Author's Note: Thanks as usual to maddiejean95, CSI Encyclopedia, pinkpiglett1996 & grangehillover for reviewing the last chapter! You four are amazing and are what keep me continuing this story. I was gonna upload this in the morning but I didn't see why I couldn't put it up now.

Danni x

"Pandora listen to me." I took my hands away from my face and gripped the blazer that I had been holding all day, "I am here to help you. I can tell that there is something wrong and everyone who has spoken to me has only told me because we are worried about you."

"Really?" I turned my head so I looked Miss in the eye.

"Of course. If Max is hurting you in any way, Mr Mead and I will do everything we can to help you. We're here to help."

"Will he find out? If he does, I can't be on my own with him."

"Well we'll sort something out. After school, you can come back to mine with me and tell me then. Can you tell him that you will be at a friends?"

"I suppose. Can you ring Karla's mum and tell her?"

"Of course I will. I'll do it now." Miss went to get her mobile out of her pocket and called Karla's mum and explained the situation. I could hear what was being said but only because I was sat next to Miss. Karla's mum sounded very concerned for me and was happy to go ahead with the plan. All we now needed to do was tell Karla. Miss Mason rung Mr Budgen and asked him to send Karla to her office.

We heard a knocking on the door and I jumped, fearing it was Mr Tyler.

"It's alright Pandora. It'll only be Karla. Come in!" Karla then entered the room and the first thing she saw was Pandora looking like she had been crying. Miss then explained that Pandora is coming with her after school but she will be telling Mr Tyler that she is coming home with Karla for a while. Karla is more than happy to agree to this and I gave her a hug in thanks. I tell her that if she has any trouble with anyone, she comes to me and I will at least listen.

"Right. It's nearly home time so Pandora, go back and get your bag whilst I distract Max here and tell him you're with Karla. I'll come find you when he's gone."

"I'll be either with Miss Haydock or in the toilets. Thanks Miss." I gave the first genuine smile to her in a while and she returned it. I left the office and went back to my french classroom. Miss Haydock was on her computer when I walked back in to get my bag. She asked if I was alright and I said that Miss Mason just wanted to know how I was settling in. I grabbed my bag and went to the toilets, mainly sorting my hair and make-up. The wait for her seemed like an eternity but she peeked through the door and called me over.

We pulled up to her house and I got out of the car. When we got in, she asked if I wanted a drink of anything and I said that water will be fine. She double checks that I'm sure but I agree.

"Okay. So what's been going on between you and your dad? You can take as much time as you want don't worry."

I thought about how I was going to start but I remembered that I had my bruise on my arm. I moved my blazer and showed her the bruise before explaining, "On the first day, he grabbed my arm and threw me against the wall before going to school on his own. That's why I was late. I tried to cover it up with make-up the next morning but he then told me to say that I had banged it on his car so I did." I took a deep breath, trying to fight back both my tears and the memories playing right in front of me whilst Miss put her hand on my back rubbing it up and down in encouragement, "Then there was all that with Karla's mum and..." That's when we heard the door bell. Rachel ignored at first to let me finish, "but he then..." Then the door bell rung again.

"Let me go get this and then we'll talk further." She walked out of the room and went to answer the door. The way to the hallway was an arch with no door. I sat with my back to the wall separating the hallway and the living room and hoped it was a delivery or something.

"Max." I took a deep breath as I tried to calm myself down. Did he know I was here or was he here for something else?

"What gives you the right to interfere in my personal life?" He sounded angry with Miss. My hands started shaking as I knew that this wasn't going to turn out well.

"This isn't the time so.."

"Who the hell do you think you are? You stick your nose into my business when it suits you and you criticize me?"

"Hang on, I have every right to express my concern because she is my friend. Now if you have nothing to hide I apologize but..." I could hear Miss try to shut the door but Sir wouldn't have it. He kept forcing the door open, using his strength as an advantage.

"It's a little late for apologies."

"It's a little late for you to come round here threatening me so if you don't mind..."

"I bloody mind alright!" I heard him force the door open, Miss cry out in fear and then her trying to keep calm. The last thing we both wanted was for Max to think we are afraid of him. I could feel tears falling down my face as I could hear Miss being threatened by my dad but I was too scared to do anything about it.

"Max. Get out of my house or I'll call the police."

"Don't play the victim Rachel. It doesn't suit you." He then turned around and left. I heard Miss lock the door behind him and it sounded as if she was crying even though that wasn't surprising bearing in mind what had just happened. I was still paralyzed to the spot after just hearing what had happened. I let the sobs escape and Miss joined me in the next room and whispered in my ear, "I'm so sorry Pandora. I'm so so sorry."

I know that what Max said in the last scene is not 100% correct but I don't think that matters too much. You get the idea.

Danni x