Disclaimer: In case you have a short memory, only Sarah belongs to me…
CHAPTER FOUR
The rest of the Cliffhangers were already seated when Sarah arrived. No one really paid much attention to her when she came in. She liked it that way. She sat down near Daisy (but not too close), leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She was almost asleep when Peter's voice snapped her back to reality.
"Glad you could all make it," Peter joked.
Daisy snorted. "Like we had a choice?"
Sarah glanced at Daisy. Maybe not everyone here was as bad as Shelby.
"What fun stuff do you have in store for us tonight?" asked Ezra.
"Well," began Peter, "I'm sure you've all noticed that we have a new member. I thought we'd share a little about ourselves, get to know each other better."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Oh good god," she muttered under her breath. Only Daisy was close enough to hear her and she couldn't stifle a giggle.
"Daisy, thanks for volunteering to go first. Tell us about yourself and give a piece of advice to Sarah that she might find useful during her first week at Horizon, then pass off to the next person."
"Well," began Daisy with faked enthusiasm, "my parents are alcoholics, so I received inadequate nurturing. When my father became abusive, I vented my frustration on him with a golf club." She got a kick out of the look in Sarah's eyes. "And my advice to you is to avoid the cafeteria lasagna at all costs." She smiled. "Is that what you were looking for Peter?"
He nodded. "That will do Daisy. Pass it off now."
"Scott, you're up."
Scott cleared his throat. "Umm, I'm Scott." He hesitated. "Peter, I don't know what else to say."
"Go on Scott."
"Let's see. I like football – if you're ever interested in a game or something. I guess my advice would be that this place isn't so bad if you give it half a chance." He sat back in his chair, relieved to be finished. "Auggie, you're next."
"Yo, I'm Auggie. Jules here is my girl. And for advice, I'd have to second Daisy's warning on the lasagna. It's bad news. Jules."
Juliette beamed. "Hi. I'm Jules, like Auggie said. I'd love to show you around if you want. I like helping out the new students so if you ever need anything just let me know." She thought for a minute. "My advice is never run from your problems. It won't get you anywhere." She smiled at Peter, remembering the time that she and Auggie had run from Horizon. "Um, Ezra."
Ezra laughed. "How can I follow someone that perky?" He shook his head. "Anyway, I'm Ezra. I'm into writing and film and that sort of thing. And if you ever need a lock picked…"
"Ezra – " warned Peter.
"Sorry, sorry. Just trying to lend a hand to the new girl. My advice would be don't ever anger Peter." He glanced around the room for approval. "Shelby."
Shelby rolled her eyes. "I'm Shelby, but I've believed we've already met. And I'm sure we'll be getting to know more than we ever wanted to about each other in the next few days. Ruxton, think you can handle this assignment?"
David got a huge grin on his face. "I'm David. I'm a Capricorn. I enjoy long walks on the beach –"
"That's enough." Peter had interrupted David's rantings. "Sarah, why don't you tell the group a little about yourself?"
Sarah stared at the floor. "I'm Sarah." she whispered. "And I didn't ask to come here. I don't want to be here and I really don't want to get to know any of you."
"Well, aren't you just the social butterfly," rebuked Shelby.
The group was getting restless. "Okay, gang," said Peter. "That's enough for tonight. Shelby, be sure to show Sarah around."
"Oh I just can't wait."
Sarah looked just as displeased as Shelby. She hated this place and these people. Daisy might be okay, but she didn't want to spend another minute with Shelby. And she certainly didn't want to get to know her.