AN: Thanks so much for all the wonderful reviews! A lot of people don't want Ryan and Marissa to break up. And what I have to say to it; you'll see. ;) Anyway, I apologize for the short chapters. This one isn't much longer, but it is longer. I'll try to make chapters longer from now on, though!
Thanks again for the reviews and keep them coming!

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Ryan sat dumbfounded at Vanessa's confession. His jaw dropped and he stared at his friend, huddled in a ball and sobbing furiously. He hesitated, but moved in to hug her. Vanessa flinched and backed away a little.

she apologized. Ryan shook his head, a silent you have nothing to be sorry about.

After he... Vanessa began, trying to finish her story. She trailed off and sniffed a couple of times. I gathered my things and... She paused again. Can I stay with you? At least until I can get enough money to leave.

I don't... I just... Ryan began, not knowing how to respond to his friend's request. He paused and sighed. I'll talk to Sandy and Kirsten, okay? He promised finally. Vanessa nodded and quickly swiped away some tears before standing.

I'm going to use your bathroom, okay? she asked. Ryan nodded and watched as she grabbed her backpack and started down the hall. He sighed and shook his head slightly, cursing himself for not knowing what to say or how to comfort his friend.



Ryan glanced over at the door and noticed Kirsten standing in the open doorway, holding a wooden tray in her arms. On the tray were two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with two glasses of milk, a side of potato chips and chocolate chip cookies Ryan knew came from a Keebler box.
She smiled and invited herself into the pool house. Ryan forced a smile and watched as she set the food down on the floor next to the bed.

Where'd your friend go? she asked, sitting down on the bed next to Ryan. He sighed and stared at his hands. He knew he should tell some one about Vanessa. But he also knew it wasn't his secret to tell.
His thoughts echoed through his mind.

She's in the bathroom, he told Kirsten. She nodded.

Is she okay? she questioned, both curious and concerned for Ryan's friend. Ryan shrugged and sighed again. He slowly nodded but paused and shook his head instead.

I... don't think so... he began. He looked back towards the hall to make sure Vanessa was still in the bathroom. Do you think she can stay a while?
Kirsten hesitated.

Of course she can stay, she began. But if she's in trouble you should tell us.
Ryan sighed. He contemplated telling Kirsten everything Vanessa had told him. Instead, he shook his head. Kirsten nodded and gave him an encouraging smile before rising.

Sandy and I are going to turn in for the night, she informed Ryan. Don't stay up too late, okay?
Ryan nodded and watched Kirsten leave. He eyed the sandwiches and picked up a potato chip as the bathroom door opened. Vanessa stepped out wearing a pair of large green boxer shorts under a white tank top and a pair of socks there were slightly large on her. She set her bag down by the bed once more and sat down on the soft sheets. Her eyes lit up when she saw the tray of food and grabbed herself a plate and a glass of milk.
Ryan watched her as she ate, eyeing the cuts on her arms, something she no longer tried to hide. He sighed inwardly as Vanessa hungrily chewed her food down and slowly began to eat his own sandwich.