As he looked around his messy room, he realized it reflected his personality: Chaotic. He walked over to his large-sized mirror and took his shirt off.

Bruises and scars. The bruises were caused by his mom; the scars were self-inflicted. He didn't even realize when he started he started to do it. At first it was relaxing, an adrenaline rush. Then it progressed into a way to deal with the pain, to cope. The attention he received from his fellow students wasn't enough to overpower his anguish. Touching his scars made him relive every tragic moment.

Looking in the mirror, all he could see was his dad's face. From his eyes to his skin complexion. He was his father's son. Memories of his father's infidelity played through his mind. The weekend "business trips" and the endless days his mother locked herself in her room crying. He couldn't count the number of times he wished him dead along with his brother. Jamal was always the over-achiever who was a parent's dream. Little did they know, he had a dark side. Many nights Jamal used Dave as a punching bag to relieve his frustrations. Around the family, they put up an act as if they were the perfect family.

That's why he couldn't tell Chantay or his family. They wouldn't believe that Aunt Helen was the "Drunkard of the Year" rather than "Ms. Housewife of the Year." He felt truly alone. Of course he had K.C., but he had his own problems in his group home.

Tears started flow. He found his way to the bed, opened the drawer, and reached for his razor.

CLARE'S House

Alli and Clare were having girl's night. They talked, laughed, and painted each other's nails.

"Clare, have you ever wanted to help someone but didn't know how to?"

At first Clare thought Alli was trying to be philosophical. Looking at her expression, she was serious and Clare knew exactly who she was talking about: Dave. His enormous personality seemed to slowly evaporate. Clare would often see Alli looking at him when she thought no one else noticed.

"Alli, you have to show him that you will be there for him. He has to know that you won't judge or hurt him. Don't be aggressive, just let it be known that he has support."

Clare had to admit, she was proud of Alli. Her priorities were in the right place. She was not pinning of "bad boys" who mistreated her.

"How did you know I was talking about….."

"I know you like a book Als. Dave needs help."It amazed Alli how Clare was so well in tuned and wise.

"Alli I am happy for you."

"Why is that?"

"Even though Dave is in a transition period now, he is a good guy. A guy who is worth your time."

"You are absolutely right Clare. Thanks. I'm glad we're besties." They both laughed and hugged. Alli, then, went home and called it a night.

Field Trip Day

"O man." Dave was a little sore from last night. But he had a reason to get up today, Alli. He truly missed her friendship and she herself. He wanted to confide in her, but what if she wouldn't want to be his friend anymore? What if she came to her senses?

"No!" Today was going to be the day where he would actually be happy or at least content. He showered and walked to school.

Walking, he wondered why Alli kept pursuing. It had to be because he was a challenge to her. That had to be the only reason. Alli doesn't like guys like him. Guys who liked comic books, had secret handshakes, and who made life interesting. Dave knew he wasn't fit to have a girlfriend, but his feelings were still present. Why would anyone, especially her, want to waste their time on him?

"Sav, can we walk today?"

"Ok, I know that tone. What's up?"

"It's Dave."

"You mean the punch guy." Alli gave him the "shut-up before I punch you" face.

"Sorry sis. I didn't mean any harm. I didn't know you liked him like that."

"I didn't realize it either until he started acting more reclusive…isolated. I want to help him but I'm scared I might make the situation even worse." It was obvious, Alli was really into this guy and Sav always wanted his sister happy.

"All I can tell you is to never give up on him."

"Thanks Savtog."

"You're welcome Alliah. I know you're excited about today." They laughed and went their own way as they entered the doors of Degrassi.

When Alli saw K.C.,she grabbed his attention. "Hey K.C. ready for the trip?"

"Yeah I am. Why do I have a feeling something else is on your mind."

"Look, I know you are Dave's best friend. I'm worried about him. What's going on? Why is he so emotionless?"

"I'm sorry I can't tell you Alli. I promised. Why don't you ask Dave yourself?"

Ring, Ring

"Ok students. Today's the day we will fill our minds with knowledge of art. I need for you to pick a partner. Every group will be given a famous piece they must analyze into their own words. This assignment will be worth 50 points. Don't blow it. Are there any questions?" Of course Connor had to raise his hand.

"Mrs. Oh? How does media immersion correlate to art?"

"Actually Connor, I just love art. I love how two people can look at the same piece and have 2 different perceptions. That is what media immersion is to me. It's expressing your beliefs and your opinions for the world to see."

Alli wasn't paying attention to Connor. She was too busy looking for Dave. Where was he? Did he lie to her? She felt so stupid for letting herself get her hopes up high. Was she wasting her time? Was Dave a lost cause. No! She would not think of him as that. She would always have hope and faith in him.

Meanwhile

Dave had made a quick stop in the restroom. He tried to stop himself, but it was useless. He held his breath as the razor dug in his skin. The blood was like silent tears he didn't have the strength to produce. It was like the razor was his best friend. It was always there when he needed comfort. When Dave stopped the blood, he rolled down his sleeve, put the razor in his jacket pocket, and went to class.

"Who knew the Oh was so profound." Jenna whispered to Clare and Alli.

"Sorry I'm late Mrs. Oh."

"It's fine Mr. Turner. Choose a partner and you have a 50 point assignment due." Dave quickly took his seat.