FUMBLING TOWARDS ECSTASY

Chapter 5: Moving On

Rating: Rated PG for sexual content and bad language

Disclaimer: Everything is owned by FFC, with the exception of this story. I take no credit for the show.

Author's Note: These reviews are awesome! As long as I receive the amount of reviews I ask for, new chapters will be added to this story. Oh, in my "In Chapter 5" note at the end of chapter 4, I said that there was going to be a newbie, Shelby was going to confront Scott, Auggie was going to get some advice from someone, and there was going to be some more Auggie/Juliette action. WELL, typing chapters takes a little while, so I decided I'm going to start shortening my chapters, so I can post more frequently. So in this chapter, some scenes are going to take place that I did not talk about; sorry! I had an idea a second ago, and it takes place before all the other scenes I talked about. In chapter 6, some of the scenes I said were going to take place will take place. PLEASE REVIEW!

A Note for Niki: Hehe…yes, I am a little mean. But, hey…who isn't? Thanks for the review!

A Note for Hya: Thanks so much the review! I appreciate the input, and that was a REALLY good idea! I probably would have used it if I hadn't already planned the whole story out. So, once again I thank you for the suggestion, but the newbie will not hook up with Jules. Actually, when you find out who it is, you're going to be glad she's not-lol!

Recap: CHAPTER 4-When supposed to meet Shelby for a meeting, Scott stands her up for Juliette. Katherine tells Juliette how she saw Scott and Shelby at the docks the night before.

"So, you and Scott are now okay? Like he's going to stop walking around like a zombie and start talking to us?" Katherine asked, eyes wide, while leaning towards Juliette, fully interested.

It was past lights out in the girls dorm, and Juliette and Katherine were each lying on their beds, chatting about Juliette and her makeout session with Scott

Juliette pushed a hand through her smooth brown hair. Um…I guess so? "Uh…yeah," she finally replied, somewhat unconvincingly.

Katherine just nodded, her chin resting on her hand. "I'm glad," she answered happily, obviously not noticing Juliette's uneasiness. "I mean, not showing up for meals was starting to become a regular routine for him," she added after a beat.

Juliette felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Well, maybe he will start talking to everyone…including me. I mean, I feel like we've grown closer. Of course he'll start showing up for meals "Yeah," she agreed, fiddling with a loose thread on her blanket.

Katherine smiled at the brunette. "I guess I was wrong, Jules. From what you just now told me, it seems like Scott really cares about you, and I'm glad he now feels included…because of you."

Juliette looked up and, all of a sudden, felt like a liar. But does Scott care about me? I don't even know if he's going to start coming to meals or not! Geez, Jules, you two haven't gotten closer…you don't even mean anything to each other!

By now Katherine had turned her light off and had drifted off to sleep.

Juliette didn't even notice, still lost in thought. "Yeah, he'll start showing up all because of me," she said softly. "All because of me…" If only it was the truth

Meanwhile, Shelby had been washing up in the bathroom and had heard Juliette and Katherine's whole conversation, unbeknownst to them.

She had just returned from the docks a little while before, for she could not force herself to move.

Shelby shakily laid her red toothbrush on the sink, her head throbbing. It's time to move on, Shel. Scott doesn't care about you, and you can't force it

Tears sprung at the corners of her eyes as she thought back to what Katherine had said. "I guess I was wrong, Jules. From what you just now told me, it seems like Scott really cares about you, and I'm glad he now feels included…because of you."

Yeah, Kat…I was wrong, too. I thought I could make Scott love me. But I just…can't compare to Juliette, and that's who he wants Shelby then wiped her tears away and took a deep breath to regain her composure. You've cried over this boy waaay too many times today…you need to get a grip

Shelby took a quick glance in the mirror to look at her reflection, and then headed out of the bathroom and settled into her bed.

Once she was comfortable, she closed her eyes, eager to dream away the day's events. It's time for Scott Barringer to be out of my life…forever

~*THE NEXT MORNING*~

"So, did you guys hear we're getting a newbie?"

Katherine, Auggie, and Juliette looked up at Ezra. "We are!?!" they asked in unison.

Ezra smirked. "Yup. And the best part is, it's a GIRL," he stated, wiggling his eyebrows.

Katherine giggled, almost choking on her toast. "You are too funny, Ezra!" she exclaimed through a mouthful of food.

Ezra grinned. Wait…something's missing from this picture. We're one voice short

His eyes then settled on the sarcastic blonde sitting at the end of the table. Her long blonde hair was covering her face, and she was looking at the floor. Something's definitely wrong…Shelby always makes fun of me about girls, and she is NEVER quiet. What's up with her? "Hey, Shelby…you okay?" he asked, concerned.

The table was then quiet, as if everyone had forgotten Shelby was even there.

"Shelby?" Ezra repeated, louder this time.

Shelby's cloudy blue eyes met Ezra's. "Yes?" she asked quietly, a solemn expression on her face.

What's up with her? "Just makin sure you're alive," he joked.

"Yeah, I'm alive," Shelby replied slowly. Unfortunately

Ezra's eyes widened as he gave the other Cliffhangers a quick glance, as if to ask "What's wrong with her?"

After a beat, Auggie placed his elbows on the table and said, "Yo, I'm down with a newbie just as long as she isn't like Meat, over there. When is he gonna start eatin with us?"

Katherine turned towards Juliette, a confused look on her face. "I thought you said he was now over this whole 'newbie funk.'" she stated.

Auggie turned his attention towards Juliette, also. Stay in the funk, man. Just stay

Juliette's smile faded. "I, um, thought he was. Maybe he's just sick," she said quickly.

Ezra shook his head, now enjoying this turn in conversation. "Nah, I saw him earlier. He took his breakfast outside to his date."

Juliette's eyes widened in anger. First it was Shelby. Now who could it be? "Who?" she asked, resisting the urge to throw a chair across the room.

Ezra grinned a 100-watt smile. "Why, himself, of course!" he answered, making a joke.

Everyone, excluding Shelby and Juliette, then began laughing hysterically.

"Haha, Ezra. Real cute," Juliette stated sarcastically while throwing her napkin at him.

Before Ezra could reply, the bell rang for first period.

Chairs were then pushed in, food was thrown away, and reluctant students began to sluggishly make their way towards classes.

Ezra, Katherine and Juliette then started to walk towards their first period class; all three in deep conversation.

Shelby threw her untouched food in the trashcan and then began walking towards her classroom when she felt an arm grab hers. "Can I talk to you?"

She looked up to see Auggie tilting his head slightly and motioning towards the picnic tables.

Shelby just returned Auggie's stare with an empty look. "I have class," she replied, unenthusiastically.

Auggie rolled his eyes. "Since when have you cared about learning?"

And before Shelby could protest, Auggie was leading her outside to the picnic tables, his mind swarming. Tell her ya know how she feels, and that it's not her fault.

As the two settled down comfortably on the bench, Auggie turned to the blonde who was giving him a tired look. Oh great……how I am gonna get through to her? "Shel, you can't give up."

Ugh…that chapter was pretty bad, but it's all I can offer at the moment…I'm soo busy! And I left y'all on a lil cliffhanger, and the next chap probably will be, too. I know, I know. I'm mean. I just don't know how to end chapters. OH, AUGGIE & SHELBY ARE NOT GOING TO HOOK UP! Just wanted to clear that up. ANYWAY, 5 reviews, and I'll post chapter 6 as soon as possible!

In chapter 6: Auggie talks to Shelby, the "newbie" arrives, and Shelby confronts Scott