A/N: Finally a new chapter! Ah, I have so many ideas for stories they're driving me crazy. I have to keep writing them down. Anyhow, here's your Palex stuff!

I knew exactly where I was going. I knew exactly what I was doing. I knew she would listen, and I knew she would care. When I broke down into tears, Paige just comforted me. She was the truest soul I've ever known. She's not afraid anymore. She helped me be strong. I owed her everything.

Paige's parents allowed me to stay after I told them the story, and they called the police. I didn't really want to talk to the police, but it's the only way the Michalchuks' would let me stay. So I told the cops about what my dad did, and why. Apparently it classifies under child abuse. I was talking to them for a few hours actually, about my past life as well, and I never knew it but he was abusive. Not only to me, but to my mother as well. My mother always meant well with her rules, but she worries entirely too much. Also the fact that she's mentally ill. I hadn't told Paige that, and when she found out I felt ashamed.

The police had no choice but to let me stay at the Michalchuks' after asking them a few questions. They seemed normal enough. But I would probably be going to a foster home. That really upset me. I turn 18 next year though, so it really doesn't matter that much. I was glad to have all of this over with and be cuddling with my girlfriend in her bed. It was kind of cool to know I'd be spending a lot more time with her.

Stroking Paige's hair, I let out a sigh. "What do you think about all this?" I asked her, wanting to know what she thought of me now that she knew my past.

She smiled, taking my hand in hers and kissing it softly.

"I think you're a beautiful person. I think you're even more amazing than I thought you were. You overcame some big things. You're strong. And I love you." Her blue eyes twinkled. I was relieved.

"I love you, too." I whispered.

I knew school would be rough. But it wasn't as bad as I thought. People were starting to pity me, and though that bugged me beyond reason, it was better than their being horribly cruel. During Media Immersion class, Craig Manning sat beside of me.
He began telling me his story, about what his father did to him. I felt like I couldn't compare my father to his. His father sounded so, so horrible. I didn't like to think about it. But it was sweet that Craig actually cared. I was a little spacey until Craig gave me a hug. That took me by surprise. I just stared at him for a moment.

The worst part of my day was when Miss Goody Goody, Emma, decided to compare her life to mine. She was forcing me to listen to her ramble on about her psychotic mentally ill father. Of course I could relate, but it just pissed me off beyond belief that someone I hated so much would compare my pain to theirs. Why did she even care anyway? She stole my boyfriend, and that should have been good enough for her.

At lunch, I couldn't bring myself to eat. Just thinking about food made my stomach lurch. Instead, I sat with Paige at the "popular" table and listened to them chatting. They avoided any topics concerning me with great swiftness. I put my head down on the table and just listened to them for awhile. It was calming, just because it made me feel normal again. It was quite interesting how everyone seemed to have forgotten about their anger and disgust towards Paige and I. Now people were waving at us and smiling. It kinda threw me I guess, plus I've never really been that popular.

During the last class of the day, I was sent to the guidance counselor's office.

Ms. Suave. She was definitely a character. Her voice was all velvety, like she was trying to keep you calm. It made me feel slightly like I was insane and she was my shrink. But Paige swore by her, when she had confided in me about her rape and all of the stuff she'd went through. The counselor sat at her wooden desk as I sat in my tiny chair, smiling at her and staring at the wallpaper on the walls.

"Alex, do you want to talk about everything?"

I shrugged. Might as well tell her now. It would save time later. So I told her about my dad, my mom, life before Degrassi. Before I knew it the last bell rang. Getting up, Ms. Suave capped her pen.
"That's all we have time for today, but come back same time tomorrow and we can continue this discussion."

I felt like screaming at her that I wasn't coming back, but I had to admit just talking to someone made me feel tons better. I just nodded, giving the counselor a pat on the back and met Paige at her locker.

She greeted me with a kiss. "Lexxi, how did it go?"

I put my arms around her, kissing her slightly more intensely. "Mmmmm. It went better than I thought. And I'm coming back tomorrow."

Paige looked satisfied. She took my hand in hers. "Good." We walked out to her car, and went back home.

Dinner was amazing. Mrs. Michalchuk cooked the best spaghetti in the world. I felt a lot better by this time, so I definitely couldn't say no to some good food. Besides, the meatballs were calling my name.

"Alex?" I heard Paige call about 5 minutes after we turned the lights out for bed.
"Yes, Paige?" I replied, snuggling closer to her, loving the feel of her body against mine.
"Thanks for talking to Ms. Suave. It'll do you some good. I think tomorrow we should go out for ice cream after school." She said, whispering into my ear.
Feeling her warm breath on my neck, I smiled.

"Okay. Goodnight, Paige."
"Goodnight, Alex. Love you."

"Love you too." I managed to get out, before I fell asleep in my girlfriend's arms.