A/N: Here's the next chapter. I'm gonna update pretty soon as I've nearly come to the end of this story.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or lyrics used.

Lyrics are Goodbye Apathy by OneRepublic

Darcy had been staying with Alex and Jay's for a couple of days. She felt warm and welcomed; weird to think that not too long ago she would laugh at the prospect of her hanging with the two of them. Their help and understanding had meant so much to her. Though she wasn't healed, she felt she was a lot stronger and ready mentally to finally deal with her pain.

Manny had been over to see how she was and to also see Jay of course. They had been seeing a lot of each other; some would call it dating. Alex and Darcy were happy for them but that wasn't to say that they didn't find it weird.

Darcy's parents had been calling her non-stop, trying to find out where she was. They found out that she wasn't staying at Manny's and they were worried. She refused to tell them her whereabouts but promised she was in safe hands. She informed them that she needed time and space to deal with the reason why she was in hospital. They still didn't know why she hurt herself and they tried to get her to open up about it but she just closed up. She wasn't ready to tell them and the truth is, she didn't think she would ever have the courage to tell them.

Peter had also been in contact, worried about his girlfriend; was she still his girlfriend. The thought had crossed his mind. He wanted to help but knew that she needed to deal in her own schedule. Their interaction was basically text messages or via Manny. He hadn't physically seen her in days, not since she walked away from the Dot.

I can't sleep now, no, not like I used to
I can't breathe in and out like I need to
It's breaking ice... now, to make any movement
What's your vice? You know that mine's the illusion

Darcy hadn't slept much and was quietly watching television, not that there was anything on. She could have watched a DVD but they weren't exactly her taste.

Jay let the girls take his room while he crashed on the sofa. Alex glazed over at Darcy, looking half asleep. "Hey"

"Sorry to wake you." Darcy whispered.

"It's ok, I didn't even hear you. Having trouble sleeping?" Alex asked.

"Yeah, got too much on my mind. What's your excuse?" Darcy enquired.

"Would you believe me if I said that I had a feeling you were up?" Alex asked.

"No." Darcy simply answered.

"Then I have too much on my mind too, but it's true, you know, that I had a feeling you were up."

Darcy smiled at the older girl. Alex and even Jay treated her like family. He had really stepped up in a lot of ways. She was reluctant to go home but knew she had to one day.

"I'm thinking of going to school, but I'm nervous." Darcy cleared her throat. "I keep losing it, acting out and I don't want to do it. It's not me."

Alex sat up and put her arm around Darcy. "Everybody deals with things differently. I used to verbally attack and even fight people."

"Used to." Darcy said in a sarcastic tone before she started to laugh.

"Yeah, whatever. Laugh away. People were scared admit that." Alex playfully said.

"You're not so tough. You're really a softie." Darcy jokingly threw back.

"Don't be spreading that about. Got a reputation to uphold." Alex took the remote from Darcy. "Lets find something decent to watch.

Darcy looked outside the window. The sun was rising. It was such a beautiful site to see. She had never watched the sunrise before. Alex had fallen back asleep while they were watching TV. Darcy looked over at the time and made her mind up to start facing her fears. She had a quick shower and left a note for Alex. She quietly crept out the flat, careful not to wake Jay.

She took in the fresh smell of the morning as she walked home. Now was as good a time as any to see her parents. She didn't make an effort to walk in quietly; they would hear her despite her best efforts anyway. She went straight to her room and sat on her bed just taking it all in. After a few minutes, she got up and started to pack her school bag. Her sister slipped through the door, ran up to her and gave her a hug. Darcy was caught off guard but eventually relaxed. She kissed her sister's forehead and pulled away.

"I've missed you sis, where have you been." The younger sibling asked.

"Stayed at a friend, just getting some stuff for school. Are they up now too?" Darcy looked beyond her bedroom door to see if her parents were about.

"I'm not sure. Are you back home now?" She quizzed Darcy.

"Maybe, haven't decided yet." Darcy mumbled unconvincingly.

Their parents had heard some talking coming from Darcy's room and were concerned what was going on. As soon as they spotted Darcy, they immediately wrapped her in a big hug.

"We've been so worried, how are you sweetheart? Her mum asked while placing Darcy's hair behind her left ear.

Darcy was trying to fight back the tears that were welling up. She took a step back from everyone. "I'm gonna be late for school." She walked past her family, out of her room and out of the house, pondering if she was really ready to face the day that awaited her.

Darcy made up her mind to walk to school and picked up some breakfast on the way. On her travels, she noticed a familiar blonde. She had no reason to hide but she didn't want to get into pleasantries so she avoided her by quickly walking across to the other side of the road. Luckily the blonde didn't notice her.

She watched the stream of kids stroll along to school as she stood cautiously near the bus stop close to Degrassi. She looked down at both her hands and noticed her sweaty palms. She wiped them on the side of her jeans and thought 'it's now or never.' She slowly walked towards the school as each step made her legs feel heavier the closer she got to the front steps. She took a deep breath and walked through the doors of Degrassi.