A/N: Ok so here's Chapter 5 ready for all you raving BHH fans out there! Hope you guys like it! It'll get A LOT more interesting and exciting in the next few chapters! Half way there guys! Oh and there's a big revelation about what is really up with James in this chapter!

Chapter 5: A Shoulder to Cry On

Fast forward- 2 months later

The Science Club members sat in the library playing a game of hearts. And as usual, Lucas losing. Horribly.

"I wish I still had those glasses," mumbled Lucas wistfully after telling Marshall his score of 22 hearts. Marshall tallied up Lucas' score on the score sheet. Of course the group always made the usual game of hearts more interesting.

"Looks like you'll be doing a lot of cleaning, buddy," Marshall said, laughing good naturedly.

"Just be thankful you have your sight this time, Lucas," said Josie with a smirk. Lucas merely rolled his eyes but a playful glance and smile passed between the two. Josie and Lucas had been dating for close to two months and the relationship seemed to be going well. To everyone it seemed that the two were a match made in heaven.

"I guess you'll be cleaning my cleats again?" asked Vaughn with a chuckle. Vaughn, too, had fallen for someone else. Her name was Rory Lancaster and the two had been dating for about a month and a half. Josie had been extremely happy for Vaughn when he had introduced Rory to the group a month and a half ago. She was definitely far from being like Madison and was a lot different from Josie. Rory was a bit shy but she was very friendly once you got to know her. And she was, amazingly, not a cheerleader. Instead, she was quite bright but was modest about it. She loved sports but also loved to write.

It appeared that the only one missing was Corrine. After another round of hearts whom the loser was Lucas, in walked a slightly flustered looking Corrine. Vaughn noticed that the final member of the Science Club had finally arrived. He waved her over and smiled.

"Hey, Corrine."

Marshall looked up and noted her flustered appearance. Although she tried to conceal it, she couldn't hide it from him.

"Where were you?" asked Josie curiously.

"You missed seeing Lucas lose again," Marshall said with a cheeky grin. Lucas shoved him out of annoyance. Corrine sat down next to Josie.

"Uh, just studying for that test coming up."

Lucas dealt the cards out to everyone including Corrine. She was hesitant for a split-second but picked up the cards. As the group played a few more rounds, surprisingly, Corrine was the one losing. While Lucas was doing his own little victory dance in his seat, Josie looked questioningly at Corrine.

"Corrine, you know, it is Lucas' job to lose every time."

Lucas turned around and pretended to glare at Josie.

"Well, I guess I'm unemployed then!" With that Lucas continued on with his victory dance, obviously quite excited that he was no longer the loser. Marshall gave Corrine a questioning glance, but she just looked away.

"I guess all this studying has made me a bit unfocused," Corrine replied. Josie gave her a sympathetic look.

"You need to lighten up a bit, Corrine. You know you're already perfect."

Corrine gave a small smile. Vaughn looked at Corrine.

"Hey, James is here."

Josie, Lucas, and Vaughn had found out about what had happened between the two. About how a real relationship wasn't going to work out between them. The three had been glad that the two had finally called truce, whether or not what they had said was true. Marshall just nodded and gave a small smile towards James as he approached. James did the same. Corrine turned to him and gave him a small smile.

"James…what are you doing here?" she asked with a questioning look. James gave a small laugh before kissing Corrine lightly on the lips.

"Why? Am I not allowed to know where my girlfriend is anymore?"

Corrine smiled and laughed a little. But to Marshall it sounded slightly forced. James pulled her up and out of her seat.

"Come on, Corrine. Remember that study session we planned?" said James as he led Corrine out of the library. She looked back at them and mouthed 'Sorry' to them. Marshall was used to the fact that they had been dating for close to two months but still wasn't used to seeing him kiss her.

Was it just me or was something bothering Corrine?

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Marshall sat in his room typing up a report for English class in his room. Lucas said he was meeting Josie in the library to work on homework and study.

Ha, homework. They're probably making out as we speak.

He was glad that his best friend had finally gotten the girl he had fallen head over heels for. He glanced over at the clock. It read 9:16. Marshall yawned and stretched before continuing typing. He then stopped as he heard the door open and saw Corrine's head peep through. She gave a quick glance around the room and then outside in the hall before stepping in. She quietly closed the door behind her. Marshall knew right that something was wrong. Her eyes clearly showed worry, frustration, confusion, and…fear?

"What's wrong, Corrine?" he asked, concerned. She clasped and unclasped her hands nervously until she finally spoke.

"Marshall, I need to talk to you. And please promise me you won't tell anyone else what I'm going to tell you right now. Ok?"

Marshall didn't like the sound of what was about to come but nodded anyways. Corrine sat down on the edge of his bed, torn between wanting to confront this issue and just ignoring it.

"I-I can't take it anymore," she whispered. He walked over and sat down next to her. He tried to meet her gaze but every time he tried, she just averted his.

"Corrine, it's ok, just tell me."

She took in a deep breath.

"Do you think James is a decent guy?"

Marshall was not expecting a question like this.

"Yeah. I mean, he seems nice and you like him and…"

"He's not…" Corrine whispered softly, with an undertone that sounded small and feeble. A renegade tear slid slowly down her cheek as she said this. Without hesitation Marshall gently brushed it away.

"How's that?" he asked.

"I-I thought he was the kind of guy that really respected and cared for someone – like you. But he's just…been making me feel extremely uncomfortable. And…he's…just, pushing me to do to things I can't do…won't do." She wasn't sure how to explain and say what she was feeling inside. Her voice quavered as she spoke. She was definitely scared and shaken up by all of this. Marshall shook his head in disbelief.

How could that jerk try to push Corrine to do anything? When I get my hands on him I'll…

A few more tears slid down Corrine's face but it was obvious she was fighting back the urge to just burst out crying. Marshall understood that she was stressed from having to keep this burden on her shoulders and bottling up her emotions inside.

He gently brushed away the other tears before finally meeting her gaze. Her deep brown eyes now clearly showed fear and hurt. Without thinking he embraced her and she rested her head on his shoulder and silently wept the tears she had been holding back. He held her tightly, protectively, and lovingly.

"Did he…?" whispered Marshall. He was almost afraid to ask.

"No…thank heavens, no."

Marshall was outraged that James would even try this with Corrine. How could someone that seemed so nice be so…monstrous?

"Corrine, you need to tell someone: like Professor Z or Durst. You can't just keep this quiet forever."

Corrine shook her head, her eyes widening.

"No, I can't. He said he knew about everything going on at the school and that he would tell Victor…everyone…then they would completely tear down Blake Holsey."

"How do you know he's not just bluffing?" asked Marshall.

"Because he said that he would tell Victor about Josie being down in Pearadyne. How he found out I still can't figure out. We're the only ones who knows about the wormhole and everything else. "

"But you can't just save Josie's butt and the school at your own personal expense!" Marshall was bewildered that Corrine was so loyal to the point where she didn't care about her own well being. Corrine went quiet as she rested her head against his shoulder.

If only I hadn't made the mistake of turning down the one persona I truly love. All because I was scared of how it would end.

Marshall embraced her tenderly, not wanting to let go. Then he heard Corrine take in a sharp breath. He let go of her gently as he looked down at her questioningly.

"It's nothing…"

He raised his eyebrows at her knowing that she wasn't telling the whole truth. But he figured she had had enough drama for one day. She stood up to leave and took a deep breath.

"Thanks, Marshall. But please, promise me you won't tell anyone. Not even Josie, Lucas, Vaughn, or Z."

Marshall opened his mouth to object and try and convince her to tell but he reluctantly closed his mouth. She gave a small smile and whispered, "thanks" before opening the door.

"Good night," she said with a small nod as she slipped out the door. Marshall felt like his head was spinning. After Corrine had told him everything, he felt burdened but was glad Corrine didn't have to bear this alone. He knew he should tell someone, like Z or Durst, but the look in Corrine's eyes…he couldn't break her trust and his promise.

He felt deeply upset for his friend even though a hidden part of him still thought of her as more.

"Oh Corrine…" he whispered out loud as he closed his eyes.

A/N: Ok so ta-da! Now you know what James is really up to! But she's no longer alone in her burden! So, I'll have the next chapter posted soon, hopefully! The only reason I could post it today was because we had a snow day and school got canceled! So I decided to spend my time typing out this chapter! Most likely there will be around 7 or 8 chapters so the story is on its way to wrapping up! Please rate and review! Thanks!