Part 49
Like previous years the Warblers and Trixie wanted to keep Wes from finding out about his surprise party. 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", Austin said, his whistle hung around his neck, just in case. He'd managed to snatch it back from Wes during a Warbler game of soccer. "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 has a girlfriend that can do that", she said. "So why are you worried about me?"
"Because it's you and he's my baby! He's not supposed to do that with girls!"
"He turns 15", Justine said dryly. "And I am pretty sure they are going to go all the way soon, the passion and love is so strong it is basically radiating around them."
The boys stared at her, except Mitch.
"Oh come on", Justine said. "You must've noticed that! They're practically on fire!"
"Pft", Jesse snorted.
"Anything you want to say St. James", Justine asked and glared at him. Austin's dislike for the guy had started to spread among the seniors.
"No sir", Jesse said and Austin blew his whistle and everyone jumped and looked at him.
"Knock it off", he said. "We're here to plan a party. Any objections?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"So", Alexander spoke up. "Who are going to attend this party?"
"Well all of us in the Warblers of course", Rob said.
"No exceptions", Austin said without looking up from the paper he was writing on.
"And his friends from the Dragon" Otto stated.
"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 grade!" 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. 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 Austin", Oliver asked trying to avoid more fights.
"Well", Austin said and smiled. "We need drinks, strictly no alcohol, something to eat and a cake."
"Oh and Olivia", Mitch said and they all nodded. "She and Wes are dating after all."
The others just nodded, but Austin was already one step ahead of them all. He pretended to write everything down.
"Well we have to get a pick up ready for her though since she lives in Lima", Kim said.
"I'm going to Lima for a quick errand", Rob said calmly. "Jesse and I have a project and we need to talk to a teacher at the high school. We can pick her up on our way back."
"Good", Austin said. "Justine you have her number right?"
"Already texting baby", she said happily.
"Is it okay if I bring my boyfriend along again", Isaac asked shyly and the others all grinned at him. "I mean he and Wes are friends after all."
"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 Austin.
"Babe, what do you and Mitch think", 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. "Why do we have to go through this each year?"
"We may be the shopping gurus", Justine said and huffed. "But even we can run out of ideas. We are still not miracle workers"
"I feel insulted", Mitch said and looked at her. "I haven't run out of ideas!"
"Say video-game or Playboy magazine and I will skin you", she threatened and pointed at his face. Austin smiled fondly. It was exactly like the other two times they planed the party.
"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 clothes, records, games or just funny stuff."
"Are we talking about Wes here my sweets", Trixie asked and put a hand on Austin's shoulder.
"Yes", all the Warblers said and she smiled.
"Do you have any ideas Ma", Austin asked with a smile. "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 Austin. "Of course I have ideas Austin. 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!"
"Well Ma what are your ideas", Austin asked with a smile while getting his pen ready close to his notebook.
"He will suspect it being at Dalton this time", Trixie said. "So we move it here, 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 here 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, oh and sweet Olivia, drinks I can fix."
"He'll appreciate that Ma", Austin said with a smile.
"It won't cost you anything dear."
"Thank you."
"Oh don't worry about Carmichael and his stupid rules about no parties during a school night. We will have him and probably Ms. Lincoln there to keep an eye on things."
"Of course."
"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 15 right?"
"Yes."
"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 something from a musical? God knows that boy needs more Broadway in his life… and you lot do too."
"Of course Ma."
"And to keep him out of the loop you just carry on like usual."
"Like always."
"That way he won't suspect a thing and I don't think he will care. He didn't last year right? Or the year before that. Do you think he will be expecting something this year?"
"Maybe, I'm not sure."
"Okay. So Austin honey you make sure Kim and Alvaro just helps him with his homework as usual and come here around 5 pm and everything will be done and ready!"
"Thanks Ma" Austin said and looked up from where he was taking notes.
"Okay? Good sweethearts. See you then." She patted Austin 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 Austin. He was smiling will writing away in his notebook.
"What", he asked, knowing they were all watching him.
"Why didn't you act like Jerry or Brad", Otto asked.
"Because I knew that would happen. And anyway mommy's word is law and we better follow it. So why not just spare us the trouble of trying to arguing with her and just let her do what she does best? Anyone had a slight feeling of déjà vu?"
All Warblers from last year nodded while the freshmen shook their heads.
"Don't worry", Otto told them. "You haven't missed anything."
The freshmen looked at each other.
"That proves it", Logan said and the other freshmen nodded. "Being a Warbler makes you odd."
Everyone laughed at that because… it was true. But no one noticed the mischievous looks the Everetts were throwing each other behind their cups. They had a little plot going on, that had to do with a certain boy joining the Warblers.
The next day Wes was in the dojo practicing with the team. He noticed Jesse give him angry looks. Jesse was still pushing him around outside of the dojo, but in here he didn't dare because Wes was better than he was. Just like the freshmen of the school Wes was being bullied by Jesse and the older boy even threatened freshmen of the Dragon to do his homework or bad things would happen to them or their friends. Wes was safe from that but not from the physical and emotional attacks. Jesse always shoved him, mocked him with words and Wes constantly found notes that said that if he told anyone about what Jesse was doing Jesse would tell everyone at the school his secret and then hurt him. Jesse was trying to tear him down with things Wes' family was feeling about him, well at least what he imagined they were.
Wes tried really hard to ignore him but it was hard, so he took his anger and frustration out in the dojo. For good and bad. His hits were hard and angry so his knuckles started bleeding but he was scaring off Jesse and anyone else that liked to tease or mock him. While he was practicing his kicks though someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder. He spun around and kicked on reflex. He looked down on the person lying on the mat. The person groaned and held his side, Wes blushed.
"Jesse don't sneak up on people!" he said and looked at the brunette. Everyone else was laughing while Jesse just moaned and groaned in 'agony'.
"What happened here", their coach Mr. Brown asked as he hurried over.
"I was practicing my kicks like you told me", Wes explained. "And Jesse snuck up on me in the middle of a kicking-series!"
"Jesse", their coach said and pulled the young man up. "How many times do I have to tell you to not sneak up on Wes or anyone else? You can get really hurt!"
"I think he broke my ribs", Jesse whined.
"Serves you right", a freshman mumbled and Wes looked panicked. The Coach cocked his eyebrow at the guy. "I-I mean for sneaking up on people. Maybe you'll learn this time."
Jesse just glared at the boy who hurriedly hid behind a senior.
"Well let's end practice then", Coach Brown said. "I'll take Jesse to the ER and make sure his ribs aren't completely broken. Wes, good job today kid looks like you're gonna get that black belt sooner than we think."
"Thanks coach", Wes mumbled.
"Oh and happy birthday kid", the man said and ruffled his hair before leaving with Jesse. Wes looked at his martial arts team, they were all smirking.
"Aw shit", he swore and made a run for it. But he didn't get far. Soon he was grabbed by the seniors and dragged towards the swimming hall. You see the martial arts team had a little tradition. Whenever someone had a birthday they grabbed said boy, dragged him to the swimming pool and threw him into it, clothes on… well practice clothes on. After that some stole said boy's clothes and hid them in said boy's room so that he would have to walk back to his dorm looking like a drenched rat. When the martial arts team came into the swimming hall they found a boy sitting on the edge.
"Oh hi Elliot", one of the seniors said happily. Elliot White was a boy that was a star at Dalton. He was undefeated in butterfly swimming and had been school, state and national champion since he started. Elliot looked up and smiled.
"Hi guys", he said softly. "Someone having a birthday?" The martial arts team's birthday tradition was well-known at the school.
"Yeah the runt", a senior said happily.
"Hey!" Wes objected. "I'm not a runt anymore!"
"You will always be the runt Wes", a junior teased. "Even when you are a freshman."
"You're not a freshman", one of the freshmen asked.
"Long story", Wes said. "Can we get this over with?"
The word had barely left his mouth before he found himself flying through the air and into the pool. He came up spitting water, but smiling. The boys were all laughing and Wes squeaked when someone grabbed his feet and he was pulled under. He opened his eyes under water and glared at Elliot that was grinning at him. Wes got up to the surface and Elliot followed. Wes splashed water in his face before heading for the edge. His suit was heavy which made it hard to get out… but all boys on the team knew that so the seniors grabbed his arms and helped pull him out. The team said bye to Elliot before they left. Wes had to go dry off after all.
"Uh Wes", Otto said as he walked up to the boy walking in a dripping martial arts outfit. "Why are you looking like a drenched rat?"
"One guess", Wes said as they reached the dorm and Wes headed inside.
"Well", Otto said. "It is a certain day today and a certain team has a certain tradition…"
"So", Wes said in annoyance.
"Oooooh they caught you this year too?"
"Shut up", Wes said as Otto started laughing. Every boy in the Dragon that they met sniggered and Wes got his hair ruffled or pats on the back. Everyone was congratulating him. Now don't you guys go and think that Wes was the only boy at Dalton being treated this way, he wasn't. Maybe the older boys showed him just a tiny bit more affection because Wes was the baby-Warbler and they had, most of them, seen the broken child that moved into Dalton a few years back. Now don't think that Wes was the only Warbler to get parties like this. All of them did, I just don't have the strength, patience or opportunity to tell you of all of them. Because I would never get anywhere if I did. When Wes got into his room Otto was still on his tail… and had gotten joined by Nathan, Alexander, Reed, Rob, William and Logan. He saw his clothes lying on the floor and he rolled his eyes before bending down to pick them up. He then turned to his friends.
"Do you mind", he asked and they all shrugged before sitting down around the room. Wes just rolled his eyes, knowing they ignored his request on purpose. He headed into his bathroom for a quick shower to get rid of the chlorine and the sweat. When he came back the Dragon Warblers were still there… well except for Jesse.
"I heard something funny today", Nathan said with a grin like a Cheshire Cat.
"Oh and what would that be", Wes asked drying his hair with a towel.
"Well firstly you got a bath."
"You don't say…"
"But Jimmy texted me a really interesting picture…"
"Now what", Wes asked and Nathan showed him. Wes blushed. "Oh… that."
"What", Rob asked and Nathan sent his phone around the room to show the picture of Jesse lying at Wes' feet… whining. "What did you do to Jesse?"
"It wasn't my fault!" Wes objected and flailed around with his arms. "The jerk snuck up on me when I was practicing my kicks and I kicked him! He broke a rib!"
"He did what?!" Alexander and Logan asked, eyes very wide. But only Wes knew it was in fear. He was also scared because Jesse would not be able to bully people until he healed and that would make him pissed off… and he would take it out on them far worse when he was fully healed.
"It wasn't on purpose", Wes mumbled and Nathan ruffled his hair.
"Don't ya worry baby", he said happily. "Jesse will understand."
"Defiantly", Wes said but only Logan and Alexander knew it was full of disbelief.
"So are you gonna open them", Otto asked cheerfully.
"Huh", Wes asked confused and the boys pointed at his bed. There were seven presents on it and he smiled. He walked up to the bed. The first one was from Mark and Jerry. He opened it and chuckled. It was money for a camera Wes wanted to buy. He got the same thing in the joint gift from Scott Crawford and Bastian Nolan. Brad Raymond and Frederic Fitzgerald had bought him paints and brushes. Richard and Michael had managed to get him a camera bag, for the camera he wanted. The smallest present was from PP & PP aka Peter Philips and Philip Peters. They had gotten him a necklace with a silver tiger pendant. Lucas Bedford and Charles Owens had gotten him checks to go watch movies. The last gift was from Brad Sullivan, last year's chairman, and Ethan Hughes. It was socks and money. Wes smiled and sent a thank you text to all of his older brothers and got answers back from all of them.
"So are ya heading for the library to study", Nathan asked.
"Nope", Wes said and smiled. "Olive and I are going out on a date… well she is taking me. She said it is my birthday gift from her."
"Well don't stay out too long", Otto hurriedly said as Wes just waved at them as he left. "Wes!"
"I heard you", he called back.
"Don't do something Justine would do!" Nathan called hurriedly. All he got in response was laughter.
"I swear if you don't kill them I will", Olivia said as she and Wes walked arm in arm down the streets of Westerville.
"Olive-"
"They had no right doing that to you", she continued angrily. "And had no right to call you that."
"Olive-"
"Why didn't you kill them?" she looked at him and looked really upset. "They called you a bunch of racist stuff and called you unwanted and they pushed you! Why didn't you defend yourself? I know you can do that! I mean you have Justine to teach you stuff and you never back down against the Warblers or the Dalton boys! Why are you letting these idiots push you around? Why not use your killer martial arts skills?"
"I can't use my 'killer martial arts skills' on them… it's illegal."
"But they attacked you!"
"It wasn't that bad… it was mostly verbal."
"But why did you let them?"
Wes stopped walking and took her hand.
"Because you were there", he said and smiled softly. "They'd hurt you and I don't want that."
"But-"
"Those jerks makes no different on small kids or boys and girls… they hurt anyone they can and I never want to see you hurt." He pulled her into a hug. "Never, ever, never."
She hugged him back.
"I don't want to see you hurt or upset either", she said. "I'm sorry that happened."
"Hey you can't control idiots", Wes said and they started walking again.
"I'll find out a way", she said happily.
"I'm sure you will."
"I can always ask Justine for advice… or Mitch since he handle an idiot every day."
Wes laughed and pushed open the door to the Lima Bean. He stepped inside with her and then turned.
"SURPRISE!"
Wes just stood there and gaped as he saw all his friends and some grownups that he knew cared about him stood there underneath a banderol that said: "Happy Birthday Wes!" He was stunned that the guys had managed to trick him... again. And then he realized… Olivia knew about this!
"You knew about this", he accused and she laughed and gave him a kiss, he kissed her back and there were some catcalls. Alvaro grinned and ran up to them and grabbed hold around Wes' middle and carried him to the center of the room, against protest from the birthday boy and with laughter from the onlookers, even Olivia laughed.
"Come on Shrimp", Alvaro said as he did this. "Time to get your party started!"
"Hey put me down!" Wes objected but he was smiling and Alvaro put him down amongst all the people and Wes got attacked with birthday-hugs from left and right and he was so overwhelmed that he nearly fainted.
"Oi sweethearts give the little one some air", Trixie ordered and Wes felt someone help him over to a chair. "Are you okay baby?"
Wes only looked at her.
"Why do you insist on calling me the little one", he asked.
"Because you are", she aid and kissed his cheek. "Now let's be traditional people."
Wes didn't understand until the Warblers, the other Dalton boys he counted as friends, Carmichael, Olivia and Trixie and her staff stood around him and started to sing Happy Birthday. Wes blushed as they sang but Trixie walked over and just hugged him to her. Olivia then hurried up and sat on his lap hugging him tightly to her as well. Wes laughed and kissed her cheek. After the singing they all small talked a bit, but Alvaro noticed Austin eyeing Wes suspiciously so he slunk over to Justine.
"Yo Justine", he asked nudging her slightl. "Why is your boyfriend looking so suspicious?"
She smirked.
"Wes hid his whistle again", she said loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Sweet!" Nathan cheered and got a death glare. Carmichael only laughed at the whole thing. Wes grinned innocently at Austin and gave him his best puppy-eyes, asking for forgiveness. Austin looked away, but it was too late. He'd seen them which meant he was doomed. He sighed and walked over to Wes with a smile on his face and hugged the younger boy close. After Olivia released him of course.
"You are one wicked little kid did you know that", he asked.
"Yes you tell me that whenever I get rid of that horrid boomerang", Wes said.
"Boomerang", Olivia asked.
"His stupid whistle keeps coming back!"
"This time as well?" Logan wondered curiously.
"I hope not."
"Oh you better hope so", Austin teased and pointed a warning finger at him. Justine sauntered over to him and tied a bow around his finger with a bit of red velvet string. Austin stared at the neat little thing and then her. She only smiled and patted him on the cheek.
"There, there baby don't take it so hard", she said. "Now baby", the last she aimed at
Wes. "Let's get you some presents." Justine wasn't dressed in uniform, like the rest. She was wearing a green sundress, white shoes and chestnut wig.
"No", Wes said. "You shouldn't-"
"Too late!" Oliver said happily and the sophomores moved from where they were standing and Wes saw all the gifts he'd gotten. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief while he gaped. Carmichael laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
"There, there son", he said. "See I told you there are people that care about you. Now let's see what you got from the charming lady." He smiled at Justine and she walked over to the table and picked out a black box with a gold ribbon. She linked her arm to Mitch and dragged him with her.
"This is from the two of us", she said happily and handed Wes the box. He opened it carefully and smiled. It was a pair of special made skinny jeans, made by Justine herself and Wes could see that they were tight.
"So you can look sexy for your lady", Justine whispered and Wes blushed bright red. "Oh look at him blushing."
"Justine be nice", Mitch scolded her and Wes shook his head before hugging them. The gift giving went on. The Warblers had all bought presents in duos, making it easier for them all. The other Dalton boys hadn't bought anything but them being there was just enough and Alvaro had bought one together with his best friend Kim. They did wonder where Jesse was though and Wes told them what had happened during practice. Austin looked very satisfied and the other seniors sniggered when they thought no one was watching. Wes blushed at all the looks he got and Olivia kissed his cheek to take his mind off of it.
"Who wants some cake?" Trixie sang happily as she walked over. She had a huge cake with her that had 15 candles. Wes got to blow out the candles and wish for something, he didn't tell anyone but he didn't wish for anything this year either. He already had everything he wanted. Olivia was right by his side, holding his hand and he could feel the love from all of his friends… no from his family and he grinned.
After they had eaten the cake by chance Austin found the whistle. Wes was sure he would never find it this time but Austin had gone to the light switch to turn up the lights a bit when he stumbled and grabbed hold of one of the curtain strings. At the end was his whistle. It took a little bit for him to recognize it because the silvery tin object was now black.
"Wes Montgomery!" he growled and the boy paled. "What the hell did you do to my whistle?!"
"Aw man", Wes groaned. "He found it!"
"Damn straight I did! Now what did you do to it?!"
"Huh?"
"It's black and doesn't work! See!" he blew but no sound came out.
"Wohoo!" Nathan cheered. "The wicked thing is dead!"
"Maybe some paint is just stuck in it", Justine supplied. "Give it one big blow baby!"
"No!" the others called but Austin did and sure enough some piece of dried paint flew out and a shrill note echoed around.
"Aw man", Wes groaned. "I got to find a better hiding place."
"Oh no you don't", Austin said and put the whistle in his chest pocket before he continued to eat his cake. But Wes saw it sticking up a bit and with a smirk walked over to him.
"Thanks for not killing me", he said and hugged the older boy around the neck. Austin smiled and ruffled his hair. Wes walked back to his place and flashed the little whistle to the boys closest to him and they started to snigger. But Austin wasn't so easily fooled he walked over and snatched it back. Wes glared at the cursed thing and muttered:
"To the next time."
"Hey Eric", Brett suddenly called.
"What is it Brett", Eric asked.
"Is it just me or have we all forgotten something?"
"And what would that be?"
Everyone was watching them now.
"Correct me if I'm wrong", Brett said. "But didn't the council say something about Wes being able to perform with the Warblers, on stage, in regionals after he turned 15?"
"That's right Brett", Eric said with a grin. "They did."
Wes' eyes widened and the Warblers started grinning.
"Austin", Brett asked with a sing-song voice.
"Yes", Austin asked.
"Isn't it mandatory for applying Warblers-", Brett began.
"-to audition for entrance with a-", Eric continued.
"-song to see if he has what it takes to-"
"-join the Warbler ranks as a fulltime-"
"-proper-"
"-righteous and-"
"-full fletched-"
"-member?" this they asked together. Austin laughed.
"Yes it is", he said.
"Good", the twins said.
"Because we have-", Eric began.
"-the perfect song-", Brett continued.
"-right here." This they said in unison while pulling out song lyrics which they handed to Wes. Kim walked over to a guitar, Logan took a base, Brett had his bongos or maybe they were Eric's and Trixie sat behind the piano. Wes glared at all of them.
"You planned this", he said.
"Yes we did", Eric said. "And we are-"
"-taping it", Brett continued. "So that-"
"-Lucas and the others can-"
"-watch and judge", the twins and Wes said.
"What did I tell you about keeping Wes away from them?" Justine laughed happily. Wes just rolled his eyes and read through the lyrics.
"You have two seconds", Kim said and then they started playing. Wes sighed but started singing, he already knew the lyrics to this song. Mark had showed it to him and he loved the song and it kinda suited him. He was going to change the last line though and change the word from 'father' to 'brothers' and change the line 'my father and mother' to 'my girl and my brothers'. He looked up and started singing while moving around among the tables.
Is this my past here before me
Is this my story unfolding?
It's all here to discover
Everything that I am
Can this be what I've been seeking?
All my life I've been waiting for this
And now these memories
Will they make me see more?
Oh I want to know where I belong
I want to know where I came from
I want to know the reason why I'm here
The way I am
Feeling the things I feel
Is this my family?
Can it really be them that I see?
My girl and my brothers
And in their arms can it really be me
All these emotions
I can barely control
Cause the family I had
Is not the family I know?
Oh and I got to know where I belong
I got to know where I came from
I got to know the reason why I'm here
The way I am
Feeling the things I feel
These spirits calling me
Familiar voices haunting
Disappearing taunting me
This is the choice I must make
Cause I know where I belong
I know where I, I came from
I know the reason why
I must decide
And leave here
The man I am inside
The future is clear for me to see – Wes jumped onto a table and spread his arms.
To be the man I'm meant to be
Like my brothers with my head up high
Standing tall
And proud of all
That I am
I'm a Warbler!
His audience cheered and Joseph, Otto and Austin looked at each other and said with one voice:
"Welcome to the Warblers!"
Wes laughed and grinned happily, before waving at the camera that Olivia was aiming at him.
TBC Sorry for the long wait I have been very busy :S
Answer to non-members' (or not signed in members') reviews:
Paula - Tack så jättemycket :D
4516740 - I can't answer the part about Olivia just yet ;)
Lissi47 - Wes would probably do too except that he loves Justine too much to really be mad at her :P