~Part Ten~


“HOW COULD YOU?!!!” Hamilton bellowed, slamming through the front door, taking no notice as it crashed into the wall, wobbling on its hinges.

His father looked up immediately from the piles of paperwork on the desk in his home office as he heard Hamilton barreling up the stairs.

“How could you do that to her?!” he almost shouted as he threw open the study room door.

“Hamilton th...”

“Do you realize just what she was willing to go through to stay?!” Hamilton implored as he towered over the wooden barrier. “What she’s already gone through to stay?!”

Dean Fleming immediately shot up from the chair he was seated in. “Hamilton, I have far too much work to be discussing this with you right now! If you want to talk about it, you can come to my office tomorrow after school is out.” he said, glaring down at his son.

“I won’t just...” Hamilton began.

“AFTER SCHOOL...” his father repeated, forcing his voice not to rise, “Or we won’t discuss it at all.”

Hamilton glared at his father, clenching his jaw. After a few seconds he dropped his gaze, then turned around and walked out of the room. Without uttering a word he headed straight into his bedroom, falling onto his bed, simply staring into the cold darkness.

. . .

“Beep....beep....beep....beep....”

Hamilton blindly reached over to turn off his alarm clock as his gaze shifted from the ceiling to his bedroom door. He hadn’t slept at all the previous night and his eyes were slightly blood shot from the lack there of. With as many thoughts that were racing through his head, how could he have slept? Jake was gone and the only thing his father would say is ‘We’ll talk about this tomorrow’?!

Pushing himself off of the still-made bed Hamilton dragged his feet towards the closet. He knew his father wouldn’t let him skip school, even after everything that had happened to him in just the last few days. How could he be so heartless to everyone around him...even his own son?

After shrugging into his clothes Hamilton headed downstairs, glancing at his mother as he walked into the kitchen. “We’ve been meeting each other in here a lot lately.” he remarked as she pulled a few items from the cupboard.

“I wanted to remind you about the new students that your dad needs you to show around today.” Hamilton groaned, setting his forehead down on the table. “It’s a good thing I did too, apparently.”

“Mom, does he always look for ways to make my life miserable?”

“You know that this was planned before everything that happened this weekend.” she replied, gathering everything together.

“I know, it just always seems like he wants to punish me for every little thing I do.” Hamilton stated, pulling his head back up.

“Well, you’ll be able to talk to him tonight after school gets out...and don’t forget because he set a meeting back for it.” she said, walking towards the door.

“He set a meeting back for it, I should feel privileged.” he replied in a mock tone.

“Alright smart alec, I have to get out of here so I have time to set up this stuff for my class. I’ll see you tonight.”

Hamilton watched as his mother walked out the door...It was going to be a very long day.

. . .

“I never thought I’d hate this place so much.” Hamilton said to himself as he walked up the stairs to Rawley Girls. The halls were brightly lit, with sun shining in from the long window in the corridor. He took in a deep breath, slowly releasing it, then plastered a smile on his face as he prepare to enter the common room.

A blonde girl dressed in a lavender pleated skirt with a matching tank top and white button-up sweater was seated on the couch just opposite the door. She looked up just as Hamilton entered the room, smiling and standing to meet him. “Hi, I’m Samantha Veigh.” she said, extending an arm.

“Hamilton Fleming.” he replied, shaking her hand. “Um, I though that there were two new students to take around today.” he said, a little confused.

“Oh, yeah, she was just finishing up on her unpacking. She said that she’d be down in a minute.”

“Great. So when did you get in?” Hamilton asked, crossing his arms in front of him.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Hamilton and Samantha both turned towards the door where a girl wearing a pink, turtleneck sweater and a loose-fitting pair of black slacks now stood. She was grinning mischievously and supported herself on a pair of hospital crutches.

“Jake?!”

“Man it took me forever to get down those stairs on these things.” she replied, keeping her eyes locked with his.

“How...I..” Hamilton shortened the gap in between them with two quick strides, taking her up in his arms, and holding her tightly to him.

“Ouch, okay careful,” Jake began, as her crutches clattered against the hardwood floor, “or you’ll have me back in a wheelchair...”

She was immediately cut off as Hamilton pressed his lips to hers, slowing drawing back. “Promise you’ll never leave me again.” he said to her, the pain of the last few weeks sweeping through his eyes.

“Promise you’ll never let me go.”

“Which would be a good idea, right now, considering her crutches are lying on the ground.” Samantha said, walking forward and bending down to scoop them up, handing them to Jacqueline.

“Thanks.” she replied, chuckling.

“So let’s get this show on the road, shall we?” Samantha said, strolling into the hallway.

“Alright...” Hamilton began, following Jake out, “First we have the illustrious tour of the campus, and by then our third period English class should just be starting.”

“Great.” Jake said, stopping in the hall. “So you’re telling me I have until then to prepare my ‘I’m a girl’ speech?!”

“Yeah, pretty much.” Hamilton replied, scratching the back of his neck.

Jake pinched her eyes shut, taking in a long, deep breath. After just a few seconds her eyelids slid open again. “Let’s go.”

. . .

“Wait, wait, wait...” Samantha spun around and began walking backwards on the grass in front of them, “he actually used the word foxy?!”

“I still don’t see what’s wrong with it.” Hamilton stated, throwing a mischievous half smile at Jake.

Samantha just rolled her eyes and turned back around, slowing a bit to match her roommate’s pace.

After walking a few steps Jake stopped, looking over to the group of trees where the awaiting English class now sat, listening to the clear lecture Finn was giving on their new reading assignment. “Why me?”

“Come on, it won’t be that bad.” Hamilton urged, giving her an encouraging smile.

“Besides, we’ll be right here with you, and you did say you had other friends who knew.”

Jake stood there for a brief moment, “You’re right, I can do this.” After just a few seconds she pushed herself forward, making her way to the small patch of lawn.

Ryder sat on the edge of the lawn, apart from most of the group as he paid little attention to the discussion that was being held. He found his eyes easily wandering as his concentration had been drawn to a group of three people approaching the patch of students. “What the...” Ryder sat up suddenly, desperately blinking his eyes into better focus. “Well, well.” he began, resting back on his elbows as he plucked a blade of grass from the lawn, placing it in his teeth. “Welcome back Pratt.” The rest of the group turned their gaze at the mention of their previously hospitalized peer, almost all eyes widening in shock.

“Ms. Pratt, it’s good to have you back.” Finn stated, purposely giving the students no time to comment. “I took the liberty of bringing a chair for you, as I knew you would have a hard time pulling yourself up from the ground.” he said, grabbing a small chair that was previously leaning against a tree and placing it slightly back from the rest of the group.

“Thanks.” she said, slowly making her way to the chair, avoiding everyone’s gaze. Hamilton and Samantha followed her, sitting on the grass on either sides of her, while she set her crutches down, taking hold of Hamilton’s hand.

“All right, back to our discussion of Othello...”

. . .

After most of the class had already left Hamilton helped pull Jake up from her seat as Samantha handed her the stiff crutches. “Thanks guys.” All three started heading back towards the Girls’ Academy, in search of their next class.

“Jake,” Finn said, strolling over to where she now stood. “Here, you’re going to need a copy of Othello to catch up with the rest of the class.” He handed her a small paperback copy of the literature, pulling another from his bag. “Here is one for you as well Miss Veigh,” he stated, directing his attention towards her.

“Thank-you,” Samantha replied politely, taking the book from him.

“I apologize for not introducing you to the rest of the class. I’ll do that tomorrow.” Finn said, then turning to again address Jake. “It’s good to have you back Pratt. We haven’t had a decent coxswain since you left.” After a brief smile he turned and started heading back towards Rawley Boys. “Oh, and Jake,” he began, turning back around, “you’d better start getting ready for next season. The dean insists you be in good shape for the meets.”

Jake watched as her teacher walked away, dipping his hands inside of his pockets. “Thanks Finn,” she said quietly, beginning their stroll to the next class.

“I can’t believe he’s letting you stay on crew,” Hamilton stated, catching up to her.

“Finn...or your dad?” Jake asked, looking over at him.

Hamilton’s eyebrows furrowed at her question, while he contemplated what had been confusing him all morning. “So what happened yesterday?” he asked, watching the path in front of him. “When I finally got to the hospital and read your note, I was certain that my dad had kicked you out.”

“That’s what I thought too, when he told me that I couldn’t continue at Rawley,” she replied, as Hamilton glared at her even more confused. “Until he continued saying ‘At least not the boys’ side’.”

Hamilton’s face dropped. “Hey, uh, you know how to get to Miss McBride’s class, don’t you?” he asked, stopping them.

“I’m not sure,” Jake said, trying to remember.

“I know how to get there,” Samantha replied, as they both looked at her confused. “I met her in the hall this morning just before heading into the Common’s,” she laughed, as the two nodded their heads in understanding.

“Okay, well you two go ahead. I have something I need to take care of really quick, so I’ll catch you after class.”

“Alright,” both of the girls replied, before Hamilton gave Jake a quick kiss.

“Aww, Kodak moment,” Samantha said, producing an imaginary camera. “We’ll have to add that one to the ‘foxy’ album,” she stated jokingly before turning to head towards Rawley Girls.

Jake just laughed as Hamilton smiled, shaking his head, walking off in the direction of the boys’ school.

. . .

Hamilton stared at the door for what seemed like hours. So many thoughts were now racing through his head and he just wasn’t sure what he would say to his father. He’d been so upset with him over the passed few weeks and he’d said so many things to him that he wished he hadn’t. Now all he wanted to do was to say he was sorry. Taking a deep breath Hamilton knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Dean Fleming looked up as a familiar figure entered the small area. It was just as you’d expect to see from a dean’s office: a large desk situated in the middle of the room with two chairs placed in front, filing cabinets on either side and mounds of paperwork stacked to the ceiling. “Did you need something?” he asked as he saw Hamilton entering the room.

Hamilton didn’t reply to his father, he simply walked over to where he was seated and bent down, giving him a long hug. “Thanks Dad,” he whispered after a few minutes. Then pulling himself back up he turned to head back out the door.

“I love you son,” his father replied, with the slightest smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

“I love you too Dad.”

. . .

“Ugh, I hate it when guys call you baby!” Samantha replied, sitting down on a bench near the steps of Rawley girls.

“What’s wrong with baby?” Jacqueline asked, chuckling as she lowered herself down next to her.

“I don’t know, it’s just so...ew!”

“Hey ladies.” Hamilton said, walking up to where they had situated themselves, giving Jake a small kiss.

“Where have you been?” Jake asked, raising one eyebrow. “You were suppose to meet us after class.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. You made it to all of your classes okay though, didn’t you?” He stood in front of her, trying his best to look apologetic.

“Thanks to Samantha here.”

“Hey, I’m just lucky that they make maps to this school,” Samantha replied. “Well, I’ve got to get some other things unpacked so I’ll let you guys have some time alone.”

“Thanks Samantha,” Jake said as she stood up, waving good-bye to them both.

Hamilton and Jake watched as Samantha went inside of the building. “So, how did your day go?” he asked, after sitting down and wrapping his arms around her.

“Well, I got through it,” Jake replied, chuckling as he attempted to keep his legs from touching hers. “Since the rest of my classes weren’t co-ed I didn’t have to deal with any of the guys, and although Lena acted a little bit upset with me I think she’s going to be okay with it.”

“Good, I’m glad. So you think you might be too mad to go somewhere with me?” Hamilton asked, giving her a crooked grin.

Jake stared hard at him for a few minutes before breaking down. “Agh, you’re just too good!” Hamilton’s smile spread across his face as he laughed. “Well, let’s go then.”

. . .

“I still can’t believe your mom let you borrow her new car,” Jake said, as they pulled onto a long back road covered with a shifting, green canvas.

“What can I say, I’m very persuasive,” Hamilton said, stealing a glance at Jake who simply crooked an unbelieving eyebrow at him. “Well, that and I promised to help her with her spring cleaning when it came around again.”

Jake just shook her head at him, smiling. “So where did you say you were taking me again?”

“I didn’t,” Hamilton replied, giving her a sly grin.

“Well, I had to try,” Jake laughed, leaning her head onto her arm.

Hamilton simply smiled as he steered the car down the thin gravel road. After what had seemed like hours he pulled of into a small parking lot, adjacent to the road. “Well, here we are.”

Jake looked out onto the grassy hill just in front of them, “You brought me to a park?”

“Nope,” Hamilton replied, opening his door and making his way around the front of the car, pulling on her door handle. “This is just the entrance point.”

“Entrance point..?” Jake stated, swinging her legs out and pulling herself up with her crutches.

Hamilton closed the door and pointed them in towards a small stream that was creeping along the bottom of the green hills. “Yep.”

They waded through the cool grass as they watched the sun begin to make it’s decent down the edge of the sky. The lawn had just freshly been watered and Hamilton could feel the moisture lapping at his ankles as they sifted their way through the green carpet.

“Okay,” Hamilton began, as the found themselves at the edge of the stream. “You have to close your eyes.”

“Close my eyes?” Jake asked suspiciously. Hamilton simply nodded in response. “Alright,” she replied, shaking her head back and forth. The moment her eyes slid shut she could feel Hamilton’s arms wrapping around her as he began carrying her into the water, letting her crutches fall into the soft grass. She could hear the running ripples sloshing against his pants as he brought them further down stream.

“When I was a kid my parents used to bring me here every week during the summer time,” Hamilton stated. “I remember wading up and down the stream, letting the currents push me all the way down the banks until I reached the bridge that leads over to the playground area. Then I’d grab onto the edge of it and pull myself out of the water and run back upstream to let it pull me along again.”

Jacqueline could sense the sunlight being shut out as they reached the bridge, Hamilton leading them both underneath it. “It was like a game I played...seeing how far I could go before I had to reach out for the wall. Well, one day as I was stretching my arm out, I missed grabbing hold of the wall.”

She could hear his feet reach the shore as Hamilton walked up onto the grass. After only a minute of walking he set her down onto a long, fallen tree log. The surface of the wood felt smooth as though the bark had been stripped of to make a suitable seat. “That’s when I found this,” he said, curling her up against him. Leaning over towards her ear he whispered softly, “Open your eyes.”

As Jacqueline opened her eyes the color that had first been blurred began separating into dozens of shades, pasted onto a blue and pink canvas. Hundreds of flowers tickled her senses as she took a deep breath of the meadow’s perfume. “This place is beautiful!”

Hamilton smiled to himself, watching as small puffs of clouds fell off of the horizon’s edge. “I knew you’d like it here.”

The two sat in silence as they watched the sun drift down to bed, its rays stretching as to loose themselves in sleep. Jake sighed, as the last drop of orange was soaked into the earth, finally allowing itself to rest.

“You know, I never got to say thank you,” she stated, leaning back into his warm arms.

Hamilton tilted his head to look at her, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. “For what?”

A small smile crept to her lips as she lowered her head back onto his shoulder, letting out a contented yawn. “Walking through fire for me.”





~The End~