Disclaimer: they ain't mine, and y'all know that, so no suing.
Author's Note: Thanks a bunch for the reviews, guys, y'all came through real well. I'm very thankful. I'm happy you all enjoy my silly fluffy story... despite Julia! LOL. Anyways, I'll try to continue to do justice to Shelby, Daisy, and David in terms of sarcasm... yes, you're welcome Keke. Oh, and a shout out to Jueee for noticing that I made Shel and Scott hook up in the backroom! LOL, anyone who really wants to know the story behind that, watch Queer as Folk, second best show ever! LOL, well, enjoy!
"What's crawled up Peter's ass and died?" Scott asked Shelby bitterly as they changed into their sweats.
"I don't know, but I do know that we now have kitchens for five days. How come I don't see that as a good thing?" she asked sarcastically.
"Funny," Scott said with a smirk.
"I thought so," she replied with an equal smirk.
"How far do you think we'll have to run?"
"How much time do we have till lights out?"
"Uh, an hour," Scott said, checking his watch. He winced at that realization.
"Well, there's your answer."
"What do you mean? I asked, how far, and I gave you a time," he reasoned.
"No way!" she said sarcastically. "Hey, what do you think our chances are of slipping out unnoticed?" she asked suddenly as though an idea sprung into her mind.
"Oh, not good," Scott replied with a look of horror at what Shelby was suggesting.
"Oh, where's your sense of adventure?" He looked at her as though she was insane. "Come on, what's the worst that could happen? We only have another month or so till grad."
"Come on, Shel, all that'll happen is one of our all-seeing leaders will get us for it," Scott reasoned.
"Fine, last one to the meeting spot's a rotten egg," Shelby said, getting all kiddy again.
"Oh, real mature," Scott said as she raced out the door.
"It's always worked for me, by the way, you're a rotten egg," she finally said when they reached the meeting spot, Scott arriving a mere two seconds later.
"Nice try," Daisy said, seeing what was happening. "But Shelby's always beaten us at those things."
"Better believe it," Shelby butted in.
"It's got something to do with the mentality," David said. "It's just too immature."
"Oh, look who's talking," Juliette said, coming in on the conversation. They were still waiting for some of the Riverglider girls.
"Yeah, Davey-boy, remember that stunt you pulled with the soap?" Auggie joined in.
"Oh, ya," David said, a reminiscent look on his face.
"Oh my, do you remember that little show you put on with the juices, or whatever that was?" Daisy asked. Juliette cracked up at the memory.
"Yeah, that was right before these two came and tried to settle the score for the bathroom incident," David added.
"That's what landed me on a buddy-hike with you," Scott said angrily, but everyone else laughed.
"Oh, good times, Scotty-boy," David teased. By then, the rest of the students had arrived as had Peter and Sophie... and a surprise to all: Roger.
"Okay, guys, we're going to go for a run, as it is getting late, and sun's going down, we're going to all around campus several times," Peter explained.
"How many times?" Leonie whined.
"As long as it takes," Sophie said.
"For what?" Emma asked, eyebrows asked.
"To get the results they want," Daisy said, a cryptic smile on her face.
"And these results would be...?" Shelby whispered, as Peter explained the route they'd take.
"Oh, you know, total exhaustion, for one. That way he can take over, and brainwash us." Shelby just gave her friend a sideways glance with a roll of the eyes.
"Alright, group, let's go," Peter called out, and they all started jogging.
"What's Morticia going on about now?" Scott asked Shelby with a nod in Daisy's direction.
"The usual. Come on, it's Daisy! It's to be expected," she said sarcastically.
"Right. Oh my god, I can't believe Peter's making us do this! We have kitchens tomorrow... besides we have it doubly worse," he said with a frown.
"What do you mean?"
"We have to keep it down," he explained, scowling.
"Keep it down, not stop," Shelby said with a wink.
"Shelby, remember, we can hear most of what goes on in that room," Alex said, jogging up to the couple.
"Your point?" Shelby asked looking at him with an "I don't care what you think," look on her face.
"That we don't appreciate it," Marc said, catching up to his friend and adding to the conversation.
"Whatever, guys, don't get inter a little fight. We're here cause we were fighting earlier," Juliette said.
"Princess is right, just give it a rest," Shelby said, running to catch up with Jess and leaving the guys and Jules behind her.
"So, what about Kristen's friends?" Marc asked once he'd checked that Kristen, Max, and Julia were indeed out of earshot.
"What about them?" Alex asked. He really didn't care too much about their presence.
"Well, don't you think it's weird that Peter's allowing them to be in the group for the weekend?" Scott asked, picking up Marc's lead.
"Not really. I mean, think about it, Scott," Jules said. "They're kids so they can't stay in Agnes and drive down during the day. and on top of it, they probably don't have jobs so they couldn't afford to taxi back and forth and pay for the hotel and food too."
Scott, Marc, and Alex just grumbled their agreements. They would just get a break from all the drama this weekend. Then again, maybe not.
Max and Julia had only been there a couple of hours and they'd already landed Scott, Daisy, Shelby, and David on kitchens for five days. Not to mention the fact that the Cliffies and Gliders were now jogging all over campus for an hour. This didn't really bother the groups as they were in good shape from all the exercise, but nonetheless, this was a marathon. The fact that they were all tired from a long day made it even tougher. All in all, the groups didn't really like Kristen's friends all that much.
**************************************************************************************
"Rise and shine guys, we gotta go prepare food-or it's Horizon counterpart-for our fellow inmates," David called out as he and Daisy walked in Scott and Shelby's room, which had appropriately been dubbed the "backroom" by the students who knew where Scott and Shelby had originally hooked up sexually, that is. Besides, everyone knew what happened in their room namely because David took such pride and joy in telling people what he could hear through the walls... and doors when he bothered himself to listen.
Scott and Shelby grumbled as they started waking up. There were both lying on their sides, facing each other. Scott's arm was stretched out and draped over Shelby's body.
"I almost don't want to wake them," Daisy said, watching them move closer to each other and nod off again, their foreheads touching.
"I don't know how they can stand each other's morning breath," David said sarcastically. Daisy rolled her eyes. "I know you don't want to, but we have to," he pointed out.
"I know, but you know me, I just hate to disturb a Kodak moment," she said with a small smile. David put up a finger signifying to wait a minute. He ran out of the room. A minute later he was back, his Polaroid camera in tow. "Oh, I do love your practical mind."
"Hey, now we have something concrete to bribe them with." Daisy gave him a warning look. "Alright, alright! Now I," he emphasized the word, "have something concrete to bribe them with."
"That's better. Now take the damn pictures so we can get over with those chores."
After a couple of shots, David decided his morning would not be fully wonderful without waking Scott and Shelby with a start, knowing full well they were wearing little, if any, clothing under those sheets. And he did so enjoy humiliating them.
He ran back to the dorm, leaving the camera in the "backroom" in case of further use, and returned with a miniature foghorn. Daisy rolled her eyes at him.
"I don't even want to know," she said and left for the kitchen. David shrugged and blew the horn. Shelby, as he guessed, awoke with a start, sitting straight up, and making the blanket slip off her bare chest. David gaped at her, and quickly pulled out the camera. As the shot was taken Shelby realized what was happening.
"David, you stupid prick! I'm going to kill you!" she shrieked. David just laughed evilly and joined Daisy.
"Funny?" she asked, seeing his smile.
"Tremendously," he said. He then took her hand and walked off to the kitchens with her.
Back in their room, Scott and Shelby were wide-awake, but back under the covers.
"I can't believe him. He's such a stupid prat! I can't believe he did that!" Shelby muttered.
"Don't worry, I'm gonna make sure that he gets his just... reward," Scott said. "Hey, no one gets to see you like that, but me." Shelby punched him playfully. "By the way, I love waking up to you." Shelby grinned, pulled back, and gave him the once over.
"Believe me, the pleasure's all mine, cowboy," she said. She then gave him a quick kiss and went off for a quick shower.
"Damn," Scott mumbled in amazement at the sight of her, and went to join her in the shower.
Ten minutes later, Scott and Shelby joined Daisy and David in the kitchen.
"Hey," Shelby said to Daisy.
"Hey," she returned. "Good morning."
"Not quite yet," Shelby said. She walked over to David and slapped him across the face. "Now it is," she continued, walking back to Daisy who was working on some eggs. Shelby began on the bacon, while began the pancakes. At that moment, Sophie walked in from the caf where she'd been getting things set up.
"Good morning, guys," she said cheerfully.
"Hey, Soph," Scott said.
"Good morning, Sophie," Daisy and Shelby both said.
"Hey," was all David said, as he rubbed the cheek Shelby had slapped.
Sophie got a tray full of salt and peppershakers and went back to the caf to place them on the tables.
"David," Scott began menacingly once Sophie'd left, "if you ever-and I mean EVER-mess with my girl again, I'm warning you now, it'll take everyone you know to prevent me from beating the shit out of you. Got it?"
"Uh, yep, me, mess with Shelby equals you, kicking my ass." David smiled at Scott in a rather challenging way. Scott just scoffed and ignored him.
"So, Shelby, like David's wake-up call?" Daisy asked.
"Oh, yes, terribly," Shelby said sarcastically. "Didn't you notice my wonderfully gracious thanks this morning?"
"Which is precisely why I asked," she replied, and they both laughed. "You know, you two looked so cute this morning," Daisy said pointedly.
"Did you just say that word?" Shelby asked mockingly.
"Well, you really did. I got David to take a picture of you two," Daisy said defensively.
"Oh, you so put the stupid git up to it?" Shelby asked suddenly.
"To taking a picture, not to waking you with a foghorn! Oh no, what did he do now?" she asked as she saw Shelby's face.
"He blew the horn, I woke with a start and sat up straight."
"Well, what's wrong with that?" Daisy asked, not seeing the problem.
"Uh... I uh... wasn't wearing anything, and he... uh... took a picture," Shelby explained, blushing.
"David! You prick!" Daisy yelled loudly, not even looking up from her eggs. David looked round and Scott started laughing.
"I thought you knew!" Shelby said.
"No, I thought you slapped him because of the horn," Daisy explained. Scott was still laughing at David.
"Oh, you're going to get it now, man," he said.
"David, give Shelby the picture," Daisy said slowly, still not even bothering to look up from her eggs that were going very well, and were nearly done.
"Aw, Dais, come on!" David pleaded.
"No, David, that's so dumb! I can't believe you did that," Daisy said, putting her eggs aside and going to cut fruit for the salad. David grudgingly pulled out the picture from his pocket. When he went to look at it again, Scott punched him in the shoulder, hard.
"OUCH!" he yelled. "Scott, I didn't do anything!" he whined.
"Think of it as a pre-emptive attack," Scott said with a wink at Shelby. She just took the picture from David, folded it and put it in her back pocket.
"You're not destroying it?" Daisy asked, slightly surprised. Shelby smiled evilly and shook her head.
"Shelby, I have you new found love and respect for you," David said, completely shocked.
"Uh, thanks," Shelby said, getting slightly uncomfortable. She finished up with the bacon, and helped Scott out with the cooking of the pancakes as David had gone to help Daisy with the fruit.
"Come on, guys, we have fifteen minutes left," Sophie said, coming in a little later.
"Well, perfect, cause we're all done," Scott said, washing his hands.
"Good, now you all have to serve the food, and then you can go eat, then get to class. I'll see you guys later," she said, walking out of the kitchen.
"I suppose they have someone else doing the cleanup. I mean, Peter gets such a kick out of giving out punishments," Daisy said. They all laughed.
After having eaten and finding out that a few Trackers were on cleanup, the Cliffhangers went to math.
"Oh, the joys calculus can bring to the soul," Shelby said sarcastically as they entered. Several minutes later, she could be heard groaning loudly as their teacher, Claire, tried to explain it to them in an easy-to-understand manner.
**************************************************************************************
Friday finished without much of a bang. The Cliffhangers all had to hand in their Science projects, which was no fun for anyone. Finally, classes were dismissed for the weekend. The Cliffhangers, who'd all been in the classrooms, went outside, whereas the Rivergliders were out on the soccer field for Phys. Ed. and had all gone back to the dorms for showers.
"We finally have two full days of freedom," David screamed out once they exited the classrooms and walked around outside.
"Actually, we have a hike tomorrow," Scott pointed out.
"Yeah, that's just bad luck, meat," Auggie agreed.
"Ah, shit on a stick," David cursed. Everyone looked at him with amused surprise written all over their faces.
"Shall I do the honours?" Shelby asked the others as the all tried to hide their giggles. They nodded. Shelby turned to David. "Excuse me?" she asked him with a head gesture that looked as though she was trying to get her mind around the thing.
"Shit on a stick..." he said with a shrug. They all burst out laughter. "Oh, never mind," he said, waving his hand dismissively and stomping off to the dorms.
"Wonder what got stuck up his ass," Shelby said.
"Oh, he's just cranky from the slap in the face and the picture being taken away from him this morning," Daisy said.
"Say what?" asked Emma, completely surprised.
"Oh, David decided to wake Shelb and I up in a... say... original way this morning," Scott began.
"So?" Jess asked.
"Well, I woke with a start and sat bolt upright," Shelby continued.
"And?" Juliette prodded.
"She... uh... wasn't wearing anything," Scott said with a wink. Auggie exploded in laughter.
"Yeah, and the little prat took a picture," Shelby said. Daisy was unable to speak as she was shaking with silent giggles. "Daisy finally got him to give me the picture back." Daisy straightened up.
"And he hasn't talked to me for the rest of the day," Daisy said.
"I envy you," said Emma. They all laughed at that.
"Well, I'd better go check if he's alright..." Daisy said with a shrug.
"Yeah, and we've... uh... oh, hell, you guys know what we're going to do," Scott said with a wink at the others. He grabbed Shelby's hand and she had just enough time to wave to the others before she had to run to avoid being dragged by a running Scott.
"Oh my god, those two, they're going to get into some kind of trouble," Juliette said sternly, although she smiled all along.
"You said it, twig, not me," Auggie said, laughing.
"Thank god, cause someone had to say it!" Emma replied with a roll of the eyes. "Anyways, I gotta go get Belle saddled up. We've got ourselves a little trail ride planned."
"How come Peter lets you go in the forest? No offense, but wouldn't he be scared you'd run?"
"Well, no, because I have to have Fred with me," she said shrugging.
"Aw, that sounds fun," Jess said. Juliette agreed.
"Nah, man, riding... sounds painful," Ezra piped up.
"Yeah, I'm gonna agree with EZ here," Auggie continued.
"Hey, do you two wanna come along?" Emma asked. "We have some good horses you could bring, and it'll be safe," she continued.
"Oh, that would be great!" Jules said.
"In that case, I'm gonna go play some ball. You coming, EZ?" Auggie asked. Ezra nodded, gave Jess a little kiss, and followed Auggie, that is, once Auggie had given Jules a kiss too. "Be careful chicas!" he yelled over his shoulder.
"Come on! I'm sure Fred'll be glad to have more people on the ride."
"Hey, how about Jess and I go get the other girls for a huge group ride?" Jules asked.
"Hold on, I'll check with Fred," Emma said. She rushed into the tack room of the barn where Fred could normally be found. Several minutes later, she emerged with a huge grin. "He said we could! Just make sure all the girls are wearing pants," she instructed. "Fred and I'll prepare the horses. Hold on, how many are we?" she asked.
"Well, there's you, me, Jules," Jess said, counting on her fingers, "then, Shelby, Daisy, Ley, Kristen, Julia, and Alexis," she finished.
"Alrighty, ten horses in all. If anyone else wants to come, send someone ahead to warn me," Emma said. The other two girls went in the direction of the dorms as Emma walked into the stable. "Alrighty, 10 horses, let's get cracking."
"Okay," came Fred's reply. "Who're we gonna use?"
"Well, I get Belle," Emma said easily. "I'll tack her last as she takes two seconds. We'll take Vicky for Shelby, as she's already ridden her."
"Sounds good. I'll take Billy. And, as for the others, we'll assume none of them have ridden before, so take the soundest ones."
"Okay, so how about," Emma started, taking out a piece of paper and a pen (they were in the tack room and there was a little bit of stationary), "Emma - Belle, Shelby - Vicky, Fred - Billy," she mumbled writing them down. "How about," she walked out into the alley between the stalls and looked at whom they could use. Fred just let her do it, as he wanted to give her some responsibility with the horses, "Daisy can take Nick, as he's rather dumb, but she's stubborn too," she said. Fred nodded his agreement. She noted it on the paper. "Jess can have Frankie; Jules can have Buddy." Fred nodded and Emma jotted down.
Finally, they agreed that Leonie should ride Newton, Kristen would ride Nutmeg, Julia could get Max, and Alexis would be riding Wanda.
After about fifteen minutes, Juliette and Jess had gotten all the girls to come down to the stables.
"Hey, Shelby, could you get Vicky ready? She's in her stall," Emma yelled out as they entered.
"Yep, sounds good."
Emma had all the other horses, except Belle and Billy, tied up in the alley. "Okay, who knows how to tack up?" she called out.
"I do," Juliette said.
"Well, you're riding," she checked her list, "Buddy. Third down from here. The little brown one." His stuff is beside him," Emma said. Juliette nodded and went off to tack up. "Anyone else?" she asked.
"Yeah, I can," Daisy said.
"Okay, you're riding, Nick, the big dumb, brown one with a black mane and tail down there," Emma said, chuckling. "Don't worry, he's good, just has shit for brains," she said with a shrug.
"It's all good then," Daisy said with a roll of the eyes.
"I can tack up too," Jess said.
"Okay, you're riding Frankie, right here," Emma said. Jess nodded and got to work. "Alright, no one else?" Emma asked. Everyone shook their heads. "Okay, watch close, I'll demonstrate on Nutmeg. So, Kristen, you won't have to tack up," she said.
"Score!" Kristen said with a grin. They walked up to a brown pony that looked exactly like Nick, just smaller.
"Okay, you take the saddle and put it on like this. Make sure the saddle pad, here, is lying flat," she instructed them, showing it all at the same time. "Then, you take the girth, and tie it on the lowest holes on the left side," she told them. "When you're done, you come to the other side, and tie it up as tight as you can." They all nodded. "Okay, go do that and then I'll show you bridling." They agreed they could deal with that. "Okay, Ley, you're riding Newton, right here," she showed. "Ali, you've got Wanda, the big black one down there, beside Buddy. And Julia, you've got Max, the first one over there," she indicated.
"Thanks," Julia said, walking off.
"Hey, how are you doing?" Emma asked, checking on Daisy.
"Fine. He's really good," she said. "But you are right, not much brains..." she said laughing. She was nearly done bridling. Emma checked on Jess and Jules, then showed them how to bridle.
"Okay, Fred, you can pass out the helmets, I'll get Belle ready," she yelled down the row.
"Sounds good, Em, thanks," he shouted back.
"Hey girl, how goes it?" Emma asked as she walked in Belle's stall with a brush. She quickly brushed her off, saddled, and finally bridled her.
"Everyone ready?" Fred called out. Everyone said yes, so he took Billy out and in doing so, showed them how to lead, in case they didn't know how. "Follow me, guys, one at a time, in the order you are now. Shelby, come with Vicky, once you and Emma are done," he said. Emma was just finishing up with some boots for the horse.
"Sure thing," she said. "Hey, get your big head off of me!" she said to Vicky, who was brushing up against her.
"It's love," Daisy said. "This reminds me of another horse we once had," she continued.
"Right," Shelby said, shrugging, although she knew all too well what Daisy was talking about.
Once they were all out, Emma and Shelby led their horses out and into the arena to get in the saddle.
"Okay, guys, the order for the trail ride is going to be this," Fred called out to all the girls who were sitting in their saddles. "I'll go first, then we'll have Alexis, Julia, Kristen, Ley, Jess, Jules, Daisy, Shelby, and Em, you're bringing up the rear."
"Sounds good. Belle and Vicky are okay together at least," she said.
"Alright, follow me, if you have any problems, yell out. Give a little squeeze to go, and sit back and pull on the reins to stop. Everyone understand?" Everyone nodded. "Oh, and don't let the horses eat anything."
"Because they'll die a horrible death if they do," Alexis said with a roll of the eyes. A few of the girls let out rather shallow laughs.
They all rode out of the arena and onto a trail through the woods. It was only a half-hour or so ride, but they enjoyed themselves tremendously. They talked and sang all the time.
"Well, at least we get time from the all-seeing one," Daisy said sarcastically.
"How right you are... but to make up for that, we have a day-long hike tomorrow!" Shelby said in mock enthusiasm.
"Don't forget an endless supply of groups afterward," Emma added.
"At least we escape one on Sunday," Shelby said thankfully.
"Why should we?" Jules asked, from in front of Daisy.
"Well, you see, I doubt very much Peter would want to have a rematch between darling Max and myself," Daisy said, as if she were explaining that one and one made two.
"Too true," Juliette said.
"Hear, hear," Emma called out, laughing.
After the ride was over, and they were all headed back to the dorms, Emma was beaming proudly.
"What's up with you?" Shelby asked.
"Yeah, mind throwing some of that sunny disposition this way?" Daisy asked.
"Oh, you all are just so much happier. I hate having to go to bed at night when everyone's fighting and in a bad mood," Emma replied.
"You know, to be fair, you are the one beginning most of those fights," Leonie pointed out.
"And I always have to finish them," Juliette said.
"Not that it ever works, cause we're all fighting the next morning again," Alexis.
"Well, it's all that living in close proximity of each other," Shelby said.
"That's weird, you and Scott don't fight," Jess piped up.
"Well, you see, sis, Scott and I are special," Shelby said, putting her arm around Jess's shoulders.
"How so?" she asked.
"They have different ways of talking," Daisy said with a wink.
"Yeah, it's called body language," Leonie said, swaying her hips to the last words. Everyone burst out laughing.
"Enough polluting my sister's mind," Shelby said sternly through giggles, which lost its reproachful effect.
"Right, good night, Shel," Daisy said, rolling her eyes, when they arrived at the dorms.
"Yeah, good night, Shelly," Jess said, giving her sister a hug. The others all said their good nights as they went in the dorm. Shelby went up to the boys' dorm.
"Hey, Shel," Scott said. He was sitting on the edge of Auggie's bed along with the latter. The others were either sitting on their beds, on the ground, or on their friend's bed. They formed a circled, and were all talking about god knows what. Shelby sat down in Scott's lap and joined in.
"So, what're we discussing?" she asked.
"The hike tomorrow," Alex said.
"Oh, fun, you guys are some kinda weird though," she said.
"Well, we were talking about how David got a nude pic of you, but Scott got kind of mad," Marc said defensively.
"No kidding!" she said sarcastically.
"And you know, the usual guy banter," Scott said.
"Alrighty, well, I gotta go for a shower, you coming?" she asked him seductively, whispering in his ear, an eyebrow raised.
"Bye guys," he said, getting up quickly, and following a retreating Shelby. She just laughed at his reaction.
"Good night, boys," she said, leaving the dorm. They all hooted and laughed after she'd left.
"Guys, shut up!" Scott yelled out. "Good night."
"Yeah, go get lucky, muchacho!" Auggie hollered. Scott gave the thumbs up and left. They all laughed and went to bed.
The next day would prove to be much tougher on them than they'd expected... they needed their sleep.
Author's Note: Thanks a bunch for the reviews, guys, y'all came through real well. I'm very thankful. I'm happy you all enjoy my silly fluffy story... despite Julia! LOL. Anyways, I'll try to continue to do justice to Shelby, Daisy, and David in terms of sarcasm... yes, you're welcome Keke. Oh, and a shout out to Jueee for noticing that I made Shel and Scott hook up in the backroom! LOL, anyone who really wants to know the story behind that, watch Queer as Folk, second best show ever! LOL, well, enjoy!
"What's crawled up Peter's ass and died?" Scott asked Shelby bitterly as they changed into their sweats.
"I don't know, but I do know that we now have kitchens for five days. How come I don't see that as a good thing?" she asked sarcastically.
"Funny," Scott said with a smirk.
"I thought so," she replied with an equal smirk.
"How far do you think we'll have to run?"
"How much time do we have till lights out?"
"Uh, an hour," Scott said, checking his watch. He winced at that realization.
"Well, there's your answer."
"What do you mean? I asked, how far, and I gave you a time," he reasoned.
"No way!" she said sarcastically. "Hey, what do you think our chances are of slipping out unnoticed?" she asked suddenly as though an idea sprung into her mind.
"Oh, not good," Scott replied with a look of horror at what Shelby was suggesting.
"Oh, where's your sense of adventure?" He looked at her as though she was insane. "Come on, what's the worst that could happen? We only have another month or so till grad."
"Come on, Shel, all that'll happen is one of our all-seeing leaders will get us for it," Scott reasoned.
"Fine, last one to the meeting spot's a rotten egg," Shelby said, getting all kiddy again.
"Oh, real mature," Scott said as she raced out the door.
"It's always worked for me, by the way, you're a rotten egg," she finally said when they reached the meeting spot, Scott arriving a mere two seconds later.
"Nice try," Daisy said, seeing what was happening. "But Shelby's always beaten us at those things."
"Better believe it," Shelby butted in.
"It's got something to do with the mentality," David said. "It's just too immature."
"Oh, look who's talking," Juliette said, coming in on the conversation. They were still waiting for some of the Riverglider girls.
"Yeah, Davey-boy, remember that stunt you pulled with the soap?" Auggie joined in.
"Oh, ya," David said, a reminiscent look on his face.
"Oh my, do you remember that little show you put on with the juices, or whatever that was?" Daisy asked. Juliette cracked up at the memory.
"Yeah, that was right before these two came and tried to settle the score for the bathroom incident," David added.
"That's what landed me on a buddy-hike with you," Scott said angrily, but everyone else laughed.
"Oh, good times, Scotty-boy," David teased. By then, the rest of the students had arrived as had Peter and Sophie... and a surprise to all: Roger.
"Okay, guys, we're going to go for a run, as it is getting late, and sun's going down, we're going to all around campus several times," Peter explained.
"How many times?" Leonie whined.
"As long as it takes," Sophie said.
"For what?" Emma asked, eyebrows asked.
"To get the results they want," Daisy said, a cryptic smile on her face.
"And these results would be...?" Shelby whispered, as Peter explained the route they'd take.
"Oh, you know, total exhaustion, for one. That way he can take over, and brainwash us." Shelby just gave her friend a sideways glance with a roll of the eyes.
"Alright, group, let's go," Peter called out, and they all started jogging.
"What's Morticia going on about now?" Scott asked Shelby with a nod in Daisy's direction.
"The usual. Come on, it's Daisy! It's to be expected," she said sarcastically.
"Right. Oh my god, I can't believe Peter's making us do this! We have kitchens tomorrow... besides we have it doubly worse," he said with a frown.
"What do you mean?"
"We have to keep it down," he explained, scowling.
"Keep it down, not stop," Shelby said with a wink.
"Shelby, remember, we can hear most of what goes on in that room," Alex said, jogging up to the couple.
"Your point?" Shelby asked looking at him with an "I don't care what you think," look on her face.
"That we don't appreciate it," Marc said, catching up to his friend and adding to the conversation.
"Whatever, guys, don't get inter a little fight. We're here cause we were fighting earlier," Juliette said.
"Princess is right, just give it a rest," Shelby said, running to catch up with Jess and leaving the guys and Jules behind her.
"So, what about Kristen's friends?" Marc asked once he'd checked that Kristen, Max, and Julia were indeed out of earshot.
"What about them?" Alex asked. He really didn't care too much about their presence.
"Well, don't you think it's weird that Peter's allowing them to be in the group for the weekend?" Scott asked, picking up Marc's lead.
"Not really. I mean, think about it, Scott," Jules said. "They're kids so they can't stay in Agnes and drive down during the day. and on top of it, they probably don't have jobs so they couldn't afford to taxi back and forth and pay for the hotel and food too."
Scott, Marc, and Alex just grumbled their agreements. They would just get a break from all the drama this weekend. Then again, maybe not.
Max and Julia had only been there a couple of hours and they'd already landed Scott, Daisy, Shelby, and David on kitchens for five days. Not to mention the fact that the Cliffies and Gliders were now jogging all over campus for an hour. This didn't really bother the groups as they were in good shape from all the exercise, but nonetheless, this was a marathon. The fact that they were all tired from a long day made it even tougher. All in all, the groups didn't really like Kristen's friends all that much.
**************************************************************************************
"Rise and shine guys, we gotta go prepare food-or it's Horizon counterpart-for our fellow inmates," David called out as he and Daisy walked in Scott and Shelby's room, which had appropriately been dubbed the "backroom" by the students who knew where Scott and Shelby had originally hooked up sexually, that is. Besides, everyone knew what happened in their room namely because David took such pride and joy in telling people what he could hear through the walls... and doors when he bothered himself to listen.
Scott and Shelby grumbled as they started waking up. There were both lying on their sides, facing each other. Scott's arm was stretched out and draped over Shelby's body.
"I almost don't want to wake them," Daisy said, watching them move closer to each other and nod off again, their foreheads touching.
"I don't know how they can stand each other's morning breath," David said sarcastically. Daisy rolled her eyes. "I know you don't want to, but we have to," he pointed out.
"I know, but you know me, I just hate to disturb a Kodak moment," she said with a small smile. David put up a finger signifying to wait a minute. He ran out of the room. A minute later he was back, his Polaroid camera in tow. "Oh, I do love your practical mind."
"Hey, now we have something concrete to bribe them with." Daisy gave him a warning look. "Alright, alright! Now I," he emphasized the word, "have something concrete to bribe them with."
"That's better. Now take the damn pictures so we can get over with those chores."
After a couple of shots, David decided his morning would not be fully wonderful without waking Scott and Shelby with a start, knowing full well they were wearing little, if any, clothing under those sheets. And he did so enjoy humiliating them.
He ran back to the dorm, leaving the camera in the "backroom" in case of further use, and returned with a miniature foghorn. Daisy rolled her eyes at him.
"I don't even want to know," she said and left for the kitchen. David shrugged and blew the horn. Shelby, as he guessed, awoke with a start, sitting straight up, and making the blanket slip off her bare chest. David gaped at her, and quickly pulled out the camera. As the shot was taken Shelby realized what was happening.
"David, you stupid prick! I'm going to kill you!" she shrieked. David just laughed evilly and joined Daisy.
"Funny?" she asked, seeing his smile.
"Tremendously," he said. He then took her hand and walked off to the kitchens with her.
Back in their room, Scott and Shelby were wide-awake, but back under the covers.
"I can't believe him. He's such a stupid prat! I can't believe he did that!" Shelby muttered.
"Don't worry, I'm gonna make sure that he gets his just... reward," Scott said. "Hey, no one gets to see you like that, but me." Shelby punched him playfully. "By the way, I love waking up to you." Shelby grinned, pulled back, and gave him the once over.
"Believe me, the pleasure's all mine, cowboy," she said. She then gave him a quick kiss and went off for a quick shower.
"Damn," Scott mumbled in amazement at the sight of her, and went to join her in the shower.
Ten minutes later, Scott and Shelby joined Daisy and David in the kitchen.
"Hey," Shelby said to Daisy.
"Hey," she returned. "Good morning."
"Not quite yet," Shelby said. She walked over to David and slapped him across the face. "Now it is," she continued, walking back to Daisy who was working on some eggs. Shelby began on the bacon, while began the pancakes. At that moment, Sophie walked in from the caf where she'd been getting things set up.
"Good morning, guys," she said cheerfully.
"Hey, Soph," Scott said.
"Good morning, Sophie," Daisy and Shelby both said.
"Hey," was all David said, as he rubbed the cheek Shelby had slapped.
Sophie got a tray full of salt and peppershakers and went back to the caf to place them on the tables.
"David," Scott began menacingly once Sophie'd left, "if you ever-and I mean EVER-mess with my girl again, I'm warning you now, it'll take everyone you know to prevent me from beating the shit out of you. Got it?"
"Uh, yep, me, mess with Shelby equals you, kicking my ass." David smiled at Scott in a rather challenging way. Scott just scoffed and ignored him.
"So, Shelby, like David's wake-up call?" Daisy asked.
"Oh, yes, terribly," Shelby said sarcastically. "Didn't you notice my wonderfully gracious thanks this morning?"
"Which is precisely why I asked," she replied, and they both laughed. "You know, you two looked so cute this morning," Daisy said pointedly.
"Did you just say that word?" Shelby asked mockingly.
"Well, you really did. I got David to take a picture of you two," Daisy said defensively.
"Oh, you so put the stupid git up to it?" Shelby asked suddenly.
"To taking a picture, not to waking you with a foghorn! Oh no, what did he do now?" she asked as she saw Shelby's face.
"He blew the horn, I woke with a start and sat up straight."
"Well, what's wrong with that?" Daisy asked, not seeing the problem.
"Uh... I uh... wasn't wearing anything, and he... uh... took a picture," Shelby explained, blushing.
"David! You prick!" Daisy yelled loudly, not even looking up from her eggs. David looked round and Scott started laughing.
"I thought you knew!" Shelby said.
"No, I thought you slapped him because of the horn," Daisy explained. Scott was still laughing at David.
"Oh, you're going to get it now, man," he said.
"David, give Shelby the picture," Daisy said slowly, still not even bothering to look up from her eggs that were going very well, and were nearly done.
"Aw, Dais, come on!" David pleaded.
"No, David, that's so dumb! I can't believe you did that," Daisy said, putting her eggs aside and going to cut fruit for the salad. David grudgingly pulled out the picture from his pocket. When he went to look at it again, Scott punched him in the shoulder, hard.
"OUCH!" he yelled. "Scott, I didn't do anything!" he whined.
"Think of it as a pre-emptive attack," Scott said with a wink at Shelby. She just took the picture from David, folded it and put it in her back pocket.
"You're not destroying it?" Daisy asked, slightly surprised. Shelby smiled evilly and shook her head.
"Shelby, I have you new found love and respect for you," David said, completely shocked.
"Uh, thanks," Shelby said, getting slightly uncomfortable. She finished up with the bacon, and helped Scott out with the cooking of the pancakes as David had gone to help Daisy with the fruit.
"Come on, guys, we have fifteen minutes left," Sophie said, coming in a little later.
"Well, perfect, cause we're all done," Scott said, washing his hands.
"Good, now you all have to serve the food, and then you can go eat, then get to class. I'll see you guys later," she said, walking out of the kitchen.
"I suppose they have someone else doing the cleanup. I mean, Peter gets such a kick out of giving out punishments," Daisy said. They all laughed.
After having eaten and finding out that a few Trackers were on cleanup, the Cliffhangers went to math.
"Oh, the joys calculus can bring to the soul," Shelby said sarcastically as they entered. Several minutes later, she could be heard groaning loudly as their teacher, Claire, tried to explain it to them in an easy-to-understand manner.
**************************************************************************************
Friday finished without much of a bang. The Cliffhangers all had to hand in their Science projects, which was no fun for anyone. Finally, classes were dismissed for the weekend. The Cliffhangers, who'd all been in the classrooms, went outside, whereas the Rivergliders were out on the soccer field for Phys. Ed. and had all gone back to the dorms for showers.
"We finally have two full days of freedom," David screamed out once they exited the classrooms and walked around outside.
"Actually, we have a hike tomorrow," Scott pointed out.
"Yeah, that's just bad luck, meat," Auggie agreed.
"Ah, shit on a stick," David cursed. Everyone looked at him with amused surprise written all over their faces.
"Shall I do the honours?" Shelby asked the others as the all tried to hide their giggles. They nodded. Shelby turned to David. "Excuse me?" she asked him with a head gesture that looked as though she was trying to get her mind around the thing.
"Shit on a stick..." he said with a shrug. They all burst out laughter. "Oh, never mind," he said, waving his hand dismissively and stomping off to the dorms.
"Wonder what got stuck up his ass," Shelby said.
"Oh, he's just cranky from the slap in the face and the picture being taken away from him this morning," Daisy said.
"Say what?" asked Emma, completely surprised.
"Oh, David decided to wake Shelb and I up in a... say... original way this morning," Scott began.
"So?" Jess asked.
"Well, I woke with a start and sat bolt upright," Shelby continued.
"And?" Juliette prodded.
"She... uh... wasn't wearing anything," Scott said with a wink. Auggie exploded in laughter.
"Yeah, and the little prat took a picture," Shelby said. Daisy was unable to speak as she was shaking with silent giggles. "Daisy finally got him to give me the picture back." Daisy straightened up.
"And he hasn't talked to me for the rest of the day," Daisy said.
"I envy you," said Emma. They all laughed at that.
"Well, I'd better go check if he's alright..." Daisy said with a shrug.
"Yeah, and we've... uh... oh, hell, you guys know what we're going to do," Scott said with a wink at the others. He grabbed Shelby's hand and she had just enough time to wave to the others before she had to run to avoid being dragged by a running Scott.
"Oh my god, those two, they're going to get into some kind of trouble," Juliette said sternly, although she smiled all along.
"You said it, twig, not me," Auggie said, laughing.
"Thank god, cause someone had to say it!" Emma replied with a roll of the eyes. "Anyways, I gotta go get Belle saddled up. We've got ourselves a little trail ride planned."
"How come Peter lets you go in the forest? No offense, but wouldn't he be scared you'd run?"
"Well, no, because I have to have Fred with me," she said shrugging.
"Aw, that sounds fun," Jess said. Juliette agreed.
"Nah, man, riding... sounds painful," Ezra piped up.
"Yeah, I'm gonna agree with EZ here," Auggie continued.
"Hey, do you two wanna come along?" Emma asked. "We have some good horses you could bring, and it'll be safe," she continued.
"Oh, that would be great!" Jules said.
"In that case, I'm gonna go play some ball. You coming, EZ?" Auggie asked. Ezra nodded, gave Jess a little kiss, and followed Auggie, that is, once Auggie had given Jules a kiss too. "Be careful chicas!" he yelled over his shoulder.
"Come on! I'm sure Fred'll be glad to have more people on the ride."
"Hey, how about Jess and I go get the other girls for a huge group ride?" Jules asked.
"Hold on, I'll check with Fred," Emma said. She rushed into the tack room of the barn where Fred could normally be found. Several minutes later, she emerged with a huge grin. "He said we could! Just make sure all the girls are wearing pants," she instructed. "Fred and I'll prepare the horses. Hold on, how many are we?" she asked.
"Well, there's you, me, Jules," Jess said, counting on her fingers, "then, Shelby, Daisy, Ley, Kristen, Julia, and Alexis," she finished.
"Alrighty, ten horses in all. If anyone else wants to come, send someone ahead to warn me," Emma said. The other two girls went in the direction of the dorms as Emma walked into the stable. "Alrighty, 10 horses, let's get cracking."
"Okay," came Fred's reply. "Who're we gonna use?"
"Well, I get Belle," Emma said easily. "I'll tack her last as she takes two seconds. We'll take Vicky for Shelby, as she's already ridden her."
"Sounds good. I'll take Billy. And, as for the others, we'll assume none of them have ridden before, so take the soundest ones."
"Okay, so how about," Emma started, taking out a piece of paper and a pen (they were in the tack room and there was a little bit of stationary), "Emma - Belle, Shelby - Vicky, Fred - Billy," she mumbled writing them down. "How about," she walked out into the alley between the stalls and looked at whom they could use. Fred just let her do it, as he wanted to give her some responsibility with the horses, "Daisy can take Nick, as he's rather dumb, but she's stubborn too," she said. Fred nodded his agreement. She noted it on the paper. "Jess can have Frankie; Jules can have Buddy." Fred nodded and Emma jotted down.
Finally, they agreed that Leonie should ride Newton, Kristen would ride Nutmeg, Julia could get Max, and Alexis would be riding Wanda.
After about fifteen minutes, Juliette and Jess had gotten all the girls to come down to the stables.
"Hey, Shelby, could you get Vicky ready? She's in her stall," Emma yelled out as they entered.
"Yep, sounds good."
Emma had all the other horses, except Belle and Billy, tied up in the alley. "Okay, who knows how to tack up?" she called out.
"I do," Juliette said.
"Well, you're riding," she checked her list, "Buddy. Third down from here. The little brown one." His stuff is beside him," Emma said. Juliette nodded and went off to tack up. "Anyone else?" she asked.
"Yeah, I can," Daisy said.
"Okay, you're riding, Nick, the big dumb, brown one with a black mane and tail down there," Emma said, chuckling. "Don't worry, he's good, just has shit for brains," she said with a shrug.
"It's all good then," Daisy said with a roll of the eyes.
"I can tack up too," Jess said.
"Okay, you're riding Frankie, right here," Emma said. Jess nodded and got to work. "Alright, no one else?" Emma asked. Everyone shook their heads. "Okay, watch close, I'll demonstrate on Nutmeg. So, Kristen, you won't have to tack up," she said.
"Score!" Kristen said with a grin. They walked up to a brown pony that looked exactly like Nick, just smaller.
"Okay, you take the saddle and put it on like this. Make sure the saddle pad, here, is lying flat," she instructed them, showing it all at the same time. "Then, you take the girth, and tie it on the lowest holes on the left side," she told them. "When you're done, you come to the other side, and tie it up as tight as you can." They all nodded. "Okay, go do that and then I'll show you bridling." They agreed they could deal with that. "Okay, Ley, you're riding Newton, right here," she showed. "Ali, you've got Wanda, the big black one down there, beside Buddy. And Julia, you've got Max, the first one over there," she indicated.
"Thanks," Julia said, walking off.
"Hey, how are you doing?" Emma asked, checking on Daisy.
"Fine. He's really good," she said. "But you are right, not much brains..." she said laughing. She was nearly done bridling. Emma checked on Jess and Jules, then showed them how to bridle.
"Okay, Fred, you can pass out the helmets, I'll get Belle ready," she yelled down the row.
"Sounds good, Em, thanks," he shouted back.
"Hey girl, how goes it?" Emma asked as she walked in Belle's stall with a brush. She quickly brushed her off, saddled, and finally bridled her.
"Everyone ready?" Fred called out. Everyone said yes, so he took Billy out and in doing so, showed them how to lead, in case they didn't know how. "Follow me, guys, one at a time, in the order you are now. Shelby, come with Vicky, once you and Emma are done," he said. Emma was just finishing up with some boots for the horse.
"Sure thing," she said. "Hey, get your big head off of me!" she said to Vicky, who was brushing up against her.
"It's love," Daisy said. "This reminds me of another horse we once had," she continued.
"Right," Shelby said, shrugging, although she knew all too well what Daisy was talking about.
Once they were all out, Emma and Shelby led their horses out and into the arena to get in the saddle.
"Okay, guys, the order for the trail ride is going to be this," Fred called out to all the girls who were sitting in their saddles. "I'll go first, then we'll have Alexis, Julia, Kristen, Ley, Jess, Jules, Daisy, Shelby, and Em, you're bringing up the rear."
"Sounds good. Belle and Vicky are okay together at least," she said.
"Alright, follow me, if you have any problems, yell out. Give a little squeeze to go, and sit back and pull on the reins to stop. Everyone understand?" Everyone nodded. "Oh, and don't let the horses eat anything."
"Because they'll die a horrible death if they do," Alexis said with a roll of the eyes. A few of the girls let out rather shallow laughs.
They all rode out of the arena and onto a trail through the woods. It was only a half-hour or so ride, but they enjoyed themselves tremendously. They talked and sang all the time.
"Well, at least we get time from the all-seeing one," Daisy said sarcastically.
"How right you are... but to make up for that, we have a day-long hike tomorrow!" Shelby said in mock enthusiasm.
"Don't forget an endless supply of groups afterward," Emma added.
"At least we escape one on Sunday," Shelby said thankfully.
"Why should we?" Jules asked, from in front of Daisy.
"Well, you see, I doubt very much Peter would want to have a rematch between darling Max and myself," Daisy said, as if she were explaining that one and one made two.
"Too true," Juliette said.
"Hear, hear," Emma called out, laughing.
After the ride was over, and they were all headed back to the dorms, Emma was beaming proudly.
"What's up with you?" Shelby asked.
"Yeah, mind throwing some of that sunny disposition this way?" Daisy asked.
"Oh, you all are just so much happier. I hate having to go to bed at night when everyone's fighting and in a bad mood," Emma replied.
"You know, to be fair, you are the one beginning most of those fights," Leonie pointed out.
"And I always have to finish them," Juliette said.
"Not that it ever works, cause we're all fighting the next morning again," Alexis.
"Well, it's all that living in close proximity of each other," Shelby said.
"That's weird, you and Scott don't fight," Jess piped up.
"Well, you see, sis, Scott and I are special," Shelby said, putting her arm around Jess's shoulders.
"How so?" she asked.
"They have different ways of talking," Daisy said with a wink.
"Yeah, it's called body language," Leonie said, swaying her hips to the last words. Everyone burst out laughing.
"Enough polluting my sister's mind," Shelby said sternly through giggles, which lost its reproachful effect.
"Right, good night, Shel," Daisy said, rolling her eyes, when they arrived at the dorms.
"Yeah, good night, Shelly," Jess said, giving her sister a hug. The others all said their good nights as they went in the dorm. Shelby went up to the boys' dorm.
"Hey, Shel," Scott said. He was sitting on the edge of Auggie's bed along with the latter. The others were either sitting on their beds, on the ground, or on their friend's bed. They formed a circled, and were all talking about god knows what. Shelby sat down in Scott's lap and joined in.
"So, what're we discussing?" she asked.
"The hike tomorrow," Alex said.
"Oh, fun, you guys are some kinda weird though," she said.
"Well, we were talking about how David got a nude pic of you, but Scott got kind of mad," Marc said defensively.
"No kidding!" she said sarcastically.
"And you know, the usual guy banter," Scott said.
"Alrighty, well, I gotta go for a shower, you coming?" she asked him seductively, whispering in his ear, an eyebrow raised.
"Bye guys," he said, getting up quickly, and following a retreating Shelby. She just laughed at his reaction.
"Good night, boys," she said, leaving the dorm. They all hooted and laughed after she'd left.
"Guys, shut up!" Scott yelled out. "Good night."
"Yeah, go get lucky, muchacho!" Auggie hollered. Scott gave the thumbs up and left. They all laughed and went to bed.
The next day would prove to be much tougher on them than they'd expected... they needed their sleep.