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CHAPTER 7:

As I sat on my knees cleaning and disinfecting the entire infirmary, Frank's punishment, I was told I was to think about my anger issues. For the past three hours I've been thinking and I can honestly say I haven't come up with anything. Dean had deserved that punch to the face for insulting me, as did the red head who'd elbowed me during the basketball game. Frank explained that we can't deal with everything with hate and violence and I told him I didn't. That got him to stop talking and he threw a set of yellow gloves at me before sending me away. Dipping my sponge back into the water, I noticed Auggie standing in the doorway with a smile on his face.

"Damn, Frank really must have it out for you."

We both laughed because Frank had made it very clear since my arrival that I didn't deserve to be here. The only thing that's keeping me around are Sophie and Peter's pleas that they could help somebody like me.

"Like I need help," I muttered as I splashed the soapy water on the floor and got back to cleaning.

If only I knew the discussion they were having about me in Frank's office.

(POV not involving Zane.)

"Frank, you had the same apprehensions about Scott and Juliette and look how much we have helped the two of them," Peter said.

"She's tough," Sophie added, "I just can't get a read on her yet. We just need a little more time. Zane has been abused and spun out of control, but refuses to blame her parents for any of it. I don't think her drug use has anything to do with them."

Peter argued this fact, stating that drug use can occur even years after abuse has occurred.

"Zane's different, Peter. You've seen how she is. She does it for the risk. The other day on the hike when we prepared a zip-line over the river, Zane hooked herself and took off before we could even test it. Even Scott saw how dangerous and chancy that was and those two are close. The drugs were picked up from the streets and touring, yet you're going to place her in the custody of her manager, who seems to be the supplier."

Peter rubbed his temples, "LJ is the only person that Zane feels safe with. You know as well as I do that the kid won't talk unless she knows she's getting put into his custody. Besides, the only other eligible candidate is her bandmate and we'd get laughed out of the courtroom for suggesting that. That kid has just as big a record as Zane."

Frank interrupted their debate by telling them they had one month to figure out my problem before I was sent to juvenile hall.

"For now, one week restriction. No contact with anybody. My bet is that Zane doesn't like to be alone and we will see how that changes her tune. If she hits another student, Peter, she will be gone."

The two counselors nodded solemnly as they stepped out of Peter's office. They both consoled each other, knowing they could help the tough blonde.

(END POV)

I stepped up to Frank's office and stared at the grave faces of Peter and Sophie. After asking if somebody died they both stared at me in pity. My face contorted into a look of confusion as I nodded inside.

"Cops here? That guy pressed charges, huh?"

Before I could answer, Sophie began to explain the rules of this thing called restriction. Every meal, every minute of free time, every anything I did, I would have to spend at a different table by myself. The only thing I would be allowed to do with anybody is sleep in my cabin, but I would not be allowed to talk to anyone but Sophie or another counselor. For the next week I would have to be pretty much on my own and write my thoughts in a journal. Group is the only activity I would be allowed to participate in.

"You trying to break me? That's real cute, Peter," I snarled.

Peter claimed that this was a method they often used with their students if they frequently stepped out of line. He asked if I understood the rules and I stared at him defiantly. Patiently, he asked again and I nodded my head sarcastically showing I wouldn't be speaking to anybody these next two weeks. Frank came out to see if we were doing okay and I threw the yellow gloves at him and gave him a thumbs up sign. At dinner the Cliffhangers sat with me at my table, but Sophie ushered them away, explaining what was going on.

"Are you kidding me?" Auggie asked wildly, "That guy asked for it."

I smiled at Auggie, who I got along with pretty well considering we had similar backgrounds. Oakland not that far from Venice and I'd heard of his brother. That both frightened and entranced Auggie. His brother was nothing compared to Auggie, though. Abe was a follower, not a leader. After eating my dinner, I was sent to a separate room while everyone else got to watch a movie. Boredom crept over my body and I tapped my pencil incessantly. Alone and me do not flow real well together, if you haven't noticed. I live in a van with my band for Christ's sakes. The only time I truly spend alone is to sleep and that's exactly what I did. Well, until Peter came to check on me that is.

"Head up," he exclaimed.

Grinning devilishly, I shrugged my shoulders in apology and stared at my counselor. I never stayed mad for long and I couldn't really blame him for being put on restriction. With my record here, I was surprised I hadn't gotten thrown out yet. While I talk about getting sent to juvie, I know how shitty it is there and how much better Horizon is. Still, I've always done the crazy thing instead of the safe one; like that time with the zip-line last week. I knew it had to be tested but I wanted to try it before we did. It's not like I'm trying to die, I just love the jeopardy.

"Restriction may be one of the toughest things you come across here, Zane. The physical and emotional challenges don't seem too rough on you, but this you may struggle with. I know you understand why we feel this is a necessary task for us to do. We can't have you expressing your anger on other students."

I scratched my neck before nodding. Peter said I was allowed to talk to him and I laughed and said I forgot how to talk. Three hours and I'm already a mute, great. He stepped out after a while and I was gotten after a while to return to my cabin for lights out. Scott flashed me a smile and I winked back at him. Not talking to him, Auggie, or any of the Cliffhangers would be hard, since we spent almost every waking minute together.

"You've set a new record," Shelby teased, "Earliest restriction I've ever witnessed."

Kat agreed and I held my hands up in mock celebration. A fire was made for the Cliffhangers to sit around, but I was instructed to another table slightly away from the crowd. I got to watch as everybody made jokes and talked. An unhappiness rose in me and I criticized my weakness. People are my weakness. I have to be around them; even my parents, who abuse the hell out of me. My leg was shaking and I couldn't sit still to save my life. Sophie noticed my severe agitation and nudged Peter. This caused me to stop moving and sit still. Damn if they think I couldn't take even one day of this shit. Jeff brought out a guitar and was playing a horrible rendition of some song I'd never heard of. Unintentionally, my hands began strumming the chords; I can learn anything if I hear it once. Scribbling furiously, I wrote 'I can play it for you' and handed it to Jeff.

"Yeah you're probably better than me anyways. Don't know why I didn't think to ask you," the man replied.

'Probably because you're still scared of me since that day in the cafeteria.'

Shrugging, I picked up the guitar and tuned it to my liking. I began to strum the chords, with more complication then Jeff, and it made a better sound. The Cliffhangers actually began to recognize the song and I nodded at Jeff to start singing. My eyes didn't have to be on the guitar; it was like another limb to me and I could feel the music. Peter was smiling at me and didn't force me back to my lonely table. This was the first time I'd ever played for any of the Cliffhangers other than Scott and they watched in awe. My lips slightly mouthed the words out of habit. It was something I'd always done and could never get it to stop. LJ told me it was my only flaw as a player but that it gave me character and let me stand out. When I finished, I handed the instrument back to Jeff and headed over to my bench.

"You're amazing," Juliette squealed.

I smiled and laid my head down and stared at the fire.

'You should hear me when I'm high. That's a fucking sight to see. I'm amazing then.'

I was brushing my fingertips lightly against a tattoo on my wrist wondering about the show I was missing tonight. Let me tell you, I'd never felt more alone than I did at that moment and I never plan to again.

END OF CHAPTER.