I'll Give Ya Four Fingers- Good, Better, Best
Dedication: George Horie
Authors' Note: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE FABULOUS REVIEWS! We loved them, you guys are so great. I know the beginning may confuse you a little, but I think you will understand. Please keep up the reviews, we would like five before we post the next chapter. Cheating is permitted! J
"Daisy," Ezra said as she walked into the shed with him. She closed the door behind her.
"Ezra," Daisy said not looking at him. Daisy was used to not looking at people when she talked to them, it was about her way of thinking. But she wasn't looking at Ezra right now because she was scared to. Daisy had never felt this way about anyone before, and as much as it disgusted her to say this, she liked how it made her feel.
"When are we going to get past this stage?"
"What stage?" Daisy asked Ezra even though she knew exactly what he meant.
"This friends on the verge of being more than that."
"Look Ezra, I told you before I don't have..."
"Boyfriends, I know, but that was in the past, things changed a lot over the summer."
Daisy looked down at the ground; Ezra was right things had changed a lot. Ezra and Daisy were on the verge of becoming something more then just friends. Daisy actually wanted it to happen now, but she couldn't she was afraid of getting hurt. She looked up at Ezra her stared at her brazenly. Their relationship status was not the only thing that had changed, Ezra had also become way more confident. "I know Ezra, but..."
"But what Daisy? I, I just want to be more than friends with you, but I guess that's not the way it is for you." Ezra turned and started to leave, but Daisy stopped him.
"Ezra, I do. I want to too," Daisy said the words fumbling out of her mouth. Daisy felt like she was about to puke; this lovey dovey stuff really wasn't for her. She hated fumbling for words, she shook her head just imagining what Shelby would say if she was here. Not that Shelby had any room to talk; ever since MORP Scott and her had been unbearable to be around. "Look, Ezra, I like you too. But, I don't think we could do this. One of us might get hurt and then our friendship would be ruined. I don't want to risk that."
Ezra shook his head at her and opened the door. "You do either way," he said and walked out the door. Daisy sat there blank faced; she couldn't believe this. This was not Daisy, this was some sick, warped person who fell in... she couldn't even bare to say it. These tingly, romantic emotions that shot through her made her happy for the moment, but when she looked back on them, she wanted to vomit. She rolled her eyes to herself as she walked to the Girls' Dorms, at least she would have something to think about; homework.
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Colin shifted as he watched Shelby and the blond guy talk. At first the blond guy had appeared totally pissed, but then Shelby walked over to him, and said something in his ear. Then it was like everything was cool. Now they were making googlie eyes at each other. Colin shook his head; he couldn't believe he had thought that Shelby wouldn't have a boyfriend. Colin smiled admiring Shelby. She was so beautiful, and mysterious. Colin had done enough hiding to see right through that mask. That was what had made Colin decide to come out of the shell he had made for himself, that and the fact that his Dad was gone. He wanted to know what Shelby was hiding because whatever it was brought her pain. From the look on her face when she looked at the brooding blond guy, you would think she was in a pure state of Nirvana. Colin rolled his eyes smiling a little; Shelby was just too beautiful.
Colin cleared his throat. "Well, if I'm not going to get the Grande Tour, could you at least show me where the bathroom is, before it gets so dark I can't see?"
Shelby turned and looked at him with a smile but Scott didn't seem to amused. Scott glanced at him. "Don't you know prisoners aren't allowed to pee?"
"Well, from what Peter told me I'm not a prisoner, and last time I checked, the weren't allowed to force prisoners to hold their pee. Something about infections, or some bleeding heart shit anyway."
Shelby smiled and Colin knew Scott wanted to laugh, but instead he just turned away. He turned back around and looked at Shelby. "Come on Scott, you don't want me to get shuns do you?"
Scott wrapped his arms back around Shelby, and then leaned in to give her a kiss. When he pulled away he shook his head. "No."
"Then let me go give the Grande Tour, it won't take too long."
Scott glared over at Colin. "Yeah, I got wood chopping duty anyway."
Shelby laughed and then pulled away. She turned to Colin. "Come on, I have places to go, people to see, homework to do, you know the drill."
Colin smiled at her. "Yeah, I have people to see too. You know, Britney Spears is coming down for a visit, and the President has some papers he wants me to look over. You know something about..."
"Riley! How dare you talk to him like that. You have no right. Look at everything he has done for you. And you throw it back in his face!" Riley's Mother screamed at her.
Riley looked just to the left of her Mother. She wasn't about to stand there and take this from anyone. "The only thing that bastard has done for me lately is make me sick." Riley said her voice dripping with disdain.
"Riley, what is wrong with you? What is so wrong with me being happy? Do you honestly hate me so much that you're going to try to ruin this. I have been married to him for a month and already you're trying to break us up. Henry shouldn't have to deal with this, and if it comes down to you or him I WILL choose him. So, don't make me have to decide, or you will be sorry."
Riley now looked down at her feet. She couldn't leave Cynthia alone here. Riley hated this, this situation couldn't be any worse. Normally she would let her Mother go ahead and throw her out. But if she did, then Cynthia would be left here, alone… with him. Riley shook her head not believing she was about to do this. "Mom, I'm... I'm sorry. I shouldn't be acting this way. I, I won't slip up again, I promise."
Riley's Mother's smiled a satisfied smile. "That's what I want to here. Now go apologize to Henry."
Riley bit her lip as she turned to go, trying to fight back the tears. She went in and said a hollow apology to Henry, and managed not to let one tear fall. She kept herself from breaking down into tears until she got into her room. There the tears flowed freely, because there the only person who would see her being weak was her. She fell into a blissful sleep there in her room. Her room, it was her sanctuary, except it wasn't. There in her room, that was where it happened. Where she used to run to in a time of need was the place she was running from.
Riley did keep her promise to her Mother, and she meant to, but that night… That night when she walked in… When she walked and saw Cynthia… and saw Cynthia's face, the only thing she knew to do was attack. And that was what she did.
BOOM. She heard the shot, and felt its force move through her body as she was thrown back from the effort.
Riley sat there forever, she watched in silence as the paramedics rushed in, watched as they put him on the stretcher. Listened as her Mother told the Police what happened. Watched as the Police took Cynthia and Riley's Mother. She felt the paramedics put her on the stretcher. She watched it all in a blur and then fell into a troubled sleep. She woke up to her Mother. The look on her Mother's face, Riley knew she was about to be dismissed.
"You have lost your chance Riley, you're gone… For good."
Riley shook her head in fear, then she saw Cynthia. Riley wanted to wrap her up in her arms. But she just stayed on the bed. A single tear slipped down Riley's cheek.
Cynthia ran to Riley. "Riley."
"RILEY!!! Wake up," somebody said from beside her. Riley blinked for a few seconds before she realized where she was.
"I'm up," She said to whoever happened to be next to her. Riley rolled over and saw Juliette. Riley blinked for a few seconds before she realized where she was. She shook her head and wanted to cry, but she couldn't not in front of people. So Riley bit back her tears. "Hey, wait a minute," she said looking at the clock next to her bed. It was 7:00. "I thought we didn't have to wake up early on Saturdays."
"Well, we do, Sunday is when we kind of sleep in, but not really." Juliette said looking down at Riley. "I wasn't going to wake you up, but you were kind of shaking and being weird and stuff. Like you were having a bad dream or something."
"Well, it was probably from lack of food. I hope breakfast here is better than dinner."
"Oh, it is. Well, I mean, if you like bacon."
Riley looked at Juliette. "I'm a vegetarian."
Juliette laughed. "You're not serious are you?"
"Yeah, I decided to when… well, my Dad, my real Dad, he was a vegetarian."
"Was?"
"Yeah, he's dead."
"Oh, I'm sorry Riley."
"It's no big deal, he died when I was six, I have gotten over it."
"You've been a vegetarian since you were six?" Juliette asked in disbelief.
"Yeah right… Well, I always thought it would be a better lifestyle, but I hadn't tried it, and I didn't want to until I thought I was ready to handle it. But then, my Step-Dad said he thought vegetarians were stupid, so the next day I decided to become one."
"Oh," Juliette said shaking her head. "So, how long have you been a vegetarian then?"
"About six months."
"Well then, that does qualify, but I don't know what you'll eat. The meat is actually the only good thing here."
Riley laughed. "Oh well, then I guess I won't have to worry about gaining weight. You know, so I'll be in good shape for Cheerleading, when I go back."
Juliet looked down at Riley's quilt. Riley didn't know what she had said, but it was probably either about getting out of this Hell Hole or staying skinny. "Well, right now I could eat play-do. So, I suggest we leave for breakfast before I actually try to."
"Why? So you could throw it back up into a nice colorful blob?" A voice asked from behind them.
Juliette and Riley whipped around and Riley saw Scott's girlfriend. Riley was trying to figure out her name, Shelly, no, Shelby. Yeah, that was right, Shelby.
"Shelby, you don't have to be so mean," Juliette said in her defense.
"Shut it Queenie, I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to Miss Barfs-A-Lot over here."
Riley rolled her eyes at Shelby. "I'm sorry, I didn't know we were suppose to talk to trash like you."
Shelby just laughed. "Well, lookie there. Now we have the matching set, Queenie and her little Princess. Are you gonna teach her how to slice her arms with a butter knife too?"
"Just leave us alone Shelby," Juliette said her cheeks flaring pink.
"Or what Queenie?"
"Shelby," A males voice said from the sitting area. All three girls turned to see who Riley recognized as Auggie.
"What Auggie?" Shelby said looking annoyed.
"Scott and the newbie are fighting in our dorm. Oh yeah, and it's about you."
Shelby turned and glared at both Jules and Riley. Then she turned and ran out the door with Auggie close behind.
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Shelby ran to the Dining Area. She couldn't believe Scott was doing this to her. If he got in trouble one more time Peter was going to make an example out of Scott. Peter had been working on this new solitary confinement punishment, and he needed someone to try it out on. He had warned Scott. Shelby prayed as she ran into the dining area that Scott hadn't gotten caught. Shelby looked around; she saw Scott and Colin fighting by their regular table, and luckily no adults in sight. She ran over and screamed at Scott to get off Colin. Shocked Scott turned around stunned and Colin gave him a good blow to this jaw. Scott's face slammed against the floor. He quickly recovered and then went after Colin. Shelby was really mad now.
"Damn it Scott," Shelby said as she tried to pull him off. Trying to get a good shot in at Colin, Scott shook Shelby off. She then slammed on to the ground. Colin stopped suddenly and then ran over to Shelby trying to help her up. Shelby shook him off as she got up on her own. She looked at Scott and shook her head. She didn't understand why he had to get into all these jealous rages. She had gotten over it and trusted him, why couldn't he?
Shelby brushed her jeans off and walked out of the Lodge slowly. Shelby didn't know why she had gone in there to help him in the first place. If he got in trouble, he deserved it. She walked into her dorm and layed on her bed. She turned over when she heard someone walk through the door. She was not going to talk to Scott.
"Shelby," a voice said and Shelby almost fell out of her bed surprised to hear Colin's deep guarded voice as opposed to Scott's open one.
Shelby stood up, but remained with her back to Colin. "What do you what," she said in her familiar biting tone.
"I just, I wanted to make sure you were okay. And I, I wanted you to know I was sorry."
"Well, sorry isn't going to take that bruise off of Scott now is it." Shelby said turning around to face Colin. Colin was looking down at his feet, but then he looked up at Shelby and shook his head.
"I'm not sorry for hitting him. I'm sorry you got hurt in the process."
Shelby was angry at Colin. But now she wasn't quite sure if she was anymore. He had done nothing wrong. Or nothing that she knew about. Maybe he hadn't even started that fight. Shelby really had no room to judge without knowing the facts. But then again, how could she not side with Scott. He was her boyfriend, he was her everything. Shelby was completely torn. Everything had been so perfect. Nothing could have gone wrong, then BOOM. Colin cam and it was like she wasn't sure about anything anymore.
"Umm, well, I, uh, I… I don't know what to say. I mean," she shook her head. "I really don't. I just need some time to think about things."
Colin smiled at her. "That's cool, but if you never talk to me again. It's cool. You love Scott, I've heard, and I can tell by the way you look at him. So, if you don't ever talk to me, I will understand. You shouldn't give up something you know, for something you have a chance to experience." Colin then left.
Shelby stood shocked looking at her feet, having no clue what had just happened. Colin's words rang through her head ash she tried to go back to sleep. It just didn't make sense, none of it. It just didn't.
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Peter smiled as he got out of the truck and started walking across campus. The baby was so close Peter could practically feel it in his arms. Peter didn't know if they were going to have a boy or a girl, but he didn't care. Both Sophie and he had decided to let it be a surprise. Though that did make it interesting at the baby shower when they got tons of boys baby clothes. At least if it was a girl they could always take the clothes back. Peter was going through all the names Sophie and he had discussed last night when Roger walked up to him with a sullen look on his face.
"Hey Roger, what's up?" Peter asked expecting something to have happened with the Ridgerunner that had come back home after a week.
"It appears that while all the counselors were having a small meeting two students were in fighting, physically, in the cafeteria."
Peter stopped walking and turned around to face Roger. "Who?!?" Peter asked both shocked and angry.
"Actually, no one is talking. All I know is that it was a Cliffhanger, and I don't know what the other one was, no one said."
Peter just shook his head. "Look, could you go tell the Cliffhanger guys that we are having an emergency meeting in the back room of the office, and I will go tell the Girls."
"Sure thing boss," Roger said as he headed off to the Boys' Dorm. Peter went to unlock the back room before he went to go get the girls. He was half way there when the Cliffhanger Guys passed him.
"Hey Peter, what's this about man?" Auggie asked Peter.
"You'll find out in a minute," Peter said as he scanned them all for any bruises. He didn't notice anything, but then again he could only see their right sides.
He walked into the Girls' Dorms, but when he looked inside, he didn't know what to think. All of the Cliffhanger Girls were huddled around Shelby's bed, well all of them except for Riley and Shelby. Shelby he assumed was lying on her bed. Peter parted threw them and saw that Shelby had a black eye. Peter shook his head. He couldn't believe Shelby had gotten into a fight with Riley. He was so disappointed, Shelby had been doing so well, and made such great progress.
"All of you go to the back room in the office building now," Peter said with great force.
"But Peter, Shelby, she's hurt," Daisy said shaking her head at Peter.
"I realize that, but something very important has happened and you all need to follow my instructions. Now let's go. Now!"
Peter walked behind them as they walked toward the offices. He was so angry with Shelby he had lost practically all train of thought, he had even forgot that the newbie, Riley, was missing. When they got there he told them all to sit down.
Peter shook his head at each and every one of them. When Peter had started to lay off on them a little they had all started pushing it. This was just unacceptable. He had given them his trust and they had take advantage of it.
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"Shelby," Scott whispered as Peter paced around the room. Though Peter seemed extremely pissed Scott didn't care because he needed to talk to her. It appeared that Shelby had gotten a black eye from when he had accidentally knocked her over, and Scott needed to talk to her, needed to apologize.
Shelby glanced over at him and then looked away in disgust. Scott looked up and saw that Colin was sitting next to her. Colin was giving her concerned looks, which made Scott sick at his stomach. There was no way Scott was going to let this asshole come in ands take Shelby from him, no way. Scott was about to get up to move over to Shelby when Peter turned around and faced them.
"This is unacceptable. Fighting, Shelby, you're better than that." Peter said looking condescendingly at Shelby.
Scott looked at Peter shocked, and so did Shelby, she opened her mouth to say something but Peter silenced her. "No Shelby, I do not want your excuses, they are no good. I understand that Riley may have been making eyes at Scott, but that is no reason to start a fight."
"But Peter…" Shelby began and was cut off by Peter.
"No Shelby, I don't want you excuses, I alre…"
"No Peter, YOU'RE going to listen to me whether you want to or not. For your information I wasn't the one fighting. I just happened to get caught in it, and got hurt. I wouldn't start a fight over some pathetic little newbie whom was making it so clear she was out for the person that mattered the most to me, because I would trust that person. So, don't go around pointing fingers at me!!!" Shelby yelled at Peter and stormed out of the room.
Shelby's words stung. Scott knew that though she had been defending herself, most of that was aimed at him. He shook his head and ran after Shelby. She had ran behind the building and was now bent at the waist crying. It didn't look like she was, but Scott knew her well, and knew that was a way to keep it from looking like she was.
"Shelby," Scott said softly.
"Go away Scott, I don't want to talk to you," Shelby said not looking up.
"Shelby, we need to talk, I need to tell you why, I need, I nee…" he went over and massaged Shelby's back. Shelby flinched
"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!!!" Shelby screamed at him and ran into the woods. Scott wanted to follow her but he knew it wouldn't help the situation any so he went walking in the other direction.
"Trouble in Paradise," a voice from behind asked, well more stated.
Scott turned around to see the new girl Riley. "What do you want," Scott asked his patience at an end.
"Nothing," Riley said in a cheery voice. "I was just speculating."
"Why weren't you at the meeting?"
"Meeting, I was, umm, eating uh Breakfast?"
"Uh huh, so if you don't want anything could you leave me alone?"
"Well, actually, I do want something."
"What?"
"Well, I wanna get to know you, I mean, on a friendly level."
"Yeah, well, I already have friends."
"Well, I only have one here, and I hear that I would be a good idea if I made one. And you know, considering we're going to be in the same group, I thought you would be a perfect selection."
"Why don't you go make nice with David, I hear he's in to skanks."
"Hey," Riley said pulling him around and forcing him to look into her green eyes. "I am not a skank, but I bet you would be into me if I was, cause from what I here, that's all your precious girlfriend is."
Scott got flashbacks from the times when he had called Shelby a skank, and remembered how he had been wrong, well not exactly he looked at the girl in from of him, and for the first time LOOKED at her. Before now he hadn't noticed how gorgeous she was. She was dirty blonde hair, and perfect green eyes. She was thin, and a little shorter than Shelby. She actually kind of reminded him of Ashley Olsen. She was really pretty, and she had nice lips. Scott shook his head, he couldn't believe what he was thinking, he had to stop this, before Shelby got even more pissed at him.
"Yeah well, you really shouldn't believe everything you hear. Because from what I hear, you're a Juliette."
Riley shook her head at him. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You know, the usual, throwing up, or just not eating at all. Then going all schitzo and cutting yourself. Except for, unlike Jules, you're a skank, and I don't associate myself with skanks."
Riley, much to Scott's surprise laughed at him. "You are so pathetic. You think you and your little girlfriend are so much better than me. Look around, you are here at a school for screw ups, meaning you must be one, especially considering you have been here so long. I really don't think you're in a position to think you're so much better than everyone else. At least I will admit I screwed up, not that you'll ever know what I did, since you won't even take them time to get to know me. But I promise you this. I am nothing like Juliette, and I suppose you can label me as a skank if you want, but it wasn't my choice," Riley said shaking her head at him before she stormed away.
Scott was stunned by the mouthful he had just been given, but that last sentence had made him curious. "Wait," he called out to Riley and she stopped, but didn't turn around. "What do you mean?" Riley started walking again and Scott followed her. "Come on, you're the one who said you wanted to get to know me."
Riley turned around and glared at him. "Go fuck yourself!" Then she ran towards the same spot Shelby had gone off to.
"Damn it," Scott said and stormed to the Guys' Dorm in frustration. Today was just not his day.
Authors' Note: Okay, so seven reviews please, I know I asked for five, but I, the fruit hate that number, as well as six, so we have changed it to seven, I am sorry if this seems like a rude demand, but they make us happy, and then all the ideas flow off of us. Anyway, stay tuned next time and see what happens to... yeah that person, after... yeah that. DON'T CONFUSE US WITH THE FACTS!!! Oh, yeah, more to come with Scott and RIley, and Shelby and Colin, but in the end, you have no reason to worry.
Dedication: George Horie
Authors' Note: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE FABULOUS REVIEWS! We loved them, you guys are so great. I know the beginning may confuse you a little, but I think you will understand. Please keep up the reviews, we would like five before we post the next chapter. Cheating is permitted! J
"Daisy," Ezra said as she walked into the shed with him. She closed the door behind her.
"Ezra," Daisy said not looking at him. Daisy was used to not looking at people when she talked to them, it was about her way of thinking. But she wasn't looking at Ezra right now because she was scared to. Daisy had never felt this way about anyone before, and as much as it disgusted her to say this, she liked how it made her feel.
"When are we going to get past this stage?"
"What stage?" Daisy asked Ezra even though she knew exactly what he meant.
"This friends on the verge of being more than that."
"Look Ezra, I told you before I don't have..."
"Boyfriends, I know, but that was in the past, things changed a lot over the summer."
Daisy looked down at the ground; Ezra was right things had changed a lot. Ezra and Daisy were on the verge of becoming something more then just friends. Daisy actually wanted it to happen now, but she couldn't she was afraid of getting hurt. She looked up at Ezra her stared at her brazenly. Their relationship status was not the only thing that had changed, Ezra had also become way more confident. "I know Ezra, but..."
"But what Daisy? I, I just want to be more than friends with you, but I guess that's not the way it is for you." Ezra turned and started to leave, but Daisy stopped him.
"Ezra, I do. I want to too," Daisy said the words fumbling out of her mouth. Daisy felt like she was about to puke; this lovey dovey stuff really wasn't for her. She hated fumbling for words, she shook her head just imagining what Shelby would say if she was here. Not that Shelby had any room to talk; ever since MORP Scott and her had been unbearable to be around. "Look, Ezra, I like you too. But, I don't think we could do this. One of us might get hurt and then our friendship would be ruined. I don't want to risk that."
Ezra shook his head at her and opened the door. "You do either way," he said and walked out the door. Daisy sat there blank faced; she couldn't believe this. This was not Daisy, this was some sick, warped person who fell in... she couldn't even bare to say it. These tingly, romantic emotions that shot through her made her happy for the moment, but when she looked back on them, she wanted to vomit. She rolled her eyes to herself as she walked to the Girls' Dorms, at least she would have something to think about; homework.
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Colin shifted as he watched Shelby and the blond guy talk. At first the blond guy had appeared totally pissed, but then Shelby walked over to him, and said something in his ear. Then it was like everything was cool. Now they were making googlie eyes at each other. Colin shook his head; he couldn't believe he had thought that Shelby wouldn't have a boyfriend. Colin smiled admiring Shelby. She was so beautiful, and mysterious. Colin had done enough hiding to see right through that mask. That was what had made Colin decide to come out of the shell he had made for himself, that and the fact that his Dad was gone. He wanted to know what Shelby was hiding because whatever it was brought her pain. From the look on her face when she looked at the brooding blond guy, you would think she was in a pure state of Nirvana. Colin rolled his eyes smiling a little; Shelby was just too beautiful.
Colin cleared his throat. "Well, if I'm not going to get the Grande Tour, could you at least show me where the bathroom is, before it gets so dark I can't see?"
Shelby turned and looked at him with a smile but Scott didn't seem to amused. Scott glanced at him. "Don't you know prisoners aren't allowed to pee?"
"Well, from what Peter told me I'm not a prisoner, and last time I checked, the weren't allowed to force prisoners to hold their pee. Something about infections, or some bleeding heart shit anyway."
Shelby smiled and Colin knew Scott wanted to laugh, but instead he just turned away. He turned back around and looked at Shelby. "Come on Scott, you don't want me to get shuns do you?"
Scott wrapped his arms back around Shelby, and then leaned in to give her a kiss. When he pulled away he shook his head. "No."
"Then let me go give the Grande Tour, it won't take too long."
Scott glared over at Colin. "Yeah, I got wood chopping duty anyway."
Shelby laughed and then pulled away. She turned to Colin. "Come on, I have places to go, people to see, homework to do, you know the drill."
Colin smiled at her. "Yeah, I have people to see too. You know, Britney Spears is coming down for a visit, and the President has some papers he wants me to look over. You know something about..."
"Riley! How dare you talk to him like that. You have no right. Look at everything he has done for you. And you throw it back in his face!" Riley's Mother screamed at her.
Riley looked just to the left of her Mother. She wasn't about to stand there and take this from anyone. "The only thing that bastard has done for me lately is make me sick." Riley said her voice dripping with disdain.
"Riley, what is wrong with you? What is so wrong with me being happy? Do you honestly hate me so much that you're going to try to ruin this. I have been married to him for a month and already you're trying to break us up. Henry shouldn't have to deal with this, and if it comes down to you or him I WILL choose him. So, don't make me have to decide, or you will be sorry."
Riley now looked down at her feet. She couldn't leave Cynthia alone here. Riley hated this, this situation couldn't be any worse. Normally she would let her Mother go ahead and throw her out. But if she did, then Cynthia would be left here, alone… with him. Riley shook her head not believing she was about to do this. "Mom, I'm... I'm sorry. I shouldn't be acting this way. I, I won't slip up again, I promise."
Riley's Mother's smiled a satisfied smile. "That's what I want to here. Now go apologize to Henry."
Riley bit her lip as she turned to go, trying to fight back the tears. She went in and said a hollow apology to Henry, and managed not to let one tear fall. She kept herself from breaking down into tears until she got into her room. There the tears flowed freely, because there the only person who would see her being weak was her. She fell into a blissful sleep there in her room. Her room, it was her sanctuary, except it wasn't. There in her room, that was where it happened. Where she used to run to in a time of need was the place she was running from.
Riley did keep her promise to her Mother, and she meant to, but that night… That night when she walked in… When she walked and saw Cynthia… and saw Cynthia's face, the only thing she knew to do was attack. And that was what she did.
BOOM. She heard the shot, and felt its force move through her body as she was thrown back from the effort.
Riley sat there forever, she watched in silence as the paramedics rushed in, watched as they put him on the stretcher. Listened as her Mother told the Police what happened. Watched as the Police took Cynthia and Riley's Mother. She felt the paramedics put her on the stretcher. She watched it all in a blur and then fell into a troubled sleep. She woke up to her Mother. The look on her Mother's face, Riley knew she was about to be dismissed.
"You have lost your chance Riley, you're gone… For good."
Riley shook her head in fear, then she saw Cynthia. Riley wanted to wrap her up in her arms. But she just stayed on the bed. A single tear slipped down Riley's cheek.
Cynthia ran to Riley. "Riley."
"RILEY!!! Wake up," somebody said from beside her. Riley blinked for a few seconds before she realized where she was.
"I'm up," She said to whoever happened to be next to her. Riley rolled over and saw Juliette. Riley blinked for a few seconds before she realized where she was. She shook her head and wanted to cry, but she couldn't not in front of people. So Riley bit back her tears. "Hey, wait a minute," she said looking at the clock next to her bed. It was 7:00. "I thought we didn't have to wake up early on Saturdays."
"Well, we do, Sunday is when we kind of sleep in, but not really." Juliette said looking down at Riley. "I wasn't going to wake you up, but you were kind of shaking and being weird and stuff. Like you were having a bad dream or something."
"Well, it was probably from lack of food. I hope breakfast here is better than dinner."
"Oh, it is. Well, I mean, if you like bacon."
Riley looked at Juliette. "I'm a vegetarian."
Juliette laughed. "You're not serious are you?"
"Yeah, I decided to when… well, my Dad, my real Dad, he was a vegetarian."
"Was?"
"Yeah, he's dead."
"Oh, I'm sorry Riley."
"It's no big deal, he died when I was six, I have gotten over it."
"You've been a vegetarian since you were six?" Juliette asked in disbelief.
"Yeah right… Well, I always thought it would be a better lifestyle, but I hadn't tried it, and I didn't want to until I thought I was ready to handle it. But then, my Step-Dad said he thought vegetarians were stupid, so the next day I decided to become one."
"Oh," Juliette said shaking her head. "So, how long have you been a vegetarian then?"
"About six months."
"Well then, that does qualify, but I don't know what you'll eat. The meat is actually the only good thing here."
Riley laughed. "Oh well, then I guess I won't have to worry about gaining weight. You know, so I'll be in good shape for Cheerleading, when I go back."
Juliet looked down at Riley's quilt. Riley didn't know what she had said, but it was probably either about getting out of this Hell Hole or staying skinny. "Well, right now I could eat play-do. So, I suggest we leave for breakfast before I actually try to."
"Why? So you could throw it back up into a nice colorful blob?" A voice asked from behind them.
Juliette and Riley whipped around and Riley saw Scott's girlfriend. Riley was trying to figure out her name, Shelly, no, Shelby. Yeah, that was right, Shelby.
"Shelby, you don't have to be so mean," Juliette said in her defense.
"Shut it Queenie, I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to Miss Barfs-A-Lot over here."
Riley rolled her eyes at Shelby. "I'm sorry, I didn't know we were suppose to talk to trash like you."
Shelby just laughed. "Well, lookie there. Now we have the matching set, Queenie and her little Princess. Are you gonna teach her how to slice her arms with a butter knife too?"
"Just leave us alone Shelby," Juliette said her cheeks flaring pink.
"Or what Queenie?"
"Shelby," A males voice said from the sitting area. All three girls turned to see who Riley recognized as Auggie.
"What Auggie?" Shelby said looking annoyed.
"Scott and the newbie are fighting in our dorm. Oh yeah, and it's about you."
Shelby turned and glared at both Jules and Riley. Then she turned and ran out the door with Auggie close behind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Shelby ran to the Dining Area. She couldn't believe Scott was doing this to her. If he got in trouble one more time Peter was going to make an example out of Scott. Peter had been working on this new solitary confinement punishment, and he needed someone to try it out on. He had warned Scott. Shelby prayed as she ran into the dining area that Scott hadn't gotten caught. Shelby looked around; she saw Scott and Colin fighting by their regular table, and luckily no adults in sight. She ran over and screamed at Scott to get off Colin. Shocked Scott turned around stunned and Colin gave him a good blow to this jaw. Scott's face slammed against the floor. He quickly recovered and then went after Colin. Shelby was really mad now.
"Damn it Scott," Shelby said as she tried to pull him off. Trying to get a good shot in at Colin, Scott shook Shelby off. She then slammed on to the ground. Colin stopped suddenly and then ran over to Shelby trying to help her up. Shelby shook him off as she got up on her own. She looked at Scott and shook her head. She didn't understand why he had to get into all these jealous rages. She had gotten over it and trusted him, why couldn't he?
Shelby brushed her jeans off and walked out of the Lodge slowly. Shelby didn't know why she had gone in there to help him in the first place. If he got in trouble, he deserved it. She walked into her dorm and layed on her bed. She turned over when she heard someone walk through the door. She was not going to talk to Scott.
"Shelby," a voice said and Shelby almost fell out of her bed surprised to hear Colin's deep guarded voice as opposed to Scott's open one.
Shelby stood up, but remained with her back to Colin. "What do you what," she said in her familiar biting tone.
"I just, I wanted to make sure you were okay. And I, I wanted you to know I was sorry."
"Well, sorry isn't going to take that bruise off of Scott now is it." Shelby said turning around to face Colin. Colin was looking down at his feet, but then he looked up at Shelby and shook his head.
"I'm not sorry for hitting him. I'm sorry you got hurt in the process."
Shelby was angry at Colin. But now she wasn't quite sure if she was anymore. He had done nothing wrong. Or nothing that she knew about. Maybe he hadn't even started that fight. Shelby really had no room to judge without knowing the facts. But then again, how could she not side with Scott. He was her boyfriend, he was her everything. Shelby was completely torn. Everything had been so perfect. Nothing could have gone wrong, then BOOM. Colin cam and it was like she wasn't sure about anything anymore.
"Umm, well, I, uh, I… I don't know what to say. I mean," she shook her head. "I really don't. I just need some time to think about things."
Colin smiled at her. "That's cool, but if you never talk to me again. It's cool. You love Scott, I've heard, and I can tell by the way you look at him. So, if you don't ever talk to me, I will understand. You shouldn't give up something you know, for something you have a chance to experience." Colin then left.
Shelby stood shocked looking at her feet, having no clue what had just happened. Colin's words rang through her head ash she tried to go back to sleep. It just didn't make sense, none of it. It just didn't.
*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*
Peter smiled as he got out of the truck and started walking across campus. The baby was so close Peter could practically feel it in his arms. Peter didn't know if they were going to have a boy or a girl, but he didn't care. Both Sophie and he had decided to let it be a surprise. Though that did make it interesting at the baby shower when they got tons of boys baby clothes. At least if it was a girl they could always take the clothes back. Peter was going through all the names Sophie and he had discussed last night when Roger walked up to him with a sullen look on his face.
"Hey Roger, what's up?" Peter asked expecting something to have happened with the Ridgerunner that had come back home after a week.
"It appears that while all the counselors were having a small meeting two students were in fighting, physically, in the cafeteria."
Peter stopped walking and turned around to face Roger. "Who?!?" Peter asked both shocked and angry.
"Actually, no one is talking. All I know is that it was a Cliffhanger, and I don't know what the other one was, no one said."
Peter just shook his head. "Look, could you go tell the Cliffhanger guys that we are having an emergency meeting in the back room of the office, and I will go tell the Girls."
"Sure thing boss," Roger said as he headed off to the Boys' Dorm. Peter went to unlock the back room before he went to go get the girls. He was half way there when the Cliffhanger Guys passed him.
"Hey Peter, what's this about man?" Auggie asked Peter.
"You'll find out in a minute," Peter said as he scanned them all for any bruises. He didn't notice anything, but then again he could only see their right sides.
He walked into the Girls' Dorms, but when he looked inside, he didn't know what to think. All of the Cliffhanger Girls were huddled around Shelby's bed, well all of them except for Riley and Shelby. Shelby he assumed was lying on her bed. Peter parted threw them and saw that Shelby had a black eye. Peter shook his head. He couldn't believe Shelby had gotten into a fight with Riley. He was so disappointed, Shelby had been doing so well, and made such great progress.
"All of you go to the back room in the office building now," Peter said with great force.
"But Peter, Shelby, she's hurt," Daisy said shaking her head at Peter.
"I realize that, but something very important has happened and you all need to follow my instructions. Now let's go. Now!"
Peter walked behind them as they walked toward the offices. He was so angry with Shelby he had lost practically all train of thought, he had even forgot that the newbie, Riley, was missing. When they got there he told them all to sit down.
Peter shook his head at each and every one of them. When Peter had started to lay off on them a little they had all started pushing it. This was just unacceptable. He had given them his trust and they had take advantage of it.
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"Shelby," Scott whispered as Peter paced around the room. Though Peter seemed extremely pissed Scott didn't care because he needed to talk to her. It appeared that Shelby had gotten a black eye from when he had accidentally knocked her over, and Scott needed to talk to her, needed to apologize.
Shelby glanced over at him and then looked away in disgust. Scott looked up and saw that Colin was sitting next to her. Colin was giving her concerned looks, which made Scott sick at his stomach. There was no way Scott was going to let this asshole come in ands take Shelby from him, no way. Scott was about to get up to move over to Shelby when Peter turned around and faced them.
"This is unacceptable. Fighting, Shelby, you're better than that." Peter said looking condescendingly at Shelby.
Scott looked at Peter shocked, and so did Shelby, she opened her mouth to say something but Peter silenced her. "No Shelby, I do not want your excuses, they are no good. I understand that Riley may have been making eyes at Scott, but that is no reason to start a fight."
"But Peter…" Shelby began and was cut off by Peter.
"No Shelby, I don't want you excuses, I alre…"
"No Peter, YOU'RE going to listen to me whether you want to or not. For your information I wasn't the one fighting. I just happened to get caught in it, and got hurt. I wouldn't start a fight over some pathetic little newbie whom was making it so clear she was out for the person that mattered the most to me, because I would trust that person. So, don't go around pointing fingers at me!!!" Shelby yelled at Peter and stormed out of the room.
Shelby's words stung. Scott knew that though she had been defending herself, most of that was aimed at him. He shook his head and ran after Shelby. She had ran behind the building and was now bent at the waist crying. It didn't look like she was, but Scott knew her well, and knew that was a way to keep it from looking like she was.
"Shelby," Scott said softly.
"Go away Scott, I don't want to talk to you," Shelby said not looking up.
"Shelby, we need to talk, I need to tell you why, I need, I nee…" he went over and massaged Shelby's back. Shelby flinched
"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!!!" Shelby screamed at him and ran into the woods. Scott wanted to follow her but he knew it wouldn't help the situation any so he went walking in the other direction.
"Trouble in Paradise," a voice from behind asked, well more stated.
Scott turned around to see the new girl Riley. "What do you want," Scott asked his patience at an end.
"Nothing," Riley said in a cheery voice. "I was just speculating."
"Why weren't you at the meeting?"
"Meeting, I was, umm, eating uh Breakfast?"
"Uh huh, so if you don't want anything could you leave me alone?"
"Well, actually, I do want something."
"What?"
"Well, I wanna get to know you, I mean, on a friendly level."
"Yeah, well, I already have friends."
"Well, I only have one here, and I hear that I would be a good idea if I made one. And you know, considering we're going to be in the same group, I thought you would be a perfect selection."
"Why don't you go make nice with David, I hear he's in to skanks."
"Hey," Riley said pulling him around and forcing him to look into her green eyes. "I am not a skank, but I bet you would be into me if I was, cause from what I here, that's all your precious girlfriend is."
Scott got flashbacks from the times when he had called Shelby a skank, and remembered how he had been wrong, well not exactly he looked at the girl in from of him, and for the first time LOOKED at her. Before now he hadn't noticed how gorgeous she was. She was dirty blonde hair, and perfect green eyes. She was thin, and a little shorter than Shelby. She actually kind of reminded him of Ashley Olsen. She was really pretty, and she had nice lips. Scott shook his head, he couldn't believe what he was thinking, he had to stop this, before Shelby got even more pissed at him.
"Yeah well, you really shouldn't believe everything you hear. Because from what I hear, you're a Juliette."
Riley shook her head at him. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You know, the usual, throwing up, or just not eating at all. Then going all schitzo and cutting yourself. Except for, unlike Jules, you're a skank, and I don't associate myself with skanks."
Riley, much to Scott's surprise laughed at him. "You are so pathetic. You think you and your little girlfriend are so much better than me. Look around, you are here at a school for screw ups, meaning you must be one, especially considering you have been here so long. I really don't think you're in a position to think you're so much better than everyone else. At least I will admit I screwed up, not that you'll ever know what I did, since you won't even take them time to get to know me. But I promise you this. I am nothing like Juliette, and I suppose you can label me as a skank if you want, but it wasn't my choice," Riley said shaking her head at him before she stormed away.
Scott was stunned by the mouthful he had just been given, but that last sentence had made him curious. "Wait," he called out to Riley and she stopped, but didn't turn around. "What do you mean?" Riley started walking again and Scott followed her. "Come on, you're the one who said you wanted to get to know me."
Riley turned around and glared at him. "Go fuck yourself!" Then she ran towards the same spot Shelby had gone off to.
"Damn it," Scott said and stormed to the Guys' Dorm in frustration. Today was just not his day.
Authors' Note: Okay, so seven reviews please, I know I asked for five, but I, the fruit hate that number, as well as six, so we have changed it to seven, I am sorry if this seems like a rude demand, but they make us happy, and then all the ideas flow off of us. Anyway, stay tuned next time and see what happens to... yeah that person, after... yeah that. DON'T CONFUSE US WITH THE FACTS!!! Oh, yeah, more to come with Scott and RIley, and Shelby and Colin, but in the end, you have no reason to worry.