After a full day of classes, Sarah definitely had to admit that Scott, Shelby and Daisy were right; not only were classes boring, but they sounded very similar to her therapy sessions.  Even English was disappointing.  The Cliffhangers had to write a poem that told something about themselves and read it in front of the class next week.  She had to give Peter credit, he never gave up.  He was determined to break the shell of every student at this school, even if he had to develop the curriculum to his demands and enlist the help of the teachers.

            Sarah was sitting outside in the sun, thinking about what she could write that would be suitable to tell the rest of the Cliffhangers when Scott and Shelby happened by her.

            "Hey first week buddy," Shelby cheered.  "How's everything?"  Scott sat down next to Sarah and motioned for Shelby to do the same.

            Sarah shrugged.  "This place sucks."

            Scott laughed.  "Well, send this girl to the head of the class.  She gets it."

            Sarah wasn't sure if he was making fun of her or not so she didn't say anything.        

            "You know buddy," Shelby interrupted, "you really should work on your people skills.  Time goes by a lot faster when you have friends to talk to."

            She shrugged again and Scott and Shelby took off toward the docks.  

            "She's quiet."  Scott announced when they were out of earshot.

            "Gee Scott, that's insightful."

            "Shouldn't you be showing her around or something?" he teased.

            Shelby leaned in and kissed him.  "I could go back and talk to her, but what would you do here at the docks by yourself?"

            He smiled.  "Good point."  He returned her kiss.  "Now, could you explain that to me a few more times?" 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

            Peter was consulting with Sophie in his office.  "Soph, it's the only time I've seen her smile since she got here."

            "Most kids don't smile their first few weeks here.  It could be a fluke."

            "No, the way she looked when she asked about her brother, it was different.  I could see it in her eyes.  She really cares about him."

            "So are you going to talk to her parents?"

            He shook his head.  "I'm not sure yet.  I need to find out more about him and why he's never been mentioned in any of her files."

            "Speaking of her files, have you gotten in touch with any of her past therapists?"

            "No luck yet.  I just can't seem to find out any information about Sarah other than what we've been given.  It's almost as if these past therapists have disappeared."

            "Just like her parents?"

            Peter thought about that statement for a long time.  It seemed that there was no record of anything of importance in Sarah's life.  Like she was living in a black hole.

~~~~

Coming soon:  Sarah's first quest with the Cliffhangers and more information about her mysterious brother!