The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall. - Vince Lombardi
For the next part of the hike, things went smoothly. Even when Peter gave him roadblocks to over come, Scott took it in stride. They all began the hike up the mountain to where the banners of others hung, including his friend Kat's flag. Scott wasn't paying attention, as he was thinking about that day and all of it's revelations. He was wondering if Shelby remembered it too and how she felt. As he glanced over his shoulder to meet her eyes, that's when his foot landed on a loose rock.
"Look out," he shouted as it dislodged and sent debris down on the people behind him. He fell, leaving some skin on the mountain's surface. Even though blood ran down his leg he sat up and called out, "everyone okay?"
Everyone sorted themselves out and shouted that they were fine. Shelby said, "I'm fine, but Scott's bleeding pretty bad Peter."
Peter carefully made his way to Scott's side. "That's a nasty gash in your knee. We can patch you up, but we should get that cleaned properly and you'll need stitches."
Scott groaned, "just clean it. I want to finish this. I've had worse cuts during football."
Chad one of his team makes agreed, "that's nothing... this one game...."
Daisy groaned, "that sounds too much like American Pie, when they talk about band camp."
Laughter floated on the air and Chad grinned, but shut up. Peter and Scott's coach cleaned up the cut. They decided in the end it was Scott's choice if he continued or quit. Both knew before he even said a thing, what he'd decide.
"Quit lying around troops, we have just a little further to go!" Scott got up, adjusted his bandage and then they continued.
When they arrived at the summit, Scott went to the peak by himself, but the cheering and clapping of his peers took him the last few steps. He added his flag to the others, then let loose a yell that sent the birds aloft. Will power is what helped him on the return trip, with Shelby and Chris assisting. Due to his leg, Peter took them to a road and they were picked up, even though Scott protested that he could make the hike back.
Auggie said, "look we know you are a rock star and would deal with the pain to make it back. But, you've done it, you made it to the top, enjoy the ride back."
Ezra added, "I sure will appreciate not having to walk anymore."
"Alright, everyone get on board!" Scott said.
Chris noticed that Peter and Scott's coaches were huddled together talking. Their discussion was very animated and she wondered what was going on. The cut on his knee wasn't too deep to affect him playing, so it had to be about something else. She nodded at Daisy who was closest to the group, but the dark haired girl shrugged, showing she couldn't hear what it was about either.
"I guess Scott's going to graduate this year," Shelby said in a dead tone.
"So will you, I bet you're trip up the mountain will happen in a month or two." Chris replied with encouragement.
Juliette heard her response also. "Shelby you're not the same person as you were, none of us are. Scott won't leave you behind, you know that."
Shelby shook her head, "no you guys don't get it, I want him to leave me behind."
Auggie frowned, "what?"
"I don't want to be the reason why life leaves him behind. He'll hate me if he doesn't go to college, just to wait for me." Shelby explained and then turned her face to the window.
She didn't know that Scott had heard her. He frowned, knowing if he said anything now, she'd just attack him, because there was no one else to release her frustrations on. He was conflicted; he loved her but knew he couldn't save her from herself. At the same time there was no way he'd make a choice. But it was still a long time before he graduated and Shelby's progress improved daily. She was not as hostile to everyone around her and after the court thing had passed, Shelby's outlook on life changed completely. She had hope and with that came future goals.
While Scott's mind was in turmoil, Peter's was clear. He'd decided to call in a few favours, people from his past. They were good men, who loved sports and they had the connections through networking that would move things along. Not wanting to put pressure on Scott or anyone else, after he touched base with the coaches, things were put into motion. It was an opportunity that Scott's coaches knew would benefit all of the team. The next football game would determine what the future held.
