As Jenna got off the school bus, she spotted Clare and Alli talking. She was so grateful they were friends again. Taking K.C. from Clare was the worst thing she had ever done. The truth was that she found K.C. attractive but she was jealous of Clare. Clare was perfect: good grades, good boyfriend, good friends. She wanted to be perfect like that. As K.C. and Jenna's relationship grew, they grew apart. Jenna regretted her decision because lust and envy clouded her judgement. After the breakup, she apologized to them. At first they were reluctant. Who could blame them? The more she hung out with them, the more they realized she changed. Jenna never had any friends as good as them.

"Hey hot stuff."

"Fitz get a life." Jenna walked over to Clare and Alli.

"He's giving you trouble again?" Clare smiled.

"Yeah."

"I think someone loves you. Why don't you give him a chance?" Alli asked.

"I don't know. How was last night anyways?"

"I was telling Clare it was magical. Dave is something special; one of a kind." As everyone was getting ready for 1st period, Mr. Simpson made an announcement.

"Students. Today we will have an assembly with a Degrassi alumni. She is the representative of S.I.N. , students in need. Everyone report immediately to the auditorium."

As the students sat down, Principal Simpson approached the podium.

"Students. I am new as principal but I want to let you all know that I am here for you. When you need someone your faculty is available. There are also organizations in town who provide care and love as well. A local non-profit organization two blocks from here is called Students In Need. They provide seminars and group counseling to the abused, victims of eating disorders, and cutters. We have a very bright representative with us. Please put your hand together for Mrs. Eleanor Nash Manning." They students applauded as she hugged Mr. Simpson. Instead of talking behind the podium, she sat down on the edge of the stage.

"Hi students. It's been a while since I have been through these halls. Everything looks the same, but I'm not here to talk about the traditional high school experience. I am here to tell you guys about S.I.N. and myself. I am one who personally knows that high school isn't about parties and hook-ups. My experience was about cutting and crying every night when family was falling apart. I felt as if I had no hope left and I let it out in a destructive manner. Later I realized that my friends were there for me and the school faculty were here as well. S.I.N. is a place of refuge. We all gather to save and console one another. I am not here to force any of you who go through problems to talk to us, but we are here to listen.

Alli was holding Dave's hand as he listened thoroughly to Elie's speech.

"Any questions guys? I've heard them all."

"Why would anyone cut. I mean…..it's sick." Fitz asked.

"Cutting is about freedom…a way of expression. Sometimes things get so extreme, that the only way to let it out is by cutting. The scars are the tears that can't be shed. For me it was control. My father was deployed and my mom became an instant alcoholic. I felt as if there was no solution or escape."

"What made you stop?" Elli asked.

"An unlikely person. Seriously, we hated eachother but we bonded that day. All it takes is one person who cares. We are meeting this Saturday so come."

Alli smiled. Dave must have thought about her too because he didn't let go of her hand.

"Can a cutter find the happiness they are searching for?." Chantay asked.

"Yes they can. The urge will always be in the back of our minds but there is a choice...return to hopelessness or live the day."

"Ok students. Third period begins now. Let's give another round of applause for Mrs. Manning."

"I might actually go Alliah." Dave said with determination in his voice.

"I think that is a really good idea."

Saturday

As Dave entered the building, his fingers were itching with anticipation. He didn't know what to expect. Urges still coursed his body. What if he returned back to the person he used to be? What if he lost the things most important to him? As he walked into the grey room, there were 2 students who sat in a circle. None of them were familiar, but they reminded him of himself: lost, seeking.

"Hello young man. It's ok. Please take a seat. Curly Sue went to the bathroom; we'll get started when she returns." Dave couldn't believe his eyes. Curly Sue was Bianca DeSousa.

"Dave Turner. Loser of the year."

"Bianca DeSousa. Wannabe badass of the year."

"Guys. This is not the place. Handle school matters Monday through Friday. Today is when we handle life's pressures. Okay. My name is Ms. Levy. Since we have someone new. Let's introduce our selves.

"My name is Amanda. I am anorexic and I cut."

"My name is Cameron. I was abandoned and I cut."

"My name is Bianca. I am a rape survivor and I cut."

"My name is Dave and I cut."

"I'll tell you my story first Dave. I am Zoey Levy. The reason I cut was because I fell in love with the wrong man. My feelings for him only brought destruction for me and his family. After his death, I thought I had no solution." Dave couldn't believe anyone as beautiful as Zoey would have man problems. She was so beautiful: flawless olive skin, piercing green eyes, and a shape out of this world. It was shocking. She was just like his mother, Beautiful on the outside, yet hurt on the inside.

"I became anorexic when I was fourteen. I started to cut when I was fifteen. I was always the perfect child. I could never make a mistake and if I did it wasn't expectable. I had one of those mothers who showed love through dinner parties and the country club. She never had time for me unless it was to show off my talents. The last time I cut was two weeks ago.""

"I was abandoned my parents when I was nine. They were both addicted to meth and cocaine. They tried to trade me for a fix. They one person who intervened was my grandfather. He took care of me for 3 years. He was the best, then he died. I was all alone. I was in and out of foster homes. So many people hurt me in many ways, calling me names. I saw cutting as a way to purgatory. I am not dead but not alive. The last time I cut was one month ago.""

"I was sexually abused by my mother's drug dealer. She traded me for an ounce of meth when I was eleven. She didn't even think about it. I used to be so angry at her. It's like parents can't even see the toll they have on their children. When my god mother found out, she took me in; the rest is history. Now I am not angry because I realize that it wasn't her fault. I started cutting because it helped dull the pain. The last time I cut was one year ago."

"I was never like my brother or my father. Everyone saw me as the phantom of the house. My dad cheated on my mother and my brother used to beat me. After they died, my mom started drinking and beating me. She is now in rehab. I am learning to forgive them each day. The last time I cut was two months ago."

There was not a dry eye in the room. S.I.N. was a natural safe haven. It was so easy to open up and be vulnerable and feel free.

"See Dave. You are not alone after all."

"Now I know."

"Guys, there are techniques to keep us from cutting. One, surround yourself with positive distractions. Two, try the rubber band trick. When anxiety creeps out of nowhere, pop yourself. Third, you can write and use the arts to express yourself. Curly Sue, I heard you are quite the artist and dancer.'

"Yeah sad to say, I never experienced the past I probably would be as good as I am. Not to toot my own horn." The room laughed. Her humor was amusing. Dave would have never thought that Ms. Badass was like this.

"Ok everyone. Today was just introduction. Next time we will talk about your achievements. See you later." Walking out of the door, Dave caught up with Bianca.

"By the way,this doesn't change anything. You are still low on the totem pole."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Bianca smirked and walked off. Chantay pulled up.

"Was that who I think it was….Bianca "Badass"?"

"Yeah. Please don't out her in the antigrapevine."

"Dave I do have a heart. I couldn't publicize someone's grief like that."

"Good she has been through rape and neglect."

"I understand that cuz but it doesn't give her the right to mistreat someone. It is an explanation not an excuse. We all his trials and testimonies."

"Dreds that is the most intellectual thing you have ever said."

"Shut up." She punched him in the arm.

"Mom and Dad are gone. You know how they do…romantic getaway for the weekend. I say we party."

"I don't know…I kind wanted to hang with…"

"Don't worry she is coming. I sent the message to practically everyone in school. I even put away the valuables in the basement. Just help me clean up please?"

"Ok."