Beauty in Unexpected Places

By S. E. Yenney

Ronans life turns upside down when life throws him a curveball. Meanwhile, Cybil battles her own demons. Will they survive what life has in store for them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524675066

S. E. Yenney

S. E. Yenney is a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas who attended Kansas City Kansas Community College where she earned her Associates degree in Liberal Arts. Over the years, she has filled many hard-backed notebooks with the products of the eccentric ecosphere that is her mind. Her desire to share life-changing stories, coupled with a vibrant imagination and just a dash of humor, led to the recipe that is this book. She enjoys reading books, writing novels and serving her community through volunteer work.

Book preview

1

Ronan

Ronan watched as the yellow and orange flames screamed louder and louder and flew in all different directions. Students watched as firemen rushed on the scene and unloaded the truck. Some grabbed hoses while others checked with the Principle and staff to make sure that everyone was out and safe. While Ronan sat down on the freshly cut grass he couldn’t believe how this could happen. How could his senior year start out like this?

After an hour, the fire died down, leaving nothing but ashes behind.

Ronan watched as Principle Barns talked to the Fire Chief. Principle Barns nodded before shaking the Fire Chief’s hand and heading over to where some of the teachers and administrators stood.

Ronan, like all the other students, wanted to know what was going on. Finally, Principle Barns picked up the megaphone that was on the ground next to him: First off, no one is hurt. Everyone is here and that is good…but I am sorry to say that no one will be going to Alamo Heights High School. We will be contacting all parents and guardians right away and letting them know what has happened today. If you have any questions, do not be afraid to come and talk to me. Thank you, he lowered the megaphone and talked to Ms. Brown the school secretary.

Ronan got up and looked at what was once his high school one last time before turning and going to his car and heading home.

When Ronan got home, it was only two-thirty in the afternoon. He still had a few minutes before he had to pick his siblings up from school.

He walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of Coke. He took a sip from the bottle before walking into the living room and plopping down on the sofa. He still could not believe that his school burned down and now he had nowhere to go. Ronan continued to drink his pop until it was close to time for him to pick up his siblings from school. He got up and headed back out the front door and toward his car.

When he got to his car, he noticed a moving truck in front of the house across the street. He looked around and saw that a new family was moving in. He wanted to go over and say ‘hi,’ but he didn’t have time. He needed to focus on picking up his siblings from school. He got into the car and pulled out of the drive way, but before he drove off, he noticed a girl with light apple red hair walking toward the moving truck. He smiled and waved before continuing down the street.

When Ronan got to the middle school, he noticed his sisters, Augusta and Zona, waiting outside. He pulled up to the curb and let them climb in.

How was school? he asked while pulling back out of the parking lot.

Augusta looked out the window, It was fine, she answered while pulling her backpack closer to her. Ronan could tell something was wrong but decided not to ask. Instead he looked in the rearview mirror, What about you? he asked Zona.

She smiled while she pulled out a piece of paper from her backpack, I got a 100 on my science test, she said while holding up the paper so Ronan could see in the mirror.

He smiled, Great job, Zona, he said before turning right and driving down the street toward the elementary school. When he pulled up to the school, he saw his little brother, Grayson, talking to some of his friends. When Grayson saw the car, he waved and then said ‘bye’ to his friends before heading over.

Grayson climbed in back next to Zona and then shut the door, Hey guys, he said cheerfully.

Ronan pulled out of the parking lot and turned the car down the street, How was your day, Grayson? he asked while stopping at a red light.

Grayson shrugged, It was good. I did my presentation on the Killer Whale and Ms. Bean said it was really good and informative.

Ronan smiled, I knew you could do it bro, he continued down the street. Grayson beamed.

I’m so proud of you, Zona reached over and gave her younger brother a side hug, I bet Ms. Bean will give you an A.

Ronan turned onto their street and drove past the moving truck and the new family that was moving in. He pulled into the driveway and sighed: they were home again.

Augusta was the first to get out of the car and bolt indoors. Ronan, Zona, and Grayson got out of the car and closed their doors before looking across the street.

Do we have new neighbors? asked Grayson.

Ya, looks like it, answered Ronan before walking around the car and toward the front door.

Zona looked over at the family that was standing outside talking, Looks like they have boys your age.

Ronan looked over and noticed that there were some boys and the girl that he saw earlier carrying boxes inside, Come on you two. Let’s go decide what’s for dinner, he then turned and headed inside.

Both Zona and Grayson followed him inside.

Zona ran to get the door later that night when the doorbell went off. When she opened the door, a man and his wife stood in front of her. They both smiled at her, Hey there. We’re your new neighbors. I’m Jonathon Bryant and this is my wife Zoey.

Zona smiled back, Hi, I’m Zona. Do you have a daughter? I noticed earlier a girl standing outside your house, she was hoping that they did and that she was around her age.

Mrs. Bryant nodded, Yes, we do….but I’m afraid she’s older than you. She’s a senior in high school.

Zona let out a sigh, Oh. Okay, she said before turning to see Ronan walk up.

Hi. I’m Ronan. How can I help you? he stood behind Zona and looked at the people in front of him.

Mr. Bryant looked at him, I’m Jonathon Bryant and this is my wife Zoey. We’re your new neighbors.

Ronan nodded, Welcome to the neighborhood, he said while shaking Mr. Bryant’s hand.

Zona groaned, They only have one girl and she’s in high school.

Ronan raised his chin, Cool. Well, there’s Willowridge High School. It’s technically the only high school now since Alamo Heights burned down today.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bryant looked at him, shocked.

Oh my, said Mrs. Bryant. She looked at her husband then back at Ronan, I hope everyone’s okay.

Yes ma’am, Ronan assured her, Everyone’s fine, it’s just, now we have to transfer to Willowridge or drop out. I’m actually thinking of going. The Principle there knows about the fire so she’s aware of the situation.

Mr. Bryant nodded, Thank you for telling us. Do you, by chance, know how the fire started?

Ronan shook his head, Not right now. We might later, he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

Well…we’ll pray that God is watching over you and everyone who was affected, said Mr. Bryant.

Ronan bowed his head, Thank you.

He was about to ask Mr. Bryant if he needed help with anything, but was cut off when Grayson popped up beside him.

Hi! I’m Grayson.

Mrs. Bryant smiled, Hello Grayson, I’m Mrs. Bryant and I live next door, she said while holding out her hand.

Grayson looked at her hand. He shook his head and gave her a hug instead, I love hugs. I miss hugs, he said while holding on to Mrs. Bryant’s waist.

Mrs. Bryant was first surprised, but smiled and hugged him back, I love hugs too.

Grayson, Ronan shook his head. He couldn’t believe his brother was acting this way.

Don’t worry, Mrs. Bryant laughed, I don’t mind, and she stroked Grayson’s dark brown curls.

Ronan watched as Mrs. Bryant stroked Grayson’s hair, he knew Grayson missed their mom. He missed her too, but he tried not to show his emotions too much, especially around his younger siblings.

After a while, Grayson let go and Mr. and Mrs. Bryant smiled and said that they needed to get back home to their kids.

Grayson, Zona, and Ronan all waved and watched them head back across the street to their house. As they were walking back, Ronan saw the girl from earlier standing in the garage, waiting for her parents to come back. She smiled when her mom wrapped her arms around her and gave her a hug before following them into the house.

Zona smiled, I can’t wait to meet them all later, she said before heading back up the stairs to her bedroom. Ronan and Grayson closed the door and headed to the kitchen to start making dinner for everyone.

Early the next day, Ronan got up and headed toward the kitchen for his early coffee. When he got there, he noticed Augusta was sitting at the table drinking her milk and eating her cereal. Ronan looked at the stove clock and then back at Augusta, You do know it’s five in the morning, right? he walked over and sat down across from her.

Augusta shrugged, Is that a crime?

She took another bite of cereal while finishing up some last night’s assignments.

Ronan shook his head, It’s just…well you’re usually not up this early, he looked down at his coffee before taking a sip.

Augusta shrugged and went back to her homework. Ronan watched her for a few seconds. He wanted to say something else, wanted to ask if she was okay or if she was still upset from the other day, but decided not to. Instead, he got up and headed back upstairs to his room.

When he walked in, he headed toward his desk and sat down on his chair. He took another sip of coffee before setting the cup down next to his laptop.

Let’s see if there’s any news on the fire, he said while opening his laptop and clicking on his school web page. He scrolled down and noticed that there was a new article on the school

Alamo Heights fire was caused by a chemistry explosion in Ms. Thomas Chemistry class Thursday August 29, 2011. Students were immediately escorted out of the school. Thankfully no one was hurt.

Also, we are pleased to inform all students of Alamo Heights that our good friends from Willowridge are open to all students. Simply call and set up an appointment with the school and they will be happy to help you in any way possible.

Thank you and good luck,

Mules

Ronan scrolled down and noticed a link attached to the announcement. He clicked on the link, Okay. Let’s see, he scrolled down and looked at all the information that was on the webpage. He clicked on about WHS and read what was there:

WHS will prepare every student for college and or a career in the workforce. WHS will provide an environment where attaining a higher education is a reality for every student. Huh. Okay, he continued to scroll through the website, The mascot is an Eagle….guess that’s a better then being a Mule, he continued to read some of the other things on the website before clicking on the forms link. He was about to print it off when he heard footsteps outside his door. He sighed, exited out of the program and grabbed his coffee, Time to face another day, he said before walking out of the room.

When he walked into the hall, he noticed Augusta walking into the bathroom and Grayson was walking back to his room to get dressed. He turned and looked down the hall and saw that Zona’s bedroom door was still closed. He walked over and knocked, You up Zona? he asked. When he didn’t get a reply, he opened the door and saw a big lump in the bed.

Hey, time to get up sleepy head. It’s Friday and you have school, he said before stepping into the room.

Zona groaned before throwing the covers off, Can’t you call in and say I’m sick? she groaned.

Ronan shook his head, Get up. You can sleep in tomorrow, he said before walking back out into the hallway. He heard another groan before he closed the door.

Good morning Ronan, said Grayson while walking by and heading downstairs to get some breakfast. Ronan said good morning before heading back to his room and changing clothes. Before he left, he clicked on the link again and printed out the form and placed it on top of a stack of books. Maybe later, when he came back from dropping everyone off at school, he could sit down and fill out the form and take it to the school.

He walked back out and down the stairs and into the kitchen where Grayson was eating his Trix cereal and Zona was eating Honey Nut Cheerios. Augusta was finishing her toasted bagel with cream cheese.

Y’all about ready? asked Ronan while placing his cup in the sink.

Grayson finished his milk and, I’m ready.

He picked up his bowl and glass and placed them in the sink. Augusta threw her paper plate away then washed her hands in the sink while Zona placed her bowl and glass in the sink as well.

Let’s get going then, Ronan turned and headed toward the front door. They all walked out and toward the car that was parked in the driveway. When they got into the car, Ronan pulled out.

Hey, there’s a boy across the street that looks my age, Grayson pointed out the window.

Don’t point Grayson, said Zona while zipping up her backpack.

Grayson put his hands on his backpack, Sorry.

Ronan turned and drove down the street until they reached the middle school.

Bye you two. We’ll see you later, said Ronan while pulling up to the curb.

Augusta got out and headed straight inside, but Zona stayed behind, Thanks for driving us, Ronan. See you later. Good luck on the math test Grayson! she smiled before turning and heading inside.

Ronan and Grayson watched as both girls walked into the school and then pulled away and headed toward the elementary school.

He stood at the front desk in Willowridge High with his transcript in hand. The lady at the front desk gave him a smile and said that she’d take the form and that he needed to sit down and wait. He walked over to a chair that was leaning against the wall and watched as teachers and administrators talked and sorted lessons for the day.

He was watching a teacher at the copy machine making copies when he felt someone sit next to him. When he looked up, he saw the guy and girl from across the street. He heard the guy tell his sister that it was going to be okay and he would see if they could get some classes together.

Ronan watched as the girl fidgeted in her seat, I want to go back home, she whispered.

Ronan knew how the girl felt because he felt the same way.

You’re going to be fine, the guy whispered, I promise if anyone makes fun of you and bullies you, I’ll beat them up.

The girl sighed, Don’t do that. Dad and Mom will kill you if you do that again, she whispered back.

The boy shook his head, I don’t care. No one messes with my family.

Just don’t get in trouble again, the girl murmured before taking a deep breath.

Ronan tapped the boy’s shoulder, Hi, I’m Ronan. I…I couldn’t help but over hear your conversation. Don’t worry too much about bullies, I haven’t seen any, he said before looking at the girl.

The boy nodded, Thanks, but still. We should be careful and stuff. I’m Eli and this is my younger sister Cybil. We just moved here from Montana with our family.

Ronan smiled, Cool. Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Ronan Scott, and don’t worry, I’m new too, he said while sticking his hand out.

Eli shook his hand, Ya. You’re our neighbors. You met our parents Jonathon and Zoey last night.

Ronan acknowledged this, Well, welcome to the neighborhood.

Eli smiled gratefully, Thanks.

He was going to ask Ronan a question about some of the after school activities, but before he could, Principal Marcus came out of her office. She smiled at them before asking Ronan to follow her into her office.

Ronan got up and waved to the siblings, See ya later, he said, then walked into the Principal’s office.

After talking to Principle Marcus, Ronan walked out of her office with a new schedule in hand. He looked down at the paper: his first hour was English 101 with Mr. Rodriguez followed by World history with Coach Johnson. He noticed he had Geometry with Mr. Holly. He had heard that Mr. Holly was really good, but he wasn’t always easy to get along with. He also had Drama with Mrs. Danforth. He wanted something else to do, so Principle Marcus suggested Drama, It’s an easy class and I know you’ll enjoy it, was her answer.

Ronan continued to look at his schedule while he walked down the hall: he didn’t have any science classes because he had finished all his science credits his junior year. He had a free period in his schedule. He smiled and continued to walk down the hall.

He didn’t hear when someone called him until he looked up and saw Eli running to catch up. Ronan stopped and waited for Eli join him.

Hey, you okay? he asked.

Eli caught his breath, Yeah. I just wanted to see what your schedule is like….it would be great to have a…you know, friend on my first day at a new school.

Ronan held out his sheet, I think I have English 101 first with a Mr. Rodriguez. What about you?

Eli looked down at his schedule, I have him too. Hey, I’ll meet you there, I need to go back to the office and check on Cybil. I’m hoping she has some of the same classes as we do, he quickly turned around and headed back down the hall.

Ronan went on toward English 101.

Ronan found a seat in the middle of the class. He sat down with a notebook and pencil, Okay. I can do this, he said before looking up to the front of the class. A few students were there as well talking with one another and waiting for class to start.

Ronan sighed and then saw Eli and Cybil walk into the class, Eli said something to Cybil who nodded and followed him over to Ronan. The two of them sat down, Eli behind Ronan and Cybil sat in the desk next to Ronan, Hey Ronan, I was going to ask earlier if you know if this school has a soccer team. I was thinking of trying out this year.

Ronan turned around so he could see Eli, I think so. I was planning on trying out too. I think Coach Ray has a sign-up sheet in his classroom or we could sign up during lunch later.

Eli nodded, okay. Thanks, he then reached into his backpack for a notebook and pencil.

Ronan turned around and looked over at Cybil who was already writing things down in her notebook, What are you writing? The teacher isn’t even here yet.

Cybil looked at him, I just want to be prepared, she said before turning back to her paper.

Ronan looked back at Eli with a confused face.

She’s putting her header on her paper. You know name, class, hour, date. She likes to be ready for when the teacher asks us to write something like a paper or essay or we have to take notes.

Okay, he looked down at his own paper and wrote his name on the top right hand corner along with the date. When he looked up, he saw Cybil looking at him.

What? I’m just writing my name on my paper, he said before looking at the door to see Mr. Rodriguez walk in.

Mr. Rodriguez set his bag on his desk before turning to his class, Good morning class. Welcome to Willowridge High. Please open your books to page 424 and read pages 424-434.

2

Cybil

Later when Cybil and Eli walked into the front door they heard their mother in the kitchen talking to their Uncle Burt. The two walked into the kitchen and saw their Uncle sitting at the table with their younger brother Levi while their mom was at the sink washing dishes.

Eli walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed himself an apple before walking to the island counter. Cybil placed her bag on the table and sat down next to her Uncle.

How was school today? he reached over and wrapped his arm around her, giving her a side hug.

Cybil shrugged, It was okay. Eli met Ronan from next door while we were in the office she leaned her head on her Uncle’s shoulder.

Levi looked over at her and asked why they were in the office.

Because we needed to talk to the Principle and get our new schedules, buddy, answered Eli before taking a bite of his apple.

Mrs. Bryant turned and looked at her kids, Did you have a good day? she asked, looking more at Cybil than Eli.

Yes mom, Cybil replied, Now I’m going upstairs to do my homework before it gets too late and I forget everything I’ve learned today.

She picked up her bag and headed up the stairs to her bedroom.

When she was gone, Mrs. Bryant looked at Eli, Was everything okay?

Eli confirmed his sister’s report, Yes, Mom, it was, and I talked to the Principle and I have all but one class with her.

Mrs. Bryant smiled, a little relieved, Good. Why don’t you head up and do your homework? Dinner will be ready soon. We’re having lasagna and salad tonight, she then turned back to the sink.

Eli picked up his backpack and ruffled Levi’s dark hair before heading up to his room. It was a good day and he was glad that he met a new friend at school. He knew Cybil was nervous about meeting new people, but she’d open up later once she got to know Ronan.

Cybil put down her pencil and fell back on her bed. Finally, she was finished with her geometry homework. Cybil never understood why someone would ever want to put letters and numbers together in math problems.

She looked over at her clock, It’s only 7 o’clock, she sighed before getting up and collecting her papers and books together.

As she placed them on her desk, she heard someone knock on her bedroom door. She turned to see Eli standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets, Hey Cybil. You get all your homework done?

Yup, just finished, Cybil walked back over to her bed and plopped back down.

Eli sat down next to her, Great. I’m really proud of you. I don’t think I would ever be able to do what you do every day, he looked at Cybil with a smile.

Cybil looked down at her hands and shrugged, I try not to let them bother me….I just deal with it and do my best.

That’s good, Eli said, I mean, sure you might be different and have a lot more challenges than others, but you don’t let that stop you. You figure a way and you do what you can. Even when you’re given a tough problem, you still figure out a solution, he gave her a hug before getting up, I love you and I hope that no matter what you continue doing and being who you are.

Cybil smiled and watched as Eli walked out and down the hall. She looked down at her hands and sighed, No one thought I’d get this far because of my APERTS. They all thought I’d die before I was five…Guess I proved them wrong, she whispered before getting up and closing her door. It had been a long day and it was time for bed. Cybil changed into her pajamas and then climbed into bed.

Before she fell asleep, she turned and looked out her window and prayed, "Thank you God for all the wonderful things you have done. Thank you for getting me through all the bumps in the road. Please help me face a new year at a new school and please help me find a friend that will love me for me and won’t be