Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original Higher Ground characters. I do own all the names you don't recognize from the show.

Summer of Changes

Chapter 1 – When the Past Meets the Present

"Sophie, we have a new recruit coming today," said Peter looking at an incoming message on the fax machine in his office.

"What do you mean, Peter? Why haven't I heard about this?" asked Sophie.

"I just got a call from a judge I know," said Peter, ripping off the faxed message.

"What about our forty-eight hour warning policy?"

"This comes from a judge back from my days in the city. I owe him big time for giving me one more chance. I can't refuse him."

Sophie looked at the fax, "Talia Lewis. Sixteen-years-old. Involved in breaking and entering, assault, prostitution and suspected of being involved in rival gang affairs. Gees Peter! This isn't our usual cup of tea."

"I know, Soph, but the judge says there's something different about this girl, something special. I'm putting her in with the Cliffhangers."

"The Cliffhangers! Are you sure - "

"They've been missing a member ever since Kat left. I think it's as good a group as any." Peter looked at his watch and then said with a sigh, "We've got a few hours until she arrives. We'd better go warn the Cliffhangers."

- - - - -

Talia looked out the window of the police car. They were beginning to ascend a mountain covered with a forest of huge, dense pine trees. Ordinarily, Talia would have found it beautiful, but today – well today she was either going to heaven or to hell.

"Everything okay back there?" asked the policeman sitting in the passenger's seat.

"Yeah, fine, thanks Reg," said Talia rolling her eyes. He'd been hitting on her ever since the drive had started. She was trying to ignore him.

"Are you hungry? I have a sandwich you could have - or are you thirsty?"

"No, I'm fine, really, thanks."

"Are you - "

"Cut it out Reg," the other policeman butted in. "She's not here for a pleasure ride. Besides, we've only got a few more minutes before we arrive."

Talia smiled at the policeman driving in the rearview mirror, thanking him. In response, he rolled his eyes at her and mouthed "sorry". Talia turned her attention back outside the window. Although her face remained impassive, she was fiddling with her ear, betraying her nervousness.

- - - - -

Peter and Sophie stood outside of the main building of Mount Horizon.

"I guess you'll be doing most of the introduction, Peter," said Sophie.

"Actually, I was hoping we could do it together. She might be tougher to handle than we're used to."

"Good idea."

A police car started up their dirt road.

"Here we go," said Sophie.

The police car stopped in front of them. Two policemen got out.

"Are you Peter Scarbrow and Sophie Becker?" asked the older policeman. When they nodded he said, "I've got Talia Lewis here for you." He went over and opened the passenger door. Sophie held her breath.

Talia stepped out of the car. Her long brown hair ruffled in the wind. Deep brown eyes swept her surroundings. She seemed to take in everything, missing nothing and judging everything. Finally, her eyes came to a rest on Peter and Sophie. Sophie shivered as she felt the girl's eyes look her up and down critically, then she let out a long breath as the girl turned her attention to Peter.

The policeman led her to them.

"Talia," he said, "This is Peter and Sophie. They're both counselors here at Mount Horizon."

To Peter's surprise, Talia extended her hand towards him before he even had a chance to make a move. "Nice to meet you," she said with a slight smile. Then she turned to Sophie to shake her hand.

"Well," said the policeman, "I don't think we're needed here anymore. Good luck, Talia."

"Thanks," she replied. Peter and Sophie looked at each other.

"Come on," said Peter. "We can get started now."

- - - - -

"Hey Scott," said Shelby, coming out of her dorm. "Have you seen the newbie yet?"

Scott sauntered up to Shelby and enveloped her in a bear hug.

"Not yet, babe!" he said with a teasing grin. His blue eyes sparkled mischievously.

"What are you up to, Scott?" asked Shelby warily. She pushed a long strand of blonde hair behind her ear. With a laugh, Scott wrestled Shelby to the ground.

"Hey! Get off!" Shelby shoved Scott with all of her force, managing somehow to get on top of him, only to be pushed on the ground again. They continued to wrestle playfully until they were stopped by the sound of a loud cough they knew only too well.

"Hi, Peter," said Scott sheepishly, scrambling up off the ground. Shelby stayed where she was, resting on her elbow.

"Nice of you to drop by, Peter. You always have just the right timing," she said sarcastically.

"Yes, I think I do," Peter said pointedly. "But we'll talk about this later. Scott, you'll be showing around our new recruit." Sophie walked up with the new girl by her side.

"Scott, meet Talia; Talia, meet Scott," said Sophie with a smile.

Neither Scott nor Talia moved. They stared at each other instead. Sophie watched as Scott's face turned white and his blue eyes lost their mischievous glint. Talia seemed to be taken aback, and as Sophie looked at her closely she saw for the first time her true emotions on her face. Was it fear? No, it was pain. Deep pain.