Cat's p. o . v

First Step

Mr. Sikowitz drove us over to the clinic the whole way there I held Jade in my arms kissing her neck and arms trying to take away the feel of her dad's lips on her body she relaxed slowly in my arms. I watched the scenery as we went past torn down buildings and fire ridden houses drug dealers lined almost every corner gang members strolled all over the colors changed with blocks. I refused to let her go holding her running my hands over her body.

Tori and Andre sat in the back silently watching us and the changing scenery outside Robbie, Beck and Trina were going in her car.

I wanted to ask where this place is but I didn't want to break this moment of having her in my arms her head resting on my left shoulder , my heart gave a little squeeze every time my fingers hit a bruise. When my fingers landed on her delicate waist she smiled giving a little sigh.

I could sense her frustration and fear I knew she would rather be anywhere then here but she was doing it for me .I couldn't love her anymore if I tried for what she was doing. Her breathing was soft and delicate as she closed her eyes my lips kissed her head.

Okay kido's were here Jade relax I know your scared but will be with you

Every step of the way this is the first step admitting you need help and reaching out

He parked and opened the door for us slowly Jade got out Tori and I grabbed her arms she was still shaky and her breathing had gotten faster.

Lane got out of his car as Trina nearly took out a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk as she honked yelling out at them Robbie was holding Rex so close I couldn't tell the two of them apart tears were coming down his face , Jade's body was shaking so hard Tori and I were having trouble holding her up. Mr. Sikowitz shock his head watching Trina saying.

Oh dear lord who gave that girl her license ?

Prob the person who let her into Hollywood Arts

You know it was the coconut juice Andre

Sure Sikowitz if that's what your sticking to

Trina swung dangerously into the parking space as Robbie fell out of the car and got sick on the pavement , Beck got out barely able to stand.

Never will I drive with her ever again...

What's all over your face beck?

I asked as he grabbed the door so he wouldn't fall Trina got out fixing her makeup.

Her lipstick... she's crazy!

He looked at Tori who shock her head sadly as she replied

Yes Beck yes I know

Lane came over rubbing Jade's back as we helped her into the building which despite it's outward appearance was very modern and sleek inside. Andre asked Lane a question as he held Jade up from behind.

What's this place called Lane?

Good question Andre I'm surprised you don't know it's called R.H.O.T.Y

Why would I know that?

He looked at Andre like he was insane Andre started checking himself out I could read his mind like a book he was checking to see if he put on deodorant if he dressed backwards. Tori took her free hand and patted Andre's shoulder.

Your fine Andre

Phew so why should I know this exactly?

Lane lead us over to a waiting room Jade practically fell into the seat her legs shaking nervously she was near tears Tori and I dropped to to our knee's in front of her.

Hello welcome to R,H.O.T.Y's how can I help you my name is Teddy?

A lady dressed in vintage clothes very hip came over to us shaking Lane's hand. He smiled brushing his hand over Jade's back.

Thank you I'm Lane Alexander

I'm the Guidance counselor over at Hollywood Arts High School

I called about twenty minutes ago.

I have a student here that is in need of help

Yes Sir I was the one who took the call and we have a Counselor ready to assist

Miriam can you please go get Mandy?

Yes Teddy right away

Jade stood up and with our help but as soon as she looked around she started to freak out. Hyperventilating turning around I held her and kissed her head talking softly.

Tori squeezed her hand as she tried to joke with her. Looking up I saw another women come rushing up she was tall around 5'8 or so thin but built with long flowing light brown streaked black and purple hair. Shining green eyes and tanned skin. She was wearing a stylish black cargo pants and a fitted multicolored checkered shirt.

Lane very nice to meet you I'm Dr. Mandy Simone lets go back to my office to talk

Nice to meet you Mandy sounds good

I'm the Guidance counselor over at Hollywood Arts High School

This is one of my students Jade West

Jade it's nice to meet you

She panicked and tried to run Tori and I grabbed her as she freaked out.

Let me go I can't do this please I need to get out of here!

Tori blocked her so she couldn't run talking to her.

Jade no calm down please you'll be fine sweetie were all here

I can't no Tori let me go

I'm going to be sick let me go

Jade no just relax take a deep breath and...

She hurled right into the garbage can as I rubbed her back Tori held her Mandy came over kneeling down as Jade finished vomiting.

Once Jade was done she brushed her hair back and gave her some water.

Looks like you've had a rough day Jade I hope we can help you

Why don't we go back to my office you guys can all come if you want to

Trina and Beck stood behind us as we got up moving back past the waiting room the building was split into two layers the bottom was waiting rooms and the check in office.

Jade wasshaking as we headed to Mandy's office.

So why should I know this place again?

Good question Andre because your mom here is one of the creators

Oh my god your Monet Harris 's son?

Andre looked at Mandy nodding

Your mom's awesome her and Spencer Shay created R.H.O.T.Y 's to help at risk kids

So what does R.H.O.T.Y stand for?

Reaching Hands Out To Youth were all about reaching to the kids who are at risk from drugs, alcohol gangs , sexual promiscuity. Kids who come from abusive homes some kids have all of these going against them. This office was built two years ago it's divided into two parts down here we have offices for our counselors and groups, we have weekly meetings for kids who are addicted to drugs or alcohol for kids who have been abused in any way there's a rec room where kids can come to get off the street. We have a survivors group, on the top floor we have exam rooms and treatment rooms where we hold kids awaiting transport to hospitals or shelters.

Her office was amazing in a corner with bean bag chairs decorated in so many colors. Jade sat in my lap as I sank into one of the bean bag chairs.

So Jade can you tell me what happened today?

I could but..

Jade be nice you promised you would talk

Cat really I ..

Jade please..

Fine..

She retold the story again closing her eyes rubbing her back I felt all the pain all over again as each word was just as difficult for her to say. Mandy was kneeling in front of us holding Jade's shaking hand.

I'm very sorry you experienced that Jade I want you to understand that it's not your fault

What your dad did was very wrong now I have to ask you a few questions can you handle that?

Y..e..s..s I guess

Alright sweetie first of all is this the first time your dad's ever hit you?

No

How many times before?

I don't know I stopped counting a long time ago

Is today the first time you used drugs or drank?

No

Can you tell me what drugs you took today or have taken in the past?

I shot up Cocaine today, smoked Marijuana , snorted Ambien which I grounded up , drank vodka, and gin,

I've used ecstasy, lsd, OxyContin ,Meth, pink champagne, tequila,

How often do you use these drugs or drink?

Everyday

Can you define every-day for me sweetie?

I start most mornings by smoking weed then I usually snort Ambien or coke.

How much Jade?

I normally smoke two very morning, and about 5 ambein grinded up

I usually do a eight ball of coke sometimes more, I don't always drink but when I do I like to drink forty

Then after school I drink Gin if I'm upset I drown some rum.

Alright thank you Jade for being honest now I have to ask you something very personal I hope you can also be honest with me.

Has your dad has ever done anything beside hit you?

Jade was speechless looking down her fingers which twisted in each of her hands. I hugged her closer Tori placed a blanket over her as she nodded slowly.

Jade can you tell me what he's done?

She buried her head in my chest I felt my heart melt as I closed my arms around her feeling her shake.

Mandy rubbed her back .

He some.. he..

She choked as she tried to tell her eyes downcast she refused to look up.

Sometimes he touches me...

Tori gasped covering her mouth Jade's eyes glared as she stiffened I pulled her so close it hurt. Andre hugged Tori as she started to cry.

I'm sorry I just ..please don't make me..I can't...

Mandy nodded as she squeezed Jade's hand looking at Tori. She spoke softly to Jade.

Okay I think you've done enough for now sweetie

I understand how hard this is for you and I don't want to push you is there anywhere safe you can stay tonight while we get this sorted out?

I wanted to tell them she could stay with me but my dad would be away and I wasn't sure I could trust my mom I mean she had never hit me in front of anyone but I didn't want to push it.

She can stay with us

Trina and Tori said in unison.

What's going to happen to Jade's dad?

Well Jade is going to have to give her statement to the police and their arrest him and charge him.

Jade is your mom able to take you?

She shock her head as I brushed her hair back.

Any family around?

No

In that case I'm afraid she'll be taken into custody and placed in a foster home.

Tori looked panicked as she asked Mandy

Can she stay with us? Our dad's a cop

We may be able to work that out can your dad come down and talk to us?

Sure I'll call him

Trina answered.

Their dad got there within 30 minutes the grownups talked for a good twenty. Once they came back Mandy knelled in front of us again.

Officer Vega is going to talk to Mr. Anthony to see if he would drop the charges against you Jade meanwhile you can stay with the Vega's.

Jade you need to change your life these habits are going to kill you or get you arrested

Will you agree to go to counseling? You have to do something

Fine..

She was pissed I could see it feel it but she agreed. We took her upstairs to get examined she made everyone but ,me leave she was still shaking as she undressed I could see the bruises and my eyes burned with unshed tears. I held them back trying to be strong for her. The purple and black bruises glared angrily at me making my chest hurt with anger. I kissed her skin she remained silent. They took

blood for blood work done then they needed her to pee in a cup the glare I got literally made me pass out.

I was so thankful burying my face into her head I let the tears fall I could feel her nails digging into my arm I knew she was mad and embarrassed and I would hear about it later.

The next half and hour passed slower Jade even manged to fall asleep. The feel of her breathing in my arms usually made me calm and at ease but all I felt was worried now.

Girls

Tori shot up shaking her head

Dad what did he say?

He agreed to drop the charges but only if Jade agrees to anger management classes and substance abuse counseling and goes to rehab.

She will I promise

Well then I suggest we go home and let Jade get some rest she's in for a hard time she's going to need everyone's help.

I could feel my eyes growing heavy as I laid my head on Jade's shoulder.

Cat do you wanna stay with us tonight?

Can I Tori?

Yes of course will pick up Randy and George and go home.

Thanks.. your a good friend.

Robbie looked at her sleeping form as he asked.

Uh is anyone going to wake Jade?

I shock my head picking her up she needed her rest.