Disclaimer: I own none of the characters or features of Higher Ground, except the following: Emma Morgan, the Rivergliders, Alex, Andrew, James, Leonie, Kristen, Alexis, Fred, Belle, Billy, the stables, or any other horses in that stable. Don't SUE!
Author's Note : Normally I don't really like putting these up, but I'll make an exception. I just have to thank the reviewers. You guys are the best. I write this for you and I'm so glad you like it. By the way, Lay and Kristen, stop with the silliness!!! LOL!!! My review page is no where for that, do that at school during lunch-time. Silly girls... (I'm here shaking my head with a big smile as I write this.) Love you all, and keep reviewing, I love to hear from you guys!!!
P.S. I don't keep track of what day it is, so I may be off in the day of the week, just go along with it, please!
They all headed out to dinner. It had been a long day. What with the little arrangement and with the little kisses, there were four very happy campers at the table. Jules and Auggie had a talk and were also in a good mood. Jess, who had seen her sister and her sister's best friend so happy, couldn't help but be happy too. Emma, Lay, Kristen, and Alexis were having a little girl talk. The main subject was the little argument that Lay and Daisy had helped solve earlier on. Emma thought it was the funniest thing in the world. The three other guys were dispersed around the table, moping a bit. Only James was putting his two cents in on Daisy's conversation with Scott, David, and Shelby.
Peter came in and saw the happy faces. He was a little surprised, but very happy. He called Shelby and Scott over. "Guys, would you like to tell the other Cliffhangers and Rivergliders the news in group today? You can't move in on the bed together until the others know. So, it's up to you, but it is to your advantage to have everyone know."
"Peter, that's terrible! You shouldn't blackmail us!" Shelby yelled jokingly.
"Shel, we'll tell them. I don't want to have this bed thing put off any longer than it has to," Scott said fervently. Shelby and Peter both laughed at this statement.
"Alright, fine, but you tell them," Shelby said.
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They walked into the lodge, hand in hand, to a rather big circle formed by the Cliffhangers and the Rivergliders.
"Guys, we have something to tell you. Well, Scott'll do the honours. Scott?" Shelby said, giving him a little, encouraging nudge.
"What is it, guys?" Jules asked, or rather squealed. She could tell it was good news and was very excited.
"Well, you see, I asked Shelby for her hand," Scott said.
"Dude, you have two of your own, no need for Shelby's," David said, not completely understanding. Daisy slapped him upside the head and whispered to him that Scott meant that he proposed to her. "You WHAT?" David asked, now completely bewildered. Daisy gave him another slap upside the head. "Um... I mean, what did she say?"
"Yes, stupid," Shelby said, now taking her turn at slapping him upside the head. Everyone came to give them hugs. David acted getting all emotional and gave Scott this huge hug, which then caused Scott to slap him upside the head knocking him forward into Daisy's arms.
"Scott!" Daisy said reproachfully. Everyone laughed and gave Scott a "good job" pat, including Sophie and Peter. They knew that David was okay and that he and Scott didn't have any real problems with each other any more.
As they all emptied out of the lodge, they gave more congratulations to Scott and Shelby. Daisy and David were the only ones remaining after a while.
"I have something to tell you," Daisy said. David looked intently at her. He looked deep into her eyes and got lost in his thoughts. She interrupted him by continuing. "I don't know how to say this, so I'll just come straight out and say it," here she paused. After she was sure she had his attention, she continued. "I love you."
"You what?" he couldn't believe what he just heard.
"I love you. You don't have to say anything back. I just want you to know. I didn't think I could love anyone the way I do you. You're very special to me, David. Well, I've got to go to bed. I'll talk to you in the morning." With that she gave a stunned David a kiss and left feeling relieved. She had just released a huge load off her shoulders and now only had to be afraid of David's reaction.
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"Yo, Meat, where were you?" Auggie asked as David entered the dorm. It was just a little bit after lights out. David looked confused.
"What?" David asked, not even listening.
"I asked you where you were. What's up? You've never seemed that distracted," Auggie replied, stressing "that."
"Oh, uh... not much." He was now walking around in circles, pushing his hands through his hair. He couldn't believe Daisy had just said that to him. She had to be serious. Daisy never joked about these things. He was going to talk to Auggie a little later. He couldn't talk to Scott, he knew that Ezra knew nothing about this, and the Riverglider guys weren't bonding with the Cliffhanger guys.
As Scott left to meet Shelby for one of his late night make-out sessions, the other guys fell asleep. This was his chance. He shook Auggie awake. Auggie nearly punched him as he woke up. It was one of his reflexes he learned at his house: if he was being woken up in the middle of the night, it wasn't a good thing. When he saw who was waking him up, he stopped trying to defend himself. David led him to the bathroom and closed the door. He still looked very uncomfortable.
"Man, what's wrong? You never look this agitated!" Auggie said, wondering why he was being woken up.
"Look, Aug, I have a problem, and you're the only one I can talk to," David said.
"Alright, so what's the problem?" Auggie sounded really curious. David never had these problems. David decided that the best way to tell him was to just say it and not take the long way around.
"Daisy said she loved me," he spat out.
"That's so great!" Auggie said excitedly. "Do you love her?"
"I don't know... maybe... yes... no... I'm so confused!" David said, reverting to pushing his hands through his hair as he walked in circles again.
"Well, it's always nice if a girl tells you she loves you. I'm surprised, I didn't think Daisy loved guys. You're special, I guess."
"You think?" David asked, looking hopeful.
"Meat, she told you she loves you! What do you think?" Auggie looked exasperated. "I'll ask you again, do you love her?"
David hesitated. He thought long and hard. He looked into his heart, not his mind. That's all he needed to know. He looked at Auggie. He had made up his mind. "Yes, I do love her. If she weren't in my life, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. She makes life interesting," he said, smiling.
"Coming from an ADD kid, that's quite something." Auggie was happy that David had finally found someone to control him and his stupid stunts. "Can I go back to bed now?" he asked, looking very tired. David nodded and said his thanks. They shared a guy hug and went to sleep.
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The next morning, they all had their chores to do. The morning was pretty normal. Classes were boring as ever. They got some more to read in "Pride and Prejudice" which pleased Emma. They also got some homework in Science and Math, which didn't please anyone. After lunch they had a free period. It being Monday, Scott and Shelby had the dorm to themselves. The others were doing some work, all except Emma that is. She went to the stables so that she could do some work with Belle. She had her tied up on cross ties, in between the stalls. She was brushing her down when she noticed the shape of a student watching her. The student was right around the bend and seemed to be stealing glances every now and then. She put down the brushes and walked over. He didn't even attempt to run off.
"Alex! What are you doing here?" she asked, shocked.
"I dunno, I couldn't hang around with the others in the lodge and Scott and Shelby are using our dorm for who knows what. I just had to get out. I saw you walking this way and decided to come see what you like about this place so much."
"Oh, I see. Well, do you want to help me with my horse?" she asked, not knowing what to say.
"Nah, but I'll stand there and watch, if you'll let me," he looked embarrassed.
"Uh, sure." They walked back to Belle. Emma picked up her brushes and continued brushing. "I heard you went on a buddy hike-back," she said, making conversation.
"Ya, not like I wanted to though."
"Well, you shouldn't have said those things about Shelby. She's actually really nice," Emma said, sticking up for her friend.
"You don't know her," he replied, looking away.
"What? And you do?"
"Yeah," was his only reply.
"How so? Did you know her before Horizon? If so, she didn't say anything to me about you. I don't think she recognized you."
"I did know her before. I had seen her a couple of times. She wouldn't have seen me though."
"What are you talking about?" she now sounded worried and had stopped brushing her horse. She realized that she was staring at him so she put her brushes aside and picked up the saddle.
"Uh, I don't know if I should tell you," Alex said. Emma seemed to be so trustworthy. She didn't seem the kind that would tell his secret. He had to tell someone. It was killing him inside. It was like poison. Emma gave him an encouraging smile and he continued. "I knew her from the streets. Or maybe I should say my dad knew her from the streets. He was... uh... how do I say this? He was one of her customers. That's how I know her. That's why I said those things," he had a look of disgust on his face. The memories just came back to him. He remembered walking in the house to get some drugs from his room. He had cut class and didn't think anyone would be home. He heard his dad and some woman together. He peeked and there she was. Emma interrupted his thoughts.
"Alex, I'm so sorry! I don't know what to say. That must have been terrible. Do you want to talk about it?" she looked truly sorry.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks for listening," he looked as though he didn't know what to do with himself.
"Do you want to watch me ride? I'm jumping today, and I need someone to be there. You know, in case I fall," here she laughed. He gave a half-smile.
"Sure, I'd like that. I don't want to work anyhow." As they walked off, he continued. "Emma? Can you not say anything about this to anyone?"
"Of course not! I promise I won't tell!" she looked serious. He knew his secret was safe with her.
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Later that evening, after dinner and group, they had a little free time to just talk and relax. Lay, Shelby, Scott, and Andrew were on kitchens, cleaning up. Shelby and Scott were cleaning the tables and were putting the caf back together after a hectic dinnertime: there had been a fight (one that did not implicate any Cliffhangers for once) and tables and chairs were all over the place. Lay and Andrew were washing dishes.
"So, why are you here?" Lay asked in a bubbly voice.
"Drugs and abuse, but what do you care?" he answered coldly. No one was going to find out his secret.
"I just care. You seem to need to talk about something. You seem so closed up."
"Well, maybe that's because I don't want anyone to know."
"Know what?" she asked, frowning. Oh no, I've gone too far, he thought.
"Nothing. My past." Why can't I just keep my mouth shut? He thought, mentally kicking himself.
"Oh, I see."
"What? What do you see?" he was scared. She seemed to know what he was thinking.
"Only that you're hiding something and that it's killing you not to admit it." She looked at him. He looked shocked. A smile of satisfaction got glued to her face.
"Well, even if I do have a secret, I'm not going to let it go. It's just..." he dried off his hands and started walking around.
"What is it? Andrew, talk to me!" she sounded desperate. He looked like he was going to hurt himself.
"You're right. I can't hold on to it. I had a sister who ran away, a little while before I turned to drugs. She was my best friend. She helped me through a lot of shit. She..." he paused. He looked around for some help. He only met Lay's inquiring eyes.
Outside the door, Shelby had paused. She was coming in to get something, but when she saw how distraught Andrew looked and how much Lay was trying to help him, she quickly stopped and waited.
"She... she was a hooker," he continued, stuttering a bit. Lay put her hand over her mouth. She approached him. He was now trying to push back the tears that were hitting his eyes at the thought of those memories.
"Is there anything else you want to tell me?" Lay asked gently.
"She O.D.ed."
"What?"
"Overdosed... on cocaine." Shelby was hearing this and memories of her best friend on the streets came flooding back to her. That was how Patti had died. Tears started falling down her face as she remembered her.
"Oh, that's terrible," Lay said. "What was her name?"
"Patti..." he answered before he leant against the wall, slid down and sat there, his legs brought up to his chest and his face buried in his arms. Lay sat down beside him and put a comforting arm over his shoulders.
Outside, Shelby was shaking her head and crying. She couldn't believe it! That was her best friend's brother. This was too much for her. She just ran out of the caf and started running outside. Scott saw this and chased her. He found her lying down on the ground, in the snow, crying.
"My god! Shelby! What's wrong?" he cried. She looked at him and he picked her up and hugged her. She held on for dear life.
Author's Note : Normally I don't really like putting these up, but I'll make an exception. I just have to thank the reviewers. You guys are the best. I write this for you and I'm so glad you like it. By the way, Lay and Kristen, stop with the silliness!!! LOL!!! My review page is no where for that, do that at school during lunch-time. Silly girls... (I'm here shaking my head with a big smile as I write this.) Love you all, and keep reviewing, I love to hear from you guys!!!
P.S. I don't keep track of what day it is, so I may be off in the day of the week, just go along with it, please!
They all headed out to dinner. It had been a long day. What with the little arrangement and with the little kisses, there were four very happy campers at the table. Jules and Auggie had a talk and were also in a good mood. Jess, who had seen her sister and her sister's best friend so happy, couldn't help but be happy too. Emma, Lay, Kristen, and Alexis were having a little girl talk. The main subject was the little argument that Lay and Daisy had helped solve earlier on. Emma thought it was the funniest thing in the world. The three other guys were dispersed around the table, moping a bit. Only James was putting his two cents in on Daisy's conversation with Scott, David, and Shelby.
Peter came in and saw the happy faces. He was a little surprised, but very happy. He called Shelby and Scott over. "Guys, would you like to tell the other Cliffhangers and Rivergliders the news in group today? You can't move in on the bed together until the others know. So, it's up to you, but it is to your advantage to have everyone know."
"Peter, that's terrible! You shouldn't blackmail us!" Shelby yelled jokingly.
"Shel, we'll tell them. I don't want to have this bed thing put off any longer than it has to," Scott said fervently. Shelby and Peter both laughed at this statement.
"Alright, fine, but you tell them," Shelby said.
********************************************************************************
They walked into the lodge, hand in hand, to a rather big circle formed by the Cliffhangers and the Rivergliders.
"Guys, we have something to tell you. Well, Scott'll do the honours. Scott?" Shelby said, giving him a little, encouraging nudge.
"What is it, guys?" Jules asked, or rather squealed. She could tell it was good news and was very excited.
"Well, you see, I asked Shelby for her hand," Scott said.
"Dude, you have two of your own, no need for Shelby's," David said, not completely understanding. Daisy slapped him upside the head and whispered to him that Scott meant that he proposed to her. "You WHAT?" David asked, now completely bewildered. Daisy gave him another slap upside the head. "Um... I mean, what did she say?"
"Yes, stupid," Shelby said, now taking her turn at slapping him upside the head. Everyone came to give them hugs. David acted getting all emotional and gave Scott this huge hug, which then caused Scott to slap him upside the head knocking him forward into Daisy's arms.
"Scott!" Daisy said reproachfully. Everyone laughed and gave Scott a "good job" pat, including Sophie and Peter. They knew that David was okay and that he and Scott didn't have any real problems with each other any more.
As they all emptied out of the lodge, they gave more congratulations to Scott and Shelby. Daisy and David were the only ones remaining after a while.
"I have something to tell you," Daisy said. David looked intently at her. He looked deep into her eyes and got lost in his thoughts. She interrupted him by continuing. "I don't know how to say this, so I'll just come straight out and say it," here she paused. After she was sure she had his attention, she continued. "I love you."
"You what?" he couldn't believe what he just heard.
"I love you. You don't have to say anything back. I just want you to know. I didn't think I could love anyone the way I do you. You're very special to me, David. Well, I've got to go to bed. I'll talk to you in the morning." With that she gave a stunned David a kiss and left feeling relieved. She had just released a huge load off her shoulders and now only had to be afraid of David's reaction.
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"Yo, Meat, where were you?" Auggie asked as David entered the dorm. It was just a little bit after lights out. David looked confused.
"What?" David asked, not even listening.
"I asked you where you were. What's up? You've never seemed that distracted," Auggie replied, stressing "that."
"Oh, uh... not much." He was now walking around in circles, pushing his hands through his hair. He couldn't believe Daisy had just said that to him. She had to be serious. Daisy never joked about these things. He was going to talk to Auggie a little later. He couldn't talk to Scott, he knew that Ezra knew nothing about this, and the Riverglider guys weren't bonding with the Cliffhanger guys.
As Scott left to meet Shelby for one of his late night make-out sessions, the other guys fell asleep. This was his chance. He shook Auggie awake. Auggie nearly punched him as he woke up. It was one of his reflexes he learned at his house: if he was being woken up in the middle of the night, it wasn't a good thing. When he saw who was waking him up, he stopped trying to defend himself. David led him to the bathroom and closed the door. He still looked very uncomfortable.
"Man, what's wrong? You never look this agitated!" Auggie said, wondering why he was being woken up.
"Look, Aug, I have a problem, and you're the only one I can talk to," David said.
"Alright, so what's the problem?" Auggie sounded really curious. David never had these problems. David decided that the best way to tell him was to just say it and not take the long way around.
"Daisy said she loved me," he spat out.
"That's so great!" Auggie said excitedly. "Do you love her?"
"I don't know... maybe... yes... no... I'm so confused!" David said, reverting to pushing his hands through his hair as he walked in circles again.
"Well, it's always nice if a girl tells you she loves you. I'm surprised, I didn't think Daisy loved guys. You're special, I guess."
"You think?" David asked, looking hopeful.
"Meat, she told you she loves you! What do you think?" Auggie looked exasperated. "I'll ask you again, do you love her?"
David hesitated. He thought long and hard. He looked into his heart, not his mind. That's all he needed to know. He looked at Auggie. He had made up his mind. "Yes, I do love her. If she weren't in my life, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. She makes life interesting," he said, smiling.
"Coming from an ADD kid, that's quite something." Auggie was happy that David had finally found someone to control him and his stupid stunts. "Can I go back to bed now?" he asked, looking very tired. David nodded and said his thanks. They shared a guy hug and went to sleep.
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The next morning, they all had their chores to do. The morning was pretty normal. Classes were boring as ever. They got some more to read in "Pride and Prejudice" which pleased Emma. They also got some homework in Science and Math, which didn't please anyone. After lunch they had a free period. It being Monday, Scott and Shelby had the dorm to themselves. The others were doing some work, all except Emma that is. She went to the stables so that she could do some work with Belle. She had her tied up on cross ties, in between the stalls. She was brushing her down when she noticed the shape of a student watching her. The student was right around the bend and seemed to be stealing glances every now and then. She put down the brushes and walked over. He didn't even attempt to run off.
"Alex! What are you doing here?" she asked, shocked.
"I dunno, I couldn't hang around with the others in the lodge and Scott and Shelby are using our dorm for who knows what. I just had to get out. I saw you walking this way and decided to come see what you like about this place so much."
"Oh, I see. Well, do you want to help me with my horse?" she asked, not knowing what to say.
"Nah, but I'll stand there and watch, if you'll let me," he looked embarrassed.
"Uh, sure." They walked back to Belle. Emma picked up her brushes and continued brushing. "I heard you went on a buddy hike-back," she said, making conversation.
"Ya, not like I wanted to though."
"Well, you shouldn't have said those things about Shelby. She's actually really nice," Emma said, sticking up for her friend.
"You don't know her," he replied, looking away.
"What? And you do?"
"Yeah," was his only reply.
"How so? Did you know her before Horizon? If so, she didn't say anything to me about you. I don't think she recognized you."
"I did know her before. I had seen her a couple of times. She wouldn't have seen me though."
"What are you talking about?" she now sounded worried and had stopped brushing her horse. She realized that she was staring at him so she put her brushes aside and picked up the saddle.
"Uh, I don't know if I should tell you," Alex said. Emma seemed to be so trustworthy. She didn't seem the kind that would tell his secret. He had to tell someone. It was killing him inside. It was like poison. Emma gave him an encouraging smile and he continued. "I knew her from the streets. Or maybe I should say my dad knew her from the streets. He was... uh... how do I say this? He was one of her customers. That's how I know her. That's why I said those things," he had a look of disgust on his face. The memories just came back to him. He remembered walking in the house to get some drugs from his room. He had cut class and didn't think anyone would be home. He heard his dad and some woman together. He peeked and there she was. Emma interrupted his thoughts.
"Alex, I'm so sorry! I don't know what to say. That must have been terrible. Do you want to talk about it?" she looked truly sorry.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks for listening," he looked as though he didn't know what to do with himself.
"Do you want to watch me ride? I'm jumping today, and I need someone to be there. You know, in case I fall," here she laughed. He gave a half-smile.
"Sure, I'd like that. I don't want to work anyhow." As they walked off, he continued. "Emma? Can you not say anything about this to anyone?"
"Of course not! I promise I won't tell!" she looked serious. He knew his secret was safe with her.
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Later that evening, after dinner and group, they had a little free time to just talk and relax. Lay, Shelby, Scott, and Andrew were on kitchens, cleaning up. Shelby and Scott were cleaning the tables and were putting the caf back together after a hectic dinnertime: there had been a fight (one that did not implicate any Cliffhangers for once) and tables and chairs were all over the place. Lay and Andrew were washing dishes.
"So, why are you here?" Lay asked in a bubbly voice.
"Drugs and abuse, but what do you care?" he answered coldly. No one was going to find out his secret.
"I just care. You seem to need to talk about something. You seem so closed up."
"Well, maybe that's because I don't want anyone to know."
"Know what?" she asked, frowning. Oh no, I've gone too far, he thought.
"Nothing. My past." Why can't I just keep my mouth shut? He thought, mentally kicking himself.
"Oh, I see."
"What? What do you see?" he was scared. She seemed to know what he was thinking.
"Only that you're hiding something and that it's killing you not to admit it." She looked at him. He looked shocked. A smile of satisfaction got glued to her face.
"Well, even if I do have a secret, I'm not going to let it go. It's just..." he dried off his hands and started walking around.
"What is it? Andrew, talk to me!" she sounded desperate. He looked like he was going to hurt himself.
"You're right. I can't hold on to it. I had a sister who ran away, a little while before I turned to drugs. She was my best friend. She helped me through a lot of shit. She..." he paused. He looked around for some help. He only met Lay's inquiring eyes.
Outside the door, Shelby had paused. She was coming in to get something, but when she saw how distraught Andrew looked and how much Lay was trying to help him, she quickly stopped and waited.
"She... she was a hooker," he continued, stuttering a bit. Lay put her hand over her mouth. She approached him. He was now trying to push back the tears that were hitting his eyes at the thought of those memories.
"Is there anything else you want to tell me?" Lay asked gently.
"She O.D.ed."
"What?"
"Overdosed... on cocaine." Shelby was hearing this and memories of her best friend on the streets came flooding back to her. That was how Patti had died. Tears started falling down her face as she remembered her.
"Oh, that's terrible," Lay said. "What was her name?"
"Patti..." he answered before he leant against the wall, slid down and sat there, his legs brought up to his chest and his face buried in his arms. Lay sat down beside him and put a comforting arm over his shoulders.
Outside, Shelby was shaking her head and crying. She couldn't believe it! That was her best friend's brother. This was too much for her. She just ran out of the caf and started running outside. Scott saw this and chased her. He found her lying down on the ground, in the snow, crying.
"My god! Shelby! What's wrong?" he cried. She looked at him and he picked her up and hugged her. She held on for dear life.