Disclaimer: I do not own the Higher Ground characters.
I was thinking for a while about what Jules thought or acted like when she first arrived at Horizon. This story is about that. I'm not sure on its length yet or if I'll really continue with it. It all depends on what you all think.
Chapter one
So, today's another day, another torture session. It started off well enough, it usually does, then breakfast happened and the day went downhill from there.
"Juliet, your father is coming to visit you today," mom informed me as we sat at the dinning room table. "Needless to say he probably won't be around for long, so I want you to not get your hopes up."
I just sighed and thought, "No, of course not."
Mom took that moment to really look at me. "What are you wearing? You look like a street kid. Make sure you change before your dad gets here and stop eating. I can already tell that you're not following the diet plan I laid out for you." She took away my pastry and handed me an apple. "Eat that. It's healthier and less calories. Now remember that if he takes you out to lunch, which he probably will, you need to order a salad."
I just nodded. It was the only thing to do. If I fought back she would criticize me more and I really didn't think I could handle that.
"So, I got a call from your teacher the other day. Apparently, you have the highest grade in the class." She frowned. "How a low A could be the highest grade I have no idea. You need to do better. Follow Rachael's example."
Mom looked at my step-sister and smiled. "We are very proud of your 4.0 grade point average."
I frowned on the inside. How was it that I could never make her happy? How was it that my step-sisters could win her love but I couldn't?
"May I be excused?" I asked.
Mom nodded. "He'll be here in thirty-minutes so be ready."
I ran up the stairs and into my bedroom, locking the door behind me. There was no way I wanted someone walking in on me.
Going into the bathroom, I emptied my stomach. It had become a ritual to me, something I could control and I loved it. I rinsed out my mouth with mouth wash, which helped to get rid of the taste, and then walked out of the room and to my dresser to search for something else to wear. I wanted something nice but not overly so and something that wouldn't show my fatness.
Finally, I settled for a pair of black pants and a nice tank top. Both looked good on me.
Mom and Dad were arguing as I walked down the stairs. I sighed. They always fought. Even when they were together, they fought. Mom didn't like that dad was never home and dad didn't like that she was arguing with him because he brought home the money.
"Juliet," Dad called happily. "It's so nice to see you."
I ran over to give him a hug. "Daddy. I've missed you."
"I know." He said, hugging me back and kissing me on the forehead. He turned to Mom. "I think we will head over to my place for a while, then maybe go to a movie and lunch. I'll bring her home later in the evening."
Mom scoffed. "How you manage to even keep that dump I have no idea. Call me if plans change. I might be out shopping so call my cell."
I headed out to Dad's sports car and climbed in the passenger seat as he sat in the front seat.
"So, how have you been?" He asked driving down the driveway.
"Good." I lied. "How about you?"
"I've been great."
We continued with the simple conversations until we reached his house. It was little, only a two bedroom, but it was cozy and to me it was home. I had my own bedroom which had a nice view of the backyard.
"I'll leave you for a bit while I make some phone calls. You know where everything is?"
I nodded and strolled back into my bedroom. This was typical of him. Leave me to do my own thing for a couple hours then take me out to get food at some restaurant and go to a movie or something. I really didn't like it but what could I do. Plus, I just love getting away from my mom for a bit. Not having her hound me makes this all worth it in the end.
Digging in the desk drawer I pulled out what I was looking for. The small, sharp shiny metal helps take away the pain. I rolled up my pants leg since I forgot (stupid me) to bring along a sweater and swiped the razor across my skin. Then did it again and again.
"What are you doing?" Dad's angry voice came through the fog of happiness. He quickly came over and pulled the razor out of my hands. "What's this? Answer me!"
I couldn't speak. I didn't want to have to explain it. I was dirty, disgusting, a freak.
