A Fresh Start: A Young Adult Sweet Romance (Oak Brook Academy Book 5) Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Epilogue

  Taking a Chance - Oak Brook Academy #6

  Legal Notices

  Oak Brook Academy

  (Book 5)

  A Fresh Start

  By

  Jillian Adams

  Copyright © 2019 Jillian Adams

  Cover design by Beetiful Book Covers

  All rights reserved.

  Chapter 1

  The halls echoed with familiar sounds—laughter, lockers banging shut, and someone somewhere bouncing a ball against the floor. In many ways, everything about Oak Brook Academy was exactly the same. There were a few new faces and some new posters had been hung, but the same paint was splashed on the wall and the same numbers posted above each classroom. Yet, everything felt different to me.

  It had been almost a year since the last time I’d walked down these halls. So much had happened in that time.

  I took a deep breath, closed my locker, and walked in the direction of my first class. Maybe it was me that had changed and not anything else. It was hard to go back to life as usual when nothing had been normal for so long.

  “There you are Jenny!” Maby waved to me from the end of the hallway and smiled. “Hurry up, we’re going to be late.”

  I managed a smile and caught up to her. “Relax, we won’t miss anything.”

  “Maybe not, but you know how grumpy Mrs. Cavanaugh is when we’re late.”

  “True, but she’s grumpy when we’re on time too.” I laughed as I followed her to the classroom.

  As soon as I stepped inside, the pre-class chatter stopped. I had learned to keep my eyes down when I entered a room. It made it easier to avoid the stares aimed in my direction. Still, I could feel the eyes on me. I could also hear the whispers that passed back and forth right behind me as I made my way to my desk. I didn’t have to hear the particular words spoken to know what they were about. Yes, I’d caused quite a scandal and there was no way to get around that. I’d just have to endure the looks, the comments, and the mean words scrawled across my locker.

  I thought that I’d prepared myself for it, but actually living it was a different thing altogether.

  “Don’t let it bother you.” Maby shot a glare at the other girls. “They’ve just got nothing better to do.”

  “It’s fine.” I sat down at the desk beside hers. “I’m more interested in what’s going on with you. I want to know all about the new romance.”

  “It’s not exactly new anymore.” Maby shrugged. “But I can’t deny that it’s a romance. I never thought it would be possible for me.”

  “Now you know better.” I winked at her and opened my book just as the teacher closed the door of the classroom.

  I still heard a few whispers, but once the teacher began to speak, they died down. I lost myself in the material for a few minutes, then surfaced again with a jolt when the classroom door swung open.

  “I need to see Jennifer.” Principal Carter hovered just inside the door.

  Why would the principal come in person? He could have easily just called my name over the PA system or sent a note to the teacher. Instead, there he stood.

  He narrowed his eyes as he tapped his right foot impatiently against the floor.

  “Jennifer?” The teacher waved me up to the front of the class.

  More whispers. A bit of laughter. Someone offered a mock gasp.

  I couldn’t remember ever being so cruel myself. But maybe I had been. Maybe back then, I just hadn’t realized it.

  “Come with me, Jennifer.” The principal gave me a small smile.

  I glanced back at Maby, who met my eyes with a light frown. When I turned back to the principal, he held the door open for me.

  I stepped out into the hall and did my best not to panic. Was this it? Was he going to kick me out of school once and for all? Maybe he’d caved to the pressure and decided that I didn’t belong at Oak Brook Academy anymore.

  “How are things, Jennifer?” He strolled down the hall casually, as if it were perfectly normal to chat with one of his students during the middle of class.

  “Fine, sir.” I avoided his eyes. I already knew what this was about.

  “Good, I just want to check in with you—make sure that you’re settling in.” He glanced over at me.

  “Look, I know you don’t want me here.” I met his eyes, despite his trying to look away. “You don’t have to worry, I’m not going to cause any trouble.”

  “Somehow I’m not so sure about that.” He frowned. “I hope that I can trust you, Jennifer.”

  “You can.”

  The lunch bell rang and I felt a jolt carry through my body. The last thing I wanted was to be in the middle of all the stares.

  “Good. Get to lunch.” He turned and walked away.

  My stomach twisted. I’d hoped that he really wanted to know how I was doing. Instead, he just wanted to reaffirm that I would stay out of trouble.

  As I walked toward the lunchroom, I heard my name called out from behind me. I turned to find a few girls I remembered from the year before, none of whom were friendly.

  “Look at you, walking through here like you own the place.” One of the girls put her hands on her hips. “I guess you think you do, since it’s your fault that Chuck got kicked out.”

  “I don’t know why he had to go away just so we could get you back.” A second girl shook her head. “It wasn’t a good trade if you ask me.”

  “I didn’t have anything to do with him leaving the school.” I stared straight back at them. “That was his choice.”

  “Sure.” The first girl laughed. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

  As they turned and walked away, I thought about running. I could run right out of the school. I could find someplace in the city to hide out until I figured out my next move. I didn’t have to be here. I didn’t have to endure the bullying or the memories. I could start fresh as an entirely different person. I didn’t have to be me anymore.

  “Jenny?”

  Maby’s voice drew me out of my dazed state. I turned to face her and forced a smile. “Hey.”

  “Are you going to come eat?” She pointed to the entrance of the cafeteria. “It’s this way.”

  “I guess I got lost.” I followed her inside.

  Yes, I could run. I could turn my back on the school that had been my home and the first place where I’d made such a tight group of friends that they felt like family to me. But no matter how upset I was, Maby’s voice had a way of drawing me back from the edge.

  I wasn’t ready to flee, not just yet.

  She le
d me to the same table I’d eaten lunch at for years along with the same friends that had surrounded me, aside from one person—Chuck—and with the addition of a few new faces.

  I sat down across from Apple and returned her eager smile.

  What if Chuck hadn’t left? What if I were face to face with him instead of Wes or Candy?

  My heart pounded at the thought. No, Oak Brook Academy was not the same place anymore and I certainly was not the same person.

  Chapter 2

  “Did you hear about the new kid?” Wes quirked an eyebrow. “He’s a strange one.”

  “Strange how?” Maby glanced at him.

  “Dyed hair, wild clothes.” He shrugged. “Just different.”

  “Interesting.”

  “People do exist off the football field, you know.” Apple rolled her eyes.

  “He’s got to find a way to fit in. That’s all I’m saying.” Wes frowned. “I mean, with his mother being a teacher at the school, he’s already going to have a hard time.”

  “That’s surprising. I don’t think I’ve heard of a teacher enrolling their kid in the school.” I smiled. “I guess he won’t get homesick.”

  “Guess not.” Candy grinned. “I bet he gets good grades, though. I know if I had my grandmother here looking over my shoulder, I’d be doing a lot better.”

  “Maybe we should take him under our wing.” Maby pursed her lips. “I’m sure he would appreciate it, and it never hurts to be on a teacher’s good side.”

  “You and your strays.” Wes rolled his eyes. “Guess it won’t hurt to take in another lost puppy.”

  “Don’t even look at me when you say that, bloke.” Oliver shot a glare in his direction.

  “It’s alright, honey.” Maby patted the back of Oliver’s hand. “He means it as a compliment.”

  “Somehow I doubt that.” Oliver raised an eyebrow as he stared at Wes.

  “Wes, ease off on the dark and daring role, will you?” I laughed and shook my head. “It really doesn’t suit you and the rest of us know that you’re all bark and no bite.”

  “Ah, so he’s the lost puppy.” Oliver flashed a grin.

  “Stop! Now you’re making me want to go out and find a puppy to pet.” Candy sighed. Then she blushed as all the boys at the table stared at her. “A real puppy, you weirdos!”

  Just as I began to relax into the conversation that surrounded me, I felt the weight of a pair of demanding eyes looking in my direction.

  Apple. Despite her shyness, she would fixate on things and wouldn’t let go until she had her answer.

  “How are you really, Jenny?” She peered at me.

  “I’m okay.”

  “How can you be, though? I mean, you don’t have to lie to us, we’re your friends.” She reached across the table and touched my hand. “What was it like?”

  “It hurt.” I stared back at her. “A lot.”

  “Not that part.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve seen enough videos in health class about that. I mean, what was it like after.”

  “I don’t understand what you’re asking me.” I narrowed my eyes. “But whatever it is, it really isn’t your business.”

  “Relax, I’m just curious.” Apple frowned. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  I felt the stunned stares of my friends on me. I knew they saw it now—how different I was. I used to be the bubbly one, the one that would go to any length to get a laugh out of someone when they were down. I didn’t snap at people.

  “I’m sorry.” My chest tightened as I felt the tears gather at the backs of my eyes. It wouldn’t be long before they realized that I didn’t belong at their table anymore. I knew that.

  “Don’t be sorry.” Maby pressed her hand against my back. “You’re right.” She looked across the table at Apple. “She doesn’t want to talk about it and none of you should be asking her about it. It’s her business and if she wants us to know anything, she’ll tell us. Until then, back off.” Her voice sharpened.

  I felt some relief just from her touch. I never realized, until I was whisked away from her, how much Maby shielded me. I might have had a sunny disposition, but she always made sure that I didn’t stumble into things I shouldn’t.

  At least she tried to.

  I met her eyes briefly, then looked back down at my food.

  Now the table was quiet. Even the new kids didn’t utter a word. They’d already been trained to be careful when it came to Maby. She loved hard, but she never backed down from a fight.

  Me, I backed down.

  “I’m going to use the restroom.” I stood up and did my best to ignore the tension.

  “I’ll go with you.” Maby stood up as well.

  “No, it’s fine.” I flashed her a smile. “I’ll be right back.”

  As I hurried out of the cafeteria, I thought again about running. I could just take off through the double doors that led to the sports fields. Sure, they’d look for me and so would my parents. But in time, everyone would give up.

  When I reached the bathroom, I was relieved to find it empty. I took some time to wipe the tears from my cheeks. I couldn’t let everyone know that I harbored so much sadness under the surface. Maby would be determined to help me. But I didn’t want help. I just wanted to be like the rest of them again.

  As I stared into the mirror, I saw a familiar reflection.

  Me—from a year ago. Me—before I’d made choices that had permanently changed my life. It was the same reflection, but I felt as if I was so different.

  More than anything, I wished I could look into my eyes and see that girl who smiled wider than anyone else, that girl who couldn’t wait for everything that life had to offer.

  “I’m not her anymore.” I took a step back from the sink, then drew a deep breath.

  I had to be ready—focused—in order to make it through the rest of the day. There would be more whispers. There would be more mean girls. There would be more questions from the people who cared about me the most. I had to survive without letting them see the truth.

  As I wiped a few more tears away, I prepared myself to step back out of the bathroom. I’d barely made it out when the same girls from earlier stopped me.

  “Why don’t you go right back in there?” The taller girl smiled.

  Shayla, that was her name. I remembered now. She and I had had a class together during freshman year. I didn’t know the girl that stood beside her, though.

  “I’m finished, thanks.” I started to push past her.

  “No way.” She blocked me. “I’m going to show you what happens to girls like you.” She pushed me back toward the bathroom door.

  My heart pounded. I’d never been in a fight in my life. As an only child, I didn’t even have siblings to roughhouse with.

  “This is silly.” I tried to meet her eyes. “I haven’t done anything to you.”

  “You being here is doing something to me.”

  She gave me another hard shove and I hit the corner of the door. As pain shot through my back, I wished that I’d taken Maby up on her offer to come with me. Now I was alone and these girls looked like they wanted to teach me a lesson.

  “What is this even about? Don’t you think you’re being a little ridiculous?” I glanced between the two of them as I wondered if reasoning with them had any chance of working.

  “I’ll show you how unreasonable I can be!” She shoved me harder. “Now get in there!”

  “I won’t!” I pushed past them and ran down the hall back toward the cafeteria. I heard their footsteps as they ran too and I knew they were right behind me.

  I burst through the door of the stairwell that led to the second floor and barreled directly into someone who stood on the other side. The force of our collision propelled him forward and right into the railing of the stairs. The orange soda he had in his hand was crushed between his hand and the railing as he tried to catch himself. The sticky-sweet liquid sprayed in all directions.


  “Watch it!” He growled his words as he turned around to face me.

  “I’m so sorry!” I gulped as the door swung open behind me.

  The two girls, now in a frenzy, lunged toward me, fists ready to land wherever they could.

  Chapter 3

  I turned to run up the stairs, but Shayla grabbed me by the back of the shirt before I could. I winced as I prepared myself for the attack that was sure to follow.

  “Don’t!”

  Before the punch could land, I heard a shriek and then a scream as both girls backed away from me.

  I turned and saw the boy I’d run into with his can of soda. He’d sloshed the remainder of it all over the hair and faces of my attackers.

  As they fled out through the door, they continued to shriek.

  I huddled back against the stairs, out of breath and still a little shaky from the encounter.

  “Thank you.” I stared at him. His loose hair—dyed an electric shade of blue—hung almost to his ears and on the curve of the top of his ear, a thick silver ring pierced the cartilage. He was tall and slim, but his shoulders were broad. He wore a baggy t-shirt that hid his frame fairly well and loose long jeans that piled up at the tops of his sneakers. “I’m sorry I bumped into you.” I rummaged in my book bag for some tissues I’d stashed there and thrust them toward him. “Here. To clean yourself up.”

  He took the tissues as he stared back at me. What color were his eyes? They looked somewhere between silver and black. Was it just a trick of the light?

  “I hate bullies.” He balled up a few tissues and wiped some soda off of his face.

  I glanced down at the tray on the stairs and realized that it contained his lunch.

  “You were eating in here?” I looked back at him. “Why?”

  “I prefer to be alone.” He shrugged.

  “I’ve ruined your food. Let me buy you a new lunch.” I started to pick up the tray.

  He caught me by the arm and shook his head. “Don’t bother. I wasn’t that hungry.”

  As I straightened up, I looked into his eyes. “You’re the new kid, right?”