SHOUTOUTS\ANSWERS
Thanks to everyone who's reviewed. I sent this in at the same time as the previous chapter, which is why there's no personal reviewers.
DISCLAIMER
The Unsaid belongs to Universal Pictures and Higher Ground belongs to Fox Family.
Back at the main lodge, Juliette hadn't moved from Auggie's embrace. It felt too good. Everyone heard a the faint sound of a car engine running.
"Sounds likes Mommy Dearest is here," Daisy noted. Juliette made a face.
"I don't want to see her," she declared.
"Maybe you should," Auggie suggested.
"Are you crazy? You know how she is," Juliette objected.
"Look, if Juliette doesn't want to see her mom, she shouldn't have to," Scott spoke up.
"Yeah. From what I heard, I don't think it'd be healthy," Jess agreed. Before anyone could say anything else, Peter came in, with Juliette's parents and Sophie at his heels.
"Juliette, someone here to see you," he said. Juliette stood up and walked up to them.
"Hello, Juliette," Mr. Rowe greeted.
"Hi, Hal," Juliette responded, hugging him. Mrs. Rowe pulled her daughter back and stared at her critically.
"Have you gained weight?" she queried.
"She's at an approved weight," Sophie interjected. This earned her a grateful smile from the brunette. Mrs. Rowe ignored this and continued to stare.
"Have you cut? Let me see your arms," she demanded. Kyle felt his jaw drop. How the heck could this woman be so cold?
"Regina!" Mr. Rowe objected in shock.
"Well?" Mrs. Rowe continued. Juliette said nothing, but her chin trembled, a sure sign that she was on the verge of tears.
"Come on," the woman said. Her daughter whimpered.
"Oye! Step off before I shove you off!" Auggie shouted.
"Auggie, cool it," Peter sharply reprimanded.
"I'm waiting, Juliette," Mrs. Rowe said coldly.
"I didn't cut," Juliette stated with a slight quiver.
"Let me see," Mrs. Rowe ordered, grabbing her arm and tried to pull up the sleeve it.
"STOP IT!" Juliette shrieked, shoving the woman.
"Jules! Words!" Sophie exclaimed, grabbing an arm to prevent the girl from striking.
"I HATE YOU! WHY DO YOU MAKE ME FEEL THIS WAY!" Juliette screamed.
"Juliette, this outburst is completely unacceptable," Mrs. Rowe stated.
"I DON'T CARE! YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME! NEVER! I HATE YOU! I'M NOT A DOLL THAT YOU CAN MOLD INTO YOURSELF! JUST BECAUSE YOU FEEL SECOND-RATE, DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN TAKE IT OUT ON ME!" Juliette screeched, the tears flowing freely. She dropped to the ground, sobbing. Auggie and Hal knelt on either side of her and embraced her.
"Sssssh, sssssh. It's okay, Carina. Let it out," Auggie comforted.
"Just cry, Juliette. It's okay," Hal added.
"Hal, don't encourage her," Regina hissed. His only response was a disapproving glare. When Juliette was all cried out, they all stood up.
"I think you two should go," Peter advised.
"Of course," Hal agreed.
"It was good to see you again, Hal. You're welcome back anytime," Juliette stated.
"Juliette, I am not---" Regina began.
"Mom, nothing would make me happier if I never saw you again," Juliette interrupted. "I hate the way you make me feel. I hate the pressure you put on me. I mean, come on. Why do you think I started cutting and purging in the first place. You make me sick," she continued. With that, she walked out. One-by-one, the Cliffhangers followed her, each throwing the woman a dirty look. For a moment, Juliette's mother was silent.
"Come on, Hal," she finally snapped. Then, she stomped out.
"Peter, nice to meet you. Hope to see you soon," Hal stated.
"Likewise," Peter agreed, shaking his head. Then, the other man hurried to catch up with his wife.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
'Carina' is a term of affection which means 'Love'. And I realize that Juliette may seem harsh, but I figured this how she would feel.