Disclaimer: Hey! I don't own Peter, Sophie, Scott, Shelby etc. FF owns them, I think. I
own Ashley, her mom, her step-dad and anyone else you don't recognize. Just
to get you guys up to speed, Cat's gone to college, David is a proper
member of the cliffhangers, Peter and Sophie are engaged and Sophie has
moved in with Peter. I've written this story in TV format, so it's just
like the show.
*******************************************************************************
THE CLIFFHANGERS RETURN
Chapter 1
Scene opens on Peter, Sophie and the Cliffhangers walking out of the woods and towards the lodge.
Shelby: God Peter, we've only been back a week and your already dragging us into the
woods.
Peter: Shelby it was just a little nature walk, to get you guys familiar with the different
types of shrubs and plants.
Jules: I don't plan on having shrubs in my future so it was a waste of time!
Peter: Jules it's over now, calm down.
Jules: *whining* I need a shower!
Shelby: Yeah we can tell, so do us all a favor and go have one!
The Cliffhangers walk off to their dorms and Peter and Sophie continue walking to the Ad. Building, they turn around when they hear a car pull up. A beat up old car drives into the clearing and the second it stops a girl jumps out.
Peter: Must be the new admit, I'm putting her in the Cliffhangers. She has a pretty bad
record.
A rough looking man jumps out of the car and grabs her arm, pulling her back towards the car. She struggles free of his grasp and turns to walk away but he grabs the hood on her sweater, yanking her backwards. He lets her go and grabs her bags from the car while she tries to catch her breath. The guy throws one of her bags on the ground, throws the next at her and then the next on the ground. She catches the bag he throws at her and lunges it at his head. He grabs it and throws it at her feet and grabs her arm roughly. He sees Peter and Sophie walking towards them and lets her go and puts a big smile on his face. He bends down to the bag at the girl's feet and says 'I'll get that for you honey' but she kicks it out of his reach while holding her throat.
Peter intervenes and says: Hi, I'm Peter Scarbrow, the director here at Horizon and this
is Sophie Becker, one of the counselors.
Sophie: Hi
Man: Hi, I'm Jack Spencer and this is Ashley Harris, my step-daughter
Peter: Hi Ashley, I'm Peter and this is Sophie, she'll be your counselor.
He puts out his hand not expecting her to shake it but is surprised when she shakes his and Sophie's.
Peter: OK, Mr. Spencer there's some paperwork we need to go through so if you follow
me............
Jack: Actually my wife isn't feeling very well so we are going to hurry home. I have the
paperwork filled out in the car, I'll go get it.
Peter and Sophie watch him leave to go to the car. Sophie turns to Ashley
Sophie: So is your mom in the car?
Ashley: *dryly* yeah if you could even call her that. She's too drunk to get out.
Jack comes back : Here's the paperwork. We must be going, bye Ashley.
He runs to the car and gets in and drives off.
Ashley: *dryly* Just shows how much they really care huh?
Peter: Your step-father seemed.........
Ashley: *sarcastically* Yeah isn't he just great? It was so nice of his parole officer to
give him the day off!
Sophie: He's in jail?
Ashley: (she mutters) he should be
Peter hears what she says but says: What was that?
Ashley: Nothing.
Peter: OK, Sophie will do your bag check and after your physical we'll introduce you to
your group and give you a tour of the campus.
Ashley: OK
Ashley walks ahead of them and Peter looks at Sophie strangely.
Peter: She's actually being co-operative, never really seen that in a newbie before.
Sophie: She doesn't seem upset about being here, she must have been really desperate
to get away from home.
Peter: Judging by that scene with her step-father I don't blame her.
Peter and Sophie follow Ashley and the opening credits fade in
Credits:
Peter
Sophie
Scott
Shelby
Ashley
Auggie
Jules
Daisy
Ezra
David
*******************************************************************************Scene opens on Sophie going through Ashley's bags.
Sophie: You've got a lot of stuff that you won't need up here
Ashley: I didn't pack my bags, they did. They basically just threw everything that was
mine into those bags. *sarcastically* Almost as if they're getting rid of all proof
of my existence.
Sophie: I'm sure that's not the case.
Ashley (getting defensive): And what would you know? You don't know anything about me.
You live on some mountain in the middle of nowhere and think
that's the world. Well it's not the real world. I've been there
and it's something you probably can't even imagine.
Sophie: I've lived in the real world and I know how bad it can get.
Ashley: Yeah well, you haven't lived in my world.
*******************************************************************************
Later that day
Peter: OK Ashley your bag check and physical went fine. Groups about to start so why
don't you follow me and you can meet your new group.
Ashley: Yeah, great
Peter and Ashley walk into the lodge where all the cliffhangers and Sophie are seated.
Peter: OK guys, this is Ashley Harris, the newest member of the Cliffhangers
Ashley: *unenthusiastically* hey
Jules squeals and a chorus of 'hey's' and 'hi's' are heard throughout the room. Peter directs Ashley to sit down in the spare seat beside Shelby
Peter: OK, in tonight's group I want you to introduce yourselves to Ashley and tell her
why you think you're here. Let's start with......David
David: OK, people around here call me David, but my real name's Bob and I used to be a
woman.
Everyone laughs
Peter: try again David
David: I'm David and I'm here because my dad's an army Physco and I couldn't live up to
his standards. (he looks at Peter) Better?
Peter: Much, Scott?
Scott: Ah, I'm Scott and I'm here 'cos of drugs. Shel?
Shelby: I'm Shelby and um, I'm here because my mom got tired of dragging me home
everytime I ran away so she pays Peter to do it. Daisy?
Daisy: I'm Daisy, don't let the name fool you, I'm here because my dad had a metal plate
in his head and the golf club I just happened to be holding directly above it was
magnetically pulled towards him and also because my parents were drunks.
Peter: Um, thanks Dais.
Once everyone had finished introducing themselves and telling their stories, they all turned to Ashley
Ashley: What?
Daisy: We all shared our pained pasts, now it's your turn.
Ashley: You know, I would but somehow I don't think it would be as interesting as yours
David: *smirking* why don't you tell us anyway?
Ashley: (smiles) OK, My name's Ashley and I'm here because when my mother finally took
the time to take custody of me away from my abusive father, she moved me to
the worst part of L.A where she proceeded to marry the drunkest druggie she
could find. I wasn't very happy about this arrangement so I ran away, they never
bothered to look for me so when the cops found me they decided that I would
benefit more from this wonderful establishment than being at home. So here I
am! Any questions?
Everyone looks at her with shocked expressions on their faces. Peter finally breaks the silence
Peter: Um, thank you Ashley for sharing that with us. OK guys, before you leave I want
one word. I feel- Scott?
Scott: um, fine. Shel?
Shelby: intrigued. Ashley?
Ashley: um, I feel......bored. Ah, she looks around the circle and finally sets her eyes on
Jules and says 'scream girl'?
Shelby laughs
Jules: Um, happy. Aug?
Auggie: Angry, he glares at Ashley when he says this. Dais?
Daisy: Content. Ez?
Ezra says 'amused' with a small smile on his face. 'David?'
David: he looks at Ashley and grins evilly and says 'turned on'
Ashley: Please!, find someone you actually have a chance with to drool over.
Peter: David
David: OK, OK, I feel tired.
Peter: Now explain why you feel that way
Scott: I feel fine 'cos nothings bothering me right now.
Shelby: I'm intrigued because the newbie's story is like mine. Ashley looks at her when
she hears this
Ashley: Um, I Ah, I feel bored 'cos this is lame
Jules: I'm happy 'cos we have a newbie and it's a girl!
Shelby whispers to Ashley: That's not a good thing
Ashley: *smiles* I know
Auggie: I'm angry, 'cos the newbie dissed Jules!
Ashley: Ahhhhh, the barrio boy defending the little rich girl. How Romeo and Juliet!
Shelby laughs and Auggie stands up
Auggie: YO, you better step off!
Ashley laughs: Or what?, you'll spray paint me to death?
Auggie site down still angry.
Peter: OK guys that's enough group for tonight. Dinners in 30 minutes so you can do what
you want 'till then. Shelby would you give Ashley the grand tour please?
Shelby: So I'm finally guide worthy huh?
Sophie: Yup, so get going
Shelby and Ashley leave and the rest of the cliffhangers scatter around the lodge.
*******************************************************************************
Girl's Dorm
Shelby and Ashley walk in the door. Ashley's carrying two of her bags and Shelby has the other. Shelby put the bag down on Cat's old bed which is next to her's.
Shelby: OK, you can either have this bed here beside me, the loner one in the corner or
the one by Queenie.
Ashley: I think it'll be safer if I take this bed. She sits down on Cat's bed and sighs.
Shelby: I know this place doesn't sound great, but it's really not that bad once you get
used to it.
Ashley: yeah, right
Shelby: So, do you...uh, need a hand unpacking?
Ashley looked at Shelby and tried to figure out why this girl that had been mean to everyone else was being so nice to her. She decided to accept the offer because it would probably be the only nice thing anyone would do for from now on. Once they had all Ashley's things unpacked and put into her closet space, they went to dinner.
*******************************************************************************
In The Cafeteria
Shelby and Ashley walk into the queue and grab some trays, They make their way towards the Cliffhanger's table. Shelby sits beside Scott to his pleasure and Ashley sits next to
her.
Ashley: This doesn't even resemble food
Shelby laughs: Yeah I know it's terrible. They always put the word surprise at the end of
the name of the meal.
Ezra: that's how we know it's not real food.
Ashley laughs: Yeah
David looks over at her and flashes her an evil grin: You know, your really hot!
Ashley looks at him and puts on a seductive smile and says: REALLY???, she looks back at her food and says: Cos you're not!
Everyone laughs but David ignores them and says: Ahhhh, playin hard to get? I like that
Ashley: don't even bother Bob!, you have a better chance getting with Peter than you do
with me.
Everyone laughs again and David just storms out embarrassed
Ezra: Wow, Shelby's usually the only one that can get that kind of reaction from Dave
Aug (laughs): Guess she has some competition!
*******************************************************************************
Later That Night
Peter locks his office door and walks out of the A.D building and towards the Cliff boy's dorm. He goes in and does a head check. Once he's satisfied everyone's where they should be, he walks over to the Cliff girl's dorm. Usually Sophie would do the girls bed check but she had gone home early to get a head start on some paperwork. Peter walks in cautiously and looks at each bed. Jules, Daisy, Shelby all asleep, but no Ashley. He walks outside and scans the campus. He's just about to go call Curtis and tell him they have a runner when he hears a sound behind the art shed. He walks over and sees Ashley with a basketball. She shoots the ball at the hoop and it goes in perfectly. Peter watches her for a few minutes and is amazed that she never misses a shot. Finally he steps out onto the court and picks up the ball that had rolled behind Ashley. She didn't see him and was startled when he says 'hey' and throws her the ball.
Ashley: Thanks, she shoots the ball and again it glides in perfectly.
Peter: Your pretty good.
Ashley: I played a lot back ho......um, in LA. Wasn't much else to do
Peter knew she was going to say 'home' but he doesn't say anything. He makes a mental note to write down the fact that she feels uncomfortable calling her so-called home, 'Home'.
Ashley: So you going to give me my punishment or what?
Peter (he thinks for a moment): Well, Usually if someone gets caught outside after lights
out they shuns. But, I'm not going to give you any, IF you
tell me why you're out here. Ashley throws the ball in the net. She knows Peter's trying to get her to talk about her past but she dodges the question: I couldn't sleep and I got sick of seeing Juliet smile in
her sleep.
Peter (smiles): Yeah well, I'll let you off this time but I don't want you out here at night
again.
Ashley (looks at her surprised): Thanks, she throws him the ball and walks off to her dorm. Peter sighs and looks at the ball. He throws it at the net but it bounces off the rim and rolls across the court. He cringes 'good thing nobody saw that'. He puts the ball back in the shed and drives home.
*******************************************************************************
The Next Morning
Ashley picks up a tray and walks over to the Cliffhanger table. She takes the empty seat beside David.
David: Morning beautiful, how was your first night at our institution for teenagers in
turmoil
Daisy laughs and punches David's shoulder
Ashley sighs: Now I know why this seat is empty.
Scott: Oh hey, Peter told us to tell you that he wants to see you in his office after
breakfast.
Daisy: Ohhhh, your gonna get the "I know you don't trust me yet, but I'm here if you
wanna talk" speech.
Ashley: Great, just what I need.
Ezra: It's not that bad, basically he just asks you why you think you're here and what you
want to gain from being here.
Jules (smiles widely): Don't worry, you'll be fine. I got through it easily.
She gets up and Auggie and her leave.
Ashley: Why doesn't that comfort me?
Scott: Peter's cool, you can talk to him. And don't worry, YOU-WILL-BE-FINE. (smiles)
Come on Shel
Scott and Shelby get up and leave, as does Daisy who gets followed by Ezra.
David turns to Ashley and smiles: Well, I guess it's just you and me then.
Ashley: Ugh, I'm going already
Ashley walks out leaving David with a smile on his face.
*******************************************************************************
In Peter's Office
Sophie: Do you want me to stay or can you handle this on your own?
Peter: Actually, I think it would be better if you stayed.
Sophie's about to say something when she's interrupted by a knock on the door
Peter: Come in
Ashley opens the door and leans against the door frame: You wanted to see me?
Peter: Yeah, take a seat. He points to the chair in front of the desk he is sitting behind and which Sophie is sitting on the corner of. Ashley closes the door and cautiously sits in the chair.
Peter: Well, I, I mean We, just wanted to discuss your records and see if we can get an
insight into what landed you here.
Ashley: I think my record states that pretty clearly.
Sophie: Usually parents don't know the full story so they can't put it down in the records.
Why don't you tell us why YOU think you're here, in your own words.
Ashley (sighs): Well *sarcastically* I guess it all started when my father decided that
drinking then beating the crap outta me was fun, so he did it for 12 years.
Peter: It says here that when you were 12 your mother divorced your father and took
custody of you. And that you have a restraining order on your father, is that right
Ashley: Yeah, more or less
Peter: Well, tell us exactly what happened.
Ashley sighs again: My father physically abused me (she hesitates and Peter notices this)
and my mother and finally when I was 12 she called the cops and
divorced him. She got me and pressed charges against him for the
abuse, but seeing how he is a big shot lawyer, his friends got him out
of it. I've had a restraining order on him ever since.
Ashley says all this with an emotionless expression on her face and Sophie notices this and giver Peter a worried look.
Peter: So you (he looks at her file) then moved to Los Angeles with your mother, yes?
Ashley: Yeah, um my mom moved me to the worst part of LA where 2 months later, when
the money she got from my dad in the divorce ran out, she married that jerk you
met yesterday.
Peter picks up on her hostility towards her step-father and discretely shows Sophie a note saying 'push the step-father factor'.
Sophie nods and says: Your mom wrote in your records that you didn't get along with your
step-father because after what happened with your father you
felt you couldn't trust another male figure in your life. Is that
correct?
Ashley (getting mad): Yeah right, of course she would say that, I hate him because he's a
total prick who's no better than my dad.
Ashley realizes she just let something slip that she shouldn't have and tries to cover it up: um I mean he's a, he's a um, he's a JERK.
Peter realizes that she's trying to cover up something so he tries to get it out of her
Peter: How is your step-father like your dad?
Ashley's frustrated that she let down her guard so soon: He's not, I didn't mean to say that. I ment that he's just a, he's really annoying.
Peter sees that she's getting really angry so he tries to think of another way to get her to talk about her parents. He knows that from what she let slip that her parents are the roots of her problems so he asks her why she ran away?
Ashley: *sarcastically* Well, I guess it started when I came home from school to find my
mom in bed with Jack.
She sighs and takes a more serious tone
Ashley: When I walked in, I didn't know who Jack was so I said 'Who the hell are you'. My
mom screams at me and I quote 'Don't be so rude to your new step-father, make
yourself useful and clean the kitchen'. (she skips a beat) So he moves into our
crummy apartment where him and mom spend all the money on beer and other
"illegal substances" (she makes bunny ears when she says that), so with there
being no food and all, I decided that being on the streets would be better than
living at home so I ran. The cops found me and brought me back.
Peter: Then a month after that you ran away again and the police brought you home (he
watches her face when he says 'home' and isn't that surprised when she rolls her
eyes when she hears him say it) a few weeks later.
Ashley: Yeah
Peter: So 2 months ago, you run away for the third time and the police decide to bring
you here, where you are the first person to benefit from our scholarship fund.
Ashley: *sarcastically* I feel so honored
Peter tries to break her one more time and says: You want to tell us again why you ran away so many times?
Ashley: God, I already told you, the streets were more appealing than home was so that's
where I went.
Peter knows she's not going to say anymore so he closes her file and nods to Sophie
Sophie: OK, you can go
Peter: But Ashley, if you ever need to talk, we're here. Any time, OK?
Ashley: Yeah, sure. And she walks out.
Peter: We've got a tough one
Sophie: Yeah, I know. She reminds me of every single cliffhanger.
Peter: Yeah?
Sophie: Yeah I mean, she hit the streets like Shelby and Auggie, she has a temper like
Scott's, that I triggered yesterday while I was searching her bags. She seems to
have major issues with her mother like Juliet and she had to go through a
divorce like Ezra. Also she said that her mother spent all the money on beer,
which is like Daisy's parents.
Peter: What about David?
Sophie (laughs): Please, no-one's like David, but the over-bearing father is similar.
Peter: Yeah. OK, let's go, I have an idea.
Sophie: What?
Peter: Just come on, you'll see. I think it'll help the Cliffhangers accept Ashley.
Sophie: OK, whatever you say mountain man.
*******************************************************************************
Outside
All the Cliffhangers are gathered around a picnic table talking and laughing. Peter and Sophie step out of the lodge and see them. They walk over.
Peter: OK gang, everyone listen up. We're gonna play a game.
Jules: *whining* Peter
Peter: Come on Jules, it'll be fun. He looks at Ashley and says: Just a little basketball
game.
Ashley looks at him with a questioning glance
Peter: what do you say Ashley, you up for a game?
Ashley (smiles): Yeah, why not.
Peter: All right cliffhangers, everyone on the court. The teams will be Scott, Auggie,
Jules and Daisy versus Ashley, David, Shelby and Ezra.
Scott: Oh, we are gonna cream them!
David: Hey, watch your mouth Scottie! I know Ezra's crap but Shelby and I happen to be
quite good, and we haven't seen the newbie play. She might be a she-Kobe!!!
Auggie: Yeah, we'll see. Here, he throws David the ball. We'll let the losers start. He
slaps hands with Scott.
David: You are going to eat your words my little Spanish alien-friend
(I don't mean to offend any Spanish people by saying this, I was just using it as a
reference in my story. Sorry if it offended anybody, that wasn't my intention.)
Peter: OK guys, let's play. He blows a whistle.
David dribbles the ball and passes it to Shelby. She starts running towards the net but Scott grabs her waist and she forgets about the game and drops the ball. Ezra picks it up and un-graciously throws it to David. He gets around Jules and passes to Ashley when Auggie tries to tackle him. Ashley grabs the ball, runs around Daisy, easily passes Jules, fakes a left then turns right and out runs Scott, who had finally let Shelby go. She pulls a dummy and does a high spin and perfectly puts the ball in the net. The ball comes out of the net and falls on top of a dumbfounded Auggie's head. All the cliffhangers look at Ashley shocked, Peter just smiles.
Auggie: Did you just do that?
Ashley: Don't look so surprised! I did live in LA remember? It was either play basketball
or map out drive-by shootings!
(Again I don't mean to offend anyone from LA. Personally I love LA, I've never
been to the bad part of LA so I don't know what it's like, but I just used it as a
reference in my story. Sorry is I offended anyone.)
Auggie (laughs): Well I guess we got ourselves a cool newbie. Welcome to the
Cliffhangers!
Everyone praises Ashley her except David. Ashley looks at him.
Ashley (smiles): What?, you think you can do better?
David smiles widely and grabs her and hugs her tightly.
David: Thank you sooooo much.
Ashley (struggling to get free): Um, yeah sure, anytime (she skips a beat) Now let me go!
David (still holding her tightly): Um...........................no
Ashley laughs and pushes him off her.
Ashley: Come on Davey boy, we have a game to win
They start playing again and Ezra tries to score a basket and he falls on top of Jules and she screams. Shelby and Ashley start laughing and Ezra throws the ball at them and both go to catch it and end up falling as well.
Peter: I guess this was one of my better ideas.
Sophie (playfully pushes him): yeah, yeah, yeah, come on. I wanna play!
Sophie drags Peter onto the court and they join in the game.
Scene ends with Peter, Sophie and all the Cliffhangers laughing and smiling, enjoying one of their happier moments on HIGHER GROUND.
*** SINEAD ***
PLEASE REVIEW.
IT ONLY TAKES A SECOND
I WANT 5 BEFORE I POST THE SECOND CHAPTER
PLEASE
own Ashley, her mom, her step-dad and anyone else you don't recognize. Just
to get you guys up to speed, Cat's gone to college, David is a proper
member of the cliffhangers, Peter and Sophie are engaged and Sophie has
moved in with Peter. I've written this story in TV format, so it's just
like the show.
*******************************************************************************
THE CLIFFHANGERS RETURN
Chapter 1
Scene opens on Peter, Sophie and the Cliffhangers walking out of the woods and towards the lodge.
Shelby: God Peter, we've only been back a week and your already dragging us into the
woods.
Peter: Shelby it was just a little nature walk, to get you guys familiar with the different
types of shrubs and plants.
Jules: I don't plan on having shrubs in my future so it was a waste of time!
Peter: Jules it's over now, calm down.
Jules: *whining* I need a shower!
Shelby: Yeah we can tell, so do us all a favor and go have one!
The Cliffhangers walk off to their dorms and Peter and Sophie continue walking to the Ad. Building, they turn around when they hear a car pull up. A beat up old car drives into the clearing and the second it stops a girl jumps out.
Peter: Must be the new admit, I'm putting her in the Cliffhangers. She has a pretty bad
record.
A rough looking man jumps out of the car and grabs her arm, pulling her back towards the car. She struggles free of his grasp and turns to walk away but he grabs the hood on her sweater, yanking her backwards. He lets her go and grabs her bags from the car while she tries to catch her breath. The guy throws one of her bags on the ground, throws the next at her and then the next on the ground. She catches the bag he throws at her and lunges it at his head. He grabs it and throws it at her feet and grabs her arm roughly. He sees Peter and Sophie walking towards them and lets her go and puts a big smile on his face. He bends down to the bag at the girl's feet and says 'I'll get that for you honey' but she kicks it out of his reach while holding her throat.
Peter intervenes and says: Hi, I'm Peter Scarbrow, the director here at Horizon and this
is Sophie Becker, one of the counselors.
Sophie: Hi
Man: Hi, I'm Jack Spencer and this is Ashley Harris, my step-daughter
Peter: Hi Ashley, I'm Peter and this is Sophie, she'll be your counselor.
He puts out his hand not expecting her to shake it but is surprised when she shakes his and Sophie's.
Peter: OK, Mr. Spencer there's some paperwork we need to go through so if you follow
me............
Jack: Actually my wife isn't feeling very well so we are going to hurry home. I have the
paperwork filled out in the car, I'll go get it.
Peter and Sophie watch him leave to go to the car. Sophie turns to Ashley
Sophie: So is your mom in the car?
Ashley: *dryly* yeah if you could even call her that. She's too drunk to get out.
Jack comes back : Here's the paperwork. We must be going, bye Ashley.
He runs to the car and gets in and drives off.
Ashley: *dryly* Just shows how much they really care huh?
Peter: Your step-father seemed.........
Ashley: *sarcastically* Yeah isn't he just great? It was so nice of his parole officer to
give him the day off!
Sophie: He's in jail?
Ashley: (she mutters) he should be
Peter hears what she says but says: What was that?
Ashley: Nothing.
Peter: OK, Sophie will do your bag check and after your physical we'll introduce you to
your group and give you a tour of the campus.
Ashley: OK
Ashley walks ahead of them and Peter looks at Sophie strangely.
Peter: She's actually being co-operative, never really seen that in a newbie before.
Sophie: She doesn't seem upset about being here, she must have been really desperate
to get away from home.
Peter: Judging by that scene with her step-father I don't blame her.
Peter and Sophie follow Ashley and the opening credits fade in
Credits:
Peter
Sophie
Scott
Shelby
Ashley
Auggie
Jules
Daisy
Ezra
David
*******************************************************************************Scene opens on Sophie going through Ashley's bags.
Sophie: You've got a lot of stuff that you won't need up here
Ashley: I didn't pack my bags, they did. They basically just threw everything that was
mine into those bags. *sarcastically* Almost as if they're getting rid of all proof
of my existence.
Sophie: I'm sure that's not the case.
Ashley (getting defensive): And what would you know? You don't know anything about me.
You live on some mountain in the middle of nowhere and think
that's the world. Well it's not the real world. I've been there
and it's something you probably can't even imagine.
Sophie: I've lived in the real world and I know how bad it can get.
Ashley: Yeah well, you haven't lived in my world.
*******************************************************************************
Later that day
Peter: OK Ashley your bag check and physical went fine. Groups about to start so why
don't you follow me and you can meet your new group.
Ashley: Yeah, great
Peter and Ashley walk into the lodge where all the cliffhangers and Sophie are seated.
Peter: OK guys, this is Ashley Harris, the newest member of the Cliffhangers
Ashley: *unenthusiastically* hey
Jules squeals and a chorus of 'hey's' and 'hi's' are heard throughout the room. Peter directs Ashley to sit down in the spare seat beside Shelby
Peter: OK, in tonight's group I want you to introduce yourselves to Ashley and tell her
why you think you're here. Let's start with......David
David: OK, people around here call me David, but my real name's Bob and I used to be a
woman.
Everyone laughs
Peter: try again David
David: I'm David and I'm here because my dad's an army Physco and I couldn't live up to
his standards. (he looks at Peter) Better?
Peter: Much, Scott?
Scott: Ah, I'm Scott and I'm here 'cos of drugs. Shel?
Shelby: I'm Shelby and um, I'm here because my mom got tired of dragging me home
everytime I ran away so she pays Peter to do it. Daisy?
Daisy: I'm Daisy, don't let the name fool you, I'm here because my dad had a metal plate
in his head and the golf club I just happened to be holding directly above it was
magnetically pulled towards him and also because my parents were drunks.
Peter: Um, thanks Dais.
Once everyone had finished introducing themselves and telling their stories, they all turned to Ashley
Ashley: What?
Daisy: We all shared our pained pasts, now it's your turn.
Ashley: You know, I would but somehow I don't think it would be as interesting as yours
David: *smirking* why don't you tell us anyway?
Ashley: (smiles) OK, My name's Ashley and I'm here because when my mother finally took
the time to take custody of me away from my abusive father, she moved me to
the worst part of L.A where she proceeded to marry the drunkest druggie she
could find. I wasn't very happy about this arrangement so I ran away, they never
bothered to look for me so when the cops found me they decided that I would
benefit more from this wonderful establishment than being at home. So here I
am! Any questions?
Everyone looks at her with shocked expressions on their faces. Peter finally breaks the silence
Peter: Um, thank you Ashley for sharing that with us. OK guys, before you leave I want
one word. I feel- Scott?
Scott: um, fine. Shel?
Shelby: intrigued. Ashley?
Ashley: um, I feel......bored. Ah, she looks around the circle and finally sets her eyes on
Jules and says 'scream girl'?
Shelby laughs
Jules: Um, happy. Aug?
Auggie: Angry, he glares at Ashley when he says this. Dais?
Daisy: Content. Ez?
Ezra says 'amused' with a small smile on his face. 'David?'
David: he looks at Ashley and grins evilly and says 'turned on'
Ashley: Please!, find someone you actually have a chance with to drool over.
Peter: David
David: OK, OK, I feel tired.
Peter: Now explain why you feel that way
Scott: I feel fine 'cos nothings bothering me right now.
Shelby: I'm intrigued because the newbie's story is like mine. Ashley looks at her when
she hears this
Ashley: Um, I Ah, I feel bored 'cos this is lame
Jules: I'm happy 'cos we have a newbie and it's a girl!
Shelby whispers to Ashley: That's not a good thing
Ashley: *smiles* I know
Auggie: I'm angry, 'cos the newbie dissed Jules!
Ashley: Ahhhhh, the barrio boy defending the little rich girl. How Romeo and Juliet!
Shelby laughs and Auggie stands up
Auggie: YO, you better step off!
Ashley laughs: Or what?, you'll spray paint me to death?
Auggie site down still angry.
Peter: OK guys that's enough group for tonight. Dinners in 30 minutes so you can do what
you want 'till then. Shelby would you give Ashley the grand tour please?
Shelby: So I'm finally guide worthy huh?
Sophie: Yup, so get going
Shelby and Ashley leave and the rest of the cliffhangers scatter around the lodge.
*******************************************************************************
Girl's Dorm
Shelby and Ashley walk in the door. Ashley's carrying two of her bags and Shelby has the other. Shelby put the bag down on Cat's old bed which is next to her's.
Shelby: OK, you can either have this bed here beside me, the loner one in the corner or
the one by Queenie.
Ashley: I think it'll be safer if I take this bed. She sits down on Cat's bed and sighs.
Shelby: I know this place doesn't sound great, but it's really not that bad once you get
used to it.
Ashley: yeah, right
Shelby: So, do you...uh, need a hand unpacking?
Ashley looked at Shelby and tried to figure out why this girl that had been mean to everyone else was being so nice to her. She decided to accept the offer because it would probably be the only nice thing anyone would do for from now on. Once they had all Ashley's things unpacked and put into her closet space, they went to dinner.
*******************************************************************************
In The Cafeteria
Shelby and Ashley walk into the queue and grab some trays, They make their way towards the Cliffhanger's table. Shelby sits beside Scott to his pleasure and Ashley sits next to
her.
Ashley: This doesn't even resemble food
Shelby laughs: Yeah I know it's terrible. They always put the word surprise at the end of
the name of the meal.
Ezra: that's how we know it's not real food.
Ashley laughs: Yeah
David looks over at her and flashes her an evil grin: You know, your really hot!
Ashley looks at him and puts on a seductive smile and says: REALLY???, she looks back at her food and says: Cos you're not!
Everyone laughs but David ignores them and says: Ahhhh, playin hard to get? I like that
Ashley: don't even bother Bob!, you have a better chance getting with Peter than you do
with me.
Everyone laughs again and David just storms out embarrassed
Ezra: Wow, Shelby's usually the only one that can get that kind of reaction from Dave
Aug (laughs): Guess she has some competition!
*******************************************************************************
Later That Night
Peter locks his office door and walks out of the A.D building and towards the Cliff boy's dorm. He goes in and does a head check. Once he's satisfied everyone's where they should be, he walks over to the Cliff girl's dorm. Usually Sophie would do the girls bed check but she had gone home early to get a head start on some paperwork. Peter walks in cautiously and looks at each bed. Jules, Daisy, Shelby all asleep, but no Ashley. He walks outside and scans the campus. He's just about to go call Curtis and tell him they have a runner when he hears a sound behind the art shed. He walks over and sees Ashley with a basketball. She shoots the ball at the hoop and it goes in perfectly. Peter watches her for a few minutes and is amazed that she never misses a shot. Finally he steps out onto the court and picks up the ball that had rolled behind Ashley. She didn't see him and was startled when he says 'hey' and throws her the ball.
Ashley: Thanks, she shoots the ball and again it glides in perfectly.
Peter: Your pretty good.
Ashley: I played a lot back ho......um, in LA. Wasn't much else to do
Peter knew she was going to say 'home' but he doesn't say anything. He makes a mental note to write down the fact that she feels uncomfortable calling her so-called home, 'Home'.
Ashley: So you going to give me my punishment or what?
Peter (he thinks for a moment): Well, Usually if someone gets caught outside after lights
out they shuns. But, I'm not going to give you any, IF you
tell me why you're out here. Ashley throws the ball in the net. She knows Peter's trying to get her to talk about her past but she dodges the question: I couldn't sleep and I got sick of seeing Juliet smile in
her sleep.
Peter (smiles): Yeah well, I'll let you off this time but I don't want you out here at night
again.
Ashley (looks at her surprised): Thanks, she throws him the ball and walks off to her dorm. Peter sighs and looks at the ball. He throws it at the net but it bounces off the rim and rolls across the court. He cringes 'good thing nobody saw that'. He puts the ball back in the shed and drives home.
*******************************************************************************
The Next Morning
Ashley picks up a tray and walks over to the Cliffhanger table. She takes the empty seat beside David.
David: Morning beautiful, how was your first night at our institution for teenagers in
turmoil
Daisy laughs and punches David's shoulder
Ashley sighs: Now I know why this seat is empty.
Scott: Oh hey, Peter told us to tell you that he wants to see you in his office after
breakfast.
Daisy: Ohhhh, your gonna get the "I know you don't trust me yet, but I'm here if you
wanna talk" speech.
Ashley: Great, just what I need.
Ezra: It's not that bad, basically he just asks you why you think you're here and what you
want to gain from being here.
Jules (smiles widely): Don't worry, you'll be fine. I got through it easily.
She gets up and Auggie and her leave.
Ashley: Why doesn't that comfort me?
Scott: Peter's cool, you can talk to him. And don't worry, YOU-WILL-BE-FINE. (smiles)
Come on Shel
Scott and Shelby get up and leave, as does Daisy who gets followed by Ezra.
David turns to Ashley and smiles: Well, I guess it's just you and me then.
Ashley: Ugh, I'm going already
Ashley walks out leaving David with a smile on his face.
*******************************************************************************
In Peter's Office
Sophie: Do you want me to stay or can you handle this on your own?
Peter: Actually, I think it would be better if you stayed.
Sophie's about to say something when she's interrupted by a knock on the door
Peter: Come in
Ashley opens the door and leans against the door frame: You wanted to see me?
Peter: Yeah, take a seat. He points to the chair in front of the desk he is sitting behind and which Sophie is sitting on the corner of. Ashley closes the door and cautiously sits in the chair.
Peter: Well, I, I mean We, just wanted to discuss your records and see if we can get an
insight into what landed you here.
Ashley: I think my record states that pretty clearly.
Sophie: Usually parents don't know the full story so they can't put it down in the records.
Why don't you tell us why YOU think you're here, in your own words.
Ashley (sighs): Well *sarcastically* I guess it all started when my father decided that
drinking then beating the crap outta me was fun, so he did it for 12 years.
Peter: It says here that when you were 12 your mother divorced your father and took
custody of you. And that you have a restraining order on your father, is that right
Ashley: Yeah, more or less
Peter: Well, tell us exactly what happened.
Ashley sighs again: My father physically abused me (she hesitates and Peter notices this)
and my mother and finally when I was 12 she called the cops and
divorced him. She got me and pressed charges against him for the
abuse, but seeing how he is a big shot lawyer, his friends got him out
of it. I've had a restraining order on him ever since.
Ashley says all this with an emotionless expression on her face and Sophie notices this and giver Peter a worried look.
Peter: So you (he looks at her file) then moved to Los Angeles with your mother, yes?
Ashley: Yeah, um my mom moved me to the worst part of LA where 2 months later, when
the money she got from my dad in the divorce ran out, she married that jerk you
met yesterday.
Peter picks up on her hostility towards her step-father and discretely shows Sophie a note saying 'push the step-father factor'.
Sophie nods and says: Your mom wrote in your records that you didn't get along with your
step-father because after what happened with your father you
felt you couldn't trust another male figure in your life. Is that
correct?
Ashley (getting mad): Yeah right, of course she would say that, I hate him because he's a
total prick who's no better than my dad.
Ashley realizes she just let something slip that she shouldn't have and tries to cover it up: um I mean he's a, he's a um, he's a JERK.
Peter realizes that she's trying to cover up something so he tries to get it out of her
Peter: How is your step-father like your dad?
Ashley's frustrated that she let down her guard so soon: He's not, I didn't mean to say that. I ment that he's just a, he's really annoying.
Peter sees that she's getting really angry so he tries to think of another way to get her to talk about her parents. He knows that from what she let slip that her parents are the roots of her problems so he asks her why she ran away?
Ashley: *sarcastically* Well, I guess it started when I came home from school to find my
mom in bed with Jack.
She sighs and takes a more serious tone
Ashley: When I walked in, I didn't know who Jack was so I said 'Who the hell are you'. My
mom screams at me and I quote 'Don't be so rude to your new step-father, make
yourself useful and clean the kitchen'. (she skips a beat) So he moves into our
crummy apartment where him and mom spend all the money on beer and other
"illegal substances" (she makes bunny ears when she says that), so with there
being no food and all, I decided that being on the streets would be better than
living at home so I ran. The cops found me and brought me back.
Peter: Then a month after that you ran away again and the police brought you home (he
watches her face when he says 'home' and isn't that surprised when she rolls her
eyes when she hears him say it) a few weeks later.
Ashley: Yeah
Peter: So 2 months ago, you run away for the third time and the police decide to bring
you here, where you are the first person to benefit from our scholarship fund.
Ashley: *sarcastically* I feel so honored
Peter tries to break her one more time and says: You want to tell us again why you ran away so many times?
Ashley: God, I already told you, the streets were more appealing than home was so that's
where I went.
Peter knows she's not going to say anymore so he closes her file and nods to Sophie
Sophie: OK, you can go
Peter: But Ashley, if you ever need to talk, we're here. Any time, OK?
Ashley: Yeah, sure. And she walks out.
Peter: We've got a tough one
Sophie: Yeah, I know. She reminds me of every single cliffhanger.
Peter: Yeah?
Sophie: Yeah I mean, she hit the streets like Shelby and Auggie, she has a temper like
Scott's, that I triggered yesterday while I was searching her bags. She seems to
have major issues with her mother like Juliet and she had to go through a
divorce like Ezra. Also she said that her mother spent all the money on beer,
which is like Daisy's parents.
Peter: What about David?
Sophie (laughs): Please, no-one's like David, but the over-bearing father is similar.
Peter: Yeah. OK, let's go, I have an idea.
Sophie: What?
Peter: Just come on, you'll see. I think it'll help the Cliffhangers accept Ashley.
Sophie: OK, whatever you say mountain man.
*******************************************************************************
Outside
All the Cliffhangers are gathered around a picnic table talking and laughing. Peter and Sophie step out of the lodge and see them. They walk over.
Peter: OK gang, everyone listen up. We're gonna play a game.
Jules: *whining* Peter
Peter: Come on Jules, it'll be fun. He looks at Ashley and says: Just a little basketball
game.
Ashley looks at him with a questioning glance
Peter: what do you say Ashley, you up for a game?
Ashley (smiles): Yeah, why not.
Peter: All right cliffhangers, everyone on the court. The teams will be Scott, Auggie,
Jules and Daisy versus Ashley, David, Shelby and Ezra.
Scott: Oh, we are gonna cream them!
David: Hey, watch your mouth Scottie! I know Ezra's crap but Shelby and I happen to be
quite good, and we haven't seen the newbie play. She might be a she-Kobe!!!
Auggie: Yeah, we'll see. Here, he throws David the ball. We'll let the losers start. He
slaps hands with Scott.
David: You are going to eat your words my little Spanish alien-friend
(I don't mean to offend any Spanish people by saying this, I was just using it as a
reference in my story. Sorry if it offended anybody, that wasn't my intention.)
Peter: OK guys, let's play. He blows a whistle.
David dribbles the ball and passes it to Shelby. She starts running towards the net but Scott grabs her waist and she forgets about the game and drops the ball. Ezra picks it up and un-graciously throws it to David. He gets around Jules and passes to Ashley when Auggie tries to tackle him. Ashley grabs the ball, runs around Daisy, easily passes Jules, fakes a left then turns right and out runs Scott, who had finally let Shelby go. She pulls a dummy and does a high spin and perfectly puts the ball in the net. The ball comes out of the net and falls on top of a dumbfounded Auggie's head. All the cliffhangers look at Ashley shocked, Peter just smiles.
Auggie: Did you just do that?
Ashley: Don't look so surprised! I did live in LA remember? It was either play basketball
or map out drive-by shootings!
(Again I don't mean to offend anyone from LA. Personally I love LA, I've never
been to the bad part of LA so I don't know what it's like, but I just used it as a
reference in my story. Sorry is I offended anyone.)
Auggie (laughs): Well I guess we got ourselves a cool newbie. Welcome to the
Cliffhangers!
Everyone praises Ashley her except David. Ashley looks at him.
Ashley (smiles): What?, you think you can do better?
David smiles widely and grabs her and hugs her tightly.
David: Thank you sooooo much.
Ashley (struggling to get free): Um, yeah sure, anytime (she skips a beat) Now let me go!
David (still holding her tightly): Um...........................no
Ashley laughs and pushes him off her.
Ashley: Come on Davey boy, we have a game to win
They start playing again and Ezra tries to score a basket and he falls on top of Jules and she screams. Shelby and Ashley start laughing and Ezra throws the ball at them and both go to catch it and end up falling as well.
Peter: I guess this was one of my better ideas.
Sophie (playfully pushes him): yeah, yeah, yeah, come on. I wanna play!
Sophie drags Peter onto the court and they join in the game.
Scene ends with Peter, Sophie and all the Cliffhangers laughing and smiling, enjoying one of their happier moments on HIGHER GROUND.
*** SINEAD ***
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