Disclaimer: The characters of Higher Ground belong to Fox Family and are not my own.
Comment: Sorry it has been so long. First, I had a family crisis and then I got involved in a new research project, and finally got sick (October was quite a month!).
Pura Vida (part 9)
****************** Kat's Party **************************************
Kat: I still can't believe you guys kept this a secret! This means so much to me, but
what means the most is that you guys didn't try to bake me a cake! (Everyone laughs,
remembering when the last time Peter attempted making a cake).
Peter: Ha Ha. Very funny, but don't be too funny because I will be your boss very, very
soon. (trys acting rough).
Sophie: Yeah, you're really a mean, rough, and tough employer. You're really just a big
marshmellow underneath.
Peter: (Jokingly) YOu will think marshmellow when you get your paycheck.
Sophie: We get a paycheck?
Peter: Ha Ha. Okay, seriously though, Kat, we are all very proud of you so now let's
PARTY!! Unless you guys want me to sing?
Everyone: NO!
Peter: I guess I can take a hint. Sophie, care to dance with your future husband?
(sees Sophie a little distracted as she is watching Juliette from the corner
of her eye). Soph?
Sophie: What? Yeah, sure Peter.
Peter grabs Sophie's hand and they head to the part of the lodge where others are gathering to dance.
********************************
Scott and Shelby are dancing (very closely) to a slow song.
Shelby: Scott, I know this may sound strange coming from me, but you need to have a talk
with Queenie.
Scott: What's up? And that does sound a little strange coming from you, and I love you
for it.
Shelby: (moved by his words) Yeah, well I don't think she's talked with Auggie yet, and
considering all that we went through and the fact that we have to spend the
summer with Auggie, well, you need to convince her to tell him before she leaves.
Scott: Why don't you tell her? She may not like me saying anything. I mean, as I told
you before, when we were together we did not talk about the stuff that brought us
here.
Shelby: I tried, but I didn't approach it well. What I mean is that I think I would know
what to say if Daisy was going home, but Jules and I, well, I don't know why but
I find it really difficult to be nice to her.
Scott: I know why.
Shelby: Why?
Scott: Because you were jealous because she had me.
Shelby: I was NEVER jealous, and even if I was a little tiny bit, I knew Jules before she
ever had you and I still didn't like her. Probably had to do with her coming from
a rich family. And her constant perkiness. She resembled everything I hated
about people who went to my school...fakes, all of them.
Scott: Wait a second, you're calling her Jules. What is happening to you Shelby?
Shelby (ponders): I don't really know myself, but its just that I am happy Scott, and I
realize that I have friends now in you and Daisy and believe it or not
all you guys are starting to become like a family to me. Especially now
that Jess is here, I want to set a better example for her than I did back
at home.
Scott: Wow. You know, I love you. I love your toughness, and that you always seem to
amaze me. I will talk to Jules, just as soon as I finish dancing with you.
Shelby: (looks teary-eyed at what he has just said) Thanks, Scott.
**********************************************************
Daisy is by the refreshment table, she has previously turned down David's attempt to dance with her, and is now talking to Kathrine when Ezra approaches.
Ezra: Care to dance, Daisy?
Daisy: Not now, Ezra.
Ezra: (a little taken aback by her abrupt yet so Daisy-like answer) Oh, okay, well, I will
be outside if you want to later.
Ezra leaves the lodge. Kat looks scrutinyly at Daisy and then back to the door where Ezra left.
Kat: You know, you could have broken it to him a little easier.
Daisy: Why? It just encourages him. And isn't it better to be honest and not to mislead?
Honesty is one of the things we are supposed to be learning here, right? (says this
sarcastically).
Kat: Yes, but it is really about learning how to live with yourself. And others.
Daisy: What is so wrong about not wanting a boyfriend yet? I mean, lately everyone is in
hormone heaven, but its just not right for me. I don't think it will ever be for
me. I just don't get starry-eyed when I think of Ezra or David. Being their friend
interests me, not being their romantic interests.
Kat: And nothing is wrong with that Daisy, but it's just that you are so...
Shelby: Serious.
Daisy: When did you get over here? I mean when did the surgeon peform the operation to separate you from your affectionate counterpart?
Shelby: Ha Ha. Scott has gone to find Princess, and I came over here just in time to hear
a very interesting conversation.
Daisy: Which just ended. (She walks off and out the door that Ezra left from earlier).
Shelby: Boy! You sure struck a nerve, Kat. Yep, you're going to be one helluva counselor!
Kat: Very funny Shelby. But I'm worried. Daisy is so serious about life and honesty and
truth. I'm afraid she will miss out on things such as love.
Shelby: Yeah. Love is wonderful, isn't it?
Kat: Yes, it is. Especially unconditional love.
**********************************************************************
Scott approaches Jules as she emerges from the restroom.
Scott: Hey Jules, can we talk?
Jules: (Smiles at him) Sure, Scott, what is it?
Scott: Well, we all know that you are leaving but Auggie doesn't know, and I think
you should tell him before you leave on Friday. (Juliette frowns) I mean, when Shelby left me without saying goodbye, it tore me apart. And I know you do not want to do that to Auggie. Do you?
Jules: Scott, what right do you and Shelby have to tell me what to do? It is my life. And
why should you care anyway? (she starts to walk away from him).
Scott: (grabs her arm, she flinches as he turns her back to face him; seeing her flinch,
he quickly releases her arm) Look, Jules, I just wanted to say that you should tell
him, okay? And I do care what happens to you guys. We have all been through a lot
together.
Jules: Together? The only one who really cares about me is Auggie and I have to leave him!
And as for all of us being a family, well, I was the only one that tried to be nice
to everybody and where did it get me...NOWHERE!
Scott: Jules, that is not true. We all care. And we hate that you have to leave.
Jules: Yeah, well, just.... (is getting emotional), umm...mind your own business. (This
time Jules succeeds at walking off).
Scott: (Watches her leave). Fine. (He turns around and sees Auggie, who has apparantly
heard the entire conversation; Scott emphathizes with the pain in Auggie's eyes).
Hey man, the reason we know before you....(Auggie walks off after Jules before
Scott can finish his sentence). Okay. Fine. This is just great. I come over
here to do a good thing, and now.....(walks back over to Shelby, shaking his head).
*****************************************************
Auggie follows Juliette outside the lodge. She is sitting at one of the pinic tables, just staring off into space. Ezra is also outside, but sitting on the steps to the lodge, staring up at the moon. Auggie nearly trips over Ezra as he leaves the lodge.
Auggie: Yo man, I'm sorry. Hey have you seen Jules?
Ezra: Yeah, she headed to the pinic table area. (Can cleary see he is upset). I guess
you found out that she is leaving?
Auggie: Yeah, I did. How come all you guys know?
Ezra: We have been planning a birthday bash for both of you next week, and when we
informed Peter of our plans, he had to inform us that she wouldn't be here. I'm
really sorry.
Auggie: It's not your fault man, but I really can't talk right now...I have to find her.
(Auggie runs off).
Ezra: Sure. Go ahead TRY to talk to the woman. I still haven't figured out how to get
a woman yet. (He stands up and with new determination, goes back inside to the
party).
****************************************************
Auggie has found Jules and he sits down beside her.
Auggie: (Takes her hand). Hey twig, look at me. Okay? (Sees she has been crying)..
what's wrong, Jules?
Jules: A lot. (exhales a deep sigh) A lot. I have to go home this summer, Auggie.
Auggie: I know.
Jules (looks surprised): But how?
Auggie: I overheard your conversation with meat, I mean Scott. When are you leaving?
Jules: Friday. I don't want to go. I don't want to spend the summer with my mother, I
wanted to spend it with you.
Auggie (kisses her forehead): Yeah, me too.
Jules: You want to run away again?
Auggie: Jules, you know we can't do that. We get into too much trouble (he laughs),
WAY too much trouble.
Jules (finally cracks a smile): Yeah, I know. But I don't want to leave. I don't.
(She loses the smile, and starts to cry).
Auggie: (moves so that he can hold her as she cries against his chest) Hey,now....don't
cry. You won't be gone that long, just 12 weeks. Everything will be alright,
we can write each other, and call each other. (Auggie just keeps whispering
small nothings to her, trying to calm her down. Eventually she settles down, and
they just hold each other, rocking gently as a night breeze transends upon their
saddened souls).
***********************************************************
Meanwhile, in the lodge....
Peter: Okay guys time for the big news! Gather round!
David: This had better be good, and not something that involves a wonderful outdoor
event. (smirks, and then winks at Daisy).
Sophie: Not everyone is here Peter. Where are Auggie and Juliette?
Scott: They are outside.
Shelby: But I think we should leave them alone. How important is what Peter has to say?
Other than the normal blah, blah, blah.
Peter: You guys are so kind. And after all we do for you. Okay, I guess we won't wait
on them. Here it is ....drum roll please....(everyone by now is rolling their eyes)
Due to the government surplus, they have given us a very hefty grant, so Sophie
and I decided that since most of us in here haven't had the picture-perfect
childhoods, that we would take a week off in June and go to.....go to a place
to rediscover childhood...go to
Kat: Please quit dragging it out!
Peter & Sophie: Disneyland!
David: Disneyland? Alantic City would be better.
Peter: Well, what do the rest of you guys think?
Shelby: I've never been to Disneyland.
Scott: I went there when I was little. It was great. There are a lot of things we can
do together there Shelby. I think it will be fun.
Daisy: At least it gets us off the mountain for a while.
Ezra: An interesting attempt at therapy, Peter. Will we have to hold group on the rollar
costers?
Peter: Funny. Seriously though, this will be a time to be a kid again, enjoy the simple
things, and have a fun!
Kat: I don't know who is more excited...Peter or the rest of us.
Sophie: (whispers into Kat's ear) He has been on cloud nine since he thought of this
plan...he is just a big kid himself sometimes.
Shelby: So this is why we received "the talk." You can't watch us inside a park
containing thousands of people, so now you have to trust us....right?
Sophie: Something like that.
Peter: Actually, this trip is a lot about trust. Trusting yourselves outside of Horizon,
and trusting each other.
David: Can we quit the therapy stuff for now? (a lot of other people nod).
Peter: Okay. But we will have a lot to talk about before we go. So now everyone...
go back to partying!
Kat (walks up to Peter): That is such a great idea Peter! I'm glad I get to go.
Sophie: It should be quite an adventure.
Peter: Yes, it should. Well, I am going to see about Auggie and Juliette. (Peter leaves).
Kat: I hope their okay. This will be tough on them.
Sophie: I know. But they can spend all day together tomorrow. I don't think Peter has
anything planned.
Kat: That's good. Well, I guess I will go and enjoy my party more. See you tomorrow!
Kat leaves. Sophie heads out in the direction Peter went. He has stopped about 35 yards away from the couple in the pininc area. Sophie walks up behind him, looking at the same meloncholy picture.
Sophie: Think they will be okay?
Peter: (grabs her hand) I don't know, Soph. I don't know.
*************************************************************************************
Next: Juliette leaves. A new student comes.
Comment: Sorry it has been so long. First, I had a family crisis and then I got involved in a new research project, and finally got sick (October was quite a month!).
Pura Vida (part 9)
****************** Kat's Party **************************************
Kat: I still can't believe you guys kept this a secret! This means so much to me, but
what means the most is that you guys didn't try to bake me a cake! (Everyone laughs,
remembering when the last time Peter attempted making a cake).
Peter: Ha Ha. Very funny, but don't be too funny because I will be your boss very, very
soon. (trys acting rough).
Sophie: Yeah, you're really a mean, rough, and tough employer. You're really just a big
marshmellow underneath.
Peter: (Jokingly) YOu will think marshmellow when you get your paycheck.
Sophie: We get a paycheck?
Peter: Ha Ha. Okay, seriously though, Kat, we are all very proud of you so now let's
PARTY!! Unless you guys want me to sing?
Everyone: NO!
Peter: I guess I can take a hint. Sophie, care to dance with your future husband?
(sees Sophie a little distracted as she is watching Juliette from the corner
of her eye). Soph?
Sophie: What? Yeah, sure Peter.
Peter grabs Sophie's hand and they head to the part of the lodge where others are gathering to dance.
********************************
Scott and Shelby are dancing (very closely) to a slow song.
Shelby: Scott, I know this may sound strange coming from me, but you need to have a talk
with Queenie.
Scott: What's up? And that does sound a little strange coming from you, and I love you
for it.
Shelby: (moved by his words) Yeah, well I don't think she's talked with Auggie yet, and
considering all that we went through and the fact that we have to spend the
summer with Auggie, well, you need to convince her to tell him before she leaves.
Scott: Why don't you tell her? She may not like me saying anything. I mean, as I told
you before, when we were together we did not talk about the stuff that brought us
here.
Shelby: I tried, but I didn't approach it well. What I mean is that I think I would know
what to say if Daisy was going home, but Jules and I, well, I don't know why but
I find it really difficult to be nice to her.
Scott: I know why.
Shelby: Why?
Scott: Because you were jealous because she had me.
Shelby: I was NEVER jealous, and even if I was a little tiny bit, I knew Jules before she
ever had you and I still didn't like her. Probably had to do with her coming from
a rich family. And her constant perkiness. She resembled everything I hated
about people who went to my school...fakes, all of them.
Scott: Wait a second, you're calling her Jules. What is happening to you Shelby?
Shelby (ponders): I don't really know myself, but its just that I am happy Scott, and I
realize that I have friends now in you and Daisy and believe it or not
all you guys are starting to become like a family to me. Especially now
that Jess is here, I want to set a better example for her than I did back
at home.
Scott: Wow. You know, I love you. I love your toughness, and that you always seem to
amaze me. I will talk to Jules, just as soon as I finish dancing with you.
Shelby: (looks teary-eyed at what he has just said) Thanks, Scott.
**********************************************************
Daisy is by the refreshment table, she has previously turned down David's attempt to dance with her, and is now talking to Kathrine when Ezra approaches.
Ezra: Care to dance, Daisy?
Daisy: Not now, Ezra.
Ezra: (a little taken aback by her abrupt yet so Daisy-like answer) Oh, okay, well, I will
be outside if you want to later.
Ezra leaves the lodge. Kat looks scrutinyly at Daisy and then back to the door where Ezra left.
Kat: You know, you could have broken it to him a little easier.
Daisy: Why? It just encourages him. And isn't it better to be honest and not to mislead?
Honesty is one of the things we are supposed to be learning here, right? (says this
sarcastically).
Kat: Yes, but it is really about learning how to live with yourself. And others.
Daisy: What is so wrong about not wanting a boyfriend yet? I mean, lately everyone is in
hormone heaven, but its just not right for me. I don't think it will ever be for
me. I just don't get starry-eyed when I think of Ezra or David. Being their friend
interests me, not being their romantic interests.
Kat: And nothing is wrong with that Daisy, but it's just that you are so...
Shelby: Serious.
Daisy: When did you get over here? I mean when did the surgeon peform the operation to separate you from your affectionate counterpart?
Shelby: Ha Ha. Scott has gone to find Princess, and I came over here just in time to hear
a very interesting conversation.
Daisy: Which just ended. (She walks off and out the door that Ezra left from earlier).
Shelby: Boy! You sure struck a nerve, Kat. Yep, you're going to be one helluva counselor!
Kat: Very funny Shelby. But I'm worried. Daisy is so serious about life and honesty and
truth. I'm afraid she will miss out on things such as love.
Shelby: Yeah. Love is wonderful, isn't it?
Kat: Yes, it is. Especially unconditional love.
**********************************************************************
Scott approaches Jules as she emerges from the restroom.
Scott: Hey Jules, can we talk?
Jules: (Smiles at him) Sure, Scott, what is it?
Scott: Well, we all know that you are leaving but Auggie doesn't know, and I think
you should tell him before you leave on Friday. (Juliette frowns) I mean, when Shelby left me without saying goodbye, it tore me apart. And I know you do not want to do that to Auggie. Do you?
Jules: Scott, what right do you and Shelby have to tell me what to do? It is my life. And
why should you care anyway? (she starts to walk away from him).
Scott: (grabs her arm, she flinches as he turns her back to face him; seeing her flinch,
he quickly releases her arm) Look, Jules, I just wanted to say that you should tell
him, okay? And I do care what happens to you guys. We have all been through a lot
together.
Jules: Together? The only one who really cares about me is Auggie and I have to leave him!
And as for all of us being a family, well, I was the only one that tried to be nice
to everybody and where did it get me...NOWHERE!
Scott: Jules, that is not true. We all care. And we hate that you have to leave.
Jules: Yeah, well, just.... (is getting emotional), umm...mind your own business. (This
time Jules succeeds at walking off).
Scott: (Watches her leave). Fine. (He turns around and sees Auggie, who has apparantly
heard the entire conversation; Scott emphathizes with the pain in Auggie's eyes).
Hey man, the reason we know before you....(Auggie walks off after Jules before
Scott can finish his sentence). Okay. Fine. This is just great. I come over
here to do a good thing, and now.....(walks back over to Shelby, shaking his head).
*****************************************************
Auggie follows Juliette outside the lodge. She is sitting at one of the pinic tables, just staring off into space. Ezra is also outside, but sitting on the steps to the lodge, staring up at the moon. Auggie nearly trips over Ezra as he leaves the lodge.
Auggie: Yo man, I'm sorry. Hey have you seen Jules?
Ezra: Yeah, she headed to the pinic table area. (Can cleary see he is upset). I guess
you found out that she is leaving?
Auggie: Yeah, I did. How come all you guys know?
Ezra: We have been planning a birthday bash for both of you next week, and when we
informed Peter of our plans, he had to inform us that she wouldn't be here. I'm
really sorry.
Auggie: It's not your fault man, but I really can't talk right now...I have to find her.
(Auggie runs off).
Ezra: Sure. Go ahead TRY to talk to the woman. I still haven't figured out how to get
a woman yet. (He stands up and with new determination, goes back inside to the
party).
****************************************************
Auggie has found Jules and he sits down beside her.
Auggie: (Takes her hand). Hey twig, look at me. Okay? (Sees she has been crying)..
what's wrong, Jules?
Jules: A lot. (exhales a deep sigh) A lot. I have to go home this summer, Auggie.
Auggie: I know.
Jules (looks surprised): But how?
Auggie: I overheard your conversation with meat, I mean Scott. When are you leaving?
Jules: Friday. I don't want to go. I don't want to spend the summer with my mother, I
wanted to spend it with you.
Auggie (kisses her forehead): Yeah, me too.
Jules: You want to run away again?
Auggie: Jules, you know we can't do that. We get into too much trouble (he laughs),
WAY too much trouble.
Jules (finally cracks a smile): Yeah, I know. But I don't want to leave. I don't.
(She loses the smile, and starts to cry).
Auggie: (moves so that he can hold her as she cries against his chest) Hey,now....don't
cry. You won't be gone that long, just 12 weeks. Everything will be alright,
we can write each other, and call each other. (Auggie just keeps whispering
small nothings to her, trying to calm her down. Eventually she settles down, and
they just hold each other, rocking gently as a night breeze transends upon their
saddened souls).
***********************************************************
Meanwhile, in the lodge....
Peter: Okay guys time for the big news! Gather round!
David: This had better be good, and not something that involves a wonderful outdoor
event. (smirks, and then winks at Daisy).
Sophie: Not everyone is here Peter. Where are Auggie and Juliette?
Scott: They are outside.
Shelby: But I think we should leave them alone. How important is what Peter has to say?
Other than the normal blah, blah, blah.
Peter: You guys are so kind. And after all we do for you. Okay, I guess we won't wait
on them. Here it is ....drum roll please....(everyone by now is rolling their eyes)
Due to the government surplus, they have given us a very hefty grant, so Sophie
and I decided that since most of us in here haven't had the picture-perfect
childhoods, that we would take a week off in June and go to.....go to a place
to rediscover childhood...go to
Kat: Please quit dragging it out!
Peter & Sophie: Disneyland!
David: Disneyland? Alantic City would be better.
Peter: Well, what do the rest of you guys think?
Shelby: I've never been to Disneyland.
Scott: I went there when I was little. It was great. There are a lot of things we can
do together there Shelby. I think it will be fun.
Daisy: At least it gets us off the mountain for a while.
Ezra: An interesting attempt at therapy, Peter. Will we have to hold group on the rollar
costers?
Peter: Funny. Seriously though, this will be a time to be a kid again, enjoy the simple
things, and have a fun!
Kat: I don't know who is more excited...Peter or the rest of us.
Sophie: (whispers into Kat's ear) He has been on cloud nine since he thought of this
plan...he is just a big kid himself sometimes.
Shelby: So this is why we received "the talk." You can't watch us inside a park
containing thousands of people, so now you have to trust us....right?
Sophie: Something like that.
Peter: Actually, this trip is a lot about trust. Trusting yourselves outside of Horizon,
and trusting each other.
David: Can we quit the therapy stuff for now? (a lot of other people nod).
Peter: Okay. But we will have a lot to talk about before we go. So now everyone...
go back to partying!
Kat (walks up to Peter): That is such a great idea Peter! I'm glad I get to go.
Sophie: It should be quite an adventure.
Peter: Yes, it should. Well, I am going to see about Auggie and Juliette. (Peter leaves).
Kat: I hope their okay. This will be tough on them.
Sophie: I know. But they can spend all day together tomorrow. I don't think Peter has
anything planned.
Kat: That's good. Well, I guess I will go and enjoy my party more. See you tomorrow!
Kat leaves. Sophie heads out in the direction Peter went. He has stopped about 35 yards away from the couple in the pininc area. Sophie walks up behind him, looking at the same meloncholy picture.
Sophie: Think they will be okay?
Peter: (grabs her hand) I don't know, Soph. I don't know.
*************************************************************************************
Next: Juliette leaves. A new student comes.
