One word that described her feelings right now? How could she pick only one, sure she knew it would only be a matter of time before Corey found out but it didn't matter to her, it hadn't happened yet and so she would cross that bridge when she got there. Too bad it was much sooner than she thought. Disappointment maybe? In herself but also in the eyes of the one she held so close to her heart. Happiness that she no longer had anything to hide? Disgust?

The only thing Laney knew was that it wasn't her first relapse within the past two years, it was nearing the end of her junior year in High School and she was unable to say she had come out unscaved. Her wrists were covered by bracelets, bands and ribbons constantly, and she never allowed herself to go to the beach again, or wear shirts that ended above her waistline. It didn't feel good anymore, she wanted out but there was no out, only deeper and darker places to be locked into.

She was relieved, having the heavy load resting on her shoulders being taken by his arms and held up, supporting her. But she had to get through this first.

"Lanes, I've told you too many times that I'm going to be here for you no matter what happens, why didn't you just tell me?"

Clenching her fists she looked up at him through her hair, "I just didn't want you to be disappointed in me... I'm sorry."

"I just want you to be safe." He mumbled, pulling her towards his body and enveloping her in his arms, chin resting atop her head. "Especially from yourself."

Due to the lack of a response he continued, "how long Lanes?"

She looked up at him confused, "how long what?"

"How long have you been hurting yourself Laney?" She scratched her arm, he only referred to her as 'Laney' when he was upset, or when he was serious. Looking down at her shoes and pulling at the frayed tights below her shorts she thought about his question. He was assuming that she had STOPPED, that was his first mistake.

"A few years." She finally mumbled, no watching as his eyes widened, and he turned his head from her, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. "Sorry."

He took a breath before responding. "It's not your fault, I should have paid more attention to your situation, we all should have, I guess I didn't realize that you were so unhappy."

"But I'm not unhappy, I don't know what I am but I'm not Core, I swear!" She exclaimed, pulling on his arm, "I don't know what I feel anymore." She could feel the tears threatening to burst but she refused to listen to them. "There's nothing you could have done, don't you understand that, there's nothing any of you could have done!"

Corey could tell she was unraveling fast, he didn't know what he could do to pull her back together as she descended further and further into the abyss. To be truthful there wasn't much more he could do, so he turned, grabbed her, and held the fragile girl he had always known as she crumpled into pieces in his arms. He felt hopeless as sobs shook her body and her fists clenched his shirt, but he let her cry. Just needing to be there for Lanes, his Lanes.

Hey, sorry it's been so long, I've had so much to deal with, school, friends, enemy's and so on. So anyway I am going to continue, and sorry for the two year time jump but it happened so too bad. I really do want to thank you all for sticking with me, it made me so happy to hear how many of you were still looking forward to the continuation of this story, so here we are again, the next chapter should be out within the new 3-4 weeks, maybe sooner. I know it's a long time and this chapters short, but school's really eating up my time. Hopefully when I'm on break next week I'll be able to get a longer and better chapter up.

Thanks for understanding you guys. Please continue to leave your feedback, it makes me smile! :)

Thanks in advance!