Everybody Wants To Rule the World Chapter Ten Written By: LadySwan "Well, I'm glad you guys finally decided to show up for practice!" Coach Gromme said in a jolly voice, as he walked next to his players, all sitting on the benches. The Swans Crossing Swans laughed. Sitting in the front row, Jimmy sat in between Saja and JT, Neil on the other side of JT, and Owen on his other side. After their grueling examination at the police headquarters yesterday, JT and Neil were glad to get out with their friends, and just play and relax. Both had vowed not to touch their computers for at least a week. JT was still thinking about last night with Glory. After a week from being apart with everyone he loved, he was so happy to be back in their arms. Glory had been great. She didn't scold him, she didn't blame anyone for what had happened. She was just happy he was back. "Well, common team. Let's practice! We have a game with Newport this Saturday!" Coach Gromme bellowed. The players stood up from the bench and headed out to the field, dividing themselves up for practice. Only Saja remained in the bench, deep in thought. : : : : : : : : Saja was acutely aware of Coach Gromme's voice, instructing the team about the play-offs and their offense and defense. But as he sat on the bench, sitting beside his friends, staring out at the grass, Saja's mind was on other things that didn't include baseball. Sandy. Sandy was the one on Saja's mind. He couldn't get the picture of her and Mick out of his head. Them. Sitting together in the Soda Shop. Laughing. Sandy's face glowing. Saja couldn't keep the jealousy out. But she's supposed to be my girl, an inner voice said. My girl? Ha! A more resentful and disappointed voice said. I haven't even asked her to be my girlfriend. I haven't even told her how I feel about her. What if she thinks we're just friends? All these thoughts whirled in Saja's head, where ever he went. Whatever he was doing. Saja couldn't concentrate on anything else! "DeCastro!" Coach Gromme shouted. "Get out on that field!" Saja jumped in his seat, his thoughts returning back to baseball. He sprinted towards the field, hoping to keep his mind only on baseball, at least for the next four hours. But as Saja took the left field, his thoughts came back to Sandy. I have to tell her how I feel, he thought to himself. But how? She's so busy spending time with Mick practicing for their gig tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that.... "Mick Raven will not get my Sandy." Saja muttered to himself. "I shall see to that! May the better man win, and I'll be him!" : : : : : : : : Garrett had gotten a first-class seat, and luckily, not getting an annoying seatmate. The businessman next to him was quietly clicking away on his laptop, and Garrett didn't mind that. He had a lot of things on his mind. While worrying about his mother's safety, he was also thinking about his friends back in Swans Crossing at the same time, more specifically, Sydney. Garrett couldn't seem to get her out of his head. As much as he knew he should be praying for his mother to get well, both his heart and mind were completely focused on Sydney Rutledge. Michal's words rang through his head, "You seem still pretty happy to receive a letter from Sydney rather than Mila, whose supposed to be your girlfriend. It seems you like her a lot more than your 'girlfriend.'" Did he? Did he like Sydney, as more than a friend? Garrett's heart raced as he pondered this idea. "This is crazy," Garrett muttered to himself fiercly. "I can't like Sydney, she's just a friend!" He tapped his hand nervously on leg, trying to figure this whole situation out. He glanced at his bag which held her letters. He pictured Sydney in his mind, and sighed deeply. But then the image popped, and once more Garrett found himself trying to convince himself that he didn't want Sydney. "I'm only feeling like this because Mila just dumped me." But then when Garrett looked at the situation, Mila barely fit. He was feeling only a bit upset that she had dumped him. The one girl who was on his mind was Sydney. Even as he was feeling so upset for his mother, Sydney was the only one on his mind. The only one giving him a feeling of hope. Part of the reason he jumped for a chance to go back, was her. And then Garrett looked back, at their troubled past. His mind finally gave in to what his heart had been telling him all along. He had been in love with Sydney Rutledge for practically forever. Everything he had ever done, had always had her somewhere. "Oh Sydney," he whispered, "why didn't I see this sooner? Why couldn't I admit I love you?" : : : : : : : : Sydney and Alex were wandering around the stables in the Swan Club, doing nothing really. After a wonderful lunch, they had walked around aimlessly, just talking. Alex had suggested walking towards the stables since he knew it was Sydney's favorite place in the whole club. Sydney found it sweet that he knew and remembered those little details. "Is your mother ready for the upcoming elections?" Alex asked Sydney, as they walked down the pebbled path. "Yeah. She's really excited. Mother's ahead in the polls." Sydney said, smiling. "I know I heard." Alex said. They were silent for a moment. It was another thing Sydney liked. Even in silence, she could still be comfortable with Alex, and that was a big plus, since Sydney had always found silence awkward before. "Do you think you'll be like your mother when you grow-up?" Sydney thought for a moment. "Well, mother and I have different interests. When she was our age, she was interested in singing and stuff, but mother tells me I'm more level-headed. I'm more interested in filling in my social status as a Rutledge and other things like that." "But that doesn't fully describe you," Alex said with a shy smile. "Oh really," Sydney said, grinning. "You describe me." "Well, first impressions aren't always true. Maybe you do do your duty as part of being a Rutledge, but there's a lot more to you than that." He gazed at her lovingly. "Your heart is a good one, Sydney. You do what you think is right, and you stick to it. You're creative and imaginative...." Alex drifted off, as he and Sydney locked eyes. The look in her eyes made them both feel the romance around the two of them. "And you're the best girlfriend I've ever had," he whispered. Sydney's heart was pounding. She had the absolutely most wonderful boyfriend ever! He was so sweet and thoughtful. They leaned in closer to kiss.... "Neeeiighhh!" the horse whined. Sugar, Sydney's horse had been impatiently waiting for Sydney to come over to her and groom her like she always did when she came. The spell was broken, but it didn't matter much. It was if the look between them was enough to equal a kiss. Sydney started to calm down Sugan. "Easy, girl. I can't ride you today. Maybe another time." She caught the glance of Alex on the opposite side of Sugar and she smiled. : : : : : : : : Nancy sat in a corner table, sipping her soda. None of her friends were here. Well unluckily for them, Nancy thought to herself, they'll miss my moment of glory. When I finally get one over Amanda Shane. She was waiting for her group to come into the Shop for their usual. She had seen them often enough here, she was pretty sure of the moment they would come. Patience was not one of Nancy's gifts, and it took all her might from leaving the Soda Shop without their arrival. She had been waiting for an hour, which had seemed like an eternity for Nancy. Finally, with her chin held high, and a snotty look, Amanda and her beloved followers strutted their way inside the Soda Shop, looking down at anyone who dared stare at them. Nancy smiled to herself vindictively. Now was her chance. She headed for the counter. "Hey Jazz. Can I have a chocolate float? And could you put some extra whipped cream on it?" Jazz raised an eyebrow. "That's not one of your usuals. You do remember that you and Sydney were the ones who tried to ban it from my menu because of all the fat in it, right?" "No, that chocolate float is just right for the job," she said, smiling in a way that gave Jazz a slight chill. She shrugged and headed off into the kitchen. Nancy looked in the direction of the door where it took Amanda and company forever to walk as they whispered among themselves cruel comments about the people around them. Amanda caught Nancy staring at her and stared right back, her eyes shooting daggars. But Nancy's gaze didn't back down. She stared right back at her, setting the bait for Amanda. Unknowingly, Amanda took the bait, hook, line and sinker, and headed straight for Nancy. "Hello, Lancy." she said, purposely getting Nancy's name wrong, to get her ticked off. Nancy's blood boiled, but she stopped herself. She had to keep cool for her plan to work. She ignored Amanda and just stared back at her. Jazz passed her her soda and Nancy took a sip out of it. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Amanda taunted. "Then you shouldn't even be on the cheerleading squad!" Nancy stood up from the stool she was sitting on, and pretended to 'accidentally' trip, sending her chocolate float onto Amanda's blouse and skirt. The room fell silent. "Oops," Nancy said, in feiging innocence. : : : : : : : : Owen sat in the basement behind his equipment. It was too late to come up with new songs for tomorrow night's concert. The only one song he could use of his was the one he made with Mila. Vision in Polka Dot Pink. It was the only song of his that he hadn't made with Sandy. All his other songs were just songs, unfinished, no lyrics at all. Mila was coming over much later, and Owen doubted that. He had been doubting everyone and everything lately. There was no life in his music... he had no life without his music. Owen and Mila were supposed to perform three songs for the concert. He only had one. There was no other choice. As much as Owen hated playing songs that were made by other people, he had to. Owen and Sandy never made revivals of other people's songs, as much as they liked the song. They liked to do it their own way. They were no copycats. But Owen had no other choice. They had to perform some other two songs. Popular songs would be choice, because of their lack of originality. Songs that were new and still on the charts. Owen slumped in his seat. He had lost. And Sandy had won. He couldn't take it anymore! Owen was going nuts! He had to get out of his basement. To think elsewhere. Owen had to face it, he wasn't going to be getting any practice time soon, he needed to get out and do something! So Owen closed up his basement and headed for the park. : : : : : : : : The Soda Shop was in complete silence. Everyone in the room had stopped to watch, all frozen. Nancy's heart was beating wildly, as she watched for Amanda's reaction, trying to keep a straight face. Amanda looked up from the mess on her new blouse and skirt to Nancy's face. "Why you little-" she started to say, a blue fire burning in her eyes. And then she looked around, noticing everyone watching them. She didn't want to loose her cool in front of everyone. And then she remembered her motto, "Don't get mad get even!" Amanda stared at Nancy dead-on, the fire still in her eyes. "Just you watch out you little witch! I'm gonna get you so bad..." she drifted off, a sly smile crossing her face. Nancy knew she was in trouble, but she dared not back down to the stare. Amanda flounced out the Soda Shop, her flunkies trailing behind her, the look of disgust, as if Nancy had doused THEM with the chocolate float! As the room slowly started to get noisy again, with everyone talking about what had just happened, everyone secretly admired Nancy for standing up to Amanda Shane. But putting one over one of the most powerful Seniors or not, no one wanted to be in Nancy's shoes. Nancy tried to appear calm, as she finished what was remaining of her float, but inside her heart was beating wildly. What had she gotten herself into? : : : : : : : : Garrett hadn't slept at all on the plane. Despite the smooth ride, and the fact that it was more past midnight in France, Garrett's head was filled with worried thoughts about the happenings in Swans Crossing. He hoped with all his heart his mom would get better, he couldn't stand to think about what would happen if he lost her. Finally, after several long hours on the plane, Garrett finally reached Swans Crossing. Garrett's chest rose with hope. He was eager to get back to the only place he called home. But then getting through customs took another hour, and Garrett got more and more impatient. He glanced up at a near-by clock while one of the clerks checked out his passport. It was 4 pm. Plenty of daylight for him to see his friends and his family. But as Garrett finally got out of the airport, and hailed a taxi to take him home, he remembered his dad. Grant Booth Jr. would be furious to hear that Garrett had gotten kicked out of his beloved alma mater, Une Ecole Avec Murs. Garrett didn't think he could stand his rantings and ravings about how worthless he was once more, not after all he was going through. But as the taxi stopped next to his driveway, Garrett noticed that there were no cars there. They were all out. Thinking about his mother's condition, Garrett assumed they were in the hospital. And as Garrett got out of the cab, and paid the driver, his gaze fell upon the mansion next door. More directly, the front porch, where the beautiful Sydney Rutledge sat. Garrett's heart was pounding loudly. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered. As the taxi drove away, Garrett left his suitcases laying on the driveway. He headed over to the Rutledge's. To Sydney. Boy was she going to be surprised to see him. : : : : : : : : Sandy and Mick were sitting in the park, practicing for the concert for the following day. They were laughing loudly, and Sandy was enjoying herself. True it wasn't as quiet as Owen's basement, but at least here, there were people passing by, who would enjoy it, and comment their music on which was good or not. Sandy hadn't felt this good in a long time. Finally, she had her own life. Before she had just been Sandy Swan, Sydney's flunky, who just may be a good singer. Now, she was Sandy Swan, a great singer, with her own life. Not that she didn't still admire Sydney, who wouldn't? But now, she didn't have to follow her everywhere. She had a great best friend, Saja, who could possibly be a boyfriend. And there was Mick, a great music partner, who would never choose as a music partner beauty over talent! They had been getting along so well, and their music was coming along so greatly, they had decided to perform four songs for the concert. Sandy had decided not to use her and Owen's songs, thinking he might use them as well. Mick was also a composer himself and Sandy had to admit, he came up with a lot of great songs by himself. Finally, they decided to use two of his songs. Owen and Sandy had never liked revising other musician's songs, not even creating songs with the same beat, even if the song was their favorite. But Sandy and Mick had decided to play two of their favorite songs by other artists. They had agreed on accoustic songs, since they had the guitar. Popular, but not from the present generation. Music that was from inbetween their's and their parent's generation, and liked in both generations. Sandy and Mick were having so much fun, they were laughing loudly. Their voices carried, over to the baseball field twenty- five feet behind them. To a player who was already distracted. To Saja. Their laugher also carried to Owen who was wandering around in that direction. He froze when he saw Sandy practicing with 'some guy.' Saja and Owen stared at the two practicing and laughing. Both feeling mixed emotions. Sad, anrgy, jealous, competitive. They both continued to watch the two of them. "I have to do something about this." they both whispered to themselves. : : : : : : : : Sydney was stumped. After days of putting it off, Alex had managed to convince Sydney to cut their date short so that she could finally finish her speech for tomorrow night's concert. She sat on the front porch, trying to think of something good to say. To say the least, Sydney had more or less half her speech prepared. She knew what to say, she just didn't know how to say it. And that was why she needed the quiet, to get out of the mansion, where her mother was busy preparing her own speech, walking around the mansion, saying it outloud. Out here, it was quiet, but there was the occasional noise, of a car passing by, which made Sydney content. But then her mind began to drift from her speech, and she began to think about the post-concert party Glory was throwing at the Soda Shop. She knew that half the reason Glory was throwing this party was also to celebrate JT's coming back. Sydney smiled wistfully. They made such a cute couple. She couldn't be sure, but she had a feeling, that Glory and JT were going to be the few couples that would remain together. Sydney always wondered that about all of her relationships. Usually, no matter how much she adored her boyfriend, she never quite felt the feeling of 'together forever.' Though, Sydney sighed, there had been one time, where she had thought about the possibility of them being together, but well, they weren't together now, so that canceled that possiblity. She let her mind drift of moments of them being together, all of their special moments, it made Sydney feel the warm glow all over again. "Stop!" Sydney said forcefully, trying to block the images from her mind. "I can't think about him right now! Not after all that pain we put each other through!" Trying to focus on Alex, Sydney couldn't decide whether they would be together forver. She couldn't picture it yet. Sydney was confused. It wasn't that she didn't always want to be with him, the image just wouldn't register. She tried as hard as she could, to picture them together, and they were dancing in the Soda Shop. She pictured them kissing. But her boyfriend in the image wasn't Alex. It was.... "Garrett!" There he was, looking just as handsome as in her daydream of them dancing together. Sydney looked in shock as she saw him head towards her. To be continued... 1999 LadySwan If you have and comments, suggestion, questions, ideas, or any kind of criticism at all, please email me, LadySwan, at ladyswan_1@hotmail.com ! Thanks!!! :
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