Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original Higher Ground characters.  I do own all the names you don't recognize from the show.

Summer of Changes

Chapter 7 - Trouble

"Yes!"  yelled Juliette, a bit too loudly.  "We're here!  We made it!"  People turned to look at her.  Auggie nudged her.

"Shush Jules!  Remember, we've gotta' stay anonymous.  Even here Peter's got his friends."

"I don't care!" said Juliette, still smiling.  But she lowered her voice.  "Freedom.  It's been so long, I'd almost forgotten it all.  That feeling when it was just you and me, Aug.  Remember?"  She gave Auggie wink.  "That was so much fun!"  Daisy looked at her wryly.

"Do you remember the pregnancy test, Jules?  The beautiful jail Auggie visited?  If that's your idea of fun, I really don't want to know what will happen to us today."

"But this is going to turn out completely differently.  I can tell!  What could go wrong?" Juliette laughed.  She took both Daisy and Auggie by their hands and started off, skipping towards the crowd.  Auggie and Daisy rolled their eyes at each other, but let Juliette drag them down the hill. 

- - - - -

It was hot in the lodge.  Scott brushed his hands through his hair and stared out of the corner of his eyes at Roger.  He could feel a lecture coming on.  Right now, Scott didn't know what he'd say.  Or what he'd give away.  But right on cue, Roger stood up and headed towards him.  Scott got up.   

"Where are you going, Scott?" asked Roger, coming up beside him. 

"I've got to go to the can," Scott hid his face, staring at the ground. 

"I'm not stupid, Scott.  I remember what happened the last time we went through this."

"Yeah, you should, since all you could see of me was my back, getting smaller and smaller.  It took Peter to get me back," said Scott, this time looking Roger in the eyes.  Roger stared back

"I think it's time we had a talk.  We're going for a walk.  Let's go."  Roger put his hand on Scott's shoulder and walked him out the door.

- - - - -

"Guys!  Look what I found all nicely laid out!" said Juliette, approaching Daisy and Auggie.  With a huge smile she held out two glasses of champagne. 

"Jules, I don't think this is a good idea," said Auggie.  Daisy shook her head.  For a moment Juliette pouted, then she smiled again. 

"Fine then.  I'll just have to enjoy this myself!"  She downed the contents of both glasses.  Auggie put out a restraining arm.  Daisy rolled her eyes.

"Jules, seriously, they're going to be able to tell back at Horizon," said Auggie.

"Auggie, when do you ever let loose?  I'm here to have fun!  Stop being spoil sports, both of you!"  Juliette stomped off towards the bar.

"Dais, I'm gonna' keep an eye on her, you're okay, right?" said Auggie.

"Yes, of course, knight in shining armour.  Go save your unwilling princess," said Daisy.  Auggie hurried off.

Daisy looked around and then began walking around the grounds.  A typical small town celebration, she thought to herself.  Sighing, she turned away from the crowd.  Then, something in the distance caught her attention.

"Ez-" she started, then stopped.  Someone else had spotted him and was heading his way.

- - - - -

Roger still had Scott by the shoulder when they were outside. 

"Are you going to run?" Roger asked after leading him a distance away from the buildings.  Scott shook his head.  "Good."  Roger released him.  He headed towards the woods.  Scott followed.

"Look, Scott.  I came down on you a bit too hard back in Peter's office.  I think both of us let our emotions get the better of us."  Roger looked at Scott.  He kept silent.  "We need to talk about what's going on.  All the counselors have noticed the change in your behaviour.  It all started when Talia came, didn't it Scott?" Scott kept his eyes fixed on the ground.  "And now I find you looking at her files in Peter's office.  Who is she, Scott?"  There was still silence.  Roger opened his mouth again, but Scott interrupted with a whisper.

"I knew someone like her once.  When that Talia laughed, her eyes sparkled and you couldn't help laughing with her.  She was quiet, but when she got on stage or in front of an audience, you couldn't take your eyes off her.  There was just that something about her.  And she was innocent, so easily hurt.  She needed to be protected.  And I gave that to her." Scott stopped.  He laughed bitterly.  "She's nobody, Roger.  I don't know her.  I've never even met this Talia."

Roger stared at Scott.  They kept on walking in silence.

- - - - -

All the glasses of champagne set out on the table were gone by the time Juliette had made her way back.  She sighed, and then got into line for the bartender.  She pushed back her hair, and straightened her clothes, trying to put herself together.

"What can I get you?" the bartender asked suspiciously when she got to the front of the line.

"Two beers, please," said Juliette, putting on a fake smile.

"First your i.d." the bartender said.  "Do you really think I'm going to believe you're over the age limit?"

"But I swear I am, really," said Juliette, giving an even larger smile.  "I'd make it worth your while if you give me a drink," she winked at him and slowly leaned over.  The bartender winked back, and reached towards the fridge.  But then there was a loud cough from the man in line behind Juliette.  The bartender looked up and stopped. 

"No i.d. no drink," he said, his expression now scared.  He was still looking behind Juliette.  "Sorry kid."  Juliette pouted but moved out of line.  In the distance she could see Auggie coming towards her and she ducked behind a tree.  She still wanted those drinks.  A few minutes later, she saw her chance.  The bartender had left his post, and the bar was empty.  Juliette looked around, and then quickly crept behind the counter.  She smiled as she put her hand on the fridge's door.  Then a heavy hand came down on her shoulder.  She looked up.  It was the man from behind her in the line for the bar. 

"You got one warning," he said.  "You don't get two."  He flashed a police badge at her and then took out handcuffs.  Juliette stared.  An undercover policeman?  This couldn't be happening.

Sorry this took so long ... but please review!!