Portals - The History Of Western High

Chapter Two

18th June 1954

-: Brent :-

My mom knocks my bedroom door "Brent Darling it's time to get up for school!"

I lean up on my elbows watching her as she walks into my room and opens the curtains.

"Your clothes have been ironed and are ready for you on your door, if you need a shower fresh towels are in the cupboard in the passageway and your pack lunch and breakfast are on the kitchen table!”

I check the clock on the desk it is still early "Thanks mom I'll be down in a moment." My head hits the pillow for a few more minutes before getting up to shower I stand there for twenty minutes doing nothing but letting the water pour over my body, eventually I start

to wash myself, then I get out wrapping a towel around my waist I head back into my

bedroom.

I finish getting dressed in a blue jumper with a white shirt underneath and some grey

smart trousers I run downstairs with a pair of socks in my hand heading into the kitchen my mother is putting a cup of tea beside my breakfast, I sit down on the chair and put my socks on quickly then tuck into my corn flakes.

Once I am finished, I grab my lunch bag throw it in to my school bag along with my work from last night, I slip on my shoes grab my jacket, and shout to my mother “Thank you, see you later!”

I sit on the steps waiting for my friends to walk past, I'm waiting for about five minutes when I see Miranda walking to school with her friend Edith.

“Hay Brent!" She stops in front of my house.

I walk towards her quickly hug her, to be polite I have not forgotten about last night... I need to speak to her but don't want to do it while she is with her best friend it needs to

be just us. "Hay Miranda...Hay Edith."

“Hay Brent!” Edith offers a small wave.

"Are you waiting for the boys?" Miranda asks offering a small smile.

"Yeah, I'll see you at school, ok?" I kiss her on the cheek.

“Okay!” Her and Edith head to the school after she gives me a wave.

Sam appears next to me... “Brent...” He greets me.

"Your late. Where's Ken?" I snap...

He ruffles his ash blonde hair, so it looks a decent. "Sorry I slept late, and Ken is sick his mother was waiting outside to tell me when I walked past! How was your night?"

Ken's father is the principal at our school, he used to get bullied because of it but now

everyone has gotten used to it, so it's not big news anymore.

"Oh, Miranda come over for dinner." We start walking slowly to school.

“Really and how did that go?” He snorts, knowing exactly how it went.

“It was fantastic!” His face drops, Ive told him and Ken that I am planning to end things with Miranda, they are the only two people who know.

“Really?” He says surprised.

“No, it was Horrible!” We both stop walking to laugh hysterically.

When we eventually make it to school. "Hey Brent, there's Molly I'll catch up with you

later!" He jogs up to his girl embracing her, Sam has been dating Molly for a long time,

there parents practically set them up, after hanging out with me, Ken, and Malcom, He

would always go home to his mother and Mary drinking tea in the living room, Mollys

mother because they were best friends, and of course Molly would always join them,

because his mother likes to fill children up with junk food.

As they both got older, they realized they really liked each other, and so Sam asked Molly on a date... A year later they are still dating.

I watch Sam and Molly together then head to class my bag resting on one shoulder I make my way up to the steps that lead to double red doors.

12:35

-: Brent :-

Sat at a desk of my science class I focus on Mr. Lee explaining about elements and

different type of metals, a knock on the class door draws me away for a moment Mr. Lee huffs at the distraction then stands up He opens it our headmaster Kens father walks in with a girl in tow, I study her for a second dark hair one part of it pinned up at front, a white dress the skirt is full, yellow lace trials along the edges, she's also wearing a yellow cardigan to match, along with some yellow shoes, she looks familiar, but I don’t know where I have seen her before.

The only way I can describe this girl is that she looks like she is going to be the teacher's pet, she saunters into the room her eyes are on me, I put my head back down to my work, I'm not embarrassed I just cannot be bothered for awkward glances, but I still listen to what they say.

A clap Makes me lift my head the principal shakes Mr. Lees hand quite firmly. "Mr. Lee,

we have a new student joining us for the rest of the school year this is Summer

Morgan." She looks from me to Mr. Lee.

Then continues to shake Mr. Lees hand "It's nice to meet you."

"You too Summer, so are you any good at science?" Mr. Lee asks her with a straight

face.

I cannot help but laugh a pretty girl like that is never interested in science.

"Something funny Kain?" Mr. Lee moves Infront of my desk, slamming his hands on it creating a bang.

"No sir!" A Smirk lingers on my face I am surprised that he walks away usually when

students do this, he gets annoyed.

He nods and walks back over to the Mr. Ross the principal whilst muttering “Thats what I thought!"

"To answer your question sir, I am exceptionally good at science had the highest grade in my old school!" She watches me for a second as I do with her, I can tell she's irritated by the way she pouts her lips; she looks as if she is trying to hold back from saying

something bad Infront of the teachers.

I bite the side of my cheek an attempt to stop myself from laughing at her.

"Is that so!" A beaming smile appears on Mr. Lees face... I do not think I have ever seen

the man smile like ever and I have been here five years! "Maybe I could interest you in

tutoring Mr. Kain over here, he is failing this class isn't that right Brent?"

I nod keeping my head up, I know what he's doing he's making me look a fool Infront of

this girl, I get up off my seat, hold my bag by the grab handle and walk Infront of his

desk. “Is that all for today sir?"

He nods, waving his hand in the way he usually does to excuse people who annoy him while Hes busy. "Don't forget same time Monday Mr. Kain!"

I walk past the new girl looking her up and down then I wink, she rolls her eyes.

As I make my way to my next class, I cannot help but smile to myself at the reaction the

new girl had after our first encounter, she needs to grow a backbone if she plans to stay at Western High because if she doesn't the teachers are going pick on her every time in class Mr. Lee being one of the worst ones for teasing quiet Students.

After school I see Miranda by the school steps, I approach her...

“Hay brent, what's up?” She asks her hand play with her bow on the front of her white

and green dress.

“Do you think you will be able to meet me at Hefty's ice cream shop later?” I offer a

smile.

“Sure, What time?”

“About half six?”

“You haven't asked me out in ages what's the occasion?” She gets excited.

“There isn't one, I just need to talk to you.”

Her face instantly pales. “Ok I guess I'll see you later.”

Before she leaves, she leans up and kisses me on the cheek.

Sam is standing at his usual spot waiting for me, Molly is with him holding his hand.

“What was that all about?” He points to where me and Miranda were standing a few seconds ago.

“I told her I need to see her later at Hefty's.”

“For the talk huh?”

Molly looks at him her eyes widen. “The talk?” She asks.

“Yeah, Brent needs to talk to Miranda in private...”

“About what?” Molly can be very nosy sometimes.

“I can't tell you because you are friends with her...” I tell her.

She looks at Sam as if Hes going to back her up, realizing that he is not going to say

anything she shakes her head.

“Well thanks for the support!” She Mutters.

“What?” Sam asks.

“You could have told him to tell me...” She pulls her hand away from him and crosses

her arms.

“It's nothing to do with us Molly, Its between Brent and Miranda!”

She looks at me. “But Mirandas my friend...”

Sam cuts in before I can answer. “And Brents my friend but I'm not getting involved!”

She nods accepting that Hes in the right. “Ok!”

6.15pm

- : Brent :-

We are at the ice cream shop close to our homes it is decorated with a mixture of pastel colors green, pink and blue with silver linings around the counter tops and bar stools, there is a picture on every wall except the wall behind the till, behind there holds a giant menu board, we order and pay for some ice creams, then we climb into a booth so we can face each other while eating.

"So, where's Miranda?" Sam asks.

"She's meeting us here I thought maybe it be a good opportunity to talk to her." I hear

the bell ring on the shop's doors.

"Guess she was eager to see you, Brent." He points to the door.

Miranda makes her way towards us, but she is not alone behind her is Molly Sam's

girlfriend and the new girl Summer, that I had the absolute Honour of meeting this

afternoon.

"Hay Brent!"

Not bothering to look at her I reply "Hey Miranda, your early..."

She leans Infront of me trying to get my attention "Yeah well you seemed like you really needed to talk?" She looks pale and upset, I get the feeling that she knows what is coming and I would not be surprised if Molly had told her that the talk sounded serious.

Molly pulls herself in to the booth, she sits next to Sam and Summer follows sitting next to her.

I look at Summer who is watching me and Miranda...

"Yeah!" I get up and walk over to an empty seat in the corner of the shop away from the others, so they cannot hear us talking, she follows me.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Her large green eyes just stare at me as if

they are searching every inch of my soul, she cups my hands in hers.

"This is not working!"

Her eyes somehow manage to look bigger than they did before, then she starts chuckling.

"What's not working brent?"

"This thing between us Miranda, I like you a lot, but I don't think we are right for each

other, last night was the icing on the cake you said Nine sentences the whole two hours you were at my house, I counted!" I wish I could take everything back as soon as I notice tears forming in her eyes, but I cannot date someone who does not like to talk.

"If you like me a lot as you've said Brent you would have tried to make this work, You and your parents barley talked to me last night you engaged in your own conversation leaving

me out!" The tears start flowing slowly down her cheeks I try not to give in one of my pet hates are making people cry, it makes me feel sorry for them and awkward, or it is just Miranda that makes it feel awkward.

"I've tried to make this work; my parents tried to talk to you last night too! you should have seen this coming I hadn't moved to the next step of our relationship!" I am trying

not to raise my voice.

"You invited me to your house for dinner Brent that was the next step!" She starts full on crying now tears stream down her cheeks she quickly covers her face with her hands.

"No Miranda my mother had invited you for dinner not me." I try to be soft I even caress

her arms to comfort her, but it does not work.

"Are you sure you want to do this Brent?" She moves her hands from her face so I can see her eyes.

"It's what's best for both of us I'm sorry, you will find someone who is perfect for you one day I promise!"

She gets up from the table and storms out of the shop, slamming the door behind her, I do not bother following because she will get the wrong idea and think I have changed my mind.

I make my way back over to Sam, Summers now sat where I was sitting... I stand next to the booth looking down at her putting my hands on my waist I start tapping, she looks up at me.

“What is your problem?” I lean down so that I am inches from her face.

“You are... You're in my seat!” She chuckles and rolls her eyes.

“Have you ever heard the saying on your feet lose your seat!” New girl does have claws.

“I suppose if that’s how it goes...” I fake sigh and then try to sit on her lap.

A loud scream echoes around the shop. “What an earth are you doing?”

Sam and Molly are both laughing Hysterically.

“Brent is being Brent!” Sam blurts out.

She takes the hint and shifts into the middle of the booth next to Sam.

“Wow you gave My seat up for me? how nice of you!”

She huffs and crosses her arms in front of her chest. “Yeah, well it's not like I really had a choice is it!”

Trying my hardest to keep my face serious. “You are no match for me, darling!”

She raises her eyebrow. “We will see and I'm defiantly not your darling!”

“Well, I was about to introduce you two... But clearly you have met!” Molly says.

“Yes, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Summer here in Mr. Lees class during lunch, Shes going to be his new pet!” I wink at Sam and Molly; they both have smirks on their

faces.

“I am not his new pet!” Summer Crosses her arms.

“The way you were in his presence says otherwise...” I tell her while making eye contact.

She looks away... “I like science doesn’t mean I'm anyone's pet!” Her eyes look everywhere but me.

“Yeah, we will see about that!” I mutter under my breath but its loud enough for her to hear, she ignores the comment.

I watch her for about half hour she is cute when she is in a mood, her horrible attempt of ignoring me only makes me want to smile even more, and irritate her more, every now

and again she looks at me checking if I am still watching her.

“So, I see it went well with Miranda.” Sam says drawing my attention back to him.

“Yeah, she wasn’t happy, but it was for the best for the both of us!” I should have ended

it a lot sooner than I did I have not been happy with her for a while.

“What did you do Brent?” Molly asks.

“I ended it, were not right for each other Molly.” I hate when Molly gets involved in things that is none of her business.

She shakes her head. “I warned her that you two wouldn’t be a good match before you

started dating!”

“Molly that’s enough...” Sam warns her. “Brent is only looking out for her, he wasn’t trying to be nasty, and I know she is your friend, but you need to take into consideration that they may have just agreed to be civil, even if she did just slam the doors.”

“But... If you were her friend, why didn’t you go after her?” I ask.

Her mouth opens in shock. “What did you just say?”

“If you were her friend, why didn’t you go after her!” I shout.

“Because I'm here for Sam she just walked here with me and Summer, and besides Sam held me back in case you were going to go after her.”

“But I didn’t...” I snap while staring her down.

She knows to back down now before things start to get heated, so she puts her head

down, Summer just takes in what is happening Infront of her, Although I do not get along well with Molly, she is right for Sam even if he sticks up for me sometimes because she gets too nosy.

Eventually I get bored they all start talking about something I have no interest in, I don't bother to listen I lean on the table and focus on elsewhere in the shop, an old woman sits Infront of a table near the window she's wearing a light pink skirt, and a white

embroidered top I notice she has a book in her hand she flicks through the pages one by one, another woman sits two tables behind her looking exactly the same, almost like she has a twin who is wearing the exact same and flicking through the pages of the book at the exact same time the first woman is, I shake my head wondering if I'm over thinking.

"Everything ok?" Sam watches me.

"Yeah, I think I'm going to go..." I look at all three of them, they are all staring at me.

"Why?" Sam asks.

I look at Molly then back at Sam. "I think I'm coming down with something, I don’t feel

right. "

I grab my jacket getting ready to leave while putting it on I lean on the table towards

Summer, “Now just because I am leaving it doesn't mean you can pinch my seat.”

She scoots over to where I was just sitting. “Actually, that’s exactly what it means!” She grins at me.

“Cute!” I tell her while smirking.

She puts her head down, but I can still see her blushing!

"I'll... See you all tomorrow."

“See you brent!” I wave at Sam.

I do not often admire my surroundings but when you are walking on your own you tend to take notice of things you never normally would as I approach my house, I notice my

Neighbour Mr. Stevens walking out to check his mailbox after finding it empty, he walks

back into his house; it looks like he is expecting something important.

As I walk through the door to my house, I see my father is sat with my mother on the sofa.

"Hay Son, how was school?"

"It was okay dad. " I rub the back of my hand across my forehead, my mother notices.

"What's wrong darling? " She walks up to me and places one of her hands to my head.

"Are you okay?"

"I think I'm coming down with something that’s all."

"I think it's best you got some sleep you look pale and tired son." My father stands next

to my mother to inspect me he puts his arm on my mother's waist.

"Yeah, I think I will I'll see you in the morning. " My mother plants a kiss to the side of my head.

I walk up to my room and get ready for bed I tuck into my warm blanket; I cannot help

but think of how cute Summer looked while she was angry with me.