This is it, the last chapter. Don't worry; I will tie up all of the loose
ends that I have left open in these last chapters in the next story. Please
review well on this last chapter. Look soon for the next story.
.....................................................
Katie found herself sitting on the front steps of the administration building awaiting the arrival of her "dear parents."
Katie's father had no longer talked to his daughter. Ever since he started to notice that his once little angel started turning into the unique person that she was now. He never came out and said it to Katie, but she knew that she was considered and embarrassment to him and the family.
Katie's mother on the other hand had also knew that she had lost her precious little girl. But unlike Katie's father, Katie's mother still tried to re-kindle the relationship that she once had with her daughter. Deep down, Katie's mother knew that she would never have the relationship that they once had.
While Katie sat on the steps waiting for her parents she thought of her plans for what she was going to do when she got home. She knew that spending as little time at her house was a definite. Katie's thoughts were interrupted by the creak of wood and the shadow that appeared above her.
"Hey kiddo. What's on your mind?" Peter asked as he bent down and took a seat next to Katie.
"Oh you know the same thing every other student thinks about at this time. What exciting things to do when I get home, spending quality time with mommy and daddy." Katie said in a partially sarcastic tone.
"Katie." Peter said to get her attention and know that he was going to tell her something serious.
"Yeah?" Katie replied.
"I have an assignment for you while you are on break," Peter told her.
"Are you serious?" Katie asked, "I thought the whole point of break was to get away from school and assignments."
"This isn't a school assignment. This is a personal assignment." Peter informed, waiting for a moan or a whine from Katie.
"And what assignment would that be?" Katie asked curiously.
"I want you to establish communication with your father and I want you to start talking to your mom more." Peter told her.
Katie turned her head and gave Peter a look with a mixture of 'do I have to' and 'how do you know I have trouble communicating with my parents'
Peter read the two expressions on her face and said, "Katie I have read your file and talked to your mother. I know that you have some serious anger towards your parents ever since your incident."
Katie turned and looked forward again and replied, "If you read my file and talked to my mom then you would know that my dad hates me. I never became the perfect girl he wanted me to be."
"Your right. You became a unique girl and you have grown and shown that uniqueness since you have been here," Peter told her, "but you can't go on hating your parents forever. That's why I want you to try to re-establish a relationship with them."
Before Katie could object Peter added, "And I will be talking to your mom when you return so don't think you can get out of it."
The two of them were brought out of their conversation by the crunch of gravel that was underneath familiar oncoming car that was owned by Katie's parents.
"You ready?" Peter asked the nervous girl.
"Whatever." Katie said in a calm tone as she let out a sigh as she stood up, she tried her best to hide her nervousness.
Katie's mom is the only one that got out of the car. She quickly walked over to her daughter and said "Hello Katie. How are you?" She didn't want to come on too strong so she tried to suppress her excitement.
Katie forced a smile and replied, "Hi mom."
"How about a hug?" Katie's mom asked as she opened her arm.
Katie remembered what Peter had said and set down her bag and engaged in a hug with her mother. It was obvious that her mother was squeezing tighter than her daughter.
When the two came out of the hug, Katie's mom couldn't keep the smile off of her face. She said, "Let me put your bags in the car and you can say goodbye to Mr. Scarbrow."
Katie turned around and walked to Peter who was standing a few feet away so Katie could interact with her mom.
"Here goes nothing." Katie said sarcastically.
"You'll be fine." Peter reassured.
"Well, I guess I will see you in two weeks." Katie said and started to walk away.
As Katie walked away, Peter called out and said, "Katie," when she turned around he added, "that hug meant more than you know to your mother."
Katie looked at her mother who was back in the car and blushed a little. As she got to the car, Peter started to walk away when he heard Katie open the door and say, "Hello dad."
When Peter heard this he knew that deep down, Katie did actually want the relationship that she had with her parents.
.....................................................
"So how is the relationship with you and your sister?" Daisy asked Shelby as the two were waiting for Shelby's mom to come. Daisy knew that Shelby was having trouble with Scott and it hurt her feelings that Shelby didn't share her problems with her like she used to.
The two of them were sitting next to each other on the seat of one of the picnic tables.
"Even though she never comes out and says it, I know she still has anger towards me for leaving her with 'him'" Shelby replied.
"So it should make for a..." Daisy thought for a moment and said, "What's the word?"
"Eventful?" Shelby filled in the blank for her friend.
"That's it," Daisy said, slapping her knee trying to get a smile out of Shelby, "an eventful trip."
"To say the least." Shelby replied.
"You know, I know that I'm not Peter, or Sophie, or even Scott, but you can always call me here. I've been a good listener in the past." Daisy told her, bringing up the fact that they haven't been as close as they had been in the past.
Shelby looked at Daisy and put her arm around Daisy and hugged her. Shelby was mad at her for making Daisy feel the way she did.
"I know that Dais. You have always been there for me. I didn't have to justify my past to you or explain my reasons behind my actions. You always accepted me for who I am. You are my best friend." Shelby reassured.
"So, I'm sorry that you have to stay here for the entire break." Shelby said to Daisy, breaking the awkward silence.
"Thanks, but I don't think it will be as bad as everyone is thinking it will be." Daisy replied.
"What do you mean?" Shelby asked.
"Well I started talking to Auggie, who is also staying here, and I think he and I will have a good time." Daisy said.
Shelby had a sarcastic comment or two that she would have liked to say, but she didn't want to upset Daisy right before the two parted for two weeks.
"What are you gonna do here?" Shelby curiously asked.
"Haven't got a clue," Daisy replied, "but I bet it will be an experience for me to grow."
The two of them let out small laughs at Daisy's Peter impersonation.
At that moment, Shelby caught sight of her mother walking down the path from the administration building. She was accompanied by Sophie.
"Well here goes nothing." Shelby said as she stood up.
Daisy stood up and placed her arms around Shelby for one last goodbye hug.
"You'll be fine. Good luck, and remember I'm only a phone call away." Daisy reassured.
"Thanks Dais." Shelby said as she returned the hug.
Daisy waved and walked away. Shelby brushed her pants off and waited for Sophie and her mother to get closer.
When Shelby and her mother made eye contact while she was still approaching her daughter Shelby waved, not wanting to give her mother a bad vibe to start off her break.
"Hey mom." Shelby said once her mom and Sophie reached the picnic table.
"Hey baby." Shelby's mom replied as she went to give her daughter a hug.
Shelby embraced the hug and squeezed back.
"Where's Jess?" Shelby asked as the two pulled away from their hug, worried that her sister didn't come because of her anger.
"She had school today. If we get going, we can be home by the time she gets home from school." Her mother replied.
"Okay, can I say goodbye first?" Shelby asked.
"Sure honey, I'll wait over there." Her mother replied, motioning a distance a few feet away giving her daughter some privacy to say goodbye.
Once Shelby's mother walked away Sophie asked, "So are you ready?"
"I think I am. I mean now that Walt is in jail, I can get back to having a relationship with my sister and mom." Shelby replied.
"I think you will be just fine." Sophie reassured.
A small smile came across Shelby's face and she said "Thanks."
There was a brief moment of silence and awkwardness between the two of them until Shelby said, "So is this where we hug?"
Sophie let out a small chuckle and opened her arms. Shelby also opened her arms and the two of them got a goodbye hug.
Shelby walked away and as she was doing so she turned around and called out, "Tell Peter I said goodbye."
Sophie nodded and watched Shelby and her mother walk away towards their car.
.....................................................
Besides Auggie and Daisy, Cole was the last Cliffhanger at Horizon. He took a last glance at the empty dorm. He made sure that he wasn't forgetting anything. He knew he would be coming back in only two weeks, but he was still very nervous.
Once he was sure he had everything, he picked up his duffle bag and walked out the door, shutting it behind him. He walked down the stairs of his dorm and put on his jacket, it had started to drizzle rain, and become a little cold. He zipped up his jacket and headed to the picnic tables.
He sat down on one of the benches and took a look around and noticed that the campus was becoming pretty scarce. There were a few parents walking around, trying to find their children, and a few students who were like Cole, and waiting for their parents.
Cole was having trouble staying still, he was nervous and anxious. He still had his doubts and worries about staying with Brian. He and Peter had been talking ever since Brian came to visit Cole and break the news, and Peter had done his best to get the worries out of Cole, but Cole still had them.
As Cole was waiting, he remembered the letter that Peter had given him from David that he was too upset to read earlier.
He bent over and unzipped his duffle bag. He searched for the letter that he threw in there earlier when he was finishing his packing.
"Finally." Cole said under his breath when he pulled out the letter.
He looked around to make sure no one was coming, and then he ripped open the envelope and started reading the semi-sloppy written letter.
Cole,
By the time you read this I will already be gone, which is the way I wanted it to be. Since I won't be coming back to 'Screwed-Up High,' I just wanted to say thanks for not telling all of the other suckers about me not coming back. I figured I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of having the best break ever by knowing I wasn't coming back.
Cole paused for a moment and looked around; it was now getting harder to read the letter because of how he was feeling.
I was trying to think of the positives of me being gone and only one came to mind. At least you won't get your butt kicked like every time that we fought. I know you are tough and that's why I know you will be fine here at Horizon. Thanks again for being my friend and staying true to your word in the last couple days of my stay at Horizon. I hope to keep in touch with you and Peter and Sophie and maybe even the others someway. Have a nice break and goodbye.
David
Cole re-folded the letter and as he was putting it back into his duffle bag he noticed another envelope. He put David's letter in his bag and brought out the other envelope. Cole was about to read that letter too, but he noticed Peter coming towards him with Brian at his side.
Cole put the letter back in his bag for later and looked up at the two men who were approaching him; he noticed that they were talking.
.....................................................
"You should know that he still has his concerns and worries about staying with you. I have tried talking him out of these fears, but I am worried that he is going to fall into his old ways so he has a comfort zone." Peter told Brian as the two of them walked to Cole.
"He's not the only one who is worried. And I can assure you I will be there for him to make sure he won't fall back into his old habits." Brian assured as the two walked along the path towards Cole.
"It's not going to be easy. He is going to put of his tough guy attitude because it is his defense." Peter informed.
As the two got closer to Cole, Brian said, "I have seen and dealt with his attitude before when he had run-ins with the law. I must say Peter, Cole has changed a lot from the first time I met him, and I am guessing you are the one responsible for that."
Peter chuckled a little at the comment and then replied, "Thank you Mr. Nicholson, but Cole has done a lot himself to make him the way he is today."
Cole stood up from the bench as Peter and Brian approached him and let out a sigh that he had been holding in.
"Hey Cole." Brian said once the two of them came face to face.
"Hey Brian." Cole replied, feeling a little awkward.
Peter noticed the awkwardness between Brian and Cole so he spoke up and said, "You ready to go Cole?"
"Uh yeah." Cole said still feeling nervous.
"I will go wait over there so you can say goodbye to Peter." Brian told Cole.
"Okay. Thanks." Cole replied, and then watched Brian walk away.
"Finally, a break from this place." Cole said to Peter as he looked around, trying to cover up his nervousness.
"You worried?" Peter asked, knowing the answer.
"Nah, I will be okay. I have friends back home who I am looking forward to seeing." Cole replied.
"Excuse me?" Peter asked.
"Believe it or not, I had friends who weren't about drugs and alcohol." Cole informed.
"Okay. Remember you can always call if you are feeling overwhelmed." Peter reassured.
"Yeah, I know." Cole said trying not to sound like he wouldn't need to.
After a minute, Cole said, "Well, I'm off."
"Okay. Have a good time and be safe." Peter said.
"Yeah, yeah." Cole replied.
Peter rapped his arms around Cole to give him a sense of assurance. He knew that it would help Cole. Cole brought his arms up and lightly hugged back. When the two stepped back, Cole picked up his bag and started to walk away.
"You'll be fine." Peter said loud enough for Cole to turn around and acknowledge.
Cole walked over to Brian, the two exchanged a few words, and then the two of them walked towards Brian's truck.
Peter looked around at the semi-bare campus. All of the Cliffhangers that were going home were now sent off. He knew that all of them had challenges to face on their visit home. He also knew that some of them would come back to Horizon in two weeks with their challenges overcome, but on the other hand, some would come back with even more challenges.
Whatever happened to the Cliffhangers, and all of the rest of the students, while they were on break, he would be there for them when they returned.
The End .....................................................
Well, that's it, the end of Recurrent Past. I hope all of you have enjoyed it. Don't worry, I know I left a lot of loose ends open, but I plan to tie them up in the start of my next story. I have already been writing down ideas for it, so look for it soon. Thanks again for all of the reviews.
.....................................................
Katie found herself sitting on the front steps of the administration building awaiting the arrival of her "dear parents."
Katie's father had no longer talked to his daughter. Ever since he started to notice that his once little angel started turning into the unique person that she was now. He never came out and said it to Katie, but she knew that she was considered and embarrassment to him and the family.
Katie's mother on the other hand had also knew that she had lost her precious little girl. But unlike Katie's father, Katie's mother still tried to re-kindle the relationship that she once had with her daughter. Deep down, Katie's mother knew that she would never have the relationship that they once had.
While Katie sat on the steps waiting for her parents she thought of her plans for what she was going to do when she got home. She knew that spending as little time at her house was a definite. Katie's thoughts were interrupted by the creak of wood and the shadow that appeared above her.
"Hey kiddo. What's on your mind?" Peter asked as he bent down and took a seat next to Katie.
"Oh you know the same thing every other student thinks about at this time. What exciting things to do when I get home, spending quality time with mommy and daddy." Katie said in a partially sarcastic tone.
"Katie." Peter said to get her attention and know that he was going to tell her something serious.
"Yeah?" Katie replied.
"I have an assignment for you while you are on break," Peter told her.
"Are you serious?" Katie asked, "I thought the whole point of break was to get away from school and assignments."
"This isn't a school assignment. This is a personal assignment." Peter informed, waiting for a moan or a whine from Katie.
"And what assignment would that be?" Katie asked curiously.
"I want you to establish communication with your father and I want you to start talking to your mom more." Peter told her.
Katie turned her head and gave Peter a look with a mixture of 'do I have to' and 'how do you know I have trouble communicating with my parents'
Peter read the two expressions on her face and said, "Katie I have read your file and talked to your mother. I know that you have some serious anger towards your parents ever since your incident."
Katie turned and looked forward again and replied, "If you read my file and talked to my mom then you would know that my dad hates me. I never became the perfect girl he wanted me to be."
"Your right. You became a unique girl and you have grown and shown that uniqueness since you have been here," Peter told her, "but you can't go on hating your parents forever. That's why I want you to try to re-establish a relationship with them."
Before Katie could object Peter added, "And I will be talking to your mom when you return so don't think you can get out of it."
The two of them were brought out of their conversation by the crunch of gravel that was underneath familiar oncoming car that was owned by Katie's parents.
"You ready?" Peter asked the nervous girl.
"Whatever." Katie said in a calm tone as she let out a sigh as she stood up, she tried her best to hide her nervousness.
Katie's mom is the only one that got out of the car. She quickly walked over to her daughter and said "Hello Katie. How are you?" She didn't want to come on too strong so she tried to suppress her excitement.
Katie forced a smile and replied, "Hi mom."
"How about a hug?" Katie's mom asked as she opened her arm.
Katie remembered what Peter had said and set down her bag and engaged in a hug with her mother. It was obvious that her mother was squeezing tighter than her daughter.
When the two came out of the hug, Katie's mom couldn't keep the smile off of her face. She said, "Let me put your bags in the car and you can say goodbye to Mr. Scarbrow."
Katie turned around and walked to Peter who was standing a few feet away so Katie could interact with her mom.
"Here goes nothing." Katie said sarcastically.
"You'll be fine." Peter reassured.
"Well, I guess I will see you in two weeks." Katie said and started to walk away.
As Katie walked away, Peter called out and said, "Katie," when she turned around he added, "that hug meant more than you know to your mother."
Katie looked at her mother who was back in the car and blushed a little. As she got to the car, Peter started to walk away when he heard Katie open the door and say, "Hello dad."
When Peter heard this he knew that deep down, Katie did actually want the relationship that she had with her parents.
.....................................................
"So how is the relationship with you and your sister?" Daisy asked Shelby as the two were waiting for Shelby's mom to come. Daisy knew that Shelby was having trouble with Scott and it hurt her feelings that Shelby didn't share her problems with her like she used to.
The two of them were sitting next to each other on the seat of one of the picnic tables.
"Even though she never comes out and says it, I know she still has anger towards me for leaving her with 'him'" Shelby replied.
"So it should make for a..." Daisy thought for a moment and said, "What's the word?"
"Eventful?" Shelby filled in the blank for her friend.
"That's it," Daisy said, slapping her knee trying to get a smile out of Shelby, "an eventful trip."
"To say the least." Shelby replied.
"You know, I know that I'm not Peter, or Sophie, or even Scott, but you can always call me here. I've been a good listener in the past." Daisy told her, bringing up the fact that they haven't been as close as they had been in the past.
Shelby looked at Daisy and put her arm around Daisy and hugged her. Shelby was mad at her for making Daisy feel the way she did.
"I know that Dais. You have always been there for me. I didn't have to justify my past to you or explain my reasons behind my actions. You always accepted me for who I am. You are my best friend." Shelby reassured.
"So, I'm sorry that you have to stay here for the entire break." Shelby said to Daisy, breaking the awkward silence.
"Thanks, but I don't think it will be as bad as everyone is thinking it will be." Daisy replied.
"What do you mean?" Shelby asked.
"Well I started talking to Auggie, who is also staying here, and I think he and I will have a good time." Daisy said.
Shelby had a sarcastic comment or two that she would have liked to say, but she didn't want to upset Daisy right before the two parted for two weeks.
"What are you gonna do here?" Shelby curiously asked.
"Haven't got a clue," Daisy replied, "but I bet it will be an experience for me to grow."
The two of them let out small laughs at Daisy's Peter impersonation.
At that moment, Shelby caught sight of her mother walking down the path from the administration building. She was accompanied by Sophie.
"Well here goes nothing." Shelby said as she stood up.
Daisy stood up and placed her arms around Shelby for one last goodbye hug.
"You'll be fine. Good luck, and remember I'm only a phone call away." Daisy reassured.
"Thanks Dais." Shelby said as she returned the hug.
Daisy waved and walked away. Shelby brushed her pants off and waited for Sophie and her mother to get closer.
When Shelby and her mother made eye contact while she was still approaching her daughter Shelby waved, not wanting to give her mother a bad vibe to start off her break.
"Hey mom." Shelby said once her mom and Sophie reached the picnic table.
"Hey baby." Shelby's mom replied as she went to give her daughter a hug.
Shelby embraced the hug and squeezed back.
"Where's Jess?" Shelby asked as the two pulled away from their hug, worried that her sister didn't come because of her anger.
"She had school today. If we get going, we can be home by the time she gets home from school." Her mother replied.
"Okay, can I say goodbye first?" Shelby asked.
"Sure honey, I'll wait over there." Her mother replied, motioning a distance a few feet away giving her daughter some privacy to say goodbye.
Once Shelby's mother walked away Sophie asked, "So are you ready?"
"I think I am. I mean now that Walt is in jail, I can get back to having a relationship with my sister and mom." Shelby replied.
"I think you will be just fine." Sophie reassured.
A small smile came across Shelby's face and she said "Thanks."
There was a brief moment of silence and awkwardness between the two of them until Shelby said, "So is this where we hug?"
Sophie let out a small chuckle and opened her arms. Shelby also opened her arms and the two of them got a goodbye hug.
Shelby walked away and as she was doing so she turned around and called out, "Tell Peter I said goodbye."
Sophie nodded and watched Shelby and her mother walk away towards their car.
.....................................................
Besides Auggie and Daisy, Cole was the last Cliffhanger at Horizon. He took a last glance at the empty dorm. He made sure that he wasn't forgetting anything. He knew he would be coming back in only two weeks, but he was still very nervous.
Once he was sure he had everything, he picked up his duffle bag and walked out the door, shutting it behind him. He walked down the stairs of his dorm and put on his jacket, it had started to drizzle rain, and become a little cold. He zipped up his jacket and headed to the picnic tables.
He sat down on one of the benches and took a look around and noticed that the campus was becoming pretty scarce. There were a few parents walking around, trying to find their children, and a few students who were like Cole, and waiting for their parents.
Cole was having trouble staying still, he was nervous and anxious. He still had his doubts and worries about staying with Brian. He and Peter had been talking ever since Brian came to visit Cole and break the news, and Peter had done his best to get the worries out of Cole, but Cole still had them.
As Cole was waiting, he remembered the letter that Peter had given him from David that he was too upset to read earlier.
He bent over and unzipped his duffle bag. He searched for the letter that he threw in there earlier when he was finishing his packing.
"Finally." Cole said under his breath when he pulled out the letter.
He looked around to make sure no one was coming, and then he ripped open the envelope and started reading the semi-sloppy written letter.
Cole,
By the time you read this I will already be gone, which is the way I wanted it to be. Since I won't be coming back to 'Screwed-Up High,' I just wanted to say thanks for not telling all of the other suckers about me not coming back. I figured I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of having the best break ever by knowing I wasn't coming back.
Cole paused for a moment and looked around; it was now getting harder to read the letter because of how he was feeling.
I was trying to think of the positives of me being gone and only one came to mind. At least you won't get your butt kicked like every time that we fought. I know you are tough and that's why I know you will be fine here at Horizon. Thanks again for being my friend and staying true to your word in the last couple days of my stay at Horizon. I hope to keep in touch with you and Peter and Sophie and maybe even the others someway. Have a nice break and goodbye.
David
Cole re-folded the letter and as he was putting it back into his duffle bag he noticed another envelope. He put David's letter in his bag and brought out the other envelope. Cole was about to read that letter too, but he noticed Peter coming towards him with Brian at his side.
Cole put the letter back in his bag for later and looked up at the two men who were approaching him; he noticed that they were talking.
.....................................................
"You should know that he still has his concerns and worries about staying with you. I have tried talking him out of these fears, but I am worried that he is going to fall into his old ways so he has a comfort zone." Peter told Brian as the two of them walked to Cole.
"He's not the only one who is worried. And I can assure you I will be there for him to make sure he won't fall back into his old habits." Brian assured as the two walked along the path towards Cole.
"It's not going to be easy. He is going to put of his tough guy attitude because it is his defense." Peter informed.
As the two got closer to Cole, Brian said, "I have seen and dealt with his attitude before when he had run-ins with the law. I must say Peter, Cole has changed a lot from the first time I met him, and I am guessing you are the one responsible for that."
Peter chuckled a little at the comment and then replied, "Thank you Mr. Nicholson, but Cole has done a lot himself to make him the way he is today."
Cole stood up from the bench as Peter and Brian approached him and let out a sigh that he had been holding in.
"Hey Cole." Brian said once the two of them came face to face.
"Hey Brian." Cole replied, feeling a little awkward.
Peter noticed the awkwardness between Brian and Cole so he spoke up and said, "You ready to go Cole?"
"Uh yeah." Cole said still feeling nervous.
"I will go wait over there so you can say goodbye to Peter." Brian told Cole.
"Okay. Thanks." Cole replied, and then watched Brian walk away.
"Finally, a break from this place." Cole said to Peter as he looked around, trying to cover up his nervousness.
"You worried?" Peter asked, knowing the answer.
"Nah, I will be okay. I have friends back home who I am looking forward to seeing." Cole replied.
"Excuse me?" Peter asked.
"Believe it or not, I had friends who weren't about drugs and alcohol." Cole informed.
"Okay. Remember you can always call if you are feeling overwhelmed." Peter reassured.
"Yeah, I know." Cole said trying not to sound like he wouldn't need to.
After a minute, Cole said, "Well, I'm off."
"Okay. Have a good time and be safe." Peter said.
"Yeah, yeah." Cole replied.
Peter rapped his arms around Cole to give him a sense of assurance. He knew that it would help Cole. Cole brought his arms up and lightly hugged back. When the two stepped back, Cole picked up his bag and started to walk away.
"You'll be fine." Peter said loud enough for Cole to turn around and acknowledge.
Cole walked over to Brian, the two exchanged a few words, and then the two of them walked towards Brian's truck.
Peter looked around at the semi-bare campus. All of the Cliffhangers that were going home were now sent off. He knew that all of them had challenges to face on their visit home. He also knew that some of them would come back to Horizon in two weeks with their challenges overcome, but on the other hand, some would come back with even more challenges.
Whatever happened to the Cliffhangers, and all of the rest of the students, while they were on break, he would be there for them when they returned.
The End .....................................................
Well, that's it, the end of Recurrent Past. I hope all of you have enjoyed it. Don't worry, I know I left a lot of loose ends open, but I plan to tie them up in the start of my next story. I have already been writing down ideas for it, so look for it soon. Thanks again for all of the reviews.