Disclaimer: The characters of Higher Ground belong to Fox Family and are not my own.
Pura Vida (part 6)
*********** David's evaluation **********************
Peter: Well David, provoking fights still seems to be your strong point. How many discussions have we had on self-respect?
David: Too many to count. But I have a thick skull.
Peter: Why haven't you spoken or written your father since you came here?
David: Why should I? He doesn't respect me. I know how bad he wants me to be in the military, and I thought he understood that it wasn't me. But he doesn't understand and I don't understand him. I mean, it almost seems that when I get into a fight that he is proud of me for showing the PROPER VIOLENT MANLY QUALITIES needed for good soldiers.
Peter: So is that why you got in so many fights? To make your father proud?
David: ....no. It's just people really are just too easy to bully.
Peter: Well, if you keep treating people this way, then people will treat you the same way. Don't you want any friends?
David: Who needs friends? I had one once (David stares off into space), but...
Peter: But what, David?
David: nothing. I don't need friends.
Peter: We all need somebody David, and not always as a punching bag. Okay? (David nods). Good. Now I want to go over some of your answers to the tests and questionnaires since you have been here. Like how much of these answers are true, and how much is for shock value only.
David: Hey, what can I say. I'm crazy.
While David is in evaluations, everyone else is in group discussing relationships.
Sophie: okay; now guys I want you to give one characteristic of your ideal best friend. My ideal friend is adventurous. Shelby?
Shelby: My ideal friend is honest. Daisy---
Daisy: Strong. Ezra---
Ezra: My ideal friend is...accepting. Kat---
Kat: My ideal friend is compassionate. Jules---
Jules: kind. Auggie---
Auggie: loyal. Scott-
Scott: understanding.
Sophie: Good. Imagine having all these qualities in a friend. What exactly would this friend do?
Kat: A friend, a best friend, is like a kindred spirit.
Sophie: Does a kindred spirit mean that you like and dislike the same things?
Ezra: No. It's different. A kindred spirit understands and appreciates differences, I think.
Sophie: Good, Ezra. What about you other guys? What does a friend do? Shelby?
Shelby: Me again! Well, a friend is there whether you need them or not.
Scott: A friend is someone you can tell anything to without judgement.
Sophie: Good. Anyone else?
Auggie: A friend trusts you, and stands up for you despite the consequences.
(David enters).
David: Ezra, its your turn. (Ezra leaves). Okay guys, what did I miss? And did I just say that I missed group? Man, I really am going crazy!
**************** Ezra's evaluation ************************
Peter: Well that was the last evaluation question, except this one....okay Ezra...spill it. Why so gloomy?
Ezra: Other than the fact that my adoptive parents are morons...well its girls, okay. I don't understand them.
Peter: (smiles). Yep a girl can keep a man gloomy his entire life. Is this about Daisy?
Ezra: Who else? When I first came here, I had a crush on Shelby... and you know that was just lethal. But with Daisy, it was different. She treated me like a friend from the beginning; although her frankness creeped me out a little bit, but at least she was honest. Anyway, to keep a long story short, I keep wondering if I am always going to be that guy who is the "friend" of the girls and nothing more. I know I'm not desirable, but what's a guy to do?
Peter: There is a lot more to relationships besides how you look. You know that. You don't want the feelings to be fake, do you?
Ezra: No, then I would be just like my parents.
Peter: Speaking of your parents, I think it would be a good idea if they visited this summer, separately of course, so that we can talk, really talk about what happened during their last visit. Is this okay with you?
Ezra: I don't know. The part of me that is angry is ready to face them, but the part that is sad doesn't want to see them.
Peter: Well, just let me know when you are ready. We won't do this unless you really want to.
Ezra: I will let you know. Anything else Peter?
Peter: I just wanted to congratulate you on your 4.0 this semester. Ezra, your future looks bright; with these grades, you can probably get into any college you apply. Just keep up the good work, and try not to worry about girls so much. As long as you're honest about your feelings, then things will work out for the best. Okay?
Ezra: Well, I do feel a lot better now. Except that I have to see David's face everyday.
Peter: Don't let David get to you. Now, go get Daisy for me.
Ezra: sure (Ezra leaves).
Peter (laughing to himself): Yep. Girls sure are trouble sometimes.
***************** Daisy's evaluation ***********************************
Daisy walks in and sees two chairs arranged back-to-back.
Daisy: I see you are ready for me, or should I say for anonymity.
Peter: Yes. So have a seat and lets get started. (Daisy sits down). We might as well start with a big issue. Why haven't you opened any of your Dad's letters that he has sent you since your mom died?
Daisy: That's easy. He told me at mom's funeral that he hadn't had a drink since she died, and I told him that when he hadn't had one in 6 months, then we could talk. Now, has it been six months?
Peter: No. But he called yesterday to tell me that he will be leaving on a business trip to Argentina for about 2 months and he wants to visit you before he goes. Can he visit you?
Daisy: He called to ask for my permission? That's a first. But sure, why not? It will give us some meaningful time together just in case his plane crashes (she says this sarcastically, while at the same time squeezing her hands together tightly in an agitated motion).
Peter: Daisy, if you don't want him to come then he won't come. But it's your decision, although my advice is that it might be good for both of you.
Daisy: (says quietly) I know. Okay, he can come, but will you call and tell him?
Peter: Sure. Now onto our next subject. Why haven't you been sleeping good lately?
While Daisy is continuing her evaluation, the rest of the group, well they are still in group.
Sophie: okay guys, our next exercise...
Shelby: Give us a break! How long can all this talking last!!
Scott: Yeah! Please just give us 5 minutes of freedom!
Everyone: Yeah, just 5 minutes. (choruses of "please")
Sophie: Sure, you guys can have a break for 5 minutes...AFTER we finish this exercise (everyone groans). Come on guys, this one will be short. Give one adjective that best describes your friends before you came to Horizon. Let's start with you Scott and go around the circle clockwise.
Scott: My friends were jocks.
Shelby: mine were tough.
Ezra: pills.
Kat: rebellious.
Auggie: brothers.
Juliette: (whispers) imaginary.
Sophie: Jules, speak up.
David: She said imaginary. I guess she didn't have any friends, so she made some up. Boy, is that weird.
Auggie (moves to punch David): Hey man, leave her alone. You will regret hurting her in any way.
Juliette: Don't Auggie. It's okay. He's right. It's weird. I meant to say friendly.
Shelby: Your friends were "friendly," princess?
Juliette: uh....I meant popular. Okay? I meant to say popular. Is that good enough?
Sophie: Enough you guys, the point of group is to be honest...to recognize that our problems can be similar and to help each other through it. We aren't here to judge one another, got it? Now David it's your turn.
David: My friends were REAL.
(Auggie jumps on David. Fighting ensues. Peter and Daisy walk in. Peter rushes to help Sophie break them apart).
Peter: Okay, I have had enough. The next people to get into a fight will have kitchen clean up for the entire summer term. Is that clear?
Auggie: Crystal.
Peter: Good. Now it's your turn for evaluation, Scott. Follow me.
(They leave).
Sophie: okay guys. You have 5 minutes to wind down. And I mean only 5 minutes.
*************************************************************************
Next time: The rest of the evaluations.
