Tristan POV

"Shit." No way did I just witness that? She fucking knocked her out with one punch. Jesus! That was un-fucking-believable! I looked at Jess and was surprised to see him grinning. Paris was a good friend of his and he hadn't even checked to see if she was alright. Neither had I, but I had an excuse, the fact that I was too bloody shocked to move, meant I couldn't check on Paris and it seemed that the other guys were having the same problem. Heck, even Louise and Madeline hadn't moved from their spots.

Normal POV

Rory took a look at Paris with all the interest of a person looking at something on the bottom of their shoe. Turning her head, she looked at Louise and Madeline. She gave them a cheery smile while her eyes remained as black as night. Walking forward, she stepped into Jess' waiting arms as he engulfed her in a hug. Smirking, the two of them turned towards the rest of the group.

Jess POV

That was amazing. Sure, I'd seen Rory fight, but never had I seen her throw a punch like that. Usually she had to punch and then kick for a knockout, but it seems that she'd improved. I knew the others would be shocked, but they had no idea about our lives. They thought that we were just some rich kids who decided to rebel; teenagers who were going through some phase that they would fade out of over time. Amazing how wrong people can be at times. I heard Tristan mutter shit, and knew that I was right. These guys had known me for a while and they still didn't get it. They heard and seen Ror. Heck, they'd met Ror and they still didn't understand, well except for maybe Finn. He seemed to notice an amazing amount of detail for an alcoholic in denial. Looking at Rory, I couldn't help grinning as I met her eyes. She understood; she understood that to be in this world and live each and everyday hiding from yourself was pure fucking torture. To have to pretend to agree with someone when they made a snotty remark about some scandalous piece of gossip, when they paired their child off with the highest bidder or when they looked down at you because you had finally dared to let the real you out for a little bit of a play. So maybe it was a good idea that Rory had moved back here. Maybe it was time for me to stop pretending and show these people who Jess Marinio really was. Grinning I opened my arms to her and engulfed her in a hug. Smirking, we both turned to face the others and the looks on their faces were priceless.

Normal POV

Unsurprisingly, Finn was the first to break the silence. Walking towards Rory, he dropped to his knees and began to bowat her feet. The gesture was so unexpected that Rory burst out laughing. Jess being used to Finn's antics, couldn't help but chuckle as Finn got up and took Rory's hand before kissing the back of it. Jess couldn't help commenting on Finn's blatant attempt to win Rory over.

"Aussie…"

"Yes Yankee?"

"You do realise that a) I'm Italian and b) prostrating yourself on the floor isn't going to protect you from Rory right?"

"Since when have you been Italian? And if that didn't work what will?" Before Jess could reply Rory chipped in with her own response, "Lots and lots of coffee, hopefully everyday and an endless supply of sweets, especially sour dummy rings. Plus you have to take me shopping at least once a week, preferably on a Saturday and you have to pay for everything, including my meal."

"Anything else love, 'coz I'm sure you were just being nice with that list." Finn replied sarcastically.

This time, before Rory could reply Jess answered "Trust me mate, you do not want to know what else could be added to that list. She could make you pay for all her books for a year and no matter how rich you are, just that alone could put you in debt for a few years…… What am I saying? The coffee, sweets and food are going to put you in debt for a while."

Gaping, Finn turned to look at Rory who now, sported an angelic look on her face. "He can't be serious love… can he... I mean, you can't eat or drink that much and still look like that... It's just not possible." Glancing back at Tristan, Logan and Colin for support he caught a glimpse of Paris who was only just starting to come round.

"Ummm, guys, why don't we discuss Rory's payments later and deal with Paris now."

Colin couldn't help but make a sarcastic response, "Hopefully, the punch Rory threw won't have done too much damage and we'll get back the same over obsessive, critical, dominating, Dictator Paris that we all love." This drew glares from both Louise and Madeline who had been eavesdropping on their conversation.

The group made their way over to Paris, who by now, was staggering to her feet. Once she had her co-ordination sorted out, her eyes locked on familiar dark blue ones. Frowning she tried to remember where she had seen them before. As the eyes slowly turned black with hatred, it all came rushing back to Paris.

Gasping, she whispered the first thing that came to her mind, "Long lost words whisper slowly to me. Still can't find what keeps me here. When all this time I've been so hollow inside. I know you're still there."

As Paris had been whispering the words, Rory began to singin a chillingly clear voice that held everyone mesmerised. As they both finished Rory gave a cold laugh before speaking, "Well, well, well. If it isn't Dorothy herself. Little far from Kansas aren't you doll?"

Long lost words whisper slowly
to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow
inside
(I know you're still there)

Watching me
Wanting me
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you
loving you
I won't let you pull me down

Hunting you I can smell you alive
Your heart pounding in my head

Watching me
Wanting me
I can feel you pull me down
saving me
raping me
watching me

Watching me
Wanting me
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you
loving you
i wont let you pull me down

- Haunted by Evanescence