Making It Work

I don't own Higher Ground or any of its characters. My 1st Scott and Shelby story. Shelby is a hard character for me to write, so hopefully, it's cheesy good.

(Sorry for any mistakes. This ended up being way longer than I intended, and I don't have time to edit it like a pro.)

"Shelby, can I speak with you in my office?" Peter asked as the sullen blonde walked out of class. He knew she was still upset that Scott ultimately decided to return home. Everyone had tried to convince her to make it work but Shelby refused. Peter hoped his news would help. He just needed a way to convince her, so he went to her confidant first to see what she thought. Daisy was tired of seeing Shelby in pain and agreed to help Peter if he needed it.

Shelby stood by the door for a quick escape, but Peter made her sit down. He told her to let him say everything he had to say and not interrupt him. She rolled her eyes but agreed. She knew it was about Scott.

"Scott's parents agreed to let him invite you to his Homecoming Dance and to prom in the spring. His dad offered to pay your way to go to the Homecoming Dance that's in three weeks, and his mom would pay for you to go to prom. Scott's been doing well in school and football, but he is still struggling with being separated from you. They decided that the best way to help him is to let you visit. Scott figured you would immediately say no, so he asked me to talk to you. I also spoke with his dad because it is a potential liability. Of course, we need your mom's permission, but Mr. Barringer explained the plan Scott created so you could visit him. You would stay with Mr. Barringer's girlfriend, Diane. If it makes you feel better about staying with her, Scott likes her, and his mom demanded to meet her before she met Scott due to what happened with Elaine. Scott and you will have curfews, and Scott has promised his parents and me that there will be no sex. If he breaks those rules, then you will not be allowed to go to prom or visit him until he is in college. Since Scott doesn't want that to happen, he will not break his parents' trust," Peter told her.

Shelby sat in silence processing everything Peter had told her. Scott had found a way for them to see each other. She had agreed not to cut him off completely and called him once a week. She used it as an excuse to catch up on news outside of Horizon, but she really just wanted to hear his voice. She also wrote him letters about the activities they did like the races Peter kept signing them up for.

"Can I think about it?" Shelby asked in a deadpan voice, not wanting to give away the emotions swelling up inside her.

"Of course," Peter nodded. It was a positive sign that she didn't automatically say no and storm out the room.

Shelby told Daisy about Scott's idea. Daisy revealed Peter had already told her about it earlier that morning.

"You knew?" Shelby asked incredulously.

"He was scared you would say no and wanted back-up," Daisy smirked.

"So, you agree with him? You think I should go?"

"I think you should do what you want, but I will say this…You hide and protect yourself from pain and failure, but all you're doing is creating a self-fulling prophecy of loneliness and unfulfillment. At some point, you'll only have yourself to blame. By putting defenses up, you're keeping everyone out but also locking yourself up again. You're a different person now to ever let what happened to you happen again, but if you keep your defenses up, nothing good will happen to you either. You're trying to fail without even trying to succeed first and that includes with Scott."

She disliked when Daisy called her out and was right. To anyone else, Daisy's response might have seemed harsh, but Shelby knew she was coming from a place of love. She respected Daisy's honesty.

After a day of wavering, Shelby asked Peter if he would call her mom to get permission to visit Scott. Peter told Shelby she needed to do it.

"Where do you think I learned some of my behaviors from? She's going to immediately say no," Shelby shot back and refused to call, so Peter finally agreed to do it.

She stepped outside the room afraid to hear her mother's answer. Hope was starting to grow, and she didn't want her mother's answer to extinguish it yet. After what seemed like an eternity, Peter told her that her mom would consider it but wanted to talk to Mr. Barringer and Scott before she decided anything.

Two excruciating days later, Ms. Blaine called with her decision. After hearing her mother threaten to disown her if she got pregnant for fifteen minutes, Ms. Blaine finally agreed to let Shelby go visit Scott.

The rest of the week seemed surreal. She was going to visit Scott and go to an actual high school dance. She couldn't believe it. She kept waiting for it to all just be a dream. She tried to fight it, but slowly, she started feeling hopeful about seeing Scott again. The Cliffhangers noticed the change. An aura of calm and contentment seem to radiate from her. She didn't show excitement like Juliette, but she was becoming more and more excited nonetheless. Of course, she was nervous too. It had been a little over five months since she had seen Scott.

Time seemed to drag on until the day of her flight on a Thursday afternoon. Scott wanted her to be able to attend his Homecoming football game Friday night. She did her school work on the flight, partly to release some nervous energy.

As she approached the baggage claim area, she began blushing when she realized Scott was waiting for her with balloons and a sign that read "Welcome, Queen of Horizon." The sign was definitely designed by Scott as it lacked the creativity that someone like Juliette might have done, but it was still wonderful. She approached him cautiously, but Scott didn't hesitate to wrap her in a big bear hug. He lifted her off her feet and swung her back and forth. The hug reminded her of all the reasons she enjoyed being in his arms. She found herself automatically hugging him back with almost as much fervor as he hugged her.

They finally made their way to Mr. Barringer's car waiting for them in the parking lot. Martin shook her hand, but Diane, Martin's girlfriend, gave her a warm hug. Shelby was glad to see Diane was closer to Martin's age than Scott's. In looks, she reminded Shelby of their former counselor Hannah.

The four of them went to dinner before heading back to Martin's house where Diane had made dessert. As Scott and his dad moved Shelby's luggage to Diane's car, Shelby went inside to help Diane cut the dessert. Shelby looked around and realized it was a different house than the one in Scott's pictures. "Martin said there were too many bad memories in his old home, so he bought a new one," Diane explained to Shelby as she observed the girl studying the room.

"I like this one," Shelby said softly.

"Me too. It's smaller and cozier than his old one."

In order to play in the football game, players had to attend school the day of the game. Scott was disappointed her wasn't going to spend the day with Shelby, but Diane was taking her shopping.

"I brought a dress," Shelby said when told she was going shopping. She had brought a dress from the pile of dresses donated to them for Morp. She didn't have any money for anything new nor did her mother.

"No, no. Scott has a part time job and has been saving up money to help make this weekend special for you," Diane said.

Shelby's face fell. She didn't want Scott or anyone to do all this stuff for her. They had already done enough.

Diane came over and gently took Shelby by the shoulders; "I'm a licensed therapist. Of course, not to Scott. However, I can tell you're a cautious, observant, and self-sufficient person from what Scott has said about you and from just being around you, even during this short amount of time. Out of respect, Scott hasn't told us exactly what's happened to you, but it's okay to let people do things for you sometimes. I think you're smart enough to know when someone's intentions are good and when they are bad, and I can tell you Scott is doing these things because he loves you. We genuinely want to do these things because making you happy makes Scott happy, and it sounds you might need some joy too."

"It's been a long time since I've let people do things for me. It's dangerous…it can be dangerous. I don't let a lot of people help me," Shelby paused, "But if it makes Scott happy, then I'll let him do it." It was still weird to have Scott and essentially strangers go out of their way for her, but Shelby did sense they were genuine, so she didn't thwart their efforts.

On their way to the shopping area, Shelby learned about Scott's job. He apparently had been working in order to save for this weekend, prom weekend, and for gas money to come visit her during breaks. There was that feeling of hope again. Deep down, she was moved that Scott was making the effort to make it work for them.

"Oh, one more thing. I feel bad since we're overwhelming you, but Scott got this for you. He wanted to give it to you at the game, but I thought you should see it in case you wanted to match it to dress," Diane handed her a black box. Inside the box was a silver locket with their names written in beautiful calligraphy.

"You can put in pictures later," Diane said. Shelby studied the locket hard. She swallowed back some tears and looked out the window. Scott always knew how to lower her defenses.

It took a few stores, but she finally found a dress that went with the locket and wasn't too expensive.

As they were driving, a party store came into view. Shelby suddenly had an idea. "Can we go into the party store really quick?" she asked.

Once they were back at Diane's place, Shelby went to get ready for the game.

Shelby changed into an outfit she borrowed from Juliette and looked in the mirror. She looked like Cher from Clueless with her baby blue plaid skirt and blue cardigan. All she was missing was the headband. At least she looked nice. She had to swallow her pride and ask Juliette to borrow some cute, trendy clothes that her mom couldn't afford to buy and her former lifestyle didn't require. Since she had lost some weight from not eating well after Scott's departure paired with Peter's strenuous activities, she was able to fit into some of Twig's clothes.

Juliette seemingly pulled out an entire new wardrobe from under her bed. Clothes were packed tight in various bags. Juliette gave Shelby the skirt and cardigan along with a purple dress, a high waisted black denim skirt, and a cream, bell sleeved sweater. Juliette also gave Shelby a bag of make-up and threatened her if she lost it.

"How did you get make-up past Peter?" Daisy asked as she sat on a bed watching the other two girls.

"My mom demanded that I be allowed to keep it in case I needed it," Juliette explained, "So be careful or my mom won't let me hear the end of it."

"Your mother is a friggin' pill…" Daisy rolled her eyes.

Feeling like a prep, Shelby took a deep breath and went downstairs. Mr. Barringer and Diane complimented her on her outfit. She smiled shyly. It had been a long time since she felt shy and out of her element. She couldn't be snarky around them. Then again, her snarkiness was a defense mechanism and one she needed to work on so she didn't seem rude. She was grateful for all they had done.

Before the game, Scott met them by the entrance and gave Shelby a hug. He was pleased to see her wearing the locket but disappointed he didn't give it to her himself. Shelby reassured him he was doing enough for her already. He asked if she wanted to sit with his friends. They had reserved a spot for her. Shelby was reluctant, but she would go because Scott was going out of his way to make this trip special for her.

"I know what your thinking, and Horizon has taught me to be more selective with my friends. They remind me a lot of the Cliffhangers," Scott reassured her.

"I was going to say I've never hung out with popular kids. Well, not with the girls anyway and only with the guys in certain situations," she told him.

"There's a first time for everything," Scott teased. Shelby smirked and nudged him in the shoulder playfully.

Scott's friends gave her a warm welcome though. They spent a few minutes asking her about Horizon and what Scott was like around her. They shared some things about themselves. They were very complimentary of Scott and said they could already tell what an awesome couple they made.

Jace gave her a homemade sign for her to hold at the game. Within minutes, she felt at ease with them and was helping them cheer for Scott's team. She was proud of Scott and felt a sense of pride at being his girlfriend. For so long, she felt like the outcast. The loser. The whore. Now, she was Scott's girlfriend who he openly and proudly loved. She may not need a man to feel special but it certainly didn't hurt to be loved. As she looked around, she realized it was the first time in her life that she was acting like a "normal" teenager. She decided it was nice.

Scott's team didn't win, but he was too happy about Shelby to be upset. He wore a big grin as he ran out of the locker room and swung her around in a hug. He pulled back and looked at her.

"You look really nice," he smiled.

"I borrowed clothes from Juliette."

Scott raised his eyebrows and chuckled, but he knew better than to say anything.

They spent the next day hanging out at Scott's house. They watched movies, played board games, and walked around the neighborhood. In some ways, they were becoming reacquainted again. At least it felt like they were getting to know each other again to Shelby. Sure, they had kept in touch somewhat, and they were comfortable around each other. They always seemed to fit together like a puzzle. This time though they were getting to know each other outside of Horizon. If they were going to make it work and last, then they needed to get to know one another beyond the damage and the bitterness.

She didn't know if Scott had changed. He seemed happier and more content. She knew she had changed though. She was still wary and observed others to gauge whether she could trust them, but she also felt more relaxed…and softer. Scott, Jess, and Daisy had brought out a softer, gentler, and somewhat maternal side of her. It was still new to her, but she didn't mind it whereas she would have hated it a year ago.

The day seemed to go by too quickly. Before she knew it, it was time to get ready for the dance. Diane came over to help her get ready.

"You're naturally very beautiful, so I'm only going to highlight your features," Diane explained as she put mascara on Shelby's long lashes.

Diane added some volume to Shelby's crown before giving her a deeper side part and sweeping her hair up into a low bun. She secured it using hairspray and bobby pins with pearls at the end of them. She pushed Shelby's bangs to the side and secured them with pearls too. She then helped Shelby into her dress.

She stepped back and let Shelby look at herself in the mirror. Shelby felt a little vain for thinking it, but she thought she did indeed look beautiful. She felt elegant too and wondered if this was how Juliette felt when she was in her debutant world. Maybe she'd cut Juliette some slack…some.

Shelby's dress was navy blue with a sweetheart, strapless top. The cut managed not to be too revealing or low though. Even though it didn't look like it, the top was stiff in a corset like way. The top had a silver pattern interweaving throughout it with a thin navy tulle over it to dull the silver. It reminded Shelby of something from the Renaissance, or something the lead ballerina would wear in a period piece dance. The bottom flared out in an A-line where silver toed shoes peeped out from underneath it. She slipped on the locket and was ready for her "Hollywood movie" walk down the stairs.

Scott immediately broke out into a huge smile when came out onto the stairs. As she made her way down the stairs, he thought if he felt this much emotion seeing her for a dance, then he was certain he would tear up when her saw her coming down the aisle.

Mr. Barringer was next to Scott taking pictures of Shelby while she came down the stairs. He smiled at seeing his son so happy.

"You look radiant," Scott stuttered, almost to overcome by emotions. Shelby wondered if she'd ever get used to positive attention and blushed at her awkwardness.

"You look very handsome," she smiled, squeezing his hand. He did look handsome in his navy-blue suit. His hair swept back and gelled slightly. He looked like he stepped out of The Great Gatsby. Diane brought out their corsage and boutonniere to give to one another.

After they took pictures, they went to eat at Martin's favorite restaurant. Martin gently rejected his son's choices and directed him to one better suited for a special date. Shelby was worried that dinner was going to be awkward and quiet. For some reason, formal events made people stiff. Nothing was awkward with Scott though, and they chatted with their usual ease.

Once they got to the school parking lot, Scott grabbed Shelby's hand. "I know my dad said no sex, but I haven't gotten to kiss you much," he told her. She took the initiative and leaned in to give him a kiss. She pulled away and saw his eyes were still closed, so she touched his cheek and kissed him with more passion.

"I guess I better use self-control," Scott said breathlessly after a few minutes. He fumbled to open the door and get some fresh air. Shelby couldn't help but smile.

The two walked into the gym and surveyed the scene. Giant white curtains created a wall around the gym floor, while strings of lights and fabric draped across the ceiling. The music thumped loudly throughout the gym and people were slowly started to trickle onto the dance floor.

They decided to get the pictures over with before finding Scott's friends. People in line complimented Shelby and Scott's outfits. One of the football players told her that if she had gone to their school then she would have been nominated for Homecoming court. Shelby was amused at being part of the "popular" or "in" crowd. Shelby realized that in some ways she had rejected these people as much as they rejected her at her old school. For her, it was a defense mechanism. While like everyone, some people in the popular crowd were bad, but some were good too.

They found Scott's friends and spent the rest of the evening dancing. When the Homecoming court was announced, Shelby took a disposable camera from her clutch and took pictures of Scott. He didn't make King, but Shelby was proud of him for making court.

Shelby was sad to see the night end. Tomorrow, she would go back to Horizon and leave Scott. It had been, dare she say it, a magical weekend.

They drove in silence on the way home. She looked over at Scott. He quietly took her hand and held it the rest of the way home. She realized he was disappointed she had to leave too.

As promised, they came home at the agreed upon curfew. Diane was at Scott's house waiting to bring Shelby back to her place. After hearing about the dance, Martin looked at the clock.

"I'll give you about fifteen more minutes," he told them. He nodded at Shelby who suggested they sit in the backyard and enjoy the nice night.

"I'll be right back," Shelby told Scott as she ran upstairs.

Shelby came outside with a cd player and a bag from a party store. Scott realized Shelby and his dad had planned something.

"I'm not much of a romantic. My life hasn't been full of love and romance. Lust, yes, but not love," Shelby began before hesitating. Shelby hated being vulnerable. It was making her nervous.

Shelby decided to ditch the romantic speech she had prepared.

"Look, I was mad at you for leaving, and I was scared about continuing our relationship. Before you, I didn't do romance or relationships. I don't know what I'm doing, but I know that no matter how hard I try to forget you, I still love you," she told him. This was the Shelby he knew. The raw, upfront Shelby.

"I know I hurt you, but I really do want us to make this work. I know you're scared, but I want us to at least try. I love you. And I know this is new for you, but it's new to me too. But can we try? Can we be together?" Scott asked. His eyes full of love and hope.

Shelby forced tears back and nodded before moving towards the bag she had brought out with her. She wanted to change the subject because she had been vulnerable enough. Baby steps.

"I got something in case you didn't make King," she grinned, pulling out a plastic tiara and crown.

"We'll just be our own king and queen," she smirked, putting the tiara on herself and the crown on him.

He was surprised Shelby did something so silly and romantic, but then he remembered how she had planned the romantic evening in the shed the night they got together. His tough girlfriend was a romantic deep down no matter how much she tried to hide it.

"My king, may I have this dance?" she asked, pretending to be haughty. Scott grinned and walked towards her.

Shelby quickly put on "I'll Be" and slid into Scott's arms. As they danced, Scott kissed her forehead and drew her closer

Tomorrow would separate them physically but not emotionally.

(Reviews are welcomed! It's nice to get (constructive) feedback.)