DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Wizards Of Waverly Place or its characters. Those rights belong to Disney and associates. I am NOT making any monetary profit this.

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been busy working erratic hours again, and my mother and little sister went to Mexico for a week and I had to "man the field"...? Is that what you call it? I am the second in command in my house, like the second mother, and so I have to take care of my younger brother. (Like I have been doing since he was born.) Which I shouldn't have to watch for him, since he's fourteen going on fifteen, but it's one of the worst ages for teenage boys, so... yeah... Here's the next chapter! =)

Someone To Save Me

Elm Treigh

11.

Dean had arrived at the door of the Russo home. He was contemplating his next move. What would be the best thing to do? Apologize to Alex first and then demand an explanation? Or forget the apology and go straight to the point? After all, there wasn't much he could do for an apology. Alex would be sure to make the situation difficult for him with or without an "I'm sorry." He might as well get this over with.

He took a deep breath, trying to find courage within himself. He lifted his hand, balled it into a first and tapped on the door lightly. The door opened. He was met by Max.

"Dean?" Came a female voice from behind Max.

Dean didn't wait for an invite. He stalked right in and froze. He suspected Carmen was hiding out at the Russo home; what he didn't expect was to see her sitting on the couch, wearing pajamas, Justin's hand on her knee, Carmen's hands in Alex's hands, and worst of all, her face was bruised and she was on the verge of tears.

"Carmen? What the hell happened?" He asked incredulously as he rushed to her side.

Carmen couldn't hold back the tears any longer. She was already emotional with the obvious caring Justin, Max, and Alex were displaying; with the guilt she felt for wanting to spill the beans on her only family, and the shame she felt for the way she looked. And now the one person she didn't want to see her battered face, her misty eyes, and seeing her feel so pitiful, had just waltzed in. Great. Could this morning get any better?

She could feel Justin scoot closer to her, preparing himself to hold her, but it was Dean that pulled her and engulfed her in his strong arms. Both Alex and Justin glared at Dean. Alex for her reasons and Justin for his. Max, however, had closed and locked the door, and had sat down at the arm chair closest to the door. He made himself comfortable, awaiting to watch the problems unfold and ready to interfere when a solution was required.

"What happened?" Dean repeated, pulling away from the hold and placing his hands on her face; occasionally tilting her face up, down, left, and right to inspect the injuries, and wiping the tears away with his thumbs. "These aren't the only bruises are they?" Carmen shook her head, Dean's hand moving along with it. Dean clenched his jaw.

Carmen had no choice but to stare into his eyes. Dean's hold of her face was firm but gentle. She put her hands over his, since Alex had released her hold on hers, and carefully removed them from his hold. She placed his hands on his lap, her hands covering them momentarily, before she leaned back, away from Dean and toward Justin. Justin didn't hesitate. He quickly enveloped Carmen in his arms. Carmen closed her eyes, and sighed appeased. She needed Justin's strength. She opened her eyes and a new wave of guilt arose inside of her as she saw the pained and offended look that appeared on Dean's face. She didn't mean to hurt his feelings.

She inhaled and exhaled slowly, readying herself for the explanation she knew she had to give. She didn't want to, of course, but there was nowhere she could run and escape to. She was surrounded by people that loved her and cared about her safety. All they wanted was to know the truth so that they could help her.

It was now or never. Especially since never is no longer an option.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"Hello, Marty? I need you to do something for me," Jesse said. He had washed up, head still throbbing but he already took some Excedrin for that and decided it was time to call his "people" to assist him in his search for Carmen.

He had mulled things over with a much clearer mind since his epiphany and decided it was time to teach Carmen a lesson his way. He did consider bringing in the authorities, keeping it legal so that nothing could be pinned on him. But that would take too long. This would be quicker and easier.

"What can I do for you, Jesse?" Marty replied.

"I need you to find someone for me."

"Sure thing. Who you looking for?"

"My baby sister. She ran away last night."

"You know where she might be?"

"I might."

"You need me to do anything... specific?" Marty asked, reading between the lines of Jesse's intentions.

"No. Just find her and let me know where she's at," Jesse growled. "I'll take care of the rest."

"You got it. But it ain't gonna come cheap."

"No problem. Just find her and do not touch her, Marty. I mean it. She's my little sister," He warned menacingly.

"Would I ever disobey you, Jesse?" Marty answered, sounding a little offended.

Jesse paused, then said, "I know you, Marty. Just do as I say. Here's where you can look."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Dean felt a little hurt to see Carmen wrapped in Justin's arms. But what hurt more was that she chose to be in Justin's arms. He had seen Carmen was developing a closeness to Justin but he hadn't thought it was this close and this soon. He supposed he shouldn't be too upset. As long as Carmen is happy and safe. That's all that truly mattered.

"I don't think it's a good idea I involve any of you," Carmen whispered after a while.

Dean, Justin, Max, and Alex all stared at one another confused at the statement. Could helping Carmen really endanger their safety? Should they be as anxious and nervous as Carmen appeared to be? Was her brother as dangerous as was implied? They saw the bruises. They saw and heard the slight fear Carmen inhabited. Should they be afraid too?

"It doesn't matter," Dean spoke. "I'm here for you Carms. I'll always be here for you." He placed a hand on her knee to emphasize his statement.

Alex stared at Justin, a hint of fear and uncertainty in her eyes. Justin responded the only way he knew how. He held Carmen closer to him and kissed the top of her head.

"We're all here for you Carmen. We won't let anything happen to you. I promise I won't let anything happen to you," He answered staring at Alex when he made his promise. He meant it. He won't let anything happen to Carmen, Alex, or Max, or even Dean. He could help them all. He could take care of them all.

Carmen hesitated, but resigned. She hoped that by giving them a subtle warning, that they would see, they would understand, that they should stay away. It was for their own good. But she couldn't deny that she liked the feeling of safety she received when she was in their presence.

She made the decision right then and there that if the Russo's and Dean were going to be brave than so should she. No more hiding. No more running. She needed to take the bull by the horns and cow tip the sucker. Or something to that effect.

"For the past few months, since I moved to Waverly Place, New York, and moved in with my brother Jesse," She squeaked his name. "I've been... He's been... hurting me." She finished lamely.

"What? Who's been hurting you?" Justin asked, unsure whether he heard right. He thought he heard her say her brother was the one that was beating her. That couldn't be right.

"Jesse," Carmen whispered.

"Your brother Jesse? He's the one that's been hurting you? He's the one that did this to you?" Alex asked, astounded, as she gently caressed the bruise on Carmen's cheek.

Carmen nodded, sadly, as new tears poured down her cheeks. Dean stood abruptly, and paced back and forth behind them, jaw and fists clenched tightly and dangerously.

"Why? Why would he hurt you?" Max asked.

"I don't know," Carmen confessed. "He's never hurt me before. The first time he hit me, he was drunk."

"It was the time you said you fell out of the shower wasn't it?" Dean said.

"Yes," Carmen replied, hanging her head in shame.

"I knew it! I knew you were lying!" Dean yelled punching the air viciously. "And the time you missed school?"

"That was him too. But he wasn't drunk that time. I didn't understand why he..." Carmen trailed.

The room went silent, aside from Dean's angry breathing. Carmen's truth had silenced them all. Each were disgusted and shocked. Alex, especially, couldn't understand it. Carmen's brother? Her brother was the culprit? He hit her? She didn't understand.

"I don't understand," She thought aloud. "Why would he hurt you? Did you do something to―"

"Alex!" Both Dean and Justin warned. Alex shrank from the two.

Carmen shrugged but attempted an analysis, nonetheless, "I honestly don't know. I had been wondering his motives since the second time he hit me." She answered Alex, and decided to get into it further. "The first time he hit me was the first day I met you guys." She looked at Justin, Alex, and Max. "Remember? He called me and asked me to come home?" They nodded. "Well, once I got home, he gave me a huge lecture, then made me some food, then left. But that same night, he came home drunk. He took one look at me and next thing I know, I was on the floor. I thought I did something I shouldn't have. I thought it was all my fault. So, the next day, to make it up to him for what ever it was I did, I made him breakfast and lunch, like I do every morning since I've moved in, and left to school before he was awake. Now that I think about it. He beat me that day, too. It was the day you walked me home Dean." She looked at Dean.

"You think he saw you with Dean?" Alex asked, also staring at Dean.

"I don't know. Probably," Carmen said trying to remember if he had or hadn't, then nodded. "Yes, he did."

Dean stopped pacing. He stared into the distance. An anguished guilt and shamed look spread across his face and overcame him. It was his fault. She was hurt the second time because her brother saw him with her. If he hadn't of walked her home that day, then maybe the first time he struck her would have been the only time. If he had let her walk home alone, she would have arrived on time, and the abuse would not have continued.

"I'm sorry," He finally whispered.

Carmen, Justin, Alex, and Max all stared at Dean. What? Why was Dean sorry? He didn't do anything. All he had ever done was try to be there for Carmen. Make up for lost time. All he did was try to look out for Carmen and protect her like he felt obligated to. He was a good friend. He was like a brother. He shouldn't blame himself.

Carmen unfolded Justin's arms, stood, and walked toward Dean. She stood in front of him and stared into his eyes. Tears swelled in her eyes. Tears swelled in his eyes. They held each other's gaze. An unspoken understanding sparked between the two and suddenly, Carmen was consoling Dean. She hugged him tightly. Justin and Alex shifted in their seats uncomfortably.

"Dean. You didn't do anything," Carmen soothed. "This is... If anyone's to blame, it's me."

"It's not your fault, either," Justin corrected. Carmen smiled, appreciatively at him, and shrugged.

"It doesn't matter who's fault it was," Max stated. "What matters is that it doesn't happen again."

"Max is right," Alex agreed, to Max's surprise. "We need to do something about this. We need to tell someone. Call the police or―"

"No," Carmen interjected. "We can't involve the police."

"Carmen, we have to," Justin said.

"He's right, Carms," Dean seconded.

"No. We don't," Carmen insisted almost pleadingly. "If we involve the authorities then Social Services would be involved too, and that means I could be taken away to live with some relatives in Mexico or Spain. I don't have family in America, remember? I don't want to leave."

Alex, Max, Dean, and Justin's eyes widened at Carmen's desperate plea.

"Is that why you haven't told anyone your brother's been hurting you? Because you're afraid to leave?" Justin asked.

Carmen hung her head, ashamed, and nodded. "Yes. It is."

Dean put his hand on her shoulder. Justin mimicked the gesture and placed his hand over hers. Max and Alex stared at Carmen sympathetically. They had no idea Carmen was enduring so much pain because she wanted to stay in New York with them. It couldn't possibly be for Jesse. No one would stand that much abuse unless they were blinded by love and, although, everyone in the room knew Carmen loved her brother dearly, even she had a breaking point. No, her reason for withstanding the daily beatings could not be for her brother. It had to be for them.

"We don't want you to leave either," Max whispered. Everyone agreed. "But..."

"But we want you to be safe and not hurt," Alex finished. Again, everyone agreed.

Carmen pouted, "Fine." She whispered defeated. "I'll call my Social Worker, Ms. Libowics. She gave me her number in case I needed her."

Everyone let out a breath they hadn't realized they were holding. Each having disturbing feelings of what this decision would mean. What this decision would mean to them.

For Justin, it meant he could or would be separated from Carmen. The girl he cared so much about. The girl that could possibly have been the girl of his dreams. The girl he could see himself falling in love with. It meant he would have to sacrifice that possibility so that she could be safe again. That would be worth it. She would be worth it. He determined.

For Max, it meant losing a good friend and losing a future sister-in-law. That was the direction he could see Carmen and Justin's relationship would lead. He smiled at the thought. Another sister. She would have been his sister. A kinder sister. What a shame.

For Alex, it meant finally getting rid of the only other competition she had for Dean's heart. It meant getting rid of the ugly green monster that inhabited inside of her. But it also meant losing a good friend. Carmen was a good friend, in spite of everything Alex had done to her or how she treated her, Carmen was still a good friend. A sister. She could have been a close friend that would be like a sister to her. It meant a broken heart for her brother, Justin. Carmen leaving meant a bittersweet relief.

For Dean, it meant losing his best friend for the second time. It meant losing the first girl he ever truly loved. It meant saying good bye to the past for good. But most importantly, it meant losing a piece of himself. Carmen and he had history, that much was true. They loved each other in their own way. They had always been drawn to one another from the moment they laid eyes on one another. They were connected and in tune with each other and they would always be. But her departure would strain him in ways he doesn't even know. He'll miss her terribly. More so than ever. But her happiness and safety will be foremost in his life. It will always be the most important thing in his life.

As for Carmen, it meant losing her past― the Dean she knew when she was a kid, the brother she loved, and losing the present― Max, the little brother she never had, Alex, the sister she never had, and Justin, the boy she'll never have the chance to love. The boy she was deeply infatuated with. The boy that became her blankie. She'll lose more of herself this time than she had when she lived in California because this time, there was more love to lose. But they wanted her unharmed. They wanted her suffering to come to a definite end. They loved her enough to ask her to leave the pain behind, rather than stay and endure the abuse that not only hurt her, but would also be hurting them knowing it was hurting her. She knew they couldn't nor wouldn't be able to live with themselves if they allowed such a thing. She'd feel the exact same way if it were her. She understood they loved her enough to let her go.

She sighed. She did feel loved but she also felt resigned. She stared at each person in the room that cared for her, in the eye. She gave them each their own meaningful look; giving each their own message, before picking her phone up from the end table, where she had left it, and scrolled down to Ms. Libowics' number. She pressed the SEND button. She could hear the the line ringing.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Marty had gone to Dean Moriarty's place first. Jesse had mentioned the kid looked familiar but was unable to identify him. He was sure Dean was a friend of the family when he still lived in California, but that was as far as his memories lead. However, he figured Dean's place would be the best bet.

"Carmen's never said this, but I know this kid is important to her. Go there first. If she's not there, then follow the boy. Wherever he goes, she'll most likely be there too." Marty recalled Jesse's words.

Which was exactly what Marty did. He watched as Dean walked out of his home, a determined look on his face. He walked rather swiftly as if in a hurry to be wherever it was he was going before he lost his nerve. Marty followed him as stealthy as he could manage, being sure to be discreet. He'd hide when Dean would turn. He'd act as another pedestrian when he was within view of his prey.

He stalked after him toward the Waverly Sub Station. He pursued him all the way to the back entrance of the building, and up a flight of stairs. Marty stared after the space Dean occupied moments ago. He smirked and dialed Jesse's number. He found him. He found her.

"You found her?" Answered Jesse.

"Yes. Waverly Sub Station." Marty answered smugly.

"That's the Russo sandwich shop, right?" Jesse questioned.

"I believe so. He's probably gone to see his little girlfriend Alex Russo. Sources tell me they are practically joined by the hip, up until a few months ago." Marty informed.

"Ya think?" Jesse responded sarcastically. "I'm on my way. I'm a few blocks away. I'll transfer your payment onto your account as always. Meanwhile, try to be sure no one leaves until I get there."

"That wasn't part of the deal. How am I―"

"Don't question me! Just let me know if anyone leaves!" Jesse spat impatiently. "I'm almost there. Relax, Marty." And he hung up.

Marty put his phone away, frowning at Jesse's rudeness. He looked at the flight of stairs, and stared upwards. What ever the little sister did to Jesse had him in a fury. He hoped she'd be OK. Poor thing. He thought. She sure has it coming.

He slithered away from the building, feeling regret for involving himself with Jesse Santiago. He decided he would go to work and await the notification of the wire transfer of his dirty money.

He dislike having to do freelance "P.I." work for someone like Jesse Santiago, but he needed the money to support his family. He'll just have to go home and wash away the filthy guilt he always felt after "helping" Jesse, and maybe play some ball with his son.

"One thing's for sure," He said to himself. "I'm not doing anymore jobs for Jesse. Something ain't right with this, and I ain't doing it anymore."

He was just rounding the corner toward the exit of the building, when he heard a car screech angrily near by. Must be Jesse. That was sure quick. He must be in a real hurry to get to his sister. That was Marty's cue to leave. He paced away from the stairs further, glad to avoid Jesse, and slithered out the way he came in.

He caught sight of the menacing scowl on Jesse's face and winced. He had never in the times he's worked for Jesse seen him look so dangerous. He hoped the younger Santiago would be alright. Maybe he should stay and make sure Jesse doesn't do anything too drastic or illegal. No. He was already too involved for his own liking and he did not want his family roped into this either. He quickly left the building behind him, saying a silent prayer for the little sister, and was out of sight in moments.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Finally! Finally he'll have his chance at revenge against the one person that brought back all those horrible feelings. If it hadn't been for his parents death, which he's come to realize he no longer cared too much about anymore, he wouldn't have been stuck with his baby sister. And if it hadn't been for the fact that she had their father's eyes and their mother's features and if she had let him do what he had wanted, then none of this would be happening right now.

Foolish girl! She better not have said anything to these Russo's or this Dean guy. She'll be punished tenfold than usual for disobeying him.

He made it to the door. He leaned in to hear for any signs of Carmen spewing the truth. At first he heard nothing, and he was slightly relieved, then he heard Carmen speak. Sounded like she was on the phone with someone. The vision of the bossy Social Worker, Ms. Libowics, appeared and his anger intensified, if that were possible.

He banged on the door. "CARMEN!" He yelled. "CARMEN I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE! OPEN THE DOOR!"

He heard Carmen gasp, and someone say, "Quick! Let's get you out of here!".

Oh no they don't! He thought as he kicked the door down.

A/N: There you have it! Hope you like it! The next chapter will probably be the last chapter. I'm not sure. I haven't decided. Enjoy, either way! ;p