The entire time they were in West Side Story, Brady was trying. But not just to get out. He was trying to make Mack see. See how much he was hurting, how much he loved her, NEEDED her. Not that she listened. But he still convinced her to stay once they returned home. She still didn't understand how much of his life she was, and how much it hurt when she was about to leave. But that was ok. Because at least they were together.

"So.. Brady... When do I get to meet your folks?" Mack's father had never been in her life, and her mother died, but Brady had met and often hung out with her grandfather. He was a pretty cool guy.

Brady froze. Meet his parents?

"Hey, are you okay?" Mack stopped next to him.

"Yeah, yeah, its just... My parents... Hey, look! Your grandfather finished the new surfboard!" He ran over to admire the beautiful board.

"Really cool, Grandpa," smiled Mack.

"Hey, I'm gonna get to bed. See ya tomorrow?" Mack yawned.

"Ok.. I'll just go surf some more." Brady kissed his tired girlfriend gently on the cheek. But she only frowned.

"Its 2 hours past midnight! Shouldn't you be getting back to your place? GO HOME, Brady."

"Fine. Sure. I'll do that." Mack wasn't convinced. She knew he would surf until at least 5 in the morning.

I'll make sure he wakes up at at LEAST 10 tomorrow... I heard the surf's gonna be great! I just hope he gets enough sleep, Mack thought.

It was 9 when the young girl decided to find Brady. Mack had never been to Brady's house before, although they had been dating since the beginning of summer vacation. The place was fairly secluded. Mack gazed at the houses overgrown lawn and peeling paint for a few seconds.

So, this is where he lives..

An abrupt shout stopped her train of thought.

"You IDIOT! You were supposed to feed the dog!" A woman screamed from inside the house.

"We don't have enough food, Mom!" A voice sobbed loudly. Brady's voice. "And you won't give me money to get more!"

"Stupid boy. So stupid," a man's voice chuckled. "Give the dog your portion of food for the week."

"But-" Brady protested.

"ARE YOU SASSING YOUR FATHER?" The woman's voice again. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT! YOU..YOU.."

"Calm down, Charlotte," the man laughed lightly. "The boy just needs another lesson. That's all. C'mere, Brady. Don't walk away from me, mister. Brady, you get back here and learn your-!" A loud smack filled the air followed by a cry of pain.

"SHUT UP YOU MORON!" The woman shouted.

"50 'lessons' should suffice. Oh, Brady. Won't you ever learn from your lessons? Maybe I just have to show you a stronger lesson," the man laughed.

Brady's shouts and screams came with each loud noise.

BRADY!

She had to help him. She ran to the door and rang it repeatedly.

A blonde man looked at her casually, Brady nowhere to be seen.

"I.. Is.. Uhm.. Well..."

"Spit it out, child."

"Can I see Brady?"

The man stared at her for a moment. Then he laughed softly.

"So the kid got a girlfriend," he shook his head. "Brady! Get down here!" Brady walked out a door off to the side of the hall cautiously. He saw Mack and shock was written across his bruised face.

Go, he mouthed. But Mack wasn't about to leave.

"A girl?!" Screeched a woman. "HE BETTER NOT! We can't afford for that thing to knock up some GIRL!"

The man sighed and slapped Brady across the cheek. "Stupid boy," he said. "Get out of here."

Brady walked casually down to Mack's house in silence. Finally, the silence was just too overwhelming for Mack.

"They hurt you." Mack examined him up and down, but couldn't find any injuries other than the bruises on his face.

"Just Dad," he shrugged. "Mom just yells."

"They hurt you," repeated Mack. "But where..?"

"Doesn't matter."

"Let me see."

"No!"

"BRADY! LET ME HELP YOU!"

"I DON'T NEED HELP!"

Mack abruptly lifted his shirt to reveal thousands of cuts and bruises. Brady pulled it down again.

"Why didn't you tell me you needed.. Help? Someone? ME?" Mack felt her eyes watering.

"I did," he shrugged again. "You just didn't listen closely enough." And suddenly it made sense. The way he told her that her mother sounded like a great woman. When he constantly reminded her when they were in the movie that he was happy just being with her. He didn't just like her. She was all that he had. "It's.. It's why I couldn't cope with you leaving."