"Fine. We'll take you back to the dorm for a little while so you can shower and get some rest. But I'd much rather be near you to make sure you're all right."

"You mean so you can keep an eye on me to make sure I don't run off and screw up again."

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to!" Raleigh snapped. She didn't know if it was the fact that she was tired and aggravated or if her mother really bothered her that much, but she felt the need to defend herself. She'd known her mother long enough to know the hidden meaning behind her words. "You've been waiting for me to screw up again ever since Josh came home for the summer. Well congratulations, Mom. You're daughter is a big fuck up. Are you happy now?"

Keith knew his wife was about to blow up on their daughter so he decided it'd be best to intervene before punches were thrown. He'd seen fights between the two women more times than he cared to acknowledge. The hospital was not the place for another one. And as much as he knew Raleigh was telling the truth, he couldn't take sides.

"That's enough!" Keith's boisterous voice was enough to stop the feud and gain their attention. "Raleigh, watch your language. Deborah, she's an adult now. She can live her life however she chooses so I suggest you stop trying to control it."

"I'm sorry, but who is it paying for her tuition and giving her a three-hundred dollar allowance each month so she doesn't have to work? As long as it's our money keeping her here, she still has to do as we say."

"You mean as you say."

"Raleigh, I swear to God if you say one more word I'm going to slap that smartass right out of your mouth."

Crossing her arms across her chest, Raleigh decided to challenge her mother. She wouldn't dare hit her in front of Dan. Especially not while she was in the hospital.

"You should never swear to God. Isn't that what you always told me?" Raleigh watched as her mother's face hardened and she saw her quickened pulse ticking in her locked jaw. For a frightening moment Raleigh thought she might actually hold good to her word and slap her across the face, regardless of where they were or who was in the room. Then Autumn walked in carrying a bag with Raleigh's clothes in it and she could breathe again. Her mother's attention, for the moment, was now directed at the chirpy blond announcing that Raleigh no longer had to wear the drafty, ugly hospital gown.

Stopping mid-stride, Autumn cut her sentence short when she noticed the strong hostility in the room.

"Thanks Autumn. Can you help me to the bathroom? My legs still kinda feel like jello." Raleigh cut the uncomfortable silence and put her arm around Autumn as she stumbled to the bathroom to change.

As Autumn helped Raleigh in the bathroom, the nurse came to the room and told her parents they could go fill out the release forms. When Raleigh was done changing, she and Autumn went back and sat on her bed, waiting for her release.

Dan noticed how Raleigh was avoiding his gaze and he couldn't help but to hope it was out of embarrassment for how she and her mother were towards one another. When Raleigh had actually spoken of her mother, all she'd ever said was they weren't as close as she and her father were. Even when he'd spoken to Deb he'd had no idea things were that bad between them. When Deb and Keith re-entered the room, the resentment emanating from Raleigh was so strong Dan felt exhausted having only witnessed it.

"Can I go now?" Keith looked at his youngest child and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Soon. Doctor Richards wants to speak with you first."

"Ok." Raleigh agreed but she didn't really understand why. He couldn't tell her anything she didn't already know. All she wanted to do was to go back to the dorm, lay in her bed and get some more, much needed, sleep that was hopefully void of any nightmares. She was sick and tired of fighting. Tired of fighting off her feelings of fear that Effron might show up again, fighting her mother because she could never trust her. She was just so sick of everything at this point.

Couldn't everyone just leave her alone?

After about ten more minutes of waiting, Richards finally came into the room to speak with Raleigh. He told her just to take it easy for the next few days and get as much rest as possible, which of course she knew. He tore off a piece of paper from his clipboard and began to hand it to Raleigh.

"Now, I don't think you'll need it, but if you get uncomfortable or get any more pain in your face, just take some of this and lie down for a little while. Its of a very low dosage but it will help. Your bruises are healing quite nicely so like I said, you might not need anything."

Before Raleigh could take the prescription from the doctor her mother ripped it out of his hand.

"I don't think she'll be needing that."

Gritting her teeth, Raleigh tried not to stand up and rip the paper out of her mother's hands. "Excuse me, but I believe that decision is my own to make, Mother."

"And I might agree with you if you weren't in here because you overdosed on drugs."

"I'm not a fucking pill-popper and you might know that if you paid even a tiny bit of attention or interest in my life!" It took everything Raleigh had not to punch her mother right in the face. She'd taken a lot of things from her throughout the years, but if Deb thought for one second Raleigh was going to take her calling her an addict right to her face, in front of a friend and her new boyfriend, she was seriously mistaken.

"Ok, look, I just want to get Raleigh out of here, you guys can work out whatever problems you have then. Ok?" When Raleigh and Deb nodded their understanding, Doctor Richards continued to tell Raleigh he wanted to see her again at the end of the week if she didn't have a doctor of her own. He proceeded to tell her to be very careful and gave her his personal cell phone number if she needed anything at all.

Keith and Dan thanked him and shook his hand, then they finally began to exit the hospital.

"Dan, you don't mind taking us to the dorm so we can drop off Raleigh, do you?"

"Of course not, sir."

"Dan, please, call me Keith." He gave him a warm smile that Dan couldn't help but to return.

"Keith." He nodded at the older man.

"Daddy, you don't need to make Dan bring you all the way to the dorm. Autumn drove so I can just go back with her and you can go back to Dan's and get some sleep."

Keith put his arm around Raleigh and she immediately wrapped hers around his waist, snuggling into his warmth. "you sure?"

"Positive. I'll call you later. Maybe we can go get some dinner or something." Raleigh's voice dropped and Keith noticed she'd closed her eyes as she leaned against him for support.

"I would like that, but first you need to get some more sleep."

"I'm not tired." She mumbled as a yawn came out of her mouth, causing him to let out a chuckle.

"Sure you're not." Raleigh hugged her father and kissed him on the cheek when they were saying goodbye. She did the same with Dan, but when it came to her mother she just looked at her, said a cold goodbye and turned away to get into Autumn's car.

As soon as they were back in their dorm room, Raleigh turned to Autumn. "Tell me the truth. How bad is it?"

Autumn didn't have to ask what she meant. She knew she was asking about the bruises on her face. She tried to smile as encouragingly as she could but failed miserably. "It looks fine." Raleigh gave her a look as if calling her bluff and Autumn sighed, going further into the room while taking off her jacket. "It's still really dark but it looks a lot better than it did two days ago. Besides, you can probably cover most of it with some of my amazing cover-up skills."

Raleigh gave Autumn a small smile before turning to her dresser. "I have to take a shower so I guess I might as well get it over with." Grabbing a fresh pair of pajamas, Raleigh went into the bathroom and started the shower. After undressing, she stepped under the stream of hot water, unable to stand the grimy feeling on her hair and skin any longer.

As she stood there under the hot water, she closed her eyes and tried to relax, but she couldn't. Every time she closed her eyes he was there, touching her, feeling her, hurting her...raping her over and over. Even the droplets of water running down her body felt like his hands on her, burning their imprints onto her flesh. She felt dizzy and nauseous. Opening her eyes, Raleigh looked at the light bruises on her wrists from where he'd held her so tight. They weren't as bruised as she was sure her face was but they still were visible, they still hurt. Although she was sure the pain was more mental than physical.

When Raleigh felt the first set of sobs wrack her body she couldn't help but to be glad she was alone. She didn't want people to feel sorry for her, she didn't want their pity because something horrible happened to her that happened to girls everyday. But most of all, she didn't want to seem weak for crying over something that she was sure she could have prevented from happening.

As she cried harder and harder, she slowly slid down the shower wall into a heap on the floor. She sat there long after her tears had stopped mixing with the shower water and it had run ice cold. But the cold of the water wasn't enough to make her move. She only snapped out if it when she heard Autumn's worried banging on the bathroom door.

Standing up, Raleigh turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around her body as she stepped out. Going to the door, she opened it a crack and peered out into Autumn's worried eyes.

"I'm sorry, I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah." She nodded. "I'll be out in a minute."

"Ok."

After closing the door, Raleigh was sure to lock it. As she stood in front of the mirror, she lifted her hand and wiped away the condensation, slowly revealing her reflection. She stood there for a few seconds just staring at her discolored skin.

How could he have done this to her?

As a tear rolled down her cheek, Raleigh could feel the bile rise in her throat. Turning away from her distorted reflection, Raleigh kneeled in front of the toilet just in time to wretch up the little food she'd eaten at the hospital.

When her stomach was finally empty, she flushed the toilet and rinsed it down. After thoroughly brushing her teeth and rinsing with mouthwash, Raleigh finished drying off and got dressed. After running a brush through her hair, she opened the door and went over to her bed.

"Gonna crash?"

"Yeah." Raleigh mumbled as she fell into her sheets.

"Alright. I don't want to disturb you so I'm going to go down to Ember's room."

"K." Grabbing her purse and heading to the door, Autumn stopped and looked back to Raleigh. "Are you going to be ok here alone?"

"I'll be fine, Autumn. Go." With that, she nodded and left the room, being sure to lock the door behind herself.

Leaving her bedside lamp on, Raleigh snuggled into her blankets and closed her eyes, slowly falling into a deep sleep.

---

The ride back to the house was silent and incredibly uncomfortable. Somehow, everything Dan thought of to say just didn't seem right after what had happened at the hospital. Once they were inside, Deb said she was going to go lay down. After hanging up his jacket, Dan motioned to the kitchen.

"I was thinking about making myself a cup of tea. Would you like one?"

Nodding, Keith followed him into the kitchen. "A cup of tea sounds great right now. Hell, a shot of whiskey sounds even better."

Giving Keith a smile, Dan let out a laugh. "Well, I have both. How about we mix them?"

Keith pointed at Dan. "Good man." Taking a seat at the island, Keith watched Dan fill the tea kettle and set it on the stove. "Dan, on behalf of my wife and daughter, I'd like to apologize to you for their behavior."

"Hey, its fine. I'm not a stranger to family feuds."

"Oh? You and your parents fight a lot?"

Turning to put the tea bags in the mugs, Dan nodded.

"Yeah, we did. Although it was mainly me and my father. He wanted me to be a jock in school and I wanted to sing and dance. So of course in his mind that made me gay and he just wouldn't have that." The tea kettle whistled and Dan turned off the burner before pouring the hot water into the mugs.

"So I'm noting the past tense. He finally accept you for who you are?" Dan let out a laugh as he set a mug in front of Keith and went to take a bottle of whiskey out of the cupboard to his left.

"No. Actually they both died before they accepted me."

"I'm sorry, Daniel."

"It's ok. I've had a long time to get over it."

"I know how it is to have your parents wanting a different future for you than you want for yourself." Keith gave him a warm smile as he added some whiskey to his tea.

"Is that why Raleigh gets along with you so well?" Keith cast an amused look his way before responding.

"I think so. They used to get along really well until she started running off with Josh every night. I think it reminds her of us when we were younger and our parents hated how we ended up."

"How's that?"

"Seventeen, pregnant and a wedding I barely remember."

"But Raleigh did almost end up like that." Dan watched as a look of shock passed over Keith's face.

"She told you about that?"

Dan nodded. "She did."

Sighing, Keith set down his mug and chose his words carefully. "I do not condone abortion in any way, and don't get me wrong, I am a happy man who loves my wife. But I am glad Raleigh did it. Joshua had broken up with her and I wanted her to get out of Shelby Forrest. If she'd had the baby she would have had to turn this school down. I didn't want her to give up her dream that easily."

"Somehow I feel like she'd make it either way."

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Keith brought up the house.

"This really is an amazing house. How can you afford it on the salary of a professor alone?"

"I can't." Dan let out a small laugh. "This house has been in my family for about twelve generations now I think. It's completely paid off and I inherited my family's fortune as well as my father's business."

"You teach, run a business and still have time for a personal life? I commend you."

"Thanks, but I'm not sure I deserve it. I sold the business about a year ago to a close friend that knows more about it than I do. Besides, it's doing much better than it was when I'd been the owner."

"Oh well. To each man his own, huh?"

"Yep." After finishing off their tea they both decided to head up to bed.

As soon as Dan lied down on his bed and closed his eyes, he felt his exhaustion fully for the first time. Burying himself in his blankets and pillows, Dan allowed the darkness to seep over him, pulling him into his first dreamless sleep in weeks.

---

What was that?

It sort of felt like a spider crawling up her leg. Shaking it off, Raleigh rolled onto her side and tried to go back to sleep. But there it was again, slowly inching up her leg. She shook it again to rid herself of the irritating insect, only this time it didn't let go. It continued its journey up her leg until it was mid-thigh. Slowly opening her eyes, Raleigh moved to slap the spider, but as soon as she sat up, she realized too late that it wasn't a spider on her leg.

It was Effron.

Her blanket was thrown to the floor and he was hunched over her, trying to push apart her legs.

Gasping, Raleigh scurried away from the madman and cowered at the top of her bed. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she tried to calm herself as he slowly began to move towards her once again. There was a look in his eyes, almost like a tiger closing in on his prey and she was merely a field mouse - his for the taking.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was soft and shaky. She knew he got pleasure out of the fact that she was afraid of him, but she didn't care.

"Reclaiming what's mine. Finishing what you started."

"Everyone knows what you did to me. I could scream and they'd be here in two seconds." Her threat was useless against him and she knew it, but she had to say something.

A sadistic smile curled his lips as he moved even closer. He didn't stop until he was nearly on top of her.

"True, but then why aren't you screaming?" Before she could do anything, he'd crushed his lips down on her own, weighing her down to the bed with his body. She felt him everywhere. On her legs, her stomach, her breasts. She began sobbing, trying to fight him off, but she was far too weak.

He was going to get what he wanted and she was helpless to stop it.

---

Autumn and Ember sat in Ember's room, the only sound filling the room coming from the television. Neither paid attention to the infomercial lighting the screen as they sat in silence, trying to think of what to say or do. Autumn was still having a hard time believing everything that had happened in the past couple of days and Ember was trying to be supportive. Sure, when Raleigh had first come to Hollywood Academy Of The Arts she'd thought of her as nothing more than a talent-less hick who never should have come. But now she considered her a friend, and she'd never wanted something like this to happen to her. She couldn't believe Effron had done it when Autumn had first told her. He'd always seemed like such a normal guy. A great guy actually. A guy that every girl wanted a chance to be with.

How many of those girls had he drugged and raped?

How many times had he gotten away with being a sick and twisted freak because the girl was too ashamed and scared to come forward?

Out of the corner of her eye, Ember noticed Autumn leap to her feet, staring forward like a cat listening to something only she could hear.

"Did you hear that?"

"What?" Standing up, Ember turned off the TV and listened to the silence with Autumn, but then she too heard it.

A blood curdling scream filled the silence and Autumn looked at Ember. "Raleigh!" Within seconds they were out of the room and running down the hallway, standing in front of the dorm. Autumn pulled out her keys and tried as fast as she could to unlock the door while more screams filled the air. Finally she'd unlocked the door and she swung it in, running to Raleigh's side.

She was there, alone, getting more twisted in her blanket and sheet as she convulsed on the bed. Immediately leaning down, Autumn called out her name, trying to calm her thrashing body.

"Raleigh! Raleigh, honey wake up!" Slowly Raleigh's body calmed and she woke up, immediately sitting up and throwing her arms around Autumn's neck, holding her tight.

"He was here! Autumn, he was here!" She cried into her neck, refusing to let her friend go.

Unsure of what to do, Autumn ran her hand up and down Raleigh's back, trying to calm her. "Raleigh, you need to calm down. Nobody is here. You're fine...you're fine." She kept her voice soft and even, not daring to let Raleigh go. Looking to the doorway, Autumn noticed how everyone on their floor was there, trying to get in to see what was going on.

"Everyone, get out! This isn't a freak show." Ember yelled, slamming the door shut and locking it.

Raleigh sat there, crying on Autumn's shoulder for a few minutes before finally pulling away. She wiped her eyes and Ember handed her a box of tissues. Raleigh thanked her and blew her nose, continuing to wipe her cheeks dry of any stray tears.

"Are you all right?" Autumn asked, continuing to run her hand up and down her back in slow circles.

Raleigh shook her head, unable to look at either Autumn or Ember. "Not even close." Her voice was raspy as she spoke and she hiccupped through unshed tears.

"Can we get you anything?" Ember asked, unsure of what to do with herself.

Raleigh pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She rested her forehead on her knees and tried to stop shaking as she nodded her head no. She didn't know of anything that could possibly make her feel better or any less frightened than she did.

"What about Dan? Do you want me to take you over there?"

Go to Dan‘s? Raleigh wondered if that would really help, but then she realized, aside from Autumn, he was the one who stood by her constantly. She was sure he'd never left her side at the hospital, and despite the last time they'd really spoken, well fought really, she missed him. She had always felt safe with him. She knew now that all she really wanted was to be in his arms again, if only for a moment, and kiss him like she hadn't been able to in days.

Unwrapping her arms from around her legs, Raleigh looked around the room. "Where's my phone? I want to call him."

Putting her hand on Raleigh's shoulder, Autumn gently pushed her down. "Calm down. I'll go call him." Standing up, Autumn cast a glance towards Ember before leaving the room, she hated talking on the phone in front of people. Pulling out her cellular phone, Autumn scrolled down to Dan's name and hit call.

Hearing his phone vibrating against the wood of his nightstand, Dan rolled over and picked up the object, squinting at the screen. Seeing that it was Autumn he flipped it open and put it to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey Dan. Did I wake you up?"

"Yes." Pinching the bridge of his nose, Dan closed his eyes and tried not to fall back into his deep sleep that had been interrupted. "What's up Autumn?"

He noticed her slight hesitation and immediately he knew what this was about. Suddenly he wasn't so tired anymore.

"Its Raleigh."

"What about her?" Dan sat up in his bed and reached over to turn the lamp on.

"She's kinda freaking out. She had a bad nightmare about Effron."

"Is she all right?" It may have been just a nightmare, but he remembered his own the night of Autumn's party. He could still feel how it had made him feel so he could only imagine how this had affected Raleigh.

"Not really. She wants to go over there. I think she'd feel better if she's with you."

"Tell her I'll be there as soon as I can." He was already out of bed and getting dressed.

"Dan, you can't come here. It's the dorm."

"I'm well aware of that, Autumn, but I'm not gonna let her take a cab."

"I can take her." she offered.

"Thanks but no. I'll be there in like ten minutes." He hung up before she could protest anymore and Autumn sighed, closing her own phone before putting it back in her pocket. Opening the dorm door, Autumn saw Raleigh throwing some clothes into a bag. She looked over at her as she entered.

"Did you call him?"

"Yeah. He'll be here in like ten minutes to get you." Autumn immediately saw the panic pass in her eyes.

"He can't come here!"

"I know that, Raleigh, but I don't think he really cares. He was very adamant about picking you up."

"Who is Dan?" Ember asked in curious confusion. She'd had no idea Raleigh was seeing someone other than Effron.

Sighing, Raleigh ran her hand through her hair and fell to her bed. "A guy I've been seeing for a few weeks now."

"Do I know him?" Autumn and Raleigh looked at each other, wondering if they should clue her in on just who Dan was. In the beginning of the semester Raleigh would have never even contemplated telling Ember something like this. But now...now she was different. She knew she could trust her not to tell anyone.

"Mr. Cooper." Raleigh waited for some sign of shock to form on her face but it never came.

"You know what? I don't know why I didn't realize that before."

"Why's that?" Autumn asked.

"Because, he's asking you to stay after class all the time, I always noticed little glances exchanged between you two...wow. I feel kinda stupid now." Ember let out a small laugh as she picked up a pillow and plopped down on the futon.

"You're not going to tell anyone are you?" Raleigh asked in worry. Maybe she'd been wrong about Ember.

"Hell no." Ember waved a hand in front of her face dismissively. "You pulled the stick out of his ass. I'm grateful to you. Besides, I think you two make a cute couple."

Raleigh gave Ember a small smile. "Thanks, Em."

"Well that was a nice bonding moment but I think we should get Raleigh outside to wait for Dan. We don't want him coming up here."

Raleigh and Ember agreed and after throwing another shirt in her bag, Autumn picked it up and they all left the room and headed down to the parking lot to wait for Dan.

They had been waiting in the dark parking lot for about seven minutes when Raleigh spotted Dan's car pulling in the entrance.

"There he is." Standing up from their seat on the steps, Raleigh waved to him so he would know she was waiting outside for him. He pulled right up to the girls and threw the car into park before getting out and running to Raleigh.

"Are you ok?" His arms wrapped around her instantly and he pulled her into him. She could hear his rapid heart beat through his shirt, feel his worry for her from the way his arms tightened around her. Closing her eyes, Raleigh hugged him back just as tightly, trying not to let the tears overpower her once again.

"I'm fine, Dan. Just had a nightmare, that's all." She tried to make herself believe the lie but she knew she failed miserably. When he finally released her, he reached his hand up and wiped away the single tear that had fallen.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah." Raleigh turned to Autumn and Ember and gave them each a hug before picking up her bag. "Bye guys, thanks."

She turned back to the car and began walking towards it while Dan waved to the girls. "Bye girls."

"Bye." They called back, waving to both of them.

As they stood there, watching the tail lights get further away, Ember broke the silence. "They really do make a cute couple."

"Yeah, they do." Was all Autumn could think of to say as they turned away and went back upstairs.

Aside from Dan asking once again if Raleigh was all right, the ride back to his house remained silent between them. Raleigh listened to the soft melody streaming from the radio as she leaned her forehead against the cool glass of the window.

When he pulled into the driveway and put the car into park, Raleigh wasted no time in getting out and grabbing her bag from the backseat. When she came to the front of the house she stopped and just looked up at it. When Dan got to her side he asked if something was wrong. She didn't remove her gaze from the house.

"She asleep?"

"Yeah, they both were when I left." He knew she only cared if her mother was sleeping but he still mentioned her father.

"Good." she finally moved towards the front door and waited patiently for Dan to unlock it. When they walked in, Raleigh wasted no time in heading to the stairs. When they were at the top they both stopped, knowing the other was thinking the same thing.

Finally looking at Dan, Raleigh didn't know what to say. But she didn't have to say anything.

"I guess you better stay in a guest bedroom." Biting her lip, Raleigh nodded.

"I guess so. Goodnight, Dan."

"Goodnight, Raleigh." turning away, Raleigh headed down the hallway to the bedroom she would stay in. She could feel Dan's eyes boring into her back and about halfway to the bedroom she stopped walking. Closing her eyes, Raleigh tried to gain the strength to keep going but she couldn't. Turning around, she ran back to where Dan stood.

Opening his arms, Dan immediately enveloped her and picked her up, planting his lips on hers. Kissing him with everything in her, Raleigh couldn't stop her tears. She knew that she was crying a lot more than she had in a long time, but she didn't really care. She felt such complete relief from being in his arms again that she just couldn't hide it.

Dan moved them into his bedroom and shut the door behind them. Setting Raleigh down, he removed his lips from hers but didn't release her hold. He needed to feel her against him right now. He needed the reassurance that she was really there with him and not still passed out in the hospital.

"I am so sorry, Dan." Raleigh whispered to him through her sobs.

Pulling away, Dan placed his hands on the sides of her face. "Baby, you have nothing to be sorry for."

"Yes I do. I should have listened to you. I never should have set foot near that party." Wrapping his arms around her shaking body once again, Dan closed his eyes.

"Shh, it's all right. You're fine now. Everything is going to be ok. I promise."

"I hope so." Pulling away from Dan, Raleigh just looked into his beautiful green eyes. "Will you just hold me tonight? I don't want to be alone."

"You don't have to ask." Taking off his sweater and jeans, he crawled into bed with Raleigh. Once they were under the covers, Raleigh immediately curled up next to him and closed her eyes. For the first time in too long, she finally felt at peace.

She finally felt truly loved.

---

Slowly coming to a state of consciousness, Raleigh regrettably opened her eyes. When she saw that darkness still filled the room, she rolled over to look at the digital clock on the nightstand. When she saw that the red numbers read 3:17 am, she let out a low groan as she sat up. She knew sleep would not come to her again so soon so she decided it was best to just give in and get out of bed.

Turning her head, Raleigh's eyes searched out Dan's body through the shadows. A small smile crept onto her face when she located his naked back slowly moving up and down with his steady breathing. Leaning over, Raleigh tried as best as she could not to disturb him as she gently placed her lips to his warm skin.

How was it possible to love someone so much having only known them such a short time?

Sighing softly, Raleigh stood up off the bed and slowly moved along the wooden floor towards the doorway. She carefully opened and closed the door so she wouldn't wake him with the low creaking. Once she was out in the hallway she began walking normally as she made her way through the dark to and down the large staircase that led to the kitchen. As soon as her bare feet touched the linoleum floor, Raleigh reached to her left and searched out the light switch. Light immediately illuminated the room and Raleigh headed over to the refrigerator. She had planned on just grabbing a glass of orange juice but as she gazed at the contents of Dan's fridge, Raleigh felt, and heard, her stomach give a hearty growl. She couldn't remember the last time she'd actually really eaten so she decided she'd better eat something. After taking out the milk, Raleigh closed the door to the refrigerator and headed over to her favorite cupboard - the one concealing her stash of cocoa pebbles and fruit loops.

Choosing on cocoa pebbles, she pulled out a box and turned to another cupboard for a bowl. As an afterthought, Raleigh turned back and grabbed another bowl and spoon and set them next to where she was sitting at the island. While she was pouring herself some cereal, she heard someone's footsteps coming closer to the kitchen. Smiling to herself, Raleigh set down the box of cereal and uncapped the milk. When she was done pouring her milk, she sat the jug down and turned around, leaning against the counter. Not even two seconds later her father stumbled in, rubbing sleep from his eyes. When he spotted Raleigh standing there, his movements completely stopped.

"Raleigh? What are you doing here?"

Picking up her bowl of cocoa pebbles, Raleigh smiled at her father. He looked as if he were only a boy, standing there in his robe and tasseled hair.

"I sometimes break into people's homes for cocoa pebbles." She took a bite as she turned and sat down. Keith made his way to the island and sat beside her. Eyeing the extra bowl he smiled at her.

"Expecting someone?"

Raleigh gave him a warm smile. "Always."

Keith returned his daughter's smile and began pouring himself a bowl. "So what I meant was when did you get here."

"A few hours ago. I got a little spooked so Autumn called Dan and ten minutes later he was there picking me up."

Keith raised a questioning eyebrow at her. "Are you sure that was wise?"

"No but Autumn said he insisted. He knows what would happen if we were caught." She said the last so softly, Keith's heart went out to her. He could tell when his baby girl was in love, and he knew now more than ever that she was head over heels crazy for the boy.

"So how are you feeling? Really?" after drinking the last of her milk turned chocolate, Raleigh looked at her dad.

"Honestly? I think it's going to be a while before I can be alone and not afraid he's going to show up. But I'm doing ok."

Keith smiled as he rubbed Raleigh's back soothingly. "You're strong. There's not one doubt in my mind that you'll get through this just fine." Deciding to change the subject, Keith stood up and put their dishes in the sink. "How about we watch some TV?"

Raleigh's face immediately lit up as she stood and grabbed her father's hand to pull him towards the living room. "Oh, Daddy, you have to see Dan's DVD collection! He has to have every musical ever made."

Keith allowed Raleigh to pull him along like he always had at Christmas time when she'd been a child believing Santa has just delivered hundreds of presents just for her.

"Yeah? What about Singing In The Rain?"

"Well, that is a musical isn't it?" Keith put his hand on the back of Raleigh's neck and gave it a light squeeze.

"Oh you're such a comedian."

"You've known me for eighteen years and just now figuring this out?" Keith just smiled and shook his head. For the moment he felt like he actually had his little girl back. It felt good.

Sitting down on the large, comfortable couch, Keith waited as Raleigh searched for their movie of choice and put it into the DVD player. Then she snuggled up to him under the afghan and together they watched the musical play out on the flat screen. They hadn't even gotten through "Fit as a Fiddle" before they were both passed out.

Raleigh felt like she'd only been asleep an hour when she felt herself being shaken awake followed by her mother's voice. She felt her father shift and she was forced to open her eyes a bit. When the morning's sun rays hit her pupils she immediately groaned and shut them once again.

"Come on, it's a brand new beautiful day. Get up so we can all eat breakfast like a family." Sitting up, Raleigh rubbed the back of her neck slightly before standing up and stretching out her cramped muscles.

"What time is it?" Raleigh groaned out, barely opening her eyes.

"Nine." Raleigh stopped mid-stretch and looked at Dan.

"Really?" He gave her a bemused look and nodded. They'd all actually gotten some much needed sleep. Raleigh smiled at Dan and before she could do anything else, she felt a hand touch her face and she immediately shied away.

"Raleigh, calm down. I just want to look at your eye." Her mother sounded exasperated as she stepped forward and moved her hair out of her eyes. "It looks much better. How does it feel?"

"Fine." So Deborah wanted to play the worried parent now? After everything she'd said yesterday to Raleigh? She wasn't going to let her. She knew better than to think her mother was just plain worried and didn't have an ulterior motive. She'd learned that the hard way.

Backing away from her mother's touch, Raleigh cleared her throat and headed towards the kitchen. "So what's for breakfast?"

"Bacon, eggs, toast, sausage, hash browns, and as per your mother's request, grits." Raleigh couldn't help the laugh that escaped her throat at the expression on Dan's face when he said grits.

"What's the matter with grits?" Raleigh asked innocently as she followed everyone into the kitchen.

"Just look at them! They look like...I don't know. Gruel. Only whiter." now it was Keith's turn to laugh.

"Son, you would never last in the south. Grits are a delicacy down there."

"I'll be sure to remember that when I visit." Going over to where Dan had set all the breakfast supplies, Raleigh grabbed the can of grits.

"Want some help?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope." Raleigh gave him a smile that he couldn't help but to return.

"Well, then I would love some help." Deb and Keith both helped and within ten minutes they were all sitting down eating their large southern breakfast. Dan noticed, with thanks, that Deb and Raleigh hadn't argued even once while they ate. Unfortunately, it didn't last very long.

"Alright, Keith and I will clean up and do the dishes and all that. Raleigh, Dan is going to take you back to the dorm so you can pack your things."

Raleigh stopped her movement at her mother's words. She just stood there, staring at her as she took plates off the island top.

"Pack?" Deb spared a quick glance at her daughter as she continued to clear off the table.

"Yes. Everything. You're going back home with us. Our flight leaves at one." Raleigh could only stand there and stare at her mother as if she'd completely lost her mind. How could she possibly expect her to leave a week early? And what did she mean by everything? She was coming back next semester, that's how she'd planned it. "Raleigh, why are you standing there? You only have a couple hours. Get going."

"No." Raleigh furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and, mostly, anger as she shook her head at her mother.

"Excuse me?" Deb stopped what she was doing and turned to look at her daughter, sure she had misheard her.

"No, Mother. I'm not going with you."

"Yes you are. Go and pack."

"I'm not going to run away! I have two more finals to take and then I will be home next week. Then I'm coming back to finish the second semester. I started this, I'm going to see it through. I cannot believe you would ask me to turn away from this."

"I'm not asking. I'm telling. This obviously isn't the place for you. If it were, you would have been paying more attention to class instead of drugs."

"How dare you come here and pretend to think that you know everything that's been going on. You don't know a thing! And you're never going to control me so stop trying to! I'm not Janie, the golden child who can't do any wrong in your eyes. I'm not going to bow to your every command like some bitch!" Looking at her mother with defiance, she wasn't surprised to see her clenching her fists shut. She knew her mother would never lay a hand on her, and maybe she used that to her advantage, maybe she didn't, but she wasn't going to back down.

"I've had enough of your shit, Raleigh Jean! You are going home with us. I'm not going to allow you to stay here and destroy your life anymore."

"Well you know what? It's my life, and if I'm destroying it then that's my problem." Raleigh turned and ran out of the house, not even bothering to grab her purse. All she wanted was to get out and away from her controlling mother. It completely boggled her mind how her mother could be so cruel to her. She'd never so much as raised her voice to her brothers or Janie but it seemed like she'd always gotten the brunt of her anger. No matter what she did it was always the same with her mother. Nothing she could ever do was right or good enough for her.

"Raleigh! Raleigh, will you hold up a minute?"

"Go back to your house, Dan." Before she could go any farther, Dan was in front of her, his hands on her arms, forcing her to stop walking.

"Stop." Staring up into Dan's green eyes, Raleigh tried her hardest not to break down and fall into his arms.

"Ok, I'm stopped. What do you want?" As Dan looked into Raleigh's lilac eyes he tried to think of what he could possibly say to her. Somehow ‘I'm sorry your mom is such a bitch towards you' just didn't seem like enough. He just didn't understand why they were always at one another's throats. Had it always been like this? How could one person harbor such animosity towards their own daughter? "What Dan? What did you want to say to me? Did you want to defend her? Well go ahead! Be like all the rest of them and blame me for how she treats me." When he just looked at her, a sad look written across his face, Raleigh lost any control she might have still possessed. "Go ahead!" Clenching her hands into fists, she began pounding on his chest relentlessly, yelling and screaming, not giving a second thought that neighbors might hear. "Blame me! Defend her! Do it!" Dan did nothing but wrap his arms around her shaking body, refusing to let her go as she fought against him. She wasn't angry at him, she was angry her mother and he knew that.

Eventually she broke down into tears, losing all strength to stand on her own. As she collapsed against Dan, she would have fallen straight to the ground had he not been there to hold her up.

With an arm around her waist, Dan held her to him, gently stroking her hair trying to calm her sobs. "Shh, it's alright, I've got you. I've got you." Putting his arm under her knees, Dan picked her up and carried her to his car. After helping her inside he told her he'd be right back to take her to the dorm. After closing the door, he went back inside the house to put on his jacket.

"Are you taking her back to the dorm?" Keith asked upon seeing Dan's re-entry.

"Yes sir."

"Good, make sure she packs." Deb told him, a bit of attitude dripping from her words.

After situating his jacket on himself and grabbing Raleigh‘s purse, Dan looked Deb straight in the eye so she would feel the full brunt of his words. "With all do respect, Mrs. Coons. Raleigh is an adult now and she'll do whatever is it she wants."

Stepping forward, Deb tried to stop Dan before he walked out the front door. "Excuse me, but who the hell..."

"Shut up, Deborah!" Deb immediately shut her mouth and looked at her husband in surprise. He'd never so much as raised his voice to her. She was clearly astonished. "Daniel is right. Stop trying to run her life."

"Thank you, Keith." Turning around, Dan once again left his home and got into his car. He didn't bother saying two words to Raleigh. He'd known her long enough to know that if there was one thing that could calm her down, it was music. Fortunately he was the same way.

Turning the radio to WKSE, Dan turned the volume up and they sat together, never saying a word, just allowing the beat to work its therapeutic magic on their moods.

When he'd pulled into the parking lot of Raleigh's dorm, he parked and stopped the car, never looking over at her. They sat in silence, neither looking at the other, for nearly five minutes before Raleigh spoke up.

"I'm sorry, Dan."

Startled by her sudden voice, Dan jumped slightly and allowed his eyes to roam over her face. "For what?"

"Everything." She continued to gaze forward as if in some sort of daze. He didn't know what to say to her so he just allowed the silence to coat them once again. Out of the corner of his eye he caught her head moving to look out the window. "I guess I should go up before someone sees you."

"I'm not worried about that, Raleigh. Go up when you're ready to." Finally, Raleigh turned to look at Dan. He watched as she bit down on her bottom lip as if debating over something. Eventually she leaned over and wrapped her arms around him as best as she could.

"Thank you." Letting go of him, she turned and open the door. Stepping out she looked back at him. "I'll see you later." Dan offered her a half-hearted smile and a wave before she began walking up to the building. He stayed there until he saw her go in and then he started the car and headed back to his home turned chaotic.

---

When Raleigh parent's had finally left for their flight back home, Dan was beside himself. Part of him, the larger part, couldn't have been happier to be rid of Deb. But the other part, smaller but terribly heavy weighing on his shoulders, wished there was something he could have done to improve the relationship between Deb and Raleigh. She was her youngest daughter, her youngest child. Surely she didn't hate her as much as she let on? Shaking his head, Dan dismissed all thoughts of the wretched woman from his mind. They'd been gone for over twenty-four hours now, he refused to give it another thought.

Finally allowing himself to truly relax, Dan went over to his cupboard that contained his best liquor and poured himself a glass of aged brandy. Holding the glass to his nose, Dan inhaled the sweet scent of the French Marc before losing himself in a sip of the fine grape taste. He knew it to be an acquired taste, much like most red wines, but still he knew it to be his favorite. As the warming liquid rolled over his tongue and down his throat, warming his insides slowly, he closed his eyes, reveling in the instant relaxation it brought him. Putting the glass to his lips, Dan finished what he'd poured himself and set down the glass. Fully intent on pouring himself another, Dan sighed in exasperation when his phone began to ring.

Setting down the bottle of the Pomace brandy, Dan moved to answer his telephone as it continued to ring noisily.

"Hello?" With the mood he was in, he wondered how it was possible he sounded none-the-worse when he'd answered.

"Daniel, how are you my boy?" Dean Farsely's chipper voice came over the line and Dan immediately felt guilt at having wished horrible things to come of the person who dared to interrupt his quiet home.

"I'm good, Scott. And you?"

"Well, I suppose I could be a little better. Listen, are you busy at the moment?"

"No, not at all." Well, is was sort of the truth.

"Glad to hear it. Could you possibly come to the office? I'd like to have a chat with you." As soon as the words had left the man's lips Dan knew it couldn't be good.

"Scott, what is it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play mind games with me. I've known you my entire life. I can tell by your tone something's up and it most likely isn't good so spit it out." Dan heard a long sigh come from the other end of the line and knew he'd hit right on the button.

"Dan," All the happiness was gone from his voice. "I'm serious when I say we need to talk. Although I feel this will be a conversation best suited for face-to-face. Can you get here?" Pinching the bridge of his nose, Dan tried to will away the sudden headache that was coming on.

"Sure. I'll be there in about ten minutes."

"Great. See you then." Clicking off the phone, Dan tried to ease the tension from his neck. What was this about? By the way Scott had sounded it certainly didn't seem as though it was a conversation he really wanted to have. Which of course made Dan feel like running for the mountains.

Looking longingly at his abandoned bottle of brandy, Dan simply shook his head before grabbing his jacket and car keys and heading out to his car. On the short drive to the college Dan's mind swam with possible reasons for Scott's sudden interest in having a chat with him. The only thing that his mind kept coming back to seemed to be the most logical.

Raleigh.

Walking towards Scott's office, Dan stopped to smile at his secretary. "Good afternoon, Mae. How are we doing today?"

"Well hello there, sugar." Mae's voice lowered as she smiled widely at him. She was in her mid-fifties and was a little round around the tummy, but she was the biggest sweetheart he'd ever known. "I'm doin' good. How about you?" Her southern drawl, courtesy of growing up in Williamsburg, Virginia, dripped from every word.

"Well, I guess we'll find out in a minute. Scott wanted to see me." Dan plastered a fake smile on his face and knew Mae saw right through it in an instant.

"Yes he did." He noticed something flicker in her eyes but he couldn't be sure what it was. Sadness? Pity? "You can go right on in there, Darlin' ."

"Thanks, Mae." Dan gave her one last smile before turning from her desk and opening the door to Scott's office. When he entered the large office, he noticed the man was on the phone, seemingly losing his patience, so Dan simply shut the door behind himself and sat on as chair that sat in front of Scott's desk.

When he finished with his phone call, Scott stood and went over to the bookcases lining the wall. Pulling out a book that resembled a large dictionary, Dan watched as he opened it and pulled out a bottle of scotch.

"I know it's against the rules to hold alcohol in a school, but I never was a stickler for rules."

"Always the rebel." Dan smiled at the older man and watched patiently as he poured two glasses, over ice, and handed one to him.

Dan thanked him and took a sip, trying to hide his grimace. He'd never really been one for scotch. He noticed how Scott seemed to be lost in thought so Dan set down his glass rather noisily to regain his attention.

"So, I know you didn't ask me over here the way you did for a glass of scotch. What's up?"

"Dan." There was that damned sigh again. It was going to drive him nuts if he kept it up. "I didn't lie, we do need to talk and I didn't have the heart to do this over the phone." Moving to his desk, Scott sat atop it in front of the younger man. He'd give anything happily not to have to do this.

"You know what? I think I know where this is going." Scott didn't even flinch at the words. He wasn't surprised in the least. Dan was a very bright young man, he'd have to be a complete imbecile not to get at the very least an idea of what was about to come.

"I figured you might." Scott let a moment of silence pass between them as he took another drink of his scotch. "I spoke with the Board earlier this morning. It seems they got wind of your new relationship." Dan just nodded, unable to meet his old friend's eyes. "You know I'd give anything not to do this but I have no choice."

"I know that, Scott. And I'm glad it was you and not the board that did it."

"Thank God for small favors, huh?" Picking up Dan's glass, Scott handed it back to him before holding up his own. "May love prevail." Dan smiled as he clanked his glass with Scott's before finishing off the alcohol.

"Well, I guess I should go clear out my office."

"I suppose so."

Dan walked to the door, but when his hand touched the handle he did not open it. Instead he turned back to face Scott. "Scott? What about Raleigh? Is she expelled?"

"No, son. Just academic probation. They thought expulsion was a bit extreme." Scott just shook his head as he let out a ridiculing laugh. "Expulsion is extreme but termination isn't?" Dan knew the question was one that was only pointed to himself so he turned and left the office, heading to stand in his own for one last time.

He thought it sort if funny. All the times he'd thought about leaving his teaching career, Dan had been filled with such overwhelming sadness. But now, having been fired due to having a relationship with a student, he felt almost relieved.

---

Sitting in the waiting area to see the Dean of the school, Raleigh felt completely horrified. She couldn't keep her hands from shaking or rid herself of the butterflies in her stomach. She felt like she was about to give her first speech in front of a class of about fifty kids. She wanted to run away, cry, hide, and throw up all at the same time. How could she have let this happen? How could she have been so stupid to have gone to that party and then call Dan to pick her up when she knew something was wrong? Of course he'd take her to the hospital. Of course people at the school would suspect their involvement when he picked her up at the dorm when she got scared. Of course someone would turn them in.

What have I done?

Raleigh put her face in her hands and tried to will away the tears. How much trouble was she in? Was Dan fired? Would she be expelled?

Finally the Dean's secretary told Raleigh she could go in and she stood on shaky legs, trying to keep breathing. After everything, she couldn't pass out now. She could deal with whatever the Dean threw her way. If she was expelled she'd leave LA and go back home, no big deal. Far worse things could happen.

Like dying from a drug overdose for instance.

Opening the door, Raleigh peered in and felt her stomach drop once again as soon as her eyes landed on the Dean sitting behind his large oak desk. She'd never met him before but had heard terrible stories about the kind of man he was. She'd heard he was an ex-marine and looking at him now, she didn't doubt that one bit. That man was huge, even for being as old as he was. Sitting there in his black suit with his gray, thinning hair combed and parted to the side, and his glasses that sat on his nose, he looked like Ebenezer Scrooge. What kind of lashing was she going to receive from him today?

Unsure of what to do or say, Raleigh just stood there. Luckily she didn't have to do anything. Dean Farsely spoke before she had the chance.

"Shut the door and take a seat, Ms. Coons." Doing as he said, Raleigh immediately shut the door and took a seat in the big red chair that sat in front of his desk. She nervously bounced her leg and looked anywhere but at him as she waited for him to finish writing whatever it was he was writing and acknowledge her.

Good lord this was worse than any punishment he could evoke upon her.

Finally, after an eternity of leg bouncing, the dean finally put down his pen and took off his glasses. After rubbing his eyes for a second, he looked at Raleigh. Just looked. He didn't speak or even blink for that matter. His old menacing eyes bore into her eyes like fire and she silently begged him to say something.

He finally looked away and stood up from his large, black computer chair and turned toward his window. Hands clasped behind his back, he finally spoke.

"Daniel is like a son to me, Ms. Coons. Did you know that?" He didn't give her time to answer. "His father was my best friend all my life. When they died I took it upon myself to look after him and his trouble-causing cousin. He could always tell me everything, and when he couldn't, I read him like an open book." Turning back around, Dean Farsely walked over to where she sat. "My point is that I naturally knew about your relationship with him. No, it wasn't I who blew you guys in to the board, but unfortunately it is my responsibility to carry out the punishment. As much as I hate it, I must be fair to the other students. I cannot play favoritism. You made Daniel happy and for that I thank you. But regardless, I must tell you that from now until the end of next semester you are placed on Academic probation. One more slip up and you are expelled. Am I clear?"

Unable to speak, Raleigh simply nodded her head that she understood what he was telling her.

"Good. You may go, Ms. Coons." Nodding her head, Raleigh stood up and headed to the door. About halfway there she stopped and turned back.

"Dean Farsely?" Hearing her speak for the first time, Scott looked up at the scared girl.

"Yes?"

"What about D...Mr. Cooper?" She had about called him Dan. Even though this man knew about their relationship, she couldn't bring herself to openly admit it to him.

He knew he wasn't allowed to disclose such information but he did have a soft spot for her...what was he? A boyfriend? A lover? Both? "You have not spoken to Daniel?"

"No sir. I haven't seen him."

"I'm sorry to say that Daniel's employment here a Hollywood Academy of the Arts has been terminated as of yesterday." Standing there stunned for a moment, Raleigh didn't know what to do. She had expected it, but it was still hard to hear. "Good day, Ms. Coons."

Turning around, Raleigh left the office and ran down the stairs and left the building. She had to go see Dan. She had to speak to him. She ran the few blocks to his home and rang the doorbell twice. As she waited for him to answer, she tried to swallow back the tears. There was so much raw emotion running throughout her, so many things she wanted to say to him. But as soon as he opened the door and she looked at him for the first time since she and her mother had fought, all thoughts left her. A soft "hey" was all she could manage.

"Hey. Come on in." Dan waited for her to walk in past him before he shut the door. God she looked heart broken.

"I had a meeting with the Dean today."

"Did you?" Nodding her head, Raleigh hugged her arms around herself, trying to keep the tears at bay.

"You got fired from a job you love and its all my fault." A sob escaped her throat as she spoke and she completely broke down, damning herself for being weak.

"Hey, hey, its not your fault." He said as he put his hands on her arms.

"Yes it is. I screwed up and we both got in trouble for it. You have no idea how horrible I feel. I never wanted to get you fired."

"Raleigh, I don't care about that. Yeah, I loved the job but there are others out there. I don't exactly need the money either, so it's not so bad."

"It's the point of it. I have done nothing but horrible things since I got here." He couldn't stand to see her so upset, watching her cry. All he wanted to do was take her inside himself and protect her from the world. So he did the next best thing and wrapped his arms around her, letting her cry on his chest.

"Listen to me, Raleigh Jean. You made a couple bad choices. Everyone has. But I don't care about all that. I know who the real you is." After a few minutes of uncontrolled sobbing, Raleigh got herself together and backed up, wiping her eyes and cheeks dry.

"I don't deserve you." She let out a strangled laugh. "I think I'm going to go away for a while. Not just Christmas, but next semester too."

"Raleigh, you shouldn't run away. It won't solve anything."

"I know that, Dan. But I don't think I can go back into that school being known as the girl who slept with her teacher for a higher grade."

"Why should it matter what they say? We know the truth." All Raleigh could do was shake her head. He wouldn't understand how she felt. How could he? It wasn't his fault all this happened. The guilt she felt was so overpowering. Running away felt like the only option she had.

"What is the truth?" She said quietly, unable to look into his eyes after what she'd done.

"The truth is that I love you." Finally meeting his penetrating green eyes, Raleigh felt her heart thunder in her chest. "I'm in love with you, Raleigh."

Shaking her head, Raleigh denied it. He couldn't love her. Nobody could. "You can't be." She whispered, silent tears rolling down her cheeks.

She felt his hand under her chin and he gently lifted her face to meet his gaze once again. She was surprised when she saw the unshed tears there. "I am. I know the real you and I love you for who that is. I love you for all the things that you are and all the things you want to be."

Shaking her head, Raleigh closed her eyes, letting out a sob. He couldn't love her. He just couldn't.

Letting go of her chin, Dan cleared his throat, straightening. She'd obviously said what she had to. "Where will you go?"

"Back home, to Shelby."

"So that's it then? You're just going to run away?" She heard the emotion crack in his voice and she fought to not run into his arms and kiss him, telling him she wasn't going anywhere without him. But she couldn't. She had to get away. "Raleigh, I don't want you to go. I want you to stay here, with me."

Putting a hand on his cheek, Raleigh felt the tingles at the back of her throat once again. "I have to go. I'm sorry." She placed one last soft kiss on his lips before wrapping her arms aro