"The Road Home"
Disclaimer: I do not own Juliette, her parents, or any of the Cliffhangers. I've simply placed them in my own little Mt. Horizon story. But I promise to return them safely! I do own Dr. Lauder though. And I made up the name of the hospital, so if it resembles the name of any real hospital out there consider it coincidence.
Authors Note: I hope you all like this! I love reading the reviews so please review it if you have the time!! Also if you have the time I recommend checking out the song "Taking You Home" by Don Henley. It's really pretty and goes well with Higher Ground.
"I had a good life
Before you came
I had my friends and my freedom
I had my name
Still there was sorrow and emptiness
'Till you made me glad
Oh, in this love I found strength I never knew I had"
JULIETTE'S HOUSE
Her fingers danced around the keypad of the cordless phone nervously. She had rehearsed what she would say several times, but still hesitated.
"She needs my help. I have to help her." Juliette told herself as she forced her fingers to dial the last two digits. After a moment the phone began to ring and Juliette paced anxiously. Suddenly the ringing stopped.
"Mt. Horizon High School. Can I help you?" Said a familiar voice.
"Sophie?" Juliette exclaimed.
"Juliette, how are you honey?! Your still coming back today right?" Sophie questioned excitedly.
"Yes I'll be there this afternoon. I can't wait to see everyone again." She said.
"Well we can't wait to see you." Then she paused. "Is everything ok Juliette?" She cleared her throat.
"Not really Sophie. Is Peter there?" She heard Sophie hesitate on the other end.
"Yes he's around here somewhere. Is it something I can help you with?" She said supportively.
"Well it's about my mother...." She paused; making sure no one was eves dropping. "She needs help Sophie."
MT. HORIZON
A million thoughts raced through Peter's head at once as he followed Sophie to his office. From the look on her face, he knew that it had something to do with Juliette. He just hoped that he wouldn't have to face losing her, for the second time.
"Hello this is Peter." He stated into the phone. A meek voice was audible from the other end.
"Hi Peter. It's me, Juliette." Peter flinched, her voice sounded so small.
"Are you ok Juliette? What's going on?" He asked.
"I'm ok Peter. But I need your help, or my Mother needs your help I mean. I...I knew I had to call somebody and you were the only person I could think of who could help her." She bit her lip as tears welled in her eyes. Images of her mother throwing up her food that night danced in her head.
"Its ok Juliette, you did the right thing by calling me. Now what's the problem?" She hesitated as a noise was heard in the adjoining room. Peeking around the corner she confirmed that it was only the cat. "Juliette are you still there?"
"Yes I'm here. My Mother is bulimic Peter. Like me. Hal, my stepfather, he's really worried about her. So am I." Tears began to fall from her eyes. "I never realized she was so sick because I was too wrapped up in my own sickness to notice. Now I'm recovering and she's getting worse. I have to help her Peter I have to!"
Peter paused, taking in the information. He'd suspected Juliette's mother had an eating disorder from the moment he'd met her. However at the time his primary concern had been with Juliette. Now he realized that to help Juliette, he would have to help her mother.
"I'll try to help her Juliette. I promise. I know some places that I can call. There are some hospitals in your area that would take care of her and make her well again."
"Like the one I went to?" She asked.
"Yes Juliette, except for adults." He searched through his drawers for the phone numbers, becoming more frustrated as he couldn't find them.
"What if she doesn't want to go?" Juliette regretted the question the moment he escaped her mouth. She already knew the answer. Peter remained silent.
"Juliette, this isn't your fault. You know that right?" He asked after a moment. She nodded on the other end of the phone.
"Yes I know." She took a deep breath. Peter felt relief wash over him at her words. Finally finding the phone numbers, he clenched them in his fist.
"OK Juliette, here's what were going to do...."
MT. HORIZON KITCHENS
He pulled the mop across the floor quickly, anxious to finish his task.
"Hey Daisy what time is it?" He inquired. She glanced at him and rolled her eyes. Dropping the pot she was cleaning she strode over to where Auggie stood and handed her watch to him.
"There. Now you can play timekeeper." The others laughed at her comment. She turned on her heels and went back to work.
"Relax muchacho. Your gonna make all of us nervous." Scott commented as he dried a dish. Shelby grinned at his consideration.
David moved over to where Ezra was putting away some cups and whispered.
"What is he so nervous about?" Ezra smiled at the obvious question. He whispered back.
"Isn't it obvious? It's the cake. We never get any sugar around here. He's just going through withdrawals." Ezra joked.
"Oh right...I know what those are like." David replied, as he munched on a cookie he had stolen. Ezra just rolled his eyes.
JULIETTE'S CAR
She nervously watched out the window as the car rolled up the hills toward the school. Her eyes wandered back to her mother every few minutes, noticing that she wasn't saying anything. She prayed that her mother wouldn't hate her more before this day was through.
She had played out Peter's plan in her head at least ten times. Every time it was the same ending, her Mother telling her how much she hated her. Then jumping into the car to go home....and maybe die. She remembered the days when she had wished death upon her mother. Now she wished she could go back in time and erase every bad thought. Sure she was a bad mother, but she was also sick. Juliette could only imagine what would have happened to her if her mother had written her off when she was at her lowest. I'd probably be dead by now, she thought. If not for Peter and Sophie she would not be alive, she was sure of it. Her mother deserved the same chance. She closed her eyes and let a positive thought enter her mind. If Peter could save me, he can save anybody.
MT HORIZON LOUNGE
"Juliette, sit up straight." Her mother commanded. Juliette obeyed. Sophie had met them in the parking lot, making the excuse that Peter was running late. Juliette knew the truth.
Hal shifted uneasily in his seat. Juliette had informed him about what was to happen, and he was all but comfortable with it. However his genuine concern had eventually won out. Juliette was sure that he loved her mother. Not even her father had ever bothered to question why her mother threw up after every meal. Hal was different. Peter entered the lounge.
"Hi Mrs. Waybourn. Mr...."
"Just call me Hal." He interrupted. Peter shook his hand.
"Hal. It's nice to see you both again. You too Juliette." He smiled at her and she smiled back. It was hard to pretend to be happy when she was so scared. She had resorted to her old acting skills. "If you could all come to my office I have some paperwork that needs to be filled out." He stood and led the way.
Her Mother went in first, followed by Juliette, and finally Hal. Standing inside the room was Sophie Becker, along with another shorthaired woman. Mrs. Waybourn backed off slightly.
"Mrs. Waybourn you know Sophie Becker." Peter introduced.
"Yes we met outside earlier." She nodded, still confused.
"And this is Dr. Cynthia Lauder. She's a psychologist at the Cedar Heights Center for Women." Mrs. Waybourn nodded at her.
"May I ask what's going on here Mr. Scarbrow? My daughter just got back from a hospital, she does not need to see another doctor." Peter looked over at Juliette for a moment, who seemed tense but prepared. Hal stood in the corner with his arms crossed nervously.
"Dr. Lauder is not here for Juliette Mrs. Waybourn." Sophie explained.
"Then why is she here?" Mrs. Waybourn glanced at every person in the room once more.
"I called Peter this morning Mother." Juliette spoke for the first time. "I told him that I'm worried about you, that you need help." Mrs. Waybourn's eyes glazed over with anger.
"You did what Juliette?! How dare you?!" She shouted. Juliette backed away, tears brimming on her eyes.
"Mrs. Waybourn Juliette was only concerned about your health. She was very upset when she called this morning." Sophie said, touching Juliette gently on the shoulder.
"Well there is nothing to be concerned about! Hal will tell you. Go ahead Hal, tell them that I'm ok!" She turned to Hal, who uncrossed his arms and put them in his pockets.
"Your not ok dear, you throw up your food after every meal. I hear you every night before bed. I told Juliette that you needed help. I told her to call Mr. Scarbrow." He defended. Mrs. Waybourn just looked completely stunned. Her mouth hung open and her eyes were wide with anger.
"I just cannot believe this! Has everyone gone insane? I knew they shouldn't have let you out of that hospital!! I should never have signed those papers!!!" She pointed her finger at Juliette, who crouched back into Sophie. Peter moved to protect the two.
"I'm sick Mother! I'm sick and I'm finally recovering. I know that I'm not completely better, and I may never be. But I'm going to keep trying because the only alternative..." She stopped to catch her breath as she sobbed. "The only alternative is to die. I don't want you to die Mommy."
A silence followed, in which Sophie hugged Juliette tight. Mrs. Waybourn slid up against a wall and closed her eyes. Hal pulled his fingers through his hair and sighed. Peter just eyed Mrs. Waybourn with a concerned but firm stare. Finally someone spoke up.
"Mrs. Waybourn? Mrs. Waybourn you have a disease. Its called Bulimia. Your daughter has it to, but she is fighting against it. She's trying to beat it. It can be done. I run the eating disorders unit at the Cedar Heights Center for Women. There is a room waiting for you there, if you chose to go." Dr. Lauder explained in an authoritative tone.
"Why would I choose to do that? This is insane; there is nothing wrong with me...." She stammered. "Come on Hal; let's get out of here. Mr. Scarbrow can fax us any papers that need to be signed." She turned and opened the door. Juliette cried harder as she watched her mother walk out.
A moment later she appeared in the doorway.
"I said come on Hal!!" He stood firm in his position.
"No, I will not go with you so you can go home and kill yourself. Look at your daughter!" He glanced over at Juliette. "She needs a mother, and I need a wife. If you're going to give up this easily then we can't be around you anymore. If you go to this hospital we'll be there when you get out, but if not...." He let his sentence trail off.
Mrs. Waybourn leaned herself against the doorframe. Juliette noticed her Mother stumble a bit and knew she was dizzy. She knew the feeling all too well. The woman leaned her head against the doorframe and Juliette noticed a single tear fall down her cheek.
"Fine. I'll go to your hospital. I'll do whatever you say. I don't want to be alone." Juliette broke from Sophie's arms and raced towards her mother. She hugged her tightly and they both cried.
"Your not alone Mommy." Juliette said. Soon Hal went over to join them.
They were a family again.
Peter sighed in relief at the scene that had unfolded before him. Sophie wiped the tears from her eyes as she watched them. At that moment it was clear that Juliette and her family were going to be ok. Sophie leaned over to Peter and whispered in his ear.
"Looks like you saved another one." Peter pulled her close and kissed her on the head. He whispered a small reply.
"No, she saved herself."
To Be Continued.....
Disclaimer: I do not own Juliette, her parents, or any of the Cliffhangers. I've simply placed them in my own little Mt. Horizon story. But I promise to return them safely! I do own Dr. Lauder though. And I made up the name of the hospital, so if it resembles the name of any real hospital out there consider it coincidence.
Authors Note: I hope you all like this! I love reading the reviews so please review it if you have the time!! Also if you have the time I recommend checking out the song "Taking You Home" by Don Henley. It's really pretty and goes well with Higher Ground.
"I had a good life
Before you came
I had my friends and my freedom
I had my name
Still there was sorrow and emptiness
'Till you made me glad
Oh, in this love I found strength I never knew I had"
JULIETTE'S HOUSE
Her fingers danced around the keypad of the cordless phone nervously. She had rehearsed what she would say several times, but still hesitated.
"She needs my help. I have to help her." Juliette told herself as she forced her fingers to dial the last two digits. After a moment the phone began to ring and Juliette paced anxiously. Suddenly the ringing stopped.
"Mt. Horizon High School. Can I help you?" Said a familiar voice.
"Sophie?" Juliette exclaimed.
"Juliette, how are you honey?! Your still coming back today right?" Sophie questioned excitedly.
"Yes I'll be there this afternoon. I can't wait to see everyone again." She said.
"Well we can't wait to see you." Then she paused. "Is everything ok Juliette?" She cleared her throat.
"Not really Sophie. Is Peter there?" She heard Sophie hesitate on the other end.
"Yes he's around here somewhere. Is it something I can help you with?" She said supportively.
"Well it's about my mother...." She paused; making sure no one was eves dropping. "She needs help Sophie."
MT. HORIZON
A million thoughts raced through Peter's head at once as he followed Sophie to his office. From the look on her face, he knew that it had something to do with Juliette. He just hoped that he wouldn't have to face losing her, for the second time.
"Hello this is Peter." He stated into the phone. A meek voice was audible from the other end.
"Hi Peter. It's me, Juliette." Peter flinched, her voice sounded so small.
"Are you ok Juliette? What's going on?" He asked.
"I'm ok Peter. But I need your help, or my Mother needs your help I mean. I...I knew I had to call somebody and you were the only person I could think of who could help her." She bit her lip as tears welled in her eyes. Images of her mother throwing up her food that night danced in her head.
"Its ok Juliette, you did the right thing by calling me. Now what's the problem?" She hesitated as a noise was heard in the adjoining room. Peeking around the corner she confirmed that it was only the cat. "Juliette are you still there?"
"Yes I'm here. My Mother is bulimic Peter. Like me. Hal, my stepfather, he's really worried about her. So am I." Tears began to fall from her eyes. "I never realized she was so sick because I was too wrapped up in my own sickness to notice. Now I'm recovering and she's getting worse. I have to help her Peter I have to!"
Peter paused, taking in the information. He'd suspected Juliette's mother had an eating disorder from the moment he'd met her. However at the time his primary concern had been with Juliette. Now he realized that to help Juliette, he would have to help her mother.
"I'll try to help her Juliette. I promise. I know some places that I can call. There are some hospitals in your area that would take care of her and make her well again."
"Like the one I went to?" She asked.
"Yes Juliette, except for adults." He searched through his drawers for the phone numbers, becoming more frustrated as he couldn't find them.
"What if she doesn't want to go?" Juliette regretted the question the moment he escaped her mouth. She already knew the answer. Peter remained silent.
"Juliette, this isn't your fault. You know that right?" He asked after a moment. She nodded on the other end of the phone.
"Yes I know." She took a deep breath. Peter felt relief wash over him at her words. Finally finding the phone numbers, he clenched them in his fist.
"OK Juliette, here's what were going to do...."
MT. HORIZON KITCHENS
He pulled the mop across the floor quickly, anxious to finish his task.
"Hey Daisy what time is it?" He inquired. She glanced at him and rolled her eyes. Dropping the pot she was cleaning she strode over to where Auggie stood and handed her watch to him.
"There. Now you can play timekeeper." The others laughed at her comment. She turned on her heels and went back to work.
"Relax muchacho. Your gonna make all of us nervous." Scott commented as he dried a dish. Shelby grinned at his consideration.
David moved over to where Ezra was putting away some cups and whispered.
"What is he so nervous about?" Ezra smiled at the obvious question. He whispered back.
"Isn't it obvious? It's the cake. We never get any sugar around here. He's just going through withdrawals." Ezra joked.
"Oh right...I know what those are like." David replied, as he munched on a cookie he had stolen. Ezra just rolled his eyes.
JULIETTE'S CAR
She nervously watched out the window as the car rolled up the hills toward the school. Her eyes wandered back to her mother every few minutes, noticing that she wasn't saying anything. She prayed that her mother wouldn't hate her more before this day was through.
She had played out Peter's plan in her head at least ten times. Every time it was the same ending, her Mother telling her how much she hated her. Then jumping into the car to go home....and maybe die. She remembered the days when she had wished death upon her mother. Now she wished she could go back in time and erase every bad thought. Sure she was a bad mother, but she was also sick. Juliette could only imagine what would have happened to her if her mother had written her off when she was at her lowest. I'd probably be dead by now, she thought. If not for Peter and Sophie she would not be alive, she was sure of it. Her mother deserved the same chance. She closed her eyes and let a positive thought enter her mind. If Peter could save me, he can save anybody.
MT HORIZON LOUNGE
"Juliette, sit up straight." Her mother commanded. Juliette obeyed. Sophie had met them in the parking lot, making the excuse that Peter was running late. Juliette knew the truth.
Hal shifted uneasily in his seat. Juliette had informed him about what was to happen, and he was all but comfortable with it. However his genuine concern had eventually won out. Juliette was sure that he loved her mother. Not even her father had ever bothered to question why her mother threw up after every meal. Hal was different. Peter entered the lounge.
"Hi Mrs. Waybourn. Mr...."
"Just call me Hal." He interrupted. Peter shook his hand.
"Hal. It's nice to see you both again. You too Juliette." He smiled at her and she smiled back. It was hard to pretend to be happy when she was so scared. She had resorted to her old acting skills. "If you could all come to my office I have some paperwork that needs to be filled out." He stood and led the way.
Her Mother went in first, followed by Juliette, and finally Hal. Standing inside the room was Sophie Becker, along with another shorthaired woman. Mrs. Waybourn backed off slightly.
"Mrs. Waybourn you know Sophie Becker." Peter introduced.
"Yes we met outside earlier." She nodded, still confused.
"And this is Dr. Cynthia Lauder. She's a psychologist at the Cedar Heights Center for Women." Mrs. Waybourn nodded at her.
"May I ask what's going on here Mr. Scarbrow? My daughter just got back from a hospital, she does not need to see another doctor." Peter looked over at Juliette for a moment, who seemed tense but prepared. Hal stood in the corner with his arms crossed nervously.
"Dr. Lauder is not here for Juliette Mrs. Waybourn." Sophie explained.
"Then why is she here?" Mrs. Waybourn glanced at every person in the room once more.
"I called Peter this morning Mother." Juliette spoke for the first time. "I told him that I'm worried about you, that you need help." Mrs. Waybourn's eyes glazed over with anger.
"You did what Juliette?! How dare you?!" She shouted. Juliette backed away, tears brimming on her eyes.
"Mrs. Waybourn Juliette was only concerned about your health. She was very upset when she called this morning." Sophie said, touching Juliette gently on the shoulder.
"Well there is nothing to be concerned about! Hal will tell you. Go ahead Hal, tell them that I'm ok!" She turned to Hal, who uncrossed his arms and put them in his pockets.
"Your not ok dear, you throw up your food after every meal. I hear you every night before bed. I told Juliette that you needed help. I told her to call Mr. Scarbrow." He defended. Mrs. Waybourn just looked completely stunned. Her mouth hung open and her eyes were wide with anger.
"I just cannot believe this! Has everyone gone insane? I knew they shouldn't have let you out of that hospital!! I should never have signed those papers!!!" She pointed her finger at Juliette, who crouched back into Sophie. Peter moved to protect the two.
"I'm sick Mother! I'm sick and I'm finally recovering. I know that I'm not completely better, and I may never be. But I'm going to keep trying because the only alternative..." She stopped to catch her breath as she sobbed. "The only alternative is to die. I don't want you to die Mommy."
A silence followed, in which Sophie hugged Juliette tight. Mrs. Waybourn slid up against a wall and closed her eyes. Hal pulled his fingers through his hair and sighed. Peter just eyed Mrs. Waybourn with a concerned but firm stare. Finally someone spoke up.
"Mrs. Waybourn? Mrs. Waybourn you have a disease. Its called Bulimia. Your daughter has it to, but she is fighting against it. She's trying to beat it. It can be done. I run the eating disorders unit at the Cedar Heights Center for Women. There is a room waiting for you there, if you chose to go." Dr. Lauder explained in an authoritative tone.
"Why would I choose to do that? This is insane; there is nothing wrong with me...." She stammered. "Come on Hal; let's get out of here. Mr. Scarbrow can fax us any papers that need to be signed." She turned and opened the door. Juliette cried harder as she watched her mother walk out.
A moment later she appeared in the doorway.
"I said come on Hal!!" He stood firm in his position.
"No, I will not go with you so you can go home and kill yourself. Look at your daughter!" He glanced over at Juliette. "She needs a mother, and I need a wife. If you're going to give up this easily then we can't be around you anymore. If you go to this hospital we'll be there when you get out, but if not...." He let his sentence trail off.
Mrs. Waybourn leaned herself against the doorframe. Juliette noticed her Mother stumble a bit and knew she was dizzy. She knew the feeling all too well. The woman leaned her head against the doorframe and Juliette noticed a single tear fall down her cheek.
"Fine. I'll go to your hospital. I'll do whatever you say. I don't want to be alone." Juliette broke from Sophie's arms and raced towards her mother. She hugged her tightly and they both cried.
"Your not alone Mommy." Juliette said. Soon Hal went over to join them.
They were a family again.
Peter sighed in relief at the scene that had unfolded before him. Sophie wiped the tears from her eyes as she watched them. At that moment it was clear that Juliette and her family were going to be ok. Sophie leaned over to Peter and whispered in his ear.
"Looks like you saved another one." Peter pulled her close and kissed her on the head. He whispered a small reply.
"No, she saved herself."
To Be Continued.....