I was having such a great time, until I got a text from Shaun. He didn't know I was here, I didn't think to tell him since he was so drunk. He was very angry. I didn't want to go home. I wandered over to the girls.

"Hey guys, would it be possible to stay at one of your places? Pleeeaase?"

Taylor laughed, "Sure, you can stay with me."

I hugged her, "Thanks Tay!"

I walked back over to Gravy who was talking to Chad.

We all ended up going into the kitchen where it was quieter. I put my cell down on the table, forgetting about it because we were talking. I totally forgot the text was still open on my screen.

Grady's POV

I couldn't believe she actually said yes. I couldn't stop looking at her either. She was laughing with the girls and messing about with Chad. I think Chad and Nix are really cute. I know that sounds girly but I do. I think it's so cute how they care for each other. They seriously act like brother and sister. And Chad even said to me after I told him me and Nixon were together, "You better look after her." And I was like "What the hell, you were the one who told me to tell her." But I will look after her. I know I will.

I walked over to stand by her and as soon as she saw me, intertwined her fingers with mine. That made me smile.

Sharpay's POV

Everyone decided to go back into the party but I decided to stay in the kitchen and just clean up a little. That's when I realised Nix had left her cell. I picked it up and read the text on it. I didn't mean to read it but it caught my eye because it was all in capitals, like someone was shouting at her, text form. Nix is like one of my best friends, and I was just about to text back sticking up for her when I realised who it had come from, "Dad"?

The text says:

NIXON! GET YOUR ASS HOME YOU STUPID BITCH! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STAYING OUT AT ALL HOURS? YOU ARE SO DEAD WHEN YOU GET HERE! I HATE YOU BITCH!

I am totally shocked. I looked at Nixon talking with the others and noticed something I hadn't seen before. There were burn type marks all over her neck, they were faint and she had tried to cover them with make up, and a bruise on her arm, and on her leg, and above her eye… it's strange how she has so many bruises. She told us she'd fallen down the stairs. I'm seriously scared now. I dragged Taylor away.

"Shar? What's wrong?"

"I'm worried about Nix."

"Why?"

We were outside by now.

"Okay, look at her, check out all the bruises she has. Check out those red marks on her neck, then check out this text."

After she had read the text, she looked up at me worriedly.

"We have to ask her."

Taylor went back in to grab Nixon and when she stepped out, she clocked the cell in my hand.

"What are you doing with my phone? That's private!"

"Nix, we're worried about you."

"Why?" She looked nervous.

"Your marks and bruises, now this."

She bit her lip; she was so obviously scared.

"Don't tell anyone." She whispered.

"He beats you?" Taylor was getting seriously upset now.

"Sorta."

OMG! One of my bestest friends ever is being beaten by her own dad and I didn't even notice.

"Shar… Please don't tell any of the others. I don't want this going around school."

"How long has this been going on?"

Nix shrugged, "Since I was born I guess."

"OMG, Nix." I hugged her.

"It's no big D." She smiled weakly.

"Yeah it is though!"

"You just have to swear you won't tell anyone! Swear?"

She glared at us both and we both reluctantly nodded. I wanted to tell someone, I wanted to scream, I needed to help her.

She took her phone back and we went back inside.

I couldn't help but wonder what he'd done to her, the bastard.