Chapter 1
New schools were challenging. Anyone with a brain would know that. You have to get used to new hallways, classes, and teachers. Not to mention how awkward being the new kid is. People either welcome you with timid smiles and nods or they looked at you like you’re some strange new creature. Like the alien plushies off Toy Story: “Someone new? From the ouuutssiiddeee??” Peter just did not care for being the new kid. He certainly was not looking forward to his first day at WestWood High.
“Oh, Peter,” May sighed as they were school clothes shopping, “I think this new school will be good for you! New people, new academic challenges. You’re so smart and this school will have a lot more to offer you!”
Peter just gave her a smile, but didn’t comment. He knew this school was going to be exactly like his old one. The only good thing would be that no one would know about why he moved. Aunt May wanted to put everything behind them after Uncle Ben’s death. So, she quit her job, sold the condo that had always been their home and relocated to a different neighborhood and moved them into an honest to god house. At least the house was in walking distance of WestWood. Peter wasn’t a fan of buses.
“It’ll be good, honey,” May told him, patting his hand as they drove home with new clothes for the both of them. “A change is just what we need.”
Peter swallowed around the painful lump in his throat. “Yeah.”
He was not looking forward to his Sophmore year at all.
Peter groaned as his alarm blared. Reaching over, he turned it off and fell back into bed with a sigh. Today was his first day and the nerves were real. His stomach twisted uncomfortably at the thought of what the day had enstore. Huffing out a breath, he stood from his bed. Stretching, Peter yawned and scratched at his bed head.
It was only 6:30. Peter had a lot of time before he had to be at school. Grabbing his clothes, he headed to the bathroom for a shower. The nightmares had kept him up most of the night again. Pictures of the man who tried to Rob them flashing in his mind. Every dream ended with Uncle Ben’s lifeless eyes staring back at him. He always woke up crying, body shaking, his skin uncomfortably clammy.
Looking at his reflection, he took in the bags under his eyes. He rubbed at them aggressively, hating how they burned. Taking a calming breath, he pushed the heels of his hands into them; getting lost in the swirls and shapes the pressure brought forth. Removing them, he looked at the mirror again, managing to give himself a shaking smile.
“Don’t make it sad,” he said to himself. “You said you wouldn’t make it sad.”
May was already settled at the kitchen table when he got out of the shower. A cup of coffee cupped in her graceful hands and the paper spread out in front of her. Peter smiled. Her dark circles weren’t there today which meant she had slept well for a change.
“Morning, Aunt May,” he chirped as he got a bowl and started pouring cereal into it. “How’d you sleep?”
Looking up from her paper, she gave him a gentle smile. “I slept good,” her eyes widened as she took in his appearance fully. “My don’t you look cute?” She asked, smile widening. Peter blushed as he regarded himself. “I’m glad we decided to splurge on our clothes,” she said, a pained spark in her eye, “God knows we deserved it and that color really brings out your eyes! Such a handsome young man.”
“Aunt Maayyy,” Peter whined as he grabbed a spoon and settled down at the table. Truth is, he knew he looked okay. He specifically picked out the bright blue bottom up and black jeans because the combo gave him a sense of confidence. The black boots were a nice touch, too
“What?” Aunt May asked with a teasing smile. “I can’t compliment my handsome nephew? Well, too bad,” she sassed, sticking out her tongue childishly causing Peter to roll his eyes in fond exasperation. “How’d you sleep? I didn’t hear any tossing or turning. That must be a good sign?” Peter could hear the worry in her voice.
Not looking up from his cereal, he lied. “Yeah. I slept okay,” Gaining courage, he looked up and shot her his best smile.
“No nightmares?” she checked, voice tentative and brown eyes gentle. “Because I can always make another appointment with Dr. Rogers if it gets bad again, Petey.”
Swallowing his cereal, he shook his head. “Still have them occasionally. They’re getting better, though!” He added at May’s worried look. “I’m okay, Aunt May,” he lied with a smile. His aunt smiled back and nodded, going back to her paper. Inwardly, Peter sighed with relief.
He hadn’t been lying exactly. His nightmares weren’t as bad as they used to be. When the “incident” was fresh, they were awful. The panic attacks were, too. But, Dr. Rogers, his counselor, had helped him a huge amount. So, yeah. Peter still had nightmares but they were manageable. So was the sadness even though it was heavier on some days. He still managed.
He needed to be strong for Aunt May. She was probably suffering way more than he was. She had lost the love of her life that night. Had held him steady when she knew the ambulance was too far away. Peter would remember that night always. He knew Aunt May would never shake it either. All they had was each other now, and he would be strong. It did bring him comfort knowing that Dr. Rogers was only a call away if he got bad again.
“So, I won’t be off work til late tonight,” May said, breaking the quiet that had settled over the pair. “You’ll be okay here alone?” I can cancel if you need me here.” She looked at him questioningly.
Peter shook his head. “No, I’ll be okay, Aunt May,” he told her as he put his bowl in the sink. “I’ll just do homework and watch some TV.”
Aunt May nodded, smiling as she stood, smoothing out her scrubs. “I’ll leave some money so you can order food. We’ll have to go grocery shopping this weekend because we’ve no food.” She laughed, loud and joyous. Peter almost couldn’t hear the hurt that always was in her voice now. Almost.
Clapping her hands together, she cheerfully said, “Ok! Go grab your backpack and meet me in the car. I’ll drive you today.”
Walking away, he let his smile fall. “Can’t wait,” he muttered to himself.
WestWood High was much bigger than Atane High, Peter realized as he rushed down the seemingly never ending hallway trying to find his class. The lady at the desk was nice, though. She was an older woman with gray fluffy hair. She told him to call her Al as she handed him his schedule. She did not, however, give him a map of the school’s layout.
“Why does a high school have to be so huge anyways?” He griped to himself as he hurried along yet another empty hallway. “Gonna be late on my first day. Awesome!” He pulled his bag higher onto his shoulder as he fidgeted with the straps. He looked down at his schedule, no doubt making a face of confusion.
“Hey!” A deep voice called out. Peter quickly looked up from his schedule. All breath left him in a whoosh. The owner of the voice was attractive. Unfairly so. Peter whined inwardly and forced himself to stay in place rather than darting down the hallway. Maybe the guy could help him find his class.
“Um, hi?” Peter said, ruffling his hair nervously as the guy gave him a bright smile. Oh, dear god that smile.
“You lost?” the guy asked. He cocked his head to the side as he looked at the schedule in Peter’s hand. “Oh!” He suddenly exclaimed, making Peter jumped a bit from the abruptness of his voice, “You’re the new kid that Al told me about.” His smile turned devilish and his voice lowered a smidge. “Al was right. You’re adorable.” Peter nearly squeaked as hazel eyes roved over him. “I’m Wade,” he said, offering a hand. “And you are?”
Hesitantly, Peter took it and marveled at how Wade’s hand nearly swallowed his. Looking up timidly, he said quietly, “Peter.” Wade’s smiled widened, as he shook Peter’s hand.
“Nice to meet you, Pete,” he cooed and finally released his hand. “So, you lost?” At Peter’s nod, he snacthed the schedule. “What are the odds?” He laughed after getting a look at Peter’s classes, handing the paper back. “That’s my first class, too. Follow me.” He beckoned with a wave of his hand.
“So,” Wade chirped as he looked at Peter, “where you from?”
“Atane,” Peter said, clearing his throat awkwardly. He didn’t know what else to say.
Wade chuckled, shaking his head. “I can see how you got lost. Atane’s a small school compared to WestWood.”
Cocking his head, Peter looked over to the other boy, surprised when his hazel eyes were already trained on him. Quickly, he looked away and cleared his throat. “So, have you been to Atane?” He asked. “I don’t think I ever saw you there…” He trailed off awkwardly.
“Nah,” Wade said, Peter could still feel his gaze sliding over him, “The team played there a few times, is all.”
Of course. Of freaking course the first person he ran into had to be a jock. He’s already imagining how many beatings Wade’s going to issue him. He makes a mental note to stay far, far away from the alluring boy casually walking beside him.
“Ah,” he said, keeping the weariness from his voice, “What sports do you play?” He asked for the sake of keeping the peace and not getting beat up any sooner than necessary.
Oblivious to Peter’s inner struggle Wade answered, “Baseball and BasketBall. Captain, actually.”
Peter sucked in a sharp breath as fear tingled up his spine. The captain of the sports team. Just his stupid luck. He took deep breaths to calm his erratic heart beat before he had a panic attack. He didn’t want to be labeled as a freak so soon at his new school.
“Wow,” he laughed, no doubt some hysteria in it. “The captain. That’s- that’s awesome!” Please just kill me now. “You- you must be really talented with your body!” He regretted those words as soon as they left his mouth. Heat flared to his face, no doubt making him look like a ripe tomato. Smacking a hand to his forehead he exclaimed, flustered, “I am so, so sorry for the words that just came out of my mouth.” He’s gonna punch me so hard, There goes being invisible. When the other didn’t respond to his ramblings, he mustered the courage to look at him.
A smirk played across the captain’s lips and his hazel eyes were hooded as he gazed, quite blatantly, at Peter’s body. Peter swallowed audibly and looked away from Wade’s heavy eyes.
“You know, I’m-” he sucked in a breath, “I’m just gonna go this way,” he said, awkwardly pointing down another hallway. “Bye, Wade. Nice meeting you!” He said in a rush. Just as he was going to turn, Wade gripped his forearm in a hard grip, tugging him back. A gasp left his lips as he was pulled tightly against the other’s firm chest. Both of the captain’s arms settled around his waist, resting comfortably against the small of Peter’s back.
Beyond flustered and uncomfortable, Peter raised his hands to shove the boy away, but he didn’t even budge. “Uh, um…” Peter stared hard at his curled fist, refusing to lift his eyes. “W-wade,” he breathed, eyes closed tightly, “let me go, please.” I don’t even know this boy and he’s touching me like he knows me!
“Was that an invitation, baby boy?” Wade breathed into Peter’s heated ear. “Because I can show just how talented this body is. And I mean all of it.” Peter shivered at the tone of voice. He had no doubt the captain could but he wouldn’t be a joke because of Wade.
Gathering his strength, he shoved the other boy back hard. Wade grunted in surprise and staggered back. Peter had to fight the urge to apologize. Instead, he smoothed out his clothes. Clearing his throat, he risked a look back to the taller boy. A smirk still played on his lips. He seemed pleasantly surprised at Peter’s action. He seemed even more interested than he was before. Peter gulped.
“Okay, baby boy,” he chuckled, shaking his head and running a hand through his light brown hair, “you win this time. Come on, gotta get to class. We’re really late now.” He looked over Peter one more time before turning and walking down the hallway. He didn’t look back to see if Peter followed.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Peter began walking after him. One question in his mind lingered on as he entered the classroom.
Just what exactly had he won?