We had a day to get settled in the new town before we all were sent to a new school. Luckily it was only a week into the school year, so we wouldn't stir up quite a commotion.

Our house was in the outskirts of the town Dad had described. It was a big Victorian house, with a wrap around porch and a big yard. Even though we were supposedly on the outskirts, it only took us ten minutes to get to town, Star's Hollow. The town was small enough that every towns person knew one another personally.

"I have a surprise for you all!" Dad exclaimed after we had all unloaded the cars. We all gathered in our new kitchen, we were still waiting for some old furniture from home, and also some new stuff to arrive. "You might want to sit down." He told us, we all sat on a box and looked up at him. Now that he had announced his divorce, what could be so important we needed to sit down for?

"What?" Ricky asked after a minute, with curiosity.

"Yeah, what is it Dad?" Nick asked, not liking not knowing.

Dad looked at all of us, "You, all are going to be going to school in the next town over, Hartford."

"Why can't we go in this town?" I questioned confused.

"Well, the school in the town over is a private school." He took a breath, and we all started openly complaining. "Shut it, no complaining, ok! We're all doing new things, ok? This whole situation has left us having to make new choices, and do different things, alright?" We all nodded, knowing obviously that he was still sore from the divorce, and that the whole scenario was just a new and weird to him too.

"Do we have to wear uniforms?" Ricky asked joking and laughing. Dad nodded, Ricky's grin fell, and a disgusted look came on his face.

That night we started unpacking and that kind of thing. Even though I hated that we moved, I had to admit I loved my bedroom a lot. I got the biggest one, not that size matters, but it's pretty nice. All the rooms were freshly painted when we moved in; my room had been painted dark purple from the previous owners. And, I knew, well at least I hoped that none of my brothers would want it, because of that. Knowing them they'd be too lazy to paint another colour over.

The next day was a scary one. We were starting the prep school. Dad with the help of Mom had ordered us uniforms. It turns out Mom was even very pleased that we were going there, there being Chilton. The school had accepted us without us even knowing, they had looked over our files, and even looked at standardized tests we'd written. I couldn't be mad at Dad for going behind our backs though, because I knew he was still getting over his ruined marriage.

Dad left that morning early to go to work. That was a good thing from the move, or at least Dad thought so. With the new job at the college, he got an even larger salary. We all piled in the car, we had to leave pretty early to get there before eight, a fact that we all hated.

"This uniform sucks! I haven't been in a tie since great Aunt Em's funeral." Danny complained, loosening his tie.

"Yeah, imagine the stuffy people that will go there." Ricky told us.

"Oh, damn! I bet the whole school is made up of snobs!" I complained loudly. Trying to imagine how I'd ever make friends.

"This is hell." Nick stated, as we pulled up at the school. It was about a half hour drive from home, but that was when Nick drove and he was known to speed. The school looked snobby with gargoyles and ivy covered buildings surrounding the campus.

"I wish Maddie was here." I mumbled. That way we could make fun of the snobs together, and at least I'd have a friend.

Nick cut the engine, and turned around in his seat to look at Ricky and me and then back up to Danny in the passenger seat, "Remember we're doing this for Dad. Just grin and bare it, cause isn't that the Mariano way?" We all nodded in return, this was going to be a long day, yet alone year. We all got out of the car, and made our way inside and after being shown to the Headmaster's office. We waited for him, to call us in.

"Ah, the Mariano clan! Come in, don't be shy!" He called out to us. Danny and Nick sneered when he said this. But, I found it a bit comforting; he wasn't the big dictator I had thought he would be. "Nicolas, Daniel, Holly, and Richard, what a pleasure to finally meet you all," He shook our hands when we entered. I tried hard not to laugh at my brother's full names, mine was just simply Holly.

He talked for a while about the rules, and such. And, how he hoped we'd become emerged into the Chilton community. He didn't seem at all snobbish, at least that what I thought. After that we all parted to go to our own homerooms. Danny and I ended up in the same homeroom, I'm not sure yet whether that's good or bad.

"Class, we have two new students... Daniel and Holly Mariano," A nice looking teacher announced. "I'm Mrs. Palmer." She stated, with a smile. Danny and I each gave her a small one, before being sent to sit down. "As I was saying, we have a new project..." The class moaned and groaned a new project? Another one? It was only the first week of school! What kind of workload does this school have? I inwardly groaned at the thought. "I didn't make this one up. Your entire grade is completing them. You'll be assigned partners, co-ed partners..." I pretty much zoned out while she explained the project, it seemed like one of those projects where you pretend to be in the real world and have to survive.

"I wonder what we'd be doing a good 'ole slacker high?" Danny whispered. Our school at home, the one we used to go to was nicknamed slacker high, it really was a breeze. All the teachers were below thirty, and had just practically graduated from teachers college. We didn't have much of a budget, so everything was run down there. Any good teacher wouldn't have wanted to be there. It was just as it was, it was great.

"Probably nothing," I murmured in envy.

"The partners are..." I perked my ears up at that part, and waited for my name to be called. "...Daniel Mariano and Kristina Rygalski, Holly Mariano and Christopher Forrester..." Who was he? I wondered, looking around the class room, stopping at a guy glancing at me. Looking away, I tried to concentrate on what she was saying about the date the project was due.

When it was finally lunch I met up with my brothers at my locker and we headed to the dining hall. I know what you're thinking, no friends yet. But, really all the people act so snobby. It can make a person claustrophobic.

I sighed, "Think about the cafeteria back home." We all looked around at the preppy setting.

"It's like these people take lessons in eating." Ricky laughed, at how everyone cut there food, and ate completely properly.

"It's so quiet too." I added, some people were talking amongst themselves, but that was all.

"No food fights." Danny joked. "I wonder what they would do if we started one?" We all laughed. At our old school, there wasn't a day that went by without someone starting a fight, and food getting thrown.

"At least the week is almost up, tomorrow's Thursday." I couldn't wait till Maddie got here. We left Monday, and then Dad gave us Tuesday as a day off, to get settled. So, we only came three days later than the rest of the kids, but they all seemed to already know each other.

The rest of the day went by surprisingly quick. I did manage to make a friend, or at least have a friendly person in some of my classes. Kristina Rygalski, she was also Danny's partner for that stupid project, but she was actually pretty nice. We had English together and she sat next to me. So, it went pretty well.

"It wasn't that bad." I stated when we were all in the car. "I guess I just made it out to seem like hell..." I told them, thinking back to my afternoon.

"Are you the same girl who was counting down hours and minutes till the weekend at lunch?" Nick questioned laughing. "But, I do agree. The afternoon was much better. Maybe we all just needed a chance to have an open mind."

Laughing Danny said, "Remember what the headmaster said to us in the morning?" We all started laughing remembering. Danny deepened his voice and imitated the headmaster, "'The mind is like a parachute it only works when it is open.'" The rest of the ride home, we recalled funny stories of what happened during the day, and laughed at what we thought of some of the people there.

When we first got home from school, I immediately went to call Maddie to see how things were at home. When I got no answer I sighed, wishing I could run over to her house as usual. I sulked downstairs, going straight to the kitchen looking for something appetizing.

"I would have thought you'd be on the phone with Maddie first thing." Nick told me as he and the other boys entered the kitchen, looking also for something to eat.

"No, she's really a pig just always wanting to eat." Danny joked, gently shoving me into the fridge, while I looked through it. The fridge was bear except for a twelve pact of sodas and some celery.

"Actually, she's not home." I stated, grabbing a soda.

"It's six, whereas would she be?" Nick asked, teasingly.

"Maddie does have a life!" I defended.

Ricky was fast to retort, "Not anymore, we moved."

"Har-de-Har-Har," I sarcastically replied. Inside I was really wondering where she was. There was absolutely no reason I should worry though, because it was only six o'clock, but then again I knew Summer was still out of town.

"Ricky's right, who else does she talk with. Her social life is probably dead." Danny said.

"If that was so, then what would explain her whereabouts now?" I questioned them all. They were silent for a minute, not sure what to say. Aha! I had won! I grinned in satisfaction. After that, I started on my homework. That wasn't as hard as I first expected. When Dad, came home he brought pizza, which we all devoured hungrily. After dinner, I figured Maddie had to be home, so I settled myself down on our new couch in the family room and gave her a call.

"Hey Madds," I grinned when I heard her voice.

"Holly! How are you?" She exclaimed. Something sounded wrong, but maybe I was just imagining it.

"Pretty good,"

"Yeah?"

"There were a few hot boys; it made it all worth while." I confessed. We talked about that for a while. Always with her asking me questions, I suddenly felt the urge to switch it around.

"So is your Mom home?" I asked.

"Nope, she did however call."

"What did she say?"

"I didn't get it, but she left a message."

"So?"

"Again it was strange she talked more about my Dad."

"Again?"

"Yeah, and then strangely she also gave me a sex talk yet again."

"Oh weird!" I laughed, "How embarrassing!"

"She must think I'm a tramp!"

"Aww, no she wouldn't! She doesn't have any reason to!"

"I don't know..." She mumbled quietly.

"Anywho, where were you earlier today?" I questioned with curiosity.

"Earlier today?" she repeated. I nodded, but remember that she couldn't see me.

"Yeah today,"

"I was at home mostly."

"Why didn't you get the phone?" I didn't want to be nosy, but I was extremely curious.

"I must have been out."

"Out where?"

"Talking about going out, are there any good hang outs where you are?"

"I don't know yet, I really haven't been anywhere, but home and school."

"Oh, don't worry you'll find some."

"I'm not worrying about that, but Madds where were you?"

"When?"

I sighed, this was harder than I thought, "Around six today?"

"Oh, I wasn't home."

"Yeah, so where were you?"

"At six?"

"Yeah, where?"

"Oh... I was out."

"You already said that! Where were you?" I asked again, annoyed.

"I told you out."

"Maddie, I'm not your mother just tell me!"

"Holly, I told you, I was out... what more do you want?"

"What does out mean?"

"Out!" She exclaimed.

"Just where were you?"

"Holly..."

"Don't avoid the question."

"I don't want to tell you over the phone." She whispered softly.

"Are you okay?" I questioned suddenly concerned. Looking around making sure there wasn't anyone listening.

"Yeah"

"Shit, Madds, what happened?"

"Oh, Holly, It was terrible! I wish you were here."

"Maddie what happened?"

"I don't know where to start." She muttered helplessly.

"That's ok..."

"You know Charlie?"

"The jackass? What did he do to you?" My voice came out low and demanding.

"Oh, Holly! I'm such an idiot!"

"No you're not!"

"I just can't bear to tell you, but I need to tell someone."

"Just give me the basics..."

"Remember the Friday before you left? The party? Well, I kind of flirted a bit with Charlie there, but only a bit. I mean I left, as y'know early, because I ended up in a shitty mood, but I didn't stop him flirting with me. And, its... well it has been happening since you left, but I liked it, I mean I liked the attention. I know what a bastard he is, but with you gone and everything, I mean we have the group of friends, but I needed something... Anywho he just was really nice and he was there."

"I know what you mean."

"He even stopped blatantly hitting on me. I thought it was great, I thought we were going to be friends. I mean he acted like one, but today..."

"What happened today?"

"Oh, Holly! I wish you were here!"

"Oh, hun! I do just as much!"

"Today, we were going to swimming at the water hole. At first I wasn't sure, because it was with his friends and stuff and I didn't want anyone to think we were a couple again. But, before school, I realized I had nothing better do that was the best offer I had... So I went. It was right after class was over. Charlie drove, we got there, and some people were already there, his friends of course. I had worn my bikini underneath my clothes, so I really didn't have to worry about changing. But, now I remembered why I didn't like his friends. I mean they all smoked, not that I haven't before, and I'll admit I do smoke on occasion, but some of them are hardcore druggies. And, I realized there was only one other girl besides me, and her lips were attached to a guy, they were openly making out on the grass..."

"What happened next?"

"Well, everything was fine for a bit, it was actually kind of fun. Charlie had gone off with some friends, but I didn't think of it at the time. I just stayed with this guy, one of his friends. We were only talking when Charlie came back. I think he was high on something, because he started acting really possessive. Like that guy, his friend, well, he was pretty close to beating the shit out of him. Soon, things started getting bad. I told him I wanted to go home, but he started saying not yet. Then finally I begged him and he said yes, I was happy, because I thought I got my way. Except, he grabbed my arm and forced me to the car."

"That shithead!"

"Maybe I shouldn't continue."

"No go on..."

"You'd think his friends would stay there, but instead they followed us. They started to fight with him. At that point I really wasn't paying attention. I just wanted out of there. I started side stepping away from them all. One of them noticed and grabbed me. Charlie got furious and told them not to touch me. The guy was still holding me and Charlie was grabbing me. The guy said, so you aren't going share your prize, and Charlie didn't answer, but kept holding me. And, one of the other guys was like we can all take turns. Oh, Holly I feel sick just thinking back..."

"Did they rape you?" I pressed.

"No, but they could have. They all kept touching me. Holly, I never felt so dirty, when I came home I had the longest shower ever, but I still feel so dirty."

"How'd you get away?"

"We heard police sirens; they sounded like they were coming near. And, then they dropped me and fled."

"How'd you get home?"

"I walked..."

"From the water hole, that's really far."

"Not really, it took only thirty minutes."

"Why didn't you get the police?"

"Oh no! Never! I couldn't tell them!"

"Are you going to go to the hospital?"

"No."

"Maddie! You need to."

"No, and Holly you can't tell anyone this ok?"

"I don't know Maddie."

"Promise me you won't."

"Alright I promise. What are you going to do?"

"Hope I never have to face any of them again..."

"And, you're all alone?"

"Yeah..."

"That's just not right."

"I'll be fine"

"You have to go somewhere."

"I can't! Cause, then I'll have to tell someone!"

I looked up, when I heard someone walk in the room. "Holly I need the phone." Danny told me. I shook my head, and tried to shoo him away.

"You can come here." I told her, ignoring Danny's questioning looks.

"Yeah, and what will I tell the school, and even your Dad?"

"I'll figure something else, but you're not staying alone. I don't want to frighten you, but what if it happened again?" I asked her.

"I hope it won't, but Holly I can't run forever."

"So, now honestly tell me you can stay there and feel safe?"

"But..."

"No, buts, I'll call the bus company, usually there are those evening departures, and we might be able to get you one."

"Oh, thank you so much Holly."

"Don't worry, anyhow it's my fault."

"No it's not!"

"I was the one who left you like that."

"You couldn't do a thing about it, Hol. What could you do?"

"I dunno, but I wish was there, I wish I stopped it."

"Thanks, but you couldn't. It was my mistake."

"Look, I'll call the bus company and then I'll get back to you."

"What about your Dad?"

"No worries, k?"

"Ok."

"I'll talk to you soon!"

"Alrighty, bye!" After the words were said, I hung up. Oh, I couldn't even digest what had happened. Poor Maddie and she is all alone. If I were her I'd be scared shitless. How could this of happened? And, I thought my struggle at the party was bad... this, this was just unbelievable.

I looked over at the bewildered face of Danny. "What the hell is going on?" He questioned me.

"Nothing" I replied, looking away from him.

"Oh, Holly, you cannot say nothing! After I hear that, something is definitely up, now what is it?" He asked again.

"Look, Danny nothing is going on, and if it was, it wouldn't be my place to tell you." I started to leave.

I stopped walking when I heard Danny ask, "Is Maddie ok?" He sounded so sincere and worried. I turned to face him, not knowing how to respond. "Is she?" He asked again, in anticipation.

"She will be." I told him. I decided to save time and call the bus company, before talking to Dad. I picked a time for Maddie to leave and quickly called her back to confirm if it was ok with her.

"Hey"

"How are you doing?" I questioned.

"Well... oh Holly I feel like I'm such a pain, I don't want to impose on you..."

"Maddie, you're practically family,"

"I know, but how about I wait and..."

"No such thing. Look Maddie, it's Wednesday night, you'll only be two day early..."

"But, I just feel so bad."

"But, if you don't come here, you'll have to tell someone; because there is no way I'm letting you stay alone."

"Well..."

"Look, I have a great idea!" I gave Danny a sign for him to leave, but he shook his head firmly. "One sec." I told Maddie, putting the phone on hold. "Danny leave the room!" I demanded, clasping the phone.

"Aw, no! Ok, I know you and Maddie are better friends then me and her now, but I still care about her, and if something's wrong..." He concluded, looking afraid.

"You gotta promise what you hear you'll tell no one!"

"I promise."

"Pinky swear?" I held out my pinky and took it with his. "Stamp it?" We pressed our thumbs together, and I nodded. I know it was juvenile, but I felt that needed some sort of promise. "Hey Madds," I said when I took the phone off hold.

"What's your idea?"

"Do you have some cash?"

"Yeah, you know I've been working part time at the grocery store."

"Ok... just pack as if you're coming to stay here k? Tie up any loose ends. Like impersonate your Mom and then leave a voicemail message at school, saying you went on a family long weekend trip. It won't be suspicious unless you've been skipping lots lately, have you?"

"Nope, I've got a perfect record."

"That's good that makes it easier, for the school to accept you not being there. Now, there's a greyhound leaving at nine fifteen sharp, go on that. And, get off at a place called Hartford, Connecticut. Then for Thursday and Friday you can stay at the motel is that ok?"

"Yeah, definitely, as long as I'm not here..."

"Great, call me tomorrow morning k? I'd get you to call me tonight but Dad might get confused, unless you want me to tell him and then you can stay here?"

"No thanks..."

"Ok, gosh Madds I'm going to worry about you so much tonight..."

"I'll be fine... you know what I'll do?"

"What?"

"I'll call your house once I'm safely at the motel, except I'll only let it ring once, and then hang up."

"Good idea. Then when you call me tomorrow morning, around seven, then Dad will be at work. And, then I'll come by after school. Will you be ok during the day?"

"Yeah, don't worry about me. Thanks so much Hol!"

"No problem, we're friends right?"

"Yeah..."

"Well, this is my job then. You better go and pack you only have forty minutes until the bus leaves. How are you going to get to the bus station?"

"I think I'll spurge and call a cab."

"That's a good idea,"

"Thanks again!"

"I can't wait to see you!"

"Same here... better go."

"Bye!" I told her, hanging up the phone. Danny was sitting down on the couch, still trying to grasp everything he had heard.

"Holly is this really serious?" He asked. "I mean shouldn't we tell Dad?"

"Tell Dad what?" Nick questioned coming in the room.

"Nothing, nothing, nothing" I exclaimed frustrated. Nick looked a bit suspicious, but said nothing else about it.

"So, where was she when you first called?" He asked.

"Oh, she was out." I stated vaguely.

"Out, hmm... out where?" He pressed on. I looked at Danny, who just looked back at me confused, and curious.

"Out! What are you guys her frigging mother?" I demanded angrily.

"Sorry, didn't realize it mattered so much, but aren't you curious where she was?" He questioned me. I was, but now I know where she was.

"I know where was..." I mumbled.

"Then why don't you tell me?"

"I don't know why it matters so much; she was only at Amy's house..."

"Amy's?" I nodded. "You can't lie for shit Holly." He stated, laughing.

"I'm not lying!" I protested, even though I knew I was.

"So, if I were to call Amy, she would say Maddie was there?"

"Why do you care so much?" I questioned.

"Well, if she was in any trouble it would be nice to know, wouldn't it?" He explained. I suddenly felt a wave of guilt.

"Yeah, it would be nice to know." Danny commented coldly.

"Just leave me alone!" I shouted, running upstairs to my room. I felt guilty, I know I couldn't have done anything, but nevertheless I felt guilty. Terribly guilty... If only we hadn't moved. I sat silently on my bed, no tears threatened to fall. Which I was thankful for, because I didn't want any signs of weakness.

Someone knocked at the door. And, I heard Dad ask, "Can I come in?"

"Yes." I called through the wall.

"Honey, are you ok?" He asked sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Yes." I stated, not wanting confide in anyone.

"Then what's up?"

"Nothing"

"Nothing, Hol, c'mon I'm not an idiot, anybody could know something happened." He looked at me hopefully.

"Just girl problems," I told him. He looked doubtful, but I knew he wouldn't press on. "No worries."

"Ok, but if anything happens, you know I'm here?" I nodded. And, he gave me a hug. After he left, I sighed with relief. I hadn't realized how exhausted I had become, from the move, and everything else. So, I quickly got ready for bed and fell asleep.

I woke up around one AM, when the phone rang. At first I went to grab it, but then I remembered what Maddie said. So, it was no surprise when the call stopped after one ring. Sighing contently knowing she was safe.

"Who the hell calls at one in the morning and then hangs up?" I heard Nick complain loudly, in the room next door. I bit back a giggle, and went back to sleep. I woke up again at six thirty, and heard Dad down in the kitchen. Knowing he'd be gone by seven, I hurriedly had a shower and got dressed, and went downstairs to have breakfast. The boys were already down there, and all looked at me with caution. I guess my freak out last night was really unexpected. When the phone went I ran for it.

"I got it!" I exclaimed reaching for it.

"Who calls at seven?" Ricky questioned, confused. Danny sat there silently, but I knew that he knew it was Maddie. He seemed to keep an ear peaked up for any tidbits I might let out. But, this time I wouldn't let anything out. I knew it was too late to run up to my room for the phone, that would cause too much suspicions, so instead I grabbed the phone, there in the kitchen.

"Hello"

"Hey!"

"How are you?" I asked.

"Pretty good, oh it feels so good to be here!"

"That's good..."

"What's with the vague comments? Your brothers in the room?"

"Yes."

"So, you'll come by after school?"

"Yes."

"I'm in room seven, k! Thanks for helping me get here. See you then,"

"Have a good day! Bye." I hung up the phone, wishing I could have asked her more about the bus ride and everything else, but knowing that would give it away.

"Who was it?" Nick asked. I looked over to see him and Ricky looking at me curiously, while Danny just looked down at his cereal.

"Yeah who?" Ricky questioned.

"What's with the third degree?" I inquired, looking challenging at both boys. I would have lied about who was on the phone, but truly like Nick said last night, I suck at lying. They would probably have figured out the truth, so avoiding the question was the best idea.

School went by really uneventfully, except I ate lunch with Kristina and her friends today. My brothers too all had new eating companions. Danny was with this guy, who I recognized from my English class and Ricky was surprising sitting with a girl, a fact that we could tease him with later. Lastly Nick, sat with an older boy who I didn't know, but he look strangely familiar. I just couldn't place him. And then, after lunch, Christopher my partner for the project stopped me.

"Hey Holly," He greeted me; I was surprised he remembered my name.

"Christopher, hi"

"You can call me Chris."

"Sure,"

"So about the project, do you want to meet tonight?" He questioned me. I thought of Maddie and immediately shook my head.

"Sorry, I'm busy."

"That's alright, I figured you would be." He replied. What does that mean? He figured I would be? Huh? "Is the weekend ok?"

"Uh, not really" I told him.

"The guys all already asked you?" He asked me defeated.

"What guys?" I questioned confused.

"They haven't? That's a relief."

"My friend from home is coming to visit me for the weekend. In fact, she's already here, but since part one of the project is due Monday, I guess I could spare an afternoon..." I informed him.

"Tomorrow after school?" I nodded. "Good, you can even bring your friend." He told me, grinning. The warning bell rang.

Smiling I said, "Thanks, I'll see you tomorrow then." I started to walk away; fairly happy with how everything had been going at school.

After school, it was hard to get to the motel without raising any suspicion. It was practically impossible. I figured I'd take the city bus from school, but Nick wasn't going allow that. He told me he'd drive me to the library, which was my excuse. But, he couldn't drive me, because he'd then find out everything.

"No, that's ok. Don't you want to get home anyway?" I questioned him.

"I can take you." He stated in return. "I'm not letting you go alone, anyhow." I looked helplessly at my watch, knowing Maddie would be expecting me in ten minutes.

"I'll go with her Nick." Danny suggested.

"I can go by myself!" I protested.

"Nope, with Danny or you're not going."

"Fine," So, that how I ended up in from of the motel, with Danny at my side. He seemed happy though, for getting his way and coming along. "You have to wait here." I told him, not wanting to upset Maddie with his presence.

"No way, I want to see her." He said, firmly. There was no way he was letting me leave him there, so with no other choice, I dragged him along to room seven. Putting my fist up to the door to knock, I rapped three times.

"Holly?" I heard a small voice call.

"Yeah Maddie it's me!" I called back. "And, Danny,"

"Danny?" She questioned.

"He had to come; I wouldn't have been allowed to come otherwise-"

"Does he know what happened?" She sounded so scared, I wish she'd just open the door, but I guess it makes sense her being nervous to see Danny.

"Nope," I replied, and waited as she unlocked the door and opened it. I almost shouted in shock when I saw Maddie, it was her alright, she just looked so small. She had some visible bruises; some seemed to escape under her clothes. Some cuts were on her face and arms. She just looked terrible.

"Oh, Maddie!" I cried, hugging her. "Are you ok?" I questioned.

"Yeah" She replied, close to tears. "Come in," She told us, and I almost forgot about Danny who was just standing there in shock.

"Did anyone question you on the bus?" I asked.

"I had some stares, but no one talked to me thankfully... it's so good to see you!" She exclaimed, giving the best smile she could.

"What happened?" Danny asked, finally finding his voice.

"Nothing really..." She shrugged. Obviously Danny didn't believe her, who would though she was standing there bruised and battered. Danny didn't say anything though he just looked angry, not at Maddie though, but at the people who had done this to her, his fists were clenched, and he looked like he was going to burst.

"I wish I could stay here with you, but it's just one more night..."

"Holly, I don't want to go home." She confided.

"Oh, don't worry you don't have to,"

"No, but Holly, I don't want to go home ever! He called again..." I nodded her along, feeling sick to my stomach now. "Today, I called home to see if my Mom called, cause I knew if she had called, last night after I left, or this morning, I'd be in shit right... cause where was I... anyhow the message center said I had a message, I figured it was Mom giving me crap... but it was him... he said I can't hide forever, and that he would find me... oh Hol!" She cried. I gave her another hug, trying my best to comfort her.

"Who is he?" Danny questioned furiously. Maddie didn't answer she just cried louder. I felt so helpless, what do you say in this type of situation?