"You weren't doing what I think you were you?" K.C. whispered. He knew he was right because Dave ignored him.

"Did you at least throw it away?"

"Of course. I'm not stupid." Dave felt so guilty for lying to K.C. He wouldn't understand the razor was his security blanket. As long as he had it, everything would be ok. Alli knew it was wrong but she was ease dropping. What exactly were they talking about?

"Mrs. Oh. The bus is ready." "Thank you Mr. Simpson."

"Um Dave do you want to be my partner?"

"Sure Alli."

As they got on the bus, Oh did a quick head count and they proceeded to the museum." Of course the two sat together, but they didn't talk. They were just basking in each other's presence. Occasionally, Dave would look at her hand. He was wondering if it was soft but he fought the urge to hold it. Soon they arrived.

"Students remember, stay with your partners. There is a tour guide on every floor, if you need help. Please show the proper decorum." With this said she passed out everyone's assigned painting.

"Bhan, which one did we get?"

"We got the famous "Venus" by Sandro Boticello. This is gonna be so easy. I love art."

"I didn't know that."

"Turner, there are a lot of things you don't know about me."

"I know it's just that my life isn't exactly great right now. So much has happened and because of it I've lost touch with everybody.

"Well, that's why you have friends. Everyone needs help sometimes." Alli grabbed Dave's hand while looking into his eyes. Dave was memorizing the feel of her hand. It was as soft as it looked.

"Man not again…..so beautiful" "Umm I think we should start. I wanna do good."

"Dave, why won't you let me in?" Alli became even more determined to help him. She knew she couldn't and wouldn't leave his side. As they viewed the painting, Alli noticed that Dave looked really relaxed. She was happy; she decided to break the silence.

"This painting symbolizes beauty. She is adorned and marveled by many."

Alli's comment made him think of his mother, beautiful as a porcelain doll. What Dave said really shocked her.

"Even though her beauty is a gift, it can also be viewed as curse."

"You sound like you are speaking from personal experience." Dave said nothing and turned his back. A silent tear ran down his face. He didn't want Alli to see him so weak. He discreetly wiped it away. Alli saw the whole thing. She didn't want to push him so she decided to change the subject.

"Like, o my gosh, can it get any colder in here."

"Here, take my jacket. You know you were wrong for not wearing something with sleeves."

"Thanks, Dad." Both laughed so hard that the tour guide told them to lower their voices.

"Sorry, man. You know I really miss this, us hanging out. It's just like old times." He smiled a true genuine smile.

"I know right." Alli said giddily hugging him. Even though he was in a little pain, he sucked it up. He was not going to deny this moment of affection.

"Ok kids. Meet me in the lobby in 5 minutes and present." After Oh's announcement, Dave felt nervous.

"Don't worry. You got me. Let's just go first and get it out the way." Even though Dave was still fidgety, he agreed. For some odd reason, he was starting to trust Alli.

5 minutes later

"Can we go now, Oh?"

"You and Dave both have the floor Mrs. Bhandari. Class listen up."

"Our painting was "the birth of venus" by sandro Botticelli. She is shown unclothed and being idolized by many. She is a symbol of beauty. Many men fell in love with her. This love was not only physical but spiritual."

"Even though she is a symbol of beauty, her beauty seems like a gift with a curse. No one can see the real her. Sometimes beauty is skin deep. As Alli just said, many men were fixated on her. They wanted to be loved by her, but if she loved them back, would her love tarnish their existence?"

"Brilliant Ms. Bhandari and Mr. Turner. 50 out of 50." The class applauded and the following students finished their projects.

On the ride back, Dave slept on Alli's shoulder. She didn't mind. His weight wasn't oppressing at all. It was more so comforting. When Dave woke up, he smiled at her. She smiled back. As the students got back to Degrassi, Alli noticed Chantay.

"Hey Chantay."

"Hey Backwoods, What's up?"

"More like what's up with Dave. I'm really worried about him. He is so different now. It's like he's lost touch with reality."

""The reason he is acting so distant is because it's the anniversary of his dad and brother's death. The whole family is taking pretty hard."

"I can understand that Chantay but…it just seems unhealthy."

"Look Alli. Different people deal with their pain in many ways. You have no right to critique how anyone deals with pain." Chantay yelled and slammed her locker. Alli just stood there. All she wanted to do was help her friend. Maybe she was being a little overboard. She would definitely be on the brink of depression if something happened to her dad and Sav.

Chantay felt guilty for snapping at Alli because she was hiding her feelings too. The death of her uncle and cousin had a huge impact on her family. So many problems were left unresolved. Soon family secrets were out in the open. Everyone knew her uncle was a womanizer but they couldn't stop his actions; they also couldn't judge him either. His wife after all still decided to stay with him. If she was happy with it, they should too.

John and Jamal's funeral was a sad one. She could remember Helen sitting in the pew with her arms folded. It was evident she was angry and forgiveness was out of the question. When her co-workers tried to comfort her, she refused any close contact. No one thought the situation could get worse until a mysterious woman showed up. She was beautiful, yet dangerous like a poisonous snake. That woman was his mistress. When Helen realized who she was, she escorted her outside.

Flashback

"Who the heck are you?"

"I didn't come here to start any trouble, Mrs. Turner."

"That's right. I am Mrs. Turner."

"I can't believe my husband would cheat on me with someone so moralless and tasteless. You are truly pathetic."

"You are at liberty to your opinion, but I came to show my respect."

"You didn't have to come here today. You are only opening up more wounds. I not only lost a husband but I lost a son."

"I understand. I just wanted to apologize and give my condolences."

"Why, my husband paying for your bills wasn't good enough."

"I am only going to say this once. Don't ever come around my family again."

Helen didn't realize Chantay was behind the side of the building listening to every word. She didn't know what was going to happen next. The lady left with haste.

Chantay walked into the girl's bathroom stall and cried. How could she look over Dave like that? She pulled out phone.