Part 67
The incident with the drugs and alcohol only seemed to pull the freshmen gang tighter together, especially since Kevin started to accept that it was his brother's fault and that Paul had been nothing but lying to him about it. Kevin was still very fond of his brother but they had talked about it and even though Kevin had yelled a few times that he hated Paul and never wanted to see him again he still talked to him over phone at least three times a week. Now this part of the story is not actually going to focus that much on the freshmen gang. Well some of them but you'll see.
We'll start at one of the most important student council meetings in history. The student council of Dalton was going to meet with the principal and the school board. They had been preparing this for weeks and sadly not the whole council was allowed to take part at the meeting. They had three representatives. They had decided on the two seniors, one of them was the student council president, the other the cashier. The last person they sent was Wes because the problem they were discussing was his idea and he was one of the better debaters on the council. So now Wes and the other two, two boys named Theo and Gordy. The three boys were nervously standing in front of Carmichael and the school board. Which wasn't anything but a big group of elder men and women from the upper class.
"So", the head of the board said. "Let me get this straight. You boys wants to change the Dalton Academy Uniform?"
"Yes sir", Theo said.
"Then I have just one question boys", he said taking off his glasses. "Why do you want to ruin the wonderful reputation and tradition of this institution?"
"Well", Gordy began but was cut off.
"Changing the uniform would be like spitting on Mr. Dalton's grave", a woman shouted. "He wanted these uniforms!"
"The uniforms were changed into the state we have them today in 1897", Wes said calmly and the woman glared at him. "Esaias Dalton had then been dead for quite some time ma'am."
"Excuse me but who is this", the woman asked.
"Ah", Carmichael said happily. "This is Wes Montgomery. The boy that has stayed a student the longest at Dalton, well he will be when he is a senior and the first boy ever to enter the school while still being in middle school. We have a piece of history right here."
The three students and a few others sniggered at that and Wes smiled at Carmichael.
"Oh so this is the trouble child", the woman asked and Wes glared at her.
"Betty please", the chairman said. "Now. Can you boys explain why you want to change our sacred and traditional uniform."
"Oh but sir it's not the question of changing the whole uniform", Wes said.
"It's not?"
"No sir we are not going to touch the majority of it. What we want is to change the uniform for the seniors."
"In what way?"
"Well", Gordy said. "Remove the black sir."
"And the boots and turtle necks and trenchcoats sir", Theo said.
"Give me one good reason", a man spat.
"Okay", Wes said. "As you said Mr. chairman… Dalton is a very traditional school and very proud of how she is run right?"
"Correct", the chairman said.
"Dalton takes very hard on tradition but there is one thing that has always been more important, the very reasons we wear these uniforms at all."
"And what would that be?"
"Unity sir", Wes said and everyone looked at him. Theo and Gordy in relief because their arguments had run short. "Dalton takes pride in having a student body that is there for each other all the time. We are one big family at this school. Ibi victoria, ubi concordia is our school motto and it stands for 'where is the unity, there is the victory'. Dalton is a place where everyone can feel accepted and part of a group. But… we are singling out the seniors. After the freshmen the seniors are those who need this unity most."
"And why is that", a woman asked.
"Well ma'am the freshmen needs it to get to know the school and to get into the family so to speak. The seniors are leaving and are stressing over so much that they need the feeling of belonging an unity that the uniform gives us. I have heard many seniors complain about feeling so… alienated and stared at when they walk down the hall. The seniors are being singled out. I know some use it to make sure other students move out of the way when the seniors are coming because they are upper classmen but it also makes the younger students unite somewhat against the seniors."
"We don't want that do we", Carmichael asked calmly.
"The student council suggests", Wes said. "That the seniors have the same uniform as everybody else. It would be better for everyone as well as for the school's economy."
"How", a man said intrigued. Wes had studied the school board. He knew that this man was a bit of a cheap skate. Wes turned to look at Theo and Gordy with a smirk, but for the grownups it looked as if he asked them for permission so Theo nodded.
"Well", Wes said and walked up to the whiteboard. "The money you pay for one pair of boots for the seniors cost as much as three pair of slack or four white shirts or six ties or two blazers or three pair of black shoes. Ladies and gentlemen by doing this you would save a lot of money for the school. You could do a lot of things for it, some of the classrooms needs repairing and the Vermillion Bird has lost a staircase railing! Kids will fall!"
"That's dangerous boys", Carmichael said. "Why haven't we been informed until now?"
"It happened this morning sir", Theo said. "A sophomore tripped on the stairs and used the railing as support and it just fell down!"
"Luckily a passing by freshman grabbed him from behind so he didn't fall down", Gordy added.
"So what do you say", Wes asked and smiled his most charming smile.
Wes was feeling so proud of himself as he headed for the Dragon. They had gotten the approval so by the beginning of next school year there would be no more black clad seniors, no more black uniforms or as the seniors called it: no more funeral clothes. He walked by a bench and froze.
"Hi Kim", he said happily but the blonde wasn't looking at him. "Kim?" Wes' brow furrowed. The Swede was just sitting there and looking out over the school grounds. He was looking as if he was daydreaming, but sadly daydreaming. Wes and the rest of the Warblers had all noticed that over the days Kim had gotten more and more quiet. He barley said anything at Warbler meetings and he never really left his room other for classes and eating. Even Alvaro was getting worried. Wes sat down beside Kim and patted his shoulder. Kim turned to look at him. His brown eyes that used to be twinkling a lot was very dull.
"Kim are you okay", Wes asked carefully.
"It's December 15th today", Kim said.
"Yeah."
"And there's no snow… no cold even… not even any darkness."
"Okay?" Wes said confused. "I understand the thing about the snow but… the rest is-"
"I just miss it that's all. And julmust and knäck and ischoklad and… and not speaking God damn English!"
Wes looked at him and suddenly realized what it was all about.
"Are you getting homesick Kim?" he asked carefully.
"I don't know", Kim groaned. "Just… leave me alone."
"We have to do something", Nathan said a few days later as the Warblers got back to the Warbler Hall after their annual Christmas performance in the auditorium. Kim hadn't shown up and he had been suppose to sing a solo. But the Swede was nowhere to be found. Wes had told them of his meeting with Kim out on the grounds and the Warblers of Tortie told the rest about how everyone in their dorm had noticed the change in the Swede.
"I know", Howard said as an answer to Nathan's question. "I'm getting depressed just watching him."
"Alvaro has tried everything but he just doesn't react", Juan said. "It's like a big sad cloud is hanging over Tortie and it's affecting everyone."
"Has something happened to his dad to make him this sad", Peter asked.
"I don't think so", Otto said. "I saw Mr. Johansson in town a few days ago with his girlfriend."
"Can that be it", Julian asked.
"Can what be it", the Everetts asked in unison.
"Could this be a late reaction to his breakup with Daisy? I mean… I know Kim saw her and her new boyfriend recently. She was using cute little Swedish words when talking to him."
"That's the problem", Wes said and they all looked at him.
"What is", Eric Anderson asked.
"Swedish", Wes said. "And Sweden. I told you, Kim is homesick."
"He did get homesick last winter too", Juan said remembering that.
"Yeah", Howard agreed. "Alvaro and Daisy managed to comfort him though and… oh…"
"Yeah he doesn't have Daisy anymore and he knows that next year he won't have Alvaro", Wes explained as he got up. "I think Kim is scared he's losing his anchors."
"We should go talk to him", Mitch said. "Show him how much we really care about him."
Everyone agreed to that so they walked to Tortie and Howard led him to his and Kim's room. Howard opened the door and froze. Kim was packing his things.
"Kim?!" Nathan exclaimed and the Swede turned to them.
"Hi guys", he said. He wasn't wearing his Dalton uniform.
"What's going on", Howard asked and hurried over to Kim. "Are you changing rooms or something? Has my snoring gotten worse?"
"No", Kim said. "I sleep fine with ear plugs."
"So… why are you packing", Juan asked. Kim didn't answer, he just looked at his feet. That's when everyone noticed Alvaro standing in the corner, looking really upset.
"Tell them", the Latino said, fighting his tears.
"Al", Kim began but trailed off.
"Tell them or I will", Alvaro said darkly.
"Tell us what", Isaac asked.
Kim looked at all of them with sad eyes.
"I'm moving back to Sweden", he said.
The silence that followed was deafening. The room was so quiet a pin falling to the floor would sound like a gunshot. Kim didn't look at anyone… he didn't dare too. Then Nathan laughed nervously.
"Funny", he said. "Good joke Kim!"
"It's not a joke", Kim said. "I'm moving tomorrow."
But… but you can't move!"
"Yes I can…"
"No!" Nathan yelled and grabbed him by his shoulders and shook him. "You belong with us! At Dalton! You're one of us! We won't just let you walk out that door!"
"Nate if I stay I'll be miserable… do you really want that? I'll be sad all the time."
"Then stay for our sake. Ow!" Alvaro and Otto had both slapped his shoulders. "What was that for?!"
Otto just glared at him before walking up to Kim that had sat down on the bed. Otto crouched in front of him.
"Is Dalton really that miserable for you", he asked putting one of his hands on Kim's both that he held clasped on his lap.
"No", Kim said. "Dalton is great I just…"
"What", Otto urged soothingly.
"I miss Sweden… I miss my home town… I miss… I miss the clean air. I miss the amazing winters. I miss the cool, but sometimes hot, summers. I miss the spring and the autumn. I miss hunting for moose in fall. I miss Swedish music shows. I miss Swedish TV-shows… I miss Swedish coffee… and salty liquorices-"
"Ew", everyone said… like always. Kim had given everyone a black liquorices rolled in salt and in shapes of little animals. He ate it happily… everyone else gagged and spit it out.
"I miss some things I can't even explain", Kim said. "Dad just tore me up with my roots and dragged me here before I got a chance to let Sweden go. I've been trying to suppress the feeling of longing for years now… and now I just can't."
"But… what are you gonna do over there Kim?" Otto asked. "Your father is staying here… right?"
"He is… I'm gonna stay with Emma."
He looked up and noticed all sad faces.
"Look I might come back for college", he said.
"That's just it!" Nathan said. "You might come back!"
"Look", Kim said and got up. "I need to get happy and right now I'm not happy at Dalton or in the US. I need to go home."
"This is your home", Isaac tried.
"It doesn't feel like it right now…"
"But-"
"Stop it", Wes cut in and everyone turned to him. "It's Kim's decision to go or not, not ours. Kim isn't happy, we've all noticed it. Maybe some time away will help him feel better or maybe staying in Sweden is what he needs. We shouldn't blame him for it! We all miss our homes when we are away, but no one in this group has travelled so far from home as Kim."
"You don't feel at home here then", Otto asked and looked at Kim.
"Look", Kim said and got up and walked over to his guitar. He started playing softly. "This is how I feel… I felt it when I arrived in the US as well… only it was a plane and not a ship…" He cleared his throat and started singing:
One day when we were on the ocean another ship came sailing by
The Swedish colors fluttered from her stern
The people on the deck, I could see their faces
We sailed in opposite directions, they waved and I felt so alone
Those people on her deck where sailing their way back
We sail away they're sailing home
Warblers: Home where is that?
Kim: All that I know
Is that there was a place called "home"
Not long ago
A place where all is peace and quiet, when we have gone to bed at night
I want to make a home for all of us, away from crushing crowds
This we owe our children
And imagined to at last be resting, to sleep in your own bed
The land is rich, we'll find a place to live
That you will learn to love and call your home
Warblers: Oh home where is that?
Kim: What can I say?
Somewhere where people dance and sing
Midsummer Day
Ours is a road that leads away
Never returning
Warblers: Kim, where is this home?
Kim: I thought I knew
Now we must look for
answers to your question
Kim looked at the other Warblers and noticed that their faces looked a bit less angry and desperate and more soft and understanding
For I long for home as much as you
When Kim finished singing Juan, Howard and Alvaro hurried up to hug him. The rest of the Warblers soon joined into the hug… and Kim started crying.
When Christmas came Wes was yet again alone at Dalton. He had told Benjamin and his other friends and dormmates that he was going to leave later because his parents hadn't found anyone that could pick him up at the station. He was sitting in his window looking out over the cold grounds. All the boys had left and Wes had forbid them from coming back this year to celebrate with him. He'd be okay.
From his window he could see the bench where he had seen Kim sitting and felt tears prick at his eyes. They had all seen Kim off at the airport. Everyone had hugged him tightly. Even Ma Trixie was there to say goodbye to her favorite coffee puzzle. No matter how hard she had tried Kim hadn't given up on his black coffee without anything in it. Wes sighed.
His home was Dalton, it was the only place where he had ever felt at home so he didn't understand Kim's longing home. Wes had so much fun at Asian Camp, the only other place he went to that he didn't get time to miss Dalton. But Dalton wasn't Kim's only home, neither was it any of the other boys'. He sighed and then snowflakes started to fall. He smiled slightly, snow always made him smile. He padded over to his bed and took his laptop and started to write Merry Christmas e-mails to all his friends. A little longer to the ex-Warblers because he had already talked to the current Warblers and Alvaro in person.
December 25th Wes hurried to the Lima Bean and spent the whole morning until lunch with Trixie. They sang and baked and drank hot chocolate. Nelson was with them for a few things. But at one point when the café was packed Trixie didn't have time to spend with Wes. Wes got bored and noticed the guitar behind the counter. He grinned and took it and tuned it before he started playing. The song was familiar so everyone looked at him and he started singing, changing the lyrics to suite the time.
You'll say that we've got nothing in common
No common ground to start from
And we're falling apart
You'll say the world has come between us
Our lives have come between us
Still I know you just don't care
And I said, "What about 'Christmas at Trixie's'?"
She said, "I think I remember the place,yes
and as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it."
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."
I see you - the only one who knew me
And now your eyes see through me
I guess I was wrong
So what now?
It's plain to see we're over,
And I hate when things are over -
When so much is left undone
And I said, "What about 'Christmas at Trixie's'?"
She said, "I think I remember that time,yes
and as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it."
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."
You'll say that we've got nothing in common
No common ground to start from
And we're falling apart
You'll say the world has come between us
Our lives have come between us
Still I know you just don't care
And I said, "What about 'Christmas at Trixie's'?"
She said, "I think I remember the love, yes
and as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it."
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."
And I said, "What about 'Christmas at Trixie's'?"
She said, "I think I remember the fun, yes
and as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it."
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."
And I said, "What about 'Christmas at Trixie's'?"
She said, "I think I remember the warmth, yes
and as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it."
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."
Everyone sheered and Trixie walked by Wes on hit him on the head with her tray.
"Don't be silly", she scolded as she walked away but she was smiling warmly and Wes was grinning widely. It wasn't the best Christmas he'd ever had but he was having fun. Nelson walked over and whispered something in his ear and Wes smiled wickedly. He cleared his throat and started singing again:
Trixie L, Trixie O, Trixie V-E-S
Trixie, Trixie, Trixie whoops, Trixie loves me
Trixie turned and gave Wes a "really?" look. Wes just grinned and Nelson took over:
Trixie C, Trixie A, Trixie R-E-S
Trixie, Trixie, Trixie whoops, Trixie cares
She looked at Nelson with an amused look on her face. Nelson couldn't sing but it didn't stop him from doing it and everyone in the café was laughing amusingly.
Nelson: Trixie T, Trixie O, Trixie L-D me
What I've been dreaming of
And she's the girl I'm gonna marry
'Cause Trixie is the girl I love
"You two are ridiculous", Trixie said and left. Wes just grinned and Nelson hurried after Ma, like a little puppy. He always did that.
"Nelson back to work!" echoed through the store and everyone laughed. Some things never changed.
TBC Sorry for the really long wait but I have actually been working and helped my sister repaint her kitchen.
Oh and if you love "my" Warblers as much as I do please read the story Mama And Papa. It has all of them, almost, in it but a bit different ;)
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