Disclaimer: Anything that has anything close to do with the original series, I do not own. Anything else is mine! All mine!!!! MOUAHAHAHA!!! Okay, it's late, and I'm writing, give me credit people!
Author's Note: I know it's been a while, but as many of you may have noticed, I've been busy with two other fics (one of which is new and needs extra attention to put together). And I've been developing ideas for an HP one. Plus, I've been in Hamilton for a week, and doing all sorts of vacation things (Wonderland) and yes! I know that means nothing to you if you don't live near these places but whatever. Anyways, I'm back home and started writing again. I think this'll be a rather serious chappy... don't worry, fluff is back in the next one! Hope the sarcasm's good. Oh, and you know what to do, Emma!
"Kristen, may I speak with you for a minute?" Peter asked, walking in on one of the Rivergliders' classes, later that week. We'll make it Wednesday.
"Peter, we're in class," she pointed out. Everyone laughed. He gave her a look saying "now!" and she got up with a sigh and left. Math was her best subject. It's what was keeping her average up, due to a little bit of inattentiveness in Science. "Okay, what is it?" she asked a little more rudely than she would've, as they entered Peter's office.
"I'll let your tone slip, but only because you've got a visitor. Actually, two to be precise."
"Who? What? Doesn't anyone call around here?" she asked a little frightened at the prospect of a visitor, which probably meant her parents, whom she strongly disliked, to put it lightly.
"Uh, your sister-"
"Which one?" Kristen asked very suddenly, her eyes shrinking into suspicious slits.
"Me!" cried a voice behind her. She turned around and her face lit up at the sight of her stepsister, Julia.
"Julia!" she squealed and leapt into her arms. "I haven't seen you in forever!"
"I know! Why do you think I came down here?" she asked, laughing. As Kristen let go of her, she could see her sister properly. Julia was tall and had brown hair with blondish streaks. She had a happy face, but sadder eyes. However, upon seeing Kristen, her mouth was in a wide smile, revealing beautiful white teeth.
This wasn't the end of the surprises to hit Kristen today, though. A guy came out from behind Julia. He was shorter than Julia, but still taller than Kristen. He had short, messy black hair that looked as though it was in desperate need of a comb. He had dark eyes to match his hair and tanned skin. A rather long fringe of hair hung over his right eye. To anyone else, he probably would've looked scary and intimidating, but to Kristen, he was one of her best friends.
Peter could hear a sharp intake of breath coming from Kristen. Julia just stared at her and then at Max, then back at Kristen. Neither Max nor Kristen broke eye contact. A huge grin spread across his face, and Kristen cracked up. She walked up to him and gave him a bone-breaking hug.
"I missed you," he whispered into her hair. His eyes were welling up, but he wouldn't cry for the life of him.
"I missed you too, Max," she said back, her nose snuggling into his big, cottony sweatshirt. Peter cleared his throat and they broke apart, rather reluctantly. It'd been close to a year since they last saw each other, and for two people who were as close as siblings, that was a long time. It was made worse by the fact that Kristen had never contacted him, knowing how hard it would be.
"Okay, Kristen, your friends are here for tomorrow and the weekend. So, you're excused from classes for the rest of today to show them around, and if they like, they can spend Friday with the group, as a part of it," Peter explained.
The trio nodded, Julia looked a little too excited, Kristen though.
"Saturday," Peter continued, "we're going on a one-day hike, you may come if you like, but it's not mandatory. Sunday is free."
"We'll see about the hike, Peter," Kristen said rather skeptically. "I'll go give them the tour now," she said, opening the door to the office. "See ya later, come on guys."
"Bye, Peter," they both said, and followed Kristen out. Normally, he wouldn't take in a visitor into the group, but they were kids, Kristen's age, and he didn't have anywhere to send them. Luckily, he thought, there were some spare beds in each dorm where Scott and Shelby used to sleep.
The rather oddly matched trio left the admin building.
"When did you guys get here?" Kristen asked.
"Oh, not long ago. We had to figure out where to sign in, and then meet with Peter. He told us all the rules and checked us over for drugs. Luckily I got rid of Max's stash before we arrived," Julia explained.
"He checked you guys over?"
"Yeah, well, we decided we wanted to be included in the group as we had a school day to spend here, thanks to my lucky planning," Max said with a wink.
"You always were good for that sort of thing... or rather, not good. Anyways, that was the admin building," Kristen said.
"You're joking!" Julia said sarcastically.
"You're going to fit right in with all that sarcasm. It's insane how many people use it to hide behind. Alright, up the lane is the lodge. That's basically where we hang out in our spare time. It gets cold out here, so we prefer to stay indoors if we're not on a hike."
"You sound like you've memorized this speech," Max pointed out.
"Haven't!"
"Have so!"
"Guys! That's enough!" Julia said, putting an end to their bickering. They laughed.
"Alrighty, this is the girls' and guys' dorms. Do you want to put your stuff down?" They both made their assent known right away. They didn't know what they ought to pack, so Julia, especially, had packed a lot. Kristen knocked on the door to the guys' dorm. "Anyone in?" she yelled.
"Hey, Kristen," James said, opening the door. "Marc's in, if you wanna talk to him." At this comment Julia and Max both exchanged looks, but didn't badger Kristen... yet.
"Uh, no, I just want to know if you all are decent."
"Pretty much... or as decent as it'll get," he laughed it off. The trio entered the room. Kristen was pleased to see that there weren't too many people there. It'd make it easier on everyone for introductions. Marc was on his bunk in nothing more than boxer shorts, which nicely displayed his beautiful chest and abs. It took quite a while for Kristen to tear her eyes away from her boyfriend, but she did so with a smile.
There were also David, Daisy, Scott, and Shelby. Kristen looked puzzled to see them together, here.
"No offense there, but why are you three here?" she asked, pointing out the later three. "Shouldn't you either be in class, or in your own rooms?" Kristen asked. The only reason Shelby didn't erupt is because this was obviously really puzzling Kristen.
"Well, we were given a project to do together in Science. So I get stuck with them," she said, shrugging.
"Well, thanks, Shel, that makes me feel all warm inside," Daisy said with a smirk. Shelby just imitated that smirk and threw it right back.
"What are you," he stressed the word, "doing here, may I ask?" David said.
"Well, I'm giving the tour."
"Oh, newbies!" David said, mock enthusiasm in his voice, and clapping his hands with sarcastic excitement. "Fresh meat," he said quietly and the three around him laughed.
"This is Max, and Julia. They're not newbies though." Everyone now shut up and paid attention. "They're my friends and they're here to visit. They just ended up coming a day earlier than expected so they'll be in our group till the weekend. And as they're not old enough to own a car-well they are, but you know-they're going to be sleeping in the dorms," Kristen explained. Everyone made a face showing they understood. No one seemed very comfy with this decision though.
"Come on, guys, I've got something we can use for this in our room," Scott said. "Well, nice meeting you two. See ya, guys," he continued with a wave. David, Daisy, and Shelby waved and followed him out.
"Here, Max, you'll be sleeping here," Kristen said, sitting down on Scott's old bunk.
"What about me?" Julia asked, a little uncomfortable.
"You'll be in our dorm. This is the guys' dorm."
"Well, how come that guy said he had his own room?"
"Because the two blondes, Scott and Shelby, are engaged, and they didn't know how to handle that since it was the first engagement here between students, so Scott and Shelby are basically on a trial run," James explained.
"I thought they'd be done with their run by now," Marc added.
"How come?" Kristen asked, sitting down on his bed, next to him. Julia sat down next to Max.
"Oh, haven't I told you? They were making such a racket a bunch of us actually complained to Peter." The whole bunch exploded with laughter.
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"What's Peter playing at?" Scott burst out once he, Shelby, Daisy, and David had safely closed the door.
"What do you mean? The fact that Kristen's buddies are in our group for the weekend, or the fact that he's been pumping us for information for over year?" Daisy asked rather matter-of-factly. Scott gave her a dirty look and looked to Shelby for support. She just smirked.
"Look, I know you're not comfy with this, but we have a hike on Saturday," she said, shrugging. "Just don't give anything out until they're gone if you don't want to be found out of anything... then again, what are you still hiding?"
"Nothing, but still. I'm just not comfortable talking about my drug problem and such, let alone Elaine."
"Hey, man! I feel your pain!" David said, just a little sarcastic, which was big for David.
"What do you mean? You have said next to nothing about yourself. I think Daisy's the only one who knows anything," Scott accused. David looked taken aback, and Daisy looked a little shocked. Shelby on the other hand, nodded agreeingly.
"It's true, David, you know all about us, but you haven't told us anything," Shelby agreed.
"What are you talking about? I don't know anything about you! You guys told all your worst stuff before I got here," David protested.
"Guys, that's true," Daisy said. He was fighting a losing battle without anyone to help him, so she came to his aid.
"Fine, you tell us your story, and we'll tell you ours," Shelby decided. "I mean, you are Daisy's boyfriend, and she's my best friend, so I expect I'll be seeing a lot of you," she explained. Scott looked unsure. "Look, just in as little words as possible. No one wants to give details on this, but we might as well get it off our chests. I mean, even princess knows what happened to me."
"Fine, but you go first," Scott said. What was he agreeing to, he wondered. David looked round at Daisy and she gave him an encouraging nudge.
"My dad abused me physically and verbally," he said quickly, muddling all his words.
"Oh, I'm sorry, that... that really sucks," Scott said. He didn't really expect that. Neither did Shelby, but then again, she never was the very sappy kind, at least, with anyone but Scott.
"Yeah, I'm sorry to hear that, David," she said.
"Ya, whatever," he tried to brush it off. He was shaking just slightly. Just mentioning his dad did this to him. It was both the anger and the hurt, not to mention the fear, which did this to him. Daisy understood and sat down beside him on floor where he's sat down as the entered. "Now your turns."
Scott took in a deep breath. He knew how hard it had been for Shelby to get that out, so he was going to give her more time to collect herself. "My step-mother abused me... sexually. You know I got into drugs and shit, but that's the worst stuff."
David didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes was one of utmost shock and horror. He couldn't believe that happened. He didn't think it was even possible. He was totally and completely taken aback.
"Right," Scott said, checking to see he was all right. "Anyways, Shel?" he said, checking her. She was slightly pale of having to go back to that horrible place that was the past, but looked resolute.
"Yeah, okay, listen close, David, cause I'm only going over this once for your benefit," she said rather harshly. He frowned but listened. "My stepfather molested me, so I started running. When I was on the street and it got bad-and I mean really bad-I would turn tricks. I also saw my best friend Patty OD right in front of me. And last year when he had a heart attack, I had to go back and care for the sick bastard."
"You're joking!" David ejected. Shelby looked as if she really wasn't expected a reaction like this. "I mean, that's so much. I'm surprised you're still standing. That's a compliment by the way!" he added as she looked about ready to pounce. "You're so strong," he added.
"We all know that," Daisy said with a smirk at Shelby.
"Thanks, Dais," Shelby replied with a sarcastic smile.
"Alright, now that share time is over, we might as well get this dumb ass Science project done, or Sophie'll flip," Daisy replied. They all heaved a sigh of relief at the thought of not having to go back to the past any more... that is until their fearless leader called an official share time in the recreational center; i.e. until Peter called group in the lodge.
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"Hey, girls, this is Julia, she's my friend and is going to be staying till Sunday," Kristen explained. As she thought, Juliette, Emma, and Jess, plus Auggie and Ezra were there, doing their project. "Hey, how come Marc and James got out of class?" she asked, as the other Rivergliders had yet to leave class.
"Oh, they created some massive disturbances so they have a detention later with Arianne, but that's all I know," Juliette explained. Kristen made to laugh, but thought better of it.
"Right, so, this is Auggie, Juliette, Ezra, Jess, and Emma," she introduced.
"Hi," Juliette looked ready to have a little girl talk, but Emma didn't think so.
"Jules, we sort of have to finish this... Sorry, I'd love to sit and chat, but school calls," Emma said apologetically.
"Ah, don't worry, I'll be around all weekend. Come on, lets go check and make sure Marc and Max didn't kill each other yet," Julia told Kristen. They left laughing at some dumb stuff Max had pulled in the past.
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"Alright, to finish the tour," Kristen said as they exited the guys' dorm a few minutes later. Marc had to go to detention so they walked him over, which didn't please Max too much. "Okay, over there's the lodge, that's where group is."
"What's group?" Max asked. He kept giving Marc dirty looks every since he took Kristen's hand, and didn't let go.
"It's basically where we spill our guts to our favourite dysfunctional teens," Marc said sarcastically. Max just gave Marc another dirty look. Kristen looked around, determined not to see her best friend and her boyfriend bickering.
"Right, there's the gazebo, and that's the caf."
"Watch out for the food, it's nasty," Marc told Julia, whom he much preferred to Max.
"Uh, I'll keep that in mind," she said, starting to worry just slightly.
"It's really not that bad, it's just one of the jokes that go around quickly," Kristen quickly explained. "The classrooms are over there, which means this is the end of the road for you," she told Marc.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," he said, dreading detention with Arianne. She was a good teacher and all, but when it came to punishments, she was worse... or better? Anyways, she was big on discipline was the point. "See ya later," he whispered, gave her a little kiss, and left.
"What do you think you're doing going out with a guy like that?" Max almost exploded when Marc was out of earshot.
"It's my choice, last time I checked! You haven't been around for a year, so I doubt very much-"
"I haven't been around because you haven't let me! I didn't know where you were! I had to take it from Julia that you were dead for Christ's sake! So don't give me that crap!" Max cut off. He was furious and she could tell. She was so taken aback by his reaction that she did the only thing she knew how to do in a situation like this: run.
"Now look what you've done!" Julia said exasperatedly. "Max! Don't you think you could've been just a little nicer to her? I mean she's here for having severe emotional problems! Don't make them worse!"
"It's just... ah! She's going out with that... that... that freak!" he said, pointing a finger in the general direction of the classrooms.
"So let her! It's not your decision, like she said! Look, she likes this guy, okay. I don't know anything about him, she hasn't told me anything, but it's obvious she likes him! Kristen is a great judge of character and you know it. Just don't blow it for her," Julia finished with a sigh. Max hated to admit it but she was right. He nodded very slightly and trudged off to the lodge, which was where Kristen had gone. Julia smiled and went back to the girls' dorm to unpack.
She liked this place, though people were rather predisposed to erupt, she thought. When she entered the dorm, she saw that the guys had gone and that some other girls had arrived. Leonie looked at her and started beaming almost at once.
"Oh! Newbie! Guys! We have a newbie!" she squealed.
"Ley! She's not a newbie, she's Kristen's friend. She's hear for the weekend," Juliette said.
"Yeah, and because no adults stayed, her and her friend are staying until the weekend's up," Emma continued.
"So, you've come to join in on our little party?" Daisy asked sarcastically.
"Uh, no... I just came to see Kristen. It's been nearly a year since I last saw her," Julia explained.
At this point, David poked his head in the dorm. "Hey!" he made his appearance known.
"David! Don't you knock? We could've been totally indecent!" Juliette yelled.
"Really?" he asked, wide-eyed. Daisy threw a pillow in his face and he remembered why he'd come in the first place. "Right, anyway, the captain is requesting our presence for therapy," he said with a roll of the eyes.
"Joy!" Jess said.
"Come on, Julia, this is where things get interesting," Daisy said with a kind of dark smile.
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"Okay, guys, because we have some visitors, we'll do some oldies and won't go all deep this group," Peter negotiated. The Cliffhangers grumbled to show they understood, while the Rivergliders didn't really seem to care either way. "Right."
Both Julia and Max seemed a little uncomfortable. "Don't worry, they're always like that," Kristen said in a whisper to her friends.
"In one word, pass the staff, 'I feel...'," Peter said, tossing the staff to Auggie.
"I feel dumb," he said. He passed it to Ezra.
"I feel happy." He passed it to Juliette.
"I feel excited."
"It figures," Shelby scoffed. Juliette passed her the staff. "I feel peachy," she said with a smirk in Peter's direction. She passed it to Daisy.
"I feel overwhelmed." She passed it to Scott with a roll of the eyes.
"I feel exposed." He passed it to David.
"I feel shocked," he said with a quick look at Shelby. He passed it to Jess.
"I feel fine," she said honestly. She actually had nothing to make her feel better or worse in a while. She passed it to Emma who was right beside her, sitting on the arm of a squishy chair that Alex was in. she had been sitting on his lap, but Peter had given her a very warning look so she slid up to the arm.
"I feel untrusted. Yes, I know that's not a word!" she said as some people looked up with odd looks. A few people chuckled; others gave her even weirder looks. She passed it to Alex.
"Uh, I feel..." he glanced at Emma, and wanted to say 'horny,' but somehow didn't think Peter would appreciate it, so he swallowed his words and said: "content." He threw it across the circle to Leonie.
"I feel bouncy," she said, which received many rolled eyes and laughs. She passed it to James.
"I feel tired," he said with a sigh. He passed it to Marc.
"Me too, but I also feel challenged." He glanced at Mark, but didn't say more. He passed it to Alexis.
"I feel normal, if that's possible," she said.
"No, it's actually not," Daisy said so steadily that a few people looked at her carefully and a little scared.
"Well, as normal as it gets," Alexis corrected, not wanting to get into specifics with Daisy on a deep subject like that. She just passed the staff to Andrew without another word.
"I feel concerned." He passed it to Kristen.
"I feel odd." She didn't say anything more just yet, but passed it to Max.
"I don't feel I have to do this," he said.
"Aw, come on, Max-y, tell us how you feel," Daisy said in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I feel like you should shut your mouth," he said, wheeling onto Daisy.
"I feel like you have a lot to hide," she shot back instantly. The others were just looking back and forth as if it were a tennis game.
"I feel like you should not pry into other people's business."
"I think that you should take a break and stop dumping on us because you're mad at Marc for going out with Kristen," she said. When he looked surprised and didn't offer a response, she folded her arms across her chest, satisfied.
Peter looked very surprised as well. Sophie looked at her then whispered in Peter's ear: "She's gonna take over our jobs." They looked back to the kids.
Max just sat back, a look of disgust on his face. Daisy sat back, a smile dancing on her lips. "Shall we get this show on the road?"
Julia, sensing tension, took the staff, and said quickly, "I'm very happy, but annoyed."
"Okay, group. I know this was a lot, but now tell me why, and that'll be it." Julia tossed the staff back to Auggie who caught it easily.
"I feel dumb, cause I'm the only one with a learning disorder." No one challenged this, but a lot of people looked apprehensive.
"You're doing well with your work here though, Auggie. Keep it up," Peter said encouragingly. Auggie shrugged and passed it to Ezra.
"I feel happy, cause Shelby stopped dumping on me." A lot of the Cliffhangers who remembered what it was like when Shelby would dump on him laughed.
"Yeah, well, once the weddings over, I'm not making any promises," she said. Everyone laughed this time. Ezra sighed.
"I knew it wouldn't last." He passed the staff onto Jules.
"I feel excited cause we have newbies!" she squealed.
"We're not newbies," Julia said, just a little reproachfully.
"Well, new people in the group either way," Jules said easily while beaming.
"Real people person, this one," Shelby said sarcastically.
"Just because you don't like 'em, doesn't me I don't have to!" Juliette said.
"Oh, no! They're back at each other's throats. Good old times," David said. Juliette looked at him with a "I'm not going to be the old Juliette anymore," and passed the staff to Shelby graciously.
"I feel just peachy because everything's peachy!" she said in a 'duh'-voice.
"Translated, that means: I feel frustrated because there are more new people to deal with," Scott began.
"And because the wedding's still not planned," Daisy finished.
David unexpectedly added: "and because she's on PMS."
"David!" the whole group yelled in unison as if rehearsed... in a matter of speaking, it was. Shelby threw a pillow, which hit him squarely in the face, along with a dirty look.
"Yes, I love you too sweet-pea," he said sarcastically. Both Scott and Daisy hit him, as they were both sitting beside him. Shelby just smirked. "What? You haven't told 'em about our 'undercover loving'?" he asked with even more sarcasm.
"Okay, David, that's enough!" Sophie said.
"Sophie, can't we just go?" Scott asked.
"Finish this up, and then you'll have an hour till lights out."
"Fine. Whose turn?" he whined.
"Mine," Daisy said nonchalantly. "I feel overwhelmed because I just had to comfort three people in one go. I'm just on person and they all have severe emotional complications!" she said with a sigh. "Why do my favourite people in the world have to be borderline insane."
"You're one to talk," Shelby pointed out with a smirk.
"Don't worry, we feel the same way," Scott said. Daisy passed him the staff.
"Come on, let's finish this. I want to go to bed," Daisy said, annoyed.
"To do some real undercover loving," David said with an expectant smile.
"David, one more comment like that, and it'll be kitchens," Peter warned.
"I wouldn't mind kitchens if I actually got the loving," he replied with a pleading look at Daisy. She shook her head.
"Okay, you asked for it. Five days of kitchens starting tomorrow, and going until Wednesday, counting inclusively," Peter said. "Go ahead, Scott," Peter said.
"I feel exposed because I had to relive it again," he said, keeping his eyes on the ground. Shelby squeezed his hand.
"Relive what?" Max asked bluntly.
"Do you really want to relive our little argument?" Daisy asked dangerously. He shut up. "That's better." Some people gave satisfied smiles.
"David, go ahead," Sophie said.
"I feel shocked, because... wait, there are more reasons..." he held out his hands and ticked off on his fingers. "I know Scott's past, I know Shelby's past, I'm now afraid of Shelby, I never knew Daisy was so good at arguing, never knew Max was so weak," he kept going despite Peter's warning look. "I never knew Peter would give me kitchens for a joke, never knew he'd let friends in on us like that, never knew Ley could bounce..." Everyone laughed.
"You don't yet?" Alex asked.
"Uh... yes, yes I am," he said with a nod and passed the staff to Jess who was shaking with silent giggles.
"I feel fine cause nothing's happened to disturb that." She passed it to Emma.
"I feel untrusted cause Peter thinks all we're after's sex," she said bluntly.
"I feel... uh, content's the word I used, right?" Alex asked when he received the staff. People nodded. "I feel content because I have the best girlfriend in the world," he said with an odd smile on his face. Someone made a retching noise. "Fine, I had to say something, or I'd prove Em's point!" he said defensively. Emma punched him playfully. "Well, what?! I'm a guy!" Everyone laughed. He passed it to Ley.
"I feel bouncy, cause we got new people to hang out with and... I've had way too much sugar today."
"What? Over calorie count?" Shelby asked evilly.
"No!" Ley said, shrinking into a ball on the floor where she sat.
"Shelby, you'll be joining David in kitchens. Any more nonsense and we'll make a club of it, got it?" Peter said.
"Yes, my captain," she replied sarcastically.
"Right, I feel tired cause I had detention for a stupid prank Marc and I pulled in home ec. ," James said. The Rivergliders erupted into laughter. "I had to clean," he explained. And a lot of them were wiping away tears of laughter.
"Me too, but I also feel challenged by Max. Not that he's going to win," Marc added with a glare in Max's direction.
"I feel normal, because nothing's bothered me," Alexis said with a shrug."
"Now, that's definitely not normal," Daisy said.
"Okay, Daisy, kitchens," Peter said, marking her name down next to Shelby's and David's.
"Peter!" she protested.
"I warned you," Peter said calmly. Daisy just huffed and sat back into the couch.
"I feel concerned because Ley feels bouncy," Andrew said.
"Me too!" Scott added, this brought Ley out of her sad state, but brought Scott's name down on the paper. "I know, I know! Kitchens. Whatever," he brushed it off. Peter rolled his eyes. He wouldn't feel like that after five 6 o'clock mornings, he thought.
"I feel odd," Kristen said as she received the staff, "because my previous life is mixing with my new one."
"So, you were re-incarnated too?" Daisy asked. Peter just ignored it.
"Max?" he asked loudly.
"I feel mad because I feel so distant from Kristen and because all your students are dumping on me."
"You started it," Scott said.
"Oh, real mature," Shelby whispered in his ear.
"Always worked before," he whispered back with a wink.
"I feel happy and annoyed," Julia cut in before another argument broke out, "because I get to see my best friend again, and because Max is being an ass!" she said with a nudge to his ribs. He didn't say anything, but kept blowing in anger.
"Alright, everyone needs to cool down. Sweats and shoes on, now! We're all going for a run. I want you all, Julia and Max too, in front of the dorms in ten minutes," Peter said. Sophie nodded her agreement. They all moaned and groaned, but got up all the same. Scott and Shelby left as quickly as possible talking in hushed voices, obviously disgruntled over the developments of this evenings group.
Author's Note: I know it's been a while, but as many of you may have noticed, I've been busy with two other fics (one of which is new and needs extra attention to put together). And I've been developing ideas for an HP one. Plus, I've been in Hamilton for a week, and doing all sorts of vacation things (Wonderland) and yes! I know that means nothing to you if you don't live near these places but whatever. Anyways, I'm back home and started writing again. I think this'll be a rather serious chappy... don't worry, fluff is back in the next one! Hope the sarcasm's good. Oh, and you know what to do, Emma!
"Kristen, may I speak with you for a minute?" Peter asked, walking in on one of the Rivergliders' classes, later that week. We'll make it Wednesday.
"Peter, we're in class," she pointed out. Everyone laughed. He gave her a look saying "now!" and she got up with a sigh and left. Math was her best subject. It's what was keeping her average up, due to a little bit of inattentiveness in Science. "Okay, what is it?" she asked a little more rudely than she would've, as they entered Peter's office.
"I'll let your tone slip, but only because you've got a visitor. Actually, two to be precise."
"Who? What? Doesn't anyone call around here?" she asked a little frightened at the prospect of a visitor, which probably meant her parents, whom she strongly disliked, to put it lightly.
"Uh, your sister-"
"Which one?" Kristen asked very suddenly, her eyes shrinking into suspicious slits.
"Me!" cried a voice behind her. She turned around and her face lit up at the sight of her stepsister, Julia.
"Julia!" she squealed and leapt into her arms. "I haven't seen you in forever!"
"I know! Why do you think I came down here?" she asked, laughing. As Kristen let go of her, she could see her sister properly. Julia was tall and had brown hair with blondish streaks. She had a happy face, but sadder eyes. However, upon seeing Kristen, her mouth was in a wide smile, revealing beautiful white teeth.
This wasn't the end of the surprises to hit Kristen today, though. A guy came out from behind Julia. He was shorter than Julia, but still taller than Kristen. He had short, messy black hair that looked as though it was in desperate need of a comb. He had dark eyes to match his hair and tanned skin. A rather long fringe of hair hung over his right eye. To anyone else, he probably would've looked scary and intimidating, but to Kristen, he was one of her best friends.
Peter could hear a sharp intake of breath coming from Kristen. Julia just stared at her and then at Max, then back at Kristen. Neither Max nor Kristen broke eye contact. A huge grin spread across his face, and Kristen cracked up. She walked up to him and gave him a bone-breaking hug.
"I missed you," he whispered into her hair. His eyes were welling up, but he wouldn't cry for the life of him.
"I missed you too, Max," she said back, her nose snuggling into his big, cottony sweatshirt. Peter cleared his throat and they broke apart, rather reluctantly. It'd been close to a year since they last saw each other, and for two people who were as close as siblings, that was a long time. It was made worse by the fact that Kristen had never contacted him, knowing how hard it would be.
"Okay, Kristen, your friends are here for tomorrow and the weekend. So, you're excused from classes for the rest of today to show them around, and if they like, they can spend Friday with the group, as a part of it," Peter explained.
The trio nodded, Julia looked a little too excited, Kristen though.
"Saturday," Peter continued, "we're going on a one-day hike, you may come if you like, but it's not mandatory. Sunday is free."
"We'll see about the hike, Peter," Kristen said rather skeptically. "I'll go give them the tour now," she said, opening the door to the office. "See ya later, come on guys."
"Bye, Peter," they both said, and followed Kristen out. Normally, he wouldn't take in a visitor into the group, but they were kids, Kristen's age, and he didn't have anywhere to send them. Luckily, he thought, there were some spare beds in each dorm where Scott and Shelby used to sleep.
The rather oddly matched trio left the admin building.
"When did you guys get here?" Kristen asked.
"Oh, not long ago. We had to figure out where to sign in, and then meet with Peter. He told us all the rules and checked us over for drugs. Luckily I got rid of Max's stash before we arrived," Julia explained.
"He checked you guys over?"
"Yeah, well, we decided we wanted to be included in the group as we had a school day to spend here, thanks to my lucky planning," Max said with a wink.
"You always were good for that sort of thing... or rather, not good. Anyways, that was the admin building," Kristen said.
"You're joking!" Julia said sarcastically.
"You're going to fit right in with all that sarcasm. It's insane how many people use it to hide behind. Alright, up the lane is the lodge. That's basically where we hang out in our spare time. It gets cold out here, so we prefer to stay indoors if we're not on a hike."
"You sound like you've memorized this speech," Max pointed out.
"Haven't!"
"Have so!"
"Guys! That's enough!" Julia said, putting an end to their bickering. They laughed.
"Alrighty, this is the girls' and guys' dorms. Do you want to put your stuff down?" They both made their assent known right away. They didn't know what they ought to pack, so Julia, especially, had packed a lot. Kristen knocked on the door to the guys' dorm. "Anyone in?" she yelled.
"Hey, Kristen," James said, opening the door. "Marc's in, if you wanna talk to him." At this comment Julia and Max both exchanged looks, but didn't badger Kristen... yet.
"Uh, no, I just want to know if you all are decent."
"Pretty much... or as decent as it'll get," he laughed it off. The trio entered the room. Kristen was pleased to see that there weren't too many people there. It'd make it easier on everyone for introductions. Marc was on his bunk in nothing more than boxer shorts, which nicely displayed his beautiful chest and abs. It took quite a while for Kristen to tear her eyes away from her boyfriend, but she did so with a smile.
There were also David, Daisy, Scott, and Shelby. Kristen looked puzzled to see them together, here.
"No offense there, but why are you three here?" she asked, pointing out the later three. "Shouldn't you either be in class, or in your own rooms?" Kristen asked. The only reason Shelby didn't erupt is because this was obviously really puzzling Kristen.
"Well, we were given a project to do together in Science. So I get stuck with them," she said, shrugging.
"Well, thanks, Shel, that makes me feel all warm inside," Daisy said with a smirk. Shelby just imitated that smirk and threw it right back.
"What are you," he stressed the word, "doing here, may I ask?" David said.
"Well, I'm giving the tour."
"Oh, newbies!" David said, mock enthusiasm in his voice, and clapping his hands with sarcastic excitement. "Fresh meat," he said quietly and the three around him laughed.
"This is Max, and Julia. They're not newbies though." Everyone now shut up and paid attention. "They're my friends and they're here to visit. They just ended up coming a day earlier than expected so they'll be in our group till the weekend. And as they're not old enough to own a car-well they are, but you know-they're going to be sleeping in the dorms," Kristen explained. Everyone made a face showing they understood. No one seemed very comfy with this decision though.
"Come on, guys, I've got something we can use for this in our room," Scott said. "Well, nice meeting you two. See ya, guys," he continued with a wave. David, Daisy, and Shelby waved and followed him out.
"Here, Max, you'll be sleeping here," Kristen said, sitting down on Scott's old bunk.
"What about me?" Julia asked, a little uncomfortable.
"You'll be in our dorm. This is the guys' dorm."
"Well, how come that guy said he had his own room?"
"Because the two blondes, Scott and Shelby, are engaged, and they didn't know how to handle that since it was the first engagement here between students, so Scott and Shelby are basically on a trial run," James explained.
"I thought they'd be done with their run by now," Marc added.
"How come?" Kristen asked, sitting down on his bed, next to him. Julia sat down next to Max.
"Oh, haven't I told you? They were making such a racket a bunch of us actually complained to Peter." The whole bunch exploded with laughter.
**************************************************************************************
"What's Peter playing at?" Scott burst out once he, Shelby, Daisy, and David had safely closed the door.
"What do you mean? The fact that Kristen's buddies are in our group for the weekend, or the fact that he's been pumping us for information for over year?" Daisy asked rather matter-of-factly. Scott gave her a dirty look and looked to Shelby for support. She just smirked.
"Look, I know you're not comfy with this, but we have a hike on Saturday," she said, shrugging. "Just don't give anything out until they're gone if you don't want to be found out of anything... then again, what are you still hiding?"
"Nothing, but still. I'm just not comfortable talking about my drug problem and such, let alone Elaine."
"Hey, man! I feel your pain!" David said, just a little sarcastic, which was big for David.
"What do you mean? You have said next to nothing about yourself. I think Daisy's the only one who knows anything," Scott accused. David looked taken aback, and Daisy looked a little shocked. Shelby on the other hand, nodded agreeingly.
"It's true, David, you know all about us, but you haven't told us anything," Shelby agreed.
"What are you talking about? I don't know anything about you! You guys told all your worst stuff before I got here," David protested.
"Guys, that's true," Daisy said. He was fighting a losing battle without anyone to help him, so she came to his aid.
"Fine, you tell us your story, and we'll tell you ours," Shelby decided. "I mean, you are Daisy's boyfriend, and she's my best friend, so I expect I'll be seeing a lot of you," she explained. Scott looked unsure. "Look, just in as little words as possible. No one wants to give details on this, but we might as well get it off our chests. I mean, even princess knows what happened to me."
"Fine, but you go first," Scott said. What was he agreeing to, he wondered. David looked round at Daisy and she gave him an encouraging nudge.
"My dad abused me physically and verbally," he said quickly, muddling all his words.
"Oh, I'm sorry, that... that really sucks," Scott said. He didn't really expect that. Neither did Shelby, but then again, she never was the very sappy kind, at least, with anyone but Scott.
"Yeah, I'm sorry to hear that, David," she said.
"Ya, whatever," he tried to brush it off. He was shaking just slightly. Just mentioning his dad did this to him. It was both the anger and the hurt, not to mention the fear, which did this to him. Daisy understood and sat down beside him on floor where he's sat down as the entered. "Now your turns."
Scott took in a deep breath. He knew how hard it had been for Shelby to get that out, so he was going to give her more time to collect herself. "My step-mother abused me... sexually. You know I got into drugs and shit, but that's the worst stuff."
David didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes was one of utmost shock and horror. He couldn't believe that happened. He didn't think it was even possible. He was totally and completely taken aback.
"Right," Scott said, checking to see he was all right. "Anyways, Shel?" he said, checking her. She was slightly pale of having to go back to that horrible place that was the past, but looked resolute.
"Yeah, okay, listen close, David, cause I'm only going over this once for your benefit," she said rather harshly. He frowned but listened. "My stepfather molested me, so I started running. When I was on the street and it got bad-and I mean really bad-I would turn tricks. I also saw my best friend Patty OD right in front of me. And last year when he had a heart attack, I had to go back and care for the sick bastard."
"You're joking!" David ejected. Shelby looked as if she really wasn't expected a reaction like this. "I mean, that's so much. I'm surprised you're still standing. That's a compliment by the way!" he added as she looked about ready to pounce. "You're so strong," he added.
"We all know that," Daisy said with a smirk at Shelby.
"Thanks, Dais," Shelby replied with a sarcastic smile.
"Alright, now that share time is over, we might as well get this dumb ass Science project done, or Sophie'll flip," Daisy replied. They all heaved a sigh of relief at the thought of not having to go back to the past any more... that is until their fearless leader called an official share time in the recreational center; i.e. until Peter called group in the lodge.
**************************************************************************************
"Hey, girls, this is Julia, she's my friend and is going to be staying till Sunday," Kristen explained. As she thought, Juliette, Emma, and Jess, plus Auggie and Ezra were there, doing their project. "Hey, how come Marc and James got out of class?" she asked, as the other Rivergliders had yet to leave class.
"Oh, they created some massive disturbances so they have a detention later with Arianne, but that's all I know," Juliette explained. Kristen made to laugh, but thought better of it.
"Right, so, this is Auggie, Juliette, Ezra, Jess, and Emma," she introduced.
"Hi," Juliette looked ready to have a little girl talk, but Emma didn't think so.
"Jules, we sort of have to finish this... Sorry, I'd love to sit and chat, but school calls," Emma said apologetically.
"Ah, don't worry, I'll be around all weekend. Come on, lets go check and make sure Marc and Max didn't kill each other yet," Julia told Kristen. They left laughing at some dumb stuff Max had pulled in the past.
**************************************************************************************
"Alright, to finish the tour," Kristen said as they exited the guys' dorm a few minutes later. Marc had to go to detention so they walked him over, which didn't please Max too much. "Okay, over there's the lodge, that's where group is."
"What's group?" Max asked. He kept giving Marc dirty looks every since he took Kristen's hand, and didn't let go.
"It's basically where we spill our guts to our favourite dysfunctional teens," Marc said sarcastically. Max just gave Marc another dirty look. Kristen looked around, determined not to see her best friend and her boyfriend bickering.
"Right, there's the gazebo, and that's the caf."
"Watch out for the food, it's nasty," Marc told Julia, whom he much preferred to Max.
"Uh, I'll keep that in mind," she said, starting to worry just slightly.
"It's really not that bad, it's just one of the jokes that go around quickly," Kristen quickly explained. "The classrooms are over there, which means this is the end of the road for you," she told Marc.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," he said, dreading detention with Arianne. She was a good teacher and all, but when it came to punishments, she was worse... or better? Anyways, she was big on discipline was the point. "See ya later," he whispered, gave her a little kiss, and left.
"What do you think you're doing going out with a guy like that?" Max almost exploded when Marc was out of earshot.
"It's my choice, last time I checked! You haven't been around for a year, so I doubt very much-"
"I haven't been around because you haven't let me! I didn't know where you were! I had to take it from Julia that you were dead for Christ's sake! So don't give me that crap!" Max cut off. He was furious and she could tell. She was so taken aback by his reaction that she did the only thing she knew how to do in a situation like this: run.
"Now look what you've done!" Julia said exasperatedly. "Max! Don't you think you could've been just a little nicer to her? I mean she's here for having severe emotional problems! Don't make them worse!"
"It's just... ah! She's going out with that... that... that freak!" he said, pointing a finger in the general direction of the classrooms.
"So let her! It's not your decision, like she said! Look, she likes this guy, okay. I don't know anything about him, she hasn't told me anything, but it's obvious she likes him! Kristen is a great judge of character and you know it. Just don't blow it for her," Julia finished with a sigh. Max hated to admit it but she was right. He nodded very slightly and trudged off to the lodge, which was where Kristen had gone. Julia smiled and went back to the girls' dorm to unpack.
She liked this place, though people were rather predisposed to erupt, she thought. When she entered the dorm, she saw that the guys had gone and that some other girls had arrived. Leonie looked at her and started beaming almost at once.
"Oh! Newbie! Guys! We have a newbie!" she squealed.
"Ley! She's not a newbie, she's Kristen's friend. She's hear for the weekend," Juliette said.
"Yeah, and because no adults stayed, her and her friend are staying until the weekend's up," Emma continued.
"So, you've come to join in on our little party?" Daisy asked sarcastically.
"Uh, no... I just came to see Kristen. It's been nearly a year since I last saw her," Julia explained.
At this point, David poked his head in the dorm. "Hey!" he made his appearance known.
"David! Don't you knock? We could've been totally indecent!" Juliette yelled.
"Really?" he asked, wide-eyed. Daisy threw a pillow in his face and he remembered why he'd come in the first place. "Right, anyway, the captain is requesting our presence for therapy," he said with a roll of the eyes.
"Joy!" Jess said.
"Come on, Julia, this is where things get interesting," Daisy said with a kind of dark smile.
**************************************************************************************
"Okay, guys, because we have some visitors, we'll do some oldies and won't go all deep this group," Peter negotiated. The Cliffhangers grumbled to show they understood, while the Rivergliders didn't really seem to care either way. "Right."
Both Julia and Max seemed a little uncomfortable. "Don't worry, they're always like that," Kristen said in a whisper to her friends.
"In one word, pass the staff, 'I feel...'," Peter said, tossing the staff to Auggie.
"I feel dumb," he said. He passed it to Ezra.
"I feel happy." He passed it to Juliette.
"I feel excited."
"It figures," Shelby scoffed. Juliette passed her the staff. "I feel peachy," she said with a smirk in Peter's direction. She passed it to Daisy.
"I feel overwhelmed." She passed it to Scott with a roll of the eyes.
"I feel exposed." He passed it to David.
"I feel shocked," he said with a quick look at Shelby. He passed it to Jess.
"I feel fine," she said honestly. She actually had nothing to make her feel better or worse in a while. She passed it to Emma who was right beside her, sitting on the arm of a squishy chair that Alex was in. she had been sitting on his lap, but Peter had given her a very warning look so she slid up to the arm.
"I feel untrusted. Yes, I know that's not a word!" she said as some people looked up with odd looks. A few people chuckled; others gave her even weirder looks. She passed it to Alex.
"Uh, I feel..." he glanced at Emma, and wanted to say 'horny,' but somehow didn't think Peter would appreciate it, so he swallowed his words and said: "content." He threw it across the circle to Leonie.
"I feel bouncy," she said, which received many rolled eyes and laughs. She passed it to James.
"I feel tired," he said with a sigh. He passed it to Marc.
"Me too, but I also feel challenged." He glanced at Mark, but didn't say more. He passed it to Alexis.
"I feel normal, if that's possible," she said.
"No, it's actually not," Daisy said so steadily that a few people looked at her carefully and a little scared.
"Well, as normal as it gets," Alexis corrected, not wanting to get into specifics with Daisy on a deep subject like that. She just passed the staff to Andrew without another word.
"I feel concerned." He passed it to Kristen.
"I feel odd." She didn't say anything more just yet, but passed it to Max.
"I don't feel I have to do this," he said.
"Aw, come on, Max-y, tell us how you feel," Daisy said in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I feel like you should shut your mouth," he said, wheeling onto Daisy.
"I feel like you have a lot to hide," she shot back instantly. The others were just looking back and forth as if it were a tennis game.
"I feel like you should not pry into other people's business."
"I think that you should take a break and stop dumping on us because you're mad at Marc for going out with Kristen," she said. When he looked surprised and didn't offer a response, she folded her arms across her chest, satisfied.
Peter looked very surprised as well. Sophie looked at her then whispered in Peter's ear: "She's gonna take over our jobs." They looked back to the kids.
Max just sat back, a look of disgust on his face. Daisy sat back, a smile dancing on her lips. "Shall we get this show on the road?"
Julia, sensing tension, took the staff, and said quickly, "I'm very happy, but annoyed."
"Okay, group. I know this was a lot, but now tell me why, and that'll be it." Julia tossed the staff back to Auggie who caught it easily.
"I feel dumb, cause I'm the only one with a learning disorder." No one challenged this, but a lot of people looked apprehensive.
"You're doing well with your work here though, Auggie. Keep it up," Peter said encouragingly. Auggie shrugged and passed it to Ezra.
"I feel happy, cause Shelby stopped dumping on me." A lot of the Cliffhangers who remembered what it was like when Shelby would dump on him laughed.
"Yeah, well, once the weddings over, I'm not making any promises," she said. Everyone laughed this time. Ezra sighed.
"I knew it wouldn't last." He passed the staff onto Jules.
"I feel excited cause we have newbies!" she squealed.
"We're not newbies," Julia said, just a little reproachfully.
"Well, new people in the group either way," Jules said easily while beaming.
"Real people person, this one," Shelby said sarcastically.
"Just because you don't like 'em, doesn't me I don't have to!" Juliette said.
"Oh, no! They're back at each other's throats. Good old times," David said. Juliette looked at him with a "I'm not going to be the old Juliette anymore," and passed the staff to Shelby graciously.
"I feel just peachy because everything's peachy!" she said in a 'duh'-voice.
"Translated, that means: I feel frustrated because there are more new people to deal with," Scott began.
"And because the wedding's still not planned," Daisy finished.
David unexpectedly added: "and because she's on PMS."
"David!" the whole group yelled in unison as if rehearsed... in a matter of speaking, it was. Shelby threw a pillow, which hit him squarely in the face, along with a dirty look.
"Yes, I love you too sweet-pea," he said sarcastically. Both Scott and Daisy hit him, as they were both sitting beside him. Shelby just smirked. "What? You haven't told 'em about our 'undercover loving'?" he asked with even more sarcasm.
"Okay, David, that's enough!" Sophie said.
"Sophie, can't we just go?" Scott asked.
"Finish this up, and then you'll have an hour till lights out."
"Fine. Whose turn?" he whined.
"Mine," Daisy said nonchalantly. "I feel overwhelmed because I just had to comfort three people in one go. I'm just on person and they all have severe emotional complications!" she said with a sigh. "Why do my favourite people in the world have to be borderline insane."
"You're one to talk," Shelby pointed out with a smirk.
"Don't worry, we feel the same way," Scott said. Daisy passed him the staff.
"Come on, let's finish this. I want to go to bed," Daisy said, annoyed.
"To do some real undercover loving," David said with an expectant smile.
"David, one more comment like that, and it'll be kitchens," Peter warned.
"I wouldn't mind kitchens if I actually got the loving," he replied with a pleading look at Daisy. She shook her head.
"Okay, you asked for it. Five days of kitchens starting tomorrow, and going until Wednesday, counting inclusively," Peter said. "Go ahead, Scott," Peter said.
"I feel exposed because I had to relive it again," he said, keeping his eyes on the ground. Shelby squeezed his hand.
"Relive what?" Max asked bluntly.
"Do you really want to relive our little argument?" Daisy asked dangerously. He shut up. "That's better." Some people gave satisfied smiles.
"David, go ahead," Sophie said.
"I feel shocked, because... wait, there are more reasons..." he held out his hands and ticked off on his fingers. "I know Scott's past, I know Shelby's past, I'm now afraid of Shelby, I never knew Daisy was so good at arguing, never knew Max was so weak," he kept going despite Peter's warning look. "I never knew Peter would give me kitchens for a joke, never knew he'd let friends in on us like that, never knew Ley could bounce..." Everyone laughed.
"You don't yet?" Alex asked.
"Uh... yes, yes I am," he said with a nod and passed the staff to Jess who was shaking with silent giggles.
"I feel fine cause nothing's happened to disturb that." She passed it to Emma.
"I feel untrusted cause Peter thinks all we're after's sex," she said bluntly.
"I feel... uh, content's the word I used, right?" Alex asked when he received the staff. People nodded. "I feel content because I have the best girlfriend in the world," he said with an odd smile on his face. Someone made a retching noise. "Fine, I had to say something, or I'd prove Em's point!" he said defensively. Emma punched him playfully. "Well, what?! I'm a guy!" Everyone laughed. He passed it to Ley.
"I feel bouncy, cause we got new people to hang out with and... I've had way too much sugar today."
"What? Over calorie count?" Shelby asked evilly.
"No!" Ley said, shrinking into a ball on the floor where she sat.
"Shelby, you'll be joining David in kitchens. Any more nonsense and we'll make a club of it, got it?" Peter said.
"Yes, my captain," she replied sarcastically.
"Right, I feel tired cause I had detention for a stupid prank Marc and I pulled in home ec. ," James said. The Rivergliders erupted into laughter. "I had to clean," he explained. And a lot of them were wiping away tears of laughter.
"Me too, but I also feel challenged by Max. Not that he's going to win," Marc added with a glare in Max's direction.
"I feel normal, because nothing's bothered me," Alexis said with a shrug."
"Now, that's definitely not normal," Daisy said.
"Okay, Daisy, kitchens," Peter said, marking her name down next to Shelby's and David's.
"Peter!" she protested.
"I warned you," Peter said calmly. Daisy just huffed and sat back into the couch.
"I feel concerned because Ley feels bouncy," Andrew said.
"Me too!" Scott added, this brought Ley out of her sad state, but brought Scott's name down on the paper. "I know, I know! Kitchens. Whatever," he brushed it off. Peter rolled his eyes. He wouldn't feel like that after five 6 o'clock mornings, he thought.
"I feel odd," Kristen said as she received the staff, "because my previous life is mixing with my new one."
"So, you were re-incarnated too?" Daisy asked. Peter just ignored it.
"Max?" he asked loudly.
"I feel mad because I feel so distant from Kristen and because all your students are dumping on me."
"You started it," Scott said.
"Oh, real mature," Shelby whispered in his ear.
"Always worked before," he whispered back with a wink.
"I feel happy and annoyed," Julia cut in before another argument broke out, "because I get to see my best friend again, and because Max is being an ass!" she said with a nudge to his ribs. He didn't say anything, but kept blowing in anger.
"Alright, everyone needs to cool down. Sweats and shoes on, now! We're all going for a run. I want you all, Julia and Max too, in front of the dorms in ten minutes," Peter said. Sophie nodded her agreement. They all moaned and groaned, but got up all the same. Scott and Shelby left as quickly as possible talking in hushed voices, obviously disgruntled over the developments of this evenings group.