We jerked to a stop when we got to the garage. I was thrown into his shoulder and now my cheek was starting to swell.

"Ow! What the fuck Gar?!" I shouted, angry about my now swollen and hurt cheek. We moved off of the baby death machine and started taking off our helmets.

"Sorry about that Rae." He said a little too eagerly. He kissed my hurt cheek and walked towards the garage like nothing had happened. I stood there with my cheeks inflamed. My left cheek suddenly not hurting anymore. Did he just kiss me on the cheek? I lifted my hand up to the place where he kissed me and smiled.

"Come on Rach hurry your ass up!" He yelled to me, breaking my thought.

We walked into the cold garage. It smelling of motor oil and gasoline. I spotted a broken down Nissan Sentra, tools and a buffer were by its side so i assumed Victor is probably working on it. Right next to it I see his immaculate "baby", looking as shiny and expensive as ever. He called it the T-Car. I have no idea why, but it's an amazing car that he made all by himself.

I spotted the others in the corner of the brightly lit garage, on crates and boxes we sit on as seats. A cooler of Corona's in the middle. As much as I love hanging out here, I can't help but want to change the location of our hang out places sometimes. Vic's garage was just so cold, had no decent furniture, and always had the pungent smell of engine oil. I always wondered why he didn't hang out at Rich's place. He was the adopted son of the famous, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, Bruce Wayne. He had hundreds of rooms we could hang out in, but Richard always avoids being there as much as possible.

Kori's home was my second thought. She lives with her uncle Galfore. Kori told us that she lives with him because she had to get away from her family, no, not her family, her older sister. When she still lived in her other country, Tamaran, I think it was called, her older sister Koma would always harass, torment, and sometimes even try and kill Kori. Her parents didn't know what to do about Koma so they sent Kori away to live with her uncle in the U.S. Kori's home is very nice so I don't understand why we don't hang out there.

Garfield's home is amazing. He doesn't live in a Mansion but it's damn close. He is the only son of Steve and Rita Dayton. His adoptive parents. None of us know what happened to his real parents, he doesn't like to talk about it, and we don't want to intrude. Garfield is practically swimming in money. For the reasons of his parents inheritance. He is the second richest, Richard being the first.

And then there's my home. Home? No. I will never consider that house with my abusive father home. My home is with my friends. They have been the only ones to truly care for me, console me, help me. And my father has never done those things. Instead he beats me for making small mistakes. He is nothing but an alcoholic, workaholic bastard. He got even worse when mom died those ten years ago. He blames me, even though it was all his doing.

"What up!" A slightly drunken Vic greeted.

"Hey dudes!" Garfield greeted excitedly. He grabbed a beer and sat down on a crate, I repeated and sat on a crate next to him. I made sure that he drank no more than two beers because someone had to drive me home. I only drank one though because I wasn't the biggest fan of alcohol.

After some mindless chatter and a couple of not so funny jokes Victor decided to barge into my love life by asking, "So have you gotten together with fish sticks yet?" I almost choked on my beer and started to clam up.

"Ugh of course not, and I never will." I said as calmly as I could. From the corner of my eye I could see Garfield shooting a glare at Cyborg and trying to mouth him something.

"Aww why not Rae, I know he's totally into you." Vic said in a sing-song voice.

"I just don't like him like that."

"Well then who do you like?" Vic inquired. I almost choked on my own spit this time and my face became a cherry red tomato. They were all staring at me waiting for the answer. I stammered and gave the lame answer of, "I - I don't like anybody right now." The group seemed to have lowered their shoulders and look disappointed.

After a moment of awkward silence Garfield spoke up and asked me, "Hey I was meaning to ask, how did Terra make you so mad anyway?"

"Oh, well, because she thought I was your new girlfriend." I said with a smidge of hope in my voice. He chuckled along with the rest of the group and said, "Well I wouldn't mind being in a fake relationship with you." He smiled. I smiled back but was confused in my head. Does this mean he wants to be in a relationship with me? Or just make it seem like we're in one when we're really not? God why do guys have to be so confusing!?

After a fun filled evening we eventually had to go home. It was nearing sunset and I knew I had to be home quick. My dad didn't like me out too late, especially on a school night.

I hoped of Gar's moped, letting go of his waist and snapping my helmet off.

"Hey Rachel," He said in an unsure voice. "I don't really feel comfortable with you staying with him." I cocked my head and gave a small smile. Garfield knew somewhat of what my dad does to me when he's drunk and Gar has always felt anxious when he has to leave me with him.

"Rae, I don't want to leave you alone with him." Garfield said sadly.

"I know Garfield but if I don't go he'll be even more mad." I said

"I know what he does to you and I can't bear the idea of him hurting you, just please stay with me." Garfield pleaded. I wanted to stay with him. But if I didn't get home my father will actually kill me the next time he sees me, I can't avoid home forever.

"Garfield what do you expect me to do? I have to go home eventually. I'll be fine. I promise." I looked at his worried face. I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards him. All he wants to do is help, and his big puppy dog eyes aren't helping. "How about this, I'll go inside, let my dad know I'm here, then when he goes to sleep I'll sneak out my window." I explained. I could see relief wash over Garfield's face then his smile faltered.

"What if you get caught? I don't want you to get into trouble."

"Don't worry Gar, it'll be fine." I said in a sweet voice to calm him down "Besides I'm stealthy." I smiled. He gave a soft chuckle and agreed.

During our talk we agreed that he would come at twelve AM and I would bring a bag of clean clothes, a toothbrush, and other sleepover necessities. We also agreed that he would park a block away because his moped can be a tad loud.

When I walked inside my nostrils were bombarded with the smell of alcohol, smoke, and sweat. Oh great, dad's home.

Btw Raven's dad does not rape her or do anything sexual in any way, I just don't want you guys to be confused.