AN: Thanks to my reviewers:

SapphireJKH – I know…I'd hate to be Liz too. Always being pushed to do what her parents want. There are some parents like that though (sad but true).

DemiLenaJonas – You're absolutely right! YAY! (excuse my Jason moment as I do a happy dance). *coughs* OK, here's the next chapter.

WARNING: Do not read this if you're underage. Rated T due to mentions of abuse.

Chapter 7

"Jase, you should totally go for it," Shane said. "Liz seems really nice. A little quiet, maybe, but I'm sure you can get her to open up."

"What?" Jason looked confused.

"What Shane means is that you should ask her out," Nate explained, as Jason's eyes grew round.

"But I don't even like her like that," Jason said. "Do I?" He looked at Nate.

"Yeah, you do," Nate said, putting his hand on Jason's shoulder.

"Are you sure?" Jason said.

"Jase, since when have you ever given anyone, let alone a girl, one of your Big Bird bandages?" Nate asked.

"Dude, you're right!" Jason said slowly, the realization sinking in. "Liz is so nice, and she doesn't make fun of me. And birds love her! She must be the one…"

"There's only one way to find out," Shane suggested. "Go talk to her."

"About what?" Jason started worrying. "All I know is birds, and playing guitar, and rockin' on stage, and she's way more…what's the word?" He looked at Nate for help.

"Sophisticated?" Nate supplied.

"Yeah, that," Jason sighed. "And smart. She'd never like a guy like me."

"How do you know?" Shane demanded.

"Shane's right, Jase," Nate said. "You'll never know unless you try. Just go talk to her."

"Yeah, dude," Shane encouraged Jason. "Go for it!"

Jason got up, and looked at his friends. "Now?"

"Now," Nate and Shane chorused. "Now go!"

"OK, OK," Jason said, going on his way.

Jason trudged slowly, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. He let his mind drift…

"JASON!" His dad roared, throwing his son's bedroom door open and startling him. Jason had been practicing his electric guitar, and was just about to launch into a guitar solo. His mother followed them into the room, looking frightened. She knew not to speak up when her husband was in one of his moods.

Jason stopped, looking scared at his dad. He put his guitar down, and unplugged his amps.

"What is it?" Jason said, thinking hard.

"What is it?" His dad spat out angrily. "What is it?" His voice rose, and Jason winced. "How many times do I have to tell you to do your chores?"

"I'm sorry, I'll go do them now," Jason said, getting up and trying to escape.

His dad pushed him back down. "No, you listen to me, and you listen good. I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times. But you never listen. You just come in here, and waste your time on something that'll never happen. News flash, boy, you'll never make it in music. Give up this stupid dream of yours, and do what I tell you when I tell you to do it. Got it?" His dad glared at Jason, expecting a response.

"Yes, sir," Jason mumbled, looking down and fighting back tears.

"What did you say? Speak up, boy," His dad said harshly. "And look at me when I'm talking to you. Now what was that again?"

"Yes, sir," Jason said again, this time a little louder. He tried not to sniffle.

"I can't hear you," His dad cupped his ear, then pulled Jason up by his hair, so that they could see eye to eye. When Jason didn't respond, his dad struck him. "ANSWER ME! NOW!"

Jason cowered, and his dad struck him again and again until Jason's mom intervened. She threw herself across her son, and refused to get out of the way when her husband yelled at her.

"Don't you protect that rebellious son of yours. He needs to learn responsibility, and he needs to accept the consequences when he doesn't do what he's told," Jason's dad said angrily, reaching up and slapping his wife. "And you, you should know not to interfere."

"Jason's a good boy. He is," Jason's mom said, crying and hugging Jason as if he were the most precious, fragile gift in the world.

"Stop babying him," Jason's dad commanded, then shook his head at the both of them and walked toward the door. "You know what, boy? You're not worth it. I'm going out. And, by the time I get back, this place had better be spotless. Don't even think about asking your mom to help you." The door slammed on his way out, and Jason rushed into his mother's arms and let his tears flow.

"Why does he hate me so much, Mom?" Jason sobbed into his mother's arms.

"Shh, honey, your dad doesn't hate you," Jason's mom cried with him, her heart breaking in two. "He just doesn't understand your dream of becoming a famous musician."

"Someday, when I get famous, I'll get you out of here, I promise," Jason said.

"That's it, honey. Be like the birds. Be free. And love everyone, no matter how they treat you. Including your dad…"

"Mom, how can I? Especially when I'm not good enough for him?" Jason cried.

"Honey, you're better than you think. Don't ever put yourself down. Just be yourself. Don't worry about your dad, he'll come around. And hug everyone you see. Hugs never hurt anyone. So give them freely, and be nice to everyone. Don't worry about what other people think," Jason's mom advised, holding Jason close.

"I will, Mom, I promise," Jason said, determined to fulfill his mother's wishes.

Jason inwardly shuddered as he remembered that moment. He tried to focus on something else, something happier.

"Mom! Mom! I got in! I'm going to Camp Rock!" Jason said, racing into the kitchen, waving an opened envelope. His dad was out of town on business, and wouldn't be back for a few weeks. "You know, the music camp that everyone goes to if they want to be discovered."

"Honey, that's wonderful!" Jason's mom said happily.

"It starts in a couple of days, so I'd better get packed," Jason said, and his mother smiled.

"I'll drive you there. It'll be our little secret, OK, sweetie?" Jason's mom said."Your dad would be furious if he knew."

"I know. And thanks, Mom. You're the best!" Jason disappeared into his room, and his mom smiled as she heard Jason rocking out on his guitar.

AN: So, what'd you think? I had more written for this chapter, but there's a LOT more, so I decided to break it up into two chapters. Please let me know…