Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters associated with Higher Ground



Searching for the Truth1



Your head will always tell you what is right, while your heart will always tell you what is best. - ks





Peter sat at his desk going over some files. Classes started in a week and things were crazy. The teachers were preparing their schedules and the students were registering for the classes they wanted to take so things were less than calm. He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck as he turned the page… He reached for his coffee mug and took a sip of coffee. He sighed as he stood up to stretch. He looked at his watch, realizing it was after dinner and he had to meet the Cliffhangers. He straightened the files up as best as he could and walked out of the room…






Sophie walked into the lodge and smiled at the sight of the Cliffhangers gathered around talking. It was good to have them all back again. She walked over to them and put her hand on Daisy's shoulder

Daisy: There is higher authority upon us…

Daisy rolled her eyes as she turned to look at Sophie. Sophie grinned at her and walked over to sit on the couch. She watched as they all talked and laughed together--she couldn't help but smile to herself. Things were going good so far, but then again they had only been back a few days and this would be the first group session.

Her thought were interrupted by the sound of clapping and looked up to see Peter walking into the room.

Peter: Hey guys

They all groaned at he walked into the middle of the circle, tapping each of them on the head.

Peter: And how was everyone's summer?

Ezra: It was just so much fun spending time with mom and dad.

Peter grinned at Ezra

Ezra: Of course I was never with them together…one week with mom, one week with dad…you know how it goes.

Ezra rolled his eyes as he leaned his head back on the seat of the couch

Peter sat down in a chair beside Sophie and gave her a small smile. He then turned his attention to the Cliffhangers

Peter: Soooo guys, anyone have something to say?

David raised his hand--a sly grin on his face

David: Can we skip the short talk and get to the dramatic stuff, I have a date

Shelby rolled her eyes at him

Shelby: Who--would go out--with you?

David: Your sister

Shelby rolled her eyes as David stuck his tongue out at her

Peter: Ok guys…let's get started.

He turned to Sophie, motioning for her to pick the topic

Sophie: Ok, fill in the blank. My summer was _____. Auggie

Auggie nodded his head and smiled

Auggie: My summer was sweet man. I lived it up. Jules

A huge grin crossed Juliete's face as she sat up tall and proud

Juliete: Hal and I went to France for a week, and then spent some time in Europe.

Shelby rolled her eyes and smiled when she noticed Daisy doing the same

Juliete: So my summer was really fun. Ezra

Ezra sat up and folded his legs underneath him so he was sitting Indian style

Ezra: My summer was hell.

He smirked at Peter

Ezra: Figuratively speaking of course

Peter nodded his head

Ezra: Daisy

Daisy smirked at them all

Daisy: *dryly* My summer was dull. Shelby

Shelby: My summer…

Shelby looked at the ground, searching for words

Shelby: My summer was confusing

Peter looked at Shelby, wondering how she was holding up so well. He smiled at her reassuringly

Shelby: David…

David smirked at them…

David: Pathetic-very pathetic

David rolled his eyes as he leaned back on the palm of his hands

They all sat there in silence for a little while…

Auggie: Yo man, this is just too weird

They all looked at Auggie confused

Auggie: I don't know, the group just feels so small.

He looked at the ground and scratched his finger against the floor

Auggie: I mean, it's weird without Kat here, and Scott…

Auggie looked at Shelby with an apologetic expression

Auggie: I'm sorry Shelb, I didn't mean to…

Shelby shook her head

Shelby: It's fine Auggie…

Auggie nodded his head, kicking himself inside for mentioning Scott's name

Peter: Ok guys-that was good.

Peter looked around the group. They all seemed to be missing Scott, and Kat. He sighed as he rubbed a hand over the back of his neck…

Peter: Ok, that's all we're going to do tonight. Everyone needs to get settled in, classes start in a week and tomorrow you need to register for the classes you want to take

He looked over at Sophie as she nodded her head agreeing with him

Peter: Lights out in two hours

He stood up, Sophie doing the same, and they both walked out of the room…


Daisy: Well. That was an interesting little group session

David stood up and smirked at Shelby

David: Well if you all will excuse me-I have a DATE.

Shelby rolled her eyes as David walked out of the room

Ezra: Now that is my idea of desperate

Daisy smiled as she stared at the ceiling

Daisy: At least that gets him away from me

Juliete giggled

Juliete: He just likes you Daisy

Daisy rolled her eyes

Daisy: Puh-lease, he likes dogs, not me

Shelby: *sarcastically* Is there a difference?

Daisy grabbed a pillow off the couch and slung it at Shelby

Shelby: Well…

They all started laughing…






Sophie and Peter walked out of the lodge.

Sophie: She's being strong

Peter: Yeah

They walked a few feet in silence…

Sophie: Have you heard anything from Scott or his dad yet?

Peter shook his head 'no' as he put his hands in his coat pocket

Peter: I haven't heard from him since he left, Soph. He said he would call and let me know how things are going but…no word.

Sophie: Do you think everything is ok?

Peter shrugged his shoulders as he stepped over a rock

Peter: I don't know what to think, Soph. He wasn't ready to leave, and I think Scott knows he wasn't ready to leave but… You know how it is, kids want to get out of this place, it's just…

Sophie nodded her head and cut him off

Sophie: Natural. I know. Still though…

Peter: I know how you feel, there's nothing we can do about it though…

Sophie: I wish there was

Peter nodded his head

Peter: So do I, Soph. So do I.


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