I don't think i fall apart that often.

I mean, it's not like i have a reputation or anything (a slightly blonde lollipop addict doesn't count as a reputation, okay?), but i'd like to think i'm fairly strong. I mean, i survived my mother, didn't i?

So yeah. Usually i'm strong. Ish.

But tonight? No.

When Ms Maybelle opens the door, she looks annoyed, like she thinks its a prank or something.

Then she sees me....and i don't even want to imagine what i look like. Blood, tears and bruises, it's not nice.

She looks so surprised for a couple of seconds, and then she just looks concerned.

I know i should explain what i'm doing here, i know i should say SOMETHING.

But when i try to talk, i don't make a sound, like my throats stopped working.

Then i try again...and i burst into tears.

So.... not exactly strong. Or a good explanation of why i'm on her doorstep in the middle of the night.

But honestly? I really don't care. All i can think of is that my mother has just thrown me out, it still hurts where they hit me, and if Ms Maybelle closes the door i have nowhere to go.

But she doesn't close the door. (I should've known she wouldn't. But then again, i'd always assumed that home would always be home, and look how THAT turned out.)

She's somehow able to pull me inside, give me and hug and then lock the door again, all in one movement, and the next thing i know, she's sort of guiding me into their kitchen, and pulling out a chair from the table.

"Sit down, honey" She hands me some kleenex, and sits down in the opposite chair. "Okay. Does your mother know you're here?"

I know if i say anything i'll just start crying again. So i shake my head instead.

I'm surprised when she seems to accept that. Her expression is like she just having her suspicions confirmed.

"And how did this happen?" She gently touches my cheek.

I swallow hard and wonder what i can say.

I don't want to lie to Ms Maybelle...but there's also still a part of me that is loyal to mother.

When i just shrug and keep my eyes on the floor, she sighs.

"Sweetheart, did your mother do this to you?"

"N-no..."

Scepticism hangs in the air.

"It...it really wasn't her, Ms Maybelle. Her friends were in the room...." I trail off. To say your own mother sat by and watched someone do this to you....well, thats nearly as bad as her doing it herself.

I can tell Ms Maybelle thinks so too.

"Honey, i'm so sorry you had to go through that..." As she goes over to the sink, i can hear her talking half to herself. "Lord, you give some people a whole lot of hate and anger..."

She comes back a wet wash cloth, sits back down, and then the clock chimes the quarter hour. It's 1.45.

"Penny-"

"Y-yes?"

"It's late, and questions can wait until morning. But first you need to know a couple of things. Firstly, do you remember what i said about your mama?"

I nod again.

"I stand by that, child. Some people don't always do or say the right thing first time round. Its just a matter of waiting until they do. Your mama will come around sooner or later. But don't ever blame yourself or think you could've done anything differently. None of this is your fault. Do you hear me?"

I'm not sure i quite believe her, not about any of it....but its nice to be told it wasn't my fault, for a change. I can't remember mother ever saying that to me.

"Yes..."

"Good. Second thing, honey, you stay here as long as you want to. You can get your clothes later, for now you can borrow some of Seaweeds things. If he's thought to pick them up off the floor yet, that is... "

And just like that...i'm suddenly given the gift of a new home.

*****

Soooo.... did you like it? Hate it? Any improvements/criticisms? Flames are welcome, i'm a little cold... XD

A/N: Swamp fairy and angelinthesky-121.....i love you! Your reviews are really nice_ chapter 10 is espeacially for you :) :)