"Daddy's Girl"
CHAPTER ONE: My Hero
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the charactors in this story, I simply borrowed them from HG. =)
"What's that?" Asked Daisy as she examined the project that Juliette was painting.
"It's a finger bowl." Juliette replied, carefully dabbing purple paint onto the edges. Daisy smiled at Shelby.
"For all those fingers you've been eating huh?" Daisy joked. Shelby chuckled. Juliette just smiled
"A finger bowl holds food that people can eat with their fingers Daisy. My mom used to use it at all of her big officer cotillions." Jules smiled at the thought.
"Cotillions...I'm afraid to ask." Shelby said.
"A Cotillion, Shelby, is a friendly get-together." Said Sophie's voice from behind the girls. "My mom was famous for her once-a-month Becker family Cotillion." Sophie touched Juliettes shoulder. "Phone for you. You can take it in the lodge." Shelby and Daisy watched curiously as Jules followed Sophie out of the room.
"Guess I'd better brush up on my vocabulary skills." Shelby joked as Daisy rolled her eyes.
Juliette searched her mind for who could possibly have called her. The first person who came to mind was her mother. She dreaded hearing the woman's voice. It was the same voice that had tore through her mind every time she stuck her fingers down her throat or pulled a razor blade across her skin. Jules felt the hate building up as she neared the lodge.
Sophie stood by the doorway as Juliette approached the receiver. She picked it up and slowly put it to her ear.
"Hello?" She said timidly.
"Juliette honey? Its daddy."
"Daddy?! Is it really you?"
"Sure is sweetheart." He replied in a cocky tone.
"How did you know the number to call?" Juliette knew that her mother would never give it to him. Even at home she was never allowed to visit with her birth father.
"I have my sources. Listen sweety I've really been missing you a lot. I was hoping it would be ok if I could come visit you at the school."
"Of course. I can't wait!" Sophie looked on in confusion.
"OK then, I'll see you in a couple days honey. Goodbye." Then there was the dial tone. Juliette hung up the phone, a huge smile across her face. She turned to face Sophie.
"My Dad's coming to visit me." She could barely contain the joy that she felt. She hadn't seen her father in so long.
"That's great Juliette." Sophie smiled. "Sounds like you and your father get along well." She walked out next to Juliette.
"Daddy and I were always close. I remember being a little girl and Daddy would come pick me up on weekends and take me to the zoo and to the amusement park. Mother would never let me do those things." Sophie smiled.
"Well your father sounds like a very nice man. I'm sure Peter will be happy to hear the news." Juliette stopped when she noticed Auggie and Ezra chopping firewood.
"I think I'd better get back to art." Sophie glanced at Auggie and smiled.
"That's right, but don't worry if you're a little late. I'm sure Roger won't mind." She sauntered away and Juliette carefully approached the guys.
"Hi Auggie." She said cheerfully.
"Hey Jules." He swung the axe one last time.
"Hey Juliette." Said Ezra.
"Hi Ezra." There was an awkward silence.
"Wow...anyone else feel that? It's hot out here. I'm gonna go get a beverage. Leaving now." Ezra backed away and then ran towards the kitchen.
"So, what's up Twig? You look happier then usual." Auggie said.
"My Dad's coming to visit me. He just called." She could barely stop from jumping up and down.
"That's great Jules." He moved closer to her. "So when do I get to meet him?" They both laughed.
"Maybe you could come have dinner with us. I'm sure he'd like you. My Dad likes everybody." She shifted from foot to foot anxiously.
"Sounds perfect." He smiled and kissed her.
"Well I guess I'd better get back to class. I'll see you at dinner." She turned and ran.
Dinner
Juliette flipped her food around on her plate, trying to make it look like she had eaten something. She looked up and watched as Shelby and Scott leaned close to each other and whispered. Next to them Daisy and Ezra were comparing their broccoli which they insisted was discolored. She smiled at their antics.
"Not hungry Jules?" Said a voice from the side of the table. She turned her head to see Auggie sitting down, plate in hand.
"Who could eat this?" She lifted her broccoli up on her fork to show him.
"It's not so bad." Her unfolded his napkin neatly on the table and removed his fork and spoon.
"Hey if anyone doesn't want their broccoli we'll take it." Said Daisy.
"Perfect specimen for our science project...How much mold does it take to get to the center of a green vegetable." Ezra joked. Daisy smirked.
"Great idea Ezzzzra." David sat down on the other side of Juliette. "I'll take that if you don't mind." He snatched the broccoli from Ezra's hand and popped it into his mouth. The whole table gagged.
"Ewww that's so disgusting." Juliette whined. David laughed.
"Gonna eat that twiggy?" David pointed to her plate.
"Hey quit messin' with her man." Auggie jumped in. David put his hands up.
"Whatever you say muchacho." Auggie jumped out of his chair.
"You trying to mess with me?!"
"Auggie chill man." Scott stood between them. "Peters gonna have both of you on shuns if you don't cool it."
"Well if he doesn't shut his trap right now I'm gonna shut it for him!" Scott was the only thing holding Auggie back. David continued to entice him.
"I've got jaws of steel Augusto...I'd like to see you try." David
"Auggie just ignore him." Pleaded Juliette.
"Stay out of this Jules." Auggie replied.
"Let him go Scott this is better then Springer." Shelby said. By now Auggie was almost past Scott.
Just then Peter and Roger raced towards the table and grabbed Auggie from Scott. Auggie finally gave in but he was still just as angry.
"You better watch your step man...cause I'm gonna be watching you." He warned.
"Auggie! Back to the dorm now." Peter scolded him and he left. "David, you go with Roger." David raised his hands in an innocent fashion as Roger escorted him out.
"Back to your meal guys." Peter said. "Oh and Juliette, you are planning on eating that right?" He pointed to her full plate.
"Yes Peter." She smiled meekly. They all sat down.
"Well, that was just about all the violence I need for one day." Daisy said.
"Although it would have been better if there was actual contact. I'm sure a black eye would suite David just fine." Shelby replied.
"What's going to happen to Auggie?" Juliette wondered out loud. Shelby chuckled.
"Aww...does the little princess miss her prince charming already?"
"Don't worry, Peter will just give him weeds or something." Assured Ezra.
"Am I only one who cares about poor little David?" Daisy commented only half-serious. The others just groaned.
Juliette flipped her food around with her fork, forcing a few morsels into her mouth whenever someone looked up at her. She could barely swallow. Her stomach was nauseated between the excitement of her father and her worry over Auggie. Whenever she thought of her Dad she smiled. She thought of his words on the phone. He missed her. He really missed her just as much as she'd missed him. She couldn't wait to see him again. She began counting down the hours in her head.
CHAPTER TWO Daddy's Promise
Girls Dorm
The next morning Juliette was the first in the bathroom to take her shower. She had been up half the night planning her visit with her father. She had decided that first she would give him a tour of the campus, then maybe he could take her and Auggie out to dinner. She couldn't wait for him to meet Auggie. Her two favorite people were finally going to meet, and she was sure they would love each other.
"Juliette hurry up in there!" Screamed Katherine. "We're going to be late." She quickly grabbed her towel and hurried to get dressed. She pulled a brush through her hair exactly fifty times and put a headband in to hold it. Soon Katherine was rushing them all out of the dorm and to the dining hall.
Breakfast
The first thing that Juliette noticed when she entered the dining hall was that all of the Cliffhangers were there except for Auggie. She found this odd and immediately asked the guys about it.
"Auggie didn't come back until later last night. He's on silent restriction for the rest of the week." Scott informed her.
"Yea, I guess Frank was pretty upset because this is the third fight Auggie has gotten into this month. He's considering expelling him." Ezra added.
"Well what about him?" Juliette pointed to David, who was sitting at the table tossing pieces of hash browns into his mouth.
"It's only his second offense. He has to write an essay and help Frank out today." Scott explained.
"Help out with what is the question." Ezra stated.
"Hey, you wanna eat alone today?" Shelby appeared behind Scott. He grinned and followed her to a table in the corner.
"Makes you sick doesn't it?" Ezra commented. Juliette ignored him and headed for the group table. She set her tray down and started towards the bathroom.
Once safely behind a locked stall, Juliette took a deep breath. She missed Auggie and was beginning to realize what Scott had felt like when Shelby had to go home. She realized that she really loved him. Suddenly she began to think about her father. Only a few more hours and she would see him. She just wished that Auggie could see him too. More then anything Juliette wanted to be a part of a family again. Not her Cliffhanger family, but a real live blood family. She missed that connection and longed for it.
She sat down on the toilet and laid her head on her knees. She noticed the scars on her arms. So many of them everywhere. She wished they would disappear. She often wished she would just disappear.
"Juliette? Are you in here?" Juliette heard Daisy's voice from outside the stale. "Peter's looking for you."
"I'll be out in a minute." She replied.
"Oh please take your time. Don't let me interrupt your puking." She said. Juliette stood and opened the stall door.
"I wasn't puking." She said weakly. She walked over to the mirror and fixed her hair just right.
"Right. Well whatever you were doing, Peter wants to talk to you now." Daisy replied.
"I heard you the first time Daisy." She looked at her face in the mirror and sighed. Fat cheeks.
"Peter's not going to let Auggie go home. Don't worry." Daisy leaned on the sink and met her gaze in the mirror.
"What makes you so sure? Remember when Shelby went home? He couldn't stop it then." Daisy considered a moment.
"Well that was different. Shelby's mom made her leave. This time its just Frank. Peter will make him change his mind. He'll use one of his profoundly deep analogies like "every kid is like a tree reaching towards the sun" and Frank will get so confused that he'll be forced to agree. Works every time." Daisy grinned. Juliette forced a smile.
"I hope your right." Daisy put her hand on Juliette's shoulder.
"The cards never lie." She turned towards the door. "Five minutes and Peter will be releasing the hounds."
"I'm coming." She mumbled.
Peters Office
Juliette knocked on the door and Peter smiled and waved her in. She timidly walked towards the chairs and sat down. Peter's office almost always meant either bad news or a pep talk. She didn't want to hear either right now.
"Hi Juliette. Have a seat." He pointed to the chairs in front of his desk. He sat behind it and sighed. The look on his face didn't suggest a pep talk.
"Is my Dad here yet? Did he come early?" She chatted, hoping that maybe Peter was just having a bad day. She casually looked around the office, hoping that maybe her father would come out of a dark corner and hug her like she was a child again.
"You father called this morning Jul...he's not coming." Peter broke the news gently. Juliette could see in his eyes that it pained him. It can't be true. Why is he lying to me?!
"No...if he called he would have wanted to talk to me. He's still coming...he has to be." She said calmly. She could feel the tears welling her eyes but pushed them back. I'm not going to cry because there's nothing to cry about. Daddy would never lie to me.
"I'm sorry Juliette." He stood and walked over to the chairs. He sat beside her and tried to touch her shoulder. She jumped at his touch. "I offered to get you so he could tell you himself, but he said he was late for a business meeting. He didn't have the time." The words echoed in Juliette's mind. Didn't have the time.
FLASHBACK
Juliette jumped up and down anxiously, waiting for her father to get off the phone. Dressed in her white ballet suit, with tiny slippers in hand, she listened to his conversation.
"No Gary I told you the account was closed." He paused. "Well then tell Robert to get his head out of his ass and do his job! Well, Gary shut up and listen to me, I will be at the office in exactly twenty minutes and if I find that this is still a problem somebody will be out of a job! Do you understand me? Great...Bye." He fiercely hung up the cordless and paced back and forth. "Damn lazy son of a..." He then noticed Juliette standing meekly by the door.
"Daddy is it time to go yet?" She asked. Her dark hair was thrown back in a bun and her eyes were wide with innocence. He strode towards her and knelt down in front of her.
"Yes sweety, its time to go. Daddy's in a hurry." He opened the door and they flew out to the cadillac.
Juliette watched out the passenger side window as the car sped down the street quickly. She looked up at her Dad and smiled. She loved him so much. She would do anything to please him.
Soon they were at the gymnasium and the car pulled alongside the building.
"OK kid, Daddy's gotta go now. You have fun though." Juliette frowned.
"Daddy aren't you coming to watch me dance? You said you'd come watch me dance."
"I'm sorry baby. Daddy is very busy right now. I'll come to your next recital, I promise." He smiled. "I just don't have the time right now. Do you understand?" Juliette sank into her seat to pout but stopped herself. She had to be happy for Daddy. She didn't want him to be sad because of her.
"Yes Daddy I understand." She smiled and hugged him. He pushed her away after a minute and put the car into drive as he held the gas pedal. "I love you Daddy." She said cheerfully.
"Go on now. You don't want to be late." She stepped out of the car and watched him drive away.
BACK IN PETER'S OFFICE
"Juliette?" She heard Peters voice coming from beside her. She snapped back to reality and smiled the same smile she had that day as a child.
"I understand. Daddy's very busy with his work. He's really good at his job. I'm sure he has a good reason for not coming." She smiled at Peter, who only looked concerned.
"Are you sure your ok with this Juliette? Its ok if your hurt. Its normal to be."
"No Peter I'm ok. I'm sure he'll come visit another time. Maybe he can come for the next parents weekend." She smiled. "That would be better anyway, for everyone." Peter stepped back and leaned on his desk.
"If you think so. You can call him on the phone later and talk to him about it ok?" She stood from her chair.
"OK. Thanks Peter." She walked towards the door and out into the hallway.
Juliette looked at the floor, trying to sort out all of the feelings that were turning inside of her head. Daddy will make everything better. Daddy will come visit me just like he promised.
Suddenly she felt someone in front of her and before she knew it they had collided. She jumped back and looked up to see Auggie standing before her. She smiled a huge smile.
"Auggie...what happened to you?" She asked. He whispered his reply.
"I'm in real trouble Jules...Frank wants me out." Juliette felt her heart sink for the second time in that day.
"Peter won't let that happen. Just trust Peter Auggie. Everything will be ok." He looked around them and made sure the coast was clear. Then he touched her cheek.
"Your probably right." He dropped his hand and started towards Peter's office. Juliette called to him.
"Daisy's card's said it would be ok!" Auggie turned and grinned.
"Then it will be." He turned again and headed towards the office. Juliette remained still for a full minute before heading back to class.
Juliette stared out the window as Jeff preached about whatever it was they were learning that day. Juliette wasn't sure anymore. She watched as the Sun Dogs played soccer. She looked past them to see Frank and Peter, sitting on a bench in the distance. They were talking. Peters probably convincing him to let Auggie stay. She decided that that was the only way it would go. Daisy's cards were never wrong.
She turned towards the back of the room and noticed a man and woman sitting together. They were watching one of the students intently and Jules decided that she was their daughter and they had come to observe class. It was a common thing around the school, but Juliette couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Suddenly she heard her name. She looked up to see Scott whispering to her. She listened carefully to his words.
"Pass this to Shelby." He slid a note across the floor to her desk. She smiled at him and nodded. She picked up the note and held it in her palm for a moment. She glanced to her left to see Shelby doodling on her notebook aimlessly. She looked back to her right and seen Scott chewing on his pen and listening to Jeff. She then put her hands in her lap and unfolded the note.
Meet me at the docks tonight.
I love you.
Scott
Juliette smiled. She slipped the note into her notebook and rested her head on the palm of her hand. I love you too Scott. I love you too.
DINNER THAT NIGHT
Juliette frowned as she looked at the food on her plate. There was a large pile of roast beef barely resting between two buns that were way too small. Small round carrots filled the space next to the beef. The mashed potatoes seemed to tower over the rest of the plate like a castle.
Picking up her fork, Juliette picked up one carrot at a time and pushed it into her mouth. Carrots weren't very fattening. She tasted the sweetness of it and found herself wanting more. She wanted her mouth to be full. This was an old feeling that she had missed. Filling the fork she inserted potatoes, beef, bread, and carrots into her mouth. Each time the food filled the fork and her stomach as she swallowed it down.
She was careful to make sure that none of the other cliffhangers were watching her. Auggie was still on restriction. Shelby was in the infirmary. She had mysteriously fallen ill, claiming it was the broccoli from that morning. David was there, as was Ezra and Daisy. They were too entranced in their own conversation to notice her. Katherine was at the end of the table with Scott, who seemed more lonely then ever. Juliette wondered why he wouldn't talk to her. Probably wanted to wait until that night at the docks. She couldn't wait. He really loves me.
Juliette finished her plate within minutes and laid her hand on her full bulging stomach. She could just feel the fat circulating through her body. She had to get rid of it. If Daddy sees me like this, if Scott does, they'll never love me. She stood and emptied her tray. Then she quietly sneaked into the ladies room.
After ridding herself of the food, Juliette checked her appearance in the mirror. Her eyes watered a bit, but there was no serious damage. She rinsed out her mouth and dried her eyes with a tissue. Then she placed her hand on her stomach. It hurt, but not more then usual. She took a deep breath in and then swallowed some water from the faucet. Water helps metabolize fat. She'd learned that from her mother.
Leaning her head into the sink she slurped up the water as best she could. Finally she stood and faced herself in the mirror. But she was not alone.
"Daddy!"
CHAPTER ONE: My Hero
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the charactors in this story, I simply borrowed them from HG. =)
"What's that?" Asked Daisy as she examined the project that Juliette was painting.
"It's a finger bowl." Juliette replied, carefully dabbing purple paint onto the edges. Daisy smiled at Shelby.
"For all those fingers you've been eating huh?" Daisy joked. Shelby chuckled. Juliette just smiled
"A finger bowl holds food that people can eat with their fingers Daisy. My mom used to use it at all of her big officer cotillions." Jules smiled at the thought.
"Cotillions...I'm afraid to ask." Shelby said.
"A Cotillion, Shelby, is a friendly get-together." Said Sophie's voice from behind the girls. "My mom was famous for her once-a-month Becker family Cotillion." Sophie touched Juliettes shoulder. "Phone for you. You can take it in the lodge." Shelby and Daisy watched curiously as Jules followed Sophie out of the room.
"Guess I'd better brush up on my vocabulary skills." Shelby joked as Daisy rolled her eyes.
Juliette searched her mind for who could possibly have called her. The first person who came to mind was her mother. She dreaded hearing the woman's voice. It was the same voice that had tore through her mind every time she stuck her fingers down her throat or pulled a razor blade across her skin. Jules felt the hate building up as she neared the lodge.
Sophie stood by the doorway as Juliette approached the receiver. She picked it up and slowly put it to her ear.
"Hello?" She said timidly.
"Juliette honey? Its daddy."
"Daddy?! Is it really you?"
"Sure is sweetheart." He replied in a cocky tone.
"How did you know the number to call?" Juliette knew that her mother would never give it to him. Even at home she was never allowed to visit with her birth father.
"I have my sources. Listen sweety I've really been missing you a lot. I was hoping it would be ok if I could come visit you at the school."
"Of course. I can't wait!" Sophie looked on in confusion.
"OK then, I'll see you in a couple days honey. Goodbye." Then there was the dial tone. Juliette hung up the phone, a huge smile across her face. She turned to face Sophie.
"My Dad's coming to visit me." She could barely contain the joy that she felt. She hadn't seen her father in so long.
"That's great Juliette." Sophie smiled. "Sounds like you and your father get along well." She walked out next to Juliette.
"Daddy and I were always close. I remember being a little girl and Daddy would come pick me up on weekends and take me to the zoo and to the amusement park. Mother would never let me do those things." Sophie smiled.
"Well your father sounds like a very nice man. I'm sure Peter will be happy to hear the news." Juliette stopped when she noticed Auggie and Ezra chopping firewood.
"I think I'd better get back to art." Sophie glanced at Auggie and smiled.
"That's right, but don't worry if you're a little late. I'm sure Roger won't mind." She sauntered away and Juliette carefully approached the guys.
"Hi Auggie." She said cheerfully.
"Hey Jules." He swung the axe one last time.
"Hey Juliette." Said Ezra.
"Hi Ezra." There was an awkward silence.
"Wow...anyone else feel that? It's hot out here. I'm gonna go get a beverage. Leaving now." Ezra backed away and then ran towards the kitchen.
"So, what's up Twig? You look happier then usual." Auggie said.
"My Dad's coming to visit me. He just called." She could barely stop from jumping up and down.
"That's great Jules." He moved closer to her. "So when do I get to meet him?" They both laughed.
"Maybe you could come have dinner with us. I'm sure he'd like you. My Dad likes everybody." She shifted from foot to foot anxiously.
"Sounds perfect." He smiled and kissed her.
"Well I guess I'd better get back to class. I'll see you at dinner." She turned and ran.
Dinner
Juliette flipped her food around on her plate, trying to make it look like she had eaten something. She looked up and watched as Shelby and Scott leaned close to each other and whispered. Next to them Daisy and Ezra were comparing their broccoli which they insisted was discolored. She smiled at their antics.
"Not hungry Jules?" Said a voice from the side of the table. She turned her head to see Auggie sitting down, plate in hand.
"Who could eat this?" She lifted her broccoli up on her fork to show him.
"It's not so bad." Her unfolded his napkin neatly on the table and removed his fork and spoon.
"Hey if anyone doesn't want their broccoli we'll take it." Said Daisy.
"Perfect specimen for our science project...How much mold does it take to get to the center of a green vegetable." Ezra joked. Daisy smirked.
"Great idea Ezzzzra." David sat down on the other side of Juliette. "I'll take that if you don't mind." He snatched the broccoli from Ezra's hand and popped it into his mouth. The whole table gagged.
"Ewww that's so disgusting." Juliette whined. David laughed.
"Gonna eat that twiggy?" David pointed to her plate.
"Hey quit messin' with her man." Auggie jumped in. David put his hands up.
"Whatever you say muchacho." Auggie jumped out of his chair.
"You trying to mess with me?!"
"Auggie chill man." Scott stood between them. "Peters gonna have both of you on shuns if you don't cool it."
"Well if he doesn't shut his trap right now I'm gonna shut it for him!" Scott was the only thing holding Auggie back. David continued to entice him.
"I've got jaws of steel Augusto...I'd like to see you try." David
"Auggie just ignore him." Pleaded Juliette.
"Stay out of this Jules." Auggie replied.
"Let him go Scott this is better then Springer." Shelby said. By now Auggie was almost past Scott.
Just then Peter and Roger raced towards the table and grabbed Auggie from Scott. Auggie finally gave in but he was still just as angry.
"You better watch your step man...cause I'm gonna be watching you." He warned.
"Auggie! Back to the dorm now." Peter scolded him and he left. "David, you go with Roger." David raised his hands in an innocent fashion as Roger escorted him out.
"Back to your meal guys." Peter said. "Oh and Juliette, you are planning on eating that right?" He pointed to her full plate.
"Yes Peter." She smiled meekly. They all sat down.
"Well, that was just about all the violence I need for one day." Daisy said.
"Although it would have been better if there was actual contact. I'm sure a black eye would suite David just fine." Shelby replied.
"What's going to happen to Auggie?" Juliette wondered out loud. Shelby chuckled.
"Aww...does the little princess miss her prince charming already?"
"Don't worry, Peter will just give him weeds or something." Assured Ezra.
"Am I only one who cares about poor little David?" Daisy commented only half-serious. The others just groaned.
Juliette flipped her food around with her fork, forcing a few morsels into her mouth whenever someone looked up at her. She could barely swallow. Her stomach was nauseated between the excitement of her father and her worry over Auggie. Whenever she thought of her Dad she smiled. She thought of his words on the phone. He missed her. He really missed her just as much as she'd missed him. She couldn't wait to see him again. She began counting down the hours in her head.
CHAPTER TWO Daddy's Promise
Girls Dorm
The next morning Juliette was the first in the bathroom to take her shower. She had been up half the night planning her visit with her father. She had decided that first she would give him a tour of the campus, then maybe he could take her and Auggie out to dinner. She couldn't wait for him to meet Auggie. Her two favorite people were finally going to meet, and she was sure they would love each other.
"Juliette hurry up in there!" Screamed Katherine. "We're going to be late." She quickly grabbed her towel and hurried to get dressed. She pulled a brush through her hair exactly fifty times and put a headband in to hold it. Soon Katherine was rushing them all out of the dorm and to the dining hall.
Breakfast
The first thing that Juliette noticed when she entered the dining hall was that all of the Cliffhangers were there except for Auggie. She found this odd and immediately asked the guys about it.
"Auggie didn't come back until later last night. He's on silent restriction for the rest of the week." Scott informed her.
"Yea, I guess Frank was pretty upset because this is the third fight Auggie has gotten into this month. He's considering expelling him." Ezra added.
"Well what about him?" Juliette pointed to David, who was sitting at the table tossing pieces of hash browns into his mouth.
"It's only his second offense. He has to write an essay and help Frank out today." Scott explained.
"Help out with what is the question." Ezra stated.
"Hey, you wanna eat alone today?" Shelby appeared behind Scott. He grinned and followed her to a table in the corner.
"Makes you sick doesn't it?" Ezra commented. Juliette ignored him and headed for the group table. She set her tray down and started towards the bathroom.
Once safely behind a locked stall, Juliette took a deep breath. She missed Auggie and was beginning to realize what Scott had felt like when Shelby had to go home. She realized that she really loved him. Suddenly she began to think about her father. Only a few more hours and she would see him. She just wished that Auggie could see him too. More then anything Juliette wanted to be a part of a family again. Not her Cliffhanger family, but a real live blood family. She missed that connection and longed for it.
She sat down on the toilet and laid her head on her knees. She noticed the scars on her arms. So many of them everywhere. She wished they would disappear. She often wished she would just disappear.
"Juliette? Are you in here?" Juliette heard Daisy's voice from outside the stale. "Peter's looking for you."
"I'll be out in a minute." She replied.
"Oh please take your time. Don't let me interrupt your puking." She said. Juliette stood and opened the stall door.
"I wasn't puking." She said weakly. She walked over to the mirror and fixed her hair just right.
"Right. Well whatever you were doing, Peter wants to talk to you now." Daisy replied.
"I heard you the first time Daisy." She looked at her face in the mirror and sighed. Fat cheeks.
"Peter's not going to let Auggie go home. Don't worry." Daisy leaned on the sink and met her gaze in the mirror.
"What makes you so sure? Remember when Shelby went home? He couldn't stop it then." Daisy considered a moment.
"Well that was different. Shelby's mom made her leave. This time its just Frank. Peter will make him change his mind. He'll use one of his profoundly deep analogies like "every kid is like a tree reaching towards the sun" and Frank will get so confused that he'll be forced to agree. Works every time." Daisy grinned. Juliette forced a smile.
"I hope your right." Daisy put her hand on Juliette's shoulder.
"The cards never lie." She turned towards the door. "Five minutes and Peter will be releasing the hounds."
"I'm coming." She mumbled.
Peters Office
Juliette knocked on the door and Peter smiled and waved her in. She timidly walked towards the chairs and sat down. Peter's office almost always meant either bad news or a pep talk. She didn't want to hear either right now.
"Hi Juliette. Have a seat." He pointed to the chairs in front of his desk. He sat behind it and sighed. The look on his face didn't suggest a pep talk.
"Is my Dad here yet? Did he come early?" She chatted, hoping that maybe Peter was just having a bad day. She casually looked around the office, hoping that maybe her father would come out of a dark corner and hug her like she was a child again.
"You father called this morning Jul...he's not coming." Peter broke the news gently. Juliette could see in his eyes that it pained him. It can't be true. Why is he lying to me?!
"No...if he called he would have wanted to talk to me. He's still coming...he has to be." She said calmly. She could feel the tears welling her eyes but pushed them back. I'm not going to cry because there's nothing to cry about. Daddy would never lie to me.
"I'm sorry Juliette." He stood and walked over to the chairs. He sat beside her and tried to touch her shoulder. She jumped at his touch. "I offered to get you so he could tell you himself, but he said he was late for a business meeting. He didn't have the time." The words echoed in Juliette's mind. Didn't have the time.
FLASHBACK
Juliette jumped up and down anxiously, waiting for her father to get off the phone. Dressed in her white ballet suit, with tiny slippers in hand, she listened to his conversation.
"No Gary I told you the account was closed." He paused. "Well then tell Robert to get his head out of his ass and do his job! Well, Gary shut up and listen to me, I will be at the office in exactly twenty minutes and if I find that this is still a problem somebody will be out of a job! Do you understand me? Great...Bye." He fiercely hung up the cordless and paced back and forth. "Damn lazy son of a..." He then noticed Juliette standing meekly by the door.
"Daddy is it time to go yet?" She asked. Her dark hair was thrown back in a bun and her eyes were wide with innocence. He strode towards her and knelt down in front of her.
"Yes sweety, its time to go. Daddy's in a hurry." He opened the door and they flew out to the cadillac.
Juliette watched out the passenger side window as the car sped down the street quickly. She looked up at her Dad and smiled. She loved him so much. She would do anything to please him.
Soon they were at the gymnasium and the car pulled alongside the building.
"OK kid, Daddy's gotta go now. You have fun though." Juliette frowned.
"Daddy aren't you coming to watch me dance? You said you'd come watch me dance."
"I'm sorry baby. Daddy is very busy right now. I'll come to your next recital, I promise." He smiled. "I just don't have the time right now. Do you understand?" Juliette sank into her seat to pout but stopped herself. She had to be happy for Daddy. She didn't want him to be sad because of her.
"Yes Daddy I understand." She smiled and hugged him. He pushed her away after a minute and put the car into drive as he held the gas pedal. "I love you Daddy." She said cheerfully.
"Go on now. You don't want to be late." She stepped out of the car and watched him drive away.
BACK IN PETER'S OFFICE
"Juliette?" She heard Peters voice coming from beside her. She snapped back to reality and smiled the same smile she had that day as a child.
"I understand. Daddy's very busy with his work. He's really good at his job. I'm sure he has a good reason for not coming." She smiled at Peter, who only looked concerned.
"Are you sure your ok with this Juliette? Its ok if your hurt. Its normal to be."
"No Peter I'm ok. I'm sure he'll come visit another time. Maybe he can come for the next parents weekend." She smiled. "That would be better anyway, for everyone." Peter stepped back and leaned on his desk.
"If you think so. You can call him on the phone later and talk to him about it ok?" She stood from her chair.
"OK. Thanks Peter." She walked towards the door and out into the hallway.
Juliette looked at the floor, trying to sort out all of the feelings that were turning inside of her head. Daddy will make everything better. Daddy will come visit me just like he promised.
Suddenly she felt someone in front of her and before she knew it they had collided. She jumped back and looked up to see Auggie standing before her. She smiled a huge smile.
"Auggie...what happened to you?" She asked. He whispered his reply.
"I'm in real trouble Jules...Frank wants me out." Juliette felt her heart sink for the second time in that day.
"Peter won't let that happen. Just trust Peter Auggie. Everything will be ok." He looked around them and made sure the coast was clear. Then he touched her cheek.
"Your probably right." He dropped his hand and started towards Peter's office. Juliette called to him.
"Daisy's card's said it would be ok!" Auggie turned and grinned.
"Then it will be." He turned again and headed towards the office. Juliette remained still for a full minute before heading back to class.
Juliette stared out the window as Jeff preached about whatever it was they were learning that day. Juliette wasn't sure anymore. She watched as the Sun Dogs played soccer. She looked past them to see Frank and Peter, sitting on a bench in the distance. They were talking. Peters probably convincing him to let Auggie stay. She decided that that was the only way it would go. Daisy's cards were never wrong.
She turned towards the back of the room and noticed a man and woman sitting together. They were watching one of the students intently and Jules decided that she was their daughter and they had come to observe class. It was a common thing around the school, but Juliette couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Suddenly she heard her name. She looked up to see Scott whispering to her. She listened carefully to his words.
"Pass this to Shelby." He slid a note across the floor to her desk. She smiled at him and nodded. She picked up the note and held it in her palm for a moment. She glanced to her left to see Shelby doodling on her notebook aimlessly. She looked back to her right and seen Scott chewing on his pen and listening to Jeff. She then put her hands in her lap and unfolded the note.
Meet me at the docks tonight.
I love you.
Scott
Juliette smiled. She slipped the note into her notebook and rested her head on the palm of her hand. I love you too Scott. I love you too.
DINNER THAT NIGHT
Juliette frowned as she looked at the food on her plate. There was a large pile of roast beef barely resting between two buns that were way too small. Small round carrots filled the space next to the beef. The mashed potatoes seemed to tower over the rest of the plate like a castle.
Picking up her fork, Juliette picked up one carrot at a time and pushed it into her mouth. Carrots weren't very fattening. She tasted the sweetness of it and found herself wanting more. She wanted her mouth to be full. This was an old feeling that she had missed. Filling the fork she inserted potatoes, beef, bread, and carrots into her mouth. Each time the food filled the fork and her stomach as she swallowed it down.
She was careful to make sure that none of the other cliffhangers were watching her. Auggie was still on restriction. Shelby was in the infirmary. She had mysteriously fallen ill, claiming it was the broccoli from that morning. David was there, as was Ezra and Daisy. They were too entranced in their own conversation to notice her. Katherine was at the end of the table with Scott, who seemed more lonely then ever. Juliette wondered why he wouldn't talk to her. Probably wanted to wait until that night at the docks. She couldn't wait. He really loves me.
Juliette finished her plate within minutes and laid her hand on her full bulging stomach. She could just feel the fat circulating through her body. She had to get rid of it. If Daddy sees me like this, if Scott does, they'll never love me. She stood and emptied her tray. Then she quietly sneaked into the ladies room.
After ridding herself of the food, Juliette checked her appearance in the mirror. Her eyes watered a bit, but there was no serious damage. She rinsed out her mouth and dried her eyes with a tissue. Then she placed her hand on her stomach. It hurt, but not more then usual. She took a deep breath in and then swallowed some water from the faucet. Water helps metabolize fat. She'd learned that from her mother.
Leaning her head into the sink she slurped up the water as best she could. Finally she stood and faced herself in the mirror. But she was not alone.
"Daddy!"