Lessons In Life - 1. Chapter 1

I stepped off the bus with an indifferent expression on my face. The ride wasn’t to my liking, not that I had any control over the situation. Two days ago, I had everything I wanted and more. Now I’m here?

Smirking, I thought about my parents and how stupid they were. If this was their idea of setting me straight, they made a huge mistake. They should fire whoever it was that came up with the idea. I mean, who would send their gay son to an all-boys’ school? This is like a dream come true for me. I should be happy.

I thought about the life I left behind and my expression turned sour. They took away something I needed badly, my freedom. But what could I do? Dad used his trump card—his riches—something I required more than freedom. Anyone used to the wealthy lifestyle would understand. All I have to do is endure this shit for one year and I’ll be free to do whatever I want.

From afar, I noticed the towering gate and fences which surrounded the school. After the carefree life I led, I felt like a prisoner. Even if I should change my mind, I had no one to return to. I made sure of that when I chose Dad’s money over Xander. Fuck him, he should understand of all people. One year and I’d be back, was that so freaking hard to comprehend? His loss.

Yeah, right. So why am I hurting?

My eyes roamed the archaic buildings. The architecture reminded me of old churches back home. Lowering my gaze, I saw a few students tending the garden. Chores? A satisfied smile crossed my face when I noticed some students look at me with interest.

Vanity fueled my ego. I knew that I look good and the knowledge made me arrogant. As I made my way to the school entrance, a swagger accompanied my steps. Pity those who would fall for my charm. Not that they could resist, I always get what I want.

A tall guy with short blonde hair caught my attention. Blonde guys are such a turn on. I made sure not to look at the guy directly. If I showed interest, I’d lose him. Wiping perspiration from my forehead, I loosened a button of my shirt, enough so that my firm chest could be seen. This way, he’d be the one begging to spend the night with me.

My fantasy was interrupted by a soft tap on my shoulder. Turning around, the blonde guy was forced out of my mind. I found myself looking into sparkling green eyes. The unsmiling face regarded me with disapproval. As if I care. Whoever this was, I’d have him.

With my left eyebrow raised slightly, I smiled, showing perfect white teeth. I wondered what tricks I had to pull to get this guy. Stepping forward, our bodies became inches apart. “Hey, are you here to welcome me?”

The disapproval dissipated from his face. “Yes.”

“Well just so you know, you’re not very welcoming. Why don’t you just make yourself useful then?” I offered him one of the luggages I had with me.

Ignoring the bag I offered, he regarded me with a strained smile on his face. “Welcome. Please follow me.”

What did I do? Scowling, I followed him inside the building. Just who does he think he is? Despite his coldness, I couldn’t help but admire the confident way he walked. Much cooler than my swagger, dammit!

I dumped my stuff at the foot of the stairs. “Hey, wait.”

He looked down on me with his arms crossed in front of him. “If you think I’m helping you with those...”

Shaking my head, I said, “Nah. I think we started off on the wrong foot. I’m sorry, ok?”

His eyebrows rose in the air. “You think?”

My eyes narrowed while my jaw clenched. This guy is really asking for it. “I think I already said I’m sorry.”

As he studied my face, his expression mellowed. He stepped down and picked up the biggest bag I had.

“You don’t need to do that,” I protested. “I can handle it.”

He watched me, his eyes focusing on my chest and arms. When his gaze moved to my face, he blushed which made me smile.

He quickly turned away. “I’m sure you can. Consider this as my apology for the way I acted earlier.”

The only sound that could be heard was our footsteps as we moved up the grand staircase in silence. We made a right on the center where the staircase divided. While walking, I entertained the thoughts of getting this guy into bed. He’s interested, that much is for sure. All I needed to do was hook him. I had a feeling it would take a lot of effort, but it would be worth it. This guy’s a prized catch.

“So what’s your name?” He had a serious expression on his face when I turned to him.

He sighed as he shook his head. “The proper thing to do would be to introduce yourself then who knows? I might just give you my name.”

Seriously, this guy has a problem. “My name’s Clive.”

We had been walking for a couple of minutes before he said anything. “You can call me Philip. For now.”

“Nice to meet you, Phil.” I saw his body shudder. “But what do you mean by ‘for now’?”

“You’ll know soon enough.” He stopped in front of a mahogany door and placed the bag he carried on his feet. “This will be your room for the rest of the year. You’re expected to meet with the headmaster first thing tomorrow morning to sort out your schedule. Any questions?”

What time are we going to meet tonight? Your room or mine? “Nothing. For now. I guess I’ll see you around.”

His face remained impassive despite of the special smile I had for him. “You might.”

He didn’t make any move to go, but he kept his gaze on the floor. When he looked up, our eyes met and my eyebrows creased as I tried to discern the expression on his face. There was something about it I couldn’t place. A mixture of longing and extreme dislike? But how could that be, this is the first time we’ve met. As far as I knew, I hadn’t done anything to piss him off.

The heck with subtlety. “Phil—”

“I hope you enjoy your stay.” He slid his hands in his pockets and walked away.

Cursing under my breath, I opened the door and hauled my luggage inside. The room—my room—was small, smaller than what I was used to anyway. Without bothering to unpack, I plopped myself on the bed.

All I could think about was Philip, damn him. As I closed my eyes, a vision of his handsome face appeared in my mind. I thought my anger would increase, but it didn’t. There was something soothing about him which dissolved my annoyance. Why does he have this effect on me? I felt so powerless.

I tried to think about Xander and my old lifestyle, but Philip wouldn’t let me. He had taken over during the time I spent with him. Grabbing a pillow, I covered my face with it. This wasn’t how things should be. A sudden realization made me jump to my feet.

I always get what I want and tomorrow, he’s going to be mine. I’d make him fall for me, play with him then leave him while he begged me not to.

A sinister smile appeared on my face. Tomorrow’s going to be interesting.

*************************

The headmaster, a large old guy with a bushy moustache, studied my face with intent. Trying my best not to show any emotion, I held his gaze. If this guy thought he could scare me, he was dead wrong.

“Your father has told us you’re an artist?” He said the last word as if he couldn’t believe it by looking at me.

I crossed my arms in front of me. “I can draw, what’s it to you?”

He cringed at my words. “This school specializes in the arts, my boy. What medium are you used to?”

“Charcoal,” I spat. The cold smile on his face had me on edge. He dislikes me as much as I him.

His head bowed slowly. “Before long, you’ll be skilled on all the different kinds of media related to painting. Your father has chosen well. This school will do you a lot of good.”

“My father has paid a lot of money as well.” I kept my eyes on the headmaster’s face, but his smile never faltered.

Ignoring my last comment, he declared, “So if you’re amenable to your schedule, there’s only one thing I need to ask. What can you contribute to the school?”

His penetrating gaze focused on my eyes while I looked back at him with defiance. A real smile appeared on his face for the first time since I arrived in his office. “Don’t worry, young man. I’m sure you’ll find out how to make the school proud with proper guidance.”

I rose from my seat, but he motioned for me to sit back down. “Since you’ll need to buy your books and other necessities, I’ve asked Mr. Miller to accompany you to town.”

“Mr. Miller?” I asked.

Slightly, his eyebrows rose in the air. “Surely you remember Mr. Miller? He was the professor who welcomed you yesterday.”

So the reason Phil was pissed yesterday was due to being forced by this Mr. Miller to welcome me? I knew it couldn’t have been because of me. “Yeah I remember. Just slipped my mind for a bit. Thanks for having me here, Headmaster. I’ll do my best to make the school proud.”

With grim faces, we shook hands. I quickly made my way outside and as I closed the door to the headmaster’s room, I sighed in relief. He was definitely someone I should be wary of. For some reason, he seemed immune to my charm.

Now to take care of Mr. Miller. I’d make him pay for the trouble he caused me with Phil. Searching the people near the headmaster’s room, I got a surprise when my eyes landed on Phil’s disapproving face.

My face broke into a grin. “Hey, I’m glad you’re here. I think I kinda understand what happened. Mr. Miller made you welcome me yesterday, didn’t he? That was why you were pissed? I’m sorry. I had no idea, believe me.”

His face contorted into a scowl which wasn’t the expression I expected.

“Oh shit. Don’t tell me Mr. Miller made you meet me here?” I saw as his green eyes darkened. “Phil, don’t worry about it, ok? You don’t need to accompany me to town. I’ll talk to Mr. Miller or to the Headmaster if I need to. Someone should put a stop to Mr. Miller’s laziness.”

Balling his hand into a fist, he said in a strained voice, “I’m Mr. Miller.”

He spun on his heel and I watched him as he moved away. Great, I made things worse. Mr. Philip Miller darted a corner and with a shake of my head, I followed him. Keeping a safe distance away from him, I noticed the droop on his shoulders. His gait seemed distracted.

Dreading to face him, my heart thumped hard against my chest when I saw him stop on the school’s main gate. I halted my steps, wary of his movements. He stood still. Waiting? For me? My mind entertained the thoughts of going back to the school building, but then I remembered who I was. I’m Clive Brown. He should be the one afraid of me. With confident strides, I lessened the distance separating us.

“Let’s go,” I said as I walked past him.

“Wait,” he called after me in barely a whisper.

I slowed down my steps, but continued on my way.

“Let’s get one thing clear, I don’t like you.”