Final CHAPTER. I don't own degrassi. ENJOY

The atmosphere of the ER was unpleasent at best, horrific at the worst. The emergency at hand was gut wrenching and inspired a feeling of helplessness many can never describe. The l

ook of the hospital did not help. The walls were a dark grey invoking the feeling of despair and ripping and tearing all feelings of hope from people situated in the waiting room. The

constant sound of sirens and a body rushed in on a stretcher, legs and arms limp and eyes open was a constant presence. Monitors could be heard from down the hall spitting and

retching along with groans of agony from many of the patients. Nurses and EMT's kept coming and going and sighing and frowning, each with a slight look of defeat on his face although

masked in determination.

Together sat eight teens, brought together in hardship and pain through the mutual friendship with Alexandra "Lexi" Nunez. Sitting in the seat closest to the door was Marco, earnestly

checking his phone for any news on anything. His gaze was fixed on the entrance to the hospital in anticipation of any news from other of his friends on the were-abouts of the person

who had caused this whole mess. Leaning on his shoulder was Ellie, putting on a brave front for her classmates and constantly reassuring them that everything is going to work out

alright. Craig had his arm around Ellie, trying not to reminise about his painful childhood, though understanding that it would help Lexi if he told her his story. Spinner and Jimmy were

laying on the floor against the wall next to him because the ER was packed that night. Thankfully, Jimmy had forgiven Spinner for his part in the shooting and there friendship was

restored (mostly). Sean, who had come back to Degrassi after hearing about Lexi's condition, and Jay were side-by-side silently asking, pleading, praying even that Lexi would survive.

Jay realized then that he should have been more careful, more protective of Lexi and overcame his guilt by his resolution to be a better man before someone's death results. Finally,

Paige was pacing up and down and sheding many tears in the hospital that deserved none.

Jay POV

I was reclined with her on her hospital bed the moment she awoke. When she opened her eyes for the first time in days, and in them shined such beauty, such fire and blaze, that I had

to blink to stop from crying. She was the broken angel, known by society as damaged goods but loved by me all the same, probably even more. Her hair fell flat, as if in submission to

whoever, him, it. He does not deserve a name. Her cheeks were still bruised, but revived with live. Her face shown with curiosity as if she was an infant to the world, careful to notice the

luxuries of nature and fun. Her body, however, told a different story. Her hands were stiff and clenched but resigned and I suspect it was not from protecting herself but from witholding

a cry or curse. Her arms where swollen from the beating. It was a struggle for her eyes to look at him. She didn't like him seeing her in this state, helpless and alone because she didn't

want supposed pity and another betrayal. She didn't want another loved one leaving her life. Her emotions were so full to the point of overflowing that I couldn't stop the flow of tears in

my eyes. She wouldn't shed one tear and yet here I was making a fountain. She opened her mouth to speak but her throat was raw. She tried a few more times and finally burst it out.

"I am sorry." I know she couldn't bear to be in such a vulnerable position. I couldn't stand her words. My love for her became a yearning and yearning for her to have the life she

deserved and I wish beyond wishes that I could give her that.

"I am sorry. I didn't protect you. I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry. It's all my fault. You could be dead right now."

"And I could have been hit by a truck on my way to work. None of this is your fault. I deserved this, I earned this." I didn't know what to say in response so I grabbed Paige.

Paige POV

I was surprised when Jay told me to talk to Alex cause he wasn't getting through to her. Why me? I am not a close friend. For most of our time at Degrassi our favorite pastime was

throwing insults at eachother. Then a small voice in my head explained it to me "tell her about overcoming horrendous crimes." Wow I am an idiot.

"Alex, it isn't your fault."

"I know." She said in an unassuring manner

"No you don't. Let me tell you." I paused and noticing no objection, I continued "Freshman year, at a party, I was raped by an upperclassman from another school. I struggled with it and

eventually took him to court. I lossed. I realized then that a part of me entered that room in freshman year, never to come back. Maybe I wasn't supposed to have that part of me.

Maybe my character is improved now by being able to help you. Your mother's boyfriend beating you was his sick idea. He was the one that throw the punch. You didn't lead him to it."

Alex looked up at me with her blazing eyes and I saw for once, that there was more.

"He didn't you know." I asked although aware that I already knew the answer. She closed her eyes, not wanting them to fill with tears. I pulled her into a hug and she winced and when

I shrugged back she shook her head. She needed the comfort. She needed to know that there were people in the world that would use her or betray her. I saw Jay glance at the others

and in a single file they walked through the door and we grasped her in a big bear hug.

JAY POV

My baby was healing, physically at least. I just hope her emotional scars will go away soon. Paige told me how he had done the worst, he had stolen the thing she held closest to her

heart. I would get it back for her though. After countless nights where she feels safety in my arms, she will finally forget the horrendous memory. It was definetly a hard road from here

on. One that she isn't sure will be better that her past, with foster parents, because her own mom was deamed by court unfit to care for her the last years of her youth. She won't be

afraid though, because she is the bravest person I have ever known.

"Lexi." I stared into the sunset, covered by clouds that rendered it more beautiful then before. "Come away with me. I will take care of you and find you someone that will guide you to still

waters, where your soul will be restored." She smiled and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of the clouded sunset in her eyes.