Well shit...I didn't think anyone would actually read the first chapter haha. I guess I have to post this one now, just so ScottyBgood gets to know what happens next. I've already had this one written out and there's one more chapter after this but I wasn't sure if anyone would actually read it. Thanks for reviewing, Scotty, it means a lot. On with the story!

'Wait here.' I say, then go out into the hallway. The bell rings as I'm walking out, Vega arriving at her locker moments later. Before she could open it, I grab her wrist. Surprisingly, she lets me lead her to the closet.

'Cat?' Vega seems surprised to see her.

'Hi Tori.' Cat says, her usual chipper tone replaced by a sad one.

'Is something wrong, Cat?' Vega asks, genuine concern lacing her words.

'That's part of why we're here, Vega.' I say, my voice softer than she's probably used to.

Cat starts tearing up, so I pull her into another hug. 'What's wrong, Tori?'

'What do you mean, Cat?' Vega asks, looking at me with a confused expression.

'If this is what you've resorted to, it's gotta be bad. You can tell us, Vega.' My tone surprises me because I actually sound concerned.

Cat stops crying but keeps hugging me. 'Jade used to do it too...'

Vega's eyes widen and she looks at me. 'Jade...?'

I take a deep breath and start explaining. 'When we were little, Cat's family was a mess. Her parents were always drunk and when her dad's drunk, he's probably the biggest asshole in the world. He would beat Cat and her mom pretty much every night. Since we live so close, she'd climb through my window and stay with me.'

I get choked up and stop. Vega keeps listening and doesn't say anything.

It's Cat's turn to hold me and she continues. 'Jade's family wasn't much better than mine. They were harsh, yeah, the only difference was they were never home. They're still never around...'

Cat stops and looks at me questioningly. I nod slowly, telling her to keep going.

'Both of our families were like that for years. On the odd occasion my dad caught me before I could sneak out, Jade was all alone. That's always been the one thing she's genuinely terrified of, being alone. About two years ago, we both came to terms with our sexuality. Jade's gay and I'm bisexual. Our parents were livid...my dad beat me worse than he ever has before. I went to Jade's house right after, beaten and bloody as I was, and her father just yelled at me; saying "I DON'T HAVE A DAUGHTER!" before slamming the door in my face. I sent Jade a text asking where she was and she said she was at the park. When i got there...' Cat stops and starts rubbing soothing circles on my back. I'm crying, remembering that day. My parents disowned me, my best friend almost got beaten to death by her father...that was the worst time of my life.

'You don't have to continue...' Vega starts, but I shake my head.

'When my dad disowned me, I packed my stuff and ran. I didn't know where I was going, but I ended up in the park Cat and I would go to when things got too rough at home. I took out a pair of scissors and just started slashing, wanting nothing more than for the world to just fade away. Before I blacked out, I remember telling Cat I was in the park. Cat must've found me because the next thing I knew, I was in the hospital. It took me a week to recover and Cat never left my side. I had Cat through that...you won't get through it alone.' I sigh and look at Cat, letting her know I was calm again.

'Will you let us help you, Tori?'

Whoa...MAJOR editing on this one and even then it's probably horrible. I guess that's the price of trying new things, can't be good at something the first time you try it. The next one will be the last one for this Jori fic. Time to take more notes, right?