A/N: Sadly, no one figured out what the twist was. It is kind of hard, but also obvious. At least in my opinion, then again, I'm the bloody writer so I'm cheating. Despite that fact, here is the next chapter.

A/N#2: I truly appreciate all the reviews for not only this story, but for WS too. I haven't taken the time to respond individually, but I do read each one. Glad to say most of you love both stories. I'll keep working on them until they are both done.

Enjoy!

~*~LINE BREAK~*~

Lunch couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I was really getting tired of Jade and Cat following me around everywhere. I knew they were doing it because they cared, at least that's why Cat was doing it, but I don't like having a shadow so it was annoying.

I grabbed a slice from the Grub Truck and then sat down at the table. Everyone in the group was looking at me, but I didn't have anything to tell them. I remembered I needed to call my mom.

Sighing, I pulled out my phone.

It rang once and then my mom's panicked voice came through the line, "Tori!"

I sighed again. This woman was going to work herself into a trip to the hospital.

"Hey, mom."

"Sweetheart, why don't you just come home? Trina left right after I called her this morning. I'm sure it'll be no problem with the school."

"Mom, I'm trying to get my life back together. If I run every time she comes back, I'll never stop looking over my shoulder. I need to just be in school. Please understand that."

"I do, sweetie. I'm just worried. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I think she's proven she can get to me if she wants. I'm worried too, but I have to try and live my life."

"I know. Your dad has one of his friends in a car at your school. He'll be there until your dad gets there."

"Okay, mom. That's fine."

"Can you promise me that you're not going anywhere alone."

"You don't need to worry about that. Cat and Jade have been following me everywhere since third hour. And I do mean everywhere. One of them stood outside of the stall when I had to go to the restroom."

"Well, they're just worried, honey. Tell them I said thank you."

"Will do, mom. I have to eat lunch now. I'll see you after school, okay?"

"Okay, Tor. I love you, sweetie."

"I love you too, mom. I'll see you soon."

After we exchanged goodbyes, I hung up and ate my lunch. The group had gone about their regular conversation. I listened and didn't really input much. I was lost in my thoughts.

As much as I told my mom I wanted to do this, it's not a matter of that. I need to be able to do this or Ponnie is always going to have control over it. I can't let someone else dictate how I live my life. I'm still trying to figure out how she knew which police car I'd be in. The last two weeks, I've spent agonizing over every detail and I can't positively say that I know how.

Then there's Jade. I turned to look at her briefly before I looked down at the table. My hand unconsciously moving to cover the envelope with the letters, the other covering my stomach. The wounds still hurt sometimes, but I'll get through it.

I don't understand why Jade was so set on helping me. Jade hates me. Yet, she's risking her life to help me. Why? I guess this is her way of paying me back for all the times I've helped her, but it's a little extreme. She could get hurt.

"Stop thinking about it." A voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up and realized it was Jade. I gave her a look of confusion hoping she'd elaborate.

"What happened that day. Try and stop thinking about it so much. That's why they're hurting."

She nodded towards my stomach and I realized that my hand was there again. How does she always know when it's on my mind?

"Are you ever going to tell me what really happened that day?"

"What are you talking about, Jade? I told you what happened that day."

She shook her and said, "No. You told me what you wanted to tell me about that day. Believe it or not, I know when you're leaving something out. I don't know what it is, but I know it's enough that you've been different with me since you got out of the hospital."

"Jade … You're right. I didn't tell you something, but it's for the best. You're also right about me being different than before it all happened. You have no reason to trust me on this, but you should. I'm doing it to save your life as well as keep things as normal as possible."

"Save my life? I don't need you to save my life. I need you to be honest with me. I visited you everyday while you were in the hospital and when everyday you were stuck at home resting. Do you honestly think that I care about what could happen to me?"

I sighed. She's right. She was there everyday for at least a few hours until the doctor said I could come back to school. I knew she didn't care about her safety, but I damn well did. I was in love with this girl and although I wasn't ready to tell her, I wanted to at least keep her safe.

"Why do you care about my safety, Jade? You ask me questions and you do things without giving me a choice in the matter, but you hate me. So what is the deal here?"

Jade sighed and then stood up from the table. I guess that's the end of our conversation.

"Are you coming?"

I looked up at her like she'd lost her mind. I didn't agree to go anywhere.

"You want me to answer your questions right?" she asked as she looked at me expectantly.

I nodded and stood as well. We waved bye to our friends and I followed Jade into the Black Box Theater. I had no clue why we were talking here when we always talked in the janitor's closet, but as long as I get answers, I don't care.

"You asked me why I care when I supposedly hate you. Have you ever considered the fact that I don't hate you?" she asked with her back facing me.

"No. I didn't. It's not like you merely said you hated me. You treat me like I'm the most irritating person in your life. Or at least you did before everything happened."

She nodded her head and then turned to face me. I didn't recognize the expression because I'd never seen Jade look like that.

"I answered one of your questions, Tori. Now answer mine. Why did she take you?"

I looked down. I really didn't want to answer that, but it seemed like a quid pro quo thing and I deserved to answer at least one of her questions.

I sighed and then looked at her and answered, "She took me because she wanted me."

"What does that mean, Tori?"

I was being vague on purpose. I didn't want to tell her, but then again I really did.

"I mean that she wanted me the way I wanted someone else. When I refused to be with her that way, she tried to kill me. Her reasoning was that if she couldn't have me, no one could."

"So you basically gave up your life for someone?"

"Essentially, I guess you could say that."

"What good did it get you? As far as I know, you're still single. So what happened to this guy?"

"T-There is no guy."

"No guy? That makes no … "

She trailed off and I knew the realization hit her.

"You're telling me that you want to be with another girl?"

"Yes, Jade. I'm gay. I love another girl and I refused to degrade that love by admitting to love a lunatic. At least that particular lunatic."

She looked at me like I grew a second head.

"You're in love with a lunatic?"

I couldn't stifle the laugh that sprung from me.

"Most people would say that the girl I love is a lunatic, yes."

"But you wouldn't?"

"Oh! No! I know she's some kind of crazy, but I love her anyway."

She thought about it for a minute and then tilted her head to the side.

"So who is it? Why aren't you with her? This is a performing arts school. The LGBT community is like the majority population."

Before I could answer, the bell rung. I started to make my way out of the room. At the door, I stopped and looked back at her.

"I won't tell you who it is, because it wouldn't matter anyway. I'm not with her because she'd never want to be with me. Let's leave it at that. I'll meet you at sixth hour, Jade."

I walked through the door and began moving through the crowds of people. When I made it to the second level of the school, my phone started vibrating like crazy in my pocket.

I pulled it out once I got to my class. There were three text messages.

From: Unknown

1:21 p.m.

Hey, Tor. I really am looking forward to watching you die. You got lucky last time, I guarantee it won't happen again, baby. How is Jade doing these days? I wonder if you've told her you love her. Hmm … Probably not, knowing you. The only honor you ever had was the last time we were together. Time won't be on your side again. I'll come for you when you least expect it. Scared yet? You should be.

- xx Ponnie

I dropped my phone. How did she get my number? I changed it three times in the last two weeks. I never keep the number more than a few days. This can't be happening.

Leaned back against the wall. Sliding down, I brought my knees up to my chest and buried my face into them. Why can't she just leave me alone? Why does it have to be me that she wants? I can't get away from her. No matter what.

~*~LINE BREAK~*~

A/N: Well, there it is, my ferries. Another chapter down. The big event is right around the corner. Still hoping SOMEONE can figure out what the twist is. Let me know what you think of the little Jori heart to heart. Until next time.

-Sammy