Beautiful Lessons Page 2

  Me: Are people talking?

  Kendall: Some. But no worries, nothing bad. Everyone wants to know where you are. Your dad called mine, but he covered for you.

  John Baker’s been there for me since Kendall and I became friends. He knew my mom and tolerated my dad. They were friends and he was there for me when my mom died. You’d think my own dad would’ve given his daughter comfort, but the bastard took off to Vegas with his newest fling that night.

  Me: Thank you so much Kendall. You’ll never know how thankful I am of you and your dad.

  Kendall: Don’t thank us. You’re safe now and that’s all that matters. We’ll always be here for you Seona. But this is your chance to start over. Don’t let your past dominate your present and future. Have fun and LIVE!

  I read those four words a few times, letting it sink in, trying to make myself believe it. Living has always been difficult for me, especially when he was around. Now that I’m free from his menacing eyes, I’m able to be myself and I’m not going to be the shell of a person I was, afraid to live.

  Kendall: Maybe now you can find a hottie to fall in love with. You should totally find a cowboy!

  Me: A cowboy? LOL yeah not gonna happen. I don’t see why girls go crazy over them!

  Kendall: LOL just you wait and see!

  Me: First can I please get through the first day of school and not think about finding a boyfriend!

  Kendall: Yes! You need to focus on that. But go to bed sunshine. Make a good impression and please for the love of God find me a cowboy so that when I’m there visiting you I can see if things really are bigger in Texas ;)

  Me: LOL

  Kendall: But promise me you won’t be worried all the time. Pinky?

  Me: Pinky <3

  Putting my phone back on the table, I curl into the covers, trying to push down my nerves about tomorrow and force myself to get some sleep.

  “You’re a worthless bitch. I never fucking wanted you.” I block out his words, trying to bring myself to a place where I’m happy and he’s not here. His face comes closer to mine, “did you hear me?”

  “Dad, stop,” I whisper, trying not to cry. I feel his breath near my face. He’s close to me. He’s going to hit me tonight, I know it. The smell of alcohol hits me. He’s a monster underneath the designer suits and persona of a good man. He’s not a good man. My dad is the man who cheated on my mom for years and now comes home with a new blonde bombshell who could be my sister. No, this isn’t my dad.

  “Piece of shit. Good for nothing.” He hits the wall and I hear footsteps. Oh no! I quickly get up from the ground and run in the direction of my room. I see his back and I’m sure he sees my bags. When he turns around, I freeze. “Where do you think you’re going, huh?”

  Before I can answer, I fall to the ground, tripping over the rug.

  “You’re not going anywhere, so unpack your things and get dressed. We have a dinner party we need to attend and I need you on your best behavior; do I make myself clear, Seona?”

  “Y-yes, Sir,” I mumble, refusing to look him in his eyes.

  “Wake up, sleepy head.” I pull the covers over my head, not wanting to wake up. “Come on, you don’t want to be late for your first day.”

  Hearing him say that today’s my first day makes me so nervous. I don’t know how I’m going to handle being in a new school, around new people. “Do you mind if I miss the first class? I think I have study hall anyways.”

  “You okay?”

  The concern in his voice makes me feel guilty. He’s risking so much to have me here with him. I don’t want to put him at risk, but I have nowhere else to go. I don’t want to tell him I’m scared about starting at a new school. I have no idea what to expect or how people will act when they meet me. It’s freaking me out. Maybe I should’ve stayed with Kendall and endured his words and threats.

  “Yeah.” I slowly get up, leaning back and resting on my forearms. “Just nervous, ya know? First day at a new school. Coming in as a senior. That doesn’t happen very often. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to tell people in case they ask.”

  “You don’t have to tell them anything. Just say that you wanted to finish your senior year here because your dad’s traveling and you missed your awesome brother.” He laughs, pulling me in for a hug. Kissing the top of my head, he whispers, “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. If I knew what was going on, I’d have taken you away a long time ago.”

  “You didn’t know and I’m here now. We’re safe, Travis. And it’s because of you.”

  “I’d do anything for you, Seona. I wish you would have told me sooner. God, just thinking about what you went through...”

  “Travis,” I reach for his hand. “Please don’t blame yourself. I can’t thank you enough for letting me live with you.”

  “I hate that I’m putting you and Mark at risk, though.”

  “Stop, okay? He knows how shitty your dad is and he wants you here with us. He’s always considered you a daughter and he loves you just as much as I do. We’re here for you, Seona.”

  Sometimes I wish Mark and my mom worked out. He and my mom were engaged, but something happened and she left him. I never asked questions about what happened. When she would see Travis, I saw the sadness in her bright brown eyes. When Mark would come up to visit his friends, my mom and I would go and visit him. She always told me to never tell my dad about seeing Mark. Often I wondered why she wanted me to keep the secret from him, but again, I never asked. Whenever we’d see him, it was fun and sometimes I’d wish he were my dad.

  “Well get ready and I’ll take you out for breakfast, but you’re going to go to school today.”

  “Fine,” I agree in a defeated tone, throwing the covers off me and walking out of my room to get ready.

  Travis and I head to a nearby diner and sit in the corner booth. We place our orders and I listen to him talk about football and Texas A & M. He’s been getting attention from the NFL scouts and he’s so excited, same with me. Since I’ve known Travis, he’s always had a football in his hand. This is his time and I’m glad I’m here so I can see him and watch him on signing day.

  “Where do you wanna play?”

  “Playing for the Patriots would be my dream, but I’d settle for any team. Man, the NFL.” He laughs, biting into his pancakes. “Can you imagine?”

  “I’m so happy for you.”

  “What are your plans after high school?”

  I shrug. Thinking about college scares the living shit out of me. My grades suck and I don’t know if any school would accept me. But I’ve had my eye on NYU since I started dancing and cheering, so hopefully they’ll look past my grades and accept me into the college. “I’m not sure, to be honest. Hey, I’ll travel with you and be your agent.” We both laugh. It feels good to laugh.

  After breakfast, Travis drops me off at school. I take a deep breath, look at the large brick high school before my eyes and walk in. The quiet halls seem long as I walk, trying to find my way to the office. Pulling out the folder with information, I walk into a wall. Stumbling down, falling on my ass, I look up and see a guy grinning at me. Oh sweet lord, I have never seen a guy as hot as him. I have to remind myself to breathe or else I am going to pass out.

  He reaches out his hand and I take it. “Hey, I’m sorry about that.”

  “It’s okay.” I squat down to pick up the folder. “My fault. I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “I pretty much know everyone that goes here. You’re new, huh?”

  “Guilty.” I hold onto the folder, looking around to see if I can find a way to easily escape his fire of questions.

  “I’m Chaz Hartman.”

  “Seona Fisher.” Saying my new last name feels good. I’m a Fisher and I’ll never have to be Seona Henderson again.

  He smiles when I say my name.

  “Shit! Your brother is Travis Fisher?” I nod. “Damn he’s a legend here.” I nod again, smiling to be polite. “Can I help you find where you need to go?�
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  Smiling I answer him. “Sure. I need to go to the main office. I missed first period so hopefully I can convince them to let me have late arrival.”

  “Maybe.” He laughs, guiding me down the hall. He points out the different pictures on the wall. It’s all football. I’m not surprised. Travis did warn me about how big football is here in College Station. He keeps pushing me to be on the cheerleading team, and thinks it’ll be good for me to meet people and make friends.

  Chaz goes more into the people in senior class and it feels good talking to someone who doesn’t know about my past.

  “Alright, here’s the main office.”

  “Thank you again, Chaz. I appreciate it.”

  He smirks. “No problem. Hey, can I see your phone?” I gladly hand it to him. He smiles, types away and hands it back. “Just in case you get lost again and need to be rescued.”

  “Oh, thank you,” I gush, batting my eyes and smiling.

  I walk into the office and ask the secretary for help, letting her know that I’m new and today’s my first day. She’s sweet and hands me some papers, along with a map of the school.

  “If you need help dear, please let us know.”

  “Will do. Thank you so much for your help.”

  I get the papers from the counter, open the office door and walk out to see Chaz leaning against the wall.

  “Did you wait for me?” He turns and looks at me.

  “I did. Figured I’d make you feel welcomed. Where you heading?”

  I look at my schedule, “English with Miggah.”

  He smirks, “Me too. Come on, let’s go.” He puts his arm around my shoulders and we walk to class.

  Chaz opens the door for me and we walk in together. The first thing I notice is all eyes are on me.

  “Hi.” I walk to the teacher. “I’m Seona Fisher. Today’s my first day.” When I say my name, I hear gasps and whispers. Goodness, how popular is Travis?

  “Hi dear,” the slender, petite woman says, “have a seat anywhere and,” she hands me a pile of papers and a text book, “take time to look over the syllabus and read the first chapter in the book.”

  “Thank you.” I take my things and feel more eyes on me. I’m going to have to talk to Travis, because if this is how it’s going to be all year, I’m moving. Chaz leads me to the back of the room, where three girls are sitting.

  “Hey ladies, this is Seona. Today’s her first day and I expect you to treat her nicely.

  “Of course we will,” one of the girls answers. “I’m Vanessa Murphy. That’s Claire Morgan,” Vanessa points to the girl to her right, “And Gina Bach.”

  “Hey.”

  “Oh my gosh, I love your top!” Claire exclaims. Soon, the questions start.

  Where are you from?

  Where’d you get that purse?

  Are you Travis Fisher’s sister?

  Is he single?

  “Yes, I’m Travis’ sister and,” I lean in to the group of girls waiting to hear my answer, “he’s taken, girls.” They whimper and moan. I shouldn’t have lied to them about Travis and his relationship status, but I didn’t want to deal with fake friends who wanted to get to know me to get to know him.

  “Damn,” Gina responds. “He’s hot.”

  “Seona, we have cheerleading tryouts today. You should stop by,” Vanessa says. “We’d love to have you on the team. Right, girls?” They all agree, nodding their heads.

  “Oh wow, that’ll be great. I was on the cheer team in Holland, Michigan…”

  “Oh, my God!” Vanessa says. “We’ve stalked Holland’s cheer team! What y’all did at Nationals last year is amazing! Holy crap! What the hell are you doing here?”

  “My dad travels all the time and Travis missed me, so I decided to finish senior year here. Plus my dad doesn’t want me alone.” I stick out my tongue, signaling a thumbs down. “So freaking lame!”

  “As head cheerleader, you don’t even have to try out! You’re on the team!”

  The girls squeal and it makes me feel at home. We talk about Nationals and Chaz is next to me, with his arm lazily resting over my shoulder. I notice them looking at me and wonder if I’m doing something wrong.

  “Hey,” Chaz leans in, “I’m the quarterback and since you’re a cheerleader, we’ll see each other more.”

  I smile and don’t respond. Turning my head back to Vanessa, I let her know that I don’t have clothes for practice today.

  “It’s okay, girl. I got extra.” Vanessa winks and we turn back to pay attention to whatever Mrs. Miggah is saying.

  Chaz slides over a piece of paper in my direction. Keeping my eyes to the front of the room, I open the note and tilt my head down slightly to read what he sent me.

  Go out with me tonight. I wanna show you around. Pick you up at 7.

  I pick up my pen and write a response to him, folding the paper and passing it over.

  Maybe

  Bringing my attention back to what Mrs. Miggah, is saying I don’t notice his hand squeezing mine. Subtly, I pull my hand away. I like how nice Chaz is being, but he’s giving me weird vibes. I’m not sure what it is yet.

  The rest of the morning goes by pretty fast. Luckily, everyone in class has been really nice to me and welcoming. As the day goes on, I feel better about being here.

  Vanessa, Claire and Gina meet me outside of gym and we head to lunch together. Realizing I didn’t have my purse, I tell the girls to go ahead without me and that I’ll meet them. Walking back to my locker, I grab my purse and pull out my phone. There are a few text messages from Kendall and Travis.

  Kendall: So how is it? Are you doing okay?

  Travis: Remember to come to the college when you’re done with school. There’s a guy named Jayceon Ashworth who goes to your school too. He comes here every day to practice so I’m sure he’ll bring you too. I can’t leave and come get you and I don’t want you taking a cab.

  Me: Everything’s great! First day is awesome and everyone’s really nice

  Kendall: I’m so glad!

  Me: Me too...And there’s this one guy, Chaz, who's paying special attention to me...I mean he’s nice and all...He asked me to go out with him tonight so I said maybe

  Kendall: Does he seem nice?

  Me: Yeah I think so...We have English together and he helped me this morning...He’s def cute...Sorta looks like Ryan Reynolds with a hint of Zac Efron

  Kendall: Holy shit he sounds hot! Go out with him and see how he is

  Me: Maybe

  I go back to Travis’ text and send him a response.

  Me: Travis you’re gonna make me go through the school looking for one person?

  Travis: Don’t be a drama queen. He’s on the football team. Shouldn’t be too hard to find him.

  Me: Fine =p

  I head to the cafeteria and feel someone staring at me. It’s not that creepy feeling, but something I can’t explain. My body is on high alert, and I swear I can hear my heart beating faster and faster. Everything around me slows down. My mind grows curious and my body has a mind of its own. Slowly turning my head to the right, I find piercing, bright green eyes staring back at me. He’s not smiling, but his eyes are telling me something different. They’re holding a story I want to curl up to and read. It’s hard to explain these new feelings. I want to keep looking at him and explore his incredibly sexy body.

  My mouth opens a little, but I quickly close it when I hear Chaz calling for me. I turn around and head over to their table. I get introduced to some of the football team, as Chaz places his arm around my shoulders.

  Slightly turning my head, I see the mystery boy with green eyes. He’s not looking at me anymore, but God I wish he was looking at me. When I saw Chaz this morning, I thought I knew the definition of a hot guy, then I saw the one across the room and my definition of it has forever been changed. Hot is not a fair word to describe him, sexy as hell is a much better description.

  “Hey, who is that guy?” I ask Chaz. He looks in the direction I did a
nd shakes his head.

  “Our wide receiver and Chaz’s best friend,” someone says from the table.

  “Shut the fuck up, dude. That’s Jayceon. Class freak. He’s on the team because his dad’s the coach at A & M. No one wants him on the team. He’s useless.”

  This pisses me off. I hate when people talk shit about their teammates. “Chaz, don’t be a dick. He’s on your team so you should treat him with some respect.”

  “Finally.”

  I look over and see another really hot guy. What is up with guys in Texas? Good lord.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I seethe.

  Hot guy looks at me, cocking his head to the side. “I agree with you new girl. Jayceon isn’t a bad guy, but some people can’t let shit go, isn’t that right Chaz?”

  “Seona.”

  “What?”

  I look at hot guy again. “My name’s Seona. Not new girl.”

  “I’m Brendan.” We both smile at each other and Chaz brings me over to sit on his lap. I do not think so. Pushing myself off, I head over to Jayceon so I can ask him to take me with him after school.

  Approaching the table, the brown haired girl he’s sitting with watches me. “Hey,” I say to him. He looks up at me with a smoldering look, but doesn’t respond. “I’m Seona Fisher. My brother, Travis, plays for A & M. He says that you head over there after school and I have to go there, too. Can I ride with you? I’m new here and don’t have a car yet.”

  He scratches the back of his head. “You want me to take you with me to the school?”

  “Yeah, that’ll be really great if you can.”

  He narrows his eyes, but doesn’t say anything. I stand in front of him in an awkward silence and wonder what he’s thinking. Biting my lip, I get nervous and I’m about to turn around and ask Brendan to take me when brown haired girl answers for him.

  “Don’t worry. Jayceon will take you. Forgive him for being a dick, but he’s on his man period right now.”

  I laugh with her and thank her before turning around. Heading back to the table, I glance back towards Jayceon and watch him watching me. There’s a slight shake to his head before he turns away.