Part 58
Two days later Wes found himself sitting with the rest of the freshmen in the auditorium. He looked around and noticed how nervous and afraid everyone seemed to be. He knew that there would be an official dorm placing at the assembly for students that hadn't arrived early like he did, yes I went there. Wes knew his name would be called as well, as well as the names of every freshman that already had a room. He realized that he was the only one that didn't look like he would be sick… well at least where he was sitting. He was sitting in the middle of the auditorium so that he would have a good view of the stage. He knew that the Warblers would perform today, they always did but he had never taken part because he didn't want questions to be asked. Wes felt someone pull on his arm and turned to the left and saw another freshman smile at him.
"How are you so calm", he asked and Wes smiled.
"My older brother was a student here so I know it is great. And I got here a little bit early so I've already gotten a dorm room", Wes answered and smiled. "So I know where to go and the older boys at the dorm are really nice and they really look out for the other students. Two of them even kidnapped me and showed me around the place." Wes smiled thinking back of his first meeting with Otto and Nathan. This boy didn't have to know it was years ago though. The other boy smiled and held his hand out.
"Benjamin Calypso", he said. Wes blinked in confusion.
"Wes Montgomery", he said and they shook hands. "Excuse me but your name-"
"Oh don't worry I've heard it before. You see when my ancestors came to the country from… somewhere I don't really remember, the people got their last name wrong. Dad told me that the name originally was Capulirisko or something like it. The people allowing my ancestors to stay thought it was too hard to say so they renamed the family Calypso. My name, Benjamin, well my mom loves Joseph And His Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat so she named me Benjamin."
Wes chuckled.
"Sweet I wish I had a more interesting name", he said.
"Okay boys settle down", was heard from the stage as Carmichael walked up to the pulpit to talk to the freshmen and other students. "To our older boys I want to say welcome back for a new year at Dalton and let us all hope it will be as good as the year before and to all our freshmen, welcome to the place that will be like a second home for you for years to come. I am Arthur Carmichael, your principal here at the school. We will soon divide our freshmen, that are boarding, to their dorms and don't worry", he smiled at the nervous boys. "We haven't forgotten or missed anyone. Now freshmen you will today or some of the days this week meet a junior that will be like your mentor. This is just to make you all feel welcome so don't you worry. I hope we will have a wonderful year together and that our new students can find a group or sports team that they would like to join. We have a lot of teams and there is going to be a list in the entrance area of the school with some of the biggest ones. But I will introduce you all to the leader of one of our clubs. So let's welcome Otto Johnson to the stage."
Otto came out from behind the curtain and looked really, really, really scared. Wes had to snigger at it and Benjamin looked at him oddly.
"He's the guy that showed me around", Wes whispered and Benjamin nodded.
"Hi", Otto said. "Uh my name is um Otto Johnson and I'm the chairman of the council." The freshmen looked confused, except Wes he couldn't help but snigger. "Oh uh I mean I'm one of the leaders of the Dalton Academy Warblers and no we are not a bird club." The older students laughed and Otto seemed to relax.
"The Warblers", he said. "Are Dalton Academy's Glee Club or show choir if you like. We are pure a cappella and have been so since the founding of the school in 1825. We are always looking for new members and we will hold auditions this Friday. To give you a little hint about what it is we do the Warblers are going to perform for you so sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacle."
Otto disappeared behind the curtain again but stuck his head out and called:
"And do not feel intimidated by Jesse he's always like this."
Wes had to cover a laugh, but the older boys didn't have too. The freshmen looked confused and Otto disappeared again. Carmichael chuckled.
"Boys and staff at Dalton", he said. "I give you the Warblers!"
The student body cheered and the curtain was pulled aside and showed the Warblers standing there. It was so weird seeing the new seniors, it always was but it also hurt a little. Because Wes could now see who would leave him at the end of the school year. But he didn't get time to dwell on it when the number started.
Otto: Ladies up in here tonight
No fighting
We got the refugees up in here
No fighting, no fighting
Jesse, Jesse
Nathan: I never really knew that he could dance like this
He makes everyone wanna speak Spanish
Como se llama (sí), bonita (sí), mi casa (sí, Jesse Jesse), su casa
Jesse, Jesse
Jesse: Oh baby when you talk like that
You make a man go mad
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body
And I'm on tonight
You know my hips don't lie
And I'm starting to feel it's right
All the attraction, the tension
Don't you see baby, this is perfection
Nathan: Hey dude, I can see your body moving
And it's driving 'em crazy
And I didn't have the slightest idea
Until I saw you dancing
And when you walk up on the dance floor
Nobody cannot ignore the way you move your body, dude
And everything so unexpected - the way you right and left it
So you can keep on shaking it
Warblers: I never really knew that he could dance like this
He makes everyone wanna speak Spanish
Como se llama (sí), bonita (sí), mi casa (sí, Jesse Jesse), su casa
Jesse, Jesse
Jesse: Oh baby when you talk like that
You make a man go mad
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body
And I'm on tonight
You know my hips don't lie
And I am starting to feel it boy
Come on lets go, real slow
Don't you see baby asi es perfecto
Otto: Jesse, Jesse
Oh boy, I can see your body moving
Half animal, half man
Jesse: I don't, don't really know what I'm doing
But you seem to have a plan
My will and self restraint
Have come to fail now, fail now
See, I am doing what I can, but I can't so you know
That's a bit too hard to explain
Warblers: Baila en la calle de noche
Baila en la calle de día
Baila en la calle de noche
Baila en la calle de día
Warblers: I never really knew that he could dance like this
He makes everyone wanna speak Spanish
Como se llama (sí), bonita (sí), mi casa (sí, Jesse Jesse), su casa
Jesse, Jesse
Jesse: Oh baby when you talk like that
You know you got me hypnotized
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body
Alexander: Señor, feel the conga, let me see you move like you come from Colombia
Mira en Barranquilla se baila así, say it!
Mira en Barranquilla se baila así
Jesse: I'm on tonight, my hips don't lie
And I'm starting to feel it boy
Come on let's go, real slow
Baby, like this is perfecto
Oh, you know I am on tonight and my hips don't lie
And I am starting to feel it's right
The attraction, the tension
Baby, like this is perfection
Warblers: No fighting
Jesse: No fighting
Wes understood what Otto meant… Jesse was acting like a porn star on stage but the crowd seemed to love it. A lot boys looked insecure though and Wes wondered how the heck Otto could allow this. He knew for a fact that Austin would never… but maybe Otto was still too insecure in the role as chairman and Wes suddenly realized that Otto was alone on the council so if all the Warblers wanted to do this… Otto was voted down. But judged by the strange looks Jesse got from the others… he hadn't informed them of his little plan to sex things up a bit. The Warblers took a bow and left and Carmichael took the stage again and started to divide the freshmen into dorms.
"And finally we got the boys in the Dragon", Carmichael said and started to call them up. "Benjamin Calypso."
"I hope we're in the same dorm", Benjamin said to Wes and Wes smiled, he knew that they were. "But you already know what dorm you are in… right?"
"Yes."
"So?"
"So what?"
"What dorm are you-"
"Wes Montgomery", Carmichael called and Wes winked at Benjamin and Benjamin grinned widely.
"Sweet", he said and they high fived.
Wes and Benjamin walked with the other freshmen towards the Dragon and they were talking happily. Wes was the only one in the group to arrive early so he had no luggage or boxes to bring in. The other freshmen worried about that but when they got to the Dragon they stopped and stared. All their boxes and bags were outside along with a lot of other stuff. Not only freshmen moved in today after all. Wes smiled and watched as the older boys moved in.
"Wait", a boy said and looked as the older boys grabbed whatever was outside on the lawn. "What are they doing?"
Wes smiled.
"I'll show you", he said and hurried up to a pile and picked up a box. There was a tag on it that told him which room it was to go too. He hurried up to the boy that was last in line.
"This one is going to room 213", Wes said and the older boy smiled and sent it along the line, calling out the number as he sent the box. Wes waved to the other freshmen and they hurried up to him.
"These are mostly freshmen things", he explained. "Your parents were told to tag the stuff and drop it off in front of the dorm. We all help out because it's faster and less chaotic than trying to move everything yourself and at the same time."
"How do you know all this", Benjamin asked.
"It happened when I moved in too and I told you, my brother went here", Wes said and shrugged. This was actually a new thing they were trying out this year and it seemed to work really well. All dorms had different ways of handling the move in and they were somewhat competing in getting the title as most efficient. Usually that title went to the White Tigers… well at least the last 3 years and Wes was pretty sure who was the cause of that. The Warblers weren't the only boys that Justine had been having wrapped around her finger.
"Hey freshmen!" a voice yelled and all freshmen jumped and turned to see Nathan, well only Wes knew the name, walked up to them.
"Hiya", Nathan said. "Get in line and help out 'kay? Conrad, the dorm prefect will be by as soon as he can and talk to ya. But let's get everyone moved in okay?"
The freshmen nodded fearfully and Nathan ruffled the heads of a few before he went up to the dorm and disappeared into it, to get back to his spot. Wes looked at the other freshmen and smiled and then hurried to join the line. Benjamin was close behind and they all got to work.
"Why do I feel like singing a working song all of a sudden", a junior asked as they started to work and the freshmen got in line as well.
"What kind of song", Wes asked and the guy smiled at him.
"How about… um…"
"I got an idea", Wes said and grinned and then cleared his throat. He smirked and then started singing:
Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life
Wes looked around and noticed most of the Warblers of the dorm grin and they started doing backup to him, the older boys of the Dragon joining in.
Wes: Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumping
Out on the street the traffic starts jumping
With folks like me on the job from nine to five
Working nine to five what a way to make a living
Barely getting by it's all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
Warblers: Nine to five
Wes: for service and devotion
You would think that I would deserve a fair promotion
Want to move ahead but the boss won't seem to let me
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me
Warblers: Bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum do
bum bum bum bum bum bum
Nate & Wes: They let you dream just to watch 'em shatter
You're just a step on the bossman's ladder
But you got dreams he'll never take away
In the same boat with a lot of your friends
Waitin' for the day your ship will come in
Then the tide's goin' to turn and it's all goin' to roll your away
All (Wes leading): Working nine to five what a way to make a living
Barely getting by it's all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
Nine to five yeah they got you where they want to
There's a better life and you think about it don't you
It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life puttin' money in his wallet
Working nine to five what a way to make a living
Barely getting by it's all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
Nine to five yeah they got you where they want to
There's a better life
Wes: And you think about it don't you
All (Wes leading): It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life puttin' money in his wallet
Everyone laughed and cheered and realized while they sang even more stuff had been carried in.
"Yo freshman", a voice called from one of the open windows in the staircase and Wes looked up and saw Logan Smith stand there, holding a box. "You got a good voice kid, why not try out for the Warblers?"
Wes bit his lip and had to fight to not laugh, this turned his face red so the other freshmen thought he was blushing.
"I agree with Logan", Nathan had said and the freshmen looked at the black-clad boy in awe. "See you at the auditions on Friday?"
Wes nodded and then they continued to work.
When all bags were inside Wes headed for his room and plopped down on the bed. He reached for a book when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in", he called and in came Benjamin, holding a paper in his hands. He looked up and grinned.
"Guess we're roommates", he said and Wes looked around the room. The other half of it was empty and Benjamin only had a suitcase.
"We are", Wes asked.
"Yeah room 220 right?" Benjamin asked and Wes nodded. "Well hi there roomy."
Wes smiled and looked around again.
"Um yeah my parents will send everything out tomorrow when they get back from vacation", Benjamin said and blushed slightly. "So… are you going to join the Warblers?"
"I plan to", Wes said and smirked.
The next day Wes and Benjamin headed for their first lessons and Wes realized that even though he had been at the school for three years now… he had not really been in any of the classrooms because… he had no business being there in the first place. So he was just as awed as the rest of the freshmen when he sat inside his history classroom. The paintings, old maps, pictures and other historical stuff was amazing and helped motivate him and the others to really take note and listen and it just continued in every class! The geography teacher brought them stones he had picked up in room and they all agreed that it was really cool to hold a rock in your hand and realized that it had travelled all the way from the Vatican to here.
Wes and Benjamin stuck together between classes, they had most classes together and had a lot of fun talking and just hanging out. But when they were both leaving math class, their last class of the day, they both walked straight into two people. Wes knew both of them and he smiled. One of them was Rob Barton and the other another junior named Toby Howard, both lived in the Dragon and both were juniors and Rob was a Warbler. The two freshmen had both walked straight into the two guys that were really two parts of a brick wall.
"Hi", Wes said and grinned. Benjamin was more shy and even hid behind Wes slightly which was rather fun because Benjamin was a bit taller than him. "Sorry for walking into you."
"It's okay buddy", Toby said. "We were actually looking for you and your roomy."
"Well you found us", Wes said and grinned. "So what can we do for you?"
"Well you know about the mentor program", Rob asked and both freshmen nodded. "So I am here to kidnap Wes for the rest of the day and Toby is here to kidnap Benjamin."
"If it's okay with you of course", Toby hurriedly added. Wes smirked and turned to Benjamin.
"Help Ben I'm being kidnapped by a chocolate giant!" he said with a 'scared' look on his face. Benjamin laughed. They had only lived in the Dragon for an evening or so but Benjamin already knew Rob was a nice guy.
"Why you little", Rob 'growled' and made a grab for Wes who just stuck his tongue out at Rob and then ran.
"See you later Ben", he called over his shoulder. Benjamin grinned and watched Wes run off with Rob chasing him. Then he grinned at Toby and Toby was about to say something when they both heard:
"AH! Please Rob don't kill me!"
Both laughed and headed out to go to the Lima Bean to get to know each other. But Toby remarked to Benjamin that if he wanted to keep Wes as a friend he'd have to make sure the Warblers stayed away because when Wes got in… they would never let him go.
"Help, help!" Wes called as he was carried down the hallway, slung over Rob's shoulder. The boys they met stared at them in confusion and Wes called out for them to save him but they just hurried off, the freshmen looked scared.
"Mr. Barton", a familiar voice said and Wes looked over his shoulder, well tried to but couldn't see who it was.
"Good afternoon sir", Rob said happily.
"What are you doing Rob?"
"Oh I'm just picking up something for the Warblers."
"Help!" Wes exclaimed when Rob threw him into the air and then caught him, but now he was upside down and the world was spinning slightly. He saw a pair of feet and followed them up… uh down and found a face he recognized.
"Hi principal Carmichael", he said happily.
"Hello there Wes how are you", Carmichael said and bent down so that he could look Wes in the eyes.
"I'm hanging in there. AH!"
Rob had thrown him up slightly again and now held him bridal style. Wes stairs at the older boy with big eyes.
"Stop that", he said. "Or at least warn me!"
Carmichael chuckled.
"Well I can see that things are just like always even though our former youngest student is now just one of the masses", Carmichael said and Wes smiled.
"Of course they stay the same but don't just take for granted that I'm one of the masses. Only the dead fish follow the stream", he said happily. Carmichael laughed and walked away and Rob smirked at Wes.
"Uh oh", the smaller boy said and then yelped as he was thrown up again and across Rob's shoulders in a fireman's carry. "I hate you."
"No I don't and I do have delivery for the Warblers", Rob said.
"Oh really? What?"
"Not what, who?"
"Who?"
"You."
"Oh!"
"Yes, so just hang on tight and we'll be there shortly."
Wes just shrugged and rested his elbows on Rob's wide shoulder and arm. He could hang on… for a bit. He wasn't a sack of potatoes after all.
"MY BABY!" Nathan screamed and pulled Wes into a bone crushing hug as soon as Rob put him down on the floor. Wes gagged and tried to breathe but Nathan just held him tighter.
"Nathan I can't breathe!" he yelled but to the rest of them it sounded like:
"Nafn icun beif."
"What", Nathan asked confused and looked at Wes, who was struggling to get out of the hug.
"Nate I think you are suffocating him", Otto said.
"Oh!" Nathan exclaimed and let go of Wes. "Then why didn't you say so baby?"
"I did!" Wes objected and glared at Nathan. Nathan just smiled and held his arms open so that Wes could hug him. But Wes just snorted and walked by him and hugged Mitch instead. Mitch smirked at Nathan over Wes' shoulder.
"Hey!" Nathan objected but Wes ignored him and hugged everyone else, but Jesse, instead. Nathan just stared at him as Wes, after hugging the last Warbler, went back to Rob and sat down on his lap and the older boy chuckled and held him close.
"Hey!" Nathan complained again and then jumped as Otto blew his whistle.
"Okay guys settle down", he said and sat down at the center of the council table. "Wow it feels really lonely here…"
The others chuckled and sat down, Nathan glaring slightly at Wes still but Wes ignored him completely.
"First thing I have to say", Otto said. "Is this. Jesse pull something like that again and I'll castrate you!"
Jesse jumped in fright, he hadn't imagined that Otto could be mad at him for the sexy dancing he did… which wasn't according to plan.
"But", he said.
"You made everyone uncomfortable and scared the freshmen! I don't think anyone dares to audition now!"
"So what we already have a freshman in the choir?"
"Don't drag me into this", Wes said. "I had nothing to do with your spectacle… that the school happened to enjoy which only proves bad taste… the freshmen were too confused or too shocked to really understand what was going on."
"But we want more than just Wes", Otto said. "If no one joins we might be too few next year or the upcoming years."
"Calm down Otto they'll come to auditions", Wes said. "Let me handle it."
"How", Jesse asked.
"I have classes with the freshmen duh", Wes answered and rolled his eyes. "I'll smooth talk them into coming. Now back to what's really important… who will join Otto by the council table? He can't sit alone up there can he?"
Otto smiled, trust Wes to make sure they got back on track.
"Exactly", he said. "I'm getting agoraphobia! I need someone here!"
Everyone laughed and then looked around. Who could they choose? Wes smirked and decided to get a little even.
"Rob said he wanted to be on the council on the way over", he said and Rob stared in horror at him.
"I did not!" he exclaimed but everyone was already smiling at him. "What is this? A toothpaste commercial? Stop grinning at me because the kid is lying!"
"I never lie", Wes huffed and crossed his arms.
"You just did!"
"I did not I never lie", Wes said and got off of Rob's lap and sat down beside Nathan. Who beamed and hugged him tightly. "Now join the council or else."
"Or else what", Rob asked and Wes smirked. Rob understood what was about to happen. "Oh crap!" He hurriedly closed his eyes and he heard everyone else laugh or coo. Rob knew what was going on, he knew it very well. But he was not going to look. No. He was not going to. No. Never. Never ever. He would keep his eyes closed until-
"Rob", a broken voice said and darn it. Rob couldn't ignore it so he looked up at Wes' voice aaaaand he was doomed.
"Damn those puppy-eyes", he yelled and covered his eyes again. But the damage were already done. He'd seen them and knew that they were still looking at him. He knew exactly what they looked like and he groaned. Now he knew how the others felt when Wes did that to them. It may be fun for the ones watching but not when you were at the end of that damn look.
"Fine", Rob said and got up. "But you're joining with me."
The last he aimed at one of the Everetts that had been sniggering.
"What", Eric Everett asked. "But-"
"You'd be a good secretary so shut it and do what you're told."
Wes sniggered at Eric's horrified face but Otto looked relieved and everyone knew that the newest addition to the council would be good. Even though two members were slightly reluctant. Wes suddenly jumped when his phone started ringing. He grinned, it was Benjamin.
"Hello", he said when he answered and got one word:
"HELP!"
Wes laughed, waved goodbye to the Warblers and left. Say what you want about Toby but he was crazy and when he got his hooks in you… you were doomed and Benjamin had noticed that.
The week went by fast and Wes started to get a lot of friends amongst the freshmen. He noticed though that quite a lot of them wanted to join the Warblers so they didn't have to worry. He also got the post as student council represents for the freshmen because no one else wanted too… well they needed two people and Wes was one of them. Wes also met some boys that alongside him joined the martial arts team. But he also realized the horrible truth… Jesse was still bullying younger students and no one dared to do anything about it. He didn't either because he knew Jesse really would kill him if he told anyone. He had the bruises to prove it though and so did all other freshmen of the Dragon and some of the sophomores. But Wes didn't really have time to think of that because it was time for Warbler auditions.
"Okay boys", Otto said calmly the Friday the auditions were to be hold and he had a friendly smile on his face. "Since most of 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", Rob finished. "It is us you tell if you have wishes to audition for a solo."
"The council has three members", Otto continued. "The secretary that basically writes down everything that happens in here and this year we have Eric Everett here in that position." Eric waved smiling happily. "Then we have Rob Barton here who functions as councilmember and choreographer."
"And finally we have Otto Johnson in the middle", Eric 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", Ottosaid 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." Wes followed the other freshmen and noticed quite a few Warblers winking at him, he just rolled his eyes.
Wes sat outside of the Warbler Hall with Benjamin, a lot of other freshmen and older boys that were trying their luck again. All boys that knew Wes already was a Warbler had promised not to say anything because it would raise questions that would only cause the kid harm. Wes didn't really know it but all students of Dalton, older than him, cared a lot about him and kind of watched him as something they needed to protect, even from other Dalton boys. Nathan had been out explaining that they would call them in one by one judged by their last names and if they got in the would stay in the room and if they didn't they would leave.
"I'm happy my last name starts with a C", Benjamin told Wes after a bit. "I don't have to wait for as long as Zimmerman."
Zimmerman was a boy from the Vermillion Bird, also a freshman and he shot Benjamin a glare. Wes smiled at the guy.
"Don't worry", he said. "My older brother told me the auditions are usually rather quick so you don't have to wait for long."
"Your older brother was a Warbler", Benjamin asked.
"Yeah", Wes said. "He was…"
"Cool", Benjamin said. "You think we can get in?"
"If they aren't too picky", Wes said and then jumped as a tenth boy stormed past them calling the Warblers jerks for not accepting him.
"I guess they are too picky", Harold, another freshman, said as they watched the guy storm off. Wes felt nervous. What would that mean for Benjamin? Wes had heard him sing and Benjamin was okay… oh dear this would not end well.
"Benjamin Calypso", a voice suddenly called and Wes looked up at Nathan who was grinning. Wes gave him a warning look. Nathan just winked and Benjamin got up.
"Good luck", Wes said and Benjamin smiled at him before getting into the big Warbler Hall.
Benjamin was nervous. The room was full with about 20 older boys. They were all watching him and he felt himself blush. He looked at the table where the council was sitting. He remembered Otto and Rob's names because they were both from the Dragon and Rob was Wes' mentor. But the third one… he didn't remember his name but they all seemed friendly.
But then there was Jesse. Jesse that caused fear in all of the freshman, Wes also. Wes was calm and secure in everything else at the school… except Jesse. Everyone was afraid of him but no one dared to tell anyone about him, too afraid of what he would do. So they took the shoves, or kicks or punches and threats rather than being seriously hurt. Benjamin had already been forced to finish Jesse's English literature homework and Wes had done his Spanish homework for him. That's the power Jesse had over the freshmen and sophomores… even Wes was afraid of him. Would that effect the Warblers too?
"Are you okay Benjamin", Otto asked and smiled friendly.
"Yes sir", the Benjamin said and blushed.
"Please don't call me sir, it makes me feel so old, you can call Austin that if he drops by but not me."
"Yes sir." Benjamin hurriedly said but then realized what he said. "Sorry sir."
"Don't apologize", Otto said.
"Sorry Otto…" Benjamin said and bit his lip.
"Hey are you okay", Rob asked worriedly.
"Yes I'm just nervous sir."
"Well don't be", the third council member said. "We're not gonna bite your head off."
"Jesse would", Benjamin mumbled.
"What was that", Otto asked.
"Nothing", Benjamin said with a panicked voice and looked really scared.
"What's his problem", Jesse asked and everyone else glared at him. "What?"
"I'm just nervous", Benjamin said.
"It's okay Ben", Rob said. "We all-"
"Can I please sing now?" Benjamin asked and Otto nodded.
"Go ahead", he said. "What are you going to sing?"
"Um Benjamin Calypso?"
Jesse snorted and Benjamin blushed.
"Ow!" Jesse exclaimed as some of the other boys slapped him. Nathan took the CD from Benjamin and put it in the stereo and Benjamin started singing.
Benjamin: Oh no - not he
How you can accuse him is a mystery
Save him - take me
Benjamin is straighter than the tall palm tree
I hear the steel drums sing their song
They're singing man you know you've got it wrong
I hear the voice of the yellow bird
Singing in the tree this is quite absurd
Oh yes
It's true
Benjamin is straighter than the big bamboo
No ifs
No buts
Benjamin is honest as coconuts
Sure as the tide wash the golden sand
Benjamin is an innocent man
Sure as bananas need the sun
We are the criminal guilty ones
Oh no
Not he
How you can accuse him is a mystery
Save him
Take me
Benjamin is straighter than the tall palm tree
La la la la la la la
Oh no
Not he
How you can-
Benjamin found himself cut short when Nathan turned off the music. The council was smiling sadly at him and he understood at once what was going on.
"Sorry Benjamin", Otto said. "But you don't really have what it takes to be in the Warblers."
"Why not", Benjamin asked.
"You sing off key… a lot", Rob said. "With a lot of vocal coaching you could become a decent singer but…"
"But?"
"The Warblers aren't looking for decent kid", Jesse cut in. "We're looking for amazing and you're as far from amazing as one can get. Does your parents even like your voice? I can't even stand the voice you have when talking so how can they?"
"Jesse!" Otto barked angrily but Benjamin was already crying at those hard works.
"Benjamin", Nathan said and put a hand on his shoulder but Benjamin pushed it off and ran out of the room.
Wes jumped when Benjamin slammed the doors opened and he saw the tears on the boys cheeks. He stared at Nathan who stood in the door.
"What did you do?!" he yelled at Nathan and Nathan held up his hands. Wes got up to go after Benjamin.
"Wait", Logan said and hurried out of the Warbler Hall. "Let me talk to him." Logan ran down the hallway after Benjamin and Wes sat down again. But he glared at Nathan who sighed and called the next boy. Wes refused to look at him as the doors closed. He waited for his turn and when it came he marched by Nathan who hurriedly closed the door behind them because he could see that Wes was about to explode. Wes stood in front of the Warblers but before they could say anything he yelled:
"What did you jerks say to Ben?!"
"Wes", Otto began.
"I can't believe you guys made my friend who is also a freshman cry! What's wrong with you people?!"
"Wes", Otto tried again.
"I mean I though you idiots learned from that time when Kim auditioned and from when Oliver did but clearly I was mistaken and clearly I was mistaken in thinking that you guys are actually nice to people when they audition! What did you say to those others that called you jerks? Where you jerks to them too? Did I defend you against those harsh comments you got. But clearly I umph!" The last came out when John Wilkins walked up behind him and covered his mouth with one of his hands. While holding him in place with his other arm. Wes protested loudly, but muffled.
"Geez I told you this would happen", John said.
"Told ya we should've gagged him as soon as he stepped inside", Brett Everett said happily.
"Okay Wes listen", Mitch said and Wes glared at him but he was quiet. "We didn't say anything to Benjamin, Jesse did and as you can see he's been taken care of." Wes looked behind Mitch and saw Jesse bound and gagged in the corner. "He's the one that's been hurting people, not the rest of us okay? Logan went to talk to Benjamin so can you relax… please?"
Wes looked around at the Warblers and shot a death glare at Jesse but then nodded.
"John let him go", Otto said and John did… reluctantly. When he was at a safe distance from Wes the younger boy marched over to the piano.
"Uh what are you doing", Kim asked.
"Well this is a Warbler audition so I'm going to audition", Wes spat and then started playing and singing:
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
The Warblers smiled, Wes really had a good voice so when he sang the next verse they joined in and sang backup for him.
Who said that every wish would be heard
and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
All of us under its spell. We know that it's probably magic.
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
The Warblers cheered and Otto stood up and said proudly:
"Wes, welcome to the Warblers."
"WOOOOH!" some of the guys cheered loudly and smiled.
"I can't believe I'm the only freshman that was good enough to join", Wes said to Alexander, Otto, Nathan, Rob and Jesse as they headed back to the Dragon. "I mean… this isn't normal is it?"
"It happens at times", Otto said. "Jerry once told me that a few years ago there was new addition to the Warblers two years in a row."
"But still…"
"Don't worry", Otto said and put an arm around him. "Now we don't have to pretend to not know you as well as we do. We can act normal around you."
"I never told you to not act normal around me. I told the guys that Jerry's my older brother and that he attended school here and that I visited sometimes so I got to know some of you. I told them Jerry was a Warbler and I can always tell them you adopted me ever since and let me sit in on rehearsals and competitions even after Jerry left."
"That's good buddy", Nathan said. "Believable as well." They got into the dorm and Wes ran up the stairs to find Benjamin. He found the other freshman lying on his bed staring at the wall. Wes hurried over to him and lied down beside him. Benjamin turned and snuggled close to him.
"Jesse's a jerk", he said.
"Amen to that", Wes said and hugged Benjamin close.
TBC My muse is still on vacation... -_- And how annoyed was I when I realized that this song was being used at regionals in season 4? I was watching the Muppets a few weeks back and just knew Wes had to sing it and then I hear that it's on Glee O.o I hate that show some times -_-
Oh and if you go to my prophile you can find a link to my second trailer for this story ;) Or just go to YouTube and search for this:
Glee - Little Brother Wes (trailer2)
Answer to non-members' (or not signed in members') reviews:
Sarah - What kind of moments do you mean?