I hope you're all enjoying the story! I have a big announcement!
I've decided to make a sequel to this story. It will contain the same characters. Think of it like a ''William McKinley High Class of '14'' Season Two. I'll refer to it as Season Two.
In Season One, the main focus has been on Austen, Blake, Avalon, Aaron, Lyssa, Tayla, Ryan and others. In Season Two, I'll be focussing more on characters who haven't made a huge appearance yet, i.e: Charlotte, Joshua, Valery, Zachary, Sibyl, Noel and so on.
Season One won't be ending for another three or four chapters so that I get a chance to wrap up the current storylines. Don't worry if you enjoyed the Avalon/Aaron relationship or the Tayla/Lyssa friendship, because the main characters from Season One will still be in Season Two.
Anyway, let me know what you think of the idea of a Season Two! I understand some people may be angry because I don't use their characters as much as others, and I apologise! But I feel Season Two should solve that problem:)
Enjoy the chapter!
Monday 22nd December:
Avalon Brickstone's POV:
Avalon's eyes snapped open and she noticed she was sweating. She sat up in her hotel bed and took a deep breath. She glanced at the clock. Four in the morning.
"Another nightmare..." She murmured to herself as she made her way into the bathroom.
Avalon and Aaron had arrived in Korea late last night. Aaron didn't want to stay with his father, so they checked into a hotel next to the hospital where Aaron's mother was being treated.
Avalon washed her face and left the bathroom. She looked around her empty hotel room and sighed. She draped a thin blanket over her shoulders, grabbed her room-key and left the room. She walked to Aaron's room two doors down and knocked on the door gently.
A few seconds later, Aaron answered the door, yawning.
"Hey, babe," Aaron leaned against the wall, 'What's up?'
"Can I sleep in your bed with you?" Avalon asked, looking down at the floor.
Aaron frowned, 'Another nightmare?'
Avalon looked up at Aaron and nodded. He sighed and opened the door wider. Avalon jumped into the bed and dived under the covers.
"Leave room for me!" Aaron laughed.
Avalon giggled and moved over so Aaron could lay down next to her. Avalon wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. After a few moments, she drifted into a deep sleep.
Ryan William's POV:
Ryan climbed out of the taxi and stared up at the airport in front of him. The faint sound of airplanes taking off could be heard if one listened closely.
Ryan quickly spotted Blake standing at the entrance to the airport. Blake scowled when he noticed Ryan and they approached each-other.
"Why did you want me to meet you here?" Blake asked.
"Where's Austen?" Ryan asked.
Ryan texted Blake last night and asked that Blake and Austen meet him at the airport this morning.
"He's not coming. He hasn't left his room since Saturday." Blake narrowed his eyes at Ryan.
Ryan sighed and lifted his bags out of the taxi. He thanked the taxi driver and paid him.
"What do you want?" Blake repeated.
"I just wanted to let you know... that I'm leaving." Ryan said.
A hint of sadness flickered in Blake's eyes for a moment, but it was immediately replaced with rage.
Blake laughed cruelly, 'You have a habit of running away from your problems.'
Ryan looked down at the floor.
"Where are you going anyway?" Blake asked.
Ryan sighed, 'I got early admission into NYADA... They want me training right away.'
Blake turned his head, 'NYADA? That Arts school in New York? I thought you were hoping for Harvard?'
"Yeah, well..." Ryan paused, 'My Dad's refusing to pay for my college... and I got on scholarship to NYADA.'
"Oh..."
The two boys stood awkwardly for a few moments before Ryan glanced at his watch.
"I better go..." Ryan trailed off.
Ryan stepped forward for a hug, but Blake stepped back and held out his hand instead. Ryan took it and Blake squeezed his hand hard.
Ryan whimpered and Blake pulled him in closer.
"If I see you around here again..." Blake threatened, 'You'll have me to deal with.'
Blake released Ryan's hand. Ryan scowled at Blake before lifting his bags, pushing past Blake and walking into the airport.
Tayla Mallory's POV:
Tayla entered the school and made her way to the choir room. Principal Sylvester had agreed to keep the school open during the Christmas Break for students who wanted a place to study.
Tayla arrived outside of the choir room and stopped outside when she heard someone's voice coming from the inside of the choir room.
"Yes, mother... Everything's great here in Lima."
Tayla recognised the voice. She peeked inside and noticed the new girl, McKenna Wright, sitting in front of the piano, her phone pressed up to her ear.
"No, I don't know... Yes, Lindsay's doing fine." McKenna continued, 'I have to go... I'll call you later. Bye mother. Love you too.'
McKenna stood and picked up the guitar that was propped up against the piano. McKenna hadn't noticed Tayla.
McKenna sat down on one of the chairs and started strumming on the guitar. Tayla recognised the tune. It was from a movie. Breakfast At Tiffany's. Tayla couldn't remember the name of the song. Her mind was jumbled until McKenna's soft voice forced her to pause.
(McKenna Singing)
Moon river wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style someday
Tayla was completely hypnotized by the girl's crystal clear voice.
You dream maker, you heartbreaker
Wherever you're going I'm going your way
Two drifters off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
Tayla observed McKenna's face. She looked completely calm and peaceful.
We're after the same rainbows end
Waiting round the band
My huckleberry friend, moon river
And me
McKenna finished and Tayla wiped a tear from her eye.
"You can come in... if you want." McKenna whispered, looking directly at Tayla.
Tayla cleared her throat and walked into the choir room, 'Sorry... I, ugh... You're really good.'
McKenna blushed, 'Thanks.'
Tayla and McKenna stood in silence. Tayla focussed on the floor.
"Would you like to... sing something with me?" McKenna asked bashfully.
Tayla smiled, 'Sure. What song?'
McKenna's face lit up. She skipped over to her bag and removed a folder. She handed the folder to Tayla and smiled.
"Look through it. Pick whatever song you want."
Tayla flicked through the folder and found a song she recognised.
"How about Pumped Up Kicks?" Tayla suggested.
McKenna nodded and removed her phone from her pocket, 'I can't play it yet, but I have the music on my phone. It's the shortened version. Do you mind?'
Tayla shook her head and McKenna plugged her phone into the music dock and pressed play. The familiar music started playing and Tayla prepared herself.
(Tayla Singing McKenna Singing Both Singing)
Robert's got a quick hand.
He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan.
He's got a rolled cigarette hanging out his mouth, he's a cowboy kid.
Tayla glanced at McKenna, who had her eyes closed. Tayla suddenly noticed how breathtakingly beautiful she was. She wasn't pretty like Avalon, or striking like Lyssa. She was beautiful. Her curly, blonde hair, which Tayla had never seen down before now, framed her face and made her look tanned.
Yeah, he found a six shooter gun in his dad's closet hidden with a box of fun things.
I don't even know what but he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you.
McKenna opened her eyes and Tayla nodded at her to let her know she wanted her to join in for the chorus.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster than my bullet.
Tayla grabbed McKenna's hand and dragged her into the middle of the choir room. They started dancing and McKenna smiled widely.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster than my bullet.
Daddy works a long day.
He be coming home late, he's coming home late.
And he's bringing me a dark surprise.
'Cause dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice.
McKenna's voice seemed to soothe Tayla, regardless of the up-beat tune.
I've waited for a long time.
Yeah, the sleight of my hand is now a quick-pull trigger.
I reason with my cigarette
And say, "Your hair's on fire, you must've lost your wits, yeah."
McKenna didn't have to ask Tayla to join in for the chorus.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster than my bullet.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster than my bullet.
The music stopped and Tayla finished facing McKenna, their bodies inches apart. Tayla noticed she still had McKenna's hand in her own. McKenna looked down at their hands. Tayla leaned in and closed her eyes.
When their lips were so close they were almost touching, McKenna pulled back and let go of Tayla's hand.
"No... this is wrong." McKenna said firmly.
"No it's not... I'm only a year older than you." Tayla replied.
"Not the age... Us. I'm not a lesbian..." McKenna whispered, here eyes brimming with tears.
"McKenna... you don't have to be ashamed." Tayla said, stepping closer to her.
"Get away from me, you dyke!" McKenna screamed.
Tayla opened her mouth to say something, but she closed it and wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand.
McKenna looked sympathetic, but she didn't say anything. She shoved her folder back in her bag, picked up her guitar and rushed out of the choir room.
Tayla collapsed onto one of the chairs and didn't bother to stop the tears as they rolled down her face.
Zachary Peterson's POV:
Zachary knocked on Austen's bedroom door for the third time.
"Fish... Come on... open the door." Zachary pleaded.
Joshua turned his head confusedly at the word 'Fish'.
"What?" Zachary asked.
"Fish?"
"It's a nickname, I'll explain later."
Joshua nodded and knocked on Austen's door himself, 'Austen? Are you okay?'
"Go away..." Austen's voice cracked from the other side of the door.
"We brought Ben&Jerry's... It's Cookie Dough. Your favourite!" Zachary coaxed Austen.
"Yeah, we have all of your Disney movies too! We're willing to watch whatever sappy, unrealistic movie you want." Joshua added.
Their was the sound of a lock turning and Austen opened his door. His usually perfectly-styled hair was in a mess and their were dark purple bags under his eyes. He wore a purple onesie and held a tissue in his hand.
Zachary frowned at the sight of his best-friend. Austen opened the door wider and Zachary and Joshua stepped into the room. Of course, the room was spotless.
"You said something about ice-cream?" Austen croaked.
Zachary handed Austen the tub of ice-cream and a spoon. Joshua held out the pile of DVDs and Austen pointed to 'The Jungle Book'. Joshua turned on the TV, inserted the DVD and clicked play.
The three boys sat on Austen's bed, eating spoonfuls of ice-cream as they watched the movie.
When the movie finished, Zachary noticed that Austen was asleep and had his arm wrapped around Zachary, cuddling him. Zachary glanced at Joshua. Joshua shrugged his shoulders.
"Sorry." Zachary whispered, 'Should I wake him up?'
Joshua shook his head, 'I don't mind... He's had a rough few days. Let him sleep.'
Zachary smiled at Joshua, 'How did I get so lucky?'
Joshua shrugged and stood up, 'You did get pretty damn lucky, didn't you? It's a shame I don't have the same luck you do.'
Zachary stuck his tongue out at Joshua and he laughed.
"I'm gonna head home," Joshua said, 'Call me when you get home, okay?'
Zachary nodded and waved goodbye to Joshua. As soon as the door closed, Austen opened his eyes and sat up.
"Sorry, I needed to talk to you alone." Austen whispered.
"You can trust Joshua, you know."
"I know," Austen said, 'I do, but I just need time alone with you. With my best-friend.'
"Okay."
"It... it happened again, Zach..." Austen trailed off.
Zachary's eyes widened, 'Wait, what?! You mean... the same thing that happened last year?'
Austen's eyes started to fill with tears. He nodded and Zachary held his head in his hands.
"You have to stop Austen... It's not safe!" Zachary cried.
"I know it isn't! I can't help it..."
"Can... can I see? I need to know you didn't harm yourself seriously." Zachary asked, sitting forward.
Austen nodded and pulled up both sleeves on his onesie. Fresh, red scars ran horizontally up both arms.
"Austen..." Zachary's eyes began to water, 'Why?'
"Why do you think?!" Austen screamed.
"Austen, calm down... I'm just trying to help-"
"Just leave." Austen huffed, 'Now. Please.'
Zachary shook his head, 'No. I'm staying the night here to make sure you don't do anything stupid.'
"Fine." Austen exhaled.
Austen lay down on his bed and pulled the covers over his head.
Zachary walked down to the living room and informed Austen's parents that he'd be spending the night.
Lyssa Carrington's POV:
Lyssa removed a red dress from her wardrobe and held it up against herself. She turned to face Charlotte.
"What do you think?" Lyssa asked.
"I think... you look like you're trying too hard." Charlotte replied.
Lyssa grunted and threw the dress back into the wardrobe out of desperation.
"It's just a date, Lyssa..."
"I know..." Lyssa said, 'I only said yes so that you could meet his friend.'
"Jonas isn't a bad guy, you know," Charlotte said, 'Everyone makes mistakes.'
Lyssa shrugged and picked up a plain, white dress that stopped just above the knee. Charlotte gave her two thumbs up and Lyssa blew a sigh of relief.
"Now we need to find something for you to wear." Lyssa said.
"What's his friends name?" Charlotte asked.
"Ugh... Roman. Roman Tate. You know, Avalon Brickstone's step-brother?" Lyssa replied, rummaging through her wardrobe.
"Do you know anything about him?"
"I know that he's single," Lyssa grinned, 'And that you need someone to kiss on New Year's Day.'
"Shut up." Charlotte laughed.
Lyssa stood up, holding the red dress from earlier, 'Here, this goes with the red highlights in your hair.'
Charlotte took the dress from Lyssa, 'I'm gonna go try it on.'
"Okay." Lyssa called over her shoulder as she shoved her clothes back into her wardrobe.
Lyssa stood up and collapsed onto her bed. She still needed to find shoes to match her dress. And she still hadn't decided how she was going to wear her hair, or how she'd do her make-up. She didn't know why she was stressing so much. She didn't even like Jonas. She only agreed to go on this date because she wanted Charlotte to meet someone.
Just then, her phone went off. She rolled over and picked it up. She'd received a text from Jonas.
Hey, Roman and I will be at ur house to pick u two up at 7 x -Jonas
Okay, we'll be ready. -Lyssa
Lyssa was about to stand up when her phone went off again.
I couldn't help but notice u didn't return my 'x' -Jonas
Lyssa laughed and smiled as she typed a reply.
I couldn't help but notice that u didn't return my calls last summer -Lyssa
Good one ;) See you at 7 x -Jonas
Lyssa put down her phone and turned around to see Charlotte smirking.
"Oh my god, Charlotte! You look amazing!" Lyssa squealed.
Charlotte blushed, 'Thanks...'
Lyssa smiled at her. She was glad she met Charlotte. She was in desperate need of a friend like her.
Valery Crane's POV:
Valery took out her keys to Santana's new apartment and unlocked the door. As soon as she stepped inside, she heard laughter coming from the living room. She shut the door, dropped her bag and walked into the sitting room.
Santana, Quinn and Brittany were sitting on the couches. There were two other people who Valery didn't recognise; a small, Asian woman and a man wearing a pink shirt with a hippopotamus broach.
Everyone turned to face Valery. She narrowed her eyes at Brittany and then looked at Santana.
"What's she doing here?" Valery spat.
"I can go wherever I want." Brittany replied.
Valery clenched her fists and Santana stood up and wrapped her in a hug.
"Val, this is Tina," Santana explained, pointing to the Asian woman and then to the man, 'And this is Kurt.'
Kurt and Tina smiled politely at Valery. She nodded her head at them and turned her attention back to Brittany.
"You said you'd stop talking to her." Valery said through gritted teeth.
"Val. Stop." Santana said.
Valery stared at her, 'No. How would you like it if I started hanging out with my ex?'
Brittany snorted, 'Like you have any.'
"Oh, that is it." Valery lunged at her, but Santana held her back and pushed her towards the door.
"Valery, I'm going to ask you to leave until you cool down." Santana said, her eyes wide.
Valery took a deep breath, 'See you later, Quinn. It was nice meeting you, Tina and Kurt.'
Quinn, Tina and Kurt nodded politely at her and Valery stormed out of the room.
*Two hours later...*
Valery collapsed onto a park-bench and sighed. She leaned forward and held her head in her hands.
"Valery?" A familiar voice asked.
Valery looked up and her jaw dropped.
"Kylie?"
Valery stared up at the raven-haired woman standing in front of her.
Kylie was a 28 year-old television presenter. Valery had begun a relationship with Kylie in May the previous year. Sure, she was eleven years older than Valery, but Valery didn't care, and neither did anyone else.
Their relationship started out fantastic. Kylie would laugh at Valery's jokes and Valery would listen to Kylie's stories about work. However, as time went by, Kylie began to treat Valery worse. Valery knew that Kylie cheated on her, and she knew that Kylie lied to her on a regular basis. Valery was in love, and she didn't want to end the relationship, but she wanted more respect. Valery asked for a bigger commitment, not necessarily marriage, and Kylie declined. Kylie dumped her two days later.
Valery never thought she'd get over Kylie, but when she met Santana, she seemed to have forgotten all about her. Now, memories of their time spent together started coming back to her.
"It's nice to see you," Kylie said, 'How are you?'
Kylie looked just as professional as ever. Her dark hair was tied into a formal pony-tail and she wore a white shirt with a black pencil-skirt and black heels.
"Fine," Valery mumbled, 'And you?'
Kylie sighed, 'I'm great.'
Valery nodded and stared past Kylie at the lake.
"Valery, you never returned my calls after-"
"After you dumped me because I asked that you stop cheating on me?" Valery snapped, 'Oh, I do apologise.'
"Valery. You're 17. You need to learn how to handle things like an adult." Kylie replied calmly.
"Okay," Valery said, standing up, 'And how can I do that?'
"By being honest and mature."
"You want honest? Okay," Valery squared up to Kylie, 'I don't want to look at you right now because every-time I do, I'm reminded of the countless nights I spent crying into my pillow after catching you with another man or woman.'
Kylie opened her mouth to say something, but Valery cut her off.
"It took me so long to get over you," Valery croaked, tears forming in her eyes, 'And now I have. I have a girlfriend. She's honest and smart and beautiful, but most of all, she cares about me. She doesn't constantly lie to me or treat me like dirt.'
Kylie frowned, 'I am sorry, Valery...'
"That's all you have to say?" Valery screeched, 'You're ''sorry''?'
Valery grabbed her leather jacket from the bench, pulled it on and pushed past Kylie, ignoring her ex-girlfriend's cries for her to come back.
I hope you all enjoyed! Please leave a review if you have the time, it helps a lot:)