tie breaker. Wes din't like being used in this way but he had no choice... it was regulations. And who knows... maybe it would be fun later on. Maybe he could even become president... nah not likely.
The Warblers were all in uniform, Justin was out today so far and the new seniors were wearing black. It was strange to see the former juniors as seniors and as always Wes though it was strange to be some men short.
Carmichael talked for a bit more before he told the boys to aim their attention to the stage for the showing of one of Dalton's prides. The boys got in formation, an upside down pyramid shape formation with Jesse in the front and behind him was Mitch, Matt and Wes aka the shrimps. The first song they sang was Welcome from Disney's Brother Bear and Wes really loved that song and even Jesse made it sound amazing. The boys in the audience cheered loudly for them and they had done a not too advanced dancing because they'd only had a day and a half to prepare. When the number ended Jesse took a bow and Austin stepped forward.
"Thank you guys", he said. "We are the Dalton Academy Warblers and we are looking for new members to join our ranks. We will hold auditions later this afternoon and we would really like it if some of you came to tryout. I am sure you've heard about Glee Clubs at other schools but there's something you need to know about ours. We are an a cappella group. It means we don't use instruments to accompany us, all sounds and 'instruments' you heard we did with our own voices. Now before we let Principal Carmichael tell you about the dorms we will perform a second number."
As Austin spoke the Warblers got into the next formation. They were standing in three rows this time. Wes was in the front row, feeling nervous.
"So sit back, relax and most importantly", Austin said and smirked. "Enjoy."
Wes was not going to solo alone, he was going with Kim. (Kim, Wes,) The Warblers started the backup and Wes smirked and spoke-sang:
Anything you can do I can do better - "Ha", Kim said from his place.
I can do anything better than you
Kim stepped forward with a smirk and sang:
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can, yes, I can
Anything you can be I can be greater - They started to walk/dance around the stage
Sooner or later I'm greater than you
No, you're not
Yes, I am
No, you're not
Yes, I am
No, you're not
Yes, I am, yes I am
I can shoot a partridge with a single cartridge
I can get a sparrow with a bow and arrow– Wes pretended to have a bow.
I can live on bread and cheese
And only on that?
Yes
So can a rat
"Hey!" Kim objected and the audience laughed.
Any note you can sing I can sing higher
Ha! I can sing anything higher than you
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
"How do you sing that high", Kim asked.
"I'm a high tenor!" Wes said in annoyance.
"Oh..."
Anything you can say I can say softer
I can say anything softer than you
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can, yes, I can
I can eat my veggies faster than a flicker
I can do it quicker and get even sicker
I can open any safe
Without being caught?
Sure
That's what I thought you crook – The audience laughed.
Any note you can hold I can hold longer
I can hold any note longer than you
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can, yes, I... – Everyone stared at Wes.
Can
Yes, you can
"Where do you keep all that air Wes?" Kim asked.
"I dunno", Wes said and shrugged.
Anything you can say I can say faster
I can say anything faster than you
Noyoucan't
YesIcan
Noyoucan't
YesIcan
Noyoucan't
YesIcan
Noyoucan't
YesIcan
I can jump a hurdle
I can wear a girdle
I can knit a sweater
I can fill it better
I can do most anything
Can you bake a pie?
No
Neither can I– Everyone laughed again as Kim stared at Wes and he just shrugged.
Anything you can sing I can sing sweeter
I can sing anything sweeter than you
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Oh, yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
No, you can't, can't, can't
Yes, I can, can, can, can
No, you can't
Yes, I can
The audience flew up and cheered for them. Wes and Kim took a bow before heading off stage with the others.
"Seriously", Kim asked and slung his arm around Wes' shoulder. "Where do you keep all that air?"
"I dunno", Wes said and grinned. They hung back to listen to Carmichael tell the kids about the dorms.
"Here at Dalton we have four dorms he said", calmly. "We have Dalton East, Dalton West, Dalton North and Dalton south. But a few years ago with had a teacher obsessed with Japanese Culture and he gave the dorms nickname from Kyoto. That city has guardians in the north, south, east and west so he named them after the guardians. First we have Dalton North also known as Black Tortoise or just Tortie for short." The boys laughed. "Now in Tortie the seniors and freshmen have the second floor and juniors and sophomores the third. All dorms have a bottom floor with common rooms, kitchens and showers if something should be wrong with the shower in your room. Then we have Dalton South aka, as you kids say, Vermillion Bird which the boys shorten to the Bird, Vermillion… or birdhouse."
"Stop calling it the birdhouse", a Vermillion boy shouted happily. "That's the Warbler hall."
Wes and the Warblers laughed at that. Carmichael just smiled and continued:
"In South the juniors and seniors had the second floor and freshmen and sophomore the top floor. In East aka the Azure Dragon or just Dragon the juniors and seniors share the top floor while freshmen and sophomores have the second. And last but not least we have West or the White Tiger. In there the seniors and sophomores have the top floor and juniors and freshmen first floor. Now you all got your rooms assigned. Boys in grade 8 and sophomore to senior you know where you're staying. The freshmen boys better stay behind and get their rooms. Thank you." Wes noticed quite a few people looked confused, who the heck was in grade 8?
Later that day the freshmen and others that wanted to audition for the Warblers arrived to the Warbler hall. Sadly the Warblers already knew the oldest boys were not good at all, having heard them sing before so they were asked to leave so only the freshmen remained. Wes was studying them and whispered to Mitch:
"Why does everyone have to be so tall?"
"Welcome to my world", Mitch whispered back and both grinned. They continued to watch the freshmen to see if someone would stand out. One guy in particular did that, but that was because he had crutches.
"I wonder what happened to him", Mitch whispered to Wes. "He seems to be in pain."
"Car accident maybe", Wes whispered and then Austin blew his whistle for the first time. Everyone turned to the council that were behind their table while the other Warblers were sitting around the room. Wes was sitting between Mitch and Justin, Justine was in the closet for the moment. Every eye turned to Austin.
"Okay boys", he said calmly and with a friendly smile on his face. "Since you are all freshmen you have no idea who I am or who these two beside me are. You see the Warblers doesn't have a coach like all other schools. Each year we select a council that lead us. You all got a say if you think something is wrong or if you see a problem, but it is the council that decides who's in and who's not, who'll get the solos and not."
"We also handle preparing each number, dancing, harmonies and everything", Joseph finished. "It is us you tell if you have wishes to audition for a solo."
"The council has three members", Austin continued. "The secretary that basically writes down everything that happens in here and this year we have Otto Johnson here in that position." Otto waved smiling happily. "Then we have Joseph Hughes here who functions as councilmember and choreographer."
"And finally we have Austin Diaz in the middle", Otto said happily. "He is our chairman and in charge of basically everything. So if he seems a bit stressed at times just turn to Joseph or I to help ease some stress."
"So let's start the auditions", Austin said calmly and sat down. "We have quite a few who wants to join us, so can all of you please wait outside and we'll call your name one at a time."
All the boys that wanted to audition walked outside and Austin called up the first one, Nathan let the guy know he was wanted inside. The first five boys or so really wasn't any good and two had too bad attitudes. But then there was a call for a boy named Alexander Dumas and in through the doors came a pretty tall, 188 cm, Hispanic guy. He grinned happily and Wes recognized him. He'd seen him move into one of the rooms in the Dragon. Alexander sang his song and he was really good, perfect for the Warblers.
"Welcome to the Warblers Alexander", Austin said and the Warblers cheered. Alexander grinned and sat down on the spot next to Rob. He was patting the space happily. Wes realized they were roomies so that was why. After Alexander a few more boys auditioned but no one was good enough.
Then it was time for Juan Ferrera. He was short, not much taller than Wes' 162 centimeters. He must've been around 165 centimeters and he was Hispanic and wore glasses. He sangLivin' La Vida Loca and they cheered loudly for him, Austin's lips even twitched a little. Why? Well it was the song he'd auditioned with himself and he was Hispanic as well. He got a wave of nostalgia hitting him. Everyone agreed that he should join.
After him a few more sang but none were good enough and five were way too cocky, worse than Jesse even and they were just… well they did not have what it takes to be team players. When auditions started to come to a close four other boys had joined as well. They were named Howard Jameson, Collin Pratchett, Logan Smithand Peter Watson. They started to call him Peter Pan because he went by that before he told them. The one thing that bugged at least Wes, Matt and Mitch about these guys was the fact that all of them were between 190 and 195 centimeters tall!
"Great more giants", Matt grumbled and Mitch patted his back soothingly. Wes wondered what had happened to the kid on crutches and Austin called the last name, Oliver Webber. It was the boy on crutches. He had fading bruises and cuts on his face, as well as small burns here and there.
"Are you okay Oliver", Austin asked and looked a bit troubled.
"Yes sir", the boy said.
"Please don't call me sir, it makes me feel so old, call me Austin."
"Yes sir." Oliver bit his lip, looking as if he was in pain and the Warblers caught on to it.
"Hey are you okay", Rob asked carefully and moved closer to the guy.
"Yeah", the guy gritted out. "It's just me leg…" He looked at his right leg and grimaced.
"Rob give him a chair", Austin said and Rob followed orders. Oliver sat down.
"Can you sing sitting down", Joseph asked kindly.
"Yeah…"Oliver said. "Let me just… let the pain pass."
"Sure", Austin said.
"What's his problem", Jesse asked and Austin and Joseph glared at him. "What?"
"It's okay", Oliver said and smiled shakily. "I was… in an accident a while back… and well… it still hurts."
"What happened", someone asked worriedly.
"My parents and I were… on the highway when a car crashed into ours… Dad got it to a stop and we had to climb out… but the car exploded."
Some guys winced.
"Mom and dad made it out just f-fine", Oliver continued. "But…" he hesitated and looked at his leg.
"It's okay Oliver", Austin said and smiled at the younger boy. "You don't have to-"
"Can I please sing now?" Oliver asked and Austin nodded.
"Go ahead."
Oliver nodded.
"Y… You can join in if you want too", he said and then started to sing:
I heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
Well it goes like this
The fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Well your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to her kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Baby I've been here before
I've seen this room and I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
But love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show that to me do you
But remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Well, maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
It's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Oliver had sung with such emotion that no an eye was dry and he was crying himself. Austin got up from his seat and they all watched him walk over to the freshman and pull him into a comforting hug.
"You're so brave", Austin said and Oliver broke down and clung to him. "I don't know about the others Oliver, but you're in for me."
"Of course he's in", Otto said and wiped at his eyes. "That was fucking beautiful!"
"How much do you want this Oliver", Joseph asked trying to keep himself from crying. Like Austin he seemed to know a bit more than the rest, come to think of it… everyone in the White Tiger seemed to know what was going on.
"More than anything", Oliver said through sobs. "That's why I wanted to… to go to Dalton." He clung to Austin a bit tighter. "But my leg…"
Austin just nodded and held him tighter.
"What the hell is going on", Jesse yelled. "What isn't the kid or you fucking Cats telling us?" Everyone that lived in the Tiger glared at him furiously, none more so than Austin. Wes looked between Mitch and Justin.
"Is something wrong", he asked confused and Justin looked at him and then Austin. Austin looked at Oliver who nodded and Austin nodded to Justin.
"Oliver lost his leg in the explosion", he said calmly and everyone turned to him.
"What?" Otto asked in horror.
"Everyone in the Tiger knows because the place got modernized to suit him if he ever needs a wheelchair", Mitch continued. "Or if something else happens and Ollie needs help. Everyone staying in the tiger knows."
"But…" Jesse said. "He has two feet. Ow!" Rob had slapped him, hard.
"He has an artificial leg you dolt", he growled.
"But can he dance with that? Ow!" Rob had hit him again… harder.
"N-no", Oliver sniffled. "Not yet but… I need some practice a-and-"
"Hey it's okay", Austin said. "We understand. You're working on it but chances are small you'll be able to do all the stuff we do… you told me so."
"Y-yeah… but I-I really, really love to sing and-"
"You're in", Joseph cut in. "No doubt about it."
"But", Jesse began.
"The council decides who's in or out", Austin cut him off sharply. "Joe said he's in and I do too. I have two votes so if Otto is against it, he'll sadly be one against three."
"I'm not against it", Otto said. "Of course the kid should join. He's amazing! So what if he can't dance and make flippeti-flippery-flip-flops like some of us. Who said we need that to win? When my dad attended this school the Warblers didn't dance."
"Flippeti-flippery-flip-flops", Nathan sniggered.
"Oh shut up Nate", Otto said. "My point is: the Warblers let everyone that's good enough join and Ollie is more than good enough. I vote yes."
"As do I", Joseph said.
"And me", Austin said and Oliver looked up at him. "So Oliver Webber welcome to the Warblers."
The boys cheered happily and a few hurried over to hug the freshman. Wes was one of them and he beamed happily when he hugged Oliver and when he let someone else do it he looked at Austin and smiled even wider. Their new chairman was born to be the leader, he was like Jerry… the big brother type.
TBC So what do you guys think of Austin after this?
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