Disclaimer: The characters of Higher Ground belong to Fox Family and are not my own.




Pura Vida


The day was usually cloudy at Horizon as the season neared the ending of spring. As Peter looked out upon the school, he breathed a sigh of content. Lately, it seemed as if things were finally looking up. He was engaged to the woman he loved, and the Cliffhangers appeared to be healing and finally coming together as a group. However, Peter knew that it is always good to be cautious when things are going well. There were still many issues to get through in order that these young people will be confident in dealing with future situations that may be in or out of their control.

"Hey Mountain man, what has got you thinking so hard?" asked Sophie as she walked up to him.

"And good morning to you too, Soph" Peter said as he kissed her on the cheek. "I'm just thinking about how fortunate I am because I have you, and about the Cliffhangers since today is last evaluation before the summer term begins."

"Well, try not to worry. Everything lately has been going well, and there seems to be no incidents that we aren't aware of." Soph reasoned.

"Your right. I shouldn't worry so much. What would I do without my eternally hopeful Sophie?" Peter asked with a smile.

Sophie answered, "Probably fall off a mountain, get hurt, get saved, get married, and then have tons of children."

"Now Sophie, come on, we talked about this. Having children is not as important to me as having you. And when the time comes and we are ready to be parents, adopting a child will be just as special." Peter pulled Sophie into a hug.

"I know, Peter. But sometimes I just can't stand it. I feel..." Peter silenced her with a kiss.

"Well, well, well. I think they should get kitchen duty for a week, don't you Scott?" Shelby asked with a smirk on her face.

"Yeah. That was definitely a display of affection," Scott answered, and continued on mocking Peter, "And here at Horizon there is no sex, no inappropriate touching, blah, blah, blah."


Peter: Okay, enough you two. And may I ask why you guys are up so early?

Shelby (sarcastically): Just getting ready for the evaluations today sir! Yep, we're preparing to get
probed by the doctor, asked a bunch of personal questions, and then see
who actually gets to go home for the summer.

Peter: Well, continue on and try to stay out of trouble. Remember breakfast is at 9:00.
And the physicals begin at 10:00.

Scott and Shelby walk off holding hands. Peter and Sophie look upon them, both smiling.

Peter: I think it is safe to say that those two will be here this summer. Scott still won't talk to his
Dad and Shelby's mother told me it was fine that she stays here if the scholarship pays for
it, and I assured her that it did.

Sophie: That's good. Separating those two is like separating soul mates. It really can't be done.

Peter: Well, I guess it's time to get to work. You will be handling the girls physicals, and I the
guys. If there is something serious with a student, report to me immediately.


****** Physicals begin at Horizon. It is now time for the Cliffhangers turn******

Juliette: I hate physicals!

Shelby: Why? Got something to hide, Queenie? The calories count not up, or something?

Juliette: Be quiet, Shelby. You won't be hiding your hickey for long.

Daisy (laughing): Good one, Jules.

Kat: Well, I am kind of glad this is the last physical I will have to receive here at Horizon.

Juliette: I really can't believe you are not leaving, but becoming a counselor for the summer.
It's so great! That means no one will have to leave or say goodbye.

Daisy: Well, I know I won't be leaving. Dear ole Dad doesn't need my company.

Sophie: Okay, girls. Time for your physicals. Kat you are first.


*************** Kat's physical *********************

Doctor: Well, everything is perfect.

Sophie: So, Kat ready to be a counselor?

Kat: Yeah, I can't wait. Although the responsibly is a little scary.

Sophie: Well, you have done a great job with the cliffhangers.

Kat: Yes, I did okay but seemed to always mess up around Juliette. You weren't here at the
time, but I left Juliette out in the woods and she ended up falling in a hole, and just freaking
out. And then the cutting episode, and finally she ran away on my watch. Sometimes that
girl...I just get so angry that she doesn't listen. And this scares me about handling a group
on my own.

Sophie: But you won't be handling them alone. We all help each other. And no matter what you
say, you have been great for Juliette. And as for that running thing, it was mostly my
fault....don't tell the others...but I kind of gave her the idea.

Kat: What?

Sophie: I talked to her about my relationship with my mother, who is a lot like Juliette's and told
her that I traveled everywhere my mother had not been to kind of get back at her. So
don't blame yourself. We all make mistakes. Even me. And even Mr. Counselor, Peter
himself.

Kat: Well, that does make me feel better. Thanks, Soph. So who is next on the physical line?

Sophie: How about Shelby?

****************************************************



Next time: The other cliffhanger physicals.