I don't own any of the HG characters. Please R&R.
Heart and Soul
"The heart has eyes which the brain knows nothing
of."– Charles Perkhurst
Scott was the first to open his eyes that morning. As
he did the morning light poured into his vision
blurring it for a brief moment. He sat up wearily and
looked at the bed next to him.
"Hey Auggie… c'mon wake up I think its almost
breakfast time."
"Scott man no one is gonna be up early and on time
after last night." Auggie didn't even bother to open
his eyes as he spoke.
Last night. Scott smiled to himself as he though about
how perfect it had been. The morp was a hit and will
be back next year. Shelby looked beautiful, and he had
finally gotten to tell her his feelings that were kept
inside for too long. He loved her. And she loved him.
She hadn't said the three words yet, but in her own
way she had. It was all perfect, except what brought
him back. He wasn't supposed to be in this bed right
now. He was supposed to be at home. Working things out
with his dad. Becoming normal again.
Shelby walked out of the bathroom and looked around at
her fellow bunk mates. Daisy had her head buried deep
into her pillow. Kat's head laid contently to the
side. Juliette laid in her bed with a perky smile as
usual. It sickened Shelby to see someone who could
even smile like that in her sleep. But Shelby was in
too good a mood to let anything, even Jule's annoying
habits, get her down. Shelby looked out the window
across to the boys cabin and found two eyes looking
back at her. She recongnized the eyes in a heartbeat
as she felt herself melt. Scott was back. Granted he
wasn't gone for long, but he was supposed to be gone
for good. It was going to be over between them. But
now, now it was just beginning. He had said he loved
her and that was all that mattered to her right now.
He loved her. For once someone who knew everything
about her still loved her. But even as Shelby thought
about this she began to feel doubt sneak in. Did he
really love her for her? Did he understand why she was
dirty and ashamed? Did he?
Shelby shook these thoughts away and smiled at him
through the window. He returned the smile. Shelby left
her window. These were the thoughts that had almost
caused her to lose him forever. And that wasn't what
she wanted. She went back to the window and signaled
at him to meet her outside. She trusted him but a
little time in his arms was nice reassurance.
Jules watched from her bed as Shelby looked out the
window, presumably at Scott, and then looked lost in
thought. Jules had always wondered what it was like in
Shelby's head. She wondered what it was that had
happened to Shelby, why she acted the way she did, and
most of all Jules wondered what Shelby thought about
her. Jules really liked Shelby deep down but she
wasn't about to tell her that. Jules wondered though
what Shelby really felt for her. Did she really hate
her? Or did she too like her but not want to admit it
openly? Shelby was everything that Jules wasn't. Jules
wasn't strong, and didn't always say what she meant.
Jules closed her eyes as Shelby left the window and
went out the front door. She must be meeting Scott,
though Jules. Jules was so happy that he had come
back. Jules had the best night of her life at the
morp. She was so glad that Shelby was able to be happy
too. Jules always hated to see anyone, even Shelby, so
down when she was so happy. Auggie and Jules had spent
the whole night dancing, hugging, kissing when Peter
wasn't looking… They did everything that Jules would
hope would be in they're future. Together.
Jules climbed out of bed and headed toward the
bathroom. She looked in the mirror and saw that she
had obviously gained weight. She vowed privately to
cut back some. Auggie would hopefully not notice but
he always seemed to realize when she so much as left
some lettuce on her plate. He just did it cause he
cared but he forgot sometimes that it was her body and
she knew what her weight should be. Looking at herself
she reassured her conscience. I know how much, and I
won't lose too much. I won't because its under
control.
The breakfast bell rung throughout Horizon as everyone
moaned to life, still droggy from the morp. David and
Ezra woke up simotaneously and the bickering began
quickly.
"Last night was such a blur. I guess its because Daisy
was such a great dancer," David smirked,"Oh wait you
wouldn't know."
"Guess not, Davey but I could really care less." Ezra
tried his best to ignore the remark that made his
blood boil.
"Dav-id. Not Davey. Get it right Ezzzzzzzzzzzzz-ra."
"Step off Davey." Auggie appeared from the bathroom
door.
"Thanks Aug, but I can handle him. The question is…
can he handle Daisy?" Ezra smiled to himself at his
own sarcastic remark. Suprisingly David had no
comeback. He just smiled a sly grin and went on his
way.
"I've got the question of the day," David said in a
mock talk show voice. "Where's Scott?"
"He woke me up this morning and then I think he left
to go have a tryst with Shelby."
"A tryst? Barrio boy uses a big word!" David remarked.
"And I bet you don't know what it means." Scott had
been at the door and finally came through, startling
David from behind.
"Hey Scott why don't you-" David was cut off by a
knock on the door.
Scott opened it. Jules stood there.
"Is Auggie ready for breakfast?" She was shivering.
"Nope," Auggie called from inside."Give me a sec and
I'll be right out."
"Ok. Hurry its cold! Hey Scott how was the early bird
love fest?" Jules gave him her little playful smile.
"I plead the fifth. Or whichever one says that you
don't have to say a thing."
"Ready." Auggie was at the door next to Scott. "You
coming man?"
"Actually I'll walk with you to the girls dorm, but I
wanna wait for Shelby."
They walked down to the girls dorm leaving the ever
dangerous Ezra and David behind.
Jules stuck her head in the dorm and told Shelby that
Scott was outside. Then she and Auggie walked toward
the dining hall.
Scott was looking at his feet kicking rocks around,
when Shelby and Daisy emerged from the dorm.
"Hey Daisy, your looking particularily dark today."
"Its all for you. Where's David? And Ezra."
"Duking it out for you in our cabin. Personally I
don't understand it."
"For little ole me?"
"Yeah we know you love it," Shelby said with a sly
grin.
"Its dramatic, its Shakespearean, its so-"
"You." Shelby finished it for her.
"Shel ya wanna go get some food?"
"Do I ever." Shelby smiled and took his arm.
"Love. Who needs it." Daisy muttered and rolled her
eyes. This whole thing with Ezra and David was tearing
her apart. She liked David a lot, but she loved Ezra.
The only thing was she never felt any sparks. Or had
she? Daisy pushed Ezra away awfully quickly after he
shared his feelings for her. Maybe she had ended
something before it had a chance. Sighing, Daisy set
off towards breakfast deciding against going to the
boy's dorm.
Kat looked around the breakfast table and got teary
eyed. It struck her that tomorrow would be her last
breakfast at Horizon, with the Cliffhangers. She
wasn't necessarily an emotional person, but Horizon
was her home and this was her family. Now she had to
go out into the world and start her life.
Which was another worry. Her life. What was she going
to do? College, maybe. She really didn't want to waste
her time though. After everything that she had
experienced at Horizon she wanted to help people too.
She didn't want to sit in a class all day when she
could be out there making it count. In fact the more
she thought about the more she really wanted to stay
at Horizon and help people there. Be a counselor, work
with kids just like her.
An added bonus would be that Hank was right in Agnus.
Hank was yet another worry. Kat had said she needed
time but now she was ready. After seeing him last
night, dancing with him, and being held in his arms,
Kat knew that she was ready for a relationship. Still
that frightened her. Kat hated getting close to people
because she always feared that they would die and that
was just too much for her. But Hank wasn't dead and
until he was Kat knew that she had to take advantage
of their time. Which is why she needed to stay at
Horizon.
Sophie and Peter walked into the dining hall holding
hands. The students started clapping upon seeing them.
"I guess this means the morp was a hit," Peter said
smiling at how great the day seemed.
"The dance wasn't the only exciting thing," Sophie
said to him softly.
He knew what she meant. Being engaged was the greatest
thing. They were gonna be together forever, and that
was the thing that Peter wanted more than anything.
Even kids.
He and Sophie went to the Cliffhangers table.
"Hey guys," Peter said. "Today is a special day."
"Why is that?" Jules chirped.
"Today is the day where you and I have private
evaluations of the past year and the coming summer."
"I don't get it. Whats so special?" Scott had a hint
of tension in his voice as Shelby took his hand. "I
thought nothing happened in the summer. Are our
parents coming or something?"
"I hope not. This is supposed to be a vacation."
David's tone was dry.
"Some of you, if you choose can have parents visit.
We'll discuss this all privately. The meetings will go
like this… Auggie, Daisy, David are the morning
people. You guys come to my office right after
breakfast. I don't know how long it'll take with each
one of you-"
"Depends on the fight we put up," David inserted.
"-so the rest will just have to wait outside. Ezra,
Jules, Scott, and Shelby are after lunch. Kat you and
Sophie will go for a private chat somewhere."
Kat looked surprised but smiled.
"So morning people, come this way."
Auggie got up and looked at Jules before following
Peter. David gave Ezra a who's-the-man-now? look
before following Daisy. Ezra groaned and thumped his
head on the table.
"Once again, there are other girls out there. Besides
Daisy." Shelby looked at him, knowing it was a lost
cause.
"I just wish she knew what she was getting into." Ezra
got up abruptly and looked at Sophie. "Where do the
rest of us go?"
"Jeff has activities for you guys today since Kat and
I are going on a little hike."
"Jeff? Your letting a teacher give us "activities".
Please, we are going to play word games or something
all day." Shelby liked Jeff okay, but the guy was a
complete klutz and a teacher which added to his bore
factor.
"Shelby's right." Jules whined.
"Give him a chance. He isn't half bad." Sophie
motioned to Kat. "Lets get going. I already got a
lunch packed. Don't worry though, we'll be back before
dinner with time to spare."
They left and went on their way.
"Scott ya wanna go with me to the wood shed?"
"She said nothing about getting wood?" Jules
challenged.
"Neither did I," Shelby replied.
"I'd love too but we got to go with Jeff or Peter will
have our butts." Scott kissed Shelby quickly.
"I guess you guys get to hang with me today." Jeff
walked up happily.
"Guess so." Shelby plastered her best Jule's smile and
got up. "C'mon Scott lets go!"
"Great my girlfriend is possessed by my ex." Scott
recognized her Jules impression quickly.
"Shelby, I know you wanted to be like me but that is
taking it too far," Jules got up too.
"Lets go you guys," Jeff's voice had traces of
patience that was wearing so the girls didn't push it.
Auggie had left Peter's office with a smile and now as
David came out he too smiled.
"Daddy dearest will not be coming to Horizon, will not
pass go, and will not collect $200."
"Lucky you." Daisy couldn't help but smile but
regretted it instantly. Wouldn't want him to think
that I like him, she thought.
"Daisy your next!" Peter called from inside.
Daisy came through the door cool as a cucumber. "You
rang?"
"Sit. Daisy since your dad is in rehab I wanted to
know if you would like him to visit?"
"Depends. Does he want to visit?"
"Well he hasn't formally contacted me, no, but I think
her really would like to come and see you."
"No. If he asks then he could come down for a weekend.
But I'm not gonna plead for him. He doesn't deserve
that."
"Daisy, sooner or later someone has to make the first
move. You have the power."
"And I choose not to use it. Are we done?" Daisy was
already standing up.
"Yes, but just remember about Kat's party tonight
okay?"
"Alright." Daisy made it to the door quickly and
walked into the hall feeling the tears welling up. Her
dad couldn't even be a parent and now she was supposed
to do his job. No way, not going to happen. Ezra
suddenly came out of a door in the hallway. Daisy
quickly turned her head not wanting him to see her
tears.
"Daisy? Whats the matter? Whats going on?" Ezra had so
much concern in his voice that she began to cry.
"Nothing Ezra. Nothing." Daisy stumbled blindly away
and went back to Peter's office.
"Daisy-" he saw her tears and stopped. Peter got up
from his desk and hugged her.
"I lied, I do need him. I need a daddy." She managed
to get out. "I need somebody too."
"I'm here," Peter hushed her sobs. "Its okay I'm
here."
"Me too," Ezra came in and wrapped his arms around
her.
Daisy closed her eyes and felt the warm tears fall
down her cheeks. She felt safe and warm and suddenly
knew that it would be alright.
After lunch Daisy and Ezra finally reappeared to the
group. Daisy looked like she had been crying and
Shelby was worried, but when she saw Ezra she figured
that he probably was who she needed right now. Jules,
Ezra, Scott, and Shelby went to Peter's office and
prepared to talk with him. Auggie had already told
everyone at lunch that his folks were coming down in
July for a whole week. He was thrilled and so was
Jules.
"And Jules I am sure they'll want you to do everything
with us."
"Auggie I don't know. I mean I don't want to be the
third wheel…"
"Jules you can't be the third wheel- there's going to
be four people."
"You know what I mean."
"No I don't. Listen you are special to me and anything
that I think is loveable they do too."
Jules smiled at him and gave in. "Fine. You think I'm
loveable?"
"Every ounce. By the way Jules finish your lunch. You
can't meet my parents if your in the hospital being
tube fed."
Jules silently cursed. How did he always know? She
looked at her tummy, disgusted by its rolls. Oh well
she knew what she had to do.
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom before Peter's office,
okay?"
Auggie looked at her suscpiciously and then said,
"Alright. See you after okay?"
"Bye."
She hurriedly went to the bathroom and before she knew
it she felt ten pounds lighter. That's better she
thought.
Now as she stood outside Peter's office she could hear
her stomach growl. Luckily Scott and Shelby were
across the room deep in love and didn't hear a thing.
Scott brushed some hair out of Shelby's eyes. It gave
her chills.
"Cold?" Scott asked in a cute worried way.
"Yeah, you wanna warm me up?" Shelby teased. She set
her head back down on his chest and sighed contently.
"I wonder if my dad is thinking of coming back."
Scott's comment came out of nowhere. Since he had
gotten back Shelby wondered what had happened with his
dad, but she hadn't pushed it.
"Scott, do you want to ya know, talk about it?" Shelby
spoke carefully like walking on eggshells.
"Yeah actually that was the problem. I wanted to talk
about what happened with Elaine and my dad didn't.
He'll never want to."
"I'm sorry Scott." Shelby searched for better words
but just looked at his eyes.
"He said it was my fault. He said that I couldn't
control myself. He said, he said-" Scott's emotions
cut him off.
"Scott its lies, all lies. You didn't do anything. You
didn't deserve it. Remember, what you told me? It's
not your fault either." Shelby spoke firm, and made
Scott look in her eyes.
"Thank you."
"Someone has to remind you when your brain
malfunctions," Shelby joked.
"I love you," he whispered.
Shelby felt that doubt again. Did he really want her?
Why? She was dirty wasn't she? Shelby took a minute
and realized that he knew it all but didn't know it
all really.
"Scott can we talk tonight? At the docks after lights
out?"
"Talk?"
"Yes, talk. We need to."
"Okay I guess."
"Jules your up." Ezra was out of Peter's office.
"What'd he say Ezra?" Scott asked.
"My parents are coming again, but this time dad is
coming for a weekend in July and mom for a weekend in
August."
"Sorry Ezra."
"Don't be. Remember, I like my parents. Just not when
they fight. That should be impossible now."
Scott and Shelby laughed half heartedly.
Ezra looked down the hall. "I guess I better be going.
See what fun things Jeff has planned."
Kat stopped and leaned against a rock. Sophie hadn't
replied since Kat had mentioned her idea about staying
at Horizon.
"So would do you think?" Kat's curiosity was killing
her.
"I think that it is your decision Kat."
"Do you think I'd be a good counselor, though?"
"If it was what you wanted to do, and you had the
right head counselor working with you then yeah,"
Sophie finally grinned," I think you'd be great."
Sophie hugged Kat.
"Thank you."
"Thank you Kat. People like you or what make this job
worth it to Peter and to me. It was all you too. We
guided but you were the one that did all the changing.
I am so proud of you."
"Sophie?"
"Yeah?"
"This is what I want to do. I want to help people like
you. I want to save kids without hope."
"Kat, I think your going to do great." Sophie let go
and they started walking. "Ready to go eat? It'll be
your last dinner as a student."
"Yeah." But its not the last one ever, Kat thought.
Not by a long shot.
Scott and Shelby ate dinner by themselves.
"So is he coming?" Shelby said breaking the silence.
"Nope."
"Should I be sorry for you?" Shelby still couldn't
read what he was thinking.
"No. I don't want to talk about it now. How about you?
Is your mom coming?"
"Yeah she wants to see her girls." Shelby's thoughts
went to Jess. Shelby didn't see Jess very much at
Horizon since Jess was in middle school. She was in a
different part of Horizon with the soon-to-be
freshmen. She even ate at a different time. Still it
was okay because Shelby knew that Peter would have her
put in the Cliffhangers as soon as possible.
"Will I meet her?"
Scott's question caught Shelby off guard. "Do you want
to?"
"I'd love to."
Shelby couldn't help her spreading smile. "Ok, she's
coming in two weeks."
"Alright then, it's a date." Scott smiled back for the
first time since he got out of Peter's office.
"A don't forget about tonight." Shelby added.
"I couldn't even if I tried."
Jules and Auggie sat side by side on the couch after
she had gotten away from Peter's office.
"She's coming?"
"Yup. Mommy dearest and daddy #5 if they're still
together."
"Hal wasn't so bad, but your mom…"
"I know." Jules nodded her head.
"She just messes with your head. Makes you think that
you have to be a stick and all that crap. It ain't
fair Jules. You deserve better."
"Like you."
"Yeah whatever. I'm lucky to have a girl like you.
Back in my neighborhood I would never find someone
with your class, and looks, and brains, and with a
heart like yours." Auggie leaned in closer with each
word.
"Not now Augusto. Meet me at the docks tonight after
lights out."
"Whatever you say." Auggie raised his hands in the air
as if to say I surrender.
Jules looked back at her half eaten meal and then
looked at her tummy. For once it actually looked kind
of small. With that thought she ate more.
Daisy looked at David who was sitting next to her. She
realized that she was staring a bit too long and
looked back at Ezra across the table. Ezra was
watching her look at David and had a jealous- hurt-
puppy look going on. What was she going to do? She
needed Shelby's help. She got up and made her way over
to Scott and Shelby.
"Hey kiddos, hate to interrupt but I would like to
borrow Shelby, Scott."
"Okay I guess."
Shelby looked between the two of them. "Don't I have a
say?"
Daisy frowned.
"Okay, Dais, I'm coming."
They walked out the dining hall and went outside to
the front stairs.
"So, what did you wanna talk about?"
Daisy paused and took a deep breath before begining.
"I've got a choice to make, but I don't want to mess
it up."
"David or Ezra?"
Daisy nodded.
"Daisy do you want my opinion? Don't pick David. I
know you may not have feelings for Ezra, but he has
some for you and its killing him. He won't want me to
tell you, but at the morp I found him in the kitchen
with some, happy makers, so to speak."
"Where did he get them from? Oh my god. I can't
believe I wasn't there. I can't believe he didn't tell
me." Daisy looked around feeling lost as her thoughts
swallowed her.
"Listen Daisy, just don't decide yet. Please."
"Okay I guess."
"Thank you. C'mon we got a party for Kat to get to!"
"Two parties in two nights... the lucky children of
Horizon get normal lives." Shelby draped an arm across
Daisy's shoulder. Daisy sighed and put her head
against Shelby's.
Kat glanced around the dining room and suddenly
realized that all the Cliffhangers had wandered off.
She put her tray up on the counter and headed out to
find them. She walked into the common room and
suddenly there was a huge shout of "SUPRISE!" and the
whole group was there.
"We thought that you could use a private party with
the people you'll miss the most," Daisy said oozing
with the sarcasm that Kat had grown to love.
Kat glanced at Sophie who nodded her head. This meant
that she had talked to Peter about Kat becoming a
counselor.
"Actually you guys, I have an anouncement to make. I
will become a counselor here at Horizon, next year."
Jules did her excited screech. Auggie patted her on
the back.
"Way to go Cate."
"Yeah." Scott gave her a congratulatory nod.
Shelby smirked. "Congrats, I guess."
David, Daisy and Ezra all murmured general responses.
Kat smiled to herself. This is my home, she thought.
David came up behind Daisy. "Come outside with me
Dais. Just for a second, okay?"
Daisy glanced at Ezra who was talking to Kat. "Okay.
But only for a sec."
They walked out the door and down the steps towards
the Gazebo area.
"So what's this about Romeo?" Daisy had just gotten
the words out when David leaned in and kissed her. No
sparks. Daisy pulled away. "No David, not now."
"What? Why not now?" David looked irritated.
"Its just… well its Ezra."
"Ezra?"
"Yes I'm worried about him. Shelby said that he had
some drugs at the morp. I just don't think us together
would help whatever he is going thr-"
"Daisy when are you going to wake up?! The guy is weak
okay. I knew he couldn't take it." David shut up after
realizing his last remark.
"Couldn't take what? What are you talking about?"
"Nothing." David started walking backwards.
"Don't you walk away from me. Did you know about the
drugs?"
David didn't reply.
"Oh my God, you didn't, you couldn't have…" but the
look on his face told her that he had. " You gave them
to him. Didn't you?"
David looked up into Daisy's eyes. "Daisy its not like
that."
"Not like what? You didn't give the person who I care
about most something that could kill him? Answer me.
So did you just put them in his hand? Or did you put
them under his pillow? C'mon David lets talk!"
"Daisy I did give them to him but…" David was lost for
words.
"Then there is nothing more to say."
Daisy walked away.
Ezra looked around the room for Daisy. Where had she
gone? Daisy came through the door quickly, flushed.
David followed close behind. Oh great, Ezra thought.
Daisy headed straight for Ezra.
"We need to talk, Ezra."
Ezra put his drink down and followed her right back
out the door she had just entered through.
"Ezra, David just kissed me."
Enough was enough, Ezra thought. "Why are you telling
me this?"
"Because there were no sparks."
"A popular comment from you." Ezra's tone surprised
even him.
"I know. But the thing was I was thinking of you. Why
didn't you tell me that David gave you drugs?"
"I don't know Daisy… you just seemed happy I guess."
"Ezra I could never be happy with someone that would
put you in danger. You're my best friend and I love
you-"
Here it goes, he thought, Daisy and me friends only
for the rest of eternity.
"- and I want to give us a try. If you still want too
also. I'm sorry, for what I said to you earlier about
not wanting to be a couple. I was wrong, but I love
you and that scared me. I'm ready now though. You're
the one I want. Only you."
Ezra couldn't think straight. Finally he found words.
"Yes, I mean, um I forgive you, and yes I still want
to give us a try." Ezra smiled.
"Okay. So uh, what now?"
"I guess we could go back in. Do you want to hold
hands?"
"Okay, that would be great. But Ezra one more thing."
Daisy leaned over and kissed Ezra gently and then he
kissed back. It was a short kiss, but Ezra was pretty
sure that there would be more in the future. Then hand
in hand they walked back into the party.
Scott walked back to his dorm after he dropped off
Shelby. Kat's party was over and Scott had only 20
minutes until their rendevous (ron-de-vu). He dropped
into his bed and closed his eyes. He wondered what
Shelby wanted to talk about. Scott heard a noise as
Ezra came in.
"You look happy." Scott had seen Daisy and Ezra at the
party.
"I am, but I don't think Davey will be quite so
thrilled."
Scott laughed. "Sometimes the good guys do win."
"Sometimes," Ezra said with a smile.
"Well I got to go and meet with my girl," Scott said
glancing outside and taking notice that it was
technically light's out even though Auggie and David
weren't back. Scott headed out the door and silently
headed towards the docks. For how strict Horizon was,
it was pretty easy for someone to sneak out at night.
As Scott approached the docks he saw Shelby. "Hey
you." He kissed her quickly.
"Hey you. Want to sit down?"
Scott could tell there was something that was on her
mind and so they both took a seat on the edge of the
dock.
Jules giggled as Auggie kissed her nose. They were
walking backwards towards the docks facing each other.
The whole meeting thing was blown away since they
couldn't tear each other away. They walked closer and
closer to the docks-
"What are you doing here?"
Shelby's voice tore Jule's attention away from Auggie.
"What does it look like?"
Jule's could not believe her luck. The first time that
she and Auggie finally snuck away to do what every
other couple does, Shelby and Scott get to their spot
first.
"Hey, meat could you, ah... go?" Auggie couldn't find
a nice way to put it.
"Yeah." Scott had another place in mind.
"Scott we were here first. We don't have to do
everything for Princess, ya know?" Shelby wasn't about
to go without stating her feelings. But she still
wanted to talk to Scott so she sighed and stood up.
"Fine. But Jule's this never happened so don't go
thinking that were, you know, friends."
"I wouldn't dare," but Jules smiled as she said it.
"Thank you."
Scott and Shelby headed toward the Gazebo area as
Jules and Auggie returned to their earlier plans.
Jules liked being in Auggie's arms because she knew
she was safe there. And Auggie loved having her in his
arms because he knew that he had someone to love and
that someone could love him.
Peter walked around his home tired beyond belief. He
heard Sophie's steps behind him.
"What do say Miss Becker? want to go to bed?"
After last night Sophie had decided that she would
move out of her trailer into Peter's house.
"That would be great."
Peter turned around and looked into her eyes. "I love
you Soph. And we are going to be so happy together,
you know that?"
"Yeah I know. I love you too Peter." Sophie felt
herself tearing up though. "But I just can't believe
that-"
"Sophie no, not this again. Do you know how many kids
out there need to be adopted? Thousands and thousands.
They need good parents like us."
"But Peter it won't be the same, it won't be..."
Sophie was starting to cry. Didn't he understand? she
thought.
"Sophie no more talk like this please. I love you and
you are the one I want for forever. Children would
just have been a bonus. But your my prize." Peter
hugged Sophie tightly.
"Peter, I am so glad that I found you."
"Me too."
Scott and Shelby sat side by side on a bench.
"Scott I know that you wanted to know about me. But
last time that we just hit the tip of the iceberg, you
freaked. But it's time that I tell you what happened."
Scott nodded casually but his face had an intent look
on it.
"When my stepdad started to abuse me I felt so awful
because no one was helping me. And then one day I
couldn't take it so I ran away. And like with Jess
guys just started to pull up next to me. At first I
was scared and told them to leave me alone. But then
one day I got in a car and went with the guy."
Shelby paused and looked away from Scott. "After we
had finished, the guy gave me my clothes and some
money and pushed me out the door. I felt so dirty, but
then I started thinking that this was what I was made
for. Because my stepdad had seen something in me that
had made him abuse me, so these guys must have too. So
then I started doing it full time."
Shelby started to cry. "I don't know why Scott, and
I'm sorry because I could have said no and I didn't. I
guess thats the worst part. I'm not a victim."
Shelby was full out crying now.
"Shelby, you think that what happened does't make you
a victim? You are so wrong. Those guys took advantage
of you even if you did get in their cars. Its not your
fault. Not even close." Scott wrapped his arms around
her and she thought for a sec. For the first time she
realized that she was a victim. And she let herself
cry some more.
When she was done crying she looked up at Scott.
"Do you think were going to make it?"
"You and me? Yeah I think so. Together we can take on
anything, past or present."
Shelby and Scott laid their heads together and hugged.
Its going to be alright, Shelby thought.
TBC