Hey :) sorry for this sucky chapter :( too short and badly written, apologies :,(

Zero's P.O.V

"Zero," he screeches again, leaping at me and hugging me. His hands grip bruises, and I flinch.

"Okay yeah, good to see you too. Get off me."

He draws away, his eyes taking in my purplish blue face and the blood all over me.

"What happened? How come you were in that guys house? Did he kidnap you or something?"

I sit down on his bed and sigh. "Yeah, something like that. You shouldn't have brought me here."

"How come? You were in a pretty bad way."

"He's gonna kill me now."

Vin laughs. "As if I'm letting you go back there. We can call your dad and he'll pick you up, then we can call the cops."

I look down at my hands and start to fiddle with Vin's bedspread. "That may be a bit of a problem," I say bluntly.

"Huh?"

"See, my dad... I don't think he'll want me to leave..."

"How come?"

"Well, he told me to go there."

"Because...?"

I feel tears prick at the back of my eyes, but I force them back. I'm Zero. I'm tough and brave, I don't cry.

"He said I was supposed to cook and clean there, because that's all I'm good for."

Vin looks at me with horror. "Why would he say that?!"

I shrug, trying to seem unconcerned. "I guess he just doesn't like me."

"How could he not like you?! You're kind and funny and brave and beauti- I mean, the best friend someone could ever have."

His words comfort me somewhat. "Thanks Vin," I say, smiling weakly.

"Where does your dad live anyway? I want to have a chat with him!"

"Next door."

"Next door! Like as in that way?" He jabs his thumb in the opposite direction if my house. "Hey that's awesome, your house looks just like mine!"

God, I can't believe its taking him so long to figure out.

"What's your dad's name?"

"Dean. Dean Ash."

"What? But I thought the people who lived next door were the Mckensies..."

"Vin, you're so thick," I shout suddenly, filled with blind rage. "You have more than one neighbour!" I point at his window. "You're so lucky, you have a beautiful view into my room. See that mattress, that's where I slept for eleven years of my life, before I escaped that hell hole and found Pinkerton. The violent, alcoholic asshole who lives there is my father. Yep, good old daddy dearest . Remember that car that smashed through Pinkerton's gate? That was him, because Mr Sopper was an idiot and called him without asking me! He came and almost killed all of you, just because I've been hiding from him all this time! Did you parents tell you about the screams they used to hear? That was me. He freaking beat me so badly I couldn't move for days. When you saw me in there last night how the HELL did you not figure that out! You're completely-" I break off, suddenly realising what I've just said. Vin in staring at me in complete and utter dismay, his mouth open and his eyes wide.

What the hell have I done?

(A/N. I did something stupid and stuffed up the order of the chapters, so I'm adding some to this chapter, since it was too short anyway)

Zero backs up, her eyes madly searching for an exit. She makes a break for the window but I perform a spectacular dive and grab her ankle, sending her crashing to the ground. I leap over her and stand in front of the window, my arms crossed.
"Ha," I say triumphantly. "I beat you! I actually beat you!"
Zero groans and rolls over. "Congratulations," she says. "You took me down. When I'm healed up, you are so going to pay."
I smile guiltily. "Sorry Z, but I couldn't let you get away."
Zero plonks down on my bed, glaring at me in that way that says she's mad, but won't hold a grudge.

"Zero," I begin. "Was what you said true?"
"Nope," she says immediately, her face devoid of expression.
"Well then, why would you say something like that?"
She opens her mouth, then shuts it again. "Moron," she mutters.
"So it's true then?"
"Fine, you got me. It was true."
"ZADIA! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!" I jump as another huge roar comes from next door. Zero just lies back and closes her eyes, but I notice her hands are curled into fists.
"Zero, help me understand," I say bluntly. "Who's Zadia? I don't get what's happening. Please, I'm your friend. You can trust me."
"I'm Zadia. It's my real name. I changed it when I got to Pinkerton so he wouldn't find me."
"He... he as in your dad?"
"No," she says, laying on the sarcasm, "he as in my pet unicorn."
"Okay okay," I grumble. "No need to be mean."
She smiles. Her eyes are still closed, so I don't have to try and make it look like it doesn't affect me when she does that. I grin soppily and gaze down at her.

Come one Vin, pull it together. She's your best friend for gods sake!

"And you ran away because..?"
"Why do you think? Geez, you should use some of your parents money to buy a brain."
I ignore her comment about my brain. "You ran away because he 'freaking beat you so badly you couldn't even move,' in your words." It's not a question, but she nods anyway.
"Z..." I'm at a loss for words. No one deserves what she went through. Especially not Zero. She opens her electric blue eyes and looks at me.
"Look Vin, I don't want your sympathy and I don't want your help. I appreciate you trying to help me last night, but to be honest you've just made things worse."
As if on cue, her father roars again. "ZADIA! HIDING WILL JUST MAKE IT MORE PAINFUL FOR YOU LATER!"
Something a little like fear flickers in Zero's eyes, but it's gone in an instant. She gets up, clutching her ribs, and makes for the window.

"I don't think so," I say firmly, pushing her back onto my bed. "I'm not letting you go back. You can stay here!"
She's not expecting that. She freezes and looks up at me, her eyes wide.
"But-" she says uncertainly. "Your parents..."
In response I fling the door open. "Hey mum! Dad! Can I talk to you?"

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