WHITE WASHED

Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi: The Next Generation or any it's characters.

Rating: T just to be safe.

Summary: Sean is gone, her friends have gone, the only person there is the last one expected. What happens when Ellie is all alone and finds comfort in Jay's arms and him, in return, in her's.

Chapter Two: The Reason

After changing into a dry pair of clothes I made my way into the living room, where Jay was sitting comfortably on the couch.

"I ordered the pizza, forty minutes or less." He confirmed with a smirk, moving over an inch or so in attempt to make more room.

I nodded as my eyes wandered over his features, stopping when I took into notice of the deep mark above his left brow. Steadying myself on my knees, I retracted my arm bringing back his black cap, to reveal more to that bloody mark. "Jay…" I whispered out concerned. I knew it wasn't the worst thing that has happened it's just so hard for me to accept the concept of it all.

He looked down then back to me. "I know."

I shook my head, taking his hand in my own and led him into my bedroom.

"I got something just hang on one second." I explained, as I left him and entered the connected bathroom. Rummaging through my things I retrieved my "CD" case from one of the draws into the room, and pulling out a few items I sat down beside him on the bed, and began cleaning his gash.

I gave a slight eye squint and tilted my head to the side. "It should do for now." I said once I had finished. As I picked up the things, he pursed his lips in thought and spoke in a low tone of voice. "Thanks... But how'd you know to do that?"

Placing the items I have put to great use back into their case I looked down to my trusted utensils then back up with a small smile. "Experience."

He nodded then, furrowing his brows; he reached up to touch his cut.

"Don't you touch it." I scolded returning to my spot on the bed. I traced over him with my eyes. He looked so broken. Giving off such a strong and rough façade, but anger and hurt filling up inside him. I began to think about the family he belonged to and truth be told it wasn't all that different from my own. His mother never around for his family, not able to give them the care they need and deserve. My father is away on his retreats, too far to care for us. His father was a stubborn drunk, as was my mother except for the disappointing fact that his father would strike him from time to time. And now in present time I saw his left hand beginning to clutch the bed's comforter in what I figured to be emotional turmoil. So, trying to ease him, I took his hand in mine with a grin finding it's way to the surface of my features. These last few weeks have been a real big help for me. The issues and problems I have dealt with tore me apart emotionally. Sean had been by my side, partially, but when I learned about Jay's home and how he lived I knew there were other people feeling like I did. I knew I wasn't alone. Now Jay probably would have never breathed a word of his home life if it weren't for that day about five weeks ago.

I slipped my bag over my shoulder as I slammed my locker and headed towards the school's doors. As I exited the building I saw Jay talking with Alex by his car and quickly crept over to them.

"Hey guys." I chirped as I approached the couple, neither replying to my kind salutation. It was then I had come to the realization that the "talk" they were having was really another one of their many quarrels.

"Never!" Alex called out to him. "Not once Jay!"

"What's the big deal? I'm dating you not them!"

"The big deal is they're my parents!"

Jay turned his head releasing an aggravated sigh.

"And by the way, when am I going to meet yours?" She bit, her right hand securely resting on her hip.

"What does it matter?"

"Your right, what does it matter? We probably won't be together for that long anyways!"

He moved in close pausing a few inches away from her face. "Why delay it?"

"Good point." She replied, a cold look occupying her facial exterior.

He shook his head before hopping into his car, speeding out the school's parking space.

"Hey!" I subconsciously slipped out nearly running after the car's fading figure. I would usually leave both teens to cool before I came between their issues, but it was either taking his usual after school ride home or trying to find a respectable seat on the bus. Finally taking my eyes from the place on the pavement where only moments ago his black civic was parked, I noticed her momentarily hunched over, and dragging her sneakers across the cement walkway. I mentally cursed myself for even considering the thought of getting involved, but I pushed all doubt aside and silently walked up behind her speaking out in a voice equivalent to a whisper. "Um… Alex?"

I watched as she straightened herself up and ran a hand through her dark locks. Then holding in all emotion she turned to me, her usual intimidating expression plaster across her face. "What?"

"Did you uh… did you mean all that? What you said to Jay?"

She gave a small chuckle, in hopes of masking her hurt. "Actually, I did."

"What?" I questioned almost in disbelief. Even though they had their problems, having there meaningless fights at least three or four times a week, it just seemed as if they couldn't survive through it no other couple stood a chance. I searched my memory trying to find something, anything to change her final assumption. "I mean he… he's supportive and he can uh be nice and he cares about you a lot and he always-"

"You know what, if he's the great guy that you make him out to be then you take him, Have him! Cause I don't want him anymore." She interrupted, stomping past me tears filling the brim of her chocolate-flecked irises.

It was later that night that I found myself standing at the end of Jay's street, nervously tugged at the ends of my shirt. I slowly approached his house, or what I hoped to believe was his house, a small lump occupying the center of my throat. I shuffled my feet back and forth as I came upon the steps of his home. I was just about to tell someone that their supposed significant other was in fact serious about leaving the relationship and to be truthful I felt awful. But I knew I owed it to him, he has been here for the last few weeks to help me deal with the recent stress and anxiety that has been brought upon me. Readying myself I brought my knuckles to the door giving it a few light taps. Not receiving any type of reply I peered into one of the large side windows, maybe he just wasn't home. But then I heard a loud man's voice echo through the house, which was followed by a tall, stocky man stepping out from another room, beer can in hand, and Jay being pushed forcefully onto some hard wood stairs. I watched as Jay winced lightly and wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, gripping onto the stair he was currently emplaced upon. I quickly looked to my shoes, nearly speechless from the sight I had just witnessed. I began to think hard for any reason why I really should stay, but I finally came up blank. Crossing my arms and turning to walk down the concrete steps, I heard the opening and slamming of the house door. I cursed quietly to myself and continued walking down the street when I heard his voice escape him in a confused tone.

"Ellie?"

I hesitantly turned back on my heel. "Yeah…"

"What the… what are you doing here?" He interrogated, taking a few steps closer.

I looked up at him with a slight frown and moved close, placing a hand to his bruised cheek. "Jay, what happened to you?"

He took a step back, looking down at the ground and shoved his hands into his front pockets, staying silent.

"Did he do that?" I paused trying to get enough nerve to ask the question I had first intended. "Did your father do that to you?" I spilt, concern dripping off each word.

He then took his thumb to wipe the blood from the corner of his lips. And after locking eyes with me for a few seconds he dropped his head back, releasing a sigh.

"Yeah… he did."

I saw how hurt he was at that moment. And even though I wasn't entirely sure what I was to do, I slowly walked close and pulled him in a tight hug, Jay, reluctantly, hugged back.

That is when I knew there was someone else that could feel as hurt and lost as me.

I now looked down at our hands, which were entwined, each other's fingers looped through the others. Then I looked up, catching his light hazel eyes with mine, which are of the darker persuasion. Lightly biting down at my bottom lip, I just continue staring thinking of what I am about to say next. Finally finding my voice the familiar ding of the apartment's buzzer is heard throughout the rooms. I sigh pulling my hand falling away from his, as Jay jumped up a small smirk appearing on his thin lips.

"Pizza is here." He spoke giving a small eyebrow raise. And I couldn't help but laugh.

"Come on…" I gave him a small shove as he walked out of the room ahead of me.