"I just wanted to say thank you. I was in shock last night and I couldn't process anything."

"You don't have to apologize to us. We need to apologize to you. We let you down as a family. We didn't want to see the truth. How long has this been happening?" Ridge exclaimed,

"Mom started drinking after the funeral. At first it was once a week, then it became every day. She soon started beating me. The sick part is that I still wanna help her. I still love her."

"Baby of course you do. No one expects otherwise. We are gonna get her some help. I promise you. Go enjoy your day. What do you have planned?" Dave loved his aunt. She was so sweet and caring.

"First he's going to get his jacket from Alli's." Chantay informed.

"O yeah. I forgot about that. I'll see you guys later." Walking to Alli's house, Dave started getting butterflies. He really liked her but he was like a ticking time bomb. He didn't even know if she liked him like that anyways. She's just a friendly person. He knew he shouldn't get his hopes up, but he did. He could not help but jump at the opportunity to be near her, even in his current state of mind. Was he wrong? He had always thought he was meant to be alone but after everything that has happened, he never wanted to be alone again.

Ding, Dong

"Hey Dave. Come in." Alli said with a huge grin. Despite the display of happiness on the outside, she was scared and hurt on the inside. How was she going to pull this off?

"Thanks. I forgot about my jacket yesterday. I just came to pick it up."

"Are you in a hurry?"

"No. not at all. I didn't want to waste your time."

"Dave you can never waste my time. I'm glad you came. I wanted to hang out with you."

Dave couldn't help but be speechless. Her sincerity and kindness were too much. How can one person have so much affect on him. At first he was scared to be taken care of now that was all he wanted.

"She actually cares for me." Tears came out. He tried to control it, be strong. It was impossible. Being by her side was overwhelming. She was too much.

"Dave its ok. I'm here now." Alli held him in her arms and let him cry. He needed this. He was trapped for so long in a world of despair. How could she not give him what he needed? After 30 minutes he collected himself. Alli wiped the tears from his eyes with tenderness. Dave stared in amazement. He didn't know what to do. He hadn't felt affection this good in a long time. Alli was speechless too but she had to talk him. He had to open up to her.

"It's ok to cry. You are not alone now. You have your family and me."

"You say that but you will leave me too. They all do in the end. I try so hard to be perfect. The lovable son but it doesn't work. It never will. I'm not loveable."

"Don't you ever say that again. You are loveable. You are the kindest loving person I know."

"You don't know what you are talking about. That's why my mom beats me. That's why my brother beat on me. That's why my dad cheated on my mom. I'm not good enough.

Alli was just watching Dave have an emotional breakdown. Even though her heart cried with him, he needed to cleanse his soul.

"No that's not right. Your mom was hurt too. She couldn't handle her emotions so she took it out on you. You can't keep blaming yourself for things out of your control." Alli did the most courageous thing. She touched his cheek and kissed him. It was short and sweet. She wanted to show him he was loved. He was loved by her. Dave was shocked. He knew she wasn't lying to him. That kiss, her affection showed him that he did matter.

"I had to show you that someone does love you and care for you. I know you are not stable enough but I do love you. I'm not expecting us to jump into a relationship, but you need to know that I will stand by you. You don't have to cut anymore."

"How did you…..?"

"I found your razors in your pocket. Chantay filled me in on the rest. Can't you see? You have so many people on your side wanting to help you."

"I do now but I cut because I was punishing myself. It was a habit I couldn't stop. Even now, I get the urge but with you I can be stronger. I'm gonna get help because I want to be happy for my family and …..you." Alli smiled. She couldn't help it.

"He finally understands."

"Do you want something to eat?"

"Alli not to cut you off, but did you mean it? Do you love me?"

Alli bit her lip. She had admitted something in the heat of the moment. She wanted to take it back but she couldn't it.

"Yeah I do Dave. I shouldn't have said it though because you are processing so much and…."

Her sentence was cut off by his lips. His soft tender lips. What started as slow and unsure became more passionate by the minute. The two teens were giving into their emotions they kept locked away for so long. Dave became bold and layed her down. Alli didn't stop him,she was enjoying the kiss too. It was innocent, sensual, and timid all in one. It was too much to handle. They were clinging to one another as if they need eachother to breathe. Soon Dave' hands went under her shirt. He just had to feel how smooth her skin was. All they could feel was their love and desire.

"O my God, Dave stop yourself."

He broke the kiss. Alli was breathless. She never experienced a kiss like that ever. Dave looked at her laying there on the couch. She was flushed. Dave traced her face with his thumb. Alli rested her hand on his and stared at him.

"I have very strong feelings for you Alli. I think it is love. Please give me time."

"I will."

Dave was soaking in everything that had happened in the last hour. He smiled but he also knew he was done yet.

"Alli if you love me, you have to see the real me?"

He then took off his shirt, showing her the bruises and cuts on his body. She stared at him wondering why she wasn't there earlier for him. It didn't matter. She would show him now. With caution, she touched his scars. He just sat there and held his breath until she was finished.

"Dave you are still beautiful to me." This time he kissed her. He put his shirt back on and they held each other on the couch.

When Dave left, Alli was in complete bliss. She couldn't believe that just happened. Her feelings were accepted by a man who loved her. The right man who loved her. What more could she ask for?