A/N: Oh, my gosh! I woke up this morning to 13 reviews/alerts/favorites! That is absolutely incredible! I am so thankful for all of you! Each review brought a smile to my face, knowing you all took the time to read my story, then comment about it. Thank you all so much! Here's the next chapter, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Again, I own nothing of Shake it Up. That all belongs to Disney.

"CeCe, pick up the pace! We go live tomorrow!" The Shake it Up! Chicago choreographer was yelling at CeCe, the third time that week. She knew she was out of it, but just didn't have it in her to dance, especially after what happened the day before.

"CeCe, what's gotten into you? You don't even seem like your trying." Rocky looked over at her best friend, who had walked off stage to take a drink of water. She followed. "Are you sick or something?"

CeCe inwardly scoffed. Or something. How sad is it that your best friend can't even tell what's wrong? She was supposed to figure out everything. On one hand, CeCe was happy that Rocky couldn't figure it out. She didn't want anyone knowing. Yet, at the same time, she felt Rocky was letting her down by not figuring it out.

"Come on, CeCe. I just don't want to see you benched. And didn't you invite Comp to come see the show live tomorrow? You want to impress him, don't you?" Rocky asked, elbowing CeCe playfully with a small grin.

CeCe just shook her head. "I'll be there in 5." The redhead watched as her best friend bounced back over to the stage, diving straight into the dance with ease. CeCe laid her down on makeup table in front of her, closing her eyes. Thoughts of Frankie were trying to invade her mind, leaving no room for anything but him.

She took a deep breath, hoping to be able to reason with herself rationally. What were the pros of staying with him?

He made her popular. Is that worth the pain?

He was cute. All that word is, is cut with an e. And all he ever did was cut me up, piercing my heart with painful blows.

She found someone dumber than her. Yet he still puts me down, making me feel even stupider than I know I am.

She knew no one else would want to be with her. Does that mean I should live in fear everyday for my life?

"CeCe?" The young girl jumped, and looked into the mirror to see Gunther standing behind her. With all her inner turmoil, CeCe was not in the mood to deal with the Hessennefer.

"What do you want, Gunther?" She snapped a little harsher than necessary, but Gunther didn't blink twice. He knew she didn't like him, and the feeling had always been mutual.

"I was just wondering if the reason you are not dancing well is because you are sick. Because if you are, I believe you should just leave. I catch colds easily, and cannot afford to become sick at this instant."

CeCe smiled masochistically to herself. How could she believe Gunther was actually caring about her earlier? She shook her head.

"No, Gunther. I am not sick. And truthfully, if I was, I hope I'd get you sick. Then I wouldn't have to see you for a few days!" CeCe jumped out of her chair, and started to storm off, leaving any thoughts of Gunther behind her.

"CeCe, wait. I'm sorry, I just—" The blond broke off as he reached out for the redhead's arm. CeCe gasped in pain, and visibly winced as his arm made contact with her.

Gunther jumped back as a thought sprung onto him.

"Is it your arm? Is that the reason you are visibly dancing horribly? Here, let me see."

CeCe froze, and a million different thoughts started racing through her head, all trying to reach her mouth first, claim victory.

Don't! Stop! No! He'll kill me!

Despite her mouth being on speaking terms with her brain, nothing came out. CeCe stood there frozen and watched as Gunther Hessennefer pulled up her sleeve.

The world suddenly stopped spinning, and all that was left was her arm. Visions of blue, purple, and yellow clouded her mind as they swirled together, laughing at her. They knew the pain they caused, the truths they revealed, but they continued to laugh, mock her. The bruises revealed CeCe's innermost secret, and were enjoying every minute of it.

Gunther watched in horror as the colors overtook CeCe's arm, leaving virtually no natural skin color at all. Different shapes had formed since the day before, but the one that scared Gunther the most was the one in the shape of a handprint.

The young boy removed his transfixed eyes from her arm, and glanced up at her horror stricken face, a face that almost mirrored his own.

"CeCe…" He tried to think of something to say as water started to fall from her eyes.

CeCe pulled her arm away from Gunther, using all her might, and stumbled in the process. My life is ruined. She turned and ran, not giving the studio, or Gunther, another glance.

CeCe Jones, the ever strong girl that was admired by many, was tearing apart at the seams, and she was sure no one would be able to sew her back up again.

Ok, so I know that was a little shorter than the first chapter, and that it might be moving a little fast. But I kind of have the whole thing planned out, so it should all work out :) Also, to explain the whole benched thing, I think of the show as like a sports game, where they have different people learn different dances every week, and they all take turns dancing. CeCe could easily be benched, and another dancer could take her spot that week. Hope that makes sense :) Again thank you all for your reviews, they are all greatly appreciated! I'll try really hard to have the next chapter up by tonight!