Hello Readers! Now that January is coming to an end I have time again (yay!) another thing coming to an end is this story (boo) it will likely end right at chapter 15. And since I hate decisions I'm letting you vote on the Clew story that replaces this one. Please do not leave your vote as a review. Head on over to the DeGrassi Saviors website and you can cast your vote there. Your choices will be listed in a poll with a brief synopsis of each story, so that you can make an informed decision.

Also, I hope you all saw the A/Ns at the beginning of chapter 12 for this story, or the most recent chapters of Alone on a School Night or Swirling Storm Inside. If you missed the A/N it said that I would no longer be posting one shots regularly, they will be worked on as I'm inspired to do so and posted when done. Basically, they will be surprises. On the other hand, I am bringing 5 long stories back to the rotation. After the next chapter of Live in My House, I'll be Your Shelter is posted the new story will premier. That new story is Supernatural High, which hopefully you (at least those of you that have been reading my stories for a while) remember because you voted on what supernatural being each character should be. So, look for that coming soon.

Okay, I think I have gabbed enough. I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

Ch. 13 Walk Upright from Out of The Inferno

(DREW)

Officer Turner tells us that Vince is going to be arrested and Clare smiles. I smile too, feeling a weight lifted from me now that he has a warrant out for his arrest. I take Clare's hand in mine and kiss her cheek.

"Will Vince be kept in jail pending his trial?" Adam questions. Leave it to my brother to think of the practical.

"That's up to a judge, but it will be recommended. We will hold him in jail pending an appearance before the judge."

"Thanks for coming to tell us Officer Turner," Clare says.

"No problem Clare, you three be safe. I'll have someone notify you when Vince is in custody," Officer Turner tells us before leaving.

"He better stay in jail this time," I comment when the front door is closed.

"We should get ready for school," is all Clare says before going upstairs. I know she's happy there's a warrant out on Vince, but aside from her initial relief she doesn't seem to be as happy as I'd thought she would. Or she's just not showing it, sometimes she's hard to read.

"If Vince is arrested and stays in prison maybe Bianca will come back," I comment to my brother, after hearing Clare go into the washroom.

"I hope so," Adam says putting his hand on my arm.

The three of us get ready for school and walk together, with a warrant out for Vince's arrest we feel a lot safer. None of us had breakfast, but we do stop in at The Dot for breakfast. We take our coffee and pastries to-go and walk to school.

"I need some books from my locker, I'll see you at lunch," Clare says standing on her tiptoes to kiss me softly. Then she and Adam walk off for their lockers. I don't need anything from my locker, so I sit on the steps in the foyer and get out my phone to check e-mail.

"Hey, where's the girlfriend?" Owen asks sitting next to me.

"Her locker with Adam. Turner came by this morning and told us there's a warrant out for Vince. There's officers out looking for him. I hope he's picked up quickly and he stays in jail this time, and if he's in jail then maybe Bianca will come back."

"I fucking hope so, I keep wondering why she ran from us," Owen says shaking his head.

"I've been worried about that too," I reply. Before I can say anything else I see someone approaching us. From the black boots and dark jeans I know it's Eli before I look up.

"Drew," he says quietly and cautiously, "I'm sorry for shoving you and I'm really glad you weren't hurt any worse. I'll be honest, I still care about Clare, and I don't know what she sees in you and I think you're all wrong for each other," he says and my fists clench. Eli holds up his hands to calm me down. "But if she's happy with you then that's all that matters, and I'll back off. Just promise me you'll be good to Clare."

"I will," I nod my head down once. Eli nods back, then turns on his heel and leaves.

"You believe him?" Owen asks.

"Not sure, he seemed like he meant it. Honestly, I never knew what to think about Eli. He's always been a good friend to Adam, but he's always been really dark, and odd. I always thought Clare's attraction to him was that he was the closest thing to a moody vampire this school has," I comment and Owen laughs.

"Yeah he is. He's always seemed pretty dangerous to me though. Just think about all he did to Fitz; forcing him into a fight to trick him into getting arrested. Poisoning him with ipecac just because Fitz got Clare to be his date for the Vegas Night dance."

"To be fair Fitz did blackmail Clare into that date. It's true though Eli's moods and behavior have always has been extreme. Don't forget crashing his car on purpose when Clare broke up with him. Adam's told me some other things too. I'm not sure if Eli meant his apology, or if he's up to something, guess we'll find out," I shrug.

"You think he's trying to get on your good side to get back with Clare?" Owen questions as the bell rings.

"I wouldn't put it past him, but he did sound like he meant the apology. Like I said, guess we'll see," I reply. I wave to Owen and walk to homeroom. Jake is already at his desk and he nods to me.

"Clare told me that Vince will be arrested," Jake says and then looks over at Eli as he walks in the room.

"Yeah, Turner told us this morning. I just hope he stays in jail this time," I reply.

Eli seems to be listening, but he doesn't say anything. Miss Dawes starts class and we spend most of it writing, I find it hard not to think about Vince getting arrested, and that's what I end up writing about. When class is done Jake walks with me, until he has to turn to get to his second period tech design class. When I get to auto shop Owen is there and I go over to the car we're working on. Eli comes in a few minutes later, he glances over and gives us a slight nod, Owen and I nod back. I like auto shop and the class always goes by so quickly it seems like. When the lunch bell rings Owen and I washup and go to our lockers to stash our backpacks. He then comes with me while I go look for Clare, finding her in the hall with my brother.

"Hey Beautiful, want to have lunch with me?" I ask before planting a gentle kiss on her soft lips.

"Sure," she grins. When I pull away from her Eli is standing there looking sorry, and hopeful. "I don't want to hear it Eli," she snaps turning her back to him.

"Clare please, I'm trying to apologize," he pleads, "I already apologized to Drew."

Clare stops and looks at me, one eyebrow slightly raised, her eyes curious and doubtful. "He did?"

"Yeah, this morning. I didn't get a chance to tell you yet," I reply.

"It's true, I was there, heard the whole thing," Owen tells her.

Clare releases a breath and turns around, "Okay Eli."

"I'm sorry, for everything. I was jealous and angry, not ready to let you go. I did some terrible things, letting my anger explode and hurting Drew was not the worst of them. I'm grateful that Drew as not hurt badly, I never would have forgiven myself if he had been. Adam I truly am sorry, I have nothing against your brother and I'd never hurt him intentionally. As regretful as I am for that moment it was also a good thing. While I was out last week I saw a lot of doctors, mostly psychologists. I've been diagnosed with bipolar depression," Eli reveals.

"Oh, Eli, I'm sorry," Clare gasps.

"It's okay, I know now and it's not the worst thing to have. I'm taking medication and I'm seeing a good therapist who's helping me with coping mechanisms. I'm getting it under control, little by little. Look, I just wanted to apologize to both you and Adam. And to tell you I won't get in the way of you and Drew. I don't get the attraction, but I'm stepping back, no car crashes or secret trips I swear," Eli pledges even does it with his hand up.

"It's good that you know you're bipolar now and are working hard at getting it under control," Clare says.

"I really am Clare," Eli smiles.

"You're forgiven, and if you need help getting through a bipolar episode you know I'm here," Adam tells him.

"Thanks Adam," Eli grins with appreciation.

"Forgiven," Clare nods, "it does make sense, and explains a lot."

"Yeah, a lot," Eli nods, "anyway I'll let you guys eat lunch."

Eli turns and leaves, I put an arm around Clare and kiss her again. The four of us decide to eat at The Dot and we walk over there. Vince will be arrested, Eli's apologized and I believe he is genuine. I don't know a lot about bipolar depression, but I know it can cause major mood swings, honestly I don't know why people didn't figure out that he had it before now.

"You know," I comment as the four of us sit down at a table, "it's a good day. Eli's apologized and knows he's bipolar. Vince has a warrant out for him, two weights have been lifted from me. It's a good day."

"It is a good day," Clare smiles. Despite her smile my brother, sitting across from her, gives the smallest of worried looks. "I hope they arrest Vince today," Clare adds quickly taking my hand under the table. "I know we're supposed to be trying to sleep in our own beds and houses, but I was thinking I'd sleep over at your place tonight. I'm coming over after school anyway because Adam and I have civics project to work on. Even though it's all been good news today, it could still bring up nightmares."

"You know you're always welcome to stay at our place Clare," Adam assures her and I nod.

"You know I love sleeping with you," I tell her and she twists her mouth at me, "you know what I mean."

We finish lunch and walk back to school, Clare goes to the washroom and I go to my locker. My last two classes go by pretty quickly, of course Bianca never shows up, I try not to think about where she might be and ruin my good mood. Before heading to basketball I find Clare and Adam on the steps waiting for Mom to pick them up.

"I'll see you after practice," I tell Clare snatching a quick kiss before going back inside to the locker room.

(CLARE)

"Okay, spill," Adam demands as soon as we're alone in his basement.

"What do you mean?" I query as I set my backpack down and sit on the sofa.

"At lunch, you agreed with Drew that it was a good day, but you were forcing a smile and your eyes were worried. Drew, doesn't know your minute facial expressions yet."

I let out a small sigh, I can't believe Adam caught that. Maybe this is why people make such a big fuss about dating their best friend's brothers, because of how well your best friend knows you. "It is a good day, it doesn't mean there isn't a lot to be worried about still. Vince has a warrant on him, he has not been arrested yet. Even if he is he's not the only threat. Vince's gang beat Drew up not Vince, it was Vince and his gang that cornered me and Jake. If Vince does get arrested his gang could still come after me and Drew in retribution. And then there's Bianca."

"You're not worried about Bianca coming back and stealing Drew are you? Or Drew cheating on you with her?" Adam questions. I hear the inflection of hurt in his voice because of what I possibly think about his brother.

"I have to admit, the thought that he might cheat crossed my mind. He cheated on Alli, but that's not what I'm afraid of. I doubt Bianca is making herself scarce by choice. If she'd been kicked out by her aunt she would have called Owen or something wouldn't she?"

"Yeah, probably Owen or she'd be crashing with some of her other friends. I've heard her mention a Ron-Ron before."

"Right, which means either Vince is forcing her to be with him, or she's doing it because she thinks she's protecting Drew. Either way, when Vince is arrested it could mean potentially bad things for Bianca. I worry what will happen to her, what's already been done to her. There's also the possibility that Vince has her doing illegal things, he could have her arrested as well."

"You worry way too much," Adam says.

"I know, I can't help it. You know I'm neurotic."

"I do know, and it's cute. You are right though, there is still a lot to worry about."

"There is, but Drew is so happy I don't want to worry him, so don't tell him," I request.

"So, you want us to worry in silence?" Adam questions.

"At least we can worry in silence together," I comment and Adam laughs.

"I am happy that we talked to Eli today, that we found out about his bipolar depression. I've been seeing a lot the things he's done in the past in a new light."

"Yeah, it really does explain a lot," Adam agrees, "come on we should get started on our project."

Dave is also in our group for this project, but he has basketball practice today. Adam and I get ideas laid out and a timeline to work on various parts of the project. Tomorrow we'll show it all to Dave and make sure it works for him. By the time Drew gets home from practice Adam and I have finished our homework. Drew has enough time to wash his hands before we're called up to dinner. Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Torres know that there's a warrant out on Vince. We have not had any word that Vince has been arrested yet, I hope the cops pick him up soon.

After dinner Adam and I clean up while Drew goes downstairs to do his homework. We go back to the basement after we're done cleaning the kitchen. Drew is still on his English homework, so Adam and I help him. It takes Drew a couple hours to finish his homework, and then I watch Drew and Adam play video games until it's time to get ready for bed. Adam says goodnight, Drew follows him upstairs to get ready for bed. Drew and I set up our beds on the sofa, sleeping in one corner so our heads are near each other. We watch TV for a little while before falling asleep.

…I'm walking down the street, alone but not afraid. I hear a scream and I try to find the person screaming. It sounds like it's coming from everywhere, I can't find the person, and yet somehow I know it's coming from Bianca. She's in pain, and scared, I want to help her but I can't find her, no matter how desperately I search. I run faster, and faster, and faster yet I seem to be getting nowhere, this street is endless. And then I'm stopped. Surrounded by boys that seem to appear out of the shadows. Vince's gang surround me, all of them grinning the same vicious lecherous grin. They begin closing in, ripping at my clothes. They're going to rape me, I know they are, and I try to scream. The only thing that comes out of my mouth is strangled silence…

Sitting upright with a gasp I'm still shaking from the nightmare. My heart is pounding, and suddenly I'm terrified of the room being so dark. I feel like Vince's gang is in the darkness and ready to rape me. Drew isn't awake, but I can't sit here in the dark any longer. I get up and turn on the basement light. Drew blinks a little and sits up a little leaning on one arm.

"Clare? What's going on?" Drew asks.

"Nightmare, I didn't want to be in the dark," I reply.

"You want to talk about it?"

I open my mouth to tell him about the dream, but then I stop. I don't want to tell him that Bianca was screaming in my dream and I couldn't find her. I don't want to tell him about Vince's gang coming after me. All of that will make Drew worry, he was so happy today and I don't want to take that away.

"I can't really remember much of the dream, but when I woke up I just couldn't be in the dark," I finally tell him.

He gets up and comes over to me, wrapping me in his arms like a shield. I feel safe now, my hands and forehead resting against his chest.

"You're safe, it was just a dream," Drew assures me. "Why don't we turn the TV, and turn off the basement light, I'll hold you all night long."

"Okay," I agree.

Drew turns out the light and it's dark again, but in his arms, I'm still feeling safe. He keeps an arm around me, we walk back to the sofa. He turns on the TV, and we lie down on the sofa, he holds me close. Drew falls asleep pretty quickly, he must not have a nightmare tonight, but I'm awake the rest of the night. As safe as I feel in Drew's arms it can't take the nightmare from my mind. I get up and shower, coming out of the washroom just as Drew's alarm goes off.

"You didn't get back to sleep, did you?" Drew questions.

"Couldn't, even though I felt safe in your arms."

"That bad huh? I thought you couldn't remember it?"

"I don't really, just the feeling it left me with."

"I'm going to get ready for school, I'd tell you to come up to my room with me, but Mom won't allow that. Why don't you go up to the kitchen and get some coffee," Drew suggests.

I go with him up to the kitchen and he continues up to his room. Audra is up and having coffee, Omar must have already left for work. Audra gives me a sympathetic smile but says nothing as get myself some coffee and sit down at the table. Adam is the first one downstairs, he makes himself a bagel, and when he sees that I'm not eating gives me half his bagel. Drew comes down a few minutes later and gets some breakfast. Once we've all eaten and are ready to go Audra takes us to school. Drew comes with us to our lockers, leaning on the one next to mine.

"You going to be okay today?" Drew questions after a few minutes. I realize I've just been standing and staring into my locker without doing anything.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. It's just a little lack of sleep," I assure him closing my locker. "I think I'm just going to go to class though, I'll see you at lunch."

"I'll go with you," Adam speaks up closing his locker. Drew catches my arm and gives me a tender kiss before Adam and I go to class. We sit at our desks in Civics and I open my backpack to get my civics book out.

"Shoot," I exclaim barely above a whisper.

Adam hears me anyway, "What's wrong?"

"I left my civics book in my locker."

"You should talk to Drew, tell him why you're still scared, and why you didn't sleep last night."

"I told him I had a nightmare."

"Did you tell him what it was about?" Adam queries.

"No," I admit.

"I don't want him to be worried more than he is already either, but if you don't talk to him and you are still scared and vexed he's going to wonder why. Then he's going to start being even more concerned about you. At least when you're both worried for the same reasons you worry together and seem to comfort each other better. Talk to him Clare, please. You can sleep at our place again and talk to him tonight," Adam urges.

"Okay," I nod. He is right, Drew should know that I don't really feel any safer and I still have a lot weighing on me.

"Good, now stay here I'll go get your book," Adam says as he gets up.

"Hi Adam, hey Clare," Dave greets us coming into the class.

"Hey Dave, I'll be right back," Adam tells him.

Dave shrugs, sits at his desk, looks at me and scowls. "I thought with a warrant out for Vince you'd be getting more sleep," Dave comments.

"You would think, Vince isn't the only one I'm worried about though," I reply.

"Then what's…" Dave begins, but a couple of girls come into class talking loudly and he stops.

Adam returns with my book and soon class starts. I try not to look worried, I do continue to look tired throughout the day however. I just tell everyone I had a nightmare and didn't get much sleep, an answer they are used to by now. Aside from feeling tired and the day seeming to move very slowly it's just another day. Nothing particularly bad or good happens and after school I go home with Adam.

"Maybe you should try and take a nap. I'll stay down here and do homework," Adam comments while we set our stuff down.

"A nap would be good, can you turn on the TV it might help," I request. Adam puts on the TV and I lie down on the sofa. "I wish I could just jump ahead a couple months. To a point where I know some Jeet Kune Do, and feel like I could defend myself if Vince's gang did ever approach me again," I yawn.

"Our first class is Monday, just dream about being a true marital arts master like Bruce Lee," Adam tells me.

I nod sleepily and my eyes close, soon I've drifted to sleep. Adam's suggestion sort of works, except that instead of dreaming about me kicking their asses I dream about Bruce Lee doing it, and I've never once watched a Bruce Lee movie. At least it's a good dream, and I wake up to Drew kissing me. My eyes open, I look at Drew and he smiles, I look around the basement, but don't see Adam.

"Where's Adam?" I question sitting up.

"He went upstairs for a snack, said there was something you needed to tell me?" Drew queries arching one curious eyebrow.

"He really hates it when I don't just come out with things," I grumble sort of under my breath. Drew looks at me expectantly and I heave a sigh. "You know how I told you I didn't remember the nightmare last night?"

"You did remember," Drew states.

"Yes, I just didn't want to worry you. It wasn't a nightmare about Vince or Eli," I tell him and then look at my hands before continuing. "Bianca was screaming, she was in pain and scared. I was running, trying to find her but I couldn't. Then Vince's gang came out of the shadows and encircled me, completely surrounding me. They got closer and closer, began ripping off my clothes, I knew they were going to rape me. That's when I woke up, but it was dark and even though I knew it wouldn't happen I felt like Vince's gang was going to pop out of the shadows. That's why I wanted the light on."

Drew puts his arms around me and pulls me close, "You should have told me last night."

"You were so happy because Eli had apologized, and Vince had a warrant on him. You were less burdened, and I didn't want to take that away. Both of those are really good things, it just didn't take away all my fear. I'm still worried about Bianca. I'm also very worried that Vince's gang will seek retribution on us for his arrest."

"I'm still worried about Bianca too, but I'm hoping she'll come back once Vince is in jail. Now I am worried about Vince's gang coming after us for putting him jail, I hadn't actually thought about that possibility."

"See, that's why I didn't want to tell you," I exclaim getting out of his arms.

"I'm glad you told me, and that Adam kind of forced you to. At some point I would have been worried that you weren't telling me something, or that you were having these terrifying nightmares and not telling me about them. We've always talked about our nightmares before and it helps."

"I know, I just wanted you to keep being happy and not worried."

"I didn't say I wasn't worried at all, just less. And just because I'm worried doesn't mean I'm not happy, you make me happy," he tells me before tipping my chin up to capture my lips.

"I take it you two talked?" Adam questions coming down the stairs.

"Yes, we did. I told him everything, and now he's scared too."

"Hey," Drew exclaims, "I was already worried about Bianca. Now I'm just worried about Vince's gang coming after us too, at least now we're worried about the same things together. And when we both have nightmares tonight, about the same things, at least we'll be together."

(ADAM)

"We're going to Owen's game tonight you want to come Little Bro?" Drew asks me. It's Friday morning and mom just dropped us off at school. Clare has spent the last few nights at our house, but at least she and Drew have gotten a decent amount of sleep. Even if they had nightmares every night.

"Actually, I'm going downtown with Eli tonight. Event at our comic book shop, I told Mom," I reply.

"Wait, with Mom and Dad going out does that mean we'll have the house to ourselves?" Drew questions looking at Clare with lascivious eyes.

"We're going to the game Drew, we told Owen we would," Clare asserts and I laugh. Clare and I get to our lockers and open them when an announcement rings over the PA.

"Will Drew Torres and Clare Edwards please come to Principal Simpson's office."

Clare and I close our lockers and look at each other. Seeing as whatever it is concerns both my brother and my best female friend I'm going with them. We walk together to Principal Simpson's office, he doesn't say anything about me coming in with them. Officer Turner is also in the office, this is either very good or very bad.

"What's going on?" Drew asks.

"I wanted you all to know that Vincent Bell was arrested early this morning. He's being held in custody until he goes before a judge Monday. The lawyer will recommend a stiff sentence for breaking the restraining order. With Vince's past record I'm sure the judge will give him the maximum. Unfortunately the sentence for breaking a restraining order isn't much. The lawyer will probably be in touch with you later today to get statements."

"Thank you Officer Turner, that is great news," Clare smiles with relief. We're all relieved, we're all smiling, it doesn't solve everything, but it's one really big thing we don't have to worry about anymore.

Clare and I return to our lockers to finally get our books, we go with Drew to his locker and tell Owen about Vince's arrest. Clare kisses Drew before she and I walk to class. All our friends, including Eli, have heard that Vince was arrested and they're happy. When school is over Clare and I leave our fourth period history class, drop our books in our lockers and go out to the steps. She's waiting for Drew and I'm waiting for Eli. Drew comes out first, he puts his arm around Clare and they tell me they'll see me at home. Eli comes out of school a few minutes later and we take the bus downtown. We get some food and then head to the comic book shop. We stay for hours at the event and then stop for pizza. We're eating by the window, talking about the event when something, or rather someone, outside catches my eye.

"Bianca," I exclaim.

"I thought she was missing," Eli comments looking over.

"She is, wait here," I tell Eli and run out of the pizza place. "Bianca," I say her name just as I catch her arm so she can't run.

"Leave me alone Adam."

"No, I won't leave you alone. Everyone is looking for you, Owen filed a missing persons report. He's been worried, Fitz has been worried, Drew is worried, even Clare is worried about you. Vince was arrested this morning, you need to come home," I insist to her.

"There's no point," she replies.

"No point to what? Letting everyone know you're alive, that you're okay? Getting away from Vince and his gang for your own safety? Because I find it hard to believe that you have been hiding out or with Vince willingly all this time."

Bianca looks away, I see a tear in the corner of her eye. "I have nowhere and nothing to go back to."

"You know that's not true. Drew's not your boyfriend anymore, he really likes Clare, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. Owen has been worried sick, so has Fitz, we all have. I'm pretty sure you could move in with Owen and his family, or move out on your own you're old enough. This is not the life for you Bianca, you're smarter and better than this, better than Vince and his gang. Come back to school, come back and let everyone know you're okay, please Bianca. Do it for your friends, do it for Drew, but most of all do it for yourself Bianca. This is not the life for you Bianca, you stay here like this you're going to end up dead or hurt. Please come back with me Bianca," I plead with her.

She looks up at me, I watch a heavy breath leave her lips. "Okay."

Update soon, probably picking up from right here. The next story to be updated is Alone on a School Night. Don't forget to head to the DeGrassi Saviors website (link on my profile page) to vote on which Clew story will replace this.