Part 50
Valentine's Day was creeping close and the whole of Westerville was feeling the spirit. At Dalton boys with partners were grinning like idiots, Wes included, while the singles were a bit more testy than usual. Justine seemed to be the happiest of all. She usually got lots of gifts because she had lots of admires from W-High and Dalton… and some at Crawford. But this year she was actually a taken woman and she knew Austin was probably planning something for her and she squealed just thinking about it. But she was also going to show him how much she loved him, Dreamgirls style. But to do that she needed a bit of help. Sooo she sent out a message to all Warblers except Austin. She had sent it just ten minutes earlier and now everyone had arrived. When they got into the room they all startled because Justine was sitting on the council table, twirling Austin's whistle in one hand. Wes grinned.
"I love you", he said as she flung it to him.
"You know it darling", Justine said and gave him a wink.
"Okay Justine what are you plotting", Otto asked and crossed his arms. "Because I doubt you called us all in here just to give Wes the whistle."
"I didn't call everyone in", Justine said with a sneaky smile on her face.
"You didn't call your boy-toy", Jesse asked dryly, earning him a death glare from Justine and a few punches to the arm or back. "I was only joking!"
"Jesse you better watch your mouth", Joseph growled.
"I was only joking guys! Oh and uh lady."
Justine was practically red in the face from anger and they all knew that if they lived in a cartoon there would be coming smoke from her nose, ears and from the top of her head.
"Maybe you should shut your food hole", Nathan said in annoyance and Jesse did just that. "So why are we here Justine?"
At once Justine's face shifted from scary-angry to sunny-happy. She had a big smile on her face and looked giddy.
"I want to surprise Austin by singing to him", she said and all boys went:
"Ooooh."
"But I need some instrumental help", she said.
"Anything", the boys said. After all Justine was their girl. She giggled.
"I need Kim to play guitar", she said and he beamed happily. "And baby can you play piano for me?"
"You just gave me the evil thing so of course", Wes said happily.
"Now all we need is a drummer, a bass player, trombonist, trumpet and saxophone…"
The boys looked around.
"I can play bass", Roger said and smiled and she squealed and hugged him.
"Just show me the drums sugar", Juan said and winked at her.
"Now we just need the brass", Nathan said happily. "Anyone playing trombone?"
The boys all looked at each other and then on the floor. None of them did but then Otto raised his hand slowly.
"What?!" Nathan yelled. "How come I don't know this?!"
"I stopped playing for a teacher in freshman year", Otto said and blushed. "I've always been a bit ashamed of playing an instrument that's not that cool."
"Oh come on, trombone is way cooler than recorder or the flute."
"Hey!" John Wilkins and Rob Barton object.
"What", Nathan asked.
"I play the flute", John growled.
"And I play the recorder", Rob growled. Nathan paled and turned to Mitch.
"Help", he squeaked.
"Nu uh don't drag me into this", Mitch said and hurried over to Justine. "I need to help my girl so you are on your own." With that he darted to the other side of the room to where Justine was as the two biggest Warblers slowly walked closer to Nathan. Nathan wanted to protect himself and grabbed what was closest to him to use as a shield. Too bad for him it didn't work out as he planned.
"Hey I'm not going to protect you from your own stupidity!" Wes said and managed to use his martial arts skill to get out of the grip, push Nathan's arm up his back and then push him into the two offended boys' direction.
"Help!" Nathan squeaked before he ran. Rob and John followed. The others just rolled their eyes. Nathan always had to speak first and think later… which landed him in trouble constantly.
"So", Justine said when the trio was gone. "Will you please help me Otto?"
"For our Warblerette and our leader I'd do anything", Otto grinned and the reward he got was a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"I play the trumpet", the freshman Collin Pratchett supplied. "Will you need me?"
"Absolutely!" Justine said happily. "Now all we need is a saxophone player. But sadly I don't know anyone who plays it."
"Does anyone here play", Joseph asked but only got shakes back. "Great now how are we gonna find someone we trust to keep quiet about the surprise?"
"And that we know are good", Mitch said and scratched his head.
"Alvaro plays", Kim said and the all stared at him.
"What", Otto asked. "No he doesn't."
"Yes he does."
"How do you know?"
"I'm his roommate. I know he plays and I know he's good."
"Alvaro", Otto asked. "Really?"
"Yes really."
"I mean really?"
"Otto I have seen him play and heard him myself. Alvaro plays and… he's really good."
"But really? Ow!"
Wes and Mitch had smacked him.
"Oh that boy", Justine said and shook her head. "He plays the saxophone and doesn't even tell us."
"Well he sings too you know", Otto said happily.
"What", Justine asked with a dry sort of voice.
"Oh you know he sings and really well actually but he just doesn't like it."
"And why are you telling me this first now?"
"Oh I thought we told you last school year", Mitch said confused.
"You knew?!" She stared at him.
"Uh yeah, I mean all of us does right?"
The majority of the boys shook their heads.
"Really", Mitch asked and scratched his head. "I thought Nathan told people, he told me."
"Nah he promised not to", Kim said. "I'm surprised he's been able to keep it quiet for so long."
"You knew too?!" Justine asked him.
"Yeah he's my roomy, but all boys that went to the hospital to visit Wes after the closet incident know about it."
"So basically it's Mark, Lucas, Otthan, yourself and Alvaro?"
"Yes", Kim said. "Why?"
"Oh I'm going to kill a few people…"
The Warblers laughed and then Wes phone beeped and he cocked an eyebrow.
"Uh Isaac", he said.
"Yes", Isaac asked looking at him in confusion.
"Why is your boyfriend texting me asking me if it is a good idea to read a few of your poems aloud at W-High?"
"WHAT?!" Isaac flew up and left the room. Wes winked at the rest and hurried after the sophomore, knowing fully well where he was going. The Warblers cocked a few eyebrows but then followed.
Westerville High was different from Dalton, Wes noticed this at once. It wasn't just that it was a public school, it wasn't that the students were not wearing uniforms, it wasn't that the school wasn't as rich as Dalton no it was the feeling of worry, anxiousness, fear, anger and angst that seemed to fill the place. It was the threatening atmosphere that really got to Wes. He wondered if the students themselves felt this. He saw a few students that he knew, just by looking at them, were very badly bullied. He saw the jocks, the losers, the cheerleaders, the nerds, the king and queen of the school, the junkies, the rejects, the straight A students aka the Asians and bad boys and girls.
Isaac ignored everyone staring at him and Wes, he was heading for Vlad's locker. He was standing there talking to some of the jocks. Wes had a very hard time to contain his glee. He knew the picture he was getting with his camera, he was filming, would shake as he tried to suppress his giggles. Vlad hadn't seen them yet.
"Vladimir Horatio Paulova!" Isaac yelled and Vlad jumped and then flew around, seeing his very angry boyfriend storm towards him.
"You made it!" Vlad said happily.
"Of course I made it you prick! What is this I hear about you reading my poems aloud here?!"
"Oh that? That was just a trick."
"Excuse me?!" Isaac looked furious. "Why on Earth-"
He didn't get any further because Vlad pulled him close and kissed him. Wes grinned before laughing at Isaac's shocked expression. Vlad pulled back grinning and Isaac had eyes big as saucers. Then he got angry again.
"What was that for?!" he yelled. Vlad smiled happily and pulled out two tickets. "What's that?"
"Isaac Newton my love", Vlad said and smiled. "Would you make me the happiest guy in the world and be my date for our school's Valentine's prom?"
Isaac's face went from angry to confused.
"Excuse me", he asked and Vlad grinned.
"Do you want to go to our Valentine's prom with me love?" he asked again.
"Excuse me?"
"Love you're my boyfriend and I want to take you to this prom. Please?" He tried to make puppy eyes but it didn't really work. Wes rolled his eyes and walked up.
"Vlad that's not how you do it", he said and handed the boy the camera. "Watch and learn."
He then turned to Isaac that was staring at him.
"Please Isaac go with Vlad", Wes said and gave Isaac his best puppy eyes. Isaac tried to look away but damn… Wes' eyes had some strange pulling powers in them. He looked at Wes and he was doomed. Wes' puppy eyes could have anyone do anything. Isaac sighed and smiled. He ruffled Wes' hair before turning to Vlad with a small smile.
"Of course I'll go with you if you want me to", he said and Vlad whooped in glee and pulled Isaac in for another kiss. The people around them cheered. Some looked disturbed but Vlad was big guy and one of the strongest athletes at the school. They didn't dare harm him.
"I'll just leave you two to it", Wes said and turned off his camera. The couple didn't seem to hear him Wes rolled his eyes and headed for the exit. He had to help Justine after all. He walked through the halls and quite a few people looked at him oddly. He saw Becca stare at him and then she grinned big. She ran up to him but Wes just walked past her, ignoring her completely.
"Now that's not a way to treat a lady", a voice said behind him and he froze. He twirled around and saw Toby and Huey the boys that had bullied him at the ice rink when he was there with Jerry and that beat him up in the park when Alvaro saved him. There was a third guy with them and Wes knew his name was Reeves. Wes thought the name was strange but didn't say anything. They were bigger than him.
"Probably not", Wes muttered. "But it's one way to treat a bitch."
"True", Huey said and stepped closer, the three was encircling Wes now. "But still, this is our school and we won't have any Dalton wimp treat our student body bad."
"Wow you are nice to someone else other than yourself Huey", Wes asked. "I am impressed. Have you finally had your balls grown back?"
"Shut up you little shit", Huey yelled and swung at his head. Wes dodged.
"Why I was just trying to be polite", Wes said and brushed off his shoulder. "I mean you ran so fast after kissing Justine that I was sure there was something seriously wrong."
"I never kissed her", Huey yelled, his voice rising a few octaves as people watched him in awe and confusion.
"Why are you denying the truth", Wes asked.
"Okay you little shit", Huey said and rolled up his sleeves. "This time you're gonna get it and you don't have any big brothers that can save you."
"Aw shit", Wes swore and they jumped him. They got in a few punches and kicks and Wes was first frozen in fear but then realized that they were attacking him, which meant he could go ninja on their asses. A fist hit his eye and he yelped and stumbled backwards.
"Kill him Huey!" Toby yelled happily and Huey swung at Wes' head again. Wes grabbed his arm, turned his back to Huey, pulled him over his head and slammed him into the ground. He then spun around, kicking at the same time and got Toby in the side. Toby yelped and grabbed Wes' leg. Wes jumped up, gripped a lamp and kicked with his other foot and hit Toby in the face. The older guy let go of his leg and stumbled back, crying out in pain.
Reeves then took over and hit at Wes furiously. Wes dodged the hits and then used his Tae Kwando kicks and hits to get the guy away. But when he was busy with Reeves Huey recovered and jumped him from behind. Huey held him around the torso, locking Wes' arms in place. Wes tried to get loose and Reeves advanced on him. Wes used his legs and kicked Reeves away by hitting him in the stomach and then the shoulders. Huey turned Wes around and slammed him towards the ground. Huey whispered:
"I'm gonna kill you slowly and painfully kid. When I'm done with you not even your mom will love you."
"Don't have one", Wes spat and Huey pressed on him harder.
"Well maybe your little friends won't love you anymore", Huey said. "They'll abandon you and let us get you again, like that day in the park. And then I'll kill you like the little bug you are."
"I'm not a bug", Wes spat. "I'm a Warbler!"
He shouted the last part and pushed off from the wall with his legs, he used Huey's pressure on him and ran up the wall, rolled over Huey's back and kicked him in the pelvis and with a pain shout Huey hit the wall and then the floor. Wes looked around. His three bullies were on the ground, withering in pain and whimpering. The students in the hall stared at him and then laughed and cheered for him. Wes smiled shyly before hurriedly leave.
"What happened to you?!" Justine screamed in worry when she saw Wes entering the Warbler Hall. Wes' blazer was ruffled, dirty and the seams on the shoulder was broken so the sleeve was coming off. His hair was tussled, his shirt torn and his tie gone. His slacks had hole at the knees and Wes' face was cut up and bruised. He was holding a hand to his side as well. Justine's scream made the other "band members" turn to the door and when they saw Wes Alvaro, Kim and Otto ran over to him.
"What the hell happened", Otto asked as he started to check out the injuries, he wanted to make sure it was nothing too bad.
"I got in a fight", Wes mumbled.
"Collin get some ice", Justine instructed and the freshman nodded and ran. "Wes give me your keys." Wes followed orders and threw his keys to her. She handed them to Roger.
"Roger", she said. "You go to Wes' room and get him a clean and whole uniform."
"Yes ma'am", Roger said and hurried off.
"Juan", she then barked.
"Ma'am yes ma'am", he answered with a salute.
"Go and find Nathan, he's used to dealing with these kind of injuries from football."
"Right."
"And you", she pointed at Wes. "Sit down somewhere. Honestly darling you could pass out at any second." Wes smiled but complied. He limped to a couch and sat down. The three boys not getting orders stood where they were.
"And you three have a seat somewhere", Justine ordered and they complied. Then she turned to Wes again.
"Now tell us everything what happened… and take off those dirty and torn clothes."
"Justine", Wes complained.
"Oh shush we all know what boy looks like so off with those."
Wes rolled his eyes but complied, with some wincing and after he struggled for a few minutes with his shoes Alvaro took pity on him and hurried up to help. Otto and Kim soon joined to help Wes get the blazer and shirt off.
"Ow that has got to hurt", Kim winced when he saw the dark bruises on Wes' torso.
"Who did this to you", Alvaro asked when he saw the bruises on Wes' legs after he reluctantly took them off. "Last I heard you went with Isaac to W-High."
"I did", Wes mumbled and checked if the camera in his blazer's pocket was okay. It was. "Huey, Toby and Reeves attacked me…"
"Please tell me they look as bad as you do", Justine said and the friends she'd sent off returned with their various tasks taken care off. When Nathan saw his baby hurt he quickly got into his 'medic' mode and started to help Wes cleaning cuts and taking care of bruises.
"What happened", he asked and Wes told them the whole story, while holding the ice pack Collin had gotten to his eye. His tale made his older brothers and sister bristle in anger. How dare some W-High losers lay their hands on their little Warbler?
"Didn't anyone try to help", Roger asked as he helped Wes get his shirt back on a bit later.
"No… they just watched and cheered for me when I had trashed the attackers", Wes mumbled. "I think they enjoyed it."
That's when the doors slammed open and the rest of the Warblers with Mitch, Austin and Joseph leading the charge stormed in.
"Okay why is there a video on YouTube of Wes beating the crap out of bullies at Westerville High?" Austin asked and crossed his arms and Wes groaned and fell back on the sofa.
"It's on YouTube", Otto asked.
"Yes", Mitch said.
"Oooh I wanna see this", Nathan said and walked over to Justine's laptop. "What should I search for?"
"Dalton Brat kicking W-High Rat", Jesse said and grinned. The Warblers flocked around the laptop and watched the spectacle. Wes didn't need to watch, he'd lived it.
"Uuuuh that's got to hurt", Kim said when they watched Wes kick Toby in the face.
"Bo yah in their faces!" Otto cheered.
"And in mine ow!" Wes grumbled and Justine poked his side.
"Be nice Wessie", she said. "You were amazing, a real life ninja."
"Will I get in trouble for this?" Wes asked.
"Nah most people think it is made up", Nathan said watching the comments. "And everyone can clearly see that they attacked you first."
"Oh great tell that to Mama and Papa…"
"Why?"
"Because they're texting and calling non-stop!" Wes held his phone, that he had on mute, up and everyone laughed. His phone started to vibrate and he answered. "I'll talk later Mark I'm not in the mood." He hung up and then answered the next call at once. "Goes for you too Jerry."
"What", the Everetts asked.
"It was a triple conversation", Wes grumbled. "Now, can we all ignore the fact that I've just been in a fight and help Justine?"
"Help Justine", Austin asked and got worried. "With what?"
"You just sit your sweet little ass down somewhere", Justine said and smiled. "The boys have helped me plan a little something something. Wes already knows the song but the others and I have been practicing all day."
"And where do you want the rest of us", Nathan asked and made sure to stay clear of John and Rob. They were still glaring at him.
"Anywhere off the floor would be good", Justine said and the boys took their instruments. "This is for you my love." The last she aimed at Austin and he cocked an eyebrow at her and the boy started playing. Justine went over to the piano where Wes was sitting. She sat on top of it.
Justine: Never met a man
Quite like you
Doin' all he can
Makin' my dreams come true– She smiled at Austin who was smiling softly back at her.
You're strong and you're smart
You've taken my heart
And I'll give you the rest of me too
You're the perfect man for me
I love you, I do– She smiled at Wes and jumped off the piano.
Mmmmm I love ya– She ruffled Wes' hair fondly.
I've never ever felt - Justine move over the floor and 'flirted' with the other band members as she sang. Austin just smiled.
Quite like this
Good about myself
From our very first kiss
I'm here when you call
You've got it all
And confidence like I never knew
You're the perfect man for me
I love you, I do
After the chorus she moved towards Justine slowly, waving with her pinky at him as she sang:
You've got the charm
You simply disarm me every time
As long as you drive
I'm along for the ride your way– Austin got up and jumped over the council table.
You've said it before
There won't be a door that's closed to us
I'm puttin' all my trust in you
cause YOU,- Justine took Austin's hands and put his arms around herself while she rested her head on his shoulder.
You'll always be true
I never could have known – Justine turned around in Austin's arm and they danced together in the beat of the music. The Warblers grinned and nodded along.
This would be
Oh, you and you alone
Yeah
Are for me– Austin gave her a little twirl and joined in on the singing as he pulled her close again.
Both: I know you're the best
You passed every test
It's almost too good to be true
You're the perfect man/woman for me
I love you, I do
You're the perfect man/woman for me
Justine: I love you, I do
They kissed and the Warblers all cheered happily.
On the eve of Valentine's Day Wes and Olivia were in his room. They had planned on going out on a date but Wes was still smarting from his fight with the W-High Rats and Carmichael had seen the video and grounded him for the rest of the week. Not that Wes complained because he managed to sneak Olivia into his room. Not that he was the only boy doing something like that and Carmichael knew it, Wes was sure of it. He'd been a teen at Dalton too after all. Wes knew that Otto had kicked Nathan out so that he could spend time with his girlfriend. Jesse had done the same to his poor roomy. Jesse dated a new girl every month and sadly this one thought she must be special because he asked her out on Valentine's Day. Jesse was a creep.
Anyhow Wes and Olivia were watching Beauty and the Beast. They were snuggled up on Wes' bed and were eating popcorn and just being, as the Everetts declared when they dropped by to ask Wes if they could borrow the Warblers' Map, too damn adorable. Just as they were sitting there really close Wes' door was opened and Justine came in, carrying clothes in her arms and her makeup bag.
"Uh", was all Wes got out.
"I'm just using the shower", she said and walked into the bathroom. The younger teens stared at the door in confusion and a little bit later she came out, dressed in a cute dress and fixing her hair, she was obviously going out with Austin.
"Why did you need to shower", Wes asked. "Didn't you take a shower an hour ago after gym?"
"I did, but just because I'm technically a man doesn't mean I want to smell like one", she said and left as soon as she arrived. Olivia turned to Wes.
"Your school is so weird", she said.
"No", Wes said and put his arm around her. "Just my friends." She laughed and hugged him close. Wes kissed her forehead and they continued to watch the movie. Wes had gotten up and locked the door to keep more intruders out. When Belle finally kissed Eric at the end Olivia and Wes started kissing too and after just a little bit it turned deeper and more passionate. Their hands started to move all over each other and at some point Olivia lied down and Wes was on top of her. Their make out sessions had never gone this far. Olivia pulled Wes close and whispered in his ear:
"I want you to make love to me."
"Are you sure", Wes asked pulling back a bit and Olivia nodded. They kissed again.
The next morning Wes had far more success with sneaking Olivia out than any other boy did. He was the only one not getting caught and he was very smug about it since their dorm prefect was lecturing all other boys who'd had their partner's in their rooms over the night. The prefect used Wes as a shiny example and Wes smiled smugly behind his back. Some accused him for having a girl in his room but when the prefect searched Wes' room there was no trace of any girl.
"Oh do you mean Justine", Wes asked when Jesse said he'd seen a girl enter Wes' room. "Her shower is broken and she'd rather use one belonging to one of her friends than use the common showers. And as we all know Justine is the only girl allowed to be in the dorms after curfew."
The dorm patted his shoulder and left. Wes turned smugly to Otto, Jesse, Alexander, Reed and Rob. He winked at them and walked into his room, sniggering. Otto glared at the door before pushing it open, dead set on getting Wes back for tricking the prefect. But when he got into the room… Wes was gone.
"Wes", Otto asked and checked everywhere. "Buddy where are you?"
"The window is open", Reed noted and Otto hurried up… only to see Wes' feet disappear onto the roof.
"Wesley!" he yelled and the only answer he got was laughter. Otto just shook his head and decided to get payback later. After all… Wes had to come down sooner or later.
TBC Thanks to XXXNiffWevidTradRobastianXXX for the advice about Justine's shower problem and comment ;)
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