"Baby, just pack. Your Uncle Ridge is taking care of your mother. We will handle everything tomorrow. But now, we need you safe."

Without furthermore instruction, he packed. As they walked down the stairs, he saw his mother was sleep again. Ridge was pouring out all the alcohol in the sink.

"Hey kiddo. Don't worry she's knocked out. Let's take you away for a little a bit."

Dave nodded as tears fell down his cheeks. It wasn't tears of sadness but tears of relief. As they got home, Chantay opened the door and hugged him. Dave didn't say anything. He was still in complete shock. Did that just happen? It was so surreal. He was finally free.

"I know this is overwhelming so just go to bed. We will talk in the morning." Dave gave a half-smile and walked to the guest bedroom. He was soon in the land of dreams.

"Mom, I'm gonna go and apologize to someone."

"May I ask who and why?" She asked in the authoritative tone.

"One of his friends at school. This girl made me realize all the chaos in his life. I blew up in her face. I didn't want to face the truth."

"Well this girl seems nice. Seems like she really cares for him."

"She does mom." Chantay kissed her mom on the cheek and went to the Bhandari house. When she rung the doorbell, Save answered.

"Hey Chantay, Danny's birthday isn't until next month. What's up?"

"I came to talk to Alli."

"Ok…..Alli"

"o….hey Chantay" Alli gave Sav the go away look. He quickly closed the door.

"I'm really sorry for blowing up at you like that. You didn't deserve that. You were only trying to help. I was in denial. My whole family was. We didn't want to believe that it would reach that level."

"Apology accepted. I just want Dave safe and happy again. Since you are here, let me give you his jacket." She decided not to tell her about the razor blade. She felt as if this is something Dave should tell.

"No. Keep it. Dave will be over here tomorrow. He's staying at our house for now. We are going to get his mom help. He becomes her punching bag after every drink. He needs the rest and all the comfort he can get. He needs a good friend right now. He needs you."

"I need him. I'm sorry. I…."

"No. It's ok. It's pretty obvious of your interest in him. Good night." As Chantay drove off, Alli wandered what she would say to him. How could she say it without pushing him away? She knew he was in pain but not to this extremity.

"So what was that about?" Sav asked.

"Chantay was just thanking me for helping Dave. He has been going through a lot. Good night, loser."

"Night sis."