Scott Celenski's Story

"Hurry up girl, the waves awaiting," Scott clapped his hands on his thighs as he called on to his pet Golden Retriever, Betsey. The dog scurried towards him as he grabbed his board and walked towards the beach. It was a bit early for a lot of people but Scott loves how the waves embraced him.

He brisked walk as Betsey run ahead while the great Californian wind swept her fur away. She's pretty energetic whenever Scott brings her along for a quick trip to the beach. Just like any other faithful dog, she would wait for Scott to come back after a great wave and occasionally dipping herself in the cold sea water and play with the gentle waves that run ashore.

He dropped his bag on the sand and removed his green flip flops, stretched his body for a warm up and finally removing his cap and wife beater on to his bag. He commanded Betsey to sit next to his belongings as the dog did so the rushed towards the water swam towards the waiting waves, just in time for a great one. He rode the majestic waters like a pro but never got around joining a competition as he prefers to spend his time in his other jobs so he can send his mother and sister some money.

He rode two more waves and finally went back to shore as Betsey welcomed her back with a wagging tail and wet paws. As he dried his self up with a small white towel when his eyes were caught by a pretty girl doing the same thing. He continued to watch her with his peripheral vision, not making it too obvious as he packed his things. When suddenly Betsey tagged at his bag and ran away with it. He had to grab his board and ran after his dog as she can seriously start wrecking his bag with her fangs.

"Betsey NO!" he called her but the dog playfully pulled away and continued to drag his bag. "Betsey! You! No breakfast if you don't give me back my bag!" He exclaimed, looking rather funny at how he tried to convince the canine.

As soon as he was able to catch up with Betsey, it was too late too realized that his dog had played Cupid already. The girl who he was watching earlier had already managed to get wooed by the dog and handed her his bag as he walked closer. She excused herself to reply to a text message, most likely her boyfriend. So what the heck is he still doing waiting for her?

"Sorry about that, best friend" Scott wanted to do a fist pump so bad but managed to hide his relief with a simple shy nod. Why the damn does he have to be so shy around girls?!

"Thanks. I- I mean we- should go now. I'm kind of in a hurry." He lifted his arm, placed his bag's strap on his body and scratched his nape awkwardly. "I guess I'll see you around," He looked at his feet when his eye was then caught by the girl's board and got him blurting out, "Nice board."

Nice board? Way to go Scott. Woop-de-doo He sarcastically told his self.

"Come on Bets, I'm running late," he called unto his dog and she scurried past him and started running back towards the road home. He had to run after the dog and shouted while he sped off. "See you around!"

He was half way towards his aunt's house when he realized he wasn't able to get her name. Fittingly, he slapped his forehead with his palm as he rushed home. He has to rush to school and get out as soon as he can for his first job.

Riding the pre owned Harley he got for his self after the war, Scott arrived in the new school he enrolled at. Everyone seems to in their perfect back to school wear while he opted to go with an old set of tattered jeans, a shirt his aunt gave him and a few things he got while he was stationed in Iraq, including his shoes, cap and dog tag.

He parked a little bit further, of course most of the slot near the entry way of the school were already occupied. He turned off the the engine and got off the Harley then proceeded towards the school. Almost everyone knew everyone, except him. Being a guy, people are more accustomed to think that he should make the first move. But being a shy guy that he is, he'd rather spend lunch alone. Besides, he might meet a good friend somewhere anyway.

Scott had already managed to know what he needs to do so the first day went easy on him. He arrived at his first class, American History where a few people are already seated while the teacher remained missing. He got a seat at the back part, looking around when his eyes were once again caught by a familiar girl. The very girl he talked to at the beach just this morning. His face suddenly become flushed as he tried to act nonchalant about it.

Damn Scott, act natural. He scolded his self.

She looked so pretty in her obviously expensive dress while she animatedly talked to another pretty- hippie looking girl. The morning sun added a halo like aura to her as she sat down gracefully. Looking like an angel, Scott's heart skipped a beat.

"Hey," Scott was startled by the girl when she loudly whispered to catch her attention, "Might as well sit down next to someone you know"

He smiled back but was too shy to even approach her. After 10 seconds of arguing with his self, he stood up and took a seat just behind her and hippie looking girl.

"Hi," he softly said and offered his hand towards the girl from the beach then to the other one and introduced his self, "Scott by the way." He mentioned trying his best not to be noticed by the teacher who was obviously was a boring one.

"You! Can you repeat what I just said?" He was suddenly called by the teacher who introduced her self as Mrs. Jones.

Perfect timing, just perfect. He awkwardly stood up and tried to recover the information he had heard earlier but to no avail the only thing going on his mind was the girl from the beach who was sitting in front of him right now.

"I- uh-" Come on Scott. "Well- I-"

"What? You what?" Mrs. Jones continued to ask. He was supposed to redeem his pride when the bell rang. He didn't know whether to be relieved or be humiliated. He had to grab his things before he can even show his face towards the girl from the beach.

"Next time- stop chatting in my class. I'm letting you slip this time. You may leave now." Mrs. Jones dismissed the class even though half of it was already dashed out of the room.

He placed his bag on his arm, gave the two girls a wave of goodbye and a said in a small voice, "See you."

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That was close! Scott let out a sigh of relief and proceed to his next class. He checked his schedule and saw that Biology's next on his list. He went looking for the laboratory. It was almost full, he found a seat next to a pretty girl. He placed his things on top of the lab table and gave her a shy smile.

"Hi," Somehow he felt at ease with her. Unlike his usual self, he had the courage to introduce his self without any problem. "Scott. And you are?"

" yeah, fancy that." she says smiling at him. " so, what other classes do you have?" she asks pulling out a note pad. Looks like my luck is turning around. Tessa looks at the boys. but this could get messy.

"Cool, nice to meet you Tessa." He replied. The rest of the class went smoothly than expected they were given the do's and dont's in the laboratory and class. He barely talked to Tessa but sent her smiles and stares through out the entire class.

Finally the bell rang as the other students scurried to get their things and leave the class the professor announced something, "Before you go. I would like to say that your seatmate will be your Lab partner for the rest of the year. Good luck and see you next time." He grabbed his things and coffee mug, left the classroom together with the student body.

He gave Tessa a nod and acknowledge that she's going to be his partner for the class. "See you around then," He placed his backpack on and carried his books to his next class.

Scott's stomach grumbled, he hadn't had any breakfast except for a piece of banana. Lunch better arrive soon.

Scott just had his lunch and has a free period after the break, he made his way towards his locker when the music from the dance hall caught his ear. He has heard the music more than once but wasn't entirely familiar with what it was called and just the same with how it was danced. Scott was more into street dancing than ballet or jazz. But like an intrigued mind, he went closer to see what was happening inside.

Soon he was hypnotized by the girl's moves. She owned the dance floor. She's the beat her self and none of the other dancers could compare to her- not even close. Scott was watching for a few good minutes when he then realized that the girl he was mesmerized with is one of his lab partners. He tried to remember her name, what the teacher called her when he called each student one by one for attendance. "Tessa!" He blurted out too loudly when he realized what her name is. A few students turned their head towards the door where he was standing, wondering why he shouted the girl's name. He had to dash out real fast, hoping that Tessa didn't see him and think that he was stalking her.

He rushed, not knowing where he was headed. What matters is that Tessa won't see that it was him who called out her name.

As Tessa finishes her dance she thinks she hears some one call her name. But before she can think about it her teacher says " Bravo, Bravo. Tessa I have nothing to teach you. Do as you please, for the remainder of my class." Tessa looks at her wide eyed, " So I can just go?" she asks " Yes, and know you are welcome here any time." Shocked Tessa picks up her things changes back to her original outfit and walks out of the room. What should I do? she thinks sitting down on a nearby bench. Then she see's Scott running " Hey Scott! Come sit with me."

Come on Scott, speak up. She's asking you a question for a heavy cow's sake! Scott exclaimed in his mind then blurted out, "I dance." Then followed by a loop sided grin. I dance? I dance?! What the?! Are you freaking insane Celenski? I dance? How about I Robot?! He scolded his self for sounding like a loser. "I mean I barely know anything about proper dancing but I like street dancing since I was in Jersey. How about you?" He shyly asked, this time sounding like a decent human being rather than blurting two syllables.

He then removed his backpack, swung it forward and let it settle on his lap as he sat next to her.

(OOC: I've edited my character a little bit, just a heads up :)

"Yeah, you should totally join us." Freya shook her head at her friends sarcastic comment and shot her a be nice look "You worry way too much about you eat Read, you look great" she laughed lightly as the three headed towards the food counter, grabbing a tray, Freya grabbed a diet coke and a chicken burger with a few sashes of mayo to go with it, she paid and took a seat at their usual table "So River has just moved here from San Francisco" Freya explained as she sipped on her drink.

Hearing her phone ring, Freya pulled it out of her bag "Hello?" she said pressing one hand against her other ear to block out the background noise "Andy? What-I can't hear you, hold on" she said standing up "I won't be a second" she to the girls before hurrying out of the cafeteria to the quieter courtyard "Hey that's better, whats up?" she asked her brother.

"You getting lunch?" he asked getting straight to the point.

Freya laughed "I swear your like a bottomless pit when it comes to food Andy, but yes I'm in the cafeteria" she said leaning back against a pillar.

"Sweet. I'll be there in a bit" he said "bye."

"Yeah see ya." Freya replied putting her phone back into her bag, looking up she saw Scott and a blonde girl she thought to be Tessa talking on a bench, with a sigh she shook her head, she could help but feel disappointed and slightly sad, they never fell for her, it was either Reader or some other pretty girl, but never herself. Turning quickly she hurried back inside to the cafeteria forcing a smile onto her face, "Hey, sorry about that, Andy's on his way" she said sitting back down.

"I'm really sorry, no intention of sounding stalkerish. I was just really mesmerized when I saw you dance," He admitted shyly. Placing his hand over his nape as he wondered if Tessa would start avoiding him just in case.

"Of course I can show you, I saw this dance studio just a block from my aunt's place and maybe you'd want- if you're interested- I mean- I think you get it," Then he let out a chuckle, slowly easing in and feeling comfortable next to Tessa again. Just like in the lab earlier.

"There are a couple of dancers who rent the place and it isn't really as grand as the school's but it's workable," He described. It was an old building being rented by different people. An Indian convenience store at the ground, a bounty hunter's office at the second level and the old make shift dance studio on the third with a bonus of a deck on top where he usually hangs out if he gets an off from his jobs.

"So are you free after school?" He asked and hoped she'd say yes.

His shoulders dropped when Tessa said that she wasn't available. He thought he had found a new friend in her. But when the girl told him that he could see her the day after, a small smile escaped his lips. "Tomorrow? I think-" which was also short lived because he remembered his responsibilities. "Oh shoot, I won't be available until 7. I have to be somewhere, I promised someone and I can't really come after school." He explained, trying to sound like he had to be somewhere fun like meeting a girl when in fact he has to be in one of his two jobs after school.

"But maybe I can drop by, if that's okay?" He looked into her eyes hoping that this time it would work out.

Scott lazily pushed the peas away from the rest of his food. It's not like he hates peas, he just prefer to eat them separately. He was busy thinking about his new friend, Tessa and how excited he is that he can't wait to spend the afternoon with her when he was startled by the announcement from the speakers and soon after almost everyone in the school started rushing out of the cafeteria.

Of course Hawaii is awesome, but he doubt he'll get a chance to come. Unless a miracle comes and he gets to win the raffle. But that would just make him look like a charity case. He let out a sigh of frustration before letting his gaze wonder at the few people left. He liked the place he got, only few people get to notice him while he can see the whole cafeteria from his place.

What he saw next gave his heart a tight squeeze. The girl from the beach was sitting on of the middle tables talking to a dark haired guy (who looks like he was up to no good) as she fumbled with a piece of her hair- a sign of flirtation (in Scott's opinion). Looks like he doesn't have a good chance with the girl like he thought he would have.

"Fuck Reader" he cursed "Fine. But this is it, after this were even."

She just got her game back. Then decided to tease Andrew a bit more, "Hey are actually cursing or want to take me to bed-" She then leaned towards him and whispered sexily to his ear "Again?". She giggled naughtily. "Last time was fun though. I don't mind repeating it again." She gave him a playful wink and planted a small kiss on his lips before leaving him frustrated.

Reader walked back inside the cafeteria. Hippie girl- River was gone leaving her best friend and her ex boyfriend chatting over lunch. There were very few people left inside as she gazed around she accidentally spotted a guy eating alone in a hidden corner. He looked cute alright, Reader wondered why he was looking towards their direction, but then again a lot of people usually look towards their table.

"So Frey, we need to start shopping for the school trip." She beamed and took a sip of her Coke Zero and picked some of her carrot sticks.

Scott blushed at the statement made by the girl next to him. He wasn't used t this and besides he really likes her. What if she thinks he's gay and she just wants to be friends? YUP, Celenski! That must be it. She thinks I can be her one of her girl friends

"I don't think they like me," Scott admitted, referring to Reader's table. There was no use lying. The way they look at him, especially the girl, it was like they were ready to rip him apart. Not that he'd back down but he promised his aunt and uncle that he'd stay away from trouble. Besides, he clearly needs to get his life into a straight line for his mom and his sister.

"Anyway yeah, was thinking about the draw, but I'm not sure if I can have a week away from my jobs." He shared. "How about you? I bet the waves in Hawaii would be more wicked than what we have her in Cali," He was referring to the early rendezvous he had with Freya at the beach this morning. He was determined to make her see him as a man.

"Two- sometimes three if my uncle hooks me up with a part time," He raised two fingers then instantly added another as he explained his situation. "I'm saving up for something- well I don't really want to bore you with my story," He joked.

"I don't think your best friend would be happy if you spend your time with someone else during the trip," He sheepishly said. "And I still have to talk to my employer in case I get to join. But you're right, there's no harm in trying. Wish I could afford it though- just like you and your friends," It was awkward, he knows Freya and her friends live a comfortable life while he has to enslave his self just so his sister can get therapy.

"What's your next class?" He asked, wanting to shift the pressure away from him.

The look in her eyes wanted to make Scott lock her in a warm embrace. She was clearly having a problem with her mother and all Scott wanted to do was to comfort her. And as he almost lost control of his self with his hand almost reaching for her small delicate face, the bell rang. Causing him to drop his arm back to his side and cleared his throat.

"Oh good, I have English as well." He reached for the school guide inside one of his notebooks and read, "That'll be in Wing C, room 201. Do you know where that is?" He asked, trying to lift the awkwardness away. He took his back pack and slinged it to his back as he stood up.

He is such a cowards sometimes but he knows he'll get in a lot of trouble if he pursues Freya, not with her best friend alone but probably with her side of the world. If she's having issues with her mother, Scott doesn't think having him as her boyfriend would help either.

Just then a voice interrupted his thoughts, "Frey, are we still going to the mall after school?"

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The bell rang as Reader took a final sip of her water, she grabbed her things and gave Andy a kiss on the cheek and a glare towards Shane. She headed towards her best friend who was apparently busy with the new boy.

"Frey, are we still going to the mall after school?" She looked at her friend then towards Scott, eyeing him like he was a specimen under a microscope.

He was gorgeous alright. Reader lifted her right hand and offered him a hand shake, "You must be new, Reader James."

He gave her a smile and a small nod in response to her invite. He can try but he can't promise.

Just as he followed Freya inside the classroom, he saw two familiar faces. The other guy in his lab class and Tessa. The two of them looked really close already. A small pang of jealousy hit him as he asked his self quietly, What's wrong with you? Your attracted to Freya, why won't you let the other girl have fun?

He knew all to well why he felt that way. Back when he was still in Jersey he had all the girls he wanted, all the attention he can get until he met his mother and sister again.

"There's a spare one next to me if you like?" Freya offered. "Yeah thanks, you don't have to worry bout me." He helped her with her things before he took his own seat next to hers. Freya was seated between him and Stan while Tessa sat on the other end. He didn't know how to approach the latter and decided to just give her a small smile.

It was still bothering him how Tessa and Stan seems to be at ease with each other. He was just jealous that she was giving Stan the attention she gave him earlier and what bothered him the most was the kiss he saw.

Scott was still in deep thinking, not hearing what the teacher said until his thoughts were interrupted by Freya, "I love this story"

"Huh? What?" He got startled. Not having any idea what she was talking. He then over heard Tessa suggesting something to Stan. Not that he can help eaves dropping but the sight of Stan annoys him.

"Do you want to work together on the book report?" Freya asked the guy

It was getting to Scott, he must control his temper. He can't go back what he was before, he can't afford loosing his education and move again. Too many people depend on him.

"Hey Frey, got any partner?" Half wondering what the project could be, and he guessed it has got something to do with the book in the teacher's hands.

"So you wouldn't mind working with me?" Scott asked but his quick eyes saw something, Freya had dumped something in her bag, looking like a small pill case. Is she sick or something?

"I have to warn you though I suck with old literature," He tried to give a joke as he saw Stan gave him a look. He wanted to him to stare back a little longer, maybe he'd get a clue but the other guy decided to not mind him. His jaw tightened but right now whatever Freya's going through matters more than his pride.