"Hands up! Don't move!" A harsh voice stated behind me. I raised my hands and someone came up behind me. It was a female police officer. Two other males stood behind her, and one of them was the one that spoke. She patted me down before turning me around. She took the knife from my pocket.

"It's not mine!" I urged. "Eli and Mark. They are back there. It's Mark Fitzgerald's. My finger prints aren't on it."

"Get her medical attention." One of the police officers ordered.

Both of the men stormed down the hallway towards Eli and Fitz. The lady walked me outside, and sat me down in an ambulance. I didn't know what they thought right now. The police officer stayed by me as the EMTs worked to clean up my head. So for all I knew, they were taking me to jail. I was terrified. They fixed up my head, and told me to stay there. I saw Fitz being dragged out in hand cuffs and he was fighting the police. Eli was walked out by a policeman but he escorted him over to me. Eli made it to me by the time Fitz was shoved into a police car. When I say shoved, I mean shoved.

"Check this one out too." The policeman said. "They're both are needed for questioning after their parents are contacted."

"Are you okay?" Eli asked me.

"I'm good." I replied. He looked as if he was going to say more but a commotion on the steps of the school caught our attention.

"Lockdown's over. Everyone go home! Come on!" Mr. Simpson ordered.

He was holding the door open as all the students of Degrassi came flooding out. I saw Alli and Jenna glance in my direction and they looked really sad and worried. I bet they were probably confused for most of it. I conveniently didn't see Jake anywhere though. He never seems to be around when I need him. Typical. I saw Adam make his way over to us, as he left the school.

"So you both are alive?" Adam asked.

"I presume." Eli smirked.

"Hey, Clare. Sorry we couldn't open the door for you earlier. We heard you and it stunk that we couldn't help you. Ms. Oh and Mr. Simpson wouldn't allow it." Adam said sadly. "They said you could've been forced to say that. They didn't know what Fitz was going to do."

"It's okay. The police found me instead. They were probably more help than a gym full of students and teachers. Apparently I needed stitches." I said pointing to my head.

"The sewing club could've helped." Adam chuckled.

"Probably. But I would need a lot of antibiotics from the Nurse." I giggled.

"Hey. I gotta go. My brother is over there and he's my ride. So, see you guys Monday?" He asked.

Eli nodded and I said, "Definitely."

"Bye." He said walking away.

"You are good two are good to go." The female police officer, who escorted me out, said. "Please stick around for questioning. We will give you a ride to the station in a few minutes."

"Okay." I sighed hoping down from the ambulance. Eli hoped down next to me, and looked relieved. "Are you okay?"

"I'm good." He smirked copying my words. We started walking towards the steps of the school.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked Eli. We sat down on the front steps, watching the scene in front of us.

"Go ahead." He smirked nervously.

"Why were you so obsessed with continuing the feud? Why didn't you back down?" I asked. "Not even tonight?"

"When I was nine, there was this kid Mike. His hobby was beating me up. No matter how fast I was he was always faster." He said propping his elbow up with his knee, and rubbing his hand on his neck.

"You're not nine anymore." I sighed.

"And neither are the bullies. So what am I supposed to do?" Eli retorted meeting my gaze.

"I—I don't have the answers. But if it's this, then I can't be with you." I said. It killed me to say that but it had to be said.

"Is someone going to explain what happened?" Mr. Simpson asked, storming over. I looked up at him and he made me feel small. I didn't want to explain anything to him, but I knew I had too.

"Fitz was going to fight some kids at school. So I set off the stink bomb. When you started asking questions, I panicked—" I cut off. Fortunately, Eli finished for me.

"So, I blamed Fitz. I guess he got mad and decided to teach me a lesson." Eli lied. I knew that he was lying but I didn't want to talk to him, and let it slide.

"So you lied to me. Both of you." Mr. Simpson stated.

"Yes sir." I replied sadly. I looked down at the ground and didn't meet either of the guys' gazes. Mr. Simpson stormed off after that and Eli turned to me.

"Have you heard from your parents? Jake?" Eli asked.

"No." I said shaking my head.

I still wasn't meeting his gaze, but not on purpose this time. I was just tired, and needed actual sleep. I figured I was going to get the best sleep I've had in at least six months. Eli wrapped me in his arms, and held me close. I didn't fight it, and I didn't want to. It felt nice. I felt safe. I started dozing as Eli stroked my hair. I could hear policemen talking everywhere. I was hoping I would get to sleep soon. It was already late.

"Baby boy!" A female voice called. I looked up to see Eli's parents cutting across the 'crime scene' area that has been taped off, towards us.

"Hey, Mom. Dad." Eli said standing up. I stood up too.

"Hi Sweetie." Cece greeted me. I smiled and she continued to speak. "Are you two alright?"

"Yeah. We're fine, Mom." Eli replied.

"Alright." Cece looked at me weirdly again. I needed to ask Eli why she looked at me like that every time I see her. She turned to Eli when she spoke next. "We need to talk to the police officer. So we will be right over there, Baby boy. Hopefully we will be able to take you home soon."

"Okay Mom." Eli sighed. His parents walked away, just as two officers walked up to us. One was the female that escorted me out of the building.

"Miss Edwards? Mr. Goldsworthy?" The female police officer asked.

"Yes?" I asked.

"We need you two to come down to the station for questioning now. Mr. Goldsworthy, your parents will be coming in their own car. As for you, Miss Edwards, your parents agreed to the questioning, but they are unsure if they will be able to make it to the station." I nodded in agreement. It didn't surprise me that my parents didn't care enough to come get me after.

Eli and I stood up and followed the two police officers to the cop car. The police officer opened the back door of the police car, and I slid in. Eli followed soon after. I felt very uncomfortable sitting in the cop car. I knew that I wasn't going to jail, for now, but I was still nervous. I didn't want to relive this past week, and I didn't want to talk about it. I hoped tonight would be over soon.

The ride to the police station was quiet. I rested my head on Eli's shoulder, and started to doze again. Every time I tried to keep my eyes open, I couldn't. When we arrived, I found I had fallen asleep. Eli shook my shoulder, and we got out. They escorted us into the police station and we passed the jail cell area. I was really nervous to know if Fitz was here. I didn't want to be in the same building as Fitz, as I told them everything. I was scared.

"Mr. Goldsworthy, you will be in this room and Miss Edwards you will be in this room. The questioning shouldn't take too long." The female officer said.

She gestured to two rooms next to each other. I was really nervous. Now I wouldn't even have Eli. I figured that I would have to talk about everything by myself but I hoped still. Before I walked into the room, I glanced at Eli. He looked calm but tired.

"It'll be okay." He said. "Just tell the truth. I'll see you afterwards."

I smiled and walked into the room anxiously. The female police officer ended up being the interrogator as I sat down across from her. I rested my hands in my lap and I sat there nervously. She was sorting through some files. I didn't think we had files yet but I didn't question it.

"Miss Edwards. I am not here to judge you. I am here to get answers. Mark Fitzgerald has already been questioned and detained. So he will not know anything that you say here. Please, speak freely. I will just ask you a few simple questions and I would just like to know your side of the situation and the events leading up to tonight."

"O—Okay." I stuttered. I bit my lip. I needed Eli. I couldn't discuss the past week with a stranger. I didn't even tell my parents. How could I explain this to a stranger? Even if she is a police officer?

"No need to be nervous, Miss Edwards." She replied with a smile. "How long have you known Mark Fitzgerald?"

"Almost a year." I replied.

"When did you become involved with him?"

"Almost immediately." I stated. I really didn't want to talk at all but I wanted to leave and this seemed the best way how.

"Are you still involved with him?" She asked me.

"No. We broke up a few days ago."

"How did that go over with you?"

"Okay. He didn't like it very much." I replied honestly. I remembered how I had to break up with him twice.

"Who initiated the break up?"

"I did."

"Really? Because he said he did." I couldn't believe he was lying to the cops! Anything to get out of jail, I suppose.

"No. I did. He didn't like that I broke up with him."

"In your opinion what happened that day?"

"If you want the truth, I'll give it to you." I retorted. I was getting frustrated. Fitz was lying.

"Please continue then, Miss Edwards." She replied.

I told her about Eli and I, and how we skipped school. I told her how Fitz showed up and I left Eli to talk to Fitz. I told her how Fitz tried hurting me but I fought back and ran. I told her about the night beforehand and how I was pushed into my table at home. I told her about Fitz forcing me to sleep with him. I told her about my amnesia. I told her about how Fitz pretended we never broke up and didn't believe it. I had to hide and avoid him.

"Miss Edwards. If this is true, why didn't you contact the police when you remembered?"

"It is true. I just was scared. Fitz is really violent. He kept saying he was going to change. I—I believed him." I said heaving my breath. Trying to calm down from the sobs that tried to wrack my body.

"Miss Edwards. In your opinion. Please tell me everything that has happened to lead up to tonight." She stated.

I was hesitant at first but I really wanted to leave. I told her everything. I told her about my transfer of schools. I told her about meeting Eli and Adam in English. I told her about Eli and Fitz's feud. I told her about being partners with them and having them over my house to work. I told her about Fitz trying to break down my door on multiple occasions. I told her about how Fitz would always apologize after hurting me. I told her about my family, and them leaving. I told her about this past week. Leaving nothing out. I even told her about the cuts on my arms, and how I have bruises all over my body.

"Can you show me some of the bruises you mentioned? You mentioned the cuts on your arms and the black eye, so may I see what is left of them?" She asked. I was extremely hesitant about this, but I really wanted to leave, and be with Eli. I knew he would be waiting for me afterwards.

"I don't know if the black eye is still there. It happened almost a week ago." I stated.

"Just show me what you have." She replied.

She handed me a cup of water and a napkin. I dipped the napkin in the water and started to remove my foundation. When I could tell that there was no more left, I rolled up my sleeves of my sweater and laid my arms out on the table. She wrote something down, before meeting my gaze again.

"Miss Edwards. In your opinion. What happened tonight? Word for word?" She asked.

"Fitz and Eli have been fighting since before I started at Degrassi. When I broke up with Fitz he didn't take it very well. He ignored me for a while but then he started taking it out on Eli and Adam Torres. He slammed Adam into a locker a couple days ago, and into a door before that. Eli stood up for him, and Fitz didn't like that. He didn't like that Adam wasn't really a guy. Adam is a female-to-male transgender. I didn't know it was escalating until yesterday. Adam and Eli were going to fight Fitz, and I set off a stink bomb to try and stop the fight." I sighed, stopping from speaking, because I really didn't want to speak anymore. I was really tired.

"Please continue, Miss Edwards." She told me.

Sighing again, I continued. "Since Fitz and I broke up, I have been avoiding him. Eli asked me to go to the dance with him tonight, and I agreed. When I was getting the tickets to the dance today, Fitz found me. Adam was with me and I just needed to get Fitz to leave. He told me that he was going to harm Eli, if I didn't go to the dance with him. I accepted because I really didn't want Eli to get hurt. Then when the dance came, I tried to get Eli and Fitz to end this stupid feud, and was trying to get them to apologize to each other." I didn't know if I should mention the poisoning, but I decided anyways.

"What happened next? Miss Edwards?" She asked.

"When I had them apologize, Eli spiked Fitz's drink with ipecac. Fitz didn't like that, and he stormed off, when I found him he was getting a pocket knife out of his locker. I really nervous because I didn't know who it was for. I took off on him, and ran to find Eli. I told Adam to tell Mr. Simpson, our principal, and made sure that they knew it was serious. When I found Eli in the hallway, I told him about Fitz and the knife. I told him we needed to get out of there, but he wouldn't listen. Fitz found us, and tried to get to Eli but I was in the way. He told me I was next but I didn't leave. I couldn't."

"Miss Edwards. Do you know how serious the situation was? Why didn't you leave? Or contact a teacher to stop the fight?"

"I couldn't. I was scared and I couldn't leave him. I already told Adam, and I figured police were on their way. I just didn't want to leave Eli if he was going to die." I said tears falling from my eyes.

"Please continue Miss Edwards." She restated.

"He tried going after me, but Eli stopped him. They fought, but the knife skidded across the floor. I took it before they could, I didn't want it in the fight. Eli told me to run and get help, but Fitz grabbed my leg and made me fall. I hit my head in the process. Then I ran, to go get help and that was when the police found me." I stated. I was glad everything was out in the open. I needed to leave. I felt like I was suffocating. I really didn't want to stay here another second. I needed Eli.

"I think that is all for now. Thank you Miss Edwards. Your statement has been recorded. You may leave." She said.

She stood up and held the door for me. I walked out into the hallway and Eli was waiting for me. I was glad to see him. I was just extremely scared of what was going to happen. I was hoping that Fitz was going to go to jail. I didn't want Eli to get into trouble. I didn't want to have him hurt more because of me. I was scared.

"We haven't been able to contact your parents Miss. Do you have a way to contact them?" A police officer at the desk next to me asked.

"No. No I don't." I sighed. Of course they weren't answering. They probably weren't home. Since it is Friday they probably aren't coming home until tomorrow. They don't let us know when they don't come home, so that way we can't plan on anything.

"Do you have a ride home for now, Miss Edwards?" She asked.

"Yes." Eli nodded, standing up and walking over to me.

I smiled, and the police officer nodded. "Okay. You two are good to go."

"Ready?" Eli asked me. "My parents brought over my car."

"Yeah." I sighed. I was glad that this was over. For now at least. I figured I would be getting questioned again. I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to deal with it for a while. I walked with Eli out of the police station. I saw his car in a parking spot and we both started heading to it. "Where are your parents?"

"They left after I was done with my interrogation. I told them I was waiting to give you a ride home." He replied smirking. I was wondering if there was ever a time he didn't smirk around me.

"You didn't have to wait for me." I replied. I was grateful he did because my parents were still nowhere to be found.

"Seriously?" Eli smirked. "And how you would get home?"

"I don't know." I shrugged, making Eli laugh. "Only you could laugh, after getting questioned by the police and nearly killed." I smiled at him.

We made it to the car, and I slid into the passenger seat. He climbed in behind the wheel, starting the car. He didn't speak and just looked out the windshield. I could tell he wanted to say something but he didn't. After a few moments, he sighed and started to speak.

"How many stitches did you get?" He asked nervously.

"Four." I replied.

"You should've left when I told you to." He sighed.

"I'm glad I stayed. I wouldn't have been able to go anywhere. The gym was closed off before he found us. Plus he was going to kill you. I couldn't leave you." My voice was a whisper. I couldn't speak louder, and I looked at my hands in my lap while speaking.

"Hey. I'm alive because you stayed. I just don't like seeing you get hurt because of me. Especially by him." Eli said. I looked up at him, through my hair, and noticed him looking at me. We had pulled out onto the road, and heading towards our houses.

"He can't hurt me anymore. Thanks to you." I said smiling at him. He smirked back at me, before turning back to the road.

"So, is anyone home for you right now?" Eli asked, breaking the silence.

"I doubt it. My mother and stepfather are probably gone tonight, and Jake probably went out with Marisol." I replied sadly.

"Okay." He said. He was really curt with his reply, and I was wondering what he was thinking. I let it go, and glanced out the window. I didn't notice the street we were on.

"Where are we going?" I asked. "This street doesn't look familiar."

"My house. You can't be alone right now." He replied looking at me. "Plus I'd be worried about you the whole time."

A few moments later we pulled up to his house. I didn't really know what to say. I didn't want to be alone. I would probably call him, and we would probably stay up all night talking again. Why not be in the same room? I got out of the car, and followed him towards his house. He opened the front door and held it for me, and we walked into the living room. His parents weren't there this time, but I did see their car in the driveway. They probably went to sleep already.

We walked up to his room, and I sat down on the bed. Seeing his room again, brought back everything from the past week I was trying to ignore. I leaned back on the bed, and stared out the window that was there. The curtains were open this time, and I focused on the moon that was high in the sky, coming through the clouds. Eli laid down next to me, pulling me to him. His arms wrapped around me from behind, and I leaned my head on his chest. We were both staring out the window, both remaining silent. We remained silent for a little while, until I couldn't handle it anymore. I had to say something, anything, to get this awkward silence to go away.

"The stars are out." I said staring out the window. The clouds were finally clearing from the sky.

"What's your wish?" He asked me.

"If I say it out loud, it won't come true." I teased smiling.

"How cheesy would it be if I said mine already has?" He questioned, sounding completely serious. I smiled. I didn't know how to respond, so I didn't. "You're safe Clare. You can sleep." He repeated his words, from a couple days ago, to me again.

With those words, I started to doze off. I knew I was safe. I knew Fitz couldn't bother me again. I knew I was safe with Eli. He would keep me safe. I knew I could sleep and have no worries. I knew I could forget about everything tonight, and have a dreamless sleep. Tomorrow I would have to face the world. Tomorrow I would have to worry about my family and Fitz's possible trial. Tomorrow I would have to worry about Fitz possibly going free. But that's tomorrow's problem. For now, I'll sleep.