CHAPTER 20

They sat near the other cliffhangers and were annoyed by all those eyes fixed on them. The teachers noticed that and began talking. He didn't make any comments on Scott and Shelby being late cause he knew there was a reason, a good one.

Shelby was sitting next to Daisy. Since Daisy knew what the secret was they talked a bit together. They whispered not to be heard by the others. Scott guessed what they were talking about and hoped that the others won't ask him what was happening.

S :Thanks Daisy for covering for us near the others.

D : You're welcome. We're friend, aren't we ? That's what friends are for ! Plus you can trust me. So what did Peter and Sophie told you and Scott ?

S :I don't know how but Peter already knew about us, but Sophie didn't and that's why she ran away, because she was upset…

D : Ok I can imagine that. What next ?

S : He asked us how we were feeling about this and we said we're scared. He asked us scared of what, and we told me we were afraid to be expelled from here. He told us there was no reason. Sophie added that the truth is Horizon's not equipped for that kind of things but they'll deal with it. There's the infirmary if something goes wrong and the hospital's not that far, plus they can call an ambulance if needed.

D : Peter didn't tell you to call your Mum ?

S : Of course he did, but I told him it's too hard and I can't. He gave me a few days. He also told me I have to tell everyone about my situation tonight at group, but I can't.

D : Why ?

S : Because I'm scared of their reactions, their judgments…

D : You weren't scared when you discovered that I knew your secret.

S : That's what they asked me when I told them you already knew it. They asked me how I felt, and the truth is that I felt relieved to have a friend, you, aware of this and you didn't judge me. You supported me.

D : And I'll always be here Shelby !

S : Thanks. I didn't know…

D (smiling) : What ? That I had a heart and I could use it ?

S (smiling) : Yeah.

Sc : Shut up girls the teacher's looking at you.

They stopped talking. Class was boring but Shelby was relieved to know that Peter and Sophie knew what was going on and they weren't that horrible after all.

…

Peter and Sophie were still in his office. Sophie sat next to him and they starred at each other for a while before speaking. They were thinking about what had been said, and what happened with the cliffhangers digging in the files…

P : We didn't even ask them if they wanted to keep the baby !

So : Of course they will. Didn't you see the stars in their eyes each time they were speaking about this little thing Shelby has inside her ?

P : Yeah but I also noticed fear.

So : Me too but that's normal. They're so young ! If I was in that case now I would be scared too. I can tell you if I was pregnant… Oh my God.

Tears began forming in her eyes as Peter took her head in his hands and looked in her eyes.

So : No I couldn't tell you anything cause I'm never gonna be in that situation.

P : It's ok Sophie.

So : But you wanted to have children so bad !

P : It doesn't matter as long as we're together.

So : But it does matter to me !

P : What do you wanna say Sophie ?

So : I don't want you to stay with me by obligation.

P : What are you talking about ?

So : I know how much children are important to you, and it is to me but I could never give children to you.

P : I told you it doesn't matter. I love you. You hear me ? I LOVE YOU. Sophie I love you from the bottom of my heart and it will always be that way.

So : Are you sure it doesn't matter that I can't have children ?

P : I'm 100 sure.

So : Ok then I believe you.

P : Thank you !

They kissed and began to think about how to manage Shelby's situation.

…

Class was over for today and they had 30 free time before lunch. That meant that the group session was soon. "Only 2 hours left" Shelby thought.

The cliffhangers left the class and went to the lodge to do their homework, only Auggie and Ezra couldn't begin their homework because of the kitchen duty Peter gave them as punishment in the evenings. They had a lot to do and no time to loose with the punishments.

J : I can't believe we have all those things to write !

D : Take it easy, it could have been worst regarding what we've done.

Sc : We could have been expelled.

S : Well could you please make less noise I'd like to concentrate.

J : You Shelby want to concentrate on homework, let me laugh !

S : What are you trying to say ?

J : You never talk like that when it's about homework. I guess it's because you don't want to talk about you and Scott and what's happening.

Sc : Stop it would you !

D : Juliette just do your homework we don't have that much time, ok. You're too curious ! That's what the homework's about so…

J : Ok, as everybody's against me I have to keep my mouth shut.

Sc (with an angry look) : Yeah that'd be great !

Scott nicely nodded at Daisy to thank her for helping to make Juliette stop talking. Juliette loves to talk and she's so curious she always want to know everything about everyone.

They only had the time to begin them, then it was lunch time so they had to go. At lunch nobody talked about what was happening to Scott and Shelby, and those two felt relieved because they didn't like people talking about them all the time. The secret was beginning to be harder to be keep only between them and Daisy. After lunch they went back in the lodge to continue their homework before group started. They all sat in a circle as usual and Peter entered with Sophie.

P : Tonight I want everybody to talk about a big change in their lives since you've arrived here at Mt Horizon.

"That's just great" Shelby thought. She took Scott's hand discreetly.

P : Any volunteers ?

Juliette raised her hand. "Thanks Juliette" Shelby thought with a sigh of relief.

P :Ok Juliette you go first.

J : I cut less than when I was at home and I discovered great people, and it never happened to me before.

P : Good. Shelby you go next !

…