A/N: So my family decided: HEY LET'S HAVE A VACATION. I still have homework to do, but... while I scream into the void, here's a chapter. : ))))
Enjoy.

I spent the next hours cleaning my hand and the bathroom. I made sure there was no more glass and blood in sight, getting through the pain in my knuckles. My hand was wrapped up, but I was still shaking from the force I used on the wall and the mirror. I avoided stepping on it, luckily. I wouldn't want fucked up feet too. I could just say the mirror fell last night and hide my added injuries from her. Just smaller lies should suffice.

About now, I would do my wake-and-bake in my room, but the thought of it made me physically sick. I felt like wanting to vomit just thinking about it. I knew I was traumatized for the rest of time. A part of me wanted to stick through that too, but I don't think my body will be able to take it anymore.

Instead, I changed into my school uniform, buttoning until the collar, and rolling the sleeves. I smoothed my shirt out, exhaling at how I properly I was wearing this stupid outfit for once. Next, I cleaned out my bag of all the joints I had from Justin. I made sure to double check it for anything; I couldn't take any more chances.

I eventually found a box of cigarettes I forgot about. I didn't feel too sick looking at it, so it was tempting.

I'll think about it on the way to school. I stuck it back in my backpack.

I still felt exhausted. I wasn't ready to face anyone, but I had no choice. I took the stairs and heard my mom cooking something. The closer I got, the more I smelled it was eggs and bacon. I stuck my hand into my pocket, clenching my jaw.

"Hey mom." I smiled, weak but it was real.

"Good morning, Chloe." She finished a full plate and turned the stove off. She kissed my cheek and started examining my eye. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"As good as I ever could be in this situation…" I went to the table that had a plate ready on a placemat.

"All I ask of you is to not cause any trouble at school."

I felt annoyed by that. If I was involved in a fight today, it wasn't started by me. I gripped my fork and ate my breakfast, not wanting to say anything out of line right now.

I heard her sigh, along with the sound of her putting the pan in the sink. "Or, if someone tries to cause you trouble, I hope you do something."

At this point, everyone threw me under the bus, so I doubt doing something would do anything. "I'll try."

I took the bus to school instead. But, since the walk to the nearest stop was kinda far, I had time to figure out the box of cigarettes. Whether to throw it away or use it now, it was a hard decision. I really shouldn't after the party, but I was stressed the fuck out. Maybe give it to Max; she could throw it away easier than I could. Fucking hell… why is it a hard decision? My brain is still fucked up from it all. It hasn't been a week and I missed school yesterday… Everyone's gonna fuck with me…

I was shaking again, my urges to smoke kicking in. I grabbed my wrist and took a deep breath. No, go to Max—no, hide it—No, Max! My brain was about to implode until I made it to the stop. On time, the bus was approaching.

I had to have looked fucking suspicious, but I paid the fare and sat down, taking another deep breath to stop myself from giving into my bad habit. I need to get clean. Stupid fucked up brain still needs it. I was so stressed that the ringing was growing louder again. I need to relax… One bad thing and it'll fuck everything up again! I shook my head and gripped my wrist tighter.

"Chloe!" I heard Max's voice; she was rushing down the steps of the school. That was the fastest I've seen her go. I was getting stared at; As much as I wanted to say something, I couldn't. I chewed on my cheek to stop myself.

She slowed down as she got close, bringing me into a tight hug. I had my left hand, my good one, on her back to hug her too. Let me say, getting kisses from my mom and hugs from Max was nice. I wasn't used to the whole affection shit, but it felt fucking great now.

"I dunno what to say." I mumbled, pressing my cheek into the side of her head.

"You don't have to say anything." She pulled away, fixing my shirt collar. "I'm glad you were able to come. Joyce told me what kind of injuries you had, but what happened to your hand?"

"Nothing, I fixed it. Don't worry."

She squinted her eyes, wary. She sighed then nodded. "So… how are you, though? And, be honest, please."

"Well, jail was fun, I guess." I said with some snark; I cleared my throat when I saw her looking annoyed again. "I thought everything over in there… I'm really trying, Max, you have to believe me. I'm working through it."

"Of course, I believe you, Chloe."

"When all I could do was think in that cell, I want to be better. It was torture in there—"

As soon as I said that, someone slapped the back of my head, with so much force I leaned into Max. I bit my tongue, my hands shaking and wanting to choke whoever the fuck did that.

"It's torture here too… I knew I wasn't gonna get through this."

Looking around, people from the party were walking around like it never fucking happened. I was the only proof that it happened at all. People were even laughing at me.

"Steph, Mikey, Kate, and I are here for you, okay? Don't box yourself in or think you're alone."

I gripped my backpack strap. I can't say that I won't. I know I just might. Or, maybe I already am. "Right... I can't promise you that I'll hold back if Justin, Trevor, or that fucking bitch decides to show their fucking faces."

"Chloe. Discipline." Max placed her hand on my cheek, keeping eye contact. "It's only the first day; it'll get easier."

I shut my eyes, feeling my eyes burn and throat tighten again. I couldn't afford any more trouble. "… I know."

There was only so much I could take. That was a statement I kept repeating in my head. That perfectly summarized how my life was going right now. I felt myself spiraling as people kept throwing things at me when the teacher wasn't looking, hitting and shoving me when I pass, and saying bullshit to me. Everyone had the courage to fuck with me, now that I was helpless.

As everyone went into their classes, I shoved the restroom door open and threw my backpack across the room. I shoved every stall open, checked the space in the far corner, and there was no one else in the room. I paced back and forth, gripping at my hair, wanting to let another scream out before I had to face another person. Break another mirror. Drink until I poisoned myself. Smoke until I couldn't breathe. I wanted it to stop.

I felt pain in my stomach; the pain meds were wearing off. I took the bottle out of my bag and took a handful, drinking half of the water I bought earlier. I tossed the water bottle aside and continued to pace, covering my ears as if I could block the ringing out.

The door opened, cautious and quiet, revealing her. Rachel Amber.

I froze in my spot. I glared right through her.

She took two steps before she realized who I was, and her eyes widened in shock. Her lips parted, as if she was gonna talk.

She looked the same as she always did. Everything done perfectly and properly. Like everyone else, it was like the party never existed.

My blood boiled. My mind raced with contradicting thoughts—to do or not to do. To ignore or say something. Leave—stay—avoid—confront—reason—fight—

I couldn't take it anymore.

I rushed to her, grasping her neck and pressed her against the door, knocking her into it with a loud crash. My grip was tightening, and I could hear her breath getting caught. I could see fear in her eyes as I glared back into hers.

My words were caught in my mouth as I continued to look. She had one hand around my wrist and one hand pushing against my chest. I could feel her breath against my face, it was getting shorter and I could hear her gasping.

My mind caught up and I let go, pushing myself off her. Shock and disbelief set in me, furrowing my eyebrows and becoming scared shitless at what I did. We stood there and I watched her cough and get her air back, her hands against her neck.

What the fuck are you doing, Chloe Price?! You can't even fucking apologize for this shit! She'll tell everyone and then I'll be found fucking dead in the middle of nowhere!

I couldn't leave yet; she was still standing in front of the door. She took one last look at me and, with a weak voice, "I won't tell anyone."

She left before I could say anything back. Shit… She could be lying again… But… god, I wanna believe her. I decided to take my bag and then hide in the furthest stall, hanging it on the door's hook and lifting my legs up to avoid being seen. I pressed my feet against the door, not allowing the door to open.

I have to waste more damn money to go on the fucking bus. Then, I have to walk the rest of the fucking way, just to clean and paint the house again. This shit is real… That whole shit about police fucking you up in the head and taking advantage of that is real. Everybody from that stupid party are only blaming me. Now they're fucking with me because I'm weak as shit now. I nearly fucking killed Rachel Amber just now!

"Where the hell were you going, Rache?" I heard Victoria Chase's voice as she walked in. "We said we would meet here."

"I was just getting a drink first." Her voice was still a little hoarse. "You wanted to meet here. What do you want?"

"Wow, no "thank you, Victoria," after what I did?"

"I didn't ask shit from you, Victoria!" Rachel coughed again. "This was your plan! Why would you target her?!"

"Come on, we all know this tough girl act is all fucking fake! I like getting the worst out of people! And, she's your little servant now! What a plus to this!"

No response.

"She wrecked your fucking house, Rache. This plan is justified."

"And you did it without telling me jack shit. You want me to thank you, for tricking me into throwing this party—not to mention my parents showing up again because they forgot something—just so you could get Chloe Price, someone who didn't give a single fuck about us, almost killed? What would've happened if she didn't show up, huh? Then what?"

"She did show up. That's all I care about. Did you see her? She looks like total shit."

"How do you plan for this to end?! My dad won't listen to anything I say involving her!"

"Oh boo-fucking-hoo, do you like her or something?"

I clenched my jaw at that question. There was too much shit to process. My brain was ready to explode from it all.

The silence was deafening; It even made me grateful for my ringing. What is she thinking about? Why is she taking so long to answer? It shouldn't be a hard answer. Me before this bullshit would've thought she would say "no" right away. But, there we were, quiet and tense.

"I don't have time to talk about everything, Chase." She sighed, heavy and I could hear her leaving. "We'll talk about your sadistic schemes and how much I want to fucking punch you later."

"Feisty." Victoria purred. "I like that. But you'll be thanking me later."

"Whatever." The door opened, but it didn't close. "The worst of her… You really showed the worst of you, too." Then, it slammed shut.

Since there was an hour left until lunch, I snuck out of the school building and then fled to my dorm room. The first thing I did was turn my radio on, raising the volume as a heavy drum beat was playing, then lied down in my bed. I draped my arm over my eyes, trying to focus.

When I get to Amber Manor… where the hell are they gonna make me start? I don't remember how many rooms we got to. I still can't get over what I got into. Everyone fled… I don't remember if I was out for a long time or if the cops let everyone go at the party except for me or… if I was being sabotaged by that bitch, Victoria-fucking-Chase. I have the worst, for sure. What about some people who were questioned? Did they get anything at all? Three-day suspension? Bailed out by their parents? Nothing at all?

I grabbed my hand wrapped in bandages. I shattered that mirror like it was nothing. I was feeling pain there again, a throbbing pain. I never self-harmed like that; I stuck to smoking and drinking for that. I felt so numb in that moment. I hated feeling like this. Not just physically hurting, but emotionally too, and all I wanted was to die and disappear.

I was crazy for showing up to school again. It was freedom for all of these fuckers. "Big bad Chloe Price is a weakling now. We're better than her now. She can't scare me anymore." Make me bleed all you want, but I can't back down, no matter what… Or, at least try not to.

And Justin and Trevor—I couldn't begin to describe how much I wanted to snap their necks right about now. Shut the fuck up, confusing brain! Discipline! No more hurting others! I couldn't get her face out of my head. That was the most fear I've ever seen from anyone. Her? Liking me? It's funny, but I'm so fucking tired of it all, I wanna believe that. The worst out of people… Victoria feeds off of vulnerable people…

My phone buzzed, taking me out of my thoughts.

Fuck off! I don't wanna speak to anyone anymore! I gripped my phone and chucked it at the wall. It made a thump noise, maybe even a small dent, but it wasn't as satisfying as I thought. I fell back in bed; The ringing was somehow overpowering the music. I wanted everything to be over. I wanted silence. I wanted everything to stop. I wanted time to stop.

I wanted to breathe again.

I barely caught the sound of knocking on my door. I turned my music down, all of my muscles began to tense. It was a gentle kind of knocking; I knew who it was right away. I thought I was gonna lash out at the next person who decided to try and help me, but knowing who it was, my stress melted away.

I got up and unlocked the door. I was right—Kate.

"Uh, hey Kate... Sorry for the music." I cleared my throat.

"I don't mind it at all, Chloe." She smiled, warm and friendly. "I'm aware it helps with your tinnitus. I actually heard something over the music. Did you get hurt?"

I chuckled, wanting to refer to my current injuries, but she wasn't one to take sarcastic shit. "I just accidentally dropped something. Don't worry about it."

Max and Kate hung out a lot; I could tell by the suspicious look on her face. It was similar to Max's from earlier. "I'm sorry to say, but I don't believe you."

"You're right." I let my shoulders drop, my eyes staring down at the ground. "Don't be sorry. It's been rough today."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

I was conflicted in that moment. I wasn't sure if it was the right time. After what I did to Rachel Amber, I was afraid of myself and what my stupid, fucked up brain might tell me to do next. I was sweating and shaking, dodging and looking around for an excuse.

Kate reached over and grabbed my hand, a gentle grip that warmed me right away. "We don't have to, Chloe. I'm always available if you ever want to talk, okay?"

"Thanks, Kate." I nodded, though I felt the weight on my shoulders get heavier.

Now was the time. I had the box of cigarettes in my bag still; Kate would love to help in breaking my vices. The devil in me still wanted to hold them close. Not to be dramatic, but at least an angel was in front of me.

"H-hey, um..." I cleared my throat and shut my eyes, trying to find the right words and get them out before I back out. I scratched at the back of my neck, losing myself again.

I dunno if it was lucky or not, but the school bell rang, loud enough for us to hear inside.

"Do you think you could hold that thought?" Kate smiled as she let go of my hand.

"Yeah! Yeah, I'll try to remember it some other time." I was relieved, but I was hurt too. "I can't face anyone else today. I wish I could walk you to your class."

"No worries. Just rest, okay?"

I nodded. I guess the world thinks now isn't a good time.

I watched her leave for a bit before I decided to go back into my room. I turned my music back on and lied down in bed, still feeling heaviness in my head. I still felt more sadness, but tears didn't wanna come out anymore. I clenched my fists and shut my eyes; I needed a little more rest before tonight.

Once school was out and people were leaving, now was my time to leave too. I left without my backpack, keeping only my phone and wallet with me. I hated needing to leave and, as much as I wanted to avoid this as much as possible, I already had a taste of jail and would be better off listening.

I made a mistake to hurt myself with that stupid fucking mirror, but this shit hasn't let me think clearly all fucking day.

"Chloe!" I heard Max as I neared the exit. She was breathing kinda hard and had to bend over a little from how tired she was from running.

"Hey, what's going on with you?" I raised my brow.

"I wanted to see you before you left to Amber Manor."

"Oh, um, thanks? You didn't have to."

"I know, but you've been through enough. The least I could do is send you off."

"Then, thanks, Max."

We started to walk together, other girls pushing and shoving passed me. I was too tired at this point.

"How are you gonna get there?"

"I have enough to pay for the full bus ride... today. Only today."

"You can't ask Joyce?"

"I will another time. Everything's fucked right now."

"Are you sure—"

"Yeah, Max." There was a slight change in tone, raising and slightly irritable, but she didn't seem affected by it. "I'll be okay... At least I won't be around here anymore."

We made it outside the dorm, where more people were glaring and laughing at me. I huffed, shutting my eyes to keep my composure. I've had enough of today. I won't get any more sleep or peace around here. This was what Victoria wanted. And it was working.

"Just remember: this is only the first day. It will get better with time. Text me when you get there, okay?"

"Will do."

Now, I was riding on the public bus with some locals and heading to Sherwood. I watched the sun go down, turning orange and the lights from building turn on. I couldn't distract myself from anything. All I could do was sit and wait.

I'm gonna be alone in the house with her fucking parents. I'm gonna be cleaning and they'll keep food and breaks from me, because according to them and the police, I was the only cause of it. I can't go back and fix it, or even take back what I said... and it makes me feel like shit.

I took my phone out, checking messages or all the social media stuff Max made me download.

Me:
Hey mom, I'm heading to Amber Manor now. I don't know when I'll get back to school, but I'll text you when I do.

I looked around on the bus, looking at all the people: other students, homeless people, businessmen, moms and their kids, and people with groceries. My mom mentioned getting a truck for me; I don't think she'll be doing that anymore.

How is this gonna work? Am I gonna see Amber around the house and not look at each other? I doubt it. She should be at school in her dorm.

I shifted in my seat, leaning on my side against the bus, crossing my arms over my chest.

Did the officer say Amber actually confess about something? It lowered my charges, that's for sure. I still felt fucking angry, pretty fucking furious. My anger moved to Victoria-fucking-Chase, who seems to be the goddamn one instigating all of the shady shit in the Vortex Club. But then everyone else are still dickheads because they go along with it, not stopping each other, so I still hate every single one of them equally!

The bus stopped abruptly, making me get forced forward. It was a stop; People were leaving and people were getting on.

Me:
Hey Max Factor, what's up?

I wasn't expecting a fast answer, but I was barely looking out the window before I felt the vibration again.

Time Maxine:
Hi :) Doing homework with Kate. Are you on the bus to Rachel's house?

Me:
Yeah it's fucking boring

Me:
No emoji are you joking

After I finished typing, Max sent a picture of her and Kate sitting in her room. I could tell because her hipster pictures were behind them.

Time Maxine:
Not sorry :)

Sometimes I think Kate was a lot closer to Max than I was. It wasn't a reach, it was obvious, and I had a feeling their connection was beyond what Max and I have. But, I dunno, Kate was pretty interpersonal and likes being close.

Me:
I would send one back if I didn't look like shit

Me:
I'm on the bus I promise

Time Maxine:
I believe you. How are you feeling?

Me:
Just wanting this to be over. I can't see anything through my right eye anymore, so that'll make this job more fun.

Time Maxine:
:(

I want to toss my phone out the window, but I really needed it for my sanity.

The bus stopped again. I looked outside and, somehow, we were in Sherwood.

I walked the rest of the way; My feet were hurting. I wish I could run away, pretend this never happened, and change my identity. I thought about that before; I wanted to run away from this state. Get away from this school. This town. These people. But, there was so much worth staying for, like my mom, my friends, Two Whales… That was, I guess. So, not so much, but enough.

It was already sunset. How the fuck am I supposed to get two-hundred hours done when I'm spending more time getting here?

Sure, finally seeing the house is a relief, but then I remembered that it had land. Enough land to fit more houses in it, and I have to walk through it. The best thing about it was the grass, although it won't fix how fucked up my feet were.

I reached the door, cracking my neck and using the rest of my strength to hold in my anger. I banged my fist on the door and pushed the doorbell.

I waited, looking at their welcome mat and definitely expensive tables and chairs outside. I flinched when the door opened, expecting Amber, but it wasn't.

It was her dad.

A/N: Review and shit.