Chapter 11

Infatuation and Frustration

The day the Cliffhangers returned, Scott was in the lodge writing in his journal, which was one more of Peter's consequences. Each Cliffhanger passed him with a hello, and how are you before dividing into smaller groups around the lodge. Auggie and Juliette were conversing by the fireplace, while Ezra, Daisy and Kat talked near the stairs. Scott returned his attention to his writing.

"Writing about me?" Shelby asked as she sat in the chair next to his.

"Yeah, right," Scott sarcastically replied, wishing she would bug someone else.

"So what did you do while I was away?" Shelby continued, hoping to bait Scott into a conversation.

"Just what I'm doing now," Scott answered in a matter of fact tone.

"That's some journal you're writing, I'll bet I could give you something more interesting to write about if you let me." Baited Shelby, hoping Scott would take the hint.

"I'll bet you could," not bothering to look at Shelby but continuing writing in his journal.

"Maybe we could meet somewhere after curfew, say the docks?" Shelby added

"Whatever," Scott answered continuing his writing and wishing Shelby would leave.

Voices heard from the balcony over looking the main floor of the lodge caught Scott's attention. The voice of his admiration could be heard talking with another student. Glancing between his journal and the upper floor, hoping Sophie would come into his line of sight.

"So I'll see you at the docks, say 11:30?" Shelby asked, relishing the thought of her heart's desire granting her a simple yes.

Lost in his fantasy Scott missed what Shelby said.

"Earth to Scott," Shelby said a little annoyed by his distraction.

"What?" Scott said irritated by the interruption.

"You, me, the docks at 11:30," Shelby repeated.

"Whatever," Scott answered.

"Is that a yes?" Shelby asked hopeful Scott was caving to her advances.

Scott got up, taking his notebook and walked to the center of the lodge leaving Shelby's question unanswered. Looking up he spotted Sophie, mesmerized by her pretty face he ran into Auggie.

"Hey, Meat, watch where you're going," Auggie said

"Sorry, didn't see you." Scott apologized, glancing at Auggie than focusing back on

Sophie in time to see her make eye contact with him. He quickly looked away and headed for the door.

Over the next few weeks, Scott found the headaches from the concussion only came when his thought drifted to Elaine or the nightmares occurred during the night. It was difficult during the time the Cliffhangers were away but since their return, he felt better.

Each day Scott relished seeing Sophie, the way she moved, the scent of her perfume all added to his fantasy of her. Many times, he'd steal a glance of her only to look away when she caught him staring at her in class. It was in those times he'd caught Shelby checking him out only to wish it were Sophie who looked at him the same way.

It seemed everywhere he went Shelby was there. Weather he was writing in his journal, doing homework or skipping rock across the lake, Shelby found a way to strike up a conversation. She continued to ask him to meet her places and each time he was noncommittal to her advances. The cat and mouse game continued between he and Shelby as his infatuation grew for Sophie.