Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.- Anne Sexton
CHAPTER #24
After the marathon, things settled down around Mt. Horizon. Chris did notice that things were getting a little more hot and heavy between Juliette and Auggie. They snuck away from the group almost as much as Scott and Shelby would. Ezra even caught them making out in the sports equipment shed. He made a bet with some of the other students, taking odds on when Juliette and Auggie would do the dirty dead. But even though Juliette was comfortable with the touching and kissing, she wasn't ready yet.
"Getting frustrated with always having to stop?" Scott asked as he saw Auggie chopping more wood, without being asked.
"A little. But I can wait, she's worth it."
Scott nodded knowingly. "That's how I felt with Shelby. You just tell us when we need to get you some alone time and we'll all make it happen."
Auggie replied, "thanks man.... What's with Chris and you guys?"
"What do you mean?" Scott asked, puzzled.
"Don't you see her watching you and Shelby all the time. This strange expression comes on her face and it's like she can't get away fast enough. I thought maybe you guys had a fight or something."
Scott shrugged, "not that I know of. Girls are just nuts."
"Especially around here," Auggie chuckled.
"I'll ask Shelby if she noticed anything." Scott helped stack the cut wood pieces and then jogged off to find his girlfriend.
Chris meanwhile, was with Ezra, picking out girls who could be potential girlfriends. "How about that girl, she's a cute little package. And she's good in chemistry class. She lets me copy some of her work too."
"What's her name?" Ezra asked.
"Carley, I think."
He looked at the short red haired girl. "What's she here for?"
Shrugging Chris said, "I'm not really sure... suicide I think. But she's a cutter too, some nice scars on her wrists and ankles."
"Jules would have that in common with her. I never really understood the whole cutting thing. I know it's about control, but I still don't get it," Ezra sighed.
"Okay, so maybe not Carley. Hmm... okay how about the skinny blond over there. She's into plants and stuff. She helps with the gardens."
"I've met her before. That's Sharon. She always talks about her boyfriend from back home."
Chris tried one more suggestion. "The brunette, her name is Brandy. She's into heavy metal, piercings and was dumped here by her divorced mother. Apparently Brandy likes anything chemical. After having her stomach pumped four times, she came here."
This girl caught his interest. "How old is she?"
"Same as you. Hey I'll introduce you, then I have my one on one with Peter." Chris wouldn't let Ezra say no, she dragged him over to the girl. "Hey Brandy, this is Ezra. He's the guy we talk to about the best chemical high."
"Oh I don't do that anymore," she said.
"Neither do I, but every newbie always asks me anyway," Ezra clarified.
"I know how you feel. Or the ones who've never tried anything stronger than weed and want to know what to try next."
Chris grinned as Ezra and Brandy chatted about their chemical experiences. She didn't think they even noticed when she left. A short jog brought her to Peter's office. She knocked before entering. Peter was on the phone and hung up shortly after Chris sat down.
