On the drive up, Scott couldn't help but feel the difference between the last time and this time. After all, this time he had decided this was where he needed to be as opposed to being dragged up here kicking and screaming and handcuffed like he was last time. Even though it had been his decision to come back this time, Scott could not help but wonder if he had made the right choice. After all, he had been gone for the past three months. What if he could not fit back in? What if everyone had moved on without him? What if Shelby had moved on without him? What if they were all still mad at him for leaving in the first place? All those questions quickly vanished from his mind as the car pulled into the driveway and Scott noticed a familiar face sitting on the front steps eagerly awaiting his arrival.
Getting out of the car, Scott was met by Peter. "Hey Scott, good to have you back. We've missed you around here."
"It's good to be back Peter."
"What do you say we try to get you through intake as quickly as possible so that we can get you settled in?"
"Sounds good." Scott said as he turned towards the car to get his bags out.
"What about me Scott?" another voice asked.
"What about you dad? Thanks for the ride."
Peter could sense the tension that was building between father and son and decided he should step in before things got worse. "Mr. Baringer, when Scott called and asked if he could come back, he explained a little bit of what had been going on at home, and well, I think it would be for the best if you gave him some time to get reaccustomed to life here."
"Fine, whatever you say Mr. Scarbrow. I honestly thought things were getting better between us, but apparently I was wrong."
"No dad…things were never getting better between us."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that from the moment I walked out of here your only goal was for me to play football again. You never wanted to work on our relationship. You always held me responsible for what Elaine did to me. You thought I brought it on and the only thing that was important to you was football."
Stepping in between father and son, Peter was able to stop the two from coming to blows. "Guys, stop NOW! Scott, get your bags and wait for me on the steps. Mr. Baringer, I'm going to have to ask you to leave now. I'll call you in a few days and let you know how things are going." With that, Peter picked up two of the bags sitting by the car and walked over to where Scott was waiting for him. Mr. Baringer stood there for a few moments before getting back in his car and speeding off leaving a cloud of dust behind.
As they began to walk through the main lodge Scott turned towards Peter and thanked him.
"For what?" Peter asked.
"Dealing with my father. Making him go away."
"No problem. This place exists only when you feel safe and secure and he was invading that feeling. My first priority is to make sure you don't loose that feeling."
"So what now?"
"Well, we have to check your bags, then you will have a pre-admitdance medical exam and then we will get you a bunk and let you unpack. I'm going to put you back in the Cliffhangers group if that's all right with you."
"I don't think those guys want me back?"
"What do you mean? I think that for the most part they will be glad to see you back."
"For the most part? Shelby doesn't want to see me does she?"
"That's not what I said Scott. I think it came as a surprise to everyone that you came back and it's going to take some getting used to, that's all." Arriving at the intake room, it was just as Scott had remembered it. A small window a table and two chairs and not much else. It's a comfort to know some things don't change. "Why don't you take a seat while I start looking through your stuff."
"You're changing the subject Peter. What's up with Shelby?"
"The sooner we get through this part, the sooner you can get unpacked. So, when's the last time you used?"
"What?"
"Drugs? When the last time you used?"
"God Peter, I don't do that anymore and you of all people should know that. Check my bags all you want but you are not going to find anything in there."
"Chill Scott. You know the routine. I have to check for the safety of everyone here. Not just for you. Now, why don't you take your shoes off and once we check those we can move on."
As Scott took off his shoes Peter gave him the same speech he had the first time he arrived at Mt. Horizon. "I know you know everything I am about to tell you but as a new student, it is policy that I inform you that Horizon is a safe place and because of that there is no sex, drugs or violence here. There is also no inappropriate touching of any kind. As you also know anything said to either myself or to one of the other counselors here is confidential unless there is reason to suspect harm towards someone else or harm against yourself. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. You know how it all works here and you are going to fit back in just fine." Peter then zipped up the last bag and handed it to Scott. "Shall we go?"
Arriving at the dorm he had called home three months earlier, Scott paused at the bottom of the steps. After a slight hesitation he walked up the steps and through the door Peter had been holding open and into an empty dorm. His moment of truth with his old bunkmates would come later.
"Your old bed is free if you would like it back," Peter said trying to ease the obvious discomfort Scott had been feeling.
"Sure, thanks." Scott said dropping his belongings on his bed. Looking around he realized at this place had not changed much since he left.
"They are in class right now, but should be back soon. It was as if Peter could read his mind. "You have an appointment with the doctor in an hour and before I forget Sophie assigned the Cliffhangers a paper the other day. 300 words on your greatest fear, so if there is nothing else you need, I'll see you around later."
"Just one thing Peter, how is Shelby?"
"Let's just say she hasn't been the same since you left."
"Does she know I'm back?"
"Yeah, We told her the other day. We told them all. Anything else?"
When Scott shook his head No, Peter left him alone to deal with his demons.