**It's been forever since I updated.  I'm sorry!  I have a few chapters written, and I think I've finally figured out exactly where I want to go with this story.  I hope you enjoy this!  Please let me know what you think – I appreciate all reviews (good or bad!).**

CHAPTER TWELVE

Sarah quickly stuffed her notebook back into her bag.  She was staring at her shoes.  She didn't want to meet anyone's eyes.  God, this was painful.  She could feel everyone looking at her.  The silence seemed to last forever.

            "That was really good," commented Jules.  "I've felt like that before too.  It's like I know exactly what you're talking about."

            The other Cliffhangers nodded in agreement, voicing their opinions about the poem.  Sarah just continued to stare at her shoes.

            "Is there anything you'd care to add Sarah?"  Peter was trying to get her to make eye contact.  "That was very good.  Would you care to expand on your feelings?"

            Silence.  Sarah tried to calm herself down.  Why on earth did she let these people hear her poem?  It was special and private to her.  And now they wanted to make a running commentary on it?  Her feelings were not something that she wanted to share with this group of virtual strangers.  They were interfering with her life.

            "Sarah?" Peter tried again.  "Are you okay?"

            Sarah looked up, tears in her eyes.  She glanced around the circle and saw everyone staring at her, waiting for her to say something.  She snapped.  She stood up and took off running, as fast as her legs could carry her. 

            Peter stood up.  He didn't seem surprised.  "Soph, stay here with the others.  I'll go get her."  He took off at a trot behind her.  He wasn't trying to catch her, just keep her in his sight.

            Sarah didn't know where she was going, nor did she care.  She just had to get away, away from all of those eyes staring at her.  She just kept running.  She ran until her legs ached.  With every breath she took she felt stabs of pain in her lungs.  She finally collapsed.  Her back against a large tree, she slid to the ground and sobbed uncontrollably.

            Peter sat beside her and pulled her into a hug.  She tried to push him away, but she couldn't.  She didn't have the strength left in her.  There was too much pain, both physical and emotional.

            "Just leave me alone," she sobbed.

            "Not a chance."

            "I want to be left alone."

            "No you don't.  You just don't know it yet."

            "I HATE YOU!"  She pushed away from him with all of her remaining strength and stood up.  "I HATE YOU!  JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

            "You can hate me all you want, but I won't leave you alone."

            Her sobs were quickly replaced by anger.  Her hatred was burning out through her eyes.  She hated herself for falling apart in front of him.  She hated herself for crying.  She was stronger than that.  She never let anyone see her emotions.  No one could ever see her weaknesses.  She just didn't allow it.

            "Are you ready to go back to the campsite?"

            She didn't answer.  She just started walking back in the direction that they had come from.  Peter didn't push her to talk.  He just led the way back to the camp.

            The Cliffhangers were still talking around the campfire, although the talk had turned friendly and conversational.  They paused only briefly when Sarah sat back down, her eyes red from crying.

            Sophie shot Peter an inquisitive look, but he just shrugged.  He had no idea what had caused Sarah's outburst.

            "Okay, gang," interrupted Sophie, "time for group."  Everyone groaned, except Sarah.  "We can continue social hour later."

            "You people never let us have any fun," said Daisy.  "Weren't the poems enough therapy for one day?"

            "Yah," agreed Ezra sarcastically, "how much pain and torment do you expect from us?"

            Even Peter laughed.  "Okay, how about a quick session?  One line and pass the staff?"  He didn't wait for a response. "Tonight's topic…My family."  He tossed the staff to Scott.  "Go."

            "My family does not define me."  He tossed the staff to Shelby.

            "My family does not deserve me."  She handed the staff to Daisy on her right.

            "My family has its own problems."

            Auggie caught the staff as Daisy tossed it across the fire.  "My family can both harm and help me."

            Jules hesitated when Auggie passed to her.  "Umm…my family is part of my problem."

            David was next.  "My family just doesn't appreciate my sense of humor."  He tossed the staff to Sarah.  "Try not to freak out on us here, newbie."

            Sarah held the staff for a second, then set it down on the ground, stood up from the fire and went into her tent.  She had had enough.