CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The next day, Sarah continued her silent treatment. She didn't participate in any of the group activities, and when it was time to pack up and head out for the short portion of their trip, she did it silently.
The Cliffhangers and their counselors were planning to do half of the hike today and the rest tomorrow. The group was cheerful; they were anxiously awaiting showers and a real bed the next day. Only Sarah didn't share in the excitement. She hung to the back of the line and hiked in silence, trying her invisibility game again.
Peter hung back to walk with her. They were several paces behind the rest of the group. "Care to talk?" Sarah shook her head. "Let me rephrase that: Let's talk."
"You can't make me do anything."
"I believe one of the rules we discussed when you first arrived was that you would be expected to participate in group. You haven't done that."
"What are you gonna do, put me on shuns."
She had a point. Shuns was typically the worst punishment a student could get. But Sarah was different. Peter suspected that she would be quite happy to have a reason not to talk to the others.
"No, but there's always kitchen duty." She shrugged. "Or bathroom duty."
Sarah made a face. "Ugh." She paused. "Look Peter, I don't have anything to say to these people. We have nothing in common."
"I disagree. Didn't you listen to Jules's poem yesterday? I think if you took the time to get to know some of the others you might find you have a lot more in common than you think."
"What do you know about it anyway? Can't we talk about something else?"
"Well, why don't you tell me about that brother of yours."
Before she could answer, Sophie interrupted. "Okay gang," she yelled, "ten minute break. Get some water, rest your legs and then we're back on the trail."
Shelby could see Peter pestering Sarah. She headed back to intervene. "Hey, Peter, mind if I have a word with my first week buddy?"
"Not at all. I'll go check on the others."
When he was safely out of earshot, Shelby turned to Sarah. "You looked like you could use some rescuing."
Sarah smiled. "Thanks. Is he always that obnoxious?"
"He means well. But yah, he can really get to you."
When the group headed back out, Shelby stuck with Sarah. She thought she could use a break.
"So, where are you from? I mean, I hope you don't mind me asking, but I do have an essay to write."
"No, I don't mind at all. I came here from Seattle, but I've lived like a million different places. I was born in Michigan though, even lived there off and on. That's what I consider home."
"Army brat?"
"Troublemaker. My parents shuffled me around to a lot of different schools, relatives, friends. Then with all their job moves…"
"Yah, I get it. That must have been rough."
"You get used to it after awhile."
"So Horizon's not your first alternative school?"
"Hell no. It's my 4th school this year alone."
"Are you serious?"
"Yup."
"Think you'll be sticking around here for long?"
"Probably. I think my parents are pretty much done with me. I guess I'm stuck here unless I do something to get myself kicked out."
"Good luck. Peter doesn't give up on people that easily."
"Great." She paused for a minute. "So what's your story?"
Shelby shrugged. "I didn't come from an ideal home."
"Runaway?"
"Yah. Till Peter took me in. It's not that bad here you know."
"We'll see."
"So what's your story?"
"I didn't come from an ideal home."
"Yah, I get it. Sorry, didn't mean to get to personal."
The group had stopped and were setting up camp for the night. Sarah had her tent up in no time and even helped Shelby with hers.
"Let me guess, one of those four other schools was a wilderness school."
"Two of them actually." She laughed. "I've spent more of my life in tents…"
Peter couldn't help but notice the bond forming between the Shelby and Sarah. He was glad that she was making friends. It would make the transition easier. Once she was comfortable, it would only be a matter of time before she started to open up.