Disclaimer: I don't own Kickin it
Now onto the story
Brewer Residence
Sunday, January 6th, 2013
Oddly enough Jack couldn't wait to go back to school. He needed to get away from his mom and her constant hovering over him. She went from one extreme to another. After grounding him for the fake ID she gave him the cold shoulder and stayed almost emotionless towards him. Now after the Park Incident she was smothering him and almost overly emotional to him. She ended his grounding straight after what happened which means he finally had his phone back. Any other time he would've been excited but he felt nothing at the news. His mom constantly checked up on him to see if he needed anything or if he was okay. She makes him his favorite meals, lets him choose the movies they watch, offers to take him wherever he wants to go, is just spoiling him rotten.
His mom is also pressing charges against Frank. He's heard multiple heated phone calls to their family lawyer about the lawsuit. She wanted Frank's head on a platter and won't stop until he's locked up or shipped away to military school. Frank was now expelled from Seaford High and Sensei Ty banned him from the Black Dragons. Audrey told him that a week after the Incident after hearing the news from Kim who was told by Victor Straffman. Jack didn't feel anything from the news. He probably should've been jumping for joy that the curly haired bully got what was coming to him but he wasn't. He just felt nothing.
Because of the Incident his dad has for stayed true to his word and kept up his weekly calling schedule. Jack should've felt his usual mixture of irritation and happiness but he still just felt nothing. His dad was very sympathetic over all of it, asking all the usual questions like how is he? Does he need anything? His dad told him he was coming back to Seaford but due to his job it won't be until after Christmas. Most likely early January. Again maybe Jack should've felt happy or maybe even irritated that it took an attempt on his life to get his dad to keep up the schedule but he still felt nothing.
The numb feeling continued up until Christmas break. His family had a tradition of volunteering at a homeless shelter before leaving for their Breckenridge trip. Despite some trepidation at first his mom ultimately decided to continue their tradition. Something about doing an act that he's done multiple times over the years just hit him hard in the chest. It brought him out of his head and reminded him that there was life outside of himself. That people had it way worse than him. That despite all that happened he was still lucky. Maybe having that emotional epiphany while serving dinner wasn't the best time. Especially when emotions he hasn't felt in weeks hit him all at once and he started tearing up. He excused himself from serving and sped away to find a quiet isolated area to break down in peace.
He never felt like that before. As if a wave was consistently crashing over him, trying to consume him and he was struggling to remain upward and gasp for breath. While simultaneously his hands couldn't stop shaking and his head was pounding. His eyes were starting to tear up and his legs were beginning to feel too heavy to stand on. He ended up falling down in some corner area hyperventilating, vision blurry, and heart trying to pound out of his chest. He tangled his fingers in his hair then tugged trying to ground himself. He felt overwhelmed with all the different emotions bubbling up to the surface at once. Anger, hurt, confusion, relief, fear all hitting him that he was starting to panic.
It felt like he was dying. Air was suddenly very hard to get. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't breathe and his throat was closed up. His chest was aching like someone kicked him in it. Was he dying? Right here on this dirty floor alone? Maybe it was what he deserved after all he'd done. Despite it all, this was a terrible way to die.
Through his panic, muddled state a familiar soothing voice broke through. The voice told him to copy their breathing. Jack couldn't, he couldn't copy their breathing because there was no air for him to breathe and his throat remained stuck closed. But the voice persisted then asked if they could touch him. Jack thinks he did some jerky imitation of a nod, he must've because hands were suddenly touching him. Grounding him. They told him once more to copy their breathing and he finally tried. They slowly breathed in. Then slowly breathed out. Slowly breathed in. Then slowly breathed out.
His throat unclogged and air started to return to him. In short, painful, gasping breaths he began to copy them. When breathing became a bit easier the person coached him to breathe a little deeper and hold it for a bit longer. He focused on his breathing. He could breathe. He was still alive. When his breathing returned to normal and his vision became clear he saw that it was his mom. She helped him through whatever that was. For the first time since the Incident he burst into tears and she held him as he cried. Something that he hasn't done since he was probably five.
Then went back home not long after seeing that he wasn't in the right headspace. His mom regretted going to the homeless shelter and much later on that night when he calmed down she apologized to him. He assured her that it was okay and he's glad he went. He also learned that what he had back at the homeless shelter was a panic attack.
Their Breckenridge ski trip was okay. It wouldn't be one of the memorable ones but part of the ones that mesh together with the other average ones. It wasn't one of the worst, that title goes to their third trip there when he was ten and Audrey was eight. This was a few months shy before his parents finally decided to divorce. They got into one of their ugliest fights ever during that trip. On the ski lift no less. Audrey and him were on the lift behind them and unfortunately heard pretty much all of it. He never heard his mom use profanity until that day. He never heard his dad insult his mom that cruelly until then either.
Breckenridge staff had to get involved because his parents were being very loud and very disruptive. His dad stormed off and by the time they headed back to their cabin he and all his stuff were gone. Audrey was inconsolable for the rest of the night and Jack tried his best to comfort her while he was trying to hold himself together as well.
They didn't spend all of winter break at Breckenridge. They spent Christmas and Christmas eve over at his grandfather's house. It was tradition to spend the holiday at his house along with the rest of his extended family that lived in Colorado. Including his uncle River and his beloved son Kai. Jack just tried his best to avoid him and his obsession to continue this one sided feud.
The one thing his mom and uncle River could agree on was they were concerned about their dad. William Brewer hasn't been the same since his wife, Debby, died two years ago. It took a toll on the whole Brewer family and the main reason why his mom decided to move to California. She couldn't stand living in the same city after her mom died. Too many memories. Almost everyone in Windsor knows the love story between Debby and William Brewer. That's due to William being the town's celebrity since he trained karate legend Bobby Wasabi. On top of that the town is small enough that everyone pretty much knows everyone.
Will and Debby were high school sweethearts that married each other, had kids, and years later returned to their small town to live out the rest of their days. She was a musician while he was the karate guy that also played basketball. They broke up after graduation with Debby going to Julliard and Will choosing to go to California to do stunt work. Will continued to train in karate going as far as living in Japan for a few years before returning to California and eventually becoming rising karate champ Bobby Wasabi's sensei. Debby graduated from Julliard and after four failures she finally earned a spot in the New York Philharmonic. Fast forward a few years later fate had them meeting in their thirties and they fell in love again and got married. Fast forward again about fifteen years later they decided to move back to Winsidor. By then his uncle River was twelve and his mom was nine.
If Jack was being honest his grandma's death didn't affect him that much. He didn't really know her since he spent his first ten years moving around due to his dad's job. He then spent two years in boarding school in Ojai before breaking down and begging his mom to take him out. After his mom filed for divorced when he was ten she moved back home to Windsor and Jack only had a year and a half-ish to get to know his grandma. He learned she was a compassionate God fearing woman who loved helping out in her community when she could. She had a love for the cello and the piano and every Christmas would play Christmas songs on the piano.
Jack was able to form a relationship with his grandma in the final years of her life. He could see what type of person she was and understand why their community loved her. Why grandpa fell for her in the first place. Audrey had no relationship at all with their grandma. Since she was in boarding school right up until last year. Everything she knew about their grandma came second hand from the countless stories they heard growing up.
Back to the point, his grandpa became reclusive and detached from reality. A shell of his former self; the semi famous charismatic karate legend. Now he stopped caring about their Christmas tradition of spending the holiday together and turned to alcohol for solace. It turned him meaner, defensive and impatient. He wouldn't stop snapping at his mom and uncle and complained about every little thing they did. How his mom cooks the dinner, set up the table, decorated the tree, etc.
So that Christmas didn't make his top ten list. Between still trying to get over The Incident, Kai being his usual delightful self, and his grandpa's new cruel behavior and love of the bottle. He honestly wished that his mom would just stop going over there and Audrey asked her on their way back to Breckenridge. She explains that it's because it's important they keep up the tradition now more than ever after what happened to grandma. She says that her father is still in mourning and despite what he says and how he acts he needs his family.
New Year's was spent back in Breckenridge a day before they left. One of Jack's New Year's resolutions was that he was officially done being affected by the Frank Thing. He was gonna enter the new year happy and loving life he continues being sad about what happened then he's letting Frank win. Something that he absolutely refuses to do. He already let the curly haired menace ruin his first semester of high school and his relationship with Kim. He's not gonna let Frank take anything else.
Now the night before school starts his mom decided to have a family movie night. The three of them were curled on their sectional couch watching The Karate Kid, a family favorite movie. Audrey sat in the middle, she wrapped herself in one of the throw blankets and was curled against his left side. His mom was on her left and had the popcorn bowl in her lap.
Out of the original trilogy, his mom and Audrey's favorite was the original movie while Jack preferred the second. The three collectively agreed to pretend the third movie didn't exist, it was trash of epic proportions. Except his dad. His dad actually loved the third film because he thinks Terry Silver was a fantastic villain. Jack can admit that the actor had a fantastic maniacal laugh and crazy eyes.
On the screen Daniel Larusso rejected Ali Mills invitation to hangout after seeing Johnny Lawerence sitting on his motorcycle surrounded by his Cobra Kai gang. This takes place after the gang rode Daniel off the road making him fall down a hill and break his bike in the process.
"Ralph Macchio was so cute back then." Quinn Davidson- formerly Brewer- swooned
That caused Audrey to sit up straight and stare at the Matriarch in shock. "Mom!"
"What? He was twenty three in this film. I can say that."
"Just because you can doesn't mean you should. There's children present." Audrey gestures between her and Jack
Quinn rolled her eyes, "Hush child. I have to put up with you gushing over Justin Bieber and Harry Styles."
"That's different."
"Or really?"
Audrey lifted her nose and sniffed. "Yes I'm a child, it's allowed. And Ralph looks like he's fifteen in this movie. That just makes it really, really, weird."
Quinn rolled her eyes, "This is what I get for buying you that dress from Dillards? Sass?"
Starting last year, in January the student council throws the junior high students a winter formal dance. They call it the Snowball dance and even have a 'Snowball court' where their teachers nominate the court. This was Audrey's first school dance and she was actually excited to go. Leslie has become a close friend to her and now she started coming out of her shell more things with Paula started looking up. Now that she was showing more of her personality they were actually friends, not just acquaintances that share a friend (i.e Leslie). They became a trio; going to the mall together, movies together, and sleeping over at Leslie's or sometimes her house.
It was nice seeing his younger sister blossom here. Back at Ojai she only had one friend, Natalie, her entire eight years there. From Jack's understanding she wasn't even a good friend to her. Audrey was her backup friend, the friend she hangs out with when her other friends are busy or ditches her. Jack personally thinks the reason his sister put up with it was because without Natalie she would've been friendless.
So Jack was happy when Audrey formed real friendships with Leslie and Paula. They planned on going to the dance in a group with Drew, Brett's younger brother, and two other boys they went to the Fall Festival with, Booker and Mason. Jack noticed the way his sister's eyes lit up when she spoke about Diego and the faint blush on her cheeks. When he pressed her for more information she insisted that they weren't dating and it's just a group hangout. Jack wasn't fooled, his sister had an obvious crush so he was going to keep an eye on her growing friendship with this Diego.
"I thanked you for that. It was a really, really nice thing for you to do." Audrey praises her. "Another nice thing for you to do is not gross out your kids."
Audrey glances at her older brother. "Back me up here Jack."
Jack nods in agreement. "Bambi's right. It's weird for you to drool over Ralph, he looks my age." Jack agrees. "If we're watching Karate Kid 2 then it would be less weird. He looks older there."
Audrey smugly points at him. "See? He agrees with me."
Quinn dramatically clutches her chest. She exaggeratedly shakes her head. "I'm being picked on by my own kids. Two human beings that I raised, nurtured, and loved. This is the thanks I get."
The Brewer children rolled their eyes at their mom's dramatics. "We're just saying don't drool over Ralph. You can drool over Terry Silver all you want."
The matriarch wrinkled her nose at the reply. "Absolutely not. Not my type."
Audrey reaches over to grab a handful of popcorn from the bowl sitting on her mom's lap. "It's probably for the best. I don't think dad would appreciate that at all."
Their mom hummed. A thoughtful look crossed her face. "Well on second thought." She muses
Jack snorts at that. If there was one thing he learned his mom loved doing after their divorce was pushing his dad's buttons. Not enough to make him mad but just enough to annoy him.
"We should watch Karate Kid 3 next Friday." Quinn suggests with a mischievous smile
Audrey's eyes widened incredulously. "You hate that movie. We all hate that movie."
"Not your dad."
Audrey, bless her, hasn't picked on his mom's love to annoy their dad. She still wants their parents to be together even despite the news that he's seeing a new woman, Bethany
"When is he arriving tomorrow?"
"He's going to be arriving in Seaford at midnight. He'll be staying at a hotel."
"He's also going to be picking you guys up tomorrow." His mom grimaces.
Audrey's eyes widened. "Really?!"
"Wait, that was supposed to be a surprise." His mom sighs. "Oh well. He plans on taking you guys out to spend some time together."
"I can't wait! I feel like I haven't seen him in forever!" Audrey enthused
"He feels the same way," his mom replies before focusing her gaze on Jack. "Especially you Jack. He's been very worried about you."
Jack forces a smile. He doesn't know how to respond to that. "Yeah," he nods, "yeah I can't wait."
The fifteen year old focuses his gaze back on the screen. It shows the Cobra Kai gang chasing Daniel into a dark and secluded area after he sprays Johnny with a shower head.
"My favorite part's about to come up!" He exclaims in a forced enthused voice, "Mr. Miyagi kicking Cobra Kai's butt!"
Thankfully his mom and Audrey took the distraction and watched the scene with rapt attention. Jack silently lets out a breath of relief.
Monday, January 7th, 2013
Seaford High
Cafeteria
Eddie's life has completely fallen apart. He was back to being his unimportant, forgettable, loser self. The love of his life. His future wife. Grace Nicole Overland stopped talking to him. Now he's back to square one, sitting with the losers Sidney and Albert.
Sidney shakes his head. "I just don't really see the point in taking the PSATs now."
"How can you not see the point?" Albert exclaimed, " Starting now gives you the time to take the test multiple times in order to get the perfect score!"
"Sure but only juniors are eligible for NMSC awards."
"So?If you start taking the test now it can show you your current scoring level and better prepare you for the SAT."
"I'm still going to wait until sophomore year." Sidney stubbornly vows
Albert huffed, "Fine. Have it your way but don't come crying to me when senior year your score is crap and you don't get accepted into MIT."
The yellow belt rolls his eyes at Albert then glances away to stare longingly at the table a few rows over from him. Where his crush was sitting with Lyndsey, Katie, Ana, Ethan, Brett, and Brad. Brad was sitting right next to the brunette beauty and she was smiling sweetly at him. SDL broke the news before school let out for winter break that Sloane Jenning and Brad Wolfe broke up. Personally Edie was surprised the couple lasted as long as they did. Surprised Brad put up with Sloane for as long as he did.
With Brad now officially back on the market it allowed Grace a chance to make a move on Brad. Eddie knew that Grace had harbored a crush on Brad for a while now and was heartbroken when he started dating Sloane. He was devising a plan to try and woo her when they were hanging out. He might've chickened out with the Homecoming proposal but has been trying to work up the nerve to ask her out on a date. Turns out his planning was once again in vain. He waited too long, was too much of a coward to bite the bullet and do it. Now Grace's long term crush was free and she was his perfect shoulder to cry on. Eddie was back on the sidelines watching everything from afar with longing and a crushed heart.
He just wished he knew what he did wrong.
It started a week after the Kelsey prank. His face was still a discolored mess from the some might say well deserved punch Kim gave him. The swelling was starting to go down but he could still barely smell anything. When Eddie entered school that morning he spotted Lyndsey in the hall and tried to talk to her. Only in a strange turn of events she sneered at him then stomped away. The yellow belt was in shock. Lyndsey hasn't acted that way to him since before the halloween party.
For the most part the mean girl has surprisingly been…nice. There were a few moments when her meanness shone through, for example when he first came back to school with a swollen face thanks to Kim, the brunette laughed. Ethan and her thought it was the funniest thing to ever happen and swapped jokes throughout breakfast. The only consolation was Grace didn't laugh but instead cooed sympathies to him. She even cradled his left cheek before KISSING IT! Eddie decided right then and there he wasn't going to ever wash it off. That made the prank worth it and Kim's cold shoulder to him worth it.
Eddie convinced himself that he shouldn't stress over Lyndsey's sudden frostiness towards him. It was a gamble with her. For the most part she was nice to him but sometimes she acted as if she couldn't stand his presence. At times during lunch or breakfast she'd huff, roll her eyes, and mutter something to Tj or Katie at his nervous rambling to Grace or when he talks about Ring Heart.
When it was lunchtime Eddie went out to the ampitheatre where Grace and her friends usually sit. Only they weren't there. Once more Eddie was confused. That was where Eddie met the group for the near two months they started talking to him. Even before that, that was the lunch spot for the group. He didn't know where they were at and unfortunately he never got Grace's number to ask her where she sat. They communicated either at school or on Facebook Messenger. When Eddie tried texting her on their chag log she didn't reply. That left Eddie sitting alone in the amphitheater for lunch.
When fifth period Spanish came he was bursting with anticipation to ask Grace about her lunch whereabouts. He was still trying to hold out hope that she had a reasonable explanation for why she didn't text him back and why she wasn't at her usual spot. But once again it didn't go how Eddie thought it would. When he approached Grace- who was of course talking to Lorie- she didn't flash him her usual sweet smile. The smile she gave him looked forced and she shot Lorie an unreadable look. When Eddie asked her about lunch she kind of brushed him off. She told him Lyndsey wanted to sit in the cafeteria.
Then there was his eighth period class choir. Grace and Lyndsey didn't wave him over to their usual spot on the bleachers. The two girls were whispering amongst themselves and when Eddie tried to talk to them he was once again brushed off. Grace explained to him that Lyndsey and her were talking about a personal matter and she asked him for space. Eddie awkwardly agrees and walks over to his assigned spot on the bleachers. He tried to focus on the latest song Ms. Dane was teaching them but had trouble keeping up which his teacher loudly called him out for.
That was the beginning of the end for him. Over the course of the next few weeks Grace and the rest of the Elite continued to distance themselves from him. Whenever she tries to text Grace on messenger, she first texted back short answers, then it became one answered texts then she just stopped replying all together. By then his nose was fully healed and he stopped trying to talk to Grace and the Elite at school. Whenever he tries to join them at breakfast or lunch there is always some excuse as to why he can't sit with them. Grace stopped acknowledging him in the halls and in their shared classes.
When December hit, the yellow belt was in sheer desperation that he asked Ana- or should he say Stassie? That's what Grace calls her- for help. The diva was officially part of the Elite now. She had a permanent spot at the Elite's lunch table whereas Eddie lost his. Was almost always spotted in the halls huddled with Grace, Lyndsey, Katie, and sometimes Lorie. Was starting to make a regular appearance on the first three girls' social media accounts. She was living out his dream and Eddie constantly warred between feeling jealous and impressed. He asked her to ask Grace what was going on with her and if he did anything wrong. Stassie agreed on the condition he'd give her a solo in their newest song. He readily agreed, not thinking about the consequences of her demand.
It took a few days before Stassie came back to him with news despite his constant pestering. She claimed she was a busy girl and had other things to tend to first such as planning for her upcoming birthday, buying last minute christmas presents, and drama club stuff. When she finally did come to him with an explanation at the end of their band rehearsal she practically made him beg for it. She told him that Grace felt it would be better to distance themselves from each other after the prank. She felt horrible about her part in it after Kim yelled at her for it in PE making her realize just how awful it was. On top of that the queen bee felt really partially responsible for the rift between Kim and him. So she came to the conclusion that it would be in the best interest for everyone if Eddie and her just stayed away from each other.
Eddie was in shock when he heard that. A million different emotions coursed through him and he wasn't sure what emotion to feel first. Anger at Kim and Kelsey for not being able to take a joke? Adoration for Grace's big heart? Sadness at her wanting them to go their separate ways? Panic that he's gonna lose her before he even gets to date her? Life was so unfair. At that moment for the first time he felt hatred. Deep seated hatred for Kimberly Beulah Crawford. This was all her fault.
Eddie was stupid for ever thinking Kim was his friend. Girls like Kim would never be friends with guys like him. She swears up and down that Grace was a mean girl but in actuality it's her. Kim. She's the mean girl. She's the one that's constantly bashing Grace but Grace never said one mean thing about her. It was crystal clear to him now Kim was the villain in his story. She ruined his chances with Grace and basically ruined his life.
Eddie's social life was now basically nonexistent. Jack stopped talking to him because and he quotes, 'because he's not sure he can be friends with someone who would do something like that.' Then after the Frank thing he started acting weird and moody and avoiding the group. Jerry hasn't been around much lately because he's seemed to have found a new group to hang with made up of Randy, Ethan Love, and Zane. He parties with them, smokes weed with them, and drinks with them. Then there was of course Falafel Phil's hot niece that Jerry is borderline in love with. In a surprising turn of events the dancer has also been hanging with Smooth too. Eddie remembers Jerry telling him that the two were cool with each other after being forced to stay in the dance room until they hash things out. Apparently that actually worked for them and now they're friendly with each other.
Milton was the only friend that was still there for him. He too didn't like the prank he pulled on Kelsey but still decided not to turn his back on him because he already lost Kim and Jack. Eddie was more grateful than Milton could possibly know. Milton was truly the only friend he had left. Before pulling the prank Eddie reasoned with himself he could deal with the inevitable backlash from Kim because he'd have Grace and the rest of the Elite to fall back on. Only when they disappeared on him too that's when he started to panic. Milton was truly his saving grace (pun not intended) because he would've been left all alone.
Kim might say he deserved it. Late at night when he can't fall asleep and he gets caught up in his thoughts, he might agree too. If this is how love is then he's not sure he wants it. But then he thinks of Grace again. Of her beauty and sweet smile and how popular she is and all doubts disappear. He just has to know what he did wrong so he could fix it. If he never learns then all that he did was for nothing.
Seaford High
1st Period English
"Hello class, welcome back from winter break," Mrs. Dawes greets her ninth graders after the bell rings. "I hope you guys had a good break and are ready to do some learning."
Jack doesn't understand why teachers say that. Nobody comes back from break eager to learn. Well he guesses that's not entirely true. Milton does, and probably Albert and Sidney too. He should probably say nobody that aren't geeks and nerds comes back from break easy to learn.
When Jack entered the school he was hopeful. He was ready to forget about all the drama of last semester and have a fresh start. Not only was it a new semester, it was also a new year. Things will be different. For one new semester means spring sports like lacrosse, baseball, and track. Jack vaguely remembers hearing about their varsity football team losing their game thus ending their season. With that loss means that they finally ended their reign at the school and lacrosse took its place. To add insult to the cliche injury dance also finally overruled cheer for number one. Even though Jack despises Tj Nixon and dreamed of drop kicking him or giving him a front snap kick, SDL was his guilty pleasure. He blames Audrey for getting him hooked on it.
Jack's eyes strayed over to where Kim sat two seats to his left and a row ahead of him. He wanted to sit next to her during class and smooth things over with her. They were on the right track after he apologized to her but he started avoiding the gang the very next day. He can't put into words why he did that because he doesn't really understand why he did it either. It was just when he woke up the next day he felt different. Like all the life had been sucked out of him and he was a shell. He just wanted to be alone.
But now he was different. Better different. He was hopeful again. He wanted his friends back again, even Eddie. But the top of that list was Kim. Not to get back together like dating, only her friendship. For now anyways. He arrived in class before her and sat in his old seat in front of her before they broke up. While waiting for her he pulled out his phone to text Jerry back then the next thing he knew Cotillion Carrie came up to him.
Unfortunately there was a slight hitch in his plans for English. He entered the class before Kim so he sat in his old seat near the front and waited for her. But it was just his luck that Cotillion Carrie came up to him. She plopped down right next to him and threw question after question at him about The Incident. Since Jack was raised to have manners he tried to be nice and answer her questions. Only she didn't really give him time to answer the questions before interrupting him and asking him another one. The bell ringing was what finally stopped her questions and when Kim entered the class she sat at a different desk.
"Must to your guy's crushing disappointment," Mrs. Dawes sarcastically begins, " we will have an assembly this morning, for Field Day," She finishes. A few classmates made sounds of relief while others started murmuring amongst themselves. The teacher quieted them back down before continuing. "They should be calling the seniors down soon."
Jack perked up at the announcement. Field Day was a big deal at Seaford High. It wasn't the traditional event that comes to mind. Where the school plays different games on an open field and classes compete against each other. No this was different. It takes place in the school gym for one. For two, each high school grade are competing against one another to win. The winning class gets a free day where they eat pizza and watch a movie. Unfortunately middle schoolers can't participate in the event. While the high schoolers are allowed to leave school after the event the middle schoolers have to stay and finish school. They at least get to miss their first two classes to watch the high schoolers compete.
"So as long as you guys keep the volume low. You guys are free to hangout and talk." The class erupted in cheers, "I repeat. At a low volume." She emphasized the word low
"But before you guys get up, whoever wants to be one of the team captains for Field Day sign your name on this list." Mrs. Dawes holds up a clipboard in her hand
Almost right after the teacher finished her sentence a few students got up from their seats to move around. Jack being one of them before Carrie could pester him with any more questions. Kim was reading a book so she didn't see him coming or notice him sliding into the seat next to her.
"Hey Kim."
Kim looked up from her book to stare at him in surprise. "Hey, Jack" she drags out the world questiongly, " we're talking to each other now?"
Jack winces at the jab. "I'm sorry about the whole avoiding you and the rest of the gang. I just- I don't really know how to explain it I just felt like-"
"It's fine Jack I'm just messing with you Jack. Mostly."
Jack exhales in relief. "Oh. Okay, good. Good."
Kim shakes her head then smiles softly. She shuts her book then turns a bit in her desk to face the boy. "Well I'm glad to see you're back to acting like your old self."
"Yeah me too." Jack agrees. "I made the decision to no longer dwell on what happened. It's a new year, a clean slate."
She squints in confusion, cocking her head to the side. "So you're good? Just like that?" She sought for confirmation
Jack nods, "Just like that."
Kim hums then nods. "Okay. But I think the saying goes, 'new year, new me'."
Jack good naturedly rolled his eyes, "Whatever you know what I mean."
The two shared a smile. Echoes of their old friendship shining through and Jack feels his heart swell. Kim tucks a honey gold lock of hair behind her ear, "So how was it in Colorado?" She asks
Jack shrugs. "Same, old, same old. Breckenridge was nice, Christmas with my gramps and uncle not so much."
Kim cooed in sympathy. She knows all about his grandma dying, his grandpa's new love of the bottle, and his terrible cousin Kai.
Jack forced a smile on his lips, "Anyway what about you? How was your break?"
A complicated look crossed the blonde's face at the question. She looked back down at her book then shrugged. "Oh well you know, same old, same old. Nothing special, just the regular ole family trip." She babbled
Jack raised a brow at the girl's sudden weirdness. He thought the question was harmless, no cause for her to be acting as if she was hiding something.
The classroom's intercom turned on and the school's secretary's voice filled the classroom. "At this time all seniors report to the amphitheater now. All seniors report to the amphitheater now, thank you."
Kim looks up from her book and this time she was the one flashing him a forced smile. "So um are you going to sign up to be one of the captains?"
It was so obvious that she was hiding something. Something happened on her trip that she didn't want to share. Jack decided not to push it. He was lucky enough that she was willing to forgive his moody behavior after Frank so he'll let her keep her secrets.
"Actually yes I am," Jack confirms, allowing the subject change. Are you?" He hopes she says yes. Teaming up with her is more fun than teaming up against her with her competitiveness.
Kim nods her confirmation. This time a more genuine smile crosses her lips and Jack's heart sped up without permission at it. "Heck yeah I am!"
"Let's sign up right now then." Jack suggested and Kim makes a sound of agreement and slides out of her desk and the two begin begin the short walk to their teacher's desk
A boy was already there signing his name. Jack recognized the back of the boy and groaned internally. That was another person he needed to make amends with. Someone he was unfairly nasty towards. He can admit that to himself but forming the words in his mouth was hard. Swallowing his pride was hard.
When Brody was done he stepped out of the way. But not before glancing behind him and a look of surprise entered his eyes when he saw Kim. It melted away into happiness and he shot Kim a nervous smile. "Hey."
In a surprising turn of events Kim didn't glare at him. Or scowl at him. Or make any type or rude comment. She instead smiled tentatively at him. "Hey." She replied back in an almost shy and nervous tone
What was going on here? Brody looked like he wanted to say more to the blonde but his eyes briefly flickered over to Jack before going back to Kim's. He opened his mouth before shutting it again and settled for smiling at Kim again then walked back over to his seat. Kim stepped up to their teacher's desk, signed her name, then walked back to her seat. Jack quickly copied her actions then followed the girl.
He knew he shouldn't. He just told himself that he wouldn't. But how could he not after what he just saw. He didn't like feeling out of the loop especially if it concerns Brody. So the words came tumbling out of his mouth anyway like word vomit, "What was that all about?"
"What was what all about?" Kim asked as she sat back down in her seat, not looking at him but at her book
So she was going to play dumb. That just roused Jack's suspicion even more as he sat in his seat. "That thing with Brody?" He presses
"What thing with Brody?" She parrots
He gives her a look even though she still wasn't looking at him. "Kim."
The girl sighs and finally looks back over at him. "If you must know, I decided to forgive him. I saw him at Big Bear over break; he apologized again and I decided to forgive him. So we're cool now."
Jack blinks. His mind went blank trying to process the information. Christmas break. Big Bear. Brody. Kim saw Brody at Big Bear at Christmas break. She forgave him. They're cool now. The biggest surprise to him is that this wasn't really a surprise to him.
Kim eyes him, half concerned, half defensive. "Jack?"
He had to be careful with what he said next. He's already in a fragile state with Kim now he reminds himself and he doesn't want to break it. "So you're friends now?"
"No, I didn't say that," she quickly denied and Jack's shoulders sagged a little in relief. "I mean not yet," she backtracks, "but we could be again? Later on in the future."
He shouldn't be surprised. Kim was already starting to warm up to him because they were doing that play together.
The intercom turned on again. "At this time juniors. All juniors report to the amphitheater at this time. Thank you."
Kim blew out an annoyed breath then rolled her eyes. "Jack are ya gonna freak out now or go all moody on me?"
Jack shakes his head. "No, no of course not." He quickly denies before this turns into something bad. "I trust your judgment. If you believe his apology is sincere then that's that."
Kim eyed him in suspicion, it was clear on her face she wasn't sure if he was telling the truth. He continued, "You're a smart girl," the next words out of his mouth felt like lead but he pushed through, "besides, it's not any of my business."
"No it's really not." She agreed but not unkindly
"Then that's that." He repeats
She tentatively nodded, the suspicion in her eyes slowly fading as she accepted his words. Deciding to believe him. He forces a smile on his lips and decides to remain silent. He didn't know what else to say. They lapsed into silence, waiting for their turn to leave the class.
Seaford High
2nd Period English
Unlike the rest of the student body Eddie wasn't excited about Field Day. Maybe it's because Eddie isn't big on school spirit. Why should he? Their varsity football team was alright. They weren't so great that they won every game and are state champions year after year. It was more hit or miss but the past two years they haven't made it to State. In fact they lost this season yet again cementing lacrosse to be the new top sport. They win more frequently than football but Eddie isn't big on lacrosse. He still has trouble understanding the difference between field hockey and lacrosse.
Besides the sports team Eddie isn't the athletic type which he knows is no surprise there. PE is his most hated class with Algebra being a close second. He has no interest in football, dodgeball, basketball, or handball. Tug-a-war is okay but he'd still rather not do it. He isn't a dancer and from what he saw the high schoolers do when he was in the audience the last two years, each grade also comes up with their own dance routine.
Throughout the entire assembly Eddie unfortunately had to sit between two students he doesn't even know. He couldn't find Jerry or Milton and he would rather die than sit next to Kim. As for Jack he's still not sure where he stands with him but Eddie's best guest is he'll be loyal to Kim. So he spent an entire class period listening to principal Bucket drone on and on about the Field Day; the rules, what to expect, how to sign up for specific games, blah blah blah. Eddie kinda wished he would've had his health class instead of missing it for this. He had no interest in learning about health but he had an interest in his teacher, Ms. Applebaum.
When the assembly finally ended for once he was eager to get to class. If Eddie had to choose English would be his second favorite class with choir being the obvious first. Considering he's a self proclaimed musician, reading and writing go hand in hand with it. With the songwriting and reading sheet music
With that being said he doesn't necessarily like his English class. His teacher Mr. Peterson wasn't the problem. He was actually a pretty cool guy, it was his classmates that was the problem. To Eddie's rotten luck Randy was in the class and was the annoying class clown. When he shows up for class he constantly interrupts the teacher with unfunny jokes or to just be a jerk. Besides Randy there was also the delightful Cathy Davis. Her presence should speak for itself as to why it was torture for him.
Last but not least was Donna and Kelsey. At the start of the school year it was just a mild annoyance to him because Kelsey wouldn't leave him alone. Whenever they had to break into groups of three the girl jumped at the chance to have him be the third member. Eddie only agreed because there was no one else to group up with. If it wasn't going to be Kelsey then that only left weird Jenny from cotillion. Kelsey was barely better than Jenny but if he had to choose he'd choose her over Jenny. Only it was always uncomfortable between Kelsey's weirdness and Donna's meanness. Even before the prank the red and black ombre haired girl didn't like him.
Despite English being his favorite class he didn't pay attention today. How could he when his life has fallen apart? Besides it's not like he was the only one, there was a lot of chatter about the upcoming Field Day. Grace was going to participate in the Field Day. He knew that for a fact because she updated her Facebook status writing about the event. Lyndsey and Ana liked and commented on it.
Eddie was knocked out of his thoughts when a packet of paper nearly hit him in the face. He grabs it and sees that there was more than one packet and realizes he's supposed to pass this back. He passes it back then stares at the packet on his desk and sees it's an essay. He vaguely hears his teacher talking about annotations and trying it for themselves and partnering up. He looks up at the board and sees it covered in writing. Those were probably notes he was supposed to take.
"In these last five minutes of class I will randomly pick your partner using the popsicle sticks." Mr. Peterson announces
Paired up? What are they pairing up for? Does it have to do with this essay packet? How much time has passed? How was it already in the last five minutes?
Mr. Peterson reached into his popsicle stick cup and pulled two out. " First up is Randy and Jenny."
Randy raised his hand, "Who's Jenny?"
The girl in question shot her hand up like lightning. "Me!" She shouts with a grin. Randy glances over at her, his face quickly morphed into horror. "Seriously?" The troublemaker exclaimed, "Nooo!" He buried his face in his hands
Mr. Peterson didn't spare Randy's dramatics any mind and continued pulling out popsicles, completely unbothered, "Donna and Cathy."
"Eddie and Kelsey."
Eddie's eyes widened at that. He was paired up with Kelsey?! Why was he paired up with Kelsey?! And for what? What was he paired up for? He guesses it has to do with this packet but for what? But why her? As if things couldn't get any worse he was paired with her?
Mr. Peterson continued calling out the pairs until all the sticks were gone. Then he gave the students permission to find their partners. The first thing he noticed was her outfit. Surprisingly her shirt was okay. A slightly oversized long sleeve yellow shirt with a cursive word printed on it. Her pants were where she went wrong. High waisted mom jeans with a crescent moon and saturn on the right leg. The crescent moon was pretty big and even had a face. Where did she get these clothes?
Belatedly he realizes her hair change. Gone were her usual brown locks and replaced by blonde hair. But of course her signature cat ear headband was placed on her newly dyed hair, this time
Then there's the fact Eddie hasn't apologized to her yet. He knows it sounds awful. He sounds awful for it. He had other things to worry about than Kelsey's delicate feelings. The love of his life stopped talking to him and he doesn't know why. Now he's back on the outside, back to being a loser. He honestly forget all about Kelsey
The cat ear headband fanatic sat in the desk in front of his. She placed her packet down on the desk and dropped her backpack on the ground next to it. She didn't flash him one of her smiles like before. Her face was utterly blank and her blue eyes were guarded and icy. She clearly hasn't over the prank.
Eddie was waiting for her to say something but she remained silent. He decides to break the tense silence. "Hi."
"Hey."
They lapsed into silence again. Eddie didn't like it, it made him feel uncomfortable. He decides to try to strike up a conversation. "You dyed your hair." Eddie dumbly points out her new blonde locks
"Yep." She deadpanned
She wasn't giving him anything to work with. "It looks nice."
She just gave him a look but didn't say anything. She glances back down to the packet.
It was weird to be around Kelsey and she's not throwing herself at him. Eddie got so used to her giving him her undivided attention and being all giddy and smiley. Now she looked as if she couldn't care less of his existence. Eddie didn't know how he felt about that. This was what he wanted for so long but now that he has it, it's weird. It made him feel off balance.
"So um, how was your break?"
Kelsey glowered at him. "Do you actually care or are you just asking to ask?" She asked coldly
Eddie did a great fish impression at the question. Her hostility caught him off guard. "I well uh, I-"
Kelsey rolled her eyes at his blubbering then waved her hand at him to silence him."Just forget it."
His jaw closes with a snap. He never felt this nervous around her before. He always felt at ease and in control mixed with uncomfortableness. He knew he had the upper hand but now, now things are different. She was treating him like any other girl he tried to flirt with. He didn't like it at all.
Eddie glanced down at the essay packet then glanced over at the clock. The bell should be ringing any minute now. "So what exactly are we supposed to be doing? I wasn't paying attention."
Kelsey laughs condescendingly, "Why am I not surprised?" She nearly sneers while shaking her head
Eddie shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He doesn't know what to do with this new Kelsey but he doesn't like it. He thinks he might actually prefer Jenny. He scans the room of said blonde nerd and it was easy to find her. Jenny seemed to be animatedly talking to Randy with wild hand gestures then pointed to her mouth. Her shaggy haired partner had a terrified look on his face. Eddie reconsidered his former thought.
Kelsey finally answered his question drawing his gaze back to her. "We're supposed to read this essay then annotate it and check the literary devices."
Eddie nods, "Oh okay, right."
Kelsey regards him silently for a few seconds. Blue eyes scrutinizing him. "You don't know how to do that do you?" She rhetorically asks
The boy in question shakes his head. "No."
The freshly dyed blonde scoffs then rolls her eyes. "This is going to be fun." She sarcastically sasses
Eddie can definitely agree with that sarcastic statement.
Seaford High
Courtyard
All the school was abuzz about Field Day for the rest of the day. Talks about the class colors, who would want to participate in what event, bets on who would win, etc. They won't find out who would be team captains until next Friday but Jack was confident he would be one. His only fear is that Brody might also be one Despite being new to Seaford High again, Brody has cemented a place in the Elite which means he became popular in the four months of being at school.
Jack wants this year to be a fresh start and leave all past resentment behind. It was resentment that got him nearly stabbed, he gravely thought. And Brody hadn't given him or the rest of the gang any reason to be suspicious. And Jack can admit he's been a jerk to Brody, a jealous jerk. Jealous of him seemingly squirming his way back into Kim's good graces and jealous of him being slightly better than him at karate.
But he's trying to be better. To leave that resentment in 2012. Which means he needs to play nice with Brody. He probably- as much as he doesn't want to admit it- needs to apologize for his behavior. Be the bigger man. Looking on the bright side the long haired boy doesn't think this apology will end with a knife near his side.
After the last bell Jack sat in the courtyard waiting for his dad to come pick him and Audrey up. Speaking of his little sister, he was waiting for her to come out of the building.
"Hey Jack" He hears a female voice purr from behind him
Jack let out a long suffering sigh. He already had to deal with Lorie earlier this morning (thus the heart shaped balloon he's holding in his left hand) and now her? He's not sure which of the two girls is worse but he doesn't want to deal with either one.
The long haired boy steeled himself then turned around on the bench. "Hey Lynds- oh!" He was caught off guard when the girl threw her arms around her. "Oh uh okay."
"It's so good to see you!" Lyndsey gushed before finally pulling back from the surprise attack
"You too." Jack half heartedly lies
Lyndsey noticed the balloon he was holding in his left hand and rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Lorie actually gave you that balloon? I told her not to do that."
Jack shrugs. "It was sweet of her to do."
"More like pathetic." Lyndsey sneers as she plopped next to him. What was she doing? So she was sitting here now? This was happening?
It took a bit before he processed her words about Lorie. He eyed her in confusion. "I thought you two were friends?"
Lyndsey scoffs and flips her hair, "Friends? No we're not. She's friends with Grace and Katie somehow but not me."
Jack nods awkwardly, not sure how to respond to that. "Alright then." Where was Audrey? He subtly scans the courtyard for her
They lapsed into silence again before Lyndsey perks back up again and smiles. She reaches out her hand to touch his hair. Jack tenses at her touch. "I see you got a new hairstyle again. New year, new you?"
He leaned back from her touch and thankfully she dropped her hand. "I mean I just had my bangs cut my bangs." He raised a hand to touch his hair before dropping it
She flashes him a smile. Maybe it was meant to come off as sweet to him; it reminded him of a shark. Too much teeth. "Well it looks cute. You look cute as always."
Jack squirmed uncomfortably at the compliment. "Thanks."
"So for Field Day are you signing up to be a captain?"
Jack thought about lying. Part of him was afraid if he said yes then that might make Lyndsey want to sign up to. There was only so much of her he could take and if they're co captains he might quit altogether. Though that also might ignite a cat fight between Kim and her since they both can't stand each other. That would be very very interesting.
The long haired boy decided for a half truth. "I was thinking about it."
This time when Lyndsey grabbed his forearm Jack didn't tense up. "You should totally do it!" She encouraged but it only made him slightly regret signing up. "Grace and Brett signed up. And Brody too I think. Katie would make a perfect captain but she won't sign up because she believes she won't make a good leader which is complete bs."
Jack's brown eyes scan the courtyard for any sign of escape. Whether that be one of his friends or his little sister. Milton should be in the courtyard,he's a car rider and there's no student council meeting and he quit football. Jack wrestled if he should text Milton or not. He thinks it'll be rude to do that right in front of Lyndsey and he was raised better than that. But he was getting desperate. Seriously, where was Audrey?
"Now I don't want to be a team captain. I do make a good leader but that's too much work and I'd rather just be there and look pretty. I do that very well, don'tcha think?" She batted her eyelashes at him and frankly he thought she looked like she had something in her eye doing that
"I-" Jack was saved from answering when his text notification chimed. He grabbed his phone and saw that Audrey finally texted him back. She was out of the school and sitting at a table in the courtyard with her friends.
Jack gently pried Lyndsey's hand off of him and scooted away. Once free he grabbed his backpack and swung it over his shoulder. He shoots her a fake smile, "I actually need to go meet my sister. So I'll talk to you later okay? Bye" Jack didn't wait for a response and grabbed his backpack then sped off
Seaford Public Library
1285 S Oak Ave, Seaford, CA
There wasn't any karate practice today. Eddie will admit he was relieved about that but even if there was he wasn't gonna go. He agreed to meet Kelsey at the library at four thirty so he had some downtime at home.
Eddie hasn't focused on his band much these past few months. At first it was because he got his wish in Grace talking to him so there wasn't any reason to do it anymore. Then when she started ignoring him again he was too sad to write songs and sing again. He knows heartbreak is the perfect motivation for musician's to write songs. There was a whole episode in Glee about Rachel trying to write her own song for Regionals and they sucked up until she found out Quinn and Finn were back together. That was when she finally wrote a song that was good.
Thankfully from what the yellow belt could tell Grace and Brad haven't gotten together. Though if he was being honest with himself it was probably only a matter of time until they do. Grace has always had a crush on Brad and now Sloane and Brad have broken up. Eddie was surprised that the odd relationship lasted as long as it did.
He should probably get back to focusing on his band. Try and write his heart out in songs and maybe like Rachel Berry he would write better songs. He wasn't the only one that stopped focusing on the band. Stassie had the school play and a brand new social life, Randy was too busy partying with Jerry and the other stoners and crushing on Falafel Phil's niece, then there was Milton. Milton stopped coming to practice after his breakup then later on after quitting the football team he focused all his attention on getting his grades back up. As for Stacey, he doesn't really know about her. He knows she's on the dance team but that's about it.
When Eddie got home, after making himself a snack he settled in the living room and turned on the TV.
When it was time to head over to the library Eddie hopped on his bike and rode over there. Both his parents were still at work, his mom not coming home until five while his dad came home around six or seven depending on the day. Luckily he didn't live far from the library so it wasn't a long ride over.
When he arrived, he parked his bicycle in the designated spot, locked it, then pulled out his phone. He doesn't have Kelsey's number but he is friends with her on Facebook. So he pulled up Messenger and texted her to see if she was already in the library. He didn't have to wait long for a reply since it looked like she was already online. She confirmed she was already inside. With that he trudged into the building with much reluctance.
Despite living close to the library, the yellow belt doesn't spend much time in it. He had better things to do like hanging out at the mall, at home, or at one of his friends' houses. Specifically Milton's because his house was a mini mansion with a game room. Still Eddie figured studying in the library is a safe bet. He doesn't want Kelsey at his house and he definitely doesn't want to go over to hers so that left the library. Besides, he doesn't think anybody cool will be at the library.
Eddie found the eccentric girl in the upstairs of the building where the study area was at. She wasn't in one of the study rooms but at a table right outside of them with her notebook and pencils already spread out on the table. Her pink backpack was at her feet leaning against her chair.
She was looking down at her paper so she didn't see him approach the table. "Hey." He debated if he should shoot her a smile or not but leaned towards yes when she looked up from her paper.
The look Kelsey gave him was frosty and she didn't return the smile. "You actually showed up. I was wondering if you would be too embarrassed to be seen in public with me."
Eddie winced at the jab as he sat in the seat across from her. He didn't know what to say to that. She wasn't done with the passive aggressiveness and was still mad. Good to know. "It's a school project, I don't want to fail."
An uncharacteristically mocking look crossed her face at his reply. "Oh so schoolwork trumps social hierarchy. Good to know." Sarcasm was dripping from her voice. Oddly enough, that reminded him that she was Kim's best friend. That look and voice was such a Kim move.
Was he gonna have to put up with these passive aggressive comments the entire time? It's already getting old. He huffs out an annoyed breath. "Look, I'm sorry about the prank. I shouldn't have done that."
Kelsey snorts. "Wow. It took you two months to finally say that." She looked back down at her paper, dismissing his half hearted apology. A spark of anger ignited in him at the dismissal. So she was going to make jabs at him for the prank but when he apologizes she dismisses it. She should be thanking him
How dare she. The yellow belt wasn't done speaking. "Let's be honest. If it wasn't me It would've been somebody else and it would've been way worse."
That caused the girl to look up from the packet to look at him in shock. "Excuse me?"
Eddie scoffs. "You can't be that surprised that it happened." At Kelsey's confused look he further elaborated. "You're weird Kelsey. You're the class outcast. Jenny and Carrie are probably higher up on the social ladder than you."
Now that Eddie started he was on a roll. She was such an easy target and is asking to get picked on. She caused the prank to happen. No one is responsible but her. The real kicker is she would be popular if she stopped dressing like a freak. She was alright underneath the cat ears and weird clothing. Eddie was tired of feeling guilty for the prank whenever he come across her in the school halls and her face twists in sadness as Donna or Kim's morphs into murderous fury if she was with them.
"You dress like a third grader. You were cat ears for crying out loud. You paint a target on your own back. You can't be surprised that someone would want to pull a prank on you. You're a weirdo."
Kelsey was silent. She looks…shocked? Why does she look shocked? Everyone thinks this. And were her eyes glistening? Were those tears? Was she seriously about to cry? Eddie can not handle a crying girl.
He tried to backpedal a bit. Smooth things over before she started bawling or else they might not get any work done. "But um, I am sorry about my part in the prank."
When the girl remained silent Eddie looked back down at his schoolwork. Annotation shouldn't be too hard. He thinks he understands how to do it after looking over notes from before break. His teacher introduced it to them before exams.
Eddie scratched the back of his head, not knowing what to say next after saying his peace. He cleared his throat. "So um, we should get started on our work."
"You know what Eddie?" Kelsey begins, voice a little shaky but when Eddie looked up at her, her glistening blue eyes were blazing. "I can't believe I ever liked you. I can't believe I thought you were different from all the rude assholes that like making others feel bad to feel better about themselves. I can't believe I thought you were sweet and kind and a decent guy at all."
Eddie's mouth dropped open in shock at Kelsey cursing. Out of the two years he'd known her she never said a curse word.
"But now I know the truth. Now I know you're just a pathetic, insecure, loser that is too afraid to be himself. That will continue to kiss Grace's ass and chase after her even though she was just using you the entire time and doesn't give a damn about you. Anyone with a brain and eyes could tell you that."
Eddie heard a muffled shocked laugh from his left. Eddie glanced over to see a table of older teens watching them. Crap, Kelsey was drawing attention. She needs to lower her voice. He can't be publicly humiliated by her of all people.
Kelsey doesn't look to be close to done. She had a determined glint in her bright blue eyes and her jaw was set. "I deserve better. I wasted too much of my time on you and if I wasn't a pacifist I would punch you in the nose like Kim." Eddie's hand immediately flew to his nose at the reminder. He doesn't wanna go back to sniffing and wincing and a big ugly bruise where his nose used to be
"We'll do this project separately. I can't stand looking at you any longer." After she was finished she shoved her school supplies messily in her backpack then stormed off leaving a shocked Eddie behind
What Eddie didn't see was when Kelsey was fully out of his vision she allowed the tears to fall. She sobbed all the way to the first floor of the library. Her heart, completely, broken.
Sorella Italian Restaurant
3311 W Victory Blvd, Seaford, CA
Surprisingly his dad did come pick them up from school. Jack wasn't trying to be rude or disrespectful but he just got used to being disappointed by his dad. Used to his empty promises. But finally his dad kept his word. It only took Jack being nearly stabbed. But it was fine, Jack didn't mind, he was fine, it was fine. He left all anger and resentment in 2012. This is 2013, a new year.
After picking them up, his dad took them to get ice cream. Luckily there wasn't any karate practice today so Audrey was able to spend quality time with him. His sister called shotgun so Jack had to sit in the backseat. He didn't really mind though Audrey was literally bursting at the seams with happiness for their dad. Jack, he wasn't as happy, or if he was being honest he wasn't really happy at all. He wasn't not happy and mad at his dad's appearance. He just felt nothing at it, at him.
Audrey babbled on and on to their dad about everything going on in her life. She told him about their annual trip to Breckenridge, the Wasabi dojo, about her new friends, the upcoming Snowball dance, anything she could think of. Jack still found the contrast of his sister being so quiet and timid in public then outspoken and confident to her family bizarre. Bizarre isn't the right word, fascinating is a better one. He was still learning all the quirks and traits of his sister after years of her being away at boarding school. On top of that Jack was still trying to get used to there being another person in the house after years of being the only child.
His parents were playing nice with each other. Jack wondered how long they'll keep that up. When his dad drove them back home they talked civilly to one another. But Jack could see through them. Could see through the too wide smiles and double meanings behind words. At least Audrey was oblivious to the tension as always. Too excited to have both her parents in the same place 'being nice' to each other.
His mom even agreed to them going out to eat tonight. His mom usually doesn't like going out to eat on a school night and saves it for the weekend. But she decided for this special occasion to cave and allow it. Around six, the Brewer family were found at one of Seaford's Italian restaurants. Jack and his mom had only been at this restaurant a handful of times. This may come as a shock but they don't go out to eat that much. Chinese takeout was their usual go to. Chinese takeout and a night on the living room couch watching their favorite movies. If it wasn't Chinese then it was Mexican food.
To be completely honest Jack isn't that big on Italian food. His favorite dish is pizza, he can eat lasagna too but that's about it. His parents decided to get a lasagna with salad and bread on the side for their meal. Jack can admit that the langsa is one of the best he ever ate. Even if it wasn't he'd rather stuff his face then have awkward small talk with his dad. The less he had to say the better. Let Audrey catch up with him and have his undivided attention. Though Jack will intervene if and when his parents start arguing and get too loud. Even if he doesn't eat here on the regular, he still lives in this city and he recognizes some of the customers and doesn't want to be known as the kid with loud, obnoxious parents.
By the time they made it to the restaurant his parents had been around each other for about a good five hours and hadn't raised their voice to each other yet. His dad also hasn't brought up Bethany yet either. Oh well, progress is still progress. They're really trying their hardest to be civil because of him. He guesses he needs to be nearly severely injured more often.
"Jack, I meant to ask earlier but where did you get that balloon?"
Audrey answered for him before he could even get his mouth to move. "Lorie, one of Jack's many fangirls."
"Oh?"
"Yep. She'd been obsessed with him since forever. She and Lyndsey have been fighting over him for so long. Almost as long as Grace has been crushing over Brad."
"How do you even know about that? You just got here?"
Audrey gave him an 'are you an idiot?' look which, rude. "SDL, duh what else?"
"Can we please change the subject?"
"How did Kim feel about that?"
"Well she doesn't know and even if she did we broke up so." Jack trails off. He grabs the diner role on his plate and took a big bite to stall
"What? What happened? You guys have liked each other for so long.
Jack glared at Audrey. She shrugged, "What? Dad was curious but you wouldn't tell him anything and you whined so much to me about it."
"I'm never telling you anything ever again." He hisses at her while still chewing the roll
Audrey waves him off in unconcern. "Oh don't be like that Jackie."
He huff then rolls his eyes. He swallows the roll. "I really, really don't wanna talk about it."
"Okay, okay."
"Jack, are you coming to karate practice tomorrow?" Audrey asks
"Yeah for sure. I miss it. I'm already so far behind." A traitorous voice in his head whispers that needs to get back to focus as soon as possible if he'll have any hope besting Brody and Sloane and reclaiming his spot on top but he pushes it away
"Karate? You still want to do that?"
"Yes of course," Jack confirms, looking at his dad in confusion, "why wouldn't I?"
"Because of, because of what happened." In a twisted way Jack found it kind of funny how his his parents stumble over how to talk about what happened to Frank. Like saying what happened might magically summon Frank or bring Jack to tears. In a way Jack understands since he had the panic attack but that was only one time
"You mean because I almost got stabbed." Jack bluntly says, gaining the whole table's attention as they fell silent, "you can say it. I'm not gonna break down over the word." At least he doesn't think so
Jack continues, forcing any and all emotion out of his voice in order to sound as unaffected as possible. "That didn't happen because of karate. It happened because I kept messing with Frank when I shouldn't have so he finally snapped."
His dad still wasn't convinced. "But the only reason you knew Frank was because of the ridiculous rivalry between your two dojos. Karate is the common denominator."
"Just because it's the common denominator doesn't make it the problem."
"Doesn't it? If you haven't joined the Robby Wasabi-"
Jack glares at his father. "Bobby Wasabi. It's Bobby Wasabi." He knew his father knew Bobby's name considering they met a handful of times due to his grandfather's connection
His dad continued on as if he didn't interrupt him. "If your mother hadn't let you join-"
"Oh I know you're not trying to blame me now Chrisopher." His mom interjected in a saccharine sweet voice
Oh no. Here we go. Jack recognized that falsely sweet tone. His mom's lips were shaped into a smile but her eyes were hardened and narrowed. "Because of course I knew that him joining the dojo would lead to him being nearly stabbed. Of course I would happily let my son join."
Christopher didn't back down, he never backed down, and glared at his ex wife."He wouldn't have been put in that position if you didn't force your karate obsession on him!"
"Here we go again. It always comes back to this-" His mom dropped the saccharine sweet tone for clear anger as her voice began to rise.
And there it is. They couldn't even last a day. Not that Jack was really surprised. This is what his parents did best. Jack darkly thinks that maybe if the knife made it in his stomach they would have lasted a day. He glances over at Audrey and her face has completely fallen. Jack's heart goes out to her but when will she learn that their parents aren't ever getting back together? Their dad is seeing this Bethany chick and even if he wasn't their parents can't stand each other. Instead of trying to comfort her Jack just eats another bite of his lasagna.
This may be a new year but their parents haven't changed a bit.
Author's Note: So I wasn't sure if the last scene was too ooc for Eddie. In my mind even relatively nice guys can have asshole moments, especially insecure 14/15 year olds. In his twisted logic he thought he was just stating the obvious and wasn't trying to hurt her feelings as stupid as that sounds.
