Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 19:20:43 -0400
From: Brad Rabern <walkercolasc@gmail.com>
Subject: Love Not Money- Chapter 1
I was lying in bed one Saturday morning just watching some TV when I heard
my father calling me over the intercom system to come down stairs for
breakfast. I got up out of bed and went to my dresser to put a pair of
shorts and a t-shirt on before heading down stairs. When I got into the
kitchen I could already tell that something was up. My mother had made my
favorite for breakfast, chocolate and caramel pancakes. This only happened
when they knew I would be upset about something.
"Good morning Braeden, how did you sleep?" My father asked
me.
"I slept fine dad, but don't try to butter me up. What's
going on?"
"Ok, well we are moving again. Your mothers shop here has
really taken off and we want to get going on getting the next one started
as soon as possible. Now I know we just moved here six months ago and
you're not even half way through your junior year but we have already found
another private school for you to attend when we move."
I couldn't help but show frustration on my face when my
father told me this news. This would make it my fifth time moving since I
started high school. I was getting tired of moving every six months. Every
time I finally started making some good friends that aren't stuck up rich
snobs that always seems to be at the schools my parents send me, we move. I
have finally had enough of this so I decided to say something.
"Dad, I take it you already have talked to the school and
found a house where ever we are moving to but I am really getting tired of
all the moving. Every time I finally make some friends that aren't just
pretending to be friends because of the money we move. Can I please ask a
couple of favors this time?"
"Son I am sorry for all the moving but yes go ahead. I am
not saying that I will agree to it but I will hear you out." He replied.
"Thank you. Well it's really only a three things. The first
is the most important to me and that is that we stay where ever we are
going until I graduate from high school. I would like to have some friends
a lot longer than a few months. I would also like to be at a school long
enough to actually finish a season of soccer. You know that I want to play
in college and moving all across the country isn't helping the issue. The
second is that I don't want to go to a private school anymore. Like I said
before people try to be my friend just because of the money we have. And
the last thing kind of ties into the money thing. I don't won't people
thinking that we are as rich as we are so can we not live in a huge fancy
house and I would like a used car that isn't fully loaded."
"Well that is a lot to ask for son. I tell you what, why
don't you let me and your mother talk about this first before we make a
decision on it. I can understand why you want these things but you know we
love you and if your mother agrees to it we will accept your request. By
the way you will make a good salesman someday. You make solid reasons for
this just like I do when I am trying to sale my services to these big firms
that need their business turned around."
"Oh great that's exactly what this world needs another
Bryson Troyer." I said smiling to let my dad know I was just kidding with
him.
The rest of the day was uneventful. I spent the rest of the
day up in my room already packing for the impending move that I was sure to
come within the week. When I went back down stairs for dinner Gloria, our
cook, had dinner waiting for me and my parents.
"Well son your father and I talked about what you asked for
and we have agreed to everything but the house. We simply cannot move into
a smaller house having everyone move with us. I know you probably didn't
think of that but you know your father and I are way too busy to not have
Gloria and her family move with us and not have them to do what they do
best. Not to mention I love each and every one of the people that work for
us and it just wouldn't be the same without them."
"You're right mom. I didn't think about that. I wouldn't
want to go without them either. David and Denise are like a brother and
sister to me and I wouldn't be able to handle it if I didn't get to see
them. Does everyone else know about the move?"
"Yes. I spoke to them all while your dad was speaking to
you about."
The rest of the week went by so fast. I hated saying by to
the few friends that I had but they said they would keep in contact with me
and I them. They wanted to know all about the public school that I would be
going to. The movers had showed up throughout the week and taken things
that we would not need before we left. Friday morning came around and after
my last day at school I came home to the last moving truck backing out of
the drive way with my dad's car on the back headed to the new house.
As I walked inside this huge empty house I am not sad about
moving this time. I am excited because I know that it will be the last time
I have to do this for a long time. I grab what was left of my things that I
was taking on the plane with me and went down stairs. We got into the
vehicle that was taking us to the airport and then to the other side of the
country, to Columbia South Carolina.
As we pulled into our new subdivision it wasn't really as I
expected it to be. I thought we would have this huge house big enough for
everyone to live there with us but it wasn't. Don't get me wrong they were
still big but not the millions of dollars homes that I have been living in.
I loved my parents for surprising me like this but I also felt sad.
"I thought we would have a bigger house so everyone could
stay with us. I am going to miss everyone." I said with a solemn look on my
face.
"Well you see the house next door son? We bought that one
too. That's where Gloria and her family are going to live along with the
Davis's. We figured that they would like to have their own place and since
we are going to be here awhile we felt it was the right time." My father
said this with a huge smile on his face.
"Thank you so much mom and dad. I really appreciate
everything you are doing for me. There is one more thing that we need to do
before Monday though. I need a car so I can get to school and I would like
to drive around and look at what's around here."
My father agreed and after we got a few things settled in
and I went to go check out my room, which was really a nice size with its
own attached bathroom, we went out looking for a car. Four hours later and
three different car lots I finally found that car I wanted. It was a 2007
Chevy Silverado LT 4x4 with an extended cab. Now I know what you're
thinking, that is still a nice vehicle, but I had an H2 fully loaded before
that I got for my 16th birthday so to me this was perfect.
The rest of the weekend I spent unpacking all of my things
and driving around getting myself familiar with Columbia. I drove around
figuring out the best way to get to school, which was only fifteen minutes
away if I drove through the neighborhood. Sunday night came and I was so
exhausted but couldn't sleep because I was also excited. I would not have
to wear anymore uniforms at school and the best part I didn't have to worry
about people liking me for my money.
I finally fell asleep but it didn't seem like long when my
alarm clock went off at 5:30 so I could get a run in before I showered and
headed to school. I slipped on some shorts a t-shirt and my sneakers and
headed out for a run. When I got home it was 7 o'clock so I hopped in the
shower quickly and when I was done I got dressed for school. Not even 30
minutes later I was in my truck and heading towards the school.
When I got there I made my way to the office because I was
told the principal liked to meet all his students and I also need to get my
schedule and books from the office. When I walked in the lady sitting
behind the desk looked up at me.
"Good morning young man, can I help you?"
"Yes ma'am I am new here and was told to come to the office
to pick up my schedule and books. Also I was told I had to meet with
Principle Owens. My name is Braeden Troyer."
"Oh, Braeden nice to meet you. Yes Dr. Owens has been
waiting for you. He is right back there. Just go on in the door is always
open. I will get your schedule and books for you and have them ready for
you when you get out."
"Ok thank you Mrs.?"
"Samantha Lea. You can either call me Mrs. Samantha or Mrs.
Lea. I will answer to either one."
"Will do. Thank you very much Mrs. Samantha."
I walked towards the door Mrs. Samantha told me the
principal was in and knocked and waited for him to call me in. When he did
I walked inside and he immediately looked up and said.
"Ah, you must be Braeden Troyer. You look so much like your
father. He came by here a few weeks ago and spoke to me about your
enrollment and your request. He also made a nice donation to our school for
new computers but I promise I will not say anything about your family
donation. I just wanted to let you know and meet you before school started
today. Do you have any questions that you would like to ask?"
"Thank you very much for not saying anything sir. I really
appreciate it and as of right now, I have no questions."
"Well in that case thank you for stopping by so I could
meet you. If you ever do have a question for me my door is always opened to
my students. As is all my teachers too. Do not hesitate to ask anyone here
if you need something ok."
"Yes sir, thank you again."
I walked back out to the lobby of the office and there was
a student talking to Mrs. Samantha. She waved for me to come over and the
student turned around to see who she was signaling to come over and I
almost stopped dead in my tracks. The boy that was standing there was
breathtaking. He was an inch or two shorter than me which would put him at
about 5'10", a nice slender body maybe 150 pounds. He had a runners build
so I could tell that he was athletic. Did I mention he was gorgeous? I
guess you got that when I said he was breathtaking.
"Braeden I would like for you to meet Kyle Taylor. Kyle is
actually in all the same classes as you so he will be showing you around.
He is a sweet boy so you don't have to worry about him messing with you.
Here is your schedule and books and I guess I will so you later. The door
is always open if you ever need to talk. Nice meeting you Braeden."
"You too Mrs. Samantha and thank you."
I looked at my books and schedule and as I figured all my
classes were honor classes except for my gym class. Then I thought about
Kyle being in the same classes and thought to myself, "Sexy, smart jock."
At least I thought I thought it.
"I'm sorry what did you say? You mumbled something that
sounded like a question but I couldn't hear you." Kyle said.
"Oh no I'm sorry I was just thinking to myself but I guess
I mumbled it. It's nothing."
"OK. So where did you move here from?"
"Well it depends on how far back you want to go. In the
past two and a half years I have been to five different schools. This is
the fifth. I have lived in San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas and Chicago. The
last place though was San Diego."
"Wow. Why so many places? One of your parents in the
military or something?"
"No, I wish. Then maybe I wouldn't have to move every six
months. Between my mom's job and dad's we have to move a lot."
"That must suck. By the time you make any good friends you
have to tell them that you're moving. So what you will be here until the
end of the school year?"
"Yeah it does, but not this time. I had to beg them into
letting me stay here until I graduate."
"Well that's good. Ok well here is your locker and the
first class is actually two doors down on the left. I will see you in
there. I still have to go to my locker. Later Braeden."
"Later Kyle and thanks."
We still had about five minutes before the bell rang for
class so I quickly put the books that I wouldn't need until after lunch in
my locker and went to the bathroom. As soon as I walked into the class room
the bell rang. I went up to the teacher and handed her my schedule.
"Thank you..... Braeden. Wait here for one second please.
Good morning class we have a new student with us. If you wouldn't mind
telling everyone your name, where you came from and a little bit about
yourself please."
"Sure thing Mrs. Sanders. My name is Braeden Troyer. My
family just moved here from San Diego. My family just moved here because of
their job. It's just me and my parents. I play soccer but I guess I'm a
little late to join the school team. We were half way through the season at
my old school. That's pretty much it. I don't spend a whole lot of time in
one place so I really don't do much."
"Ok thank you Braeden and just to let you know here on the
east coast our soccer team doesn't play until the spring so you actually
can play for the school come next semester. Kyle over there actually plays
on the team. The soccer program here is actually our biggest sport. Ok why
don't you go take the desk by Kyle."
Classes went by pretty fast here. The teachers here
actually made the class interesting. No boring lectures and there was more
interaction with the students. I was beginning to love this school already.
Lunch time came around so I decided to go ahead and get my books for my
afternoon classes before I went and ate lunch. As I was walking in the
cafeteria I was looking at the food and let's just say I will be bringing
my own lunch to school. That's when I saw Kyle walking my way with two
other guys.
"Hey Braeden. We didn't talk about this between classes but
how do you like the school so far?" Kyle said.
"It's already a lot better than my old school. The teachers
here actually care and aren't here just for a paycheck."
"Teachers don't make much to begin with unless you go to
that preppy school across town. Also the students there are rich stuck up
snobs anyways. Oh sorry introductions. This guy right here is Bill and the
other ugly one on my right is Michael. They also play on the soccer team."
"Your mother didn't think I was so ugly last night
asshole." Michael said and playfully pushed Kyle.
"Ignore those two they are just flirting. Ow. Don't hit me
I didn't say anything. Anyways welcome to the school." Bill said while Kyle
and Michael were bickering back and forth.
"Thanks I've only been here a few days and already like
this place. Although I can't say that about the food. I will definitely be
bringing my own lunch to school."
"That's actually the reason why we came over here. We were
going to walk down the street a bit and go have some subway if you would
like to join us. We still have about 40 minutes left for lunch." Kyle asked.
"You're allowed to leave campus for lunch?"
"Well juniors and seniors are. We do need to hurry though
because it takes about ten minutes to walk there."
"Sure I'm down but I have truck if you would rather drive
than walk."
"That would be great. I got shotgun." Michael said.
We quickly walked to the parking lot and got in my truck
and drove to subway. We ate and talked about the soccer team and I couldn't
wait to play with them. The coach there has won the state championship
eight times in the twelve years he has been there. They have tryouts in
January and they have about 60 people tryout each year.
As we got back it was almost time to go to my computer
class so I told Michael and Bill that I would see them later. When we
walked into the classroom we were the first two there. I went ahead and
handed the teacher my schedule and he told me to have a seat. When I got to
my computer I noticed how much my father actually donated. One by one when
the students walked all I heard was "Wow these are top of the line" or "Who
donated these. They cost almost $2,000 a piece". When the bell rang the
teacher stood up.
"Ok class a couple of things. First, yes someone donated
all the computers to the school. Not just this class but the whole school.
Now we have a new student with us and his name is Braeden Troyer. His
family is the ones that....."
"I'm sorry to interrupt sir but I can tell them a lot
quicker than you can read it off of the paper I gave you."
"Very well but I won't you to see me after class for
interrupting me." he said this back with an attitude.
I was upset with what he almost said and what he said to me
knowing full well he wasn't supposed to say anything. So I shot him a look
and proceeded to tell the class about me. When I was done I looked back at
him and said "That's all I needed to say." Doing this made him even madder.
During class Kyle asked me, "What was all that about? He is
an ass but he has never been that big of one."
"I have no clue."
Class was almost over and everyone was packing up their
stuff. When the bell rang I stayed in my seat and Kyle said he would wait
outside. As soon as the class room was empty Mr. Kent said, "Don't you ever
interrupt me again. This is my class room I don't care how much money you
and your parents have. I will do and say whatever I want. You got that?"
He was too busy yelling at me to even notice that the
classroom door opened up and Principal Owens had walked in. Principal Owens
said, "Well Thomas you might not care about his families donation to this
school but I do. This is my school and MY classroom and if you don't
respect this young man's family wishes about it being an anonymous donation
you can find a new job. And if I ever hear you talk to a student like that
again you will be out of here. DO YOU GOT THAT? Now I'm sorry Braeden you
may go. I believe Kyle is waiting to show you to your next class."
Walking to the next class he didn't ask anything about what
was going on. The rest of the day was uneventful. After my last class of
the day, gym, Kyle and I started walking to the parking lot when we got
stopped by Michael and Bill.
"Hey Braeden and Kyle the guys want to get together and
play a little soccer on Friday, would you both like to join us? We would be
able to tell you if you would be able to make the team if you did Braeden.
We only have a couple months until tryouts." Michael said.
"Sure I would love to. I just have to check with my parents
if there is anything going on this weekend that they need me to do but I
will let you know."
"Ok sounds good. I will see you later Braeden. We have to
go and catch the bus. "
"Later. What about you Kyle? Do you ride the bus or does
someone come and pick you up?
"I normally just walk. I live right around the corner from
the elementary school so it's not but a 20 minute walk."
"I can give you a ride if you like? It's not that far from
my house maybe 5 minutes."
"Sure that would be great. Hey would you like to come over
and we could help each other with our homework considering it's exactly the
same?"
"Sure I just have to run home real quick and leave a note
for my parents to let them know where I am."
As we headed to my house I kept on thinking to myself that
I hope no one is there right now. That's exactly what I don't need is for
him to see the people that work for us in the house and him asking who they
are. We pull up into the driveway and I see him looking at the house and
whistling.
"Damn this is a nice house. What do your parents do for a
living because that's what I want to do then?"
"Oh well um both my parents are salesman."
As we got out of the truck I see David running towards me
and jumped up into my arms.
"Braeden you're home. How did you like your first day of
school? Mine was so awesome. I really like it here. I hope your parents
don't move again. Who is that? Is that your boyfriend?"
"David yes this boy is a new friend of mine. He showed me
around the school today. And calm down. You need to breathe when you speak
or you will pass out." I said hoping that Kyle didn't understand all that.
Especially the last part when he asked if he was my boyfriend.
"Hello David, my name is Kyle. It's nice to meet you. I
thought you said you didn't have any brothers?
"Oh they are family friends. They moved in next door. David
when my parents come home will you tell them I am going over to a friend's
house please?
"Sure Braeden. Don't forget dinner is at 7:30. Mom will be
mad at you if you miss dinner. She is cooking your favorite tonight."
"Ok. You tell her I won't be late. Now get on home. Ok
sorry about that. You ready?"
"Yeah, I'm ready."
We went to his house which was only 8 minutes away. It was
a small place, not even half as big as my home. We did our homework which
didn't take long. After that I started asking him questions about his
family. He was a little reluctant to answer but he did. His father died in
a car wreck when he was 8 years old and he has a little brother who is 10.
We spent the next hour just talking about the things we like to do and
that's when I noticed the time.
"Hey Kyle I enjoyed getting to know you better and about
your family but it's almost 7 o'clock and I need to get home. Would you
like for me to pick you up and take you to school in the morning?"
"Yeah that would great. I get up early in the mornings and
run so just come on by whenever."
"I run in the mornings as well. Do you want to run
together? I can meet you here around 5:30."
"Ok. I will see you at 5:30 then. It was great meeting you
and hanging out with you today."