Author's Note: Hi everyone. I tried toning it down a little in the last chapter, not wanting it to be too intense for so long. This will definitely not be as bad as chapters 7 and 8; this one will be about the aftermath of the party as well as Maya confronting Dallas. She is going to try explaining what happened to him so that some of the visible tension will settle down. Other than that I will be a pretty low key and short chapter, but more will happen in the next one, I promise. Now onto the chapter! Read and review with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have for me. Requests are always welcome. Thanks! (:

Chapter 9

Cam's P.O.V.

My feet were about to give out, I was panting and bent over in pain trying to catch my breath. Looking down at myself I didn't recall putting on my hockey uniform, let alone the hockey stick in my left hand. What was going on? It smelled like sweat and death, not a very pleasant combination. Once I heard the voices inching closer I ran even faster and into the dark forest. Nothing but trees could be seen. I ran and ran, looking back every few seconds to see if my attackers were close behind. Screams filled the air, savage shrieks and cries rang in my already burning ears. Slowing down my pace I walked around looking for a safe place to hide. This was a horrifying nightmare. My team was trying to kill me for some unknown reason. My only form of defense was a measly hockey stick that had dents in it from me hitting shrubs and vines in the forest. Crouching in a patch of bushes I sat there in silence for a few minutes as the rustle of leaves could be heard. They were only feet away. I could see their shoes brushing past the twigs and layered soil. The noise quickly died down and I was left alone once more. Crawling out of my hiding place I searched for a way out of there but it was a maze. Listening intently for any signs of life I stumbled across a clearing. Whimpers could be heard from a nearby tree. Making my way over to it I stared wide eyed at Maya, she was tied up. Taking a step closer to her I was about to release the ropes around her rigid body when Owen jumped out of nowhere and pinned me to the ground. I watched in misery as Luke and the others were getting dangerously close to her and Dallas came forward with a knife. Tears starting pooling in my eyes because I knew what he was going to do. His arm lunged forward at her heart and I screamed, "NO!" at the top of my lungs. My eyes opened in the matter of seconds and I shot up in bed. I was covered in sweat and my breathing was uneven. Looking around I sighed in relief that I was in my own room. Falling back into the covers I threw the pillow in my face and groaned into it. This was the sixth of seventh time I had had this dream. Maya got killed and I woke up just in time not to see it happen and it scared the crap out of me. I could never stand to see that actually happen to her. Dragging myself out of bed I got ready for school. The memories of last night came rushing back and I suddenly felt angry at Maya all over again. For the fight we had the other day, for what she did to Dallas, and for cutting herself. I didn't want to be mad at her the feeling just wouldn't go away.

Maya's P.O.V.

I was in dreamland right now. All my problems were nonexistent and it was great. Cam and I never had that fight, Mr. Simpson was not furious with me, and Brook was not blackmailing me. Perfect. Everything was normal, nothing out of the ordinary had happened. That was until I woke with a start. Katie threw a pillow at me. "Come on Maya wake up, we over slept. We have to clean this up before we go to school!" Shaking my head in disbelief I went into the kitchen and grabbed an empty trash bag and began piling plates and red cups into the bag. By the time we were done it was almost time for school. Running up the stairs I went into my room and quickly threw on the first thing I could find. Backpack in hand I went back downstairs to have some breakfast. Looking in the cabinets I grabbed a bar and apple along with a bottle of water. Setting that by the door I went into the bathroom and pulled out the first aid kit. Rolling up my sleeves I looked down at the dry blood plastered on my skin. 'Gross.' I thought to myself. Turning the faucet on I placed my wrists under the cold water and pulled back a few seconds because of the burning and stinging sensation. Taking hold of the rolled up gauze I wrapped it around the open gashes in my skin, on both arms. Pulling my sleeves down as far as they could go I made my way out of the bathroom and straight to the car. 'Hopefully no one will notice my arms.' Leaning my head against the window I zoned out for the rest of the ride there.

Tori's P.O.V.

Last night I heard about the party that Katie was throwing but decided not to go. I was still furious with Maya when I heard everyone talking about it the other day. This morning Tristan approached me at my locker an insisted that I go talk to Maya and see for myself just how much of a mess she really was. "I went to the party last night. And it was a kick ass party, you really missed out." Glaring at him I couldn't believe my ears. "What you went? I thought we agreed we wouldn't go anywhere near her, after what she did to poor Dallas." Shaking his head at me he said, "No… you said that. And don't talk about Dallas like he is all innocent, we are supposed to hate him remember? For treating Cam and Maya the way he did earlier this year." Rolling my eyes at him I stared in disbelief. "Oh come on Tris, I feel for the guy. He broke his leg and arm for crying out loud. As for Maya I'll talk to her just for YOU though. That doesn't mean that I have to believe a word she says." Picking me up and spinning me around Tristan said, "Thank you thank you thank you!" About ten times. "Put me down Tris." I said laughing at his eagerness. "Well I better get going if I want to talk to her before class. You coming with me?" Walking up to her Tristan tapped her shoulder and nearly gave her a heart attack. In the process Maya dropped something medal and I went to pick it up and gave it back to her. "Tweezers? What do you need those for?" When she finally turned around to face us my mouth dropped open in shock. 'Did she really… is that what I think it is?' Shaking my head in doubt I took a hold of her arm and looked more closely. Maya had cut herself…. Why though? It was my job to find out.

Maya's P.O.V.

Throughout the car ride to school I felt a sharp pain in my right wrist. I kept picking at my bandages and it was slowly starting to drive me crazy. Once I got to my locker I pulled a pair of tweezers from my top shelf and unwrapped the gauze revealing fresh blood. When I was about take a closer look someone tapped me on the shoulder and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I dropped the tweezers I was holding and was at a loss for words. Their eyes went wide open and I didn't know if they would believe my explanation. Might as well try telling them. "Tweezers? What do you need those for?" Why Tori was here was beyond me, I was just glad she was talking to me again. "It's a long story." Looking at Tristan I said, "Thanks for helping me out last night. I owe you." Smiling at me Tori eyed both of us questioningly. "What are you talking about? I'm so confused!" I debated whether we should keep this between us or not. "It's not important right now, I'll tell you another time." But I could tell she wasn't happy with my answer. "Fine another time. Just tell me why you cut and why would you do something like that to Dallas. I thought you would be the last person in the world to do something that rotten." She actually assumed what she heard was true? Unbelievable! I at least thought she would have some faith in me. "Look all you need to know is that I have had a hard time lately and it has nothing to do with you or Tris. As for the Dallas thing I didn't do it. If you choose to believe me that's your choice." Turning my back on them I was determined to get this glass out of my wrist. They just wouldn't go away. "Maya what are you doing with the tweezers?" Tristan asked rather scared. "I got glass in my arm last night… it's bugging the hell out of me so I'm trying to take it out." He nodded more understandingly and nudged Tori to say something. "Look I'm sorry about what I said earlier. It's just that it's been all over the place and sometimes I believe what I hear." I could tell she was making an effort for Tris's sake and that she didn't believe me completely. "Thanks." I said not knowing what else to really say to her. "It's not like I had a choice." I muttered under my breath. She gave me a confused look. "What do you mean?" I was so close to telling her everything. It was eating away at me inside, this whole blackmail thing spiraling out of control. My friends were mad at me and they didn't know what I was dealing with, heck I didn't either. But the only thing stopping me from telling her all was Brook. The less people that knew the better, it would be safer that way. Zig walked past us and interrupted me out of my thoughts. "Talking to the enemy I see." He said, earning a smack from Tori. "Shut up Zig, Maya was about to tell me something." Shaking my head I said. "Never mind." But Tori wasn't taking no for an answer. Dragging me away from the lockers she said. "I know something is going on. Tell me what you were going to say before Zig showed up." I was reaching my breaking point. Should I trust her with this, or would she go and tell someone? I couldn't decide what to do. Going with my instinct I said, "That's just it, I can't tell you. The less you know the better." Crossing her hands over her chest she huffed in frustration. "Come on Maya, it can't be that bad. Just tell me, I'm your best friend and would do anything for you. Are you in some kind of trouble?" Oh how this was agonizing. "No. Look I'm trying to protect you by not saying anything. Can't you just leave it alone Tori?" Her eyes searched mine. "I can't. I'm worried about you. Lately you have been so distant and not around very much. I miss you, the old you. I can see it; you are scared and jump whenever someone comes around the corner. It's something big I can tell, and if you won't tell me I will find out for myself what it is." As she started walking away I grabbed her arm. "Tori don't go. I want to tell you so badly; you don't know what you're getting yourself into. So I suggest you don't snoop around and try to find anything." Her expression was pleading. She could tell I was hurting and only wanted to help me. "I just want answers. You're acting weird all the time and I-I just want you to be happy again." My eyes had started to water at her statement. "Cam and I broke up." I blurted out without thinking. "WHAT!" She yelled suddenly getting angry, not at me but him. "IS HE THE REASON YOU ARE DOING THIS MAYA? CUTTING, ALWAYS ALONE? I'M GONNA KICK HIS SORRY ASS RIGHT NOW. WHERE IS THAT DOUCHE BAG?!" I loved my best friend for this but tried calming her down. "None of this is his fault. It's all mine, for getting myself in this situation. I'm in deep." I told her and let one tear fall before wiping it away. The words were about to come out of my mouth, the ones that had wanted to escape my lips all along. "Tori, you're right. Something has been going on with me and I have not been completely honest with you. It's Br-" just as the words were about to slip out of my mouth Brook walked by and gave us a little wave. God damn it, she really was everywhere. Nodding her head encouragingly I stopped mid-sentence, dropping my gaze to the floor and muttered, "Nothing, it's not important." Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. "But Maya." She insisted. I cut her off. "I have to go." I said not even giving her a chance to react.

Later That Night…

Later on that day I had served my second day of detention. I felt bad for walking away from Tori like that, and when lunch rolled around she didn't bring up the subject again which I was glad of. That night we had made plans to go watch the hockey game. Even if Cam and I weren't going out, I still wanted to go to support the team. And it might give me a chance to explain to Dallas what really did happen. Right on the dot, Tristan, Tori, and Zig were there to pick me up. "Hey guys." I said before shutting the door behind me. Tori and Tris greeted me cheerfully when I got in the car. Zig simply nodded his head at me. He was still mad and didn't think I was innocent either. But could I really blame him? I mean I wasn't giving him or anyone much to work with. "Hey M. Ready to have a fun night?" Tristan asked me in sheer excitement. "Of course." I said playfully nudging him. Upon arriving there I jump out of the car with an extra spring in my step. The little pep talk in the car had me feeling confident and even more pumped to watch the game then we already were. After Tristan's mom dropped us off we made our way into the ticket booth and showed the lady our tickets before going inside. Almost instantly spotting Dallas I told the others to go find a seat and that I would meet up with them shortly. Good, he was alone, this is your chance Maya, don't blow it.' I had to keep telling myself. Walking over to him I said, "Hey Dallas."

Dallas's P.O.V.

Even though my hand and leg were broken I was still going to attend the games. To cheer my team on and fulfill my captain duties. I would be in these casts for at least 6-8 weeks and had nothing better to do than watch. Surely I would miss playing hockey, but I would still be there for everything, offering advice here and there when the boys needed it. Personally I couldn't believe that someone as tiny as Mini Matlin would do this to me. It made no sense, she had no motive. Her boyfriend was the star player of the team aside from me and she didn't hate me either. So it still didn't add up. Eventually I would talk to her and find out what went on. And here was my chance. She was coming this way and by the looks of it she was thinking the same thing I was. But it was weird that she came here in the first place. After hearing about her and Cam's break-up I expected her to stay away but here she was proving me wrong. I felt warmth in my heart for her. Even if I should be furious with her I wasn't. Well at first I was upon hearing my condition and the person behind it. And when I saw Simpson the other day I knew he was far angrier than any of us were with her. "Hey Dallas." She says to me. I could tell she expected me to be angry, but instead I was gentle. Maya was only a niner after all and I would feel bad for yelling at her for something I think she didn't do, well without good reason anyway. "Hey Mini Matlin." I say surprising her. "How you holding up?" She asks me. "I'm fine. What are you doing here? I thought you and Cam broke up." After looking at her eyes for a few moments I knew she truly was sorry. "Yeah we did. I still wanted to come and support the team." She said waving her little flag in the air causing me to chuckle silently to myself. "Cam doesn't know that he let go of a great girl." Smiling sweetly at me she continued making conversation for a little. "I thought you wouldn't be here. In your condition and all." Shaking my head I said, "Nah, I might as well come and watch. The boys did put a lot of energy and long practices into this. Besides I want to take some of the credit after we win." Earning a laugh from Maya we looked at each other for a minute and didn't say anything. Breaking the silence she said, "Dallas I'm so so sorry. I didn't mean to do it, I was…" she didn't even finish her statement before bursting into tears. I had not expected this to happen. Her eyes filled with a sudden sadness and it broke my heart to see her like this, even if I barely knew her. "Don't cry Maya. It's okay." Shaking her head she said, "No it's not. This is my entire fault. You breaking your leg and arm was all my fault. I'm sorry." I couldn't believe it, she blamed herself, and it was just an accident I'm sure. Still, I had to convince her I wasn't mad. "Maya, I'm not mad, accidents happen. Now tell me what really happened I know you didn't do this all on your own. Who put you up to it?" I could read her like a book. "How-how did you know? I don't think I should say anything." Without her realizing it just yet she confirmed my theory that someone had forced her to do it. "Come on tell me. I promise I won't say anything to anyone if you don't want me to. I just don't want to see you take the blame." And it was true I couldn't stand to see the poor kid this sad about something she didn't want to do. "Promise?" I gave her a reassuring smile. "Pinky promise." I said holding out the smallest finger on my hand and this made her laugh. "See there is that beautiful smile. Now tell me who put you up to this?" Nodding her head she told me right away wanting to get it off her chest. "Brook Martinez. She is blackmailing me and it was one of the things I had to do for her." I couldn't believe it. What Maya was getting blackmailed? This is so messed up. And Brook, Damien's girlfriend? It made sense since he was a hockey prodigy like Cam, but really her? "What Brook is blackmailing you?! Since when?" I asked. "About two weeks." Thinking I asked, "And you didn't tell anyone?" She seemed hesitant to answer but finally did. "Tristan found out on his own, and then I told Owen. He promised to help me but she just won't leave me alone." The tears came back into her eyes. "I had no idea. So she made you do this to me and video tape the practice?" She seemed surprised that I knew about the video too. "Yeah… I didn't know that it took 10 days to break skates in. I thought she was trying to help you or something but I should have realized right then that it was a trick. Again I'm sorry for that and I thought she wanted the tape to watch your techniques or something, not do what she did with it." Waving away her apology I said, "I said it was okay, now stop saying you're sorry Mini Matlin. And I believe you; we will do everything we can to bring that bitch down." A smile crossed her face and I checked my watch to see when the game was starting. "You better get to your seat before the game starts. Don't want to miss anything." Nodding she said, "Yeah you're right. Thanks, you're pretty cool you know. Everyone thinks you're this player but I don't see it, you are just misunderstood." I locked my eyes with her for a moment and smiled. Her eyes said it all. Before leaving she waved and was wiping her tears away when brushing past Cam. He gave me a questioning look but I told him to keep walking. Watching Maya walk back to the stands I turned my attention to the team. I would tell Rookie later that he had to talk to Maya and get her back, he was missing his girl. Anyone could see that.

Author's Note: Good afternoon all. I would have gotten a head start on this chapter it's just that I was up until 1 last night writing chapter 8 and I needed my sleep. But now I will write chapter 10 right after this so it will be a double chapter kind of day. If you ever have any suggestions or ideas that could make this story better don't hesitate to tell me. Hope you enjoyed this chapter it was a pleasure to write, as any other one. Review and get ready for this next chapter. I'm trying to keep you guys guessing on what's going to happen next. Until next time!

P.S. there it is! Dallas knows that Brook is behind this, it's about time! Now Maya can get the protection she needs from that biatch we all hate so much.