DISCLAIMER: Please remember, I'm not in any way associated with any of the cast or crew members, Fox Family Channel, Lion's Gate, Cliffhanger Productions, etc. I don't own any of the characters except Kerri, the doctor, and Mark. I'm just a obsessive HG, and Scott and Shelby fan :)
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Character Name: Kerri Malone
From: Lexington, KY
Looks: Blonde, brown eyes, 5'8, thin. Southern belle type.
Personality: Very, very rude to everyone except Scott. Spoiled.
Reason for being at Horizon: She and her friends got involved with drugs and crime for a thrill in, what they thought was, there dull lives. Despite having recieved everything, from clothing to love from her parents, Kerri never could get enough.
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Character Name: Mark Pratt
From: Los Angeles
Looks: Black hair, brown eyes, 6'1, lanky. Evil look about him
Personality: Dark
Reason for being at Horizon: Drug addict. Murdered two people, but was never convicted
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This is my first Fan Fic, and feedback is appriciated. Please, though, be kind!
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OOC: I don't know much about medical terms/procedures and/or hospital terms/procedures, so I'm sorry if some things in here aren't realistic. I'm too lazy to research it, and everyone wants me to get this story up quickly, so sorry for any inaccuracies! Enjoy!
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(Previously on Shelby's Return...LoL)
(Doctor Miller)"She can hear every word you say."
(Scott) "I just want you to know Shelb..that I--I lov--I love you"
(Scott) ::machine beeping:: "Oh God, whats wrong?! Doctor Miller!"
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*ICU/Waiting Room*
"Son, we need some space to see whats going on with your friend" on of the nurses pressed, pushing Scott out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Another drew a curtain across the observation window so they could no longer see in. "What the hell is going on?!" Scott demanded, becoming hysterical. "Scott, just calm down--" Peter began, before being cut off. "Calm down?! How can I calm down!? Shelby might be DYING in there, and you want me to calm down!?" Scott yelled incrediously, kicking over a chair before collapsing to the floor in tears (OOC: Think when Peter found him after he broke into that house in "Scott Free"). Sophie glanced at Peter, who was trying to comfort Scott, worried both about Scott's emotional state, and Shelby's uncertain condition.
*Emergency Room/Waiting Room*
"I can't *stand* all this waiting!" Juliette whined. "I hope Shelby's okay--I swear, if she lives through this, I'm gonna apologize for every rude thing I've ever said to her--even if she deserved it" she vowed, twisting her hands nervously. "Jules, calm down, alright? Shelby's in good hands..we're all worried about her..well most of us anyways" Auggie said bitterly, glaring at Kerri. Kerri rolled her eyes. "I barely know the whore--er--girl. Excuse me for not fretting about her" she replied calmly. Kat smirked. "Just because Peter and Sophie aren't here, and Scott--well--Scott wants nothing to do with you, doesn't mean they won't find out what you say". Kerri's eyes blazed. "Scotty's just confused about his feelings. Once that bitch either gets better, or keels over and turns black, he'll come crawling back to me. You can doubt it all you want, but he will. I *always* get what I want. *Always*". Ezra snickered. "The day Scott comes crawling back to you is the day Shelby stands up, walks down here, and tells me she secretly worships me". Auggie laughed slightly. "Only in your dreams E-Z.". Ezra looked at Auggie in mock surprise. "How'd you know about those?!"
*ICU/Waiting Room*
Peter had finally gotten Scott under control when a few nurses came out of Shelby's room followed by doctor Miller. Peter, Sophie, and Daisy stood up immidiatly, while Scott almost fell off the edge of his chair. He scrambled over to the doctor. "How's Shelby? Is she okay? What happened?" Scott demanded
*A Classroom at Horizon* ~A Week Later~
"Scott--Scott!" Sophie yelled, walking up to him and shaking his shoulders. Scott barely rose his head from the table. "What?". Sophie sighed. "I've been asking you for the past two minutes if you could solve that equation" Sophie said, nodding towards the math problem on the board. Scott glanced up for a mere two seconds, and then put his head back down. "Nope" he mumbled. Just then the bell rang, and the rest of the students scattered. Scott didn't move from his seat. Sophie frowned, and pulled up a chair, sitting in front of him. "Scott, you can't go on like this--" Sophie began. Scott brought his head up from the table, his jaw locked. "How am I supposed to act?! Shelby's still in the hospital, and I can't even see her!" Scott seethed. "Scott, Shelby's getting help. She's doing better. You heard doctor Miller--you saw that machine beeping--her blood pressure is near normal--" Sophie tried to reason with him. "She's getting better?! She's still in a coma! She can't walk, she can't talk--she's just lying in some hospital bed--she should be here with *me*--I mean with *us*" Scott yelled, pushing back his chair violently, storming out of the room
*Peter's Office* ~Later that Day~
"I just feel like Scott's doing down the tubes. I've talked with all his teachers--he hasn't been paying attention in class,or doing any of his work. The other cliffhangers say he's barely eating, and that he lashes out at just about everyone about almost everything--I just don't know what to do" Sophie said, exasperated, pacing in front of Peter's desk. "I know Soph--the entire group has been withdrawn lately. And the fact that they've banned visitors, other than family members isn't helping the case". The day after Shelby was shot, her mother and sister, Jess, had come up. They left two days later, and her mother told Doctor Miller she didn't want her daughter to have any visitors outside the family. Peter had been ticked off, and Scott had a fit. But there was nothing he could do. "Isn't there anything we can do? I mean you know how close Scott and Shelby are--I mean, the past few weeks have been rough for them--but--you saw him after it happened--you can see him now--the kid is a wreck--he's losing the little control he has left. Maybe we can call Shelby's mother--" Sophie trailed off. "Peter shook his head. I was on the phone all day yesterday trying to reason with that woman. She's standing her ground. No visitors other than the immidiate family. All we can do right now, is hope"
*The Cafeteria* ~That Night~
Scott cut to the front of the line, demanding his food gruffly. He was still amazed how many times he could cut in that line without being yelled at. He walked over to the table where the other cliffhangers sat, slammed his tray down, and plunked down in his chair (OOC: Think Auggie in "Walking the Line"). "This is so screwed up! How can Shelby's mom do this?! After the way she treated her, she still thinks she can--" Scott stopped, too frustrated to continue. Kerri waltzed over to the table, and sat down next to Scott, putting her arm around him. "Scotty, she'll be okay--". Scott jerked away quickly. "My name is *Scott*" he started in an even tone, glaring at Kerri. "And drop the act--I know you're the heartless bitch everyone told me you were. I was too blind to see it before, but I can see it all so clearly now. How many times do I have to tell you?! We're OVER. Done. Finished. Through. We were a mistake. A mistake I'm never going to make again" he spat, picking up his tray, and walking over to a vacant table. The rest of the group fed her icy glares, and followed Scott. Daisy lingered behind. "What did I tell you? You were the rebound girl--you never meant anything--hey, you heard him. You were a *mistake*" Daisy said with a small smirk, picking up her food, and moving to the other table. Kerri sat, staring down at her plate, fumming. You could almost see the smoke comming out of her ears.
*Peter's Office* ~Two Days Later~
Peter had just come back from an evening run when the phone rang in his office. "Hello?" he said, sitting down in his chair, slightly out of breath. "Mr. Scarbrow? This is Thomas Miller". Peter's stomach tied in knots. "Doctor Miller--how's Shelby? Is she alright?". "Yes, she's fine--and awake". Peter almost dropped the phone. "Awake? As in no longer in a coma awake?" Peter questioned. Doctor Miller chuckled slightly. "That would be correct. Now currently she's in stable condition. We want to keep her here for the next few days, to run some tests, and make sure everything is okay. If all goes well, she can be back at your school as early as next week. Peter let his breath, which he felt like he'd been holding ever since he saw Mark holding the gun to Shelby's head, whoosh out. "What about visitors?" he asked cautiously. "The kids are really anxious to see her". Doctor Miller sighed. "I phoned Mrs. Blaine, and the order still stands. No visitors other than the immidiate family. She has, however, authorized you to sign Shelby's discharge papers when its time. Honestly, its probably best that she doesn't have visitors. We'll be running a lot of tests over the next few day's and Shelby will be very weak--and her appearence isn't what it used to be. We'd rather have her stronger before we get her excited" the doctor explained. Peter nodded. "That probably would be for the best. Well thank you very much doctor--for everything. Keep in touch" Peter said, hanging up the phone. *Time to give the group the good news*
*The Lodge (Group)* ~That Night~
"I know we weren't scheduled for group tonight, but there's something you all need to know" Peter started. He glanced over at Scott, who sat slumped over in a chair between Daisy and Auggie. "Its about *Shelby's* condition" he continued, watching Scott perk up immidiatly, sitting up attentively. "Well--Shelby 'came out' today--she's no longer in a coma" Peter smiled. The room seemed to erupt in chatter. Scott quickly walked over to Peter. "So--uh--when can I see her?" he asked, almost sounding shy. Peter's smile faded. "Her mother--she still isn't allowing visitors other than the immidiate family. The doctor said its probably for the best--Shelby needs to be stronger before she gets excited about visitors". Scott's face fell. "Okay--so, when's she gonna be back" Scott asked, looking down at the ground. "If all goes well, sometime next week. She'll still have to stay in the infirmary--she's still healing" Peter said, patting Scott on the back. "When she gets back--can I see her then?" he asked hopefully. Peter gave him a small smile. "You'll be her first visitor. Kerri rolled her eyes as Scott smiled for the first time since he'd heard about the shooting. The whole thing sickened her. Poor little princess Shelby. Even when she wasn't there, she still got all of the attention. For the first time in her life, things weren't going Kerri's way. And she didn't like it. Not one bit.
*Peter's Office* ~The Next Day~
"Yeah Curtis. Thanks for the update. Call back if their's anything new" Peter said, motioning for Sophie to come in as he finished up his conversation. "Doctor Miller?" Sophie asked as Peter hung up the phone. He shook his head. "Curtis. Mark pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kiddnapping. He'll get 15 to 30 years". Sophie looked a bit surprised. "He just confessed?". Peter nodded. "Scott ID'ed him--he came out of the woods holding the gun, which matched the slug they found in Shelby--they didn't have any defense. They'll be sentancing him next week"
*The Boys Dorm* ~That Night~
"So you feelin better now meat? Ya know--now that you know Shelby's gonna be okay?" Auggie asked as the boys got ready for bed. Scott pulled his shirt over his head and didn't reply. He almost looked scared. "Scott? You okay?" Ezra asked, pulling the covers over himself. "Yeah--I'm fine--why wouldn't I be?" he managed to get out. Ezra shrugged. "I don't know man--you looked kinda spooked". "Just leave it" Scott replied stiffly, shutting off his light. As the other guys drifted off to sleep, Scott tossed and turned. Ezra had seen correctly. Scott was scared. After the way he treated Shelby, why had he been so sure that she'd come back to him. What if she hated him? What if she never wanted to speak to him again. Would she start seeing someone else? *Face it Barringer--you screwed up big time, once again. If she doesn't take you back, you have no one to blame but yourself*. Scott just couldn't shake the ideas from his head as he continued to toss and turn.
*The Girls Dorm* ~Night~
"So how does it feel to be rejected?" Juliette asked giddily to Kerri, as she exited the bathroom, drying her hair. Kerri glared at her. "This isn't over yet. Mark my words, I will get Scott back". Kat rolled her eyes. "Why don't you just give it up! He's told you its over in every way possible". Kerri brushed out her hair, and looked thoughtful, for once. "Scotty's just confused about his feelings right now. He'll come around. I just know he will". Daisy laughed. "I suppose you don't know that you don't know Scott told Shelby he loved her, do you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "What?!" Kat, Juliette, and Kerri asked simotaniously. Daisy layed back on her bed and smirked. "Its amazing what you hear when you're pretending to sleep next to an open window of a certain someone's room in the ICU. Our Scott's a regular teddy bear deep down." Juliette's eyes sparkled. "Ohhhhh! I love romantic stuff like this! C'mon--tell us! What'd he say?!" she asked, bouncing up and down on her bed. Daisy looked as if she was deep in thought. "Well, I recall him saying he was really worried about her--and he wanted to kill Mark for hurting her--how Kerri meant *absolutely nothing* to him" Daisy began, looking dirrectly at Kerri, a pleasant smile on her face. "Is that all?" Juliette pressed, eager to hear more. "Oh no--then he said how she was the one he wanted--that he wants to understand her past--that what they have is too good to throw away--that he wanted to make all her pain go away--oh yeah, and he said he loved her about five times" Daisy finished. Juliette sighed. "That is so incredibly romantic! Like something you see in a soap opera". Kat was smiling. "I didn't know Scott had that in him. He must *really* care about her". Kerri's frown was hard as stone. "You're lying--you made it all up--Scotty never said that". Daisy rolled her eyes. "Think who you're talking to here. Like *I* could make up something that mushy and romantic! You're just in loser denial" she said, shaking her head, and switching off the light. Kerri stared at the celing, the shadows from trees crossing the room. *What the hell is wrong here?! Why doesn't Scott just forget about that stupid whore? Especially with me throwing myself at him! I'm a Malone..Malone's always get what they want! So why can't I get him?!*
*Peter's Office* ~A Week Later~
"So she's comming back? Tomorrow?" Sophie asked, a smile on her face. Peter laughed. "Yes. Doctor Miller just called five minutes ago. They're discharging her around noon tomorrow". "This is such great news--we should go tell the group" Sophie said, heading for the door. Peter grabbed her arm. "No. Don't mention one word about this to any of the kids. I want it to be a surprise. You'll take them on a day hike around 9:00 tomorrow morning. Have them back around 3:00. Shelby should be all settled in by then. Then--" Peter continued, telling Sophie his master plan
*The Wilderness* ~The Next Day~
"Can't--walk--any--more" Kerri panted, as the group headed up a hill. "Nothing like some fun it the great outdoors, huh Kerri?" Daisy said with a sarcastic smile. Kerri made a face as she trugged on. "And I thought I was bad--she's pathetic" Juliette commented, glancing back at Kerri from her place near the front of the line. "You're doin great Jules" Auggie commented, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Auggusto" Juliette said with a smile. Scott walked at the front of the line with Sophie, Ezra, and Kat. "When's Shelby commin back? Peter said it would be this week--its Friday" Scott said, adjusting his pack. Sophie struggled to keep quiet. "We're not sure. Whenever the doctors say she's ready, she'll be back--don't worry about it" she replied, patting Scott on the back, before walking in front of all of them, trying to hide the smile that wouldn't leave her face. "Is that all you can think about man? Isn't that like--unhealthy?" Ezra questioned. Scott stopped for a moment. "Shut up. If it was *Daisy* wouldn't you be thinking about it a lot too?". Ezra was immidiatly quiet. "Thought so" Scott replied, starting to walk again, as Ezra glanced back at Daisy, thankful she hadn't heard Scott's comment.
"So are you finally ready to admitt that you have no chance with Scott?" Daisy asked, glancing back at Kerri, who was huffing and puffing. "I'm telling you--he still likes me--watch this. Scotty, my ankle hurts--I think I might have twisted it!" Kerri called, stopping for a moment, leaning down and grasping her ankle. "Sophie, somebody's injured back there" Scott called stiffly, without stopping. Sophie stopped. "Kerri, are you hurt?". Kerri sighed. "No--false alarm" she called, trying to sound cheerful, though inside, she was having a hissy fit. It had finally hit her, and it hit her hard. Scott, the one thing she wanted at the moment, didn't want her back. Kerri dragged along, defeated, still trying to figure out what went wrong.
*The Hospital*
"Shelby! Its great to see you again" Peter said, leaning down to hug Shelby, who'd just been wheeled out into the waiting room. She smiled faintly. "Good too see you too. Sorry about my mom--I really wanted to see you guys" she said weakly. "Thats alright, we're just glad you're okay kiddo" Peter smiled. "Well, we've got all the paperwork finished, and its okay to go--you ready?". "Well--I might miss the hospital food" Shelby joked quietly as Peter wheeled her out towards the van. "So--um--how has everyone been?" she asked, as Peter helped her in, and fastened her seatbelt. "You mean how's Scott?" Peter asked with a knowing look as he put the keys in the ignition. Shelby smiled. "Yeah--so--how is he?". "Well, he's gotten better since he heard you were awake--before that he was a mess" Peter replied, as they got onto the road. Shelby didn't say anything, she just looked out the window, seeing her reflection in the side mirror. She was thinner than before--paler too. She lightly pinched her cheek, trying to make some color pop up. *What if Scott thinks I'm ugly now? What if he doesn't want me after all* Shelby thought to herself, as they drove in silence.
*The Common Area-Outside* ~That Afternoon~
"Scott!" Jeff called, as he saw the cliffhangers comming out of the woods, and onto campus. He jogged over to them, and gave a quick wink to Sophie. Scott dropped his pack. "What? Did I do somethin wrong?". Jeff shook his head. "No, Peter wants to see you. He's in the infirmary helping one of the trackers with a cut--he said he wanted to see you as soon as you got back.". "Great, so I am in trouble" Scott grumbled, tossing his pack in the pile, and heading up for the infirmary.
*The Infirmary*
He trugged along slowly, till he got to the closed door, then he knocked quickly. "Peter? You wanted to see me?" Scott asked, quietly opening the door. "Well, I actually thought it was more along the lines of you wanting to see someone else" Peter replied, standing up to reveal the person laying in the bed. Scott's heart stalled. He couldn't talk. He couldn't move. All he could do was stare at the frail, blonde haired figure that lay before him. "Sh--Shel--Shelby" he managed to squeak out, inching closer and closer to her bedside. "I'll let you two be alone" Peter said, giving them a smile, closing the door behind him.
Scott sat down like a stone in the chair next to Shelby's bed, just staring at her. Drinking her in. She was thinner than he remembered. Paler too. But she was still gorgeousl. She was still Shelby. The same Shelby that had offered to give him shroom's the day he arrived. The same Shelby who'd stayed strong, as he'd called her every cruel name immaginable his first few months. The same Shelby who'd come back to him, even though she was scared, when he'd had the visions of his stepmother. The same Shelby who'd been with him every step of way when he was going through the CPS case. The same Shelby he'd rescused from the storm. The same Shelby. *His* Shelby. He gently stroked her cheek, thrilled that she didn't jerk away from him. "Hey beautiful" he whispered.
Shelby looked up as she felt Scott's hand on her cheek. It gave her goosebumps. No guy had ever given her goosebumps before. She looked into his blue eyes, just memorizing every detail of his face. His deep, searching eyes. His perfect nose. His pouty lips. She knew she looked like death, but he still thought she was beautiful Was this all a dream? No--he'd said all those things to her. In the hospital. Those things that gave her a reason to fight back--a reason to live. "Scott, I--" she began, before he cut her off. "Shelby, I have to tell you something".
Scott took a deep breath. *Its now, or never* he thought to himself. "I'm sorry--I'm sorry for everything--for all the pain, and the hurt I've ever caused you, I'm sorry. I've been a total mess this past week--all I could think about was you--lying in that hospital bed--all I could think about was losing you. Losing the most important thing in my life. Losing the one thing that keeps me going. Its over--me and Kerri. It was a huge mistake to begin with--I should have known she could never compare to you. She meant nothing to be--you have to believe me. And I'm sorry for anything she said to you--I was just too stupid--to blind to see what was going on. When I heard what happened--when Ezra and Auggie told me--I felt like the world stopped--like someone punched me in the stomach, and I didn't even see it comming. And then, when I found you--and Mark--I felt like he shot me too. That night--I think I cried more than night than I have in my entire life. Every time I stopped crying, I felt like I had no tears left--like I was all dried up. But then, somehow, more would come. I just kept thinking I was gonna lose you--I didn't want to lose you Shel. I still don't want to lose you. Maybe its just me--but I *know* we have something special--something too good to give up on. And right now, no, I don't completely understand your past. But I want to. I'll do anything I have to do to understand it. I wanna give *us* another chance. I really do--but if you don't want to--thats okay--I understand. I've acted like a royal jerk since you got back. I treated you like a doormat--and for that, I'm so, so sorry. You'll never know how sorry I am. But please--whatever you do--just don't hate me. Please--don't hate me" Scott whispered, a tear running down his cheek. "I love you Shel. Thats all I can say--I love you".
Shelby sat there, tears running down her cheeks, listening to Scott open up to her. Talk about his feelings more than he ever had before. She pushed herself up off the bed, and gently took his face in her hands. "I know" she whispered simply.
"How could you know" Scott asked, confused, as he wiped her tears away.
"I heard you--I heard what you said--in the hospital. I heard everything. You're--you're the reason I'm here--you gave me a reason to fight back" she whispered, a small smile on her face.
Scott just stared at her, almost in shock. You heard me? But how could you--" he asked, bewildered. I was confused about it too. I always thought you couldn't feel anything when you were in a coma. But after I woke up, I told doctor Miller I could hear you guys--when you came in my room. And he told me there were two kinds of coma's--light and heavy. In a heavy coma, you can like--feel or hear anything, but when you're in a light coma, you can--you just can't respond. I heard every word Scott--and thats why I'm alive. You're the reason I'm alive. And I wanted to tell you then, but I couldn't--I love you too" Shelby whispered in his ear, kissing away all his tears, her lips finally finding his mouth.
Scott wrapped his arms tightly around Shelby, kissing her with more passion--more love, than he'd ever kissed her before. He showed how much he loved and cared for her in that kiss--how sorry he was for hurting her. After what seemed like an eternity, he pulled away, looking deep into her eyes. "So you want to give us another try?" Scott asked hopefully. Shelby smiled softly. "More than anything else" she replied, her lips meeting his in another honey sweet kiss. When they finally pulled away, Shelby laid back down, and closed her eyes. "If you don't mind, I'm gonna take a nap--I'm still a little tierd". Scott nodded, as he stroked her hair. "You can stay here if you want" she whispered. Scott leaned over and kissed her forehead, watching her sleep. "Are you kidding? I'm never leaving you again. Not now, not ever" Scott whispered, knowing that now, finally, things were going to be okay.
THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Yes, its finally over. The saga that was my first fan fic. I would like to thank a few people, who have been so nice, and great along the way, offering me help, and giving me praise that I sometimes felt I didn't deserve.
-To Lauren (CutiePie5744), my best bud, thanks for always pre-reading the fics, and making sure they were okay. You gave me confidence, help, and support through this entire thing, and for that, I thank you.
-To Karen (GHanna21) Thanks so much for offering to help me out with this fic, and always giving me good reviews (lol). I finally got past this stupid case of writters block (Hope I did a good job!). I hope you feel better, and as always SIA is AWSOME!
-To Lyndsey (JasonBehr13), thanks so much for all the wonderful comments you gave me. I'm honored that I inspired you to write your own fanfic (Which was terriffic by the way).
-To the various people at the "Higher Ground-A New Horizon" message board (May, Kristy, TN, etc) for supporting this fic, understanding my family problems, and telling me what they think the whole way...thanks a bunch!
-To the FFC (LoL) for showing re-runs with mushy Scott and Juliette crap (I'm so mean!), that kicked my butt into gear, and made me think of some S&S romance.
-To everyone here, who has reviewed my story, and given me wonderful compliments, that sometimes I really felt I didn't deserve, and renewing my confidence in myself (Honestly, I thought "Shelby's Return: The Shock" sucked when I first sent it out..thank you all for giving me confidence).
Okay. Enough blabber. Now onto the next order of buissness. Not only do I want to know what you thought of the whole story, I also need your help with something else. My friend Lauren and I are combining our fan fic writing talents to produce our own "Second Season" of Higher Ground. It'll focus on the same cliffhangers group, with the same characters, and a newbie or two. Scott has stayed for good, Kat's graduating (Whether she stays or not is a secret), and Jess is comming when the new school year starts. We'll be writting 22 fan fics, each a new episode. We want to hear what YOU GUYS wanna see from the 'next season', because after all, you're reading it! So either post what you wanna see in your reviews, or email us
CuteGirlyGrl32@aol.com (Me: Mackenzie)
CutiePie5744@aol.com (Lauren).
Thanks so much again, you've all be so terriffic. And I hope you enjoyed reading "Shelby's Return"
-Mackenzie
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Character Name: Kerri Malone
From: Lexington, KY
Looks: Blonde, brown eyes, 5'8, thin. Southern belle type.
Personality: Very, very rude to everyone except Scott. Spoiled.
Reason for being at Horizon: She and her friends got involved with drugs and crime for a thrill in, what they thought was, there dull lives. Despite having recieved everything, from clothing to love from her parents, Kerri never could get enough.
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Character Name: Mark Pratt
From: Los Angeles
Looks: Black hair, brown eyes, 6'1, lanky. Evil look about him
Personality: Dark
Reason for being at Horizon: Drug addict. Murdered two people, but was never convicted
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This is my first Fan Fic, and feedback is appriciated. Please, though, be kind!
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OOC: I don't know much about medical terms/procedures and/or hospital terms/procedures, so I'm sorry if some things in here aren't realistic. I'm too lazy to research it, and everyone wants me to get this story up quickly, so sorry for any inaccuracies! Enjoy!
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(Previously on Shelby's Return...LoL)
(Doctor Miller)"She can hear every word you say."
(Scott) "I just want you to know Shelb..that I--I lov--I love you"
(Scott) ::machine beeping:: "Oh God, whats wrong?! Doctor Miller!"
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*ICU/Waiting Room*
"Son, we need some space to see whats going on with your friend" on of the nurses pressed, pushing Scott out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Another drew a curtain across the observation window so they could no longer see in. "What the hell is going on?!" Scott demanded, becoming hysterical. "Scott, just calm down--" Peter began, before being cut off. "Calm down?! How can I calm down!? Shelby might be DYING in there, and you want me to calm down!?" Scott yelled incrediously, kicking over a chair before collapsing to the floor in tears (OOC: Think when Peter found him after he broke into that house in "Scott Free"). Sophie glanced at Peter, who was trying to comfort Scott, worried both about Scott's emotional state, and Shelby's uncertain condition.
*Emergency Room/Waiting Room*
"I can't *stand* all this waiting!" Juliette whined. "I hope Shelby's okay--I swear, if she lives through this, I'm gonna apologize for every rude thing I've ever said to her--even if she deserved it" she vowed, twisting her hands nervously. "Jules, calm down, alright? Shelby's in good hands..we're all worried about her..well most of us anyways" Auggie said bitterly, glaring at Kerri. Kerri rolled her eyes. "I barely know the whore--er--girl. Excuse me for not fretting about her" she replied calmly. Kat smirked. "Just because Peter and Sophie aren't here, and Scott--well--Scott wants nothing to do with you, doesn't mean they won't find out what you say". Kerri's eyes blazed. "Scotty's just confused about his feelings. Once that bitch either gets better, or keels over and turns black, he'll come crawling back to me. You can doubt it all you want, but he will. I *always* get what I want. *Always*". Ezra snickered. "The day Scott comes crawling back to you is the day Shelby stands up, walks down here, and tells me she secretly worships me". Auggie laughed slightly. "Only in your dreams E-Z.". Ezra looked at Auggie in mock surprise. "How'd you know about those?!"
*ICU/Waiting Room*
Peter had finally gotten Scott under control when a few nurses came out of Shelby's room followed by doctor Miller. Peter, Sophie, and Daisy stood up immidiatly, while Scott almost fell off the edge of his chair. He scrambled over to the doctor. "How's Shelby? Is she okay? What happened?" Scott demanded
*A Classroom at Horizon* ~A Week Later~
"Scott--Scott!" Sophie yelled, walking up to him and shaking his shoulders. Scott barely rose his head from the table. "What?". Sophie sighed. "I've been asking you for the past two minutes if you could solve that equation" Sophie said, nodding towards the math problem on the board. Scott glanced up for a mere two seconds, and then put his head back down. "Nope" he mumbled. Just then the bell rang, and the rest of the students scattered. Scott didn't move from his seat. Sophie frowned, and pulled up a chair, sitting in front of him. "Scott, you can't go on like this--" Sophie began. Scott brought his head up from the table, his jaw locked. "How am I supposed to act?! Shelby's still in the hospital, and I can't even see her!" Scott seethed. "Scott, Shelby's getting help. She's doing better. You heard doctor Miller--you saw that machine beeping--her blood pressure is near normal--" Sophie tried to reason with him. "She's getting better?! She's still in a coma! She can't walk, she can't talk--she's just lying in some hospital bed--she should be here with *me*--I mean with *us*" Scott yelled, pushing back his chair violently, storming out of the room
*Peter's Office* ~Later that Day~
"I just feel like Scott's doing down the tubes. I've talked with all his teachers--he hasn't been paying attention in class,or doing any of his work. The other cliffhangers say he's barely eating, and that he lashes out at just about everyone about almost everything--I just don't know what to do" Sophie said, exasperated, pacing in front of Peter's desk. "I know Soph--the entire group has been withdrawn lately. And the fact that they've banned visitors, other than family members isn't helping the case". The day after Shelby was shot, her mother and sister, Jess, had come up. They left two days later, and her mother told Doctor Miller she didn't want her daughter to have any visitors outside the family. Peter had been ticked off, and Scott had a fit. But there was nothing he could do. "Isn't there anything we can do? I mean you know how close Scott and Shelby are--I mean, the past few weeks have been rough for them--but--you saw him after it happened--you can see him now--the kid is a wreck--he's losing the little control he has left. Maybe we can call Shelby's mother--" Sophie trailed off. "Peter shook his head. I was on the phone all day yesterday trying to reason with that woman. She's standing her ground. No visitors other than the immidiate family. All we can do right now, is hope"
*The Cafeteria* ~That Night~
Scott cut to the front of the line, demanding his food gruffly. He was still amazed how many times he could cut in that line without being yelled at. He walked over to the table where the other cliffhangers sat, slammed his tray down, and plunked down in his chair (OOC: Think Auggie in "Walking the Line"). "This is so screwed up! How can Shelby's mom do this?! After the way she treated her, she still thinks she can--" Scott stopped, too frustrated to continue. Kerri waltzed over to the table, and sat down next to Scott, putting her arm around him. "Scotty, she'll be okay--". Scott jerked away quickly. "My name is *Scott*" he started in an even tone, glaring at Kerri. "And drop the act--I know you're the heartless bitch everyone told me you were. I was too blind to see it before, but I can see it all so clearly now. How many times do I have to tell you?! We're OVER. Done. Finished. Through. We were a mistake. A mistake I'm never going to make again" he spat, picking up his tray, and walking over to a vacant table. The rest of the group fed her icy glares, and followed Scott. Daisy lingered behind. "What did I tell you? You were the rebound girl--you never meant anything--hey, you heard him. You were a *mistake*" Daisy said with a small smirk, picking up her food, and moving to the other table. Kerri sat, staring down at her plate, fumming. You could almost see the smoke comming out of her ears.
*Peter's Office* ~Two Days Later~
Peter had just come back from an evening run when the phone rang in his office. "Hello?" he said, sitting down in his chair, slightly out of breath. "Mr. Scarbrow? This is Thomas Miller". Peter's stomach tied in knots. "Doctor Miller--how's Shelby? Is she alright?". "Yes, she's fine--and awake". Peter almost dropped the phone. "Awake? As in no longer in a coma awake?" Peter questioned. Doctor Miller chuckled slightly. "That would be correct. Now currently she's in stable condition. We want to keep her here for the next few days, to run some tests, and make sure everything is okay. If all goes well, she can be back at your school as early as next week. Peter let his breath, which he felt like he'd been holding ever since he saw Mark holding the gun to Shelby's head, whoosh out. "What about visitors?" he asked cautiously. "The kids are really anxious to see her". Doctor Miller sighed. "I phoned Mrs. Blaine, and the order still stands. No visitors other than the immidiate family. She has, however, authorized you to sign Shelby's discharge papers when its time. Honestly, its probably best that she doesn't have visitors. We'll be running a lot of tests over the next few day's and Shelby will be very weak--and her appearence isn't what it used to be. We'd rather have her stronger before we get her excited" the doctor explained. Peter nodded. "That probably would be for the best. Well thank you very much doctor--for everything. Keep in touch" Peter said, hanging up the phone. *Time to give the group the good news*
*The Lodge (Group)* ~That Night~
"I know we weren't scheduled for group tonight, but there's something you all need to know" Peter started. He glanced over at Scott, who sat slumped over in a chair between Daisy and Auggie. "Its about *Shelby's* condition" he continued, watching Scott perk up immidiatly, sitting up attentively. "Well--Shelby 'came out' today--she's no longer in a coma" Peter smiled. The room seemed to erupt in chatter. Scott quickly walked over to Peter. "So--uh--when can I see her?" he asked, almost sounding shy. Peter's smile faded. "Her mother--she still isn't allowing visitors other than the immidiate family. The doctor said its probably for the best--Shelby needs to be stronger before she gets excited about visitors". Scott's face fell. "Okay--so, when's she gonna be back" Scott asked, looking down at the ground. "If all goes well, sometime next week. She'll still have to stay in the infirmary--she's still healing" Peter said, patting Scott on the back. "When she gets back--can I see her then?" he asked hopefully. Peter gave him a small smile. "You'll be her first visitor. Kerri rolled her eyes as Scott smiled for the first time since he'd heard about the shooting. The whole thing sickened her. Poor little princess Shelby. Even when she wasn't there, she still got all of the attention. For the first time in her life, things weren't going Kerri's way. And she didn't like it. Not one bit.
*Peter's Office* ~The Next Day~
"Yeah Curtis. Thanks for the update. Call back if their's anything new" Peter said, motioning for Sophie to come in as he finished up his conversation. "Doctor Miller?" Sophie asked as Peter hung up the phone. He shook his head. "Curtis. Mark pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kiddnapping. He'll get 15 to 30 years". Sophie looked a bit surprised. "He just confessed?". Peter nodded. "Scott ID'ed him--he came out of the woods holding the gun, which matched the slug they found in Shelby--they didn't have any defense. They'll be sentancing him next week"
*The Boys Dorm* ~That Night~
"So you feelin better now meat? Ya know--now that you know Shelby's gonna be okay?" Auggie asked as the boys got ready for bed. Scott pulled his shirt over his head and didn't reply. He almost looked scared. "Scott? You okay?" Ezra asked, pulling the covers over himself. "Yeah--I'm fine--why wouldn't I be?" he managed to get out. Ezra shrugged. "I don't know man--you looked kinda spooked". "Just leave it" Scott replied stiffly, shutting off his light. As the other guys drifted off to sleep, Scott tossed and turned. Ezra had seen correctly. Scott was scared. After the way he treated Shelby, why had he been so sure that she'd come back to him. What if she hated him? What if she never wanted to speak to him again. Would she start seeing someone else? *Face it Barringer--you screwed up big time, once again. If she doesn't take you back, you have no one to blame but yourself*. Scott just couldn't shake the ideas from his head as he continued to toss and turn.
*The Girls Dorm* ~Night~
"So how does it feel to be rejected?" Juliette asked giddily to Kerri, as she exited the bathroom, drying her hair. Kerri glared at her. "This isn't over yet. Mark my words, I will get Scott back". Kat rolled her eyes. "Why don't you just give it up! He's told you its over in every way possible". Kerri brushed out her hair, and looked thoughtful, for once. "Scotty's just confused about his feelings right now. He'll come around. I just know he will". Daisy laughed. "I suppose you don't know that you don't know Scott told Shelby he loved her, do you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "What?!" Kat, Juliette, and Kerri asked simotaniously. Daisy layed back on her bed and smirked. "Its amazing what you hear when you're pretending to sleep next to an open window of a certain someone's room in the ICU. Our Scott's a regular teddy bear deep down." Juliette's eyes sparkled. "Ohhhhh! I love romantic stuff like this! C'mon--tell us! What'd he say?!" she asked, bouncing up and down on her bed. Daisy looked as if she was deep in thought. "Well, I recall him saying he was really worried about her--and he wanted to kill Mark for hurting her--how Kerri meant *absolutely nothing* to him" Daisy began, looking dirrectly at Kerri, a pleasant smile on her face. "Is that all?" Juliette pressed, eager to hear more. "Oh no--then he said how she was the one he wanted--that he wants to understand her past--that what they have is too good to throw away--that he wanted to make all her pain go away--oh yeah, and he said he loved her about five times" Daisy finished. Juliette sighed. "That is so incredibly romantic! Like something you see in a soap opera". Kat was smiling. "I didn't know Scott had that in him. He must *really* care about her". Kerri's frown was hard as stone. "You're lying--you made it all up--Scotty never said that". Daisy rolled her eyes. "Think who you're talking to here. Like *I* could make up something that mushy and romantic! You're just in loser denial" she said, shaking her head, and switching off the light. Kerri stared at the celing, the shadows from trees crossing the room. *What the hell is wrong here?! Why doesn't Scott just forget about that stupid whore? Especially with me throwing myself at him! I'm a Malone..Malone's always get what they want! So why can't I get him?!*
*Peter's Office* ~A Week Later~
"So she's comming back? Tomorrow?" Sophie asked, a smile on her face. Peter laughed. "Yes. Doctor Miller just called five minutes ago. They're discharging her around noon tomorrow". "This is such great news--we should go tell the group" Sophie said, heading for the door. Peter grabbed her arm. "No. Don't mention one word about this to any of the kids. I want it to be a surprise. You'll take them on a day hike around 9:00 tomorrow morning. Have them back around 3:00. Shelby should be all settled in by then. Then--" Peter continued, telling Sophie his master plan
*The Wilderness* ~The Next Day~
"Can't--walk--any--more" Kerri panted, as the group headed up a hill. "Nothing like some fun it the great outdoors, huh Kerri?" Daisy said with a sarcastic smile. Kerri made a face as she trugged on. "And I thought I was bad--she's pathetic" Juliette commented, glancing back at Kerri from her place near the front of the line. "You're doin great Jules" Auggie commented, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Auggusto" Juliette said with a smile. Scott walked at the front of the line with Sophie, Ezra, and Kat. "When's Shelby commin back? Peter said it would be this week--its Friday" Scott said, adjusting his pack. Sophie struggled to keep quiet. "We're not sure. Whenever the doctors say she's ready, she'll be back--don't worry about it" she replied, patting Scott on the back, before walking in front of all of them, trying to hide the smile that wouldn't leave her face. "Is that all you can think about man? Isn't that like--unhealthy?" Ezra questioned. Scott stopped for a moment. "Shut up. If it was *Daisy* wouldn't you be thinking about it a lot too?". Ezra was immidiatly quiet. "Thought so" Scott replied, starting to walk again, as Ezra glanced back at Daisy, thankful she hadn't heard Scott's comment.
"So are you finally ready to admitt that you have no chance with Scott?" Daisy asked, glancing back at Kerri, who was huffing and puffing. "I'm telling you--he still likes me--watch this. Scotty, my ankle hurts--I think I might have twisted it!" Kerri called, stopping for a moment, leaning down and grasping her ankle. "Sophie, somebody's injured back there" Scott called stiffly, without stopping. Sophie stopped. "Kerri, are you hurt?". Kerri sighed. "No--false alarm" she called, trying to sound cheerful, though inside, she was having a hissy fit. It had finally hit her, and it hit her hard. Scott, the one thing she wanted at the moment, didn't want her back. Kerri dragged along, defeated, still trying to figure out what went wrong.
*The Hospital*
"Shelby! Its great to see you again" Peter said, leaning down to hug Shelby, who'd just been wheeled out into the waiting room. She smiled faintly. "Good too see you too. Sorry about my mom--I really wanted to see you guys" she said weakly. "Thats alright, we're just glad you're okay kiddo" Peter smiled. "Well, we've got all the paperwork finished, and its okay to go--you ready?". "Well--I might miss the hospital food" Shelby joked quietly as Peter wheeled her out towards the van. "So--um--how has everyone been?" she asked, as Peter helped her in, and fastened her seatbelt. "You mean how's Scott?" Peter asked with a knowing look as he put the keys in the ignition. Shelby smiled. "Yeah--so--how is he?". "Well, he's gotten better since he heard you were awake--before that he was a mess" Peter replied, as they got onto the road. Shelby didn't say anything, she just looked out the window, seeing her reflection in the side mirror. She was thinner than before--paler too. She lightly pinched her cheek, trying to make some color pop up. *What if Scott thinks I'm ugly now? What if he doesn't want me after all* Shelby thought to herself, as they drove in silence.
*The Common Area-Outside* ~That Afternoon~
"Scott!" Jeff called, as he saw the cliffhangers comming out of the woods, and onto campus. He jogged over to them, and gave a quick wink to Sophie. Scott dropped his pack. "What? Did I do somethin wrong?". Jeff shook his head. "No, Peter wants to see you. He's in the infirmary helping one of the trackers with a cut--he said he wanted to see you as soon as you got back.". "Great, so I am in trouble" Scott grumbled, tossing his pack in the pile, and heading up for the infirmary.
*The Infirmary*
He trugged along slowly, till he got to the closed door, then he knocked quickly. "Peter? You wanted to see me?" Scott asked, quietly opening the door. "Well, I actually thought it was more along the lines of you wanting to see someone else" Peter replied, standing up to reveal the person laying in the bed. Scott's heart stalled. He couldn't talk. He couldn't move. All he could do was stare at the frail, blonde haired figure that lay before him. "Sh--Shel--Shelby" he managed to squeak out, inching closer and closer to her bedside. "I'll let you two be alone" Peter said, giving them a smile, closing the door behind him.
Scott sat down like a stone in the chair next to Shelby's bed, just staring at her. Drinking her in. She was thinner than he remembered. Paler too. But she was still gorgeousl. She was still Shelby. The same Shelby that had offered to give him shroom's the day he arrived. The same Shelby who'd stayed strong, as he'd called her every cruel name immaginable his first few months. The same Shelby who'd come back to him, even though she was scared, when he'd had the visions of his stepmother. The same Shelby who'd been with him every step of way when he was going through the CPS case. The same Shelby he'd rescused from the storm. The same Shelby. *His* Shelby. He gently stroked her cheek, thrilled that she didn't jerk away from him. "Hey beautiful" he whispered.
Shelby looked up as she felt Scott's hand on her cheek. It gave her goosebumps. No guy had ever given her goosebumps before. She looked into his blue eyes, just memorizing every detail of his face. His deep, searching eyes. His perfect nose. His pouty lips. She knew she looked like death, but he still thought she was beautiful Was this all a dream? No--he'd said all those things to her. In the hospital. Those things that gave her a reason to fight back--a reason to live. "Scott, I--" she began, before he cut her off. "Shelby, I have to tell you something".
Scott took a deep breath. *Its now, or never* he thought to himself. "I'm sorry--I'm sorry for everything--for all the pain, and the hurt I've ever caused you, I'm sorry. I've been a total mess this past week--all I could think about was you--lying in that hospital bed--all I could think about was losing you. Losing the most important thing in my life. Losing the one thing that keeps me going. Its over--me and Kerri. It was a huge mistake to begin with--I should have known she could never compare to you. She meant nothing to be--you have to believe me. And I'm sorry for anything she said to you--I was just too stupid--to blind to see what was going on. When I heard what happened--when Ezra and Auggie told me--I felt like the world stopped--like someone punched me in the stomach, and I didn't even see it comming. And then, when I found you--and Mark--I felt like he shot me too. That night--I think I cried more than night than I have in my entire life. Every time I stopped crying, I felt like I had no tears left--like I was all dried up. But then, somehow, more would come. I just kept thinking I was gonna lose you--I didn't want to lose you Shel. I still don't want to lose you. Maybe its just me--but I *know* we have something special--something too good to give up on. And right now, no, I don't completely understand your past. But I want to. I'll do anything I have to do to understand it. I wanna give *us* another chance. I really do--but if you don't want to--thats okay--I understand. I've acted like a royal jerk since you got back. I treated you like a doormat--and for that, I'm so, so sorry. You'll never know how sorry I am. But please--whatever you do--just don't hate me. Please--don't hate me" Scott whispered, a tear running down his cheek. "I love you Shel. Thats all I can say--I love you".
Shelby sat there, tears running down her cheeks, listening to Scott open up to her. Talk about his feelings more than he ever had before. She pushed herself up off the bed, and gently took his face in her hands. "I know" she whispered simply.
"How could you know" Scott asked, confused, as he wiped her tears away.
"I heard you--I heard what you said--in the hospital. I heard everything. You're--you're the reason I'm here--you gave me a reason to fight back" she whispered, a small smile on her face.
Scott just stared at her, almost in shock. You heard me? But how could you--" he asked, bewildered. I was confused about it too. I always thought you couldn't feel anything when you were in a coma. But after I woke up, I told doctor Miller I could hear you guys--when you came in my room. And he told me there were two kinds of coma's--light and heavy. In a heavy coma, you can like--feel or hear anything, but when you're in a light coma, you can--you just can't respond. I heard every word Scott--and thats why I'm alive. You're the reason I'm alive. And I wanted to tell you then, but I couldn't--I love you too" Shelby whispered in his ear, kissing away all his tears, her lips finally finding his mouth.
Scott wrapped his arms tightly around Shelby, kissing her with more passion--more love, than he'd ever kissed her before. He showed how much he loved and cared for her in that kiss--how sorry he was for hurting her. After what seemed like an eternity, he pulled away, looking deep into her eyes. "So you want to give us another try?" Scott asked hopefully. Shelby smiled softly. "More than anything else" she replied, her lips meeting his in another honey sweet kiss. When they finally pulled away, Shelby laid back down, and closed her eyes. "If you don't mind, I'm gonna take a nap--I'm still a little tierd". Scott nodded, as he stroked her hair. "You can stay here if you want" she whispered. Scott leaned over and kissed her forehead, watching her sleep. "Are you kidding? I'm never leaving you again. Not now, not ever" Scott whispered, knowing that now, finally, things were going to be okay.
THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Yes, its finally over. The saga that was my first fan fic. I would like to thank a few people, who have been so nice, and great along the way, offering me help, and giving me praise that I sometimes felt I didn't deserve.
-To Lauren (CutiePie5744), my best bud, thanks for always pre-reading the fics, and making sure they were okay. You gave me confidence, help, and support through this entire thing, and for that, I thank you.
-To Karen (GHanna21) Thanks so much for offering to help me out with this fic, and always giving me good reviews (lol). I finally got past this stupid case of writters block (Hope I did a good job!). I hope you feel better, and as always SIA is AWSOME!
-To Lyndsey (JasonBehr13), thanks so much for all the wonderful comments you gave me. I'm honored that I inspired you to write your own fanfic (Which was terriffic by the way).
-To the various people at the "Higher Ground-A New Horizon" message board (May, Kristy, TN, etc) for supporting this fic, understanding my family problems, and telling me what they think the whole way...thanks a bunch!
-To the FFC (LoL) for showing re-runs with mushy Scott and Juliette crap (I'm so mean!), that kicked my butt into gear, and made me think of some S&S romance.
-To everyone here, who has reviewed my story, and given me wonderful compliments, that sometimes I really felt I didn't deserve, and renewing my confidence in myself (Honestly, I thought "Shelby's Return: The Shock" sucked when I first sent it out..thank you all for giving me confidence).
Okay. Enough blabber. Now onto the next order of buissness. Not only do I want to know what you thought of the whole story, I also need your help with something else. My friend Lauren and I are combining our fan fic writing talents to produce our own "Second Season" of Higher Ground. It'll focus on the same cliffhangers group, with the same characters, and a newbie or two. Scott has stayed for good, Kat's graduating (Whether she stays or not is a secret), and Jess is comming when the new school year starts. We'll be writting 22 fan fics, each a new episode. We want to hear what YOU GUYS wanna see from the 'next season', because after all, you're reading it! So either post what you wanna see in your reviews, or email us
CuteGirlyGrl32@aol.com (Me: Mackenzie)
CutiePie5744@aol.com (Lauren).
Thanks so much again, you've all be so terriffic. And I hope you enjoyed reading "Shelby's Return"
-Mackenzie