Author's Note: While I'm not new to the fan fiction world, I'm new to both FanFiction.Net and writing for Higher Ground, so please bear with me. This story has been in my head for months and, well, you know how that goes...
There's a lot to explain about this story. First, this is based on the first season. The story will center around *all* of the original characters, however there will be one main focus. Throughout the story, I'll be borrowing certain lines/ideas from the show (as you'll see in this first chapter). While I'll be referring to certain episodes, I'll be changing things around a bit. In short - I'll try to remain true to the show, but I won't be following the order of how things happened on it.
A bit on Shelby: no one knows of her past yet, and her relationship with the others is rocky as she holds up a front. As far as her relationships go, think the beginning few episodes. If this gets too confusing, please feel free to e-mail me at AngelSDP@aol.com with questions, comments, thoughts...I'll explain more in my next author's note. Chapter Two should be up soon. Thanks and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I'm in no way associated with Higher Ground...
Better Days
Chapter One
The tires crawled along the graveled drive, announcing an arrival to the secluded school. Students outside barely looked up from their texts, too intent on their studies to let their curiosity lure them away. Strangers were often at Mount Horizon; the only fact that interested these teens was whether or not they fit into the arrival's business. No, the kids sitting at the wooden tables had better things to do than to wonder who was coming. The group on the porch steps, however, was a different story.
"I wonder who they're here for."
Shelby glanced down at the brunette sitting on the step below her. "Don't worry, Princess," she remarked dryly. "We won't forget to write."
Juliette ignored the girl and watched as the car came to a stop. Behind her, a boy placed his hands on the wooden railing and followed their gazes, squinting at the harsh sunlight.
"Who are they?"
"Her name's Chloe." A man's voice answered behind them. He shifted his attention to the group. "And that's all you need to know."
Shelby rolled her eyes as she turned away. "Chloe - how sweet."
"Ah, the ex-wife from New York." A curly-haired boy spoke up. "She came up here once a few months ago...went right home the next day."
Peter Scarbrow glanced at the lavish car as he maneuvered around the group. "Chloe's not too fond of mountain air."
Shelby stifled laughter as an elegant redhead emerged from the car. "Seems like she gets too much air if you ask me."
"Looks can be deceptive; we all know that, don't we?" As he made his way past her, Peter turned to Shelby. "Go meet me in my office."
The girl sat up defensively. "What? Peter-it was just a joke."
"Now, Shelby." He raised an eyebrow to the group. "And the rest of you - don't you have somewhere you need to be?" A chorus of "no's" met his question, to which he replied, "Good, then you're all on wood-chopping duty." He smiled to himself as the kids began to disperse, muttering to themselves, before turning his attention back to the woman by the car.
"Chloe!" He greeted, hurrying over to meet her.
"Peter, it's so good to see you."
"It's good to see you too, but I have to admit that I'm surprised. Last time you were here, you and the mountain didn't seem to get along."
The woman shrugged with a smile on her face. "Don't worry - this visit is strictly business. I needed a break from New York, and I figured why not settle the financial matters in person?" With this, the woman looked across the campus, her eyes softening as she watched the students. "This really is a good school, Peter. It's wonderful what you're doing for these kids here. I want to help you out in any way that I can."
"Well, thank you, Chloe." The man nodded appreciatively. "That means a lot to all of us here. So, how long are you staying?"
"Two days." The woman nodded knowingly as a look of doubt crossed her ex-husband's face. "I'm staying at the hotel in town. And no-" she held up her hand as Peter began to protest. "It's for the best. I don't want to cause any trouble between you and Sophie. Besides, I'd feel more comfortable in civilization."
"You're no trouble, Chlo." Peter started to reply as the door to the building behind them opened.
"Peter?"
The man turned around and gestured for the woman to join him. She walked over slowly, shooting a look at Peter.
"Sophie, you remember Chloe, don't you?"
Sophie smiled cordially and shook the woman's hand. "It's good to see you again Chloe; are you staying long?"
Peter coughed at the tension and quickly intervened, "Ah, Sophie, Chloe is here to discuss some business."
Chloe shifted and smiled uncomfortably as Sophie turned to Peter. "Well, there's some other business you have to take care of as well." She watched as Peter's brows furrowed in thought. "In your office?" She tried again.
"Oh! Right...Shelby." Peter turned to Chloe. "How about dinner in town tonight? Are you ladies up for it?"
The two women exchanged glances, recalling all too vividly their last dinner at Chateau Scarbrow - including the uncomfortable conversation and atmosphere.
"We'll be there."
She jumped to her feet immediately as the wooden door opened.
"Peter, look I was just-"
He held up a hand to stop her, and she closed her mouth immediately. Her eyes following him as he crossed the room to his desk. He leaned back in his chair, chin in his hands, as he pondered silently. She looked at him expectantly. When it became apparent that he wasn't going to say anything, she shrugged.
"So do I get kitchens or laundry or what?"
He finally looked up and shook his head. "It's nothing like that, Shel, have a seat."
Confusion replaced her usual nonchalant expression as she sat in the chair across from him. He sighed and ran a hand through his brown hair, struggling to find a place to begin.
"What?" She asked, waiting. "Peter, what is it?"
"I don't know where to begin, Shelby, so I'm just going to say it. Your mom called me this morning when you were in class-"
"What happened?" She interrupted. Peter could detect fear creeping into her voice. "Is it Jess? Did something happen to Jess?"
"No - your little sister is fine. It's your stepfather. He's had a heart attack and your mother needs you at home."
She stared at him...that expressionless stare that made it so hard for him to read what she was thinking. She blinked, "you're sending me back?" She asked quietly.
"No, Shelby..." He quickly stood from the desk and walked over to where she was sitting. He sighed in frustration. "I was on the phone with your mom all morning. The fact of the matter is your mom is working, your little sister is in school, and-"
"And I have to care for him." She finished.
"Look, Shelby -my first priority is to you. I know that you are nowhere near ready to leave. You're still facing your demons alone and I know that if you go home-"
She looked up at him then, her face hardened in anger and defense. "No, no - you don't know anything."
"So tell me, Shelby." He tried, his voice urging her to trust him, his eyes pleading the same. "Tell me what's going on. We can find a way to keep you here - you don't have to fight this alone."
"I am alone." She retorted bitterly. "I've always been alone."
"No, Shelby." Peter answered. "That fact changed the instant you stepped foot onto campus. That's what we're here for."
She stared in silence for such a long time that he thought she was finally going to take down her barriers. And then she turned to speak.
"When do I leave?"