Welcome to Westwood

CHAPTER FOUR: MATH IS UNIVERSAL

Chapter Four

The day seems to be working in their favor, seeing how the sun was shining bright on a Monday morning. It brought so much hope to Beck as this would also be Fitz' first day at school — their kind of school, at least. She really wanted him to enjoy it and learn from it, partly because there's this hole in her heart that's afraid she wouldn't be able to help him. It does sound pessimistic but she just didn't want to give the guy false hopes.

Walking out of the room, Beck heard music from the guest bedroom. Good, he's awake and...he's listening to N*sync? Where did he even get that?

"Fitz, you ready?" She asked, knocking on the door a bit.

"Yes, yes. I'll be out...in a few." He declared, using a term he learned from this world over the weekend.

Giggling a bit, Beck shook her head and went downstairs to her mom. Seeing that breakfast was all ready, she sat down and started eating.

"Mom, did you put an extra TV in Fitz' room? I think I hear MTV." Beck asked. Maureen chuckled, shaking her as she sat beside her daughter. "Oh, no, sweetheart. Your dad gave him his old CD player so he's listening to your bag of old CDs."

"Mom, that's my collection. Where did you get that?"

"Oh, come on. We found it in the garage and since your dad figured you have your phone for music now, we just gave it to him for entertainment." She shared before adding the reason why Fitz chose that playlist. "Plus, he asked what you loved listening to so your dad gave him your collection."

Biting her lip, Beck felt his cheeks slightly blush at the thought of Fitz asking for that specifically. Maybe he was just really trying to get to know her. Continuing to eat her food, Maureen checked her phone and saw the time. "Where is he? We're gonna be late. I still have to process his papers. One...that I would have to make up." She said, not exactly in favor of this plan but it’s something they’ll just have to live with. It’s not like he’d be working to get into college as well so she’ll just treat him like a ghost student.

Packing a bag of bagel sandwich, Maureen insisted Beck finish her food already so they could leave. Suddenly, Fitz came down the stairs looking like he just got out of a movie set. He was charming and a true stand out, causing both ladies to stay still. Fitz saw the look they were giving him and it made him chuckle, tugging both halves of his black jacket. Even with just that and a plain shirt, he still looks like a prince. "Do I look alright?" He asked and Maureen had to answer for them. "You look perfect. You'll fit in, for sure." She assured him, getting the bag of bagels and giving it to him. "But we're gonna be late if we don't leave now. Just eat your breakfast on the way." She said, getting her bag and clapping at the two to follow her out to the car.

Beck got up and walked over to him. Even with the height difference, they could still look at each other eye to eye. "What do you think?" He asked, needing Beck's separate opinion on his look.

Smiling, she could swear her cheeks burned for a few seconds there as it felt warm and red. "Perfect. You look...perfect." She agreed and Fitz smiled by pressing his lips together awkwardly. "Thanks. But I was aiming for normal." He teased jokingly and the two shared a light laugh. "But if it's perfect for you, then it's more than enough for me."

Maureen suddenly had to interrupt the little moment they were having to remind them of the time. "Do you guys want to go to school or not?" Maureen asked, making the both of them chuckle and nod. "Come on. You'll ride with me." Beck said, leading her out to her car.

Once they were parked, Beck noticed the fidgety fingers of the guy beside her. He was showing a more real, complex side of him, something that wasn't exactly written in the stories. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?" She asked and Fitz shook his head.

"No, no. I'm just...nervous, I guess. Education in Truston is far different from this." He revealed and Beck saw his hands shaking more. Reaching for his hands, Beck held them to calm him down and he looked up at her in surprise. With just a simple touch from, his heart started beating slower, his breathing became more calm and his hands found comfort. "You'll be okay. My mom's gonna make sure all your classes are with me, Penny and Gus so you'll have us." She assured him. Figuring a little more help would do, Beck had to share some secrets to him. "When I first got back to school after my break up with Tom, I was just as nervous. Being the ex of the school's basketball captain, I knew all eyes were gonna be on me, whether they were concerned or just...judging. And what helped me was I acted like I didn't care. I still walked down the halls of that school, head up high, no matter how I was feeling inside. Everyone just became white noise and I just listened to those that matter, which were my friends."

"So, ignorance? That's your solution?" He asked and she nodded. "Acting confident helps too." She added and Fitz nodded. If he's gonna play pretend, might as well play the part well. "Ignorance and confidence. Got it." He agreed and Beck smiled at him. They got out of the car as Penny and Gus came up to them. They all walked Fitz to Maureen so she could bring him inside for his papers.

"He's all yours, Principal Harris." Beck told his mother and she nodded at her daughter to assure her she'd handle it.

Going to their lockers, Penny and Beck were interrupted when Tom came up to them. "Beck, we really need to talk." He begged but she was just tired of it. All he wants is to talk and when Beck asks him questions, he can't even open his mouth. Especially now that she knows what really happened. Staying quiet, she just kept putting her books in her bag. "Becks, come on. You missed the game last Saturday and you weren't exactly answering my texts. I just want another chance."

"Another chance? Do you really think I'd still give you a chance after you slept with someone else on the night that we broke up?" She revealed, looking at her ex boyfriend directly in the eyes and Tom looked like the truth was slapped across his face because that's basically what just happened.

"What—where did you even get that?" He asked and by the sound of his breath, Beck already knew he was lying and trying to make up an excuse. "Was it Gus? Did he tell you that so you won't get back with me? I always knew that guy had a thing for you."

"What? No! It wasn't Gus. He's my best friend so you better stop talking s**t about him. It doesn't matter who told me. What matters is now, I know the truth so you can shove your apologies down your throat because I'm not taking any of it." Beck was firm with her words, pulling Penny away from the lockers before she does something that would get her to detention.

It was bad enough that Tom would be following her around but Beck shares most of her classes with him so that means she'll be seeing more of her ex than she was hoping to. Starting the day with homeroom, Penny and Beck got in the room first before Gus. Remembering their new classmate, Beck had to save him a seat. Gus sat in front of Penny while Penny sat beside Beck, which leaves the seat in front of Beck empty.

"Gus, save him this seat." Beck told her friend but before he could put his bag there, Tom got to it first.

"Sorry, seat's taken." Tom said, chewing on his gum as he quickly sat there.

"Since when do you sit in the first row?" Gus questioned.

"Uhm...since...I want to." Tom spoke sarcastically, mocking Gus' tone. "I'm trying to keep my grades up for a scholarship."

"It's just homeroom, moron. You don't need to be in the first row." Gus shot back at him but Tom still has an answer. "And you need to keep your mouth shut about stuff you have no clue about. Stop meddling with other people's business."

"Oh my God, Tom. Shut up." Beck had to butt in, getting kind of frustrated with his accusations. "It wasn't Gus, okay? Will you just gi—" She paused as her mother came into the room with the teacher, as well as the new face in school.

Seeing that familiar face, Tom had a realization. The guy wouldn't have punched him if he knew anything. "It was him." Tom assumed, scoffing a little as he shook his head.

"Alright, class. Settle down. We have an announcement. Well, Principal Harris has an announcement so...Maureen, the floor is yours." Mr. Abrams said.

"Oh, Beck. I didn't know it was bring-your-pet-to-school today. I would've brought my dead rat too." Tom teased out loud and some of the basketball guys laughed along, knowing he was talking about the new guy.

"I assure you, he's 100% human and he's gonna be your new classmate for the rest of the year. He's...the son of one of the school's many benefactors. Fitz M. Patrick. You can call him Fitz." Maureen introduced as that was the name they eventually agreed on.

Fitz gave them a bow, as he would since he's a prince and it made everyone laugh. Gus was covering his face, trying not to see how awkward this was. "Welcome, Fitz. I don't know where you're from but in this town, we don't bow. We just...wave and find our seats so just do that." Mr. Abrams said and the class laughed. Doing as he was told, Fitz gave a quick wave before looking for an empty seat.

"It's okay." Beck mouthed at him as he passed by her going to his chair. While some were chuckling at him, Beck also noticed that some girls were giving him heart eyes. He's a feast on the eyes so Beck didn't find this surprising but it made her a bit uncomfortable that these ladies just saw him and they were already falling head over heels for him but it was her that read about this guy for months and instantly found him attractive without seeing him.

Once Mr. Abrams was finished talking to Principal Harris, the teacher turned his attention to the new student. "Okay, so where are you from, Mr. Patrick?"

They haven't really discussed that part yet so Beck quickly answered for him. "Uhm...he's from...the southern parts, not exactly a known city."

"Kentucky? West Virginia?" Mr. Abrams asked.

"South America...is what she meant. Like...lower." Gus chimed in, trying to help.

"Where, exactly? Argentina? Brazil?" Mr. Abrams kept asking and still, someone else spoke for Fitz.

"Argentina. That's right. He's from Argentina." Penny said, hoping to finish the discussion but Mr. Abrams wasn't buying it.

"I see you've made friends here, Mr. Patrick. But I'd still appreciate it if you would speak for yourself rather than your friends." He said, encouraging the guy to speak.

"Argentina. I'm from Argentina but my...my parents would prefer to keep the rest of our location a secret. We're...quite the private family." Fitz finally responded which gave his friends a breath of relief. That was a good answer so they just have to trust that Fitz knows what he's doing.

Mr. Abrams nodded, finding his explanation reasonable. But since he's from another country, he needed to ask more. "And your education? How was it different from here?"

"Oh, education there is great. My mom taught me since I was young until I can remember." He proudly shared and the class let out another laugh.

"You mean...your mother was a teacher at your school?" Mr. Abrams asked for clarification.

"Uhm...no. My mother taught me everything I needed to know in our study room." He clarified and the class laughed more.

"Alright, alright. Settle down. There's nothing funny about home school." Mr. Abrams told the class but Fitz was finding this all surprising.

"What? Your mothers didn't teach you? I had the best education growing up. My mother was crowned the smartest woman in the land." He added and it got the class to stop laughing. "I was lucky enough that we didn't need to...build educational places just to learn. My mother was enough for me."

"So why move here and study at this...educational place?" One girl asked teasingly.

Fitz was quiet for a bit, knowing he needed a good answer and excuse for that. "Change of environment." He suddenly responded, chuckling a little. "And...I needed friends." He added and everyone laughed, loving the humor of this kid, even Mr. Abrams.

"I like you, kid. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll make tons of friends here." The teacher assured him and Fitz nodded before turning to Beck who was giving him a thumbs up, looking proud that he just survived his first class.

Walking out of the classroom, Fitz just gained a new found confidence. The teacher gave him a good remark and his classmates seemed to like him, except for those basketball guys and Tom. Figuring he should just ignore him, Fitz felt good about school.

“Well that was a good start. You did it.” Beck told him and Fitz chuckled with a smirk on his face. “I think so, too. I feel like I’m gonna…” He paused, noticing the flirty eyes of the girls they passed by. Blushing, he gave a quick nod to a blonde one and Beck saw this. Widening her eyes, she had to shake her head at the thought of him with one of these tramps. It’s not like she wanted him all to herself; she just wants him to focus on school and their main goal of bringing him back home. “I think I’m gonna like this school.” Fitz said, chuckling as Gus playfully patted him in the back.

“I hear you, dude. Other than the bullies and the all around learning, Westwood High is your top choice to spend your pretend youth life in town.” Gus said teasingly, getting the paper Fitz was opening which explains his schedule. “Oh, good. We have calculus together.”

“Math?” He asked, having a big smile on his face. “Perfect. I love math. It’s universal.” Fitz repeated and Gus nodded at him.

“Okay, well…Penny and I have history next so I guess we’ll see you guys at lunch.” Beck said, really hoping Fitz would blend in with his classes. Especially without her since the past three days, they’ve not been apart like this in public. “Are you gonna be okay?” She asked and Fitz nodded.

“I’ll be okay, Becky. You’re the one who looks…a little more concerning.” He teased with a light laugh.

“Just don’t look at other girls and she’ll be fine.” Penny added jokingly so Beck lightly smacked her arm. “What I mean to say is…she’ll be fine. Just focus on numbers.” Penny reiterated before pulling Beck the other way. Still, her eyes were on Fitz like she didn’t want to leave. Fitz, on the other hand, kept his eyes on her as well before waving at Beck.

Gus noticed the way he was looking at her and it made the guy smile. “You like her.” He suddenly teased and Fitz looked like he was brought back to reality, quickly turning to Gus as he chuckled. “Of course, I like her. She’s my favorite character.” He explained but Gus shook his head. “Not like that. What I mean is…you like her…like her, as a person. Not a character.”

Fitz couldn’t help but feel the side of his mouth turn into a smile as he kept his eyes on the girl’s direction. “Who wouldn’t?” He agreed, letting out a breath. “She’s kind, she’s brave, she’s smart.” He started, pressing his lips together. “But you know…we’re from different worlds. I doubt anything like that ever worked out. It seems impossible. I have a wife back in Truston. She just broke up with her boyfriend.” He explained more as they started walking the other way.

“If it’s not obvious, impossible doesn’t seem too hard now.” Gus reminded him. “But of course, if you’re planning to go back home to…your world, I guess it really is better if…you don’t get too attached.”

“Too attached?” Fitz asked.

“Yeah, like…avoid developing feelings so…neither of you would get hurt.” He explained more and Fitz bit his lip, wondering, would it be developing feelings whenever his heart skips a beat when he sees her? Or whenever she smiles, he instantly smiles and feels comforted? Maybe even when she calls his name and his ears dwell in heaven, would that be too bad for their case? Nodding instead, he just figured he just needs to listen to Gus since he knows better about this world than he does.

As the boys went over to their next class, the girls did so as well but not before Penny interrogates her best friend. Clearly, there’s something in there that Beck is afraid to admit but Penny wouldn’t have a problem getting that out of her.

“I saw how you looked at him.” Penny teased and Beck gave her a questioning look. “Who? Fitz? What are you talking about?” She asked, giggling her way to avoid being obvious.

"Oh, come on. It's so obvious. Even when you say his name, your eyebrows unite and your cheeks burn. It's what you always do when your butterflies get out of control! You have a face!" Penny said, knowing her best friend very well. Even as she keeps teasing her, her eyebrows and cheeks look the same.

"What do you mean I have a face? I don't...I don't have a face." Beck insisted, unable to control the laugh coming out of her lips. "Look, it's just like...meeting your favorite celebrity. You get starstruck and all but that's just it. It's a complete...starstruck moment." She persisted, hoping Penny would believe it.

"So you're not jealous if he...let's say, looks at other girls? Flirts with other girls? Be with other girls?" Penny questioned, trying to see what she'd say.

"Pen, he's married."

"Well not in this world! Right now, he's a whole new human being. A single man, a new fish in the sea." Penny kept teasing, wrapping her arm around her best friend. "He's cute. No, he's hot, Becks. It's okay if you like him. I like him, I'd take that beef home to mama." She added jokingly and Beck playfully nudged her with her elbow. "Fine. If you can't admit it now, I'll just wait. I'd give it a few weeks and you'd be waking up in his bed."

Beck bit her lip as she looked down, knowing there's one inevitable bump on the road that they'd eventually pass by. "That is...if he's still here in a couple of weeks. Our goal is to bring him back home, remember? That should be our focus now." Beck had to remind Penny about that but honestly, she needed the reminder too.

Lunchtime came and the crew met up on their table. The cafeteria looked like a jungle as always and Fitz was finding it amusing. “It looks like a festival.” He told his friends and they chuckled.

“Yeah, everyone’s in a festive mood after the morning classes. I still don’t get why we have to be in school before 8 in the morning. It should be illegal for people to be awake before 9.” Penny said, munching on her apple.

“It’s the rule of productivity, Pen. You get more things done when you’re up early.” Gus told her and Penny just rolled her eyes which made Beck laugh.

“I agree.” Fitz joined in, speaking from experience. “In my world, we get up just in time to watch the sunrise. It’s everyone’s favorite part of the day. It signifies new beginnings, new opportunities and new hope.”

Penny gave him a look before laughing out loud. “That sounds literally straight out of a book.”

“Well that’s literally because I am straight out of the book.” Fitz responded, laughing along with them. “But just like me, it is true. Who doesn’t like another chance to be a better person than who you were yesterday?”

Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted when Fitz’ tray fell on the ground. What isn’t surprising was that it was internationally pulled from the table by none other than Tom.

“Oops.” Tom said sarcastically which made his friends laugh.

Fitz gave him a look and was about to get up but Beck held his arm back. “Don’t. Don’t give him the satisfaction.” Beck warned.

“Right, bro. Don’t give me the satisfaction of embarrassing you in front of the entire school.” Tom added and the boys behind him laughed again. “That’s just the beginning. We’re not even just yet.” He reminded the new kid. “You’re in my jungle now, boy. Better watch your back.” Tom said before walking away with his basketball crew.

Fitz just sat there, trying to keep his calm. He made a deal with Beck that he’s gonna lay low, avoid anything that would bring him attention. Breathing in and out, he suddenly felt Beck’s hand move from his arm down to his finger. It was just one simple touch but it somehow calmed him down. Fitz nodded at her, assuring that he’s calm now.

“Someone has to step up to him. He’s being a bully.” Penny said, shaking her head. “What about you, man? You’re on the basketball team with him.” She told Gus but the guy shook his head. “I’m a bench player, he’s the star so…there’s really not much that I can do about it. Unless I wanna be off the team, which can’t happen or my dad would kill me.”

“Just ignore him, guys.” Beck told them. “Eventually, he’ll get tired. If he really is a bully, then his intention is to feed off of people’s reaction. The less we acknowledge him, the sooner he’ll give up.”

Fitz nodded at her to agree, gently squeezing her fingers and Beck realized that she was still holding onto his hand. Clearing her throat, she gently pulled her hand away to take a sip from his drink. No one else saw what happened under the table but their red hot cheeks were enough for Penny to smirk down on her food.

The first day of school for Fitz was a success and he seemed to have enjoyed most part of it except for Tom’s presence. Once they were done with dinner, Maureen brought up something to Fitz while he and Beck were in the living room. “I heard you had a good first day so…as a simple reward, I figured you’re gonna need this to blend in school perfectly.” She said, handing him a mobile.

“Uhm…I’m not sure I…understand what this is.” Fitz chuckled, looking at the rectangular item on his hand with confusion.

“It’s an iPhone.” Maureen said before turning to her daughter. “Don’t worry. It’s dad’s old phone. He got a new one from work last week.” She assured Beck.

“Mom, he’s always with me and Gus and Penny so you didn’t have to.” Beck said, hoping Fitz wasn’t feeling overwhelmed with this.

“Sweetheart, it’s okay. He’s gonna need to blend in. You can teach him how to do the basics, call, text. Oh, and there’s Google so you can use it when you have homework.” She added and Fitz smiled at her gratefully.

“Thanks, Maureen. I appreciate it. And if it’s gonna help me blend in, why not?” Fitz said, chuckling. “And it has Google. It's a handy tool for someone who’s gonna need Google’s help every now and then.”

Beck smiled, eventually nodding. If he wants to completely fit in, then he’s gonna need the phone. Teaching him the basics, Beck saved her number in his phone, as well as her parents just in case of emergency. Fitz even asked for Gus and Penny’s numbers so Beck gave it to him. Giving it a first try, Fitz sent texts to Gus and Penny.

Dearest Penelope,

I am now a proud owner of a mobile phone.

Sincerely, Fitz

Beck laughed, shaking her head at him. “You’re not writing a formal letter. Just…keep it casual, like what you’d say to them in person.” Before he could send another text, Penny replied with a bunch of laughing emojis. “She thinks I’m funny.” Fitz said with a laugh and Beck shook her head, holding a giggle. “She thinks you’re weird. Okay, send Gus a text and let me see.”

Hey, August. It’s Fitz.

He sent and Beck nodded.

“Perfect. Short and simple. That’s exactly what people expect when you text them.” She told Fitz and the guy was glad he passed that test. Suddenly, the phone started ringing. Fitz jumped a little in surprise, turning to Beck. “It’s ringing so it means he's calling. Swipe it to the left.” She said and Fitz did it as Beck instructed him to put the phone by his ear.

“Fitz?” Gus asked and the Prince smiled, hearing his friend’s voice.

“Indeed. It’s me.” Fitz said proudly and Beck laughed.

"Oh, good. Well, is Beck with you? I need to tell you guys something. Put me on speakers." Gus asked.

Fitz turned to Beck, needing some help. "He said to put him on speakers. He has something to tell us." Fitz told Beck so she got the phone from him and put it on speakers.

"Gus, what is it?" Beck asked, wondering if it's good news or bad news.

"Well, I've been thinking a lot about how we could help Fitz go back home. But if his world is different from ours, we need a common ground."

"Okay, what is our common ground?" Beck asked, unsure if he's figured that part out already.

"Well, I just started with the basics. Fitz has been telling me that math is universal so math would be our common ground."

"How would math help us? Do we need some sort of calculations to figure out how to get home?" Fitz asked, trying to understand what the guy was saying.

"We don't really need complex calculations. We just look at the basics of it. The rules of positive and negative. What happened to Fitz is basically negative, right? So how do we get a positive result from that?"

"Two negatives equal to a positive. Are you saying something bad has to happen to him to bring him home?" Beck asked, feeling a bit worried.

"Not something bad. Something…" Gus stopped as Fitz finished the sentence for him, realizing where this was going.

"Something worse." Fitz said out of realization, turning to Beck with a deep breath. "He means...to get back home, I'm gonna need to die. Again."