I've lost motivation to write, but I'm still trying with this story. Thank you everyone for your support!

Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi.

All Revealed

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It was the first weekend of my grounding and I was already going insane. I was staring up at my ceiling, boredom taking over my conscience along with the memory of my last moment with Bianca. I still felt her lips on mine, the smell of her perfume invading my senses, her body pressed up against mine, dominating me in everywhere possible.

It was the only thing keeping me going in this prison sentence. I haven't seen her at school at all this week and I was a little worried. Maybe she was avoiding me because she didn't know I was grounded. But maybe she was in trouble. I hoped that douche didn't find her. I would've tried to text her but mom took away all communication devices. She was really taking this punishment serious.

And just when things were starting to become comfortable, the whole family became tense once again. Mom and Omar barely acknowledged each other, give or take a kiss on the cheek or discussing how they would pay this months' bills; Drew tried to reach out to me but I only shut him down. I knew he was only looking out for me but I was too pissed to look past the betrayal. Mom hasn't given me any eye contact since she grounded me which I didn't mind since I was mad at her too.

But mostly I was mad at myself. Every time our family starts to crumble, I'm always the root. Whether how much I try to not cause any trouble, I still feel the guilt. It weighs heavily on me and sometimes I feel like it will never go away. I'll be trapped this way forever.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Adam it's me, I brought you some toast," Drew's voice boomed from the other side of the door.

"Go away," I said, more tiredly then snappy.

The door opened and I abruptly sat up, glaring at Drew. He came up to me, setting the plate on my bedside table before taking a seat beside me, ignoring my blazing gaze.

"You can't stay mad at the whole world forever," he sighed, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Sure I can," I retorted.

"Adam I was just looking out for you," he said softly, locking eyes with mine, his filled with sorrow. "You're hanging out with a dangerous person."

"How would you know?" I demanded harshly. "You haven't been the one spending time with her."

"Adam I don't want you to get hurt. Who knows what will happen with her? What if she gets you involved in some scary shit?" he asked desperately.

I shook my head apathetically, painting on a blank expression. If Drew found out about Ron-Ron, the convenient store deal, and just the stuff Bianca and I pulled together, I knew for a fact we would be moving away. And then I wouldn't be able to see Clare, Eli, and Bianca ever again. I had to push away those thoughts.

"I like her," I admitted earnestly. "She treats me like the person I am."

Drew furrowed his brows in disbelief. "We are talking about the same girl, right?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, believe it or not she actually is a nice person. And incredible because she puts up with a lot of shit."

Drew looked thoughtful for a moment as silence washed over us. I didn't expect him to understand and I didn't care if he did or not. I just wanted to see her. I needed to.

"So…. Are you two like… together or something?" Drew asked hesitantly, his head bowed.

I didn't even know the answer myself. I would like to think so but Bianca and I haven't spoken since our kissing session. I still had the nagging feeling that she was skipping school to avoid me but I couldn't find out for sure until my sentence was over.

"I don't know," I sighed, giving him a hesitant look. And suddenly my instincts of making Drew keep this in the vault re-surfaced. "Don't tell mom, okay? This is something - by any means necessary - you can't tell anyone."

Drew was conflicted but I didn't care. He wasn't going to tell anyone. It would take a while for me to fully trust him again but he was still my brother - the only person I would always confide in.

"I know," he nodded heavily, before pulling me to his side and rubbing my head fondly. "I just worry about you sometimes. You know I love you, right?"

Drew wasn't the type to express his feelings - to anyone for that matter so hearing him actually tell me made the anger I had for him sizzle instantly.

"I know," I smiled inwardly.

The door abruptly opened and mom marched in with a stoic expression, making me gulp with nervousness already. Drew stood up hastily, making his way to leave until mom blocked his way. Okay, so she wanted to speak with both of us. That's better then having her and I being left to glare at each other for a few minutes.

"I was just called in for work, and I couldn't refuse today," mom said sternly. "It just so happens your father is at work all day also. So I will be leaving you two alone."

I almost fist-pumped the air of her words; possibilities already stirring in my mind. This was my one chance to make things clear with Bianca.

"Ummm, mom I was actually planning to hang with KC-"

"You will be staying here to watch Adam," she cut in with no remorse. "I will be checking in on you two every two hours, and I expect to hear both of you on the phone."

She eyed both of us firmly. She was going to make sure no games would be played or any sneaking around while she was gone. But I was going to find a way. If I had to come back every two hours just to make a phone call then I damn well. I just need to see Bianca.

"How is that fair?" Drew complained, falling back on my bed.

"It'll give you more time to do your homework," mom responded. "Now I'm almost ready, then I'll be going. See you two later."

As soon as she left, a pillow was thrown my way. "Suck it up princess. Just invite KC over."

"Whatever. Get into any shit and I will pound on you." He stood up and left the room.

After I knew mom left and Drew was playing video games in his room, I snuck downstairs and decided to make a little phone call…

.

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Knock! Knock!

I jogged to the door, and was suddenly more nervous than excited to see her. Her expression was emotionless and she wouldn't look at me. Everything I was dreading was coming true. I should've known when we talked on the phone. She sounded hesitant and seemed to be distracted but nonetheless I was able to convince her.

"Hey," I greeted quietly, trying to get her to look at me.

Then just as she raised her head, I saw it. The purple shiner that bruised the left side of her cheek. Her curls were covering most of it but I saw it clearly, and there was only one thing that came to mind.

"Hi," she said before I could question the bruise, stepping into the house.

I closed the door and followed closely behind. "Who did that to you?"

She froze, her back towards me. I wasn't going to let it go either. I didn't care if she was the all too independent person that didn't need anybody. I was here for her.

"It's none of your concern, Torres," she sighed after awhile. "Now why am I here?"

I pulled her around to face me, and swept her curls away from the mark. "Bianca, you can't pretend like this didn't happen! Was it Ron-Ron?"

"And you'll what? Be my knight in shining armour? I don't need that. I don't need anything from anyone." Her voice cracked under her rage, and all I wanted to do was hug her.

"You know you can tell me," I whispered, gently holding onto her wrists.

"This isn't something to care about," she said in a low voice, her eyes on the floor. "It happens a lot. The bruise was just too noticeable this time."

My heart broke for her. Was this seriously normal for her? The only time I've seen a mark on her was from Ron-Ron but even after we became good friends she didn't show any traces of being abused. Yet again, what did I know? She could've been keeping this a secret for so long that it became a regular occurrence to lie.

"Why didn't you tell anybody?" I said desperately.

She scoffed and pulled herself away. "Adam you don't understand! My mom died when I was 2 and my dad was in a gang. I grew up on the streets. I took the daughter initiation from his fellow buddies. I hated it but it made me stronger. But when things got out of hand I was sent to my aunts'. And her wasted, asshole boyfriend beats me when he doesn't get what he wants with her. I'd rather take that then the gang life."

I was stunned. She has been through so much crap in her life, I didn't know how she did it. How she went to school like it was a normal day and goes on with her life. Having to have those traumatic experiences still linger in her mind but acts like they're just a grain of salt.

I looked in her fragile, scared eyes; her walls completely torn down and left exposed and hurt. I enveloped her in my arms, letting her know it was okay to let go of everything and just cry. And she did. She cried into my shoulder, her sobs shaking her body, her noises small yet heard.

"You don't have to be strong anymore, Bee. I'm here and I'm not leaving," I promised her.

She held tighter onto my back, her fingers clinging onto my shirt. "Thank you," she murmured against my shoulder. She pulled away moment's after, wiping her tear-stained face.

I wiped the tears from her face and gently stroked her cheek. "Let me get you some ice."

I left her to go in the kitchen, and pulled the ice cubes out of the fridge. As I went to get a plastic bag, the phone started ring. I was startled that mom was on the other line, completely forgot she promised to call every two hours.

"Adam? How is everything going?" Her voice was tense, but I knew she was trying to be civil.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine mom, the house didn't burn down or anything. I'll go get Drew."

"Wait just a minute," she interrupted, stopping me in my place. "I don't want things to be strained between us. I am still very upset with you but I love you and want you to be happy."

"You sure about that mom?" I demanded, fuming. "Because I'm pretty sure you took away the one thing that was making me happy these past few weeks."

"Adam-"

"Drew, mom's on the phone!"

Drew's footsteps were heard descending down the stairs and he skidded to a halt when he saw Bianca on the couch. I snapped my fingers to gain back his attention and he gave me a look of disbelief.

"What the hell man?" he whispered, walking over to me.

"Just take the damn phone!" I whispered-yelled back, shoving it to his chest.

I fixed up the ice and went back to Bianca. She shakily took it and placed it on her cheek, her eyes averted to her legs. I silently prayed Drew would be off the phone soon so he'd leave us alone. Now that Bianca told me everything, we were going to have to do something about it.

"So… why did you invite me over here?" she asked quietly, looking up at me.

My mouth slightly opened; taken off guard. I completely forgot about the whole kiss thing I was going to bring up to her as soon as I saw the mark. I didn't think now was the proper time to bring it up after what she just revealed to me.

"Well… what do we have here? Adam," Drew's voice questioned, urgency clear in it.

I glared at him. "Drew now's not the time."

His eyes squinted at me, then widened when he looked at Bianca. "Hey, are you okay-"

"Drew."

"Just fell on my face this morning," she said nonchalantly.

Drew looked confused, but when I gave him the signal to leave he finally left, but not without giving me the look that said he'd be grilling me later.

"Is the ice helping?" I asked, turning towards her.

She nodded. "You didn't answer my question, Chinatown. Stop stalling."

"Shouldn't we be discussing what we're going to do about your issues at home," I insisted, trying to manoeuvre her away from where this was leading to.

"I don't want to talk about that," she said angrily. "At least not right now when I'm with you."

She obviously wasn't going to let it go. I took in a deep breath. "I just wanted to know…. What happens now? You know… since we… kissed."

She was expressionless, and my stomach dropped. But then a small smile grazed her mouth and my heart was able to speed up against my ribcage.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious," she giggled. "What do you want it to mean?"

I was on the verge of passing out. Was this real? Was I finally getting a chance with Bianca DeSousa? The fiery female I thought I'd never have a chance with - not even in a billion years. I had to take matters into my own hands and finally tell her.

"I like you Bianca. I have for a while and I need to know if you feel the same way." I held in my breath, feeling completely dazed yet terrified for finally telling her the truth.

She took away the ice from her face, then leaned forward until her lips touched mine. It was a chaste, but lingering kiss that left me frazzled. I slowly opened my eyes and she was smiling at me.

"What do you think?"