A/N: Hey! Ooh . . . you guys probably hate me. Lol. Okay, I'm really sorry but I just got my laptop yesterday. A week and two days after I sent my computer to the computer store! So I apologize!

Getting right into things. I'm still getting used to the keyboard and I lost a lot of who has reviewed, so I'm just going to do a universal thank you to everyone who reviewed the last few chapters: Thank you so much!

Now, Microsoft is set up differently on here and I'm not sure how long the pages are and stuff, so bare with me if it's short.

Now, before I get strangled to death, on with chapter 25!! It's . . . er, well it might be a little boring. But it's necessary because it leads to something big. So bare with me!

Please enjoy and please review!

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Melinda woke up on the couch in the living room. She was confused and couldn't figure out what was happening at first. Then she realized she was being stared at.

Wyatt and Chris were kneeling by the couch, staring anxiously at her.

"She's awake!" Chris cried when he saw Melinda open her eyes.

Melinda groaned, her head pounding. "How long was I out?"

Wyatt grinned slightly. "Long enough to freak Scott out."

"Why the hell are you grinning?" Melinda demanded shrilly. "That's not a good thing! Where is he, anyway? Did you – You didn't tell him – did you?" she asked nervously, her heart in her throat.

Chris frowned. "No way. We'd never do that to you. When he called us, we came right away and then we sent him into the other room so Wyatt could heal you. He'll be a little surprised that all your wounds are gone, but I'm sure we can make up some excuse."

Melinda nodded, her throat dry and her hands shaking. She wanted to tell Scott that she was a witch. But she loved him so much and she feared he'd reject her and hate her – maybe even fear her – if he knew what she really was.

"He loves you, cuz. Don't ever doubt that," Chris said, his empathy kicking in.

Melinda smiled gratefully. "Thanks." She sighed. "So, where is he?"

"Your room," Wyatt replied. "You might want to check on him. He was really worried and really confused when you told him not to call an ambulance or take you to the hospital."

Melinda nodded. "Okay."

"We need to go back to the club," Chris told her. "Will you be okay?"

Melinda smiled and nodded again. "I'll be fine. See you guys later."

Wyatt and Chris waved a good-bye and orbed out.

Melinda sighed and went upstairs to her room, where she found Scott anxiously pacing back and forth.

"Hey," she said gently.

Scott stared at her, visibly confused. "What the hell happened?"

"It's a long story. I'm fine, though, and there's nothing to worry about now, okay?" Melinda replied,

Scott only looked half convinced, but he nodded anyway.

Really, I'm fine," Melinda assured him.

"How are – Melinda, you were covered in wounds before. What happened?" Scott asked, as if he had just realized her wounds had disappeared.

Melinda gulped. How was she going to explain this one to him? She didn't want to lie. But she didn't want to tell him the truth – not yet, anyway.

"It wasn't as bad as you thought. And make-up does wonders!" Melinda replied, laughing slightly to take off the edge.

It didn't work.

It didn't fool Scott, who looked almost angry. "Don't lie to me."

"Scott, please!" Melinda said miserably, walking to him and pressing her body against his, hugging him tightly, her head on his chest. "Please just trust me, okay?"

Scott seemed to try and pull away, but Melinda gripped tighter.

"I'm sorry, really I am. I wish I could give you a better explanation and I will, just not today. Another time. I promise. I love you. For now, trust me, okay?"

Scott sighed and nodded slightly. "Fine. But I want an explanation, Melly. I don't care if it's today or tomorrow as long as I get one."

Melinda nodded, smiling up at Scott and staring into his eyes . . .