A/N: Thank you for all the love on this fic! I just wanted to include a trigger warning for domestic violence, and assault.

"I learned patience, perseverance, and dedication. Now I really know myself, and I know my voice. It's a voice of pain and victory," - Anthony Hamilton

Riley stared at herself in the mirror and tried her best to cover her dark circles with concealer. She had tossed and turned all night, but today was the day that she was going back to school. She reflected on all the ways she tried to get out of going to school, but neither worked with her parents. Riley simply needed to head back, and she continued on her face. She heard a soft knock on her window and turned to see Maya waiting for her. The brunette bounded for the window and opened it to let the blonde in when Riley noticed Smackle behind her.

"Smackle? I wasn't expecting you," Riley said as Smackle sat at the bay window.

"There is power in numbers, together we are stronger, and I want you to be okay Bubbles," Smackle said.

Maya was buried in Riley's closet, searching through clothes and making approving noises.

"Thanks, girls," Riley said as Maya came out with jeans and a soft lavender sweater.

"Here you go, honey," Maya said as she placed the clothes on Riley's bed and then sat next to Smackle.

"What's going on?" Riley asked as the other two exchanged a look.

"What? We can't be helpful?" Maya asked.

"You can, but you two keep looking at one another, you're hiding something," Riley huffed.

"Billy won't be at school today," Smackle announced and Riley relaxed a bit.

"Really? Did my parents do that or … you guys just did it again." Riley sighed and crossed her arms.

"Billy won't be there because he's in the hospital," Maya said.

"Why? Why is Billy in the hospital? Please tell me there was an accident and what I think happened really didn't happen? Where are the boys?" Riley rambled.

"Riles breathe," Maya said.

"Oh my god! What happened? I am going to text the four of them, and-" Riley was cut off as Maya snatched Riley's phone.

"Okay, we will tell you, but you can't freak out," Maya said.

"She's pretty much past that point," Smackle added.

"Smackle!" Maya snapped.

"What she is, look at her, she's tense, she's freaking out internally, just tell her," Smackle said.

"Um, Billy is in the hospital because Lucas fractured his jaw and nose," Maya said, and Riley's eyes widened.

"What happened?" Riley asked as she sat down on her bed.

"Billy was being a dick, and Lucas lost it, hell Zay almost lost it," Maya said.

"They were protecting you," Smackle added as Riley's jaw went slack.

This is what she feared with the boys, especially with Lucas. She didn't want anyone to get hurt, no matter how she felt about the person. She blinked and could see that Maya and Smackle were staring at her.

"Where's Lucas?" Riley asked.

"We don't know he ran out the lunchroom yesterday, and never answered any texts," Maya said and Riley grabbed her phone from the blonde.

She sent a quick text to the tall Texan and awaited the beep at his response. As the girls sat in silence and the minutes dwindled, she realized he would not text her back right away.

"Hey, we need to get to school," Maya pushed, and Riley nodded.

She scooped the clothes Maya picked out and went to the bathroom to change. Maya let out a long whistle and threw herself back on the bed. Smackle turned to her and raised an eyebrow.

"It's just going to be a tough day, Smack," Maya whispered and Smackle nodded.

"She needs us, she needs us to be strong, and we have to protect her from the horde of gossipers, and rumors," Smackle said.

"I know, I just wish this wouldn't add additional stress on her, especially … Riley is going through a lot more than she lets on," Maya said as she kept the eating disorder a secret.

As Riley came back in, Maya sat up and placed a false smile on her face. Riley threw her pajamas into the hamper and then slipped on a pair of black flats. She grabbed her backpack and Maya made a face.

"What?" Riley asked.

"I didn't eat breakfast yet, neither did Smackle, so you think we should all eat breakfast," Maya gritted and Riley made a face back.

"Not really hungry, I'm worried about Lucas and-"

"Breakfast, now," Maya snapped, and Riley glared at the blonde.

"Is this about your eating disorder?" Smackle asked, and both girls turned to her.

"You knew?" They said in unison.

"I figured it out at the beginning of the school year. I talked to your dad … I thought you were getting better, I … I don't mean to overstep," Smackle said.

"You knew and didn't tell me!" Maya snapped.

"It wasn't my business, and I told the appropriate adult, ultimately this is Riley's obstacle, I thought she deserved some privacy about that," Smackle said.

"Thanks, Smackle," Riley said as Maya burned with fury.

"Did everyone know but me!" Maya continued.

"No, the boys don't know," Smackle said.

"Lucas does," Riley whispered.

"Riles, can you please try," Maya pleaded.

Smackle nodded, and Riley threw her head back in frustration. She dragged her feet as she left the bedroom, down to the kitchen. Smackle and Maya behind her in a hushed disagreement, probably about her eating disorder. Riley saw Topanga making some waffles and bacon when she noticed the three girls.

"Breakfast?" Topanga asked.

"Of course!" Maya cheered and pulled Riley to the table.

"Just a few bites, Riley," Smackle whispered as Riley stared at the plate.

"If you eat, I promise not to give you a tough time at lunch," Maya said, and Riley cut a piece of waffle.

She shoved it in her mouth, and she made a face. She could feel the food sit in her cheeks and she couldn't chew. Her body and mind told her to stop, but she could see the look in her two best friends' eyes. She chewed and swallowed hard as the two other girls were satisfied.

"Ready to go back, honey?" Topanga asked.

"Lucas attacked Billy," Riley said and Topanga whipped around.

"No," she gasped.

"How can I be ready knowing that everyone is going to be talking about it, can I just stay home-"

"Riley, you can't avoid school forever," Topanga said as Cory walked in.

Riley could see that he looked disheveled and stressed. He had bags underneath his eyes, and Riley could tell he had gotten zero sleep.

"Cor you okay?" Topanga asked.

"Um yeah, just tired, um girls, I won't be in class today," Cory said.

"Why?" Riley asked and could feel her heart beating out of her chest.

"Maya, Isadora, did you tell her?" He asked as the two girls nodded.

"I have to talk to your Uncle Jonathan and get things straightened out for him," Cory said as Topanga squeezed his shoulder.

"Why didn't you tell me, honey?" Topanga asked.

"It all happened so quickly, and then I had to talk to the principal about what I saw but … I had to protect him, he's family," Cory said and Riley stared at her plate.

Abruptly, Riley stood to her feet and ran out of the room. She could hear her friends call for her, but she slammed her bedroom door shut tightly. She pulled out her phone and dialed Lucas's number. The line trilled until she heard his groggy voice.

"Hello?"

"Hey," Riley whispered, and she could hear him shift in his room.

"Riley?" He asked and suppressed a yawn.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Riley asked, and she could hear Lucas sigh.

"You have enough on your plate," Lucas said simply.

"Lucas, please do not go to jail for me, do not attack … him, because he said some snide comment. Trust me, he isn't worth it. I can't lose you," Riley said and could feel the tears prick her eyes.

"I know, I'm sorry. Look, the school has already called and I'm suspended. So I won't be there for the rest of the week, but you have everyone, even Charlie, who has your back," Lucas said.

"Can I see you after school?" Riley asked.

"I'm on lockdown," Lucas sighed.

"I can go there," Riley offered.

The phone went silent as she wondered what he was going to say. She had been to his place once in the seventh grade and it was for a few minutes. She could tell he was thinking it over and was going to take it back, but he spoke.

"Yeah, that would be fine. I'll just tell my mom, and bring everyone … even Charlie," Lucas said, and Riley could tell that was tough to say.

"My dad talked to the principal," Riley whispered as she changed the subject.

"I guess that's why I am suspended and not expelled. I hurt him pretty bad, but I don't regret it," Lucas said and Riley sighed.

"Lucas," Riley sighed.

"Sorry," He muttered, and she closed her eyes.

"Can you promise me, you won't do anything else?" Riley asked.

"No, I can't, Riles," Lucas said, and she heard him shift again in the bed.

"Lucas!" she scolded.

"I can't promise that look as long as he is a problem to you, he's a problem to me. Look, we went three years without being friends, and I will not let someone like him treat you like that, not like how I did. I am sorry, Riles, for everything. I don't know why you even gave me a chance to be your friend, but I am really sorry for all that I did," Lucas said.

"I know you are," Riley whispered.

"I can't excuse my actions, but I can definitely protect you from harm's way," Lucas said.

"Lucas …"

"Look, I better get up and clean up a bit. Have a talk with my mom, just … know I will never stop protecting you. From this day forward, changes will be made," Lucas said.

"Okay," Riley said simply.

"See you later?" He asked.

"Yeah, sure," Riley said, and she heard the call end.

She placed her face in her hands and let out a frustrated groan. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed. Her mind raced. Was he just atoning to his actions of bullying, did he really care about her or was this just a mix of wild emotions and drama? She didn't know what to think, and she didn't have the mental capacity for it. Her thoughts were broken when she heard a knock on her door. It slowly opened and Maya ducked her head into the room. Riley could see the hesitation on her face.

"You okay?" She asked.

"Yeah … let's just go," Riley said and shoved her feelings deep inside.

Riley could feel herself struggle to breathe as students cram onto the wooden bleachers in the gym. No one knew what was going on, but an emergency assembly was called right before their last period. Riley and her friends found themselves huddled in the far left of the bleachers, close to the doors. She wondered what it could be about, but she had an inkling it had something to do with her.

Riley could feel the hairs on her neck stand every time she heard a whisper. She had no defined way to know if people were talking about her, but it definitely felt like it. She sat between Zay and Maya during the assembly and avoided the eyes of others. Farkle, Smackle, and Charlie in front of her in their own conversation with some laughs. Riley could tell Zay was saying something, but all Riley could hear was the hushed whispers.

"Good Afternoon Students!" Riley's Principal Dr. Scott, announced as she took the microphone in the middle of the gym.

Riley sat up a bit as she looked over the crowd and out to Dr. Scott. She was dressed casually and had a bright smile on her face, but something about it seemed off. Riley played with her fingers as Dr. Scott sighed.

"Today, I called this assembly, to talk about … well, an uncomfortable topic, consent, and sex," Dr. Scott said.

Riley could feel the color drain from her face as people turned toward her.

"There have been a lot of things happening at parties, and in relationships, and I think it's important we touch on this topic. All of your parents have been briefed about this, and we know this is a touchy subject, but it needs to be discussed. You young ladies and gentlemen must understand that your bodies and choices are one. Your consent is the only okay to allow anyone to interact with you in ways you want. Consent can also be taken away at any moment, and others must respect that decision," Dr. Scott said as whispers got louder.

"You're all growing up, and you're all going through different emotions. So today, and going forward, we will have counselors, both male and female, available to speak to you all. There will also be after-school workshops on other subjects such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, and assault once we get parental approval. Furthermore, I want it to be known that my office is open to anyone who wants to talk, and I am also a resource for help," Dr. Scott said and Riley could feel her eyes on her.

"Now, before I let you guys go to your last period, I just want to say that … over the last few days, there have been a lot of fights on campus. Violence is not the answer. If something is going on, please speak to a trusted adult. We are here to help you guys grow and glow," Dr. Scott said.

The crowd was silent, and she sighed.

"You guys are dismissed," Dr. Scott said as people got up and walked down the bleachers.

Riley stood in her seat as Maya got up to say something to Farkle. Riley could feel people pointing at her, and she wanted to scream. She jumped when Charlie tapped her shoulder and she looked at him.

"You okay Ri?" He asked as Farkle looked on.

"That was about Billy and I, wasn't it?" Riley asked, and the group sighed.

"This is too much," Riley said as she stood up.

She pushed past her friends and ran down the bleachers. She shoved past people and found her way into the girls' bathroom. Her chest tightening as she tried to grip the sink. Another panic attack was happening, and she had to stop it before it got worse. She heard the door swing open, and she closed her eyes, ready to hear Maya and Smackle say something. Instead, her blood ran cold when she heard her name from the last person she expected.

"Riley,"

Riley spun on her foot and lost her footing. She fell onto the ground and saw Billy with a bandage across his nose and face.

"I locked the door, so no one can interrupt us," He said as she scurried backward.

"Get out," she whispered.

"You need to tell everyone you made a mistake," Billy said, and crossed his arms.

"Get out!" Riley yelped as she tried to stand to her feet.

Her legs trembled, and she collapsed back onto the ground. He took a step forward, and Riley jumped to her feet. She ran into a stall and locked the door. Her breathing became erratic, and she heard his footsteps as he walked towards the stall. She leaned as far back as she could and felt the cold wall.

"You're ruining my life!" He growled and punched the stall door.

"Everyone sees me as a monster when I did nothing wrong!" He continued and punched the door again.

Riley yelped and cried. He punched the door once more and jiggled the door. She curled into a ball in the corner and tried to grab her phone from her pocket.

"Billy, go away, please! I am going to call the police, and my friends," Riley cried.

"You were asking for this! You wanted me to hurt you! The same way you wanted Friar to hurt you! You thrive on this attention! You whore! Open this door or I'll break it down!" He growled and Riley called her dad.

The phone rang and rang, but he didn't pick up. His voicemail box was apparently full, and she ended the call. Billy kicked the door, and Riley screamed. Her phone slipped from her hands and into the toilet. Riley screamed as she tried to get it out of the water. The light on the screen was still on and she tried to swipe Maya's name. The phone delayed but allowed her to call the blonde. Riley could hear a faint gargle of rings and then Maya's voice, but it sounded far away.

"Stop it! Stop this, you bitch!" He screamed and Riley screamed.

"Maya! Maya! I am in the girl's bathroom in the basement. Billy is here! Help me please," Riley cried, but she couldn't tell if Maya heard her.

"You stupid bitch!" Billy screamed and kicked the door again. It swung open and Riley reacted. She threw a punch at Billy's face and heard him scream in pain. She ran towards the door when he grabbed her hand before she could reach it. She tried to scream, but he covered her mouth with his hand and pressed her against the wall.

"I said stop it! Don't make me hurt you! Now you're going to be a good girl and listen to me! You're going to tell everyone you made a mistake Riley or I will hurt pretty boy Friar and your friends!" He growled.

Riley snapped and bit his hand. He yelled in agony once more, and then he slapped Riley across the face. She fell to her knees and she screamed as loud as she could. Billy kicked her in the stomach and ran towards the door. She could hear the door unlock and his retreating footsteps. She gasped in pain as she tried to catch her breath.

"What the hell? Was that Billy?"

Riley heard as the door swung open, and Sarah and Darby walked in.

"Oh my god, Riley!" Darby yelped as Riley laid on the floor in pain.

"Sarah, get a teacher! Billy just attacked Riley!" Darby said and helped Riley sit up.

Sarah was frozen until Darby yelled her name once more. Sarah ran out the door and Riley cried in Darby's arms.

"Hey look, don't cry. I won't let him hurt you. He hurt you again, didn't he?" Darby asked.

Riley nodded and cried into Darby's arms. Darby gasped and held the small brunette close to her. Riley heard the door swing open again, and she seized up. Sarah had returned with Dr. Scott, who was talking on her walkie.

"I repeat, Billy Ross is on campus, he attacked a student, I repeat Billy Ross is on campus," Dr. Scott announced.

"Hey Riley, you're okay, you're okay," Dr. Scott repeated, but Riley just cried.

Riley waited outside of the principal office and could hear her mother yelling. She scrunched every time she heard her mother say Billy's name and wondered how he was allowed back on campus. Riley tried to use her phone, but it was no use. It was water damaged. Her friends had been told they couldn't see her, and now she sat alone in an office surrounded by yelling. She flinched with every yell and held in the tears.

As Topanga continued her tirade on the school, Riley decided she had enough. She jumped from the seat with her backpack in tow and walked out of the office. She knew that Topanga would have a heart attack knowing she disappeared, but Riley could not be in that office any longer. She rushed down the hallway as students finished their last class of the day. As she passed classrooms, she knew her destination was a bit further than this. A recurring action of hers, which included ditching school, had become a norm. Without a second thought, she slammed the side doors open and left the high school.

Absent-mindedly, her feet brought her to the Friar's apartment, and she stood outside. She glanced up at the Friar's apartment and then walked over to the buzzer. Unsure of herself, she pressed the button lightly and then heard Lucas's deep voice.

"Who?"

"Uh, it's me," she said, and twisted her backpack strap.

"Riley?"

"Yeah," she said, and she heard the bell buzz open for her.

She opened the door and walked up the three flights of stairs, and saw Lucas in the doorway. His hair was messy and flopped around his head. He was wearing his trusty black Brooklyn hoodie and a pair of black joggers. He looked exhausted, but he mustered a smile.

"You're early," He said as he widened the door open for her.

She walked in and was welcomed with the smell of cinnamon and pine. Homey but fresh. The sounds from television were all that she heard and she plopped down onto the couch.

"Where's your mom?" she asked.

"She went to the supermarket. She wanted to get snacks, she's not used to our place being the hangout," Lucas said as he closed the door.

He turned to her but didn't walk to her. She could tell he was giving her ample space, and she sighed.

"Your dad?" She asked.

"Texas, with Pappy Joe," He said and leaned back against the door.

"Oh," she said, and Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"Riles, why are you here early?" He asked softly.

"Billy attacked me," Riley said simply.

"I know. I'm glad you're saying it out loud," Lucas said.

"No again, today at school," Riley said and trailed off.

She watched his face contorted into anger and his eyes darken. His fist clenched tightly, and she noticed the bloody bruises on his knuckles.

"What happened?" He growled.

"He cornered me after the assembly, and threatened your lives," Riley said as she cried.

Lucas unclenched his fist and walked over to her. Hesitantly, he placed his hands on her shoulder and comforted her.

"What did he do, Riley?" Lucas asked softly.

"He slapped me, and kicked me, and threatened to hurt you, and everyone else. He wasn't supposed to be there," Riley cried.

"I know," Lucas whispered and sighed.

"You okay?" Lucas asked.

"No! How am I supposed to face him in court! They are going to tear me apart," Riley cried.

"You will face him because you are strong, Riles," Lucas said.

"I'm not! I let him corner me into a bathroom and threaten me! I am just this pathetic baby!" Riley snapped.

"Hey! You're not. Look at me, Riles, look at me," Lucas said and lifted her chin.

Riley's eyes were bloodshot, and her nose pink from the crying. Lucas hated seeing her like this, broken and sad. She sniffled and tried to stop the tears, but it was too much.

"You're strong," Lucas said, and then pulled her up to her feet.

"Punch my hands," Lucas said, and Riley stared at him.

"Come on, Riles, hit me," Lucas said, and Riley softly punched his open palm.

"Come on, Riles, think about Billy. Think about everything he has done to you the last few months. The robbery, the nightmares, the pain. Hit me, hurt me!" Lucas urged, and Riley punched harder.

"That's good, do it again," Lucas pushed.

"Lucas-"

"Riles, think about how I hurt you. Think about the last three years, think about all that anger you have buried deep inside. Use it!" Lucas said, cutting her off.

Riley punched harder, and Lucas swung his hand towards her. She backed away and threw another punch to his hand. He swung his other hand at her and she yelped, but backed away. He moved forward, and she stumbled backward, but kept her stance. She threw another punch, harder this time, and she heard him groan.

"Yeah, just like that, yell at him," He said.

"You took everything from me, my senior year, my dreams, my safety! My life! You ruined it and I don't know why!" Riley screamed and threw another punch.

Lucas winced at her last hit, and she threw another.

"Why do you hate me! I tried being your friend! Why me! Why me?" Riley cried as she punched harder with each word until she collapsed in Lucas's arms, sobbing.

"Why me?"