Part 70
The last few months left of school was much lighter than the year before. Everyone was just enjoying the various sport team's wins and the Warblers just had fun. Wes got the satisfaction of crushing Jesse in the state championship and Wes even made it as national champion. The party the martial art team threw for him was one of the best ever.
Wes had also spent the past few months finding entertaining ways of keeping the whistle from Otto. Sadly the blonde always had that dumb luck thing going so he constantly found the thing. Wes' best hiding place so far, voted on by the rest of the Warblers, was replacing Collin's mouthpiece for his trumpet with the whistle. Collin didn't play often but a while back he got the urge to do it, Otto was there, so he blew into it. Aaaaand a whistling sound came out. Otto was furious for weeks. Because he couldn't get the "modification" off of the whistle for a week. Wes had fun though and he was going to win this year too. He just had to beat Otto at graduation… graduation. That nearly had him crying again. This year he'd lose so many of his friends.
The Warblers were all gathered in the Hall talking and having fun, but Otto brought their attention to himself by blowing the whistle. Everyone turned to him and he smiled sadly.
"Let's talk about the upcoming graduation now guys", he said. "We have a few guys leaving us this year as well. I'm one of them and we are losing one of our twin teams."
"We can't leave", Nathan yelled getting up and glaring at Otto who was sitting behind the council table as usual. "You can't make me!"
"It's not my fault Nathan", Otto said and tried to calm his best friend down a bit.
"We can't stay forever", Mitch said and gently took Nathan's. "This year it's our turn to leave. But it's not like we'll be gone forever."
"Exactly", Julian said and stood up. "Remember our saying boys. Once a Warbler…"
"Always a Warbler", the rest of the boys said half-heartedly. Otto smiled.
"So", he said. "Does our seniors want to tell the rest of the group where they are headed? Julian."
Julian Rose nodded and looked around, his brown eyes sparkling and his brown hair a bit ruffled.
"I'm going to Yale to study psychology", he said and smiled softly. "I got my acceptance letter a few weeks back. They really loved my application essay, they said I have a bright future ahead of me." The Warblers cheered for him.
"Eric A", Otto called and looked around for the redhead.
Eric was standing by the doors and everyone turned to him.
"I'm gonna study to a doctor at Princeton", he said with a soft smile.
"Two doctors so far", Nathan said and sighed. "Are we gonna make a tripple?"
"Carl", Otto called and Otto said and looked around for the twin that had dark hair and dark eyes.
"I'm going to join the navy", he said.
"What?!" Isaac asked in horror.
"I wanna follow in the family tradition", Carl said and shrugged.
"I'm joining the air force", his twin supplied and ran a hand through his blonde hair, but he averted his green eyes. He didn't want to see the worry on his friends' faces.
The Warblers stared mutely at them. No one knew what to think. But then Wes walked up to the twins and gave them a tight hug. The twins hugged him back.
"Just promise to be careful", Wes said. "If… if you get deployed."
"Promise", the twins said.
"Write us every month", Isaac said. "Anyone of us. The one getting a letter can tell the others so that we don't worry as much."
"We promise", the twins said and everyone hugged them. It was scary to think that their friends might go to a warzone later.
"I'll go now", Mitch said and sat down on the armrest of one of the sofas. "I'm gonna join Justine at Parsons."
Everyone cheered and Wes hugged him tightly.
"I'll keep an eye on her", Mitch continued. "Help make sure she won't miss Austin too much."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"So what are you gonna do Nate", Wes asked and tried not to have his voice shake.
"I am going to join the Actors Studio Drama School", Nathan said and blushed. Everyone got really excited for him and he got lots of hugs.
"That's so cool Nate", Brett Everett said.
"Really cool!" Eric Everett agreed. "Are your-"
"Other half-"
"Gonna do-"
"Something as-"
"-cool?" Wes finished and the twins and everyone else laughed.
"I thought we told you two to stay away from him!" Nathan cried and flailed his arms around. Everyone else just laughed.
"Nah he's ours now", the Everetts said and hugged Wes tightly between them.
"What?!" Nathan screamed.
"Yeah there's-"
"No one-"
"To stop-"
"-us-"
"-now", both said. Nathan was about to objected but Otto blew the whistled.
"Nathan let it go", he said. "Wes is not ours or theirs so don't get all panicky."
Nathan grumbled and sat down on the couch with a pout on his lips and his arms crossed. Otto chuckled and then cleared his throat.
"Well I'll guess I'll tell too then", he said. Everyone looked at him curiously. "After everything that's happened this year I finally found my calling. Protecting and defending those in need. So… I'm gonna be a lawyer."
"Really?" Mitch said with big eyes.
"Yeah. Figured it suit me… right?"
"Of course buddy", Rob said and patted his back. "Now that the seniors have told us everything… is there something else?"
"Well Kim's party is taking place this year too?"
"Sure", Kim said. "If Oliver can host this year. Our house needs repairs…"
"Sure", Oliver said happily. "I can do that!"
Everyone cheered.
"Oh one thing more", Otto said and smirked. "I won't tell you who the next chairman is until graduation."
The Warblers started to object, but Otto refused to say anything. Not even under threat from anybody. Not even Eric Everett or Rob knew who Otto had chosen. But everyone was eager to find out.
Two days before graduation had Wes lying out on the grass behind Dalton, looking up at the blue skies. He was sad. He had never felt this sad before during graduation. Why you ask? Because he was losing Alvaro, Nathan, Mitch and Otto. Four of the people he had been the closest with since he came to the school. He'd miss everyone else of course but Otto and Nathan were special.
They were the first boys he had met. The first one to meet him, well not really there was this guy that helped him to his dorm. Wes didn't even remember the guy's name. He remembered that he had red hair though but he didn't see him at all after that day. Nathan had been the first to enter his room and Otto soon joined them. Both of them adamant to make Wes feel welcomed to the school. They offered their friendship at once. Something Wes hadn't been used to. Not at all. No one had ever just walked up to him and wanted to be his friend, know his name or anything about him. Otthan did that at once. They had been the two first people ever to show friendly interest in him, well the first kids to ever do that. Principal Carmichael was first in show friendly interest in him. From that first meeting with them, the two jokers had made it their lives' mission to look after Wes… and they had. Sure they had had their ups and downs and a few fights but in the end… Nathan and Otto had always been there for him. Well almost always. Then there was Mitch.
Wes really loved the smaller boy, brotherly love only. Mitch had very quickly become one of the boys Wes would turn to when he needed a hug. Mitch had always been so nice and kind and soft and friendly and just… just a perfect hugger and comforter. Mitch never complained about anything, well his height but he never let his smallness stop him. He stood up to taller people a lot. And he could boss his boyfriend around. Wes took after Mitch in not letting his size bring him down. Wes used it, just like Mitch did.
Then there was Alvaro. Wes' bully turned good friend and tutor. Wes hadn't spent as much time with Alvaro as he wanted to this year. But whenever they were together they had fun with whatever they did. Wes would really miss him. Alvaro had really saved him back then and Wes had no idea how he would've survived without him his first years. He along with Lucas had really helped him with the subject he had a problem with. He would miss the cocky Latino so much.
Across the school Otto and Nathan were looking for Wes. He had disappeared after lunch and they hadn't seen him. The nuisance club hadn't seen him either. That was Otthan's little name for Wes' freshmen friends. They still weren't fond of them. As they looked in all of Wes' normal hiding places they were both brought back to that day so many years ago.
Flashback
Otto and Nathan were running towards their dorm, laughing happily. They had just had a free period and were going to get their bags from their room before their lunch started. They didn't see who was in their way though. Not until Nathan collided with him with a horrified yelp.
"Ow", Nathan whined and rubbed his head while Otto leaned on the wall laughing. Principal Carmichael just smiled and helped Nathan up.
"I'm sorry sir", Nathan said.
"No harm done Nathan", Carmichael said. "Well at least not on me."
Otto laughed even more and Nathan glared at him. Otto just grinned and then turned to Carmichael.
"I am sorry sir but we are kind of in a hurry to get something to eat", he said. Carmichael chuckled.
"That's alright boys", he said. "Say… could you do me a favor?"
"Sure", Nathan said and Carmichael handed him a package.
"Give this to the new student in room 213", he said and smiled. "And make sure he feels welcomed."
"Sweet a new kid!" Otto said happily. "Count on us sir we will take good care of him!"
"I don't doubt that for a second", Carmichael said and walked off. The boys hurried to their dorm and ran up to the second floor. First they got their bags and then they headed for room 213.
"Should we knock", Otto asked but Nathan just threw the door open.
"Yo new kid", he said. "Principal Carmichael sent me with your…" He froze and trailed off when he realized what well who was really in the room. There was this really tiny Asian boy sitting on the bed. When he saw Nathan he hurriedly turned around and rubbed his eyes. Nathan couldn't stop staring and soon Otto got tired of waiting for him. He walked into the room.
"Nathan what's taking you so long", he asked in annoyance. He too froze and stared at the small kid on the bed. "Uh hi?"
"Hi", the boy mumbled.
"Um… okay uh this was awkward", Nathan said and rubbed his neck. "Uh we're looking for your brother."
"Don't have one", the little kid mumbled.
"Uh…" Otto said in confusion. "You must have, the principal sent here with his uniform. He said this was the room of our newest student."
"Oh…"
"Yeah", Nathan said. "So where is he?"
"I'm him", the boy mumbled.
"You?" Otto asked confused. The little kid couldn't be more than 9! 10 at the most! "How old are you? 9, 10?"
"I'm 12…"
"But… but… but you're too young to be here!" Nathan said..
"I know", the boy mumbled. "But I'm here anyway."
"Why", Otto asked and walked a little closer. "If you don't mind me asking."
"I do mind…"
"Sorry… uh… well, here are your uniforms then… you got three of them and training clothes as well."
He handed the brown box to the boy and the boy took it, nearly disappearing behind it.
"Thanks", he mumbled, put it away and then looked at his feet.
The older boys looked at each other and then curiously at the small boy in front of them. Otto smiled.
"I'm Otto Johnson", he said and held out his hand. "I'm a freshman here."
The boy only looked at the hand at first but then took it and shook it.
"…" he mumbled.
"What's that", Otto asked.
"Wesley Montgomery", Wesley mumbled.
"Wesley?" Nathan asked. "No no that's not good enough for our new friend."
"Friend", Wesley asked as he let go of Otto's hand.
"Sure", Nathan said grinning and putting his arm around Wesley's shoulders. "Everyone who lives in the Dragon are friends with each other!"
"Dragon?"
"The name of our dorm", Otto explained.
"I thought it was East…"
"It is but it's nicknamed the Dragon" Nathan said happily." So where you from Wes?"
Wesley looked at him in confusion.
"Wes", he asked.
"Your new nickname!" Nathan said beaming and hugging the boy. "Unless you hate it."
"No… I… I like it."
"Great!"
Otto chuckled and then looked at his watch.
"Hey Wes wanna come with me and Nathan to grab some lunch in the cafeteria", he asked. "I promise no one will be mean to you?"
Wes nodded weakly and Nathan ushered him towards the bathroom with one of his new uniforms. When Wes got out Nathan grinned.
"Aw look at Mini-Jerry!" he said.
"Jerry", Wes asked.
"Jerry is our dorm prefect", Otto exclaimed. "He's Asian like you and in the Warblers' chariman as well."
"Warblers?"
"You'll see", Nathan said and took his hand. "Now come on guys I'm hungry!"
They hadn't been able to keep their promise then, but it didn't matter now. Because they both knew Wes was their friend, their little buddy. Well Nathan's baby. As they looked down from the roof they were now standing on, what was it with Wes and climbing onto roofs, they saw Wes lying on the grass a bit away and hurried down to get to him.
Wes jumped high when someone patted his knee. He turned his head and saw Alvaro sit down beside him.
"There you are shrimp I've been looking all over for you", he said.
"Don't call me that jerkface", Wes said, but he had a fond smile on his face. He sat up and Alvaro put an arm around his shoulders. They sat there in silence for a bit.
"I'm gonna miss you small fry", Alvaro then said. "You know that right?"
"Of course I do", Wes said calmly, trying to fight the sad tears bubbling up in his eyes. Alvaro was having the same battle.
"I'll miss you too", Wes added. "You know that right?"
"Yeah", Alvaro said and looked straight ahead because if he looked at Wes he would cry. He thought back to that day in the hospital, after Wes got locked into that janitor's closet. An incident that everyone now expected was on purpose and not accident. He remembered that at the time he had been thinking about the day he saved Wes from those bullies. The day he first started to be friendly towards the kid. But what had made him realize how serious this whole situation was Wes asking them a question.
Flashback
"What is it about me that makes people despise me so much", Wesley mumbled.
"What do you mean", Lucas asked. "We don't despise you!"
"But why do I feel so alone then", Wesley asked sadly. "I feel like this place going to be ripped away from me too. As soon as I start to feel safe something happens and I lose it… Why do I always have to feel alone?" That made Alvaro angry, not at Wesley but at how unfair it was that he had to feel like it.
"When I was littler", Wesley whispered. "I dreamt to find someone that wanted me in his or her family… but as soon as I think I find that someone I lose them again… Is it a dream that's too big… should I dream smaller… should I stop feeling?"
Alvaro knew this was getting dangerous, Wesley's thoughts were dangerous and dark and would only lead to hurt for him and the boys around him.
"You feel abandoned", Lucas asked.
"You didn't come", Wesley whispered again. "I was scared… no one came."
"We came Wes", Otto said and hurried over to the two. "We nearly came too late but we came. We will always come for you, no matter where you are. We need you."
"What about what I need", Wesley asked and looked at him with tearful eyes.
"All you need is us and you have us", Lucas said. "You staying at Dalton would be the best for all of us."
"What about what's best for me", Wesley asked looking at him with those sad eyes.
"We really think it's best for you to stay with us Wes", Otto said softly. "We really do care about you, we feel for you. We feel sad when you're upset. We feel angry when someone hurts you. We feel worried when we can't find you. We feel happiness when you're happy."
"What about how I feel", Wesley asked and was looking a bit intimidated when all these boys crowded around him.
"We feel that you need us and that we need you", Mark said calmly. "It's how it's supposed to be among brothers. You are supposed to feel that you need someone at times and feel safe."
"But every time I do", Wesley whispers in a small voice. "Something happens and I'm not safe anymore."
"That's because we mess up mostly", Mark said with a sigh. "But brothers mess up Wes, but they are always there to pick up the pieces. Let us pick them up Wes."
"But… what about…" Wesley began but trailed off. He snuggled closer into Lucas' embrace and let tears slip down his cheeks. Lucas rubbed his arm. The discussion took an odd turn but he didn't care. Wesley needed them right now and he wasn't the only one that saw it. Alvaro had made up his mind, he knew how to help. He could fix it, all he had to do was show Wesley that he wasn't alone in his dream. Nearly all boys in the Warblers and some outside felt abandoned in one way or another and looked for a place where they belonged and where they could feel safe and wanted. They were a pack of brothers and Alvaro was lucky to be part of that. Wesley was his little brother. He looked over at the bed and looked at the kid softly and did something he'd never done before. He sang:
It's more than you. It is more than me.
No matter what we are, we are a family. – Wesley looked up at him in confusion, Lucas, Otto and Mark were also staring at him.
This dream is for all of us, - He gestured to the group.
This one can be real.
And you can't stop us now, - He took Wesley's hand softly.
Because of how ya feel.
It's more than you. It is more than me.
Whatever dreams we have, they're for the family.
We're not alone anymore, now there are others there. – He let go and backed away and showed at the other boys with his hands.
And that dream's big enough
For all of us to share.
So don't think you're going,
You're not going anywhere.
You're staying and taking your share.
And if you get afraid again, I'll be there. – Alvaro took Wesley's hand and smiled. He hadn't noticed Kim and Nathan returning but when the chorus came again they all, save Wesley, sang.
We are a family, like a giant tree.
Branching out towards the sky.
We are a family, we are so much more,
Than just you and I.
We are a family like a giant tree,
Growing stronger, growing wiser
We are growing free
We need you
We are a family.
Wesley looked at him before moving his comforter aside and got up. He walked over to Alvaro and hugged him. Alvaro smiled and hugged him while he sang:
You're staying and taking your share.
And if you get afraid again, I'll be there
Nathan and the others joined into the hug and sang with Alvaro:
We are a family, like a giant tree.
Branching out towards the sky.
We are a family, we are so much more,
Than just you and I.
We are a family like a giant tree,
Growing stronger, growing wiser
We are growing free
We need you
We are a family.
When he stopped singing the only sound in the room was from Wesley's sobs and the older boys all moved to him and Alvaro. Otto and Nathan crouched down to hug Wesley while Lucas, Kim and Mark put their arms around Alvaro and Wesley at the same time. They just stood there, hugging.
Alvaro jumped when he felt Wes' arms around him in a tight hug. Alvaro smiled and hugged him back. He held the younger boy tightly and rocked him a little. He then sang softly:
And if you get afraid again, I'll be there
He felt Wes smile against his neck. But all peacefulness was crushed with the arrival of Nathan and Otto. The two swooped down onto Wes and Alvaro and hugged them tightly. Wes chuckled and they just sat there hugging for a bit. But then they separated a bit and just lied in the grass. Mitch also joined them, hugging Wes a little extra tightly before doing so. They had been lying there just talking for about ten minutes before Alvaro smirked and said:
"So the talk around Dalton is that somebody is going to be student council president next year, anyone we know?"
"No", Otto said. "I have no idea."
"Well they say it's historical because he's the first sophomore ever to have that title as well as the title: captain of the martial arts team."
Otto and Nathan stared at Wes. Wes groaned and rolled around the bury his face in Mitch's shoulder. The smaller boy just laughed happily and hugged him. Otto grinned and ruffled the Asian's hair fondly. Mitch decided to save Wes from the "embarrassment" and turned to Alvaro.
"So Sanchez what are you doing after graduation", he asked.
"Well", Alvaro said and blushed. "It's kind of embarrassing."
"Why", Wes asked and looked at him.
"I got into Manhattan School of Music…"
They all stared at him before they tackled him to the ground in a tight hug.
Wes and the other Warblers watched their friends get their diplomas and Carmichael holding a speech to all graduates. When he was done Carmichael gave the mike to Otto who was going to announce the new Warblers Chairman. Wes smirked because he saw that the chain hanging around his neck was empty, the older boy hadn't noticed that when Wes hugged him before he left to go prepare for the ceremony Wes had also managed to unhook the whistle. He'd hid it in the perfect place this time Otto would never find it. The next chairman would be allowed to find something else to gain everyone's attention… as long as it wasn't a blow-horn Wes could live with it.
"My favorite role at this school has been working as the chairman of the wonderful Dalton Academy Warblers", Otto said and the audience cheered. "Stand up boys… "
The Warblers stood up to receive their praise and this time Wes didn't need to get hoisted up to get noticed, they could see him anyway. Parents and family members of the graduates all got curious as to what was going on. Wes grinned at Otto and Otto smiled back, but not liking the glow in Wes' eyes, something was up.
"I am as an ending my time here I have one last thing to do", Otto said. "Giving the new chairman the token of leadership, use it well." Otto smiled slyly. "The thing is… I haven't told the Warblers who their new leader will be… yet. But I think, after everything that's been going on this year… that there's only one person fit for the role. And that person… is Wes Montgomery."
"What?!" Wes squeaked but got no change to object as the Warblers around him cheered and ushered him towards the stage. The whole school cheered. Wes was making history. Not only was he the youngest captain of the martial arts team, not only was he the youngest student council president either… he was also the youngest chairman ever. Otto knew that Wes really should've been chairman this year as well but that would've raised too many questions. Wes got onto the stage and hugged Otto. Otto hoisted him off the ground and spun around in a wide circle as he hugged him. Then he put Wes down.
"The whistle is yours now", Otto said and moved the chain from his neck and put it around Wes'.
"Well then maybe I should have it", Wes teased. Otto blinked in confusion and then saw that the chain around Wes' neck was empty. He groaned and the Warblers laughed.
"Where is it?" Otto asked.
"In a place where you would never look", Wes said happily.
"It's in the cleaning closet", the boys from the Dragon called and the room erupted in laughter and "Aw man he won again!" Otto whined and everyone laughed again. Carmichael walked up to the two Warblers and gave both of them a hug.
"Now", he said. "The boys in the Warblers wish to send the seniors off with a song."
The Warblers all went onstage, Wes patted Otto's cheek and joined the others. The seniors sat down in their seats. The Dalton orchestra was going to help out this time too. Wes took a step forward and started singing.
Everything has its season
Everything has its time
Show me a reason and I'll soon show you a rhyme
Cats fit on the windowsill
Children fit in the snow
Why do I feel I don't fit in anywhere I go?
The Warblers stood behind him in a long line.
Rivers belong where they can ramble
Eagles belong where they can fly
I've got to be where my spirit can run free
Got to find my corner of the sky
Wes moved into the line and the juniors stepped forward.
Kim: Every man has his daydreams
Isaac: Every man has his goal
Rob: People like the way dreams have
Of sticking to the soul
Brett: Thunderclouds have their lightning
Eric: Nightingales have their song
All juniors: And don't you see I want my life to be
Something more than long...
Wes: Rivers belong where they can ramble
Eagles belong where they can fly
I've got to be where my spirit can run free
Got to find my corner of the sky
The sophomores stepped forward this time.
Howard: So many men seem destined
Logan: To settle for something small
Oliver: But I won't rest until I know I'll have it all
Collin: So don't ask where I'm going
Peter: Just listen when I'm gone
Juan: And far away you'll hear me singing
Alexander: Softly to the dawn:
Wes: Rivers belong where they can ramble
Eagles belong where they can fly
I've got to be where my spirit can run free
Got to find my corner of the sky
The crowd cheered and the seniors got to their feet applauding and smiling brighter than anyone. The Warblers bowed and Wes winked at Otto. Wes won the battle this year too. It was 4-0 to Wes! Come on! But… how would the battle continue afterwards?
After the ceremony the Warblers waited outside to greet the seniors. There was a lot of hugging and a lot of goodbyes. And of course a lot of tears. It was fun to meet everyone's parents though, even if it was just shortly. They knew they'd all meet up at midsummer but it was still sad. Wes saying goodbye to Otthan was the saddest though. Wes could barely keep his tears at bay when he hugged them. Nathan was crying though and so was Otto. This was their baby after all.
"Promise to make sure no one forgets us around here", Otto begged. "Play pranks in our honor and look after the younger ones okay?"
"Promise", Wes sniffled.
"Oh and one more thing", Otto said gently and looked Wes in the eyes. "Promise me that you will lead the Warblers to a national victory."
"I promise", Wes said and hugged Otto again. But soon one by one the students at Dalton left.
That evening Wes was all alone at Dalton. But he didn't let that stop him. He walked to the Warbler Hall, with his laptop. He also brought the whistle and that gavel he had found with principal Carmichael. Wes put the gavel in the middle of council table and took the whistle in his hand. He started up a vide conversation with four people in the conversation, five with Wes himself. He also pressed record. The answers came straight away. It was Jerry Jonston, Brady Raymond, Austin Diaz and Otto Johnson. Wes at on the table grinning and twirling the whistle around in his hand.
"Hi bro", Brad said. "Heard you made chairman so I guess the war will be over from now on."
"True…" Wes said.
"And you can't win", Jerry said. "You can't hide it from yourself."
"Also true."
"Which means the whistle will win the years to come", Otto said happily.
"False", Wes said.
"Why is that buddy", Austin asked.
"So glad you asked", Wes said. "You see I'm gonna make this day the end of this battle and make me the ultimate winner of this war."
"How", Jerry asked.
"I am so glad that you asked", Wes said happily and jumped off the table. He put the whistle down on it, well a plastic tray so he wouldn't damage the table. Then he took the gavel and grinned wickedly.
"Wesley", Jerry warned.
Wes just smirked and raised the gavel.
"NO!" Brad, Otto and Jerry screamed as Wes brought the gavel down with a loud bang… onto the whistle. The head became flat and it got crooked… useless. Jerry, Brad and Otto stared in horror. Wes turned to the camera.
"I win", he said and cut the feed.
TBC Lol so many loves Puff the Magic Dragon even though the song is REALLY sad...
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 ;)
Answer to non-members' (or not signed in members') reviews:
lucky333123 - So happy you like this story alot and that you both laughed and cried at times. It means my writing can affect people :) Hope you keep reading.
Guest - Happy you liked it :)