Disclaimer: The characters of Higher Ground belong to Fox Family and are not my own.
Pura Vida (part 5)
Later that afternoon everyone is waiting in the Lodge for evaluations. Peter walks in, along with Sophie.
Peter: Okay. This is how it's going to work. When we call your name, you will come to my office for evaluation, while everyone else stays here and has group with Sophie. When our session is done, I will send you back to the group, you will tell the next person to come, and then you will participate in group until all evaluations are done. Everyone got it?
Everyone: (chorus of "Yeah, we got it," "Sure," and one "this is stupid" from David).
Peter: Alright. Kat you are first. (Peter and Kat leave).
Sophie: okay everyone, the topic of group will be.....relationships.
************* Kat's evaluation *****************************
Peter: Well, Kat. I am so proud of you. Your one of my greatest success stories to come through Horizon. I also can't express enough gratitude and fortune that my Dad's last hours were in your calming presence. You and Ezra helped to give me peace of mind, and nothing I can do will ever repay that.
Kat (obviously emotional): Peter, I don't know what to say. You have made such a difference in my life that I am just glad you are going to let me work here and let me give back a little of what you have given me.
Peter (touched by her words, clears his throat to keep from crying): Well, I guess we have had enough of the pleasantries...now onto the evaluation. Although it won't be too hard (gives her a wink). Your physical evaluation was fine. All your questionnaires and tests you took throughout the year show a definite improvement of your perception of yourself and how to handle your depression and feelings of guilt. You did a great job of leading the Cliffhangers, despite some small problems with setting a perfect example, but nobody's perfect. You have conquered the mountain, so to speak. And how does it feel?
Kat: I feel very excited, but at the same time sad. Sad that I am growing up, but excited that I will be getting new responsibilities, including the responsibility of my life.
Peter: Well, I don't feel like I have to grill you anymore. You're going to be a fine counselor, and I am privileged to work with you. It looks like we're done kiddo. (Kat starts laughing). I know, I know. That will be the last time I will say that aloud, but you'll always be one of Sophie and mine's kids. No matter where you go, or if you move up in the world. But if you do, financial contributions to Horizon are tax deductible.
Kat (laughing): I'll remember that. But before I go, I want to ask you something. You can fill in Sophie later. (Peter looks curious). Since Auggie and Juliette both have birthdays within a day of each other, I and the other Cliffhangers want to give Auggie and Juliette a surprise birthday party next week. We thought you and Sophie could help us get supplies, preferably a cake we don't have to bake ourselves, and you could take them on a birthday hike or something while we set up. I think it would be great not only for Auggie and Juliette, but for the others to have a party before summer classes begin.
Peter: umm...Kat I need to tell you something and this is counselor to counselor now, understand?
Kat (sees that Peter is very serious): I understand. Peter, what's wrong?
Peter: Juliette is going home for the summer. Her mother called...she is sending a car for her on Friday.
Kat (obviously upset): oh no! This is going to kill Jules!
Peter: I know. But we plan to tell her during evaluations, so we would like for you to keep an eye on her and let us know if she starts cutting. Okay?
Kat: Sure. But what about the party? I guess there will be no time to get anything ready before she leaves.
Peter: No, probably not. Especially if new arrivals show up this week. It's going to be hard for a while, and I know this will be a blow to Auggie. He has been very good for Juliette.
Kat: But Auggie will have us. Whereas Jules has her mother. All her problems appear to come from her mom and now she is going back there. Is there anything I can do to help her be strong before she goes?
Peter: Yes. Just give her hope, and tell her to call and write, try to keep in touch. Let her get her emotions out, and not keep them inside. Be a friend and not a counselor, just yet. Okay?
Kat: I can do that. To tell you the truth, I have never considered Juliette a "real" friend. What I mean is that we don't share or really talk like friends do. I never know what is going through that head of hers. The only one I think she really talks to is Auggie. But a boyfriend is not the same as a good girlfriend to talk to sometimes. A person always needs a best friend, you know?
Peter: You're right. That best buddy that helps you to see yourself better. A kindred spirit. But don't beat yourself up. Friendship isn't something you can fake very well, and it's better to be honest whether one is a TRUE FRIEND or just a friend because you are a kind person and have a desire to help this person. Never lose your compassion, Kat. It's always the best part of being human. Now counselor, I think you can go and tell David to come in.
Kat: I will, but what do I tell the others?
Peter: Let me tell Juliette first, and then you can explain to the others why we can't have the party.
Kat: sounds fine. I'll go get David.
Next time: The rest of the evaluations.
