I'll Give Ya Four Fingers- I'm In With The In Crowd
Dedication: Maya, thanks so much for being the first reviewer. We do not know what we would do without you. Thank you to all the other reviewers, we appreciate it greatly
Disclaimer: We don't think you can disclaim what nobody claims to begin with.
Authors' Note: Let us make this known before you read this story, because we wouldn't want you to stop reading, afraid of the outcome: The duck and I are both hard core Scott and Shelby fans, there will be no, non-ScottandShelby relationships. Not that complications may not happen, but we will not let any of our characters end up with either of them, IN THE END, and most of the time. Just because we are S&S fans however, does not mean that will be the only relationships going on. We just didn't want any of you to worry.
Riley sighed as she walked into her new home. "Well," she thought. "At least HE's not here."
"So, this is where you will be staying. Uh, Bunk Two is yours. There will be three other girls staying in here with you." Roger said smiling at her.
"Yeah, whatever," Riley said spacing out. She laid on the bed that was hers. It definitely wasn't her though. It needed some character. Riley began to rummage through her trunk, which has been brought in next to her bed.
"Ah," she said out loud finding her pillow cover. Then she pulled out her quilt that her best friend had made for her. She put each in their appropriate spot then she added her teddy bear into the mix.
"I like the quilt," Roger said, still trying to make conversation.
Riley looked at the brightly colored quilt. There were pictures of her friends in each of the white spaces. Her best friend, Lydia, had worked hard on it to make sure she had something to remind her of her friends once she left. Her friends and her sister were the only things Riley would miss. Which was why her sister had given Riley her teddy bear.
"Well," Roger said looking at his watch. "Looks like it's time for lunch."
Riley nodded and followed him back to "Dining Area." Roger got Riley's rather unappealing food and led her a table that was already occupied by five adolescents. Roger sat her tray down next to a skinny girl with long brown hair.
"Everyone this Riley Raines, she is going to be the new Cliffhanger. Riley these people ore five-sevenths of the Cliffhangers." Roger said and then sat at a table nearby.
Riley smiled at all of them and sat down. "Hi," the skinny girl said smiling brightly at Riley.
"Hi," Riley echoed, her smile matching the girl's.
"I'm Juliette." The girl continued. She began pointing to different people around the table. "This is Auggie, that's David, Ezra, and that's…"
"I don't need you to tell her my name. I do now how to make my mouth functional just fine." The girl who was sitting in front of Riley said. Then she turned to Riley and smiled. "Hello, my name is Daisy, and welcome to the Hell Hole known as Mt. Horizon. Although Juliette did allow you to talk to us on first name basis, I feel it is important to know a little bit about the person you are talking to. So I will take it upon myself to tell you a little about me. You know, just to get the conversation started. Anyway, my parents were both alcoholics, and they decided to boot me here when I tried to off my Father with a seven iron. Not to long ago my Mother became my late Mother. She died in a car accident, due to the fact that she was driving drunk, and my Father has since then tried to stop drinking. I use to be Goth, but now I no longer feel the need to hide. My hobbies entail reading tarot cards, and tealeaves. How about yourself?"
Riley laughed, Daisy seemed like an interesting person. Riley and Daisy did have one thing in common, but Riley wasn't ready to spill her guts. Even as cool as Daisy seemed Riley could tell she would make more of a connection with Juliette. She seemed like your typical happy-go-lucky cheerleader, which was what Riley was, and who she hung out with. Not wanting to leave Daisy disappointed, Riley decided to say a few things about herself. "Hmm, well, I was a cheerleader at my old school, and um, my Parents are divorced. I used to live with my Mom and her thing, but now I live here."
"Her thing?" A guy with curly-ish dark hair who Juliette had called David asked.
"Um, I mean her husband."
"Ah," Ezra said. "She has issues with her step-father. Interesting."
Riley looked down at her food. She didn't feel comfortable being nitpicked by these people she barely knew. She didn't even want to know about her past, why would they. "Well, doesn't everyone have issues with their parents?
Everyone around the table nodded their heads and seemed to go off into their own little worlds.
"Hey," Auggie said breaking the silence. "Does anyone know where Scott and Shelby went?"
"I bet Peter has found some new form of punishment that entails leaving here." Ezra said.
"Peter doesn't do punishment well." David added smiling slyly at Riley. "But I bet you do."
Riley began to blush, "Well, I guess you'll have to find out from him." Riley said nodding her head to the gorgeous blond guy who had just walked in. Although she did think David was cute, he wasn't her type.
Everyone's eyes followed Riley's and they all shook their heads in unison. "Sorry Riley, but David won't be hearing anything from him about you. He's already taken."
"Really," Riley said her smiling changing to a devilish grin. "And does he have a name?"
"Scott," a blonde girl from behind the object of Riley's admiration. "Didn't you eat enough at breakfast?"
Scott laughed and grabbed a tray from the line. "Do you think you could put some extra spaghetti on there?" he asked the server.
The blonde girl just shook her head. Riley glanced at her, she was pretty, but she would be no competition for Riley. "I suppose that's who took him?"
"Yes, and her name is Shelby. As in ScottandShelby, she's half of our favorite couple." Daisy said her eyes narrowing at Riley.
"Not for long," Riley said.
"Look Riley, I am going to give you a word of advice, when it comes to Scott and Shelby, it's just Scott and Shelby. They are what you call reliable, they'll fight a lot, but they won't ever not be together,"
"Thanks for the introduction Dais," Shelby said.
"No problem Shel."
"Whose the new kid?" Scott said coming from behind Shelby, his tray fully stocked.
"Well, this is…" Juliette began but was cut off by Riley.
Riley stuck her hand out to Scott's. "Hey, I'm Riley Raines, and you are?"
Riley saw Shelby's eyes narrow at her, but she didn't care. "Scott Barringer, and this is Shelby." Scott told Riley watching her closely. "She's my girlfriend." Then he put a protective arm around Shelby.
Riley laughed a hollow laugh. "So I've been told, but I've also been told change is a good thing."
Shelby's features were starting to stiffen and Riley could tell she was about to get confrontational. Shelby took a step toward Riley and opened her mouth, but Juliette wouldn't let her say anything. "Um, Riley, I think we should go ask Peter who your first week buddy should be. Come on, let's go."
Riley smirked at Shelby as she pushed her shoulder past Shelby's, forcing Shelby out of her place a little. "Sure, let's go."
Juliette glanced at Shelby before she went on. "Don't make a big deal about it Shelby, she's new, she'll get it eventually." Juliette said looking between Riley and Shelby. Although she tried to hide it, Riley could tell Juliette was speaking from experience.
Riley's assumption was proved when Shelby gave Juliette a sarcastic smirk. "Shove it Queenie."
Juliette just shook her head and walked past Shelby, as soon as they were out of hearing distance Riley spoke up. "Thanks for sticking up for me in there. I'm guessing Shelby's a bitch to you as well?"
Juliette nodded her head. "Yeah, Shelby has hormonal issues. Last year before Morp we got in a big fight. I mean, we were hitting each other and shoving. We got in a lot of trouble, but I got in a few good hits."
Riley laughed. "You know something, you remind me of my best friend, Lydia."
"Really?" I mean, that's cool. I would say something like you remind me of my best friend, but all my friends are like, fake ya know?"
"Yeah, I have a few of those back home too. So, what landed you here?"
"Binge and purge queen. I messed myself up on diet pills, and I used to cut myself."
"Really, I suppose I could see you as binge and purge queen, I mean with the pressures of cheerleading and all. You were a cheerleader right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, anyway, I understand the pressure, but I don't figure you for a cutter."
"Most people don't, what got you here?"
"Um…"
"If you don't want to tell me, that's fine."
"It's not that I don't trust you, I just don't feel comfortable talking about it."
"I understand, but you'll get used to it, because practically all we do around here is talk about our problems."
"Ooh, fun."
"Yeah, it sucks sometimes, bu…"
"Girls," A male voice said from behind them.
Both girls swiveled around. "Peter," Juliette spoke first.
"Jules. So Riley is everything going okay?"
"Yeah, I mean I started a friendship, and I got in a fight in less than twenty minutes, I would have to say things are going pretty well."
Peter's eyebrows went up at the remark about the fight, but he seemed to glaze over it. " I am sorry we didn't properly get introduced, but this weekend is a very busy one."
"No problem."
"Well, I was going to come get you and assign you a first week buddy, but it appears that you and Juliette are getting along pretty well, so I will just leave it like that."
"Thanks Peter, that's what we came to talk to you about."
"No problem Jules. Are Scott and Shelby back yet?"
"Yeah, they're eating. Where did they go?" Juliette asked a curious look on her face,
"Thanks Jules, I have to go," Peter said dodging the question.
As Peter ran off Juliette and Riley looked at each other, then shrugged their shoulders. They then walked the general direction to their dorm.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"So, what's the deal with the new girl?" Scott asked everyone.
"Well, David was hitting on her, unsuccessfully of course, but her attention changed when you walked in the room, and she refused to listen to us about you and Shelby." Ezra told Scott.
"At least I wasn't too chicken to do it Ez." David retorted. Then Ezra and David got into one of their little scuffles.
"It would have appeared to the casual observer that she didn't care you were taken. Better watch out Shelb, I think she's out to get Scott." Daisy added.
Scott felt Shelby tense up next to him. "Well, whatever, it's not like she can."
Shelby smiled instantly, which made Scott feel better. He returned Shelby's smile, then David spoke up and both their smiles faltered. "If I was you, she could."
Scott looked over at Shelby worried about her reaction, after that episode with Lila he didn't want her to worry about another girl in Scott's life. Shelby, however, did not look worried at all. Instead she smiled her wonderfully sarcastic smile. "Well David, if you were Scott I don't think she would even think about wanting you, and for that matter neither would I."
David returned Shelby's smile. "Ha, ha, but if I recall, she was into me until she saw jock-o over there."
Scott tightened his lips and tilted his head a little to the side. He was about ready to get into it with David when Auggie spoke up. "Hey shut up man. I thought you woulda learned by now. Either you shut up or I'll mess you up."
Everyone smirked at David who in return was completely unfazed as always. Scott was glad that him and Auggie had become really good friends. He needed someone to talk to who wasn't always hormonal like Shelby. And who he didn't have to watch what he said. Ever since Scott had told Shelby he loved her, she had become more emotional, and worrying about everything. He was afraid she thought he might leave her or stop loving her. He knew that would never happen, but he wanted to make sure Shelby did too.
Ezra spilled his drink, so everyone's attention immediately changed to him. Scott scarfed the rest of his food down and nudged Shelby to go throw away her food with him. Shelby got up, but she was still glued to the conversation at hand. "Shel, I need to talk to you."
Scott won Shelby's immediate attention. "What about?"
"Nothing big, tonight in the forest behind the dorms, after lights out."
"Well, if it's nothing big then why can't we talk about it now? And why behind the dorms, are the docks like not good enough for you?"
Scott could tell Shelby was tensing up over this, he shouldn't have said they needed to talk. "No not me Shelb, you. Besides, I don't wanna get caught, I mean, they may not like our extra curricular activities." Scott knew it sounded lame, but he wanted o make Shelby feel better.
"Okay fine then, it's a… Oh, shit, I forgot."
"What?"
"I can't tonight. I didn't turn my paper in today, because I didn't do it, so Jeff told me to give it to him tomorrow, I haven't even done the research."
"That's okay, maybe tomorrow then."
"Yeah, except maybe we should do it in front of Peter. I mean, now that Sophie's pregnant, you never know when he's gonna need groceries."
Scott laughed and then took Shelby's hand, and then they walked back to the table together.
"Were we having motor functioning skill issues?" Daisy asked once they sat down.
"Why?" Shelby asked her best friend.
"Well, because I think you just made a new record for the longest time taken to put up your tray."
"Looks like David we'll have to work hard to get his title back." Ezra said.
David opened his mouth to say something, but Scott just tuned out knowing the conversation would remain like this. All that really mattered to him was that Shelby was happy, and that he stayed as far away from that new girl as humanly possible.
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Peter smiled as he walked into his office. He was about to greet the new kid and his parents. He was really glad Juliette and Riley were making a connection. After Kat had left Juliette had been friendless, and at the mercy of Shelby's taunting. And Peter didn't know for sure, but he was pretty sure the confrontation Riley had been referring to had something to do with Shelby. So, it was good that they had someone to defend them from her.
Peter smiled as he walked into his office. When he walked in the door he saw a man and a woman standing and a teenager sitting at the chair in front of Peter's desk. Peter sat down at his chair without saying anything and did a double take at the looks on everyone's faces. The adults had sullen looks on their faces and the teenager's face was completely blank, it looked like he was in his own world.
"Hello," Peter said. "I am Peter Scarbarow, but you can just call me Peter. And, I'm the director here at Mount Horizon."
"Hello," the man said. "I am John Gates and this is my wife Marla Gates."
Peter nodded a hello and looked at the kid. "I assume you are Colin."
Colin didn't react; it didn't even look like he had heard Peter. Marla looked down at Colin apprehensively. Then gave him a small nudge. Something stirred in Colin's eyes and he was back to the present. "Um, I'm Colin."
Peter smiled. "Well, I am Peter." Then he looked up at Colin's parents. "Do you have the folder we sent you?"
"Yes," Marla said as she pulled a manila folder out of a briefcase. Then she reached past Colin and handed it to Peter. This small action appeared to make Colin nervous.
Peter took the folder and looked it over. Colin wasn't there for any of the normal reasons. No drug addiction, running away, or suicidal behavior. He looked at the attached note from Colin's psychologist. It read:
"Colin appears to be in a semi-catatonic state. He didn't respond to anything and by my tests it looks like he has an extreme amount of guilt. The tests also show that some event may have triggered a fear, either to heights or water. Colin needs attention and counseling in an environment away from his house. As it appears something may have happened there that is causing him guilt. His guilt does not appear to make him suicidal, but I cannot be too sure."
Signed,
Dr. Elizabeth Hollis
Peter scratched his head in confusion. The forms filled out by his parents didn't help much either. It just said that he had been in a tragic accident and no longer responded. Peter decided to push further. "What was the serious accident he was in?"
Marla opened her mouth to say something but John spoke up before she had a chance to. "A car accident." Marla looked at her husband curiously but didn't say anything.
"Did anything tragic happen to anyone?"
Marla looked to the floor waiting for her husband to answer. "No, well, uh, one of his friends was seriously injured. No one died, no one."
Peter knew he was lying, but he didn't press. It appeared to Peter that the Gates all needed serious help. Peter looked over the folder one more time and just shook his head. "Well, that is all I will be needing. Um, would you like a tour of Horizon while we give Colin a physical?"
"That would be great," John said. From his stance Peter could tell he felt like a caged animal; he was just waiting to get out.
"Great," Peter said and he grabbed his radio from his belt. "Roger?"
"Peter," Roger's voice crackled.
"Um, could you please send two…" Peter paused and thought a moment. All the other groups had at least twelve people in their group; the only place he could put Colin in was the Cliffhangers. He didn't want to put this big of a caseload on James, but he had no choice. "…Cliffhangers up here to give a grand tour?"
"A Cliffhanger?" Roger's crackling voiced asked in obvious confusion.
"It's the only place to put him," Peter said knowing what Roger was thinking.
"Sure thing Peter."
Peter looked up and smiled at the Gates. "There will be two students here in a second to take you on a tour." He then looked at Colin who seemed to be paying attention now that his parents were leaving. "Colin, a nurse is about to come in here to give you a physical, and then I will explain a few rules about Horizon to you, okay?"
Colin nodded and Peter noticed Marla smile at the small gesture. There was a knock on the door and in walked Horizon's one and only nurse. Peter led Colin's parents to outside the building. "Um, did you pack Colin's bags?"
"Yes," Marla said with a mother's care. "He was too tired to."
Peter nodded and saw Shelby and David walking towards the office, he shook his head not knowing why of all the Cliffhangers he had picked those two. He knew that they wouldn't get along though, so he decided to let David go with Colin's parents, knowing he wouldn't do well with a newbie. Peter also remembered how Colin's file had said he was possibly afraid of heights, and Shelby was for sure.
"David this is Mr. and Mrs. Gates, I would like for you to give them the Grand Tour, and remember any misbehavior and you will be on shuns for a week. Shelby, you're going to wait outside my office until I have our newest edition prepared for Horizon."
Both David and Shelby appeared upset, but after David's last two weeks of shuns for arguing with Peter too much, Shelby was the only on willing to speak up. "That's so not fare. David gets Parent Duty, and I'm stuck with the newbie. I can't believe you're doing this Peter, I thought we established I wasn't Tour Worthy. Shouldn't you be getting Juliette or somebody sunny like her?"
"No, I am getting you, and if you argue with my anymore, you'll be the one on shuns for two weeks."
Shelby looked at David with disgust. "When did you turn out to be such a wimp?"
David gave her a wry smile but Peter stopped both of them before anything could happen. "Shelby go now, and David don't forget what I said."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Shelby swiveled around and slammed the office door behind her, she couldn't believe Peter was sticking her with newbie job. She was supposed to be spending her free time with Scott, but NO, Peter had to ruin that. Shelby was so frustrated she didn't even notice the very gorgeous, dark-haired seventeen-year-old she had just startled.
She did notice him when he walked in front of her. Shirtless. Shelby found herself face-to-face with Colin's chiseled abs. Her eyes moved slowly up until she was confronted by a just as beautiful smile and the dark, smoldering eyes. Very unlike herself, she found herself caught up in his eyes. His eyes were just as gorgeous as Scott's but more guarded and seductive, which made Shelby's heart speed up a little. She searched for something in his eyes, but she couldn't read them. The feeling was strange to her, she was normally the one with people trying to find something in her eyes and ending up short.
"Hi," Colin said to Shelby sending a shiver down her back as she felt his cool breath on her face.
Shelby's words were caught in her throat as this gorgeous male's presence surrounded her. Once he stepped away Shelby remembered who she was. "Who are you?" Shelby asked him her biting sarcasm back in full affect.
"Colin," he said his voice soft. "You?"
"I'm Shelby, and I'm wearing a shirt, which brings us to the question…"
"Sorry," Colin said as he put his black shirt back on. "I just got done with the physical."
Shelby didn't know how to respond to Colin. His body reminded her of Scott, but his eyes were the exact opposite of Scott's. Scott's were light and open, whereas Colin's were dark and guarded. His voice was soft, and Shelby detected a hint of pain behind it. She wanted so much to find a rude sarcastic that would keep him away from her, but she couldn't. Even if she could, she couldn't bring herself to say it. There were so many emotions swirling around her head but the only thing she knew for sure, she couldn't bring herself to say anything mean to him.
"It's okay," Shelby answered after a lapsed moment of silence. "Um, I'm sorry."
Colin let at a low laugh, and then flashed Shelby a gorgeous smile. "For what?"
"Um, being rude to you I guess," Shelby scrambled for words. She found herself in disbelief; she had never apologized for anything, especially not for being rude.
"That's okay Shelby," Colin said looking at her intensely. They sat there in a semi-comfortable silence for what seemed like hours until Peter came in.
"I hope you haven't had to wait for me that long Colin." Peter said looking in a manila folder.
"Well, Shelby here kept me company," Colin answered looking at Peter but still keeping his gaze on her. Shelby wasn't sure what she was experience, but she felt heat rise up in her cheeks.
Peter looked up and was smiling widely, which scared Shelby even more. She didn't know, but she thought she was blushing. She couldn't take it if Peter had caught her blushing, and not with Scott. She felt relief wash over her when she realized Peter wasn't even looking at her. "You've decided to join us?"
"Well, when I saw Shelby walk in I had to," Colin said, his voice smooth and unmarred by adolescents. He gave her another long glance and Shelby felt the blush creep down her neck.
Peter seemed to be thoroughly enjoying this, and Shelby just hoped it wasn't because she was blushing. "Well, whatever works. Anyway, I was looking over your folder, it says you played football until the uh, "accident." You want to tell me why?"
At the word 'accident' Colin looked down and all the life seemed to drain out of his eyes. "It didn't seem important anymore." Colin's voice gave off a clear warning that he was done talking about it, but as always Peter pushed further.
"You're Dad…"
"Step-dad," Colin corrected him.
"…Step-dad said that it was a car accident, and that your friend was seriously injured. You want to tell me about that?"
Colin's eyes flashed, they were no longer guarded, and instead pain leaked out and settled in Shelby's soul. Then, the guard was quickly put back up, and Shelby could no longer feel Colin's pain. For some reason Shelby wanted it to leak back into her, she felt something when it did. Shelby knew it wasn't going to happen again though, that Colin had just been caught surprised, and accidentally let his guard down. She had done it before too.
Shelby didn't realize it, but she was on the edge of her seat waiting for Colin to answer. "He lied to you," Colin simply said, his soft voice growing scratchy. "He'll do that."
Colin glanced at Shelby, and he smiled again. "Can we get this interview over? I want to get my tour with Ms. Shelby here going."
Peter seemed disappointed but realized he wasn't going to get anything out of him. Peter then launched into the rules and regulations that Shelby had heard so many times she mouthed the words in tune with Peter. "Well," Peter finally said. "Shelby can take you on your complimentary tour now."
Colin smiled as he turned around and came face to face with Shelby. "Do I get a complimentary hug at the end?"
Peter looked at Shelby his eyebrows up. Shelby glanced back at him pleading for help; she didn't want to hurt Colin, but she didn't want to hurt Scott either. "I think that will have to be held off for today. Maybe later on."
"Sure," Colin said shrugging his shoulders. "As long as you don't switch tour buddies on me and give me some hairy guy."
Peter's laugh went through the door as Shelby and Colin began to walk out. Colin's smile grew larger as they got outside, and he turned and stared at Shelby. Shelby felt herself smile and look down. She couldn't believe herself. "So," Colin said finally. "What do YOU say about that hu…"
"Shelby," Scott's voice interrupted and the calming bliss shattered.
Authors' Note: That looks like the perfect place to stop. So, what do you think? Well, if you give us at least three reviews (hey, this was a long-butted story), we will post the next part. We will be looking forward to those three reviews…
Signed,
The fruit
And the duck
Dedication: Maya, thanks so much for being the first reviewer. We do not know what we would do without you. Thank you to all the other reviewers, we appreciate it greatly
Disclaimer: We don't think you can disclaim what nobody claims to begin with.
Authors' Note: Let us make this known before you read this story, because we wouldn't want you to stop reading, afraid of the outcome: The duck and I are both hard core Scott and Shelby fans, there will be no, non-ScottandShelby relationships. Not that complications may not happen, but we will not let any of our characters end up with either of them, IN THE END, and most of the time. Just because we are S&S fans however, does not mean that will be the only relationships going on. We just didn't want any of you to worry.
Riley sighed as she walked into her new home. "Well," she thought. "At least HE's not here."
"So, this is where you will be staying. Uh, Bunk Two is yours. There will be three other girls staying in here with you." Roger said smiling at her.
"Yeah, whatever," Riley said spacing out. She laid on the bed that was hers. It definitely wasn't her though. It needed some character. Riley began to rummage through her trunk, which has been brought in next to her bed.
"Ah," she said out loud finding her pillow cover. Then she pulled out her quilt that her best friend had made for her. She put each in their appropriate spot then she added her teddy bear into the mix.
"I like the quilt," Roger said, still trying to make conversation.
Riley looked at the brightly colored quilt. There were pictures of her friends in each of the white spaces. Her best friend, Lydia, had worked hard on it to make sure she had something to remind her of her friends once she left. Her friends and her sister were the only things Riley would miss. Which was why her sister had given Riley her teddy bear.
"Well," Roger said looking at his watch. "Looks like it's time for lunch."
Riley nodded and followed him back to "Dining Area." Roger got Riley's rather unappealing food and led her a table that was already occupied by five adolescents. Roger sat her tray down next to a skinny girl with long brown hair.
"Everyone this Riley Raines, she is going to be the new Cliffhanger. Riley these people ore five-sevenths of the Cliffhangers." Roger said and then sat at a table nearby.
Riley smiled at all of them and sat down. "Hi," the skinny girl said smiling brightly at Riley.
"Hi," Riley echoed, her smile matching the girl's.
"I'm Juliette." The girl continued. She began pointing to different people around the table. "This is Auggie, that's David, Ezra, and that's…"
"I don't need you to tell her my name. I do now how to make my mouth functional just fine." The girl who was sitting in front of Riley said. Then she turned to Riley and smiled. "Hello, my name is Daisy, and welcome to the Hell Hole known as Mt. Horizon. Although Juliette did allow you to talk to us on first name basis, I feel it is important to know a little bit about the person you are talking to. So I will take it upon myself to tell you a little about me. You know, just to get the conversation started. Anyway, my parents were both alcoholics, and they decided to boot me here when I tried to off my Father with a seven iron. Not to long ago my Mother became my late Mother. She died in a car accident, due to the fact that she was driving drunk, and my Father has since then tried to stop drinking. I use to be Goth, but now I no longer feel the need to hide. My hobbies entail reading tarot cards, and tealeaves. How about yourself?"
Riley laughed, Daisy seemed like an interesting person. Riley and Daisy did have one thing in common, but Riley wasn't ready to spill her guts. Even as cool as Daisy seemed Riley could tell she would make more of a connection with Juliette. She seemed like your typical happy-go-lucky cheerleader, which was what Riley was, and who she hung out with. Not wanting to leave Daisy disappointed, Riley decided to say a few things about herself. "Hmm, well, I was a cheerleader at my old school, and um, my Parents are divorced. I used to live with my Mom and her thing, but now I live here."
"Her thing?" A guy with curly-ish dark hair who Juliette had called David asked.
"Um, I mean her husband."
"Ah," Ezra said. "She has issues with her step-father. Interesting."
Riley looked down at her food. She didn't feel comfortable being nitpicked by these people she barely knew. She didn't even want to know about her past, why would they. "Well, doesn't everyone have issues with their parents?
Everyone around the table nodded their heads and seemed to go off into their own little worlds.
"Hey," Auggie said breaking the silence. "Does anyone know where Scott and Shelby went?"
"I bet Peter has found some new form of punishment that entails leaving here." Ezra said.
"Peter doesn't do punishment well." David added smiling slyly at Riley. "But I bet you do."
Riley began to blush, "Well, I guess you'll have to find out from him." Riley said nodding her head to the gorgeous blond guy who had just walked in. Although she did think David was cute, he wasn't her type.
Everyone's eyes followed Riley's and they all shook their heads in unison. "Sorry Riley, but David won't be hearing anything from him about you. He's already taken."
"Really," Riley said her smiling changing to a devilish grin. "And does he have a name?"
"Scott," a blonde girl from behind the object of Riley's admiration. "Didn't you eat enough at breakfast?"
Scott laughed and grabbed a tray from the line. "Do you think you could put some extra spaghetti on there?" he asked the server.
The blonde girl just shook her head. Riley glanced at her, she was pretty, but she would be no competition for Riley. "I suppose that's who took him?"
"Yes, and her name is Shelby. As in ScottandShelby, she's half of our favorite couple." Daisy said her eyes narrowing at Riley.
"Not for long," Riley said.
"Look Riley, I am going to give you a word of advice, when it comes to Scott and Shelby, it's just Scott and Shelby. They are what you call reliable, they'll fight a lot, but they won't ever not be together,"
"Thanks for the introduction Dais," Shelby said.
"No problem Shel."
"Whose the new kid?" Scott said coming from behind Shelby, his tray fully stocked.
"Well, this is…" Juliette began but was cut off by Riley.
Riley stuck her hand out to Scott's. "Hey, I'm Riley Raines, and you are?"
Riley saw Shelby's eyes narrow at her, but she didn't care. "Scott Barringer, and this is Shelby." Scott told Riley watching her closely. "She's my girlfriend." Then he put a protective arm around Shelby.
Riley laughed a hollow laugh. "So I've been told, but I've also been told change is a good thing."
Shelby's features were starting to stiffen and Riley could tell she was about to get confrontational. Shelby took a step toward Riley and opened her mouth, but Juliette wouldn't let her say anything. "Um, Riley, I think we should go ask Peter who your first week buddy should be. Come on, let's go."
Riley smirked at Shelby as she pushed her shoulder past Shelby's, forcing Shelby out of her place a little. "Sure, let's go."
Juliette glanced at Shelby before she went on. "Don't make a big deal about it Shelby, she's new, she'll get it eventually." Juliette said looking between Riley and Shelby. Although she tried to hide it, Riley could tell Juliette was speaking from experience.
Riley's assumption was proved when Shelby gave Juliette a sarcastic smirk. "Shove it Queenie."
Juliette just shook her head and walked past Shelby, as soon as they were out of hearing distance Riley spoke up. "Thanks for sticking up for me in there. I'm guessing Shelby's a bitch to you as well?"
Juliette nodded her head. "Yeah, Shelby has hormonal issues. Last year before Morp we got in a big fight. I mean, we were hitting each other and shoving. We got in a lot of trouble, but I got in a few good hits."
Riley laughed. "You know something, you remind me of my best friend, Lydia."
"Really?" I mean, that's cool. I would say something like you remind me of my best friend, but all my friends are like, fake ya know?"
"Yeah, I have a few of those back home too. So, what landed you here?"
"Binge and purge queen. I messed myself up on diet pills, and I used to cut myself."
"Really, I suppose I could see you as binge and purge queen, I mean with the pressures of cheerleading and all. You were a cheerleader right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, anyway, I understand the pressure, but I don't figure you for a cutter."
"Most people don't, what got you here?"
"Um…"
"If you don't want to tell me, that's fine."
"It's not that I don't trust you, I just don't feel comfortable talking about it."
"I understand, but you'll get used to it, because practically all we do around here is talk about our problems."
"Ooh, fun."
"Yeah, it sucks sometimes, bu…"
"Girls," A male voice said from behind them.
Both girls swiveled around. "Peter," Juliette spoke first.
"Jules. So Riley is everything going okay?"
"Yeah, I mean I started a friendship, and I got in a fight in less than twenty minutes, I would have to say things are going pretty well."
Peter's eyebrows went up at the remark about the fight, but he seemed to glaze over it. " I am sorry we didn't properly get introduced, but this weekend is a very busy one."
"No problem."
"Well, I was going to come get you and assign you a first week buddy, but it appears that you and Juliette are getting along pretty well, so I will just leave it like that."
"Thanks Peter, that's what we came to talk to you about."
"No problem Jules. Are Scott and Shelby back yet?"
"Yeah, they're eating. Where did they go?" Juliette asked a curious look on her face,
"Thanks Jules, I have to go," Peter said dodging the question.
As Peter ran off Juliette and Riley looked at each other, then shrugged their shoulders. They then walked the general direction to their dorm.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"So, what's the deal with the new girl?" Scott asked everyone.
"Well, David was hitting on her, unsuccessfully of course, but her attention changed when you walked in the room, and she refused to listen to us about you and Shelby." Ezra told Scott.
"At least I wasn't too chicken to do it Ez." David retorted. Then Ezra and David got into one of their little scuffles.
"It would have appeared to the casual observer that she didn't care you were taken. Better watch out Shelb, I think she's out to get Scott." Daisy added.
Scott felt Shelby tense up next to him. "Well, whatever, it's not like she can."
Shelby smiled instantly, which made Scott feel better. He returned Shelby's smile, then David spoke up and both their smiles faltered. "If I was you, she could."
Scott looked over at Shelby worried about her reaction, after that episode with Lila he didn't want her to worry about another girl in Scott's life. Shelby, however, did not look worried at all. Instead she smiled her wonderfully sarcastic smile. "Well David, if you were Scott I don't think she would even think about wanting you, and for that matter neither would I."
David returned Shelby's smile. "Ha, ha, but if I recall, she was into me until she saw jock-o over there."
Scott tightened his lips and tilted his head a little to the side. He was about ready to get into it with David when Auggie spoke up. "Hey shut up man. I thought you woulda learned by now. Either you shut up or I'll mess you up."
Everyone smirked at David who in return was completely unfazed as always. Scott was glad that him and Auggie had become really good friends. He needed someone to talk to who wasn't always hormonal like Shelby. And who he didn't have to watch what he said. Ever since Scott had told Shelby he loved her, she had become more emotional, and worrying about everything. He was afraid she thought he might leave her or stop loving her. He knew that would never happen, but he wanted to make sure Shelby did too.
Ezra spilled his drink, so everyone's attention immediately changed to him. Scott scarfed the rest of his food down and nudged Shelby to go throw away her food with him. Shelby got up, but she was still glued to the conversation at hand. "Shel, I need to talk to you."
Scott won Shelby's immediate attention. "What about?"
"Nothing big, tonight in the forest behind the dorms, after lights out."
"Well, if it's nothing big then why can't we talk about it now? And why behind the dorms, are the docks like not good enough for you?"
Scott could tell Shelby was tensing up over this, he shouldn't have said they needed to talk. "No not me Shelb, you. Besides, I don't wanna get caught, I mean, they may not like our extra curricular activities." Scott knew it sounded lame, but he wanted o make Shelby feel better.
"Okay fine then, it's a… Oh, shit, I forgot."
"What?"
"I can't tonight. I didn't turn my paper in today, because I didn't do it, so Jeff told me to give it to him tomorrow, I haven't even done the research."
"That's okay, maybe tomorrow then."
"Yeah, except maybe we should do it in front of Peter. I mean, now that Sophie's pregnant, you never know when he's gonna need groceries."
Scott laughed and then took Shelby's hand, and then they walked back to the table together.
"Were we having motor functioning skill issues?" Daisy asked once they sat down.
"Why?" Shelby asked her best friend.
"Well, because I think you just made a new record for the longest time taken to put up your tray."
"Looks like David we'll have to work hard to get his title back." Ezra said.
David opened his mouth to say something, but Scott just tuned out knowing the conversation would remain like this. All that really mattered to him was that Shelby was happy, and that he stayed as far away from that new girl as humanly possible.
*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*
Peter smiled as he walked into his office. He was about to greet the new kid and his parents. He was really glad Juliette and Riley were making a connection. After Kat had left Juliette had been friendless, and at the mercy of Shelby's taunting. And Peter didn't know for sure, but he was pretty sure the confrontation Riley had been referring to had something to do with Shelby. So, it was good that they had someone to defend them from her.
Peter smiled as he walked into his office. When he walked in the door he saw a man and a woman standing and a teenager sitting at the chair in front of Peter's desk. Peter sat down at his chair without saying anything and did a double take at the looks on everyone's faces. The adults had sullen looks on their faces and the teenager's face was completely blank, it looked like he was in his own world.
"Hello," Peter said. "I am Peter Scarbarow, but you can just call me Peter. And, I'm the director here at Mount Horizon."
"Hello," the man said. "I am John Gates and this is my wife Marla Gates."
Peter nodded a hello and looked at the kid. "I assume you are Colin."
Colin didn't react; it didn't even look like he had heard Peter. Marla looked down at Colin apprehensively. Then gave him a small nudge. Something stirred in Colin's eyes and he was back to the present. "Um, I'm Colin."
Peter smiled. "Well, I am Peter." Then he looked up at Colin's parents. "Do you have the folder we sent you?"
"Yes," Marla said as she pulled a manila folder out of a briefcase. Then she reached past Colin and handed it to Peter. This small action appeared to make Colin nervous.
Peter took the folder and looked it over. Colin wasn't there for any of the normal reasons. No drug addiction, running away, or suicidal behavior. He looked at the attached note from Colin's psychologist. It read:
"Colin appears to be in a semi-catatonic state. He didn't respond to anything and by my tests it looks like he has an extreme amount of guilt. The tests also show that some event may have triggered a fear, either to heights or water. Colin needs attention and counseling in an environment away from his house. As it appears something may have happened there that is causing him guilt. His guilt does not appear to make him suicidal, but I cannot be too sure."
Signed,
Dr. Elizabeth Hollis
Peter scratched his head in confusion. The forms filled out by his parents didn't help much either. It just said that he had been in a tragic accident and no longer responded. Peter decided to push further. "What was the serious accident he was in?"
Marla opened her mouth to say something but John spoke up before she had a chance to. "A car accident." Marla looked at her husband curiously but didn't say anything.
"Did anything tragic happen to anyone?"
Marla looked to the floor waiting for her husband to answer. "No, well, uh, one of his friends was seriously injured. No one died, no one."
Peter knew he was lying, but he didn't press. It appeared to Peter that the Gates all needed serious help. Peter looked over the folder one more time and just shook his head. "Well, that is all I will be needing. Um, would you like a tour of Horizon while we give Colin a physical?"
"That would be great," John said. From his stance Peter could tell he felt like a caged animal; he was just waiting to get out.
"Great," Peter said and he grabbed his radio from his belt. "Roger?"
"Peter," Roger's voice crackled.
"Um, could you please send two…" Peter paused and thought a moment. All the other groups had at least twelve people in their group; the only place he could put Colin in was the Cliffhangers. He didn't want to put this big of a caseload on James, but he had no choice. "…Cliffhangers up here to give a grand tour?"
"A Cliffhanger?" Roger's crackling voiced asked in obvious confusion.
"It's the only place to put him," Peter said knowing what Roger was thinking.
"Sure thing Peter."
Peter looked up and smiled at the Gates. "There will be two students here in a second to take you on a tour." He then looked at Colin who seemed to be paying attention now that his parents were leaving. "Colin, a nurse is about to come in here to give you a physical, and then I will explain a few rules about Horizon to you, okay?"
Colin nodded and Peter noticed Marla smile at the small gesture. There was a knock on the door and in walked Horizon's one and only nurse. Peter led Colin's parents to outside the building. "Um, did you pack Colin's bags?"
"Yes," Marla said with a mother's care. "He was too tired to."
Peter nodded and saw Shelby and David walking towards the office, he shook his head not knowing why of all the Cliffhangers he had picked those two. He knew that they wouldn't get along though, so he decided to let David go with Colin's parents, knowing he wouldn't do well with a newbie. Peter also remembered how Colin's file had said he was possibly afraid of heights, and Shelby was for sure.
"David this is Mr. and Mrs. Gates, I would like for you to give them the Grand Tour, and remember any misbehavior and you will be on shuns for a week. Shelby, you're going to wait outside my office until I have our newest edition prepared for Horizon."
Both David and Shelby appeared upset, but after David's last two weeks of shuns for arguing with Peter too much, Shelby was the only on willing to speak up. "That's so not fare. David gets Parent Duty, and I'm stuck with the newbie. I can't believe you're doing this Peter, I thought we established I wasn't Tour Worthy. Shouldn't you be getting Juliette or somebody sunny like her?"
"No, I am getting you, and if you argue with my anymore, you'll be the one on shuns for two weeks."
Shelby looked at David with disgust. "When did you turn out to be such a wimp?"
David gave her a wry smile but Peter stopped both of them before anything could happen. "Shelby go now, and David don't forget what I said."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Shelby swiveled around and slammed the office door behind her, she couldn't believe Peter was sticking her with newbie job. She was supposed to be spending her free time with Scott, but NO, Peter had to ruin that. Shelby was so frustrated she didn't even notice the very gorgeous, dark-haired seventeen-year-old she had just startled.
She did notice him when he walked in front of her. Shirtless. Shelby found herself face-to-face with Colin's chiseled abs. Her eyes moved slowly up until she was confronted by a just as beautiful smile and the dark, smoldering eyes. Very unlike herself, she found herself caught up in his eyes. His eyes were just as gorgeous as Scott's but more guarded and seductive, which made Shelby's heart speed up a little. She searched for something in his eyes, but she couldn't read them. The feeling was strange to her, she was normally the one with people trying to find something in her eyes and ending up short.
"Hi," Colin said to Shelby sending a shiver down her back as she felt his cool breath on her face.
Shelby's words were caught in her throat as this gorgeous male's presence surrounded her. Once he stepped away Shelby remembered who she was. "Who are you?" Shelby asked him her biting sarcasm back in full affect.
"Colin," he said his voice soft. "You?"
"I'm Shelby, and I'm wearing a shirt, which brings us to the question…"
"Sorry," Colin said as he put his black shirt back on. "I just got done with the physical."
Shelby didn't know how to respond to Colin. His body reminded her of Scott, but his eyes were the exact opposite of Scott's. Scott's were light and open, whereas Colin's were dark and guarded. His voice was soft, and Shelby detected a hint of pain behind it. She wanted so much to find a rude sarcastic that would keep him away from her, but she couldn't. Even if she could, she couldn't bring herself to say it. There were so many emotions swirling around her head but the only thing she knew for sure, she couldn't bring herself to say anything mean to him.
"It's okay," Shelby answered after a lapsed moment of silence. "Um, I'm sorry."
Colin let at a low laugh, and then flashed Shelby a gorgeous smile. "For what?"
"Um, being rude to you I guess," Shelby scrambled for words. She found herself in disbelief; she had never apologized for anything, especially not for being rude.
"That's okay Shelby," Colin said looking at her intensely. They sat there in a semi-comfortable silence for what seemed like hours until Peter came in.
"I hope you haven't had to wait for me that long Colin." Peter said looking in a manila folder.
"Well, Shelby here kept me company," Colin answered looking at Peter but still keeping his gaze on her. Shelby wasn't sure what she was experience, but she felt heat rise up in her cheeks.
Peter looked up and was smiling widely, which scared Shelby even more. She didn't know, but she thought she was blushing. She couldn't take it if Peter had caught her blushing, and not with Scott. She felt relief wash over her when she realized Peter wasn't even looking at her. "You've decided to join us?"
"Well, when I saw Shelby walk in I had to," Colin said, his voice smooth and unmarred by adolescents. He gave her another long glance and Shelby felt the blush creep down her neck.
Peter seemed to be thoroughly enjoying this, and Shelby just hoped it wasn't because she was blushing. "Well, whatever works. Anyway, I was looking over your folder, it says you played football until the uh, "accident." You want to tell me why?"
At the word 'accident' Colin looked down and all the life seemed to drain out of his eyes. "It didn't seem important anymore." Colin's voice gave off a clear warning that he was done talking about it, but as always Peter pushed further.
"You're Dad…"
"Step-dad," Colin corrected him.
"…Step-dad said that it was a car accident, and that your friend was seriously injured. You want to tell me about that?"
Colin's eyes flashed, they were no longer guarded, and instead pain leaked out and settled in Shelby's soul. Then, the guard was quickly put back up, and Shelby could no longer feel Colin's pain. For some reason Shelby wanted it to leak back into her, she felt something when it did. Shelby knew it wasn't going to happen again though, that Colin had just been caught surprised, and accidentally let his guard down. She had done it before too.
Shelby didn't realize it, but she was on the edge of her seat waiting for Colin to answer. "He lied to you," Colin simply said, his soft voice growing scratchy. "He'll do that."
Colin glanced at Shelby, and he smiled again. "Can we get this interview over? I want to get my tour with Ms. Shelby here going."
Peter seemed disappointed but realized he wasn't going to get anything out of him. Peter then launched into the rules and regulations that Shelby had heard so many times she mouthed the words in tune with Peter. "Well," Peter finally said. "Shelby can take you on your complimentary tour now."
Colin smiled as he turned around and came face to face with Shelby. "Do I get a complimentary hug at the end?"
Peter looked at Shelby his eyebrows up. Shelby glanced back at him pleading for help; she didn't want to hurt Colin, but she didn't want to hurt Scott either. "I think that will have to be held off for today. Maybe later on."
"Sure," Colin said shrugging his shoulders. "As long as you don't switch tour buddies on me and give me some hairy guy."
Peter's laugh went through the door as Shelby and Colin began to walk out. Colin's smile grew larger as they got outside, and he turned and stared at Shelby. Shelby felt herself smile and look down. She couldn't believe herself. "So," Colin said finally. "What do YOU say about that hu…"
"Shelby," Scott's voice interrupted and the calming bliss shattered.
Authors' Note: That looks like the perfect place to stop. So, what do you think? Well, if you give us at least three reviews (hey, this was a long-butted story), we will post the next part. We will be looking forward to those three reviews…
Signed,
The fruit
And the duck