Oh yeah, I do not own W.I.T.C.H. or any of the characters, the plot is totally a work of my twisted little mind...

SPECIAL WARNING: ROUGH LANGUAGE USED IN THE BEGINNING (I felt it was important to represent Uriah, rather colorfully – my apologies if I offend.)

If you are offended by bad language skip to the second second divider line.

Busted #11: So Sue Me

Taranee's POV

"Okay, little sis, what's going on here?"

"Ugh! You fucking broke my nose!" Uriah screamed before I could answer Peter's question.

"Dude, language! There are ladies present!" I watched Nigel take several deep breaths, his chest rising and falling dramatically as he tried to calm himself as he walked over to me.

"Agh," Uriah spit blood on the floor at Peter's feet, "Ladies my ass, all I see is a bunch cunts that love to spread their legs."

Then he repeated with emphasis: "AND YOU FUCKING BROKE MY NOSE!"

"Wow, you kiss your mom with that mouth?" Irma said as Uriah stared at us with hate.

"Um...yeah...okay, I've had enough of mister potty mouth," Cordelia quipped from my side, "somebody shut him up please."

Both Caleb and Matt moved towards Uriah, both seeming only too willing to be the one to handle the problem.

But Peter was closer and he had a promise to keep. He drew back his arm, his fist ready to again make contact with Uriah's face.

"Ah!" Uriah began to scream like a little girl sensing the impending painful it.

"Oh, oh...wait Peter, don't hit him," Hay begged, "I've got a better idea. Irma think you can handle this?"

As Irma began to concentrate, Peter dropped his fist, and told Uriah with a tight voice, "She saved you this time, but you talk like that again and I promise you a world of hurt."

Under his breath Uriah, retorted, "Yeah you're really big shit, when you've got us outnumbered. But payback is a bitch, just you wait."

As Irma began a mental push, Peter smashed his fist into Uriah jaw. The gang leader, was unconscious before the blow made full contact. Uriah fell to the floor like a limp noodle, small gurgling sounds rasped in his throat from the combined broken nose and hit to the jaw. He would be needing serious medical attention.

I can only imagine that to Clubber who was watching wide-eyed that it looked like Peter had a TKO punch – he probably never guessed that Irma used a psychic push to knock Uriah out.

"Okay, now that he's quiet, can someone please tell me what's going on?"

"Well..." I started to explain.

"Hold on Taranee," Cornelia interrupted me again, "What about Frick and Frack?"

I gave Cornelia's hand a quick squeeze then focused first on Clubber, sending a psychic stun blast at him full force. He slumped over, his mouth still hanging open in disbelief.

"I've got this," I said as I focused next on Kurt. Its amazing how much better my powers work when I'm not worried about Nigel and able to think clear.

So that's how we found ourself standing over three unconscious thugs.

"Okay – EXPLAIN NOW," Peter said loosing his patience.

Always thinking three moves ahead, Caleb brought up the point, "We can go over all the details later. Right now we need to figure out what to do with these three. Sooner or later a teacher will swing by here to check this area before school closes. Let's not waste time."

Eric kept watch as we began working quickly. Irma used her ability to push thoughts and memories into each of their minds. She replaced their true memories with ones of them having gotten hold of a bottle of Vodka and drinking themselves into a stupor and passing out. Irma even promised that they'd wake up acting tipsy like they were on the tail end of a drunk-binge.

While Irma worked her tricks, Hay Lin and Will used their healing abilities to erase the evidence of the worst of their injuries. Even though Uriah had earned those blows to the nose and jaw he wouldn't have to live with their consequences.

I think my brother was sad to see Uriah's face morph back to its normal weasel-like visage.

Cornelia disappeared for a minute then returned with a fist-full of paper towel then began wiping up the blood on the floor.

Then one by one the guys stuffed them into the Cello room – Uriah and Kurt on the bench slumped over on each other. Clubber on the floor with his head against the mirror.

When they awoke, they would think that they simply ducked into the Cello room to find a place to sleep off the alcohol. The best thing about choosing Vodka as the demon that did them in, is that it has no smell, so even if a teacher found them it would not be strange that they didn't smell like alcohol.

As a final touch as we headed for the door, I incinerated the paper towels and we walked away like nothing had happened.

By the time we got outside, Will's mom was sitting outside the school looking at the door with a frown when we exited as a group.

Susan's voice was shrill as she said, "Wil-hel-mina Vandom! You get in this car right now!"

I saw Will's shoulders visibly slump as she head toward the car and the feared scream-fest to come. Before she could take two step, Matt grabbed her arm and pulled her back into his embrace, sealing his lips to hers.

Just watching the passion between them brought back the pleasant memories and feelings that Nigel and I had just shared in the Cello Room. I felt heat begin to pool between my legs. Somehow, Nigel could sense my excitement, he slid his hand around mine drawing lazy figure eights that were so sensual I almost moaned out loud.

Susan Vandom began storming towards the us, when Matt released Will. It was so cute to see her so clearly lost in the moment and trying to clear her thoughts. Matt gently turned her to face the car, patted her butt, and I heard him say, "We can get through this Red, we just have to out think her."

Matt's words and the kiss had the desired effect, even as Will started walking towards her mother and the car, she wore a very big smile and seemed truly unconcerned about anything her mother might say or do.

'Good luck Will,' I wished her silently.

When Will started walking towards the car again, Susan Vandom stopped advancing towards us. She cast a dirty look at Matt. When he looked her dead in the face with no fear, Susan turned sharply back towards her car. Since Caleb's been teaching Matt how to fight, he's become a bit of a bad-ass. Add his Shagon powers and I think I understand why Susan chose to turn and walk back to her car quietly.

"I guess explanations can wait. We have to get home." Peter stated and we all agreed.

With a wave Matt started off taking the building steps two at a time. Nigel called after him and then jogged after him. The headed in the direction of Matt's grandfather's pet shop.

Hay Lin and Eric said their good-byes then stood over to the side to allow Corny and Peter a chance to say good-bye also.

Peter gave Cornelia a quick hug and peck on the lips then told her, "Hey, I'm going to be busy up until Saturday so I won't be able to see you for the next couple of days."

Cornelia's face dropped into an instant frown upon hearing his words.

"Corny, don't look like that. You guys have things to do to help Nee and Will. It's not that I don't want to see you, I've just got somethings I need to do also – trust me okay. If everything works out, when I see you at the wedding I'll have really good news."

Cornelia bit her lip and I could tell she was trying to hold back a flood of tears. I watched her give a silent nod with her head down, her hair falling forward to hide her face.

While Cornelia and Peter shared a moment of silence, I said my good-bye to Nigel: a quick kiss and a smile. Then I followed Peter to his car. I could see Nigel waving to me as we pulled out of the parking lot.

Once we were on the road, Peter asked again, "So are you going to tell me what happened now?"

"Yeah," Nigel and I snuck into the Cello room to fool around. When we came out Uriah and those guys were there trying to start a fight, calling me and the girls whores and threatening to tell the whole school we're sluts. Nigel got made took Clubber down then began beating Kurt. I used my powers to slow down Uriah. You guys came along about the time Clubber was about to jump Nigel. And you know the rest."

"Oh, okay," Peter said. My answer was short and direct – easy to follow and believe.

Yeah, I left out the gory details that they said directly to me, but I was follow the KISS theory: Keep It Simple Sweetie.

"Man! Why do Kurt and Uriah have to be such douche bags?"

I managed a small smile at my brother's apropos description of the the Gory Trio.

As we pulled into the driveway, I almost wished we were back fighting them again. I'd prefer almost anything compared to whatever rant my mom had in store.

It's never good when both my parents beat me home from school. My mom normally hears cases until at least six PM and my dad is a chef so he doesn't get home until after the dinner rush. But sure enough they were both home when we walked in.

"Peter! Taranee! Come in here please," my father's voice was calm. Normally I can hear laughter in his voice but not since Friday.

When will this all end? I really miss the way my family used to be.

Peter and I walked into the kitchen to find my parents standing at the counter talking over some paperwork and several pamphlets for all girl boarding schools. But what really caught my eye was the unhinged brown door leaning against the doorway to the garage.

It took a second for me to recognize it, but then it registered: that's the door to my bedroom!

Even Peter noticed the leaning behemoth, looking first from it then to me, saying nothing. I really couldn't blame my brother, he was trying to stay under the radar. My parent's ire with him was not even a tenth of what I was getting.

It was just so unfair.

I got home before Peter on Friday night, but they were still going at me when he arrive a half hour after me. I had hoped that they would focus on him long enough to give me a short break...no such luck. My dad just ordered him to his room with the promise that they'd talk first thing Saturday morning.

Am I a rotten sister for wanting my brother to get in as much trouble as I was in? Am I unforgivable for hating that he was only grounded without the tirade and threats? No one called Cornelia a bad influence, threatened to have her arrested or accused her of ruining Peter.

Truthfully, Peter 'ruined' himself years ago and we all knew it. He was thirteen when he told my dad he needed condoms. Since then its been a whole 'don't ask-don't tell' thing. No one asks what Peter is doing with his current girlfriend and he doesn't offer any information about his sex life.

That just sucks, Peter all but gets permission to have a sex life and I get threatened with boarding school.

My dad spoke first, "Peter, you know we don't normally get involved in who you date. But we think in this case you shouldn't see Cornelia anymore. She's obviously a bad influence on your sister. We don't care how the Hales raise their daughter, but we don't want Taranee imitating her."

Peter was visibly shocked and taken back. Suddenly I found myself wishing my parents would go back to just ignoring that he was there on Friday. Telling him to break up with Cornelia was way too harsh and I just didn't see him doing it. I'd seen his face when Kyle tried to mess with Corny – to Peter, Cornelia was not just the girl of the moment.

To my surprise, Peter didn't respond with an adamant 'no'. I watched him clench and release his fists several times as my dad continued.

"Furthermore, until school is out and until we are sure you're no longer seeing that girl, you're grounded. That means straight to school then straight home. No cell phone, no land line calls and I pulled your computer out of your room today. You get your privileges back when you earn them back."

Peter just stared at his hands and gave a small nod of acknowledgement. I stood there thoroughly confused by how easily he capitulated to their demands. He didn't even try to fight for Cornelia.

Suddenly my big brother wasn't the person I thought he was.

"Um," Peter began, and I was sure he'd speak up and fight for Cornelia, but instead he continued, "does this mean I can't keep looking for a summer job? I need to go to interviews before all the best jobs are taken."

My dad looked thoughtful at first then softened and decided, "If you are looking for work, I'll make an exception. But I better not find out that you're with that girl or abusing my trust."

Again Peter simply nodded accepting the slur against one of my best friends.

After Peter nodded, my mom pushed a piece of paper across the counter towards me. "You need to sign this."

I picked up the paper, it was a Statement of Charges. Once I signed it Nigel would be in really big trouble. The charge was statutory rape and it claimed that on Friday night Nigel and I had engaged in non-consensual (forced) sexual relations.

My hands shook as I read the paper. When I finished I didn't even look up, I just began shredding the form into scraps of useless paper.

There's just no way, I'll help her send the man I love to jail.

I looked up, placed the chips of paper on the counter and said to my mom's shocked face, "No."

I don't care if she likes it or not.

I'm guessing that she really didn't like it cause her right hand contacted hard against the left side of my face before I even sensed she was moving. How did I avoid fight at school only to come home and get hit?

I felt my knees buckle as the pain blossomed in the entire side of my head. My entire body shook with shock and hurt. I grabbed the edge of the counter and tried to clear my vision.

"Whoa, mom! What are you doing?" Peter jumped back as if escaping the radius of violence, his voice was full of shock.

My dad had moved between me and my mom. His attention fully on her as he tried to calm her boiling anger, "Now Theresa just calm down," he tried to soothe as he backed her out of the kitchen.

"Nee are you okay?" Peter asked, as he moved slowly to my side and placed his hand lightly on my back. At least somebody in this house was concerned if I was hurt.

I gave a small shake of my head, still feeling the sting of the hit. When did things get like this? All while I was growing up my mom never hit me. Now since Nigel's been in my life its like she's trying to beat him out of my heart.

My dad stuck his head back in the kitchen and told us, "I want you both in your rooms for the rest of the night. Take your dinner up to your rooms. Your mom needs some peace and quiet."

You know what hurts almost as much as being hit? It's having your parents not even seem to care if you were okay and then going so far as to order you to your room.

Oh goodie, dinner was already ready: chicken and rice casserole and thick slices of garlic bread. It had been sitting on the stove behind us waiting to be eaten all while we listed to my parents edicts. Peter helped me carry my plate up to my room.

My doorless...open-to-the-world room. Which meant no privacy, if I cried everyone would know it. I sat on the edge of my bed at a total loss, not knowing what to do. I fought back the need to cry or just whimper with pain. There's no way I'll let her destroy my confidence - I'll keep fighting for Nigel

"Nee, I'll be back with some ice for your face," Peter told me as he set my plate at my desk, then headed back towards the stairs.

"Where do you think you're going?" My dad yelled up the stairs just as Peter's foot touched the first step. "Didn't I tell you both to stay in your rooms?"

Peter froze mid-stride, thinking quickly, her asked, "Is it okay if I get us a couple of glasses of ice water to go with our food first?"

I guess my dad must have nodded, because Peter began heading down the stairs again. In a few minutes he returned with two glasses of ice water and ziploc bag filled with ice. He sat the glass on the desk and handed me the bag.

"Thanks," I mumbled.

"Night Taranee. I'm really sorry mom did that...she shouldn't have," were Peter's final words before he disappeared into his room and closed the door.

For just a moment I forgot all about my mom and the pain. For just a moment I really needed my brother to explain to me how he could accept what they'd said about Cornelia.

I know he loves her. I know it

But his door was closed and I knew I wouldn't be getting any answers tonight. The ache in my jaw brought me back to the present.

I put the ice to my throbbing temple then sat down at my desk, eating with one hand holding the bag in place with the other. All the while staring blankly out the window as I began calling out to each of the Guardians, mentally telling them everything that had happened today from the run in with Uriah, Kurt and Clubber to how I ended up in a room with no door.

As a kindness to Corny, I left out all parts of my parents orders to my brother. Deep in my heart I hope he fights for her.

I could feel their comforting thoughts and it helped a lot. As I finished communicating with them, I began reaching out to the small animals that identified with me: dogs, cats and ravens.

When I finally crawled into bed, I could just hear a chorus of howls, meows and caws that were sounding outside my parent's bedroom. Along with the melodic animal sounds, I could hear my parents muffled voices coming from behind their closed bedroom door.

I get the feeling there won't be an apology forthcoming. I wonder if they knew that I can read thoughts and feelings – would they act any different? Cause all I get from my mom is a mixture of anger, regret and something that feels sort of like hate.

Try going to sleep in house with that swirling around you, invading your thoughts and feelings. But when I began to try to imagine what their cars would look like in the morning, I could feel myself relax. I think that I fell asleep with a smile, comforted by my thoughts of retribution.

So I started the plan a little early and added my own distinct touches...so sue me. You can't tell me that my mom doesn't deserve it.

Cheers!