Chapter 4 Not telling

The next morning before class Shelby pulled Daisy aside. "Promise me you won't tell

Scott." Daisy sighed.

"Fine, but eventually you'll have to tell him. You know that." Daisy said.

"I know and I will." Shelby replied. Then they walked to class.

During class Shelby was seated next to Scott. Scott tried to talk to her. But he was

scolded by the teacher. In the middle of class Shelby was called to the nurse. Shelby left her

books and left the room slowly.

When she walked into the nurse's cabin, Sophie was there.

"Okay Shelby, you're going to have to take your sweater down and pull off the straps on

your top. We need to clean those cuts." Shelby sat on the stool and did as Sophie said. "So have

you talked to Scott?" Sophie asked. Obviously she and Peter knew what happened. But Shelby

wouldn't let them tell anyone. Shelby shook her head. "You should tell him."

"I know. Daisy already said that." She sighed.

"You know Shelby, Scott has had a hard 6 months too. Not as bad as you. But still not

good." Sophie told her applying the rubbing alcohol.

Shelby winced. "What do you mean? What happened?"

"Well first you left. You were the only one that understood him. Then, Scott's dad came

back with Elaine and told him that he believed Elaine. Also, that Scott was on his own. Shelby,

his dad cut him out of his life."

"That bastard!" Sophie cleared her throat. "Sorry."

Sophie finished cleaning Shelby's wounds. "Okay kid you can go back to class." With that

Shelby thanked Sophie and walked back to class.

In class, Shelby sat down and opened her notebook. Inside was a note from Scott. It said:

Shelby,

Words cannot express how glad I am that you are back in my life again. I just wish you'd tell

me what happened to you. I was so stressed and worried these passed 6 months. Meet me at

the docks after class.

Love always,

Scott

Shelby put the note in her pocket and the bell rang dismissing class. Shelby sighed and

walked to the docks. Scott was there already waiting for her. "Hey." He said.

"Hi." Shelby replied.

"Look, I know you've been through hell. I just want to know what happened. I can't stand

to see you this way." He grabbed her hand. "Please Shel. You can tell me."

Shelby pulled her hand away. "You want me to confide in you? You are unbelievable! After

you judged me about my street life. You want me to tell you more of my pain?"

Scott frowned. "I've already apologized for that. I was a jerk and I really am sorry."

"Scott you weren't there when I needed you the most. I debated forever whether or not to

tell you. Then, when I finally decide to you turn your back on me. I was there when you needed

me and I never judged you."

"I know that Shel. You where the only one who didn't. And I screwed up. But I am willing

to spend the rest of this life and the next to make up for it."

"I'll tell you what happened when I'm ready to. But I didn't go on the streets this time. Just

so you know. I didn't have it that easy this time." Shelby turned and walked away before Scott

could say anything.