a/n: So I literally have no good excuses for my long delay. But I believe the twist in this chapter will make up for it : )

Alex's POV

I sat in my room with a couple of my guards, Jim and Kyle, strategizing for the masquerade ball. In just two days I would see Gabby again. I knew I would recognize her, the question was will she recognize me.

"So do you guys understand what is happening the night of the ball?" I asked them.

"Yes, you will go into the ball undercover with a few guards. The rest of the guards will surround the ball, so no one escapes," Jim replied.

"Good! Let's hope this works," I told them.

"It will," answered Kyle. He always was the optimistic type. All I know if this doesn't work it will be all my fault, and maybe Rob's too. But mostly mine.

Gabby's POV

Myself and the other staff all stood around the dining table again. It was only a few hours after the entertainment provided. We had to make dessert to make up for the "ruined" dinner. Actually I thought it was the best dinner I ever attended.

We had made chocolate silk pie. And let me tell you it was delicious. I may have snuck a piece along with Mindy. The table consisted of it's usual occupants, including Rob, Eric, Shanna, Damon, Brad, Cam, Penelope and a whole lot more. For some reason Penelope was dressed in only red and black lingerie and stiletto heals.

Cam was nibbling on her neck and collarbone. It was quite disgusting. Mindy made gagging noises next to me, which earned her some glares from Cam. I noticed Penelope was blushing looking a bit uncomfortable. She also flinched when Cam wiped a hair off her forehead, but quickly covered it up with a sneeze. The only reason I noticed is because I did the same thing many years ago before I didn't even try to hide my fear anymore!

"So what is with the slut outfit?" Mindy asked Penelope.

"Um…well…" she stammered. I think this is the first time I've ever heard Penelope stammer. But honestly I've only known her for a few days.

"She's going to show Gabriella what real entertainment is. Aren't you babe?" He asked. Though it didn't really sound like a question.

"Yes, si…sweetie," Penelope replied.

"Well go show 'em babe!" Cam exclaimed.

Penelope stood up as one of the guards brought out a pole. Seriously, she's going to pole dance. The song Sexy Silk by Jessica Cornish. She started out by just swinging around the pole, but then she put in some actually pretty talented moves. She wrapped herself all the way up the pole and dropped down into the splits for her ending move. I clapped for her along with a few others.

She quickly went back to her seat with a blush. Cam wrapped his arm around Penelope maybe in a form of protection or rather a show of ownership. I think I dislike Cam even more now!

"That was amazing ma'am," one guard told Penelope. She blushed and mumbled thanks. Cam did not seem amused.

"Penelope and I are going to skip dessert tonight. I have a surprise back in the room for her," Cam replied grabbing Penelope's hand and practically dragging her out of the room. Several of the men snickered at what they assumed Cam meant by her surprise.

"Excuse me, I have to use the restroom," I replied going out of the room without waiting for an answer.

I ran out of the room trying to follow the voices of Penelope and Cam. I found them around a corner. Cam had Penelope held against the wall and he was squeezing her face with his one hand.

"I'm sorry sir. I…I was just be…being polite," Penelope said. Cam took his hand off her face, but still held her to the wall.

"Don't lie to me bitch. I saw you flirting with him," Cam replied. Cam suddenly looked towards me noticing my presence.

"Um..hello. I got lost. Is this way to the restroom?" I asked him.

"What have you heard?" Cam asked ignoring my question.

"Something about flirting. It sounds like someone is jealous!" I replied.

"Watch your mouth," Cam replied and then looked towards Penelope, "Go to the room. I will meet you there in 20 minutes" Cam left without waiting for an answer.

"I know you were there longer than that. I saw you out of the corner of my eye. Go on tell me how stupid I am for staying in this relationship!" Penelope exclaimed.

"You are not stupid Penelope. Cam is the stupid one for not realizing what he has. I know his type. He treats you like you are nothing, maybe if your lucky like you're his pet. He makes you feel worthless. He controls your every move both by physical and mental abuse. Am I right?" I asked.

"How…How did you know?" she asked me.

"Because Brad and Dan treated me the same way. And it took me a long time to realize I was a strong person and it was friends who helped me discover this. So now that I am now your friend. And feel free to talk to me whenever you want," I told her.

'I have to go now. Cam won't be happy if I am not in the room," Penelope said.

"I understand. We'll talk later," I replied. She disappeared at vampire speed.

I walked back into the kitchen, everyone had suspicious faces. Like I stole a cookie or something.

"That was a long time for the bathroom," Brad accused.

"Well sue me, I had a lot of beans yesterday," I replied. Brad had a disgusted look on his face. Mindy was snickering next to me. I blushed, I couldn't believe I had actually said that!

A few hours later Mindy, Rob, and I all sat up in Rob's temporary room. We had all changed into are pajamas, and Mindy and I were tucked in on the bed, while Rob once again slept on the floor.

"So where were you really at dinner, G.G?" Rob asked me.

"I thought I made that pretty clear at dinner," I replied.

"Puh…lease, we all know you hate beans," Mindy exclaimed.

"I was helping a friend," I stated truthfully.

"What friend?" Rob asked.

"Not you guys, I will tell you at the right time," I told them.

"Fine, but I think this new confidence of yours may have made you a little too bossy!" Rob joked.

"yeah whatever," I said throwing an extra pillow at him. He of course blocked it, winking at me.

"Good night kids," Mindy said.

"Good night mom," Rob and I replied together.

I fell into a pretty peaceful sleep. I woke up to a light pounding on the door. Years of abuse had taught me to be aware of any noise whatsoever. I rubbed my eyes and looked at the clock realizing it was only 5 A.M. I swear if this is Brad again I will get a wooden stake right now.

Mindy and Rob were still sound asleep. Some vampire protectors they are. I could be killed or kidnapped and they wouldn't even know it. I stretched and slowly went to the door. I took a deep breath and opened up the door. The person on the door was not who I expected, at least not this soon.

Penelope stood on the other side of the door, with only a chemise covering her. The chemise was torn in several places. It also looked like she had a hand print on her cheek but it was hard to tell for sure in the dark.

"What happened?" I asked her. She ignored my question and instead took me up on my earlier offer.

"I need a friend," she stated.