Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Author's note: sorry again for the delay! Exams have been demanding my concentration and free time! The song is by Blessid Union of Souls, and is called Standing at the Edge of the Earth. PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!
Chapter 3A deep silence lingered throughout the lodge like a thick fog. The Cliffhangers stared at Peter in disbelief. Although the news could have been expected, they were still shocked.
"You mean David's leaving today?" Juliette asked.
"Yes." Peter replied, unable to elaborate for he was at a loss of words. Even though he would never let it on, he had a feeling he knew what awaited David at home, which only increased the sadness in his heart.
"I am sitting right here, you know." David spoke up, angry that people were speaking as if he wasn't even there.
"Sorry." Jules' response was quiet, as she looked at the floor. Something hidden inside, an undeniable truth that everyone in the room could sense was keeping them from looking the David in the eyes. It was like they all knew…
Are you searching for words that you can't find
Trying to hide your emotions but eyes don't lie
Guess there's no easy way to say goodbye
"Don't worry about it. I'm used to being invisible." David hid his sorrow behind a smirk. He was sick of being ignored; sick of the way it made him feel inside. Maybe they hadn't been joking when his group-mates had repeatedly put him down.
The silence had returned and David shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Finally Peter spoke up.
"Well David, your father is going to be here any minute. Why don't we head outside?" Peter suggested. Slowly David rose to his feet, following his counselor outside. He dragged his feet over the gravel of the driveway, praying that this was all a nightmare. Placing his bags at his feet, he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder.
So I'll be standing at the edge of the earthHoping that someday you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping for someday
"Are you ever planning on exhaling?" Daisy asked, half joking. David looked in her eyes; surprised she didn't turn away like the rest of the Cliffhangers would. Surprised to see tears. He looked closer, catching a glimpse of the sadness in her soul. Yet beneath the pain and heartache, there was the unmistakable silhouette of strength. It was then that he knew that no matter what happened, no matter how much it hurt to leave; in the end he was going to be ok.
The disheartening sound of a car progressing down the gravel road pulled David back to reality. The Cliffhangers watched the car come slowly towards them. There was something about the event that lay ahead that seemed sadder than any other…more tragic. The person who was least ready to go home was being thrown back into the nightmare they had never fully escaped.
And I know this may be
The very last time that we see each other cryBut whatever happens know that I'll…
The car came to a slow halt, and General Ruxton stepped out. A fake smile plastered on his face, he walked over to David.
"I'm happy you're finally going to get the help you need." The General said calmly. David's amused, knowing look had left his eyes, leaving behind a pair of cold, blank pair of eyes. "We should be going. We have a long drive home." He continued.
David's body went numb. Home. Yeah right. The closest thing he had to a home was Horizon…and he was being taken away. Closing his eyes quickly, he repressed the hot tears that were fighting to surface. He couldn't cry. No, not here. These people didn't need to see more pain. He had to be strong. Scott stepped up to the dark haired boy.
"Take care of yourself, ok?" the tall boy asked. David just nodded, before being pulled into a strong hug.
"I have a feeling the General has other plans for me." David answered softly. Scott just nodded his head in understanding. There was nothing he could do.
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that one day you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping that someday
You'll come back to me
I'll be praying for whatever it's worth
Believing that one day you'll come back to me
I'll be standing at the edge of the earthHoping for someday
As all the other Cliffhangers hesitantly hugged David goodbye, he was filled with regret. Regret for not showing them the other sides of himself. Regret for the things that would remain unsaid. Ezra walked up to him.
"I'll miss you." He said calmly.
"Yeah, sure you will." He paused. "Take care of Daisy for me?" David pleaded.
"Of course." Ezra nodded. He would make it his mission to keep her safe.
Peter stepped forward.
"You've come a long way." He said. "You have tools now. Don't be scared to use them." He smiled down at his student.
"Thank you Peter." He said softly, flinching under his father's stern stare. His every move was being memorized, criticized.
"Your welcome. Feel free to visit anytime." Peter said a little louder, making sure David's dad had heard.
Glancing at Daisy, David prepared himself for what he thought would be the hardest goodbye he would ever have to make…Little did he know, there was a harder one looming in the future.
"Are you scared?" Daisy asked quietly.
"I'm fine and dandy." He replied with thick sarcasm. Daisy saw right through him, and offered her opinion.
"So in other words, you're terrified."
"Something to that effect." A soft whisper escaped David's lips as he stared at the ground. Daisy reached over, and placing a hand under his chin, lifted his head so that their eyes were level.
"I believe in you." She smiled slightly. David kissed her softly.
"Thank you." David smiled weakly.
Turning, David followed his father towards their car. Not once did he look back, for fear of breaking down. He swallowed. He would not let his father win.
Waiting for someday
Believing in someday
Praying for someday, I'll be…
Longing for someday
Clinging to someday
Cherishing someday, I'll be…
Thinking of someday
Dreaming of somedayWishing for someday, I'll be
Living for someday
Counting on someday
Knowing that one day…
I will see you
Coming soon: David gets home, and while things fall apart at home, something terrible happens back at Horizon…
And the next (and possibly the last) chapter of Second Chances will be posted.
