The only people who knew I was back at Gallagher were my mom, Joe Solomon, my medical team and the rescue team sent by CIA.

Thanks to Dr. Fibs' serum that quickened recovery of breaks and fractures I was fine by the end of winter break, I was rescued on the day before Christmas Eve.

Mom had her speech prepared for my entrance but I also had a speech. Sarah and I got close over the break and it felt like I had known her forever. She helped me write the speech.

"The only person to ever survive the Circle of Cavan. Please welcome back Cameron Morgan."

I pushed open the doors when my name was called. Cutlery was dropped, jaws hung open, and a couple people chocked on whatever was in their mouths (this included the teachers)

"First off I'm going to apologize. I'm sorry for running away. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused. I'm sorry that I hurt so many people. I don't think what I did was a mistake because I got what I was looking for. I got my answers. All actions have risks and if something goes wrong you have to face the consequences. I'm facing the consequences that come with being a 'hero'. I hope you can forgive me and I'm sorry."

I never once looked up from the podium during my short speech or up from the ground on my way out. Because I was so skinny but had to maintain a healthy diet I was put on bed rest to gain a few pounds.

After a month my baby and I were doing fine so I could go back to normal school life, besides P&E. I avoided Bex, Macey, Liz, and Zach as much as possible. During class change I was pulled down a hallway and into a secret passageway.

"Please don't hurt me. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Please I'm begging you. Don't hurt me. I will love Riley, I'll even marry him but please don't hurt me."

I fell to my knees with tears streaming down my face. I was ready for whatever my mysterious kidnapper was going to do but I wasn't ready for them to sit next to me.

"What happened to you Cam?"

"Zach? Is that you?"

He didn't answer but continued. "You're getting sloppy. You don't seem to be getting enough sleep. You dropped out of Cove Ops. What happened?"

"I have to get to class, Zach." I stood up to walk away but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back before I could do anything.

It was second nature to cower in fear whenever someone grabbed my wrists because it was always Riley.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I promise. Please just talk to me."

I fell into his lap and cried into his chest. I clutched onto his shirt for security.

"Shh. It's okay Cam. I've got you. It's just me. I'll protect you. I'm so sorry. I love you Cam."

I fell asleep in his arms even though I knew it was wrong. I woke up with someone's arm around my waist. I assumed it was Riley and started shaking.

"It's me Cammie, don't freak out."

I relaxed into Zach's arms and we sat in a comfortable silence for about 10 minutes.

"Why did you go?"

"Didn't you read my paper?"

"I mean, why did you go without me?"

"Wherever I go trouble follows. With trouble there's pain. There was a lot of pain this time. I couldn't put the people I love in danger."

"What did they do?" He words were soft and airy.

"Please don't hate me."

"I could never stay mad at you."

"They started off whipping me then they cut me. I never shed a tear so they started injecting me with weird colored stuff. I let something slip but I don't remember what it was. I felt like I was floating, like when Mr. Solomon taught us about the affects of drugs.

"All I remember is her telling me that they killed my father when they found out I was a liability. They started doing tests with me and I was so scared. One day I was really close to dying but someone came and told me life would be better if I was willing to make a few sacrifices. I was desperate so I agreed. They fed me and bathed me and fixed me.

"After a week of living a life of luxury a familiar guy came into my room and explained everything. Joshua Abrams, my first boyfriend, is really part of the Circle. When his dad dies or retires he will be the new leader. He said life could stay amazing like that if I married him. One night he was drunk and I was changing when he walked in. His eyes filled with lust and before I knew it he-" The scene played over in my head as I spoke but I couldn't.

"I understand. I'm so sorry. I'm never leaving you again." He pulled me closer to him and placed a kiss on my forehead.

I thought to myself. I know you won't leave me, but I'm leaving you. Sooner than you think.