The atmosphere in the car was the one of relief. Tori was driving while Jade was comforting the crying Cat in the backseat. Tori would glance every now and them at her two friends. Jade spoke up after a few minutes.

"I suggest we stay at my place. My dad is never home anyway and we won't have to deal with Trina." Jade said. The Trina comment made Tori laugh a bit.

"Kay. I'll drop you off at your place and then I'll quickly go home to get some things."

"Deal." Jade told Tori and focused back on the crying redhead next to her.

"Shhh. Everything is okay. We are here. She won't hurt you anymore." Jade said, never letting go of Cat.

They finally arrived at the West residence. Jade took the bag with Cat's things, took Cat's hand and led her inside. After they entered the house, Tori laid back into her seat for a minute. It was a rough day. But at least she knew what was going on with Cat. She would talk to her later. She started the car and drove home.

Jade led Cat upstairs into her room. She dropped the bag on the floor and turned over to face Cat. She placed two fingers under Cat's chin so she would face her. Cat's eyes were full of hurt, sadness and guilt.

"Do you realize how scared I was? When I heard your mother yell at you, I ran as quickly as I could to Tori's place. Thank god she was home. If she wasn't, I don't know how I would have reacted." Jade said softly. Cat wasn't able to look at Jade out of shame. She lowered her gaze.

"Why didn't you call me?" Jade asked softly. "Did I do something? Why don't you trust me anymore?" Cat shook her head no. "Then why?"

"Because I don't deserve help." Cat said weakly. Jade felt her heart break again. Miss Valentine's words had seemingly been branded into Cats brain.

"Why would you think that?"

"Because mom was right. It's all my fault." Cat said, this time louder and with more confidence.

"Cat, it's not…"

"You don't understand Jade." Cat cut her off. "It's all my fault! Michael is dead because of me. If I hadn't asked him to pick me up that day he would still be alive. Had I found another ride or simply walked home that one time, that drunk driver would never have hit us, and Michael wouldn't have…" Cat's last words died in her. She was crying again. Jade moved a bit closer, but Cat instantly took a step back.

"Because of Michael's death, mom started drinking. She hadn't been drinking for 15 years until then. Because of her drinking, she and dad would argue all the time. After every argument, he would be gone for a few days. After a while, I couldn't take it anymore. That's when I started coming to you every time they argued. I simply couldn't hear it anymore. I wanted to be somewhere I felt safe and loved again." Cat said and looked back at Jade.
"When you dropped me of at home on Sunday, they were arguing again. My dad left that night and didn't come back. He didn't call. He just left me with her. He wouldn't do that if he didn't believe it was my fault. And all this happened because I called him that damn day to pick me up from school. So how is it not my fault Jade? How?" Cat said trough her sobs. She put her hands on her face to hide the tears.

Jade was crying herself. She had no idea that Cat was guilt ridden like this.

"What do you think would Michael tell you if he was here?" Jade asked Cat, who looked at her, confused.

"Do you think he would blame you? Or let your parents blame you for this?"

"I… I don't know…" Cat answered weakly.

"Yes, yes Cat you do." Jade said trough her own sobs. "You know that he wouldn't blame you. I knew him. You were always his little sister who he would protect from everyone and everything. He loved you more than anyone else in this world. If he could see you like this, he would have taken your side." Cat shook her head. She was confused. She didn't know anymore. Jade wrapped her arms around her.

"No one can blame you. You don't deserve any of those things your mother did to you. You are the sweetest and nicest person in the world. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. From now on I'll protect you like Michael always did." Jade said in a non-Jade like soft, caring voice. Cat looked up at her.

"Cat, you are like a sister to me. You were always there for me when I had my moments, so let me help you now." Cat left a smile form on her face. It was a genuine smile after such a long time. After all this abuse, cursing and blaming, Cat felt safe and loved again. She hugged the Goth as tight as she could.

"Thank you Jade. I love you." Jade was smiling herself now. She knew that it would take time, but Cat would be okay again.

At the same time Tori had arrived home and packed some things. As she was going down, she saw her dad in the kitchen, who raised an eyebrow at her.

"Are you moving out?" He asked with a confused expression.

"No." Tori smiled. "A friend had some family issues so I want to keep an eye on her."

"Can I know who and what happened?"

"Cat was abused by her mother and Jade and I went to pick her up. Her mother was drinking heavily, so we got her things and now she will stay with Jade and me at Jade's place. I simply want to keep an eye on her." Tori explained.

"Oh, wow. Wait." He took out his wallet and picked some money and handed it towards Tori." Here. If you need more, just let me now."

"Thanks dad. I'm glad you understand."

"Understand? Tori, I'm proud of you." Tori was surprised by that statement.

"What for?" she asked, still confused.

"You are helping a friend who really needs it. You decided to act. You did something instead of just being all talk or letting other do it. How can I not be proud?" Tori went over and gave her dad a hug.

"Thank you."

"No problem. Just tell me if you need something." He said and kissed her on the head. She was really happy. She had a great family unlike her two best friends. She had caring parents and a sister who she loved, although Trina would drive her crazy from time to time. Tori then noticed a different expression in her father's face.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing. I just wondered why it isn't Trina who moves out of the house for a few days. I guess life really isn't fair."