Chapter Seven- Free Falling
I wish I could fly From this building, From this wall. And if I should try, Would you catch me, If I fall. The Bare Naked Ladies
"Make it quick Peter, I was just helping Frank fit the kids for their caps and gowns. He's so excited, so are the kids at least I think. You should see Scott and Shelby..." Sophie stopped when she got a good look at Peter. His face was pale, drained of all color. He sat perfectly still staring up at her, clenching a piece of paper in his right hand. "What?" she asked narrowing her eyes at him in confusion.
"Read this," he said, still partially in a daze, shaking his head, as he handed the letter to her.
"Ok..." Sophie took the letter and began reading out loud. "Dear Mr. Scarbrow, I am writing in regards of Scott's final Horizon payment. Here is the remainder of my bill in full. I will be unable to attend the final Graduation ceremonies and I wish to not discredit you for the work you have done in helping my son. Unfortunately, Scott and I no longer see eye to eye so I'm sure my presence at the ceremony will not be missed. I would also greatly appreciate it if you could inform Scott of his future.
"Mr. Scarbrow, it is clear to me that I no longer have the son I once had. Scott has changed and I wish to no longer be included in his life. A follow up letter with a key to a space in storage will arrive soon, please give it to Scott. There he will find all of his belongings. If he wishes to live with his mother, that is his choice, but he is no longer welcome in my home. Scott is aware of where he stands financially and I'm sure will be able to survive on his own for some time before having to secure his own job I just wish to have no part of his life any longer. I hope that you understand. Please pass this information on to Scott. Sincerely, Mr. Barringer."
Sophie dropped the letter and looked down at Peter in disgust. "How could any man do that to their own son!" she shouted in outrage.
"How are we supposed to tell him this?" Peter asked just as outraged and confused.
"Peter, he's going to be crushed."
"What possibly could have brought something like this on?" Peter asked. "Did something happen when he was at home? Has he shared anything with you in group?" he wanted some answers, some sort of sense of the situation.
"Nothing," Sophie said shaking her head. "This is unreal."
"We have to tell him."
"Peter, no. We can't, at least not right now. Not tonight."
"Then tomorrow, Sophie, the sooner we let him know what's going on the better." "Oh god Peter... what can we do?"
"We'll figure something out. I mean I know Scott does have some sort of trust fund so Mr. Barringer is right, he will be set for some time but..."
"Poor Scott."
"We'll help him Soph, don't worry. We owe it to this kid... I'll figure something out. We just have to."
Do you ever put your arms up And spin really fast? That's what love is like. It makes your heart race And turn's the world upside down. But if you're not careful, If you don't keep your eyes on something still, You can lose your balance, You can't see what's happening To the people around you. You can't see that you're about to fall.
"Practical Magic"
"Where did you find this place?" Shelby asked as she sat down in front of Scott, his arms wrapped around her, as they sat together on the edge of the cliff, watching the sunset.
"Ezra." Scott said smiling to himself.
"Really? Wow... I just had no idea somewhere this beautiful existed."
"It is amazing, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Shelby replied turning to him and smiling. "No more sunsets like this in a few more weeks..." She said sadly.
"I can't believe we're graduating."
"Home sweet home..." Shelby muttered sarcastically. "I'm gonna miss you SO much."
"Who says that we have to be so far apart? I meant what I said Shel, I'm not going back home to live with him. "
"Yeah but Scott, what are you gonna do, come move in with me?"
Scott looked down at her and smiled mischievously.
"Wouldn't be so bad now would it?" "Oh yeah I'm sure my mom would just LOVE that."
Scott smiled.
"I can get an apartment near your place," he suggested.
"You wouldn't exactly want to live near my place."
"Why not."
"Because Scott it's a hell hole. We're trash. We live in a trashy neighborhood, in a bad part of town."
"Well who says I can afford and upper class life style."
"Scott, we both know you have money."
"What if you moved in somewhere nice with me?"
"Are you kidding me, my mother can't wait till I get back and I can help her with everything, Slave Shelby once again."
"It doesn't have to be that way Shel, you're eighteen, you can do what you want now."
"It's not that easy Scott."
"I know," he said sadly. "It's just fun to pretend sometimes."
"Well you know, if you want to pretend, let's do it the right way," Shelby began. "Now, you see that path right there," she said turning and pointing. "That leads to our house on the hills. One of many of course, but this is our favorite. It's huge, five bedrooms, One for each of our kids, there's four of them, three boys and a girl. Alyson is the youngest, you spoil her rotten. Devin is in college now, a sophomore, can you believe it? Full scholarship to a pack ten school... he's a football star," she looked up and Scott and smiled. "Josh is a senior in high school. He's heading to the ivy leagues next fall, a full academic ride, plus some... he wants to be an architect. And then there's little Peter. He's only a year older then Ally, she's twelve, he's thirteen. He's her keeper. We named him after Scarbrow of course and he's got a heart of gold. Are kids are wonderful, almost as wonderful as our marriage. We never fight, we share everything, and there's still that spark... you know the one, that feeling when we kiss. After almost 21 years we've still got the magic. Horizon still plays a big part on our life. When were at our house on the hills, just up there, we visit Horizon constantly. We hit it big in the stock market and neither one of us has to work but we do, because we give a lot of our money to Horizon, to keep it alive, and when Peter retires, he's already talked you into taking charge, we can't wait. I'm a school principal, and you're a very successful lawyer, you're specialty is troubled teens and custody suits, you always win. We're healthy and happy, and every year we get together with Ezra and Daisy and their two kids, and Juliette and Auggie and their seven, Juliette finally gave up on throwing up. Surprisingly enough we turned out alright," she looked up at Scott for approval. "What do you think?"
Scott kissed her softly on the forehead and smiled.
"Sounds perfect." "Yeah..." She said turning away. "Almost too perfect."
"Nothing's too perfect Shel," Scott said reassuring her. "Look at our lives, we've come so far. We deserve something good to happen to us."
"I'm just scared."
"Scared of what?"
"Losing you."
"You're not losing me."
"Yes, I am in a few weeks we're graduating and that's the end."
"Shelby, I told you, we'll work it out."
"I wish it was that simple but we both know Scott, it's not."
"I will work something out, believe me, just have a little faith."
"I'm trying it's just... everything's so great, between us, in general, in... just everything... it's like I'm just waiting for the fall."
"There's not gonna be a fall this time," Scott said firmly. "I'm not gonna let it happen," he added, moving in for a kiss.
"Awwwww how cute," Tess said sneaking up behind Scott and Shelby. The two pulled apart abruptly and stared at Tess.
"Who the hell are you?" Shelby asked shooting Tess an evil look. Tess just stood there laughing.
"It's so sad that you two have to run away like this in order to just kiss. My sister and her fiancée really have some strict rules huh?"
"What are you talking about?" Scott asked not in the least bit amused.
"Young love," Tess said walking away. "Aint it sweet?"
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Scott asked getting up after her.
"Tess Becker," Tess said turning to face Scott and now Shelby also. "I'm here for the wedding."
"Becker? You mean you're Sophie's sister?" Shelby asked annoyed.
"You got it," Tess replied sarcastically. "I'm here for the wedding," She repeated.
"Wonderful..." Shelby replied dryly. "SO... what are you doing up here? Besides you know, spying on us." Tess laughed.
"Just got bored," she said simply. "I saw you too and..." she placed her hand suggestively on Scott's shoulder. "I thought your boyfriend here was kinda cute."
Scott quickly shrugged it off.
"Lay off," Shelby warned defensively.
"Or what?" Tess asked testing her. Scott pulled Shelby aside.
"Let's go," He said beginning to pull her down the hill.
"Awwwww how cute," Tess squealed. "He's looking out for you."
This time it was Scott's turn to get in Tess's face.
"Listen," he began, dropping Shelby's hand and moving closer. "Leave my girlfriend and I the hell alone and we won't have a problem, but mess with us and I promise you, you're visit here will not be a good one."
"Is that a threat," Tess asked sickeningly sweetly.
"More like a promise," Scott replied.
"Oh I'm so scared," Tess said sarcastically, making a face.
"You should be," Shelby said jumping in.
"And why's that?" Tess asked. "You gonna go tell my former junkie sister and her ex alcoholic fiancée. PLEASE, there's nothing they can do about it."
"WHAT did you just call them?" Scott said ready to snap. Shelby caught that look in his eye and interrupted before he got nasty.
"Look, That former Junkie there, well she's the closest thing to a mother that I've ever had and that EX alcoholic, well he saved me from a life on the streets, selling my body for food! I'm NOT going to let you talk about them like that. They deserve better," Shelby demanded pushing Tess out of the way. She grabbed Scott's hand and pulled him in the direction of the campus.
"You little bitch," Tess said pulling Shelby away. "I'm not gonna let a tramp like you talk to me like that," She added pushing her back. It was Shelby's turn to spin out of control as she charged at Tess sending the two of them flying to the ground. Scott tried to pull them apart but it was no use. Had it not been for Peter and Sophie's sudden appearance, Scott was sure some physical damage would have been done.
"What's going on here?" Peter shouted pulling the two girls apart.
"I can't believe she's your sister," Shelby said breathlessly, pointing to Tess and turning to Sophie. "What did you do now oh little one?" Sophie asked sternly turning to her little sister.
"Just putting this trash in her place, that's all," Tess replied shooting daggers at Shelby.
"Excuse Me?" Sophie asked outraged, turning to Tess. "What did you just call her?"
"Trash, just like she is," Tess replied without so much as blinking.
"Oh that's it." Sophie said fuming. "All my life Tess I've wanted to do this and now I finally get the chance. Leave!" she shouted pointing back down the trail.
"What?" Tess asked confused.
"Leave and don't come back."
"Sophie what are you talking about? Don't come back where?"
"Here, there, ANYWHERE near me."
Tess took a step back, appalled. "Are you kidding me? What about the wedding?"
"Forget it, I'll find someone else to be my maid of honor."
"But I'm your sister."
"By blood alone, if you can't respect these kids Tess then there's nothing for you and I to talk about. Horizon and Peter are my life now and as far as I'm concerned it's a happier place without you in it. I've never turned my back on anyone before in my life but for some reason it's easy to do to someone as self serving and just completely horrible as you. Now go. When I get back down from this mountain I want to see you packing your bags to head out of here."
"Sophie, you can't mean that."
"Oh I do, now go, NOW!"
"Whatever!" Tess shouted storming down the mountain.
"Unbelievable!" Sophie shouted loud enough for Tess to hear.
"Oh god Soph... I'm so sorry," Peter said finally stepping in.
"I should have known..." Sophie said sighing. "It was too good to be true."
"I'm sorry Sophie," Shelby said finally apologizing. "She just..."
"You don't need to explain Shel," Sophie said sympathetically. "She's always been that way... good ol' Tess"
"So now what?" Scott asked. "You're out a maid of honor."
"No," Sophie said shaking her head. "Not really..."
Sophie looked at Shelby and smiled Shelby returned the gaze confused.
"What?" Shelby asked.
"How about you step in?" Sophie asked smiling even wider when she saw the look on Peter's face.
"Me?" Shelby asked amazed. "Are you sure?"
"Why not? You and Scott can walk down the isle together, it'll be fun. Please say yes."
Shelby smiled and nodded, slightly unsure yet still excited at the thought.
"Yes."
I wish I could fly From this building, From this wall. And if I should try, Would you catch me, If I fall. The Bare Naked Ladies
"Make it quick Peter, I was just helping Frank fit the kids for their caps and gowns. He's so excited, so are the kids at least I think. You should see Scott and Shelby..." Sophie stopped when she got a good look at Peter. His face was pale, drained of all color. He sat perfectly still staring up at her, clenching a piece of paper in his right hand. "What?" she asked narrowing her eyes at him in confusion.
"Read this," he said, still partially in a daze, shaking his head, as he handed the letter to her.
"Ok..." Sophie took the letter and began reading out loud. "Dear Mr. Scarbrow, I am writing in regards of Scott's final Horizon payment. Here is the remainder of my bill in full. I will be unable to attend the final Graduation ceremonies and I wish to not discredit you for the work you have done in helping my son. Unfortunately, Scott and I no longer see eye to eye so I'm sure my presence at the ceremony will not be missed. I would also greatly appreciate it if you could inform Scott of his future.
"Mr. Scarbrow, it is clear to me that I no longer have the son I once had. Scott has changed and I wish to no longer be included in his life. A follow up letter with a key to a space in storage will arrive soon, please give it to Scott. There he will find all of his belongings. If he wishes to live with his mother, that is his choice, but he is no longer welcome in my home. Scott is aware of where he stands financially and I'm sure will be able to survive on his own for some time before having to secure his own job I just wish to have no part of his life any longer. I hope that you understand. Please pass this information on to Scott. Sincerely, Mr. Barringer."
Sophie dropped the letter and looked down at Peter in disgust. "How could any man do that to their own son!" she shouted in outrage.
"How are we supposed to tell him this?" Peter asked just as outraged and confused.
"Peter, he's going to be crushed."
"What possibly could have brought something like this on?" Peter asked. "Did something happen when he was at home? Has he shared anything with you in group?" he wanted some answers, some sort of sense of the situation.
"Nothing," Sophie said shaking her head. "This is unreal."
"We have to tell him."
"Peter, no. We can't, at least not right now. Not tonight."
"Then tomorrow, Sophie, the sooner we let him know what's going on the better." "Oh god Peter... what can we do?"
"We'll figure something out. I mean I know Scott does have some sort of trust fund so Mr. Barringer is right, he will be set for some time but..."
"Poor Scott."
"We'll help him Soph, don't worry. We owe it to this kid... I'll figure something out. We just have to."
Do you ever put your arms up And spin really fast? That's what love is like. It makes your heart race And turn's the world upside down. But if you're not careful, If you don't keep your eyes on something still, You can lose your balance, You can't see what's happening To the people around you. You can't see that you're about to fall.
"Practical Magic"
"Where did you find this place?" Shelby asked as she sat down in front of Scott, his arms wrapped around her, as they sat together on the edge of the cliff, watching the sunset.
"Ezra." Scott said smiling to himself.
"Really? Wow... I just had no idea somewhere this beautiful existed."
"It is amazing, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Shelby replied turning to him and smiling. "No more sunsets like this in a few more weeks..." She said sadly.
"I can't believe we're graduating."
"Home sweet home..." Shelby muttered sarcastically. "I'm gonna miss you SO much."
"Who says that we have to be so far apart? I meant what I said Shel, I'm not going back home to live with him. "
"Yeah but Scott, what are you gonna do, come move in with me?"
Scott looked down at her and smiled mischievously.
"Wouldn't be so bad now would it?" "Oh yeah I'm sure my mom would just LOVE that."
Scott smiled.
"I can get an apartment near your place," he suggested.
"You wouldn't exactly want to live near my place."
"Why not."
"Because Scott it's a hell hole. We're trash. We live in a trashy neighborhood, in a bad part of town."
"Well who says I can afford and upper class life style."
"Scott, we both know you have money."
"What if you moved in somewhere nice with me?"
"Are you kidding me, my mother can't wait till I get back and I can help her with everything, Slave Shelby once again."
"It doesn't have to be that way Shel, you're eighteen, you can do what you want now."
"It's not that easy Scott."
"I know," he said sadly. "It's just fun to pretend sometimes."
"Well you know, if you want to pretend, let's do it the right way," Shelby began. "Now, you see that path right there," she said turning and pointing. "That leads to our house on the hills. One of many of course, but this is our favorite. It's huge, five bedrooms, One for each of our kids, there's four of them, three boys and a girl. Alyson is the youngest, you spoil her rotten. Devin is in college now, a sophomore, can you believe it? Full scholarship to a pack ten school... he's a football star," she looked up and Scott and smiled. "Josh is a senior in high school. He's heading to the ivy leagues next fall, a full academic ride, plus some... he wants to be an architect. And then there's little Peter. He's only a year older then Ally, she's twelve, he's thirteen. He's her keeper. We named him after Scarbrow of course and he's got a heart of gold. Are kids are wonderful, almost as wonderful as our marriage. We never fight, we share everything, and there's still that spark... you know the one, that feeling when we kiss. After almost 21 years we've still got the magic. Horizon still plays a big part on our life. When were at our house on the hills, just up there, we visit Horizon constantly. We hit it big in the stock market and neither one of us has to work but we do, because we give a lot of our money to Horizon, to keep it alive, and when Peter retires, he's already talked you into taking charge, we can't wait. I'm a school principal, and you're a very successful lawyer, you're specialty is troubled teens and custody suits, you always win. We're healthy and happy, and every year we get together with Ezra and Daisy and their two kids, and Juliette and Auggie and their seven, Juliette finally gave up on throwing up. Surprisingly enough we turned out alright," she looked up at Scott for approval. "What do you think?"
Scott kissed her softly on the forehead and smiled.
"Sounds perfect." "Yeah..." She said turning away. "Almost too perfect."
"Nothing's too perfect Shel," Scott said reassuring her. "Look at our lives, we've come so far. We deserve something good to happen to us."
"I'm just scared."
"Scared of what?"
"Losing you."
"You're not losing me."
"Yes, I am in a few weeks we're graduating and that's the end."
"Shelby, I told you, we'll work it out."
"I wish it was that simple but we both know Scott, it's not."
"I will work something out, believe me, just have a little faith."
"I'm trying it's just... everything's so great, between us, in general, in... just everything... it's like I'm just waiting for the fall."
"There's not gonna be a fall this time," Scott said firmly. "I'm not gonna let it happen," he added, moving in for a kiss.
"Awwwww how cute," Tess said sneaking up behind Scott and Shelby. The two pulled apart abruptly and stared at Tess.
"Who the hell are you?" Shelby asked shooting Tess an evil look. Tess just stood there laughing.
"It's so sad that you two have to run away like this in order to just kiss. My sister and her fiancée really have some strict rules huh?"
"What are you talking about?" Scott asked not in the least bit amused.
"Young love," Tess said walking away. "Aint it sweet?"
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Scott asked getting up after her.
"Tess Becker," Tess said turning to face Scott and now Shelby also. "I'm here for the wedding."
"Becker? You mean you're Sophie's sister?" Shelby asked annoyed.
"You got it," Tess replied sarcastically. "I'm here for the wedding," She repeated.
"Wonderful..." Shelby replied dryly. "SO... what are you doing up here? Besides you know, spying on us." Tess laughed.
"Just got bored," she said simply. "I saw you too and..." she placed her hand suggestively on Scott's shoulder. "I thought your boyfriend here was kinda cute."
Scott quickly shrugged it off.
"Lay off," Shelby warned defensively.
"Or what?" Tess asked testing her. Scott pulled Shelby aside.
"Let's go," He said beginning to pull her down the hill.
"Awwwww how cute," Tess squealed. "He's looking out for you."
This time it was Scott's turn to get in Tess's face.
"Listen," he began, dropping Shelby's hand and moving closer. "Leave my girlfriend and I the hell alone and we won't have a problem, but mess with us and I promise you, you're visit here will not be a good one."
"Is that a threat," Tess asked sickeningly sweetly.
"More like a promise," Scott replied.
"Oh I'm so scared," Tess said sarcastically, making a face.
"You should be," Shelby said jumping in.
"And why's that?" Tess asked. "You gonna go tell my former junkie sister and her ex alcoholic fiancée. PLEASE, there's nothing they can do about it."
"WHAT did you just call them?" Scott said ready to snap. Shelby caught that look in his eye and interrupted before he got nasty.
"Look, That former Junkie there, well she's the closest thing to a mother that I've ever had and that EX alcoholic, well he saved me from a life on the streets, selling my body for food! I'm NOT going to let you talk about them like that. They deserve better," Shelby demanded pushing Tess out of the way. She grabbed Scott's hand and pulled him in the direction of the campus.
"You little bitch," Tess said pulling Shelby away. "I'm not gonna let a tramp like you talk to me like that," She added pushing her back. It was Shelby's turn to spin out of control as she charged at Tess sending the two of them flying to the ground. Scott tried to pull them apart but it was no use. Had it not been for Peter and Sophie's sudden appearance, Scott was sure some physical damage would have been done.
"What's going on here?" Peter shouted pulling the two girls apart.
"I can't believe she's your sister," Shelby said breathlessly, pointing to Tess and turning to Sophie. "What did you do now oh little one?" Sophie asked sternly turning to her little sister.
"Just putting this trash in her place, that's all," Tess replied shooting daggers at Shelby.
"Excuse Me?" Sophie asked outraged, turning to Tess. "What did you just call her?"
"Trash, just like she is," Tess replied without so much as blinking.
"Oh that's it." Sophie said fuming. "All my life Tess I've wanted to do this and now I finally get the chance. Leave!" she shouted pointing back down the trail.
"What?" Tess asked confused.
"Leave and don't come back."
"Sophie what are you talking about? Don't come back where?"
"Here, there, ANYWHERE near me."
Tess took a step back, appalled. "Are you kidding me? What about the wedding?"
"Forget it, I'll find someone else to be my maid of honor."
"But I'm your sister."
"By blood alone, if you can't respect these kids Tess then there's nothing for you and I to talk about. Horizon and Peter are my life now and as far as I'm concerned it's a happier place without you in it. I've never turned my back on anyone before in my life but for some reason it's easy to do to someone as self serving and just completely horrible as you. Now go. When I get back down from this mountain I want to see you packing your bags to head out of here."
"Sophie, you can't mean that."
"Oh I do, now go, NOW!"
"Whatever!" Tess shouted storming down the mountain.
"Unbelievable!" Sophie shouted loud enough for Tess to hear.
"Oh god Soph... I'm so sorry," Peter said finally stepping in.
"I should have known..." Sophie said sighing. "It was too good to be true."
"I'm sorry Sophie," Shelby said finally apologizing. "She just..."
"You don't need to explain Shel," Sophie said sympathetically. "She's always been that way... good ol' Tess"
"So now what?" Scott asked. "You're out a maid of honor."
"No," Sophie said shaking her head. "Not really..."
Sophie looked at Shelby and smiled Shelby returned the gaze confused.
"What?" Shelby asked.
"How about you step in?" Sophie asked smiling even wider when she saw the look on Peter's face.
"Me?" Shelby asked amazed. "Are you sure?"
"Why not? You and Scott can walk down the isle together, it'll be fun. Please say yes."
Shelby smiled and nodded, slightly unsure yet still excited at the thought.
"Yes."