AN: Hey everyone c: Sorry I didnt update last night or last week. I have been so busy with school and everything. So to make up for it, I've given you a long chapter. Thankyou to all the new followers and reviewers, it really means alot c: xox

I walked down the corridor with my head down. I wasn't going to look at anyone. All I wanted to do was get to my class. I was seated at the back in maths which wasn't a problem at all; in fact, it was an advantage because nobody would be able to see me. The only downside was that I was next to Dan. I hadn't seen him after this morning. I started to get scared; it was going to be so awkward. He was so observant too; there was no way he wouldn't see all this bruising. Shit. I realised that I was so lost in thought that I had my head up facing everyone. By now it was too late and I was already at my class. I was early for once, and we had to line up outside the classroom.

I hadn't really made any friends other than Dan, nor had I actually talked to anyone but Dan. I guess you could count Shane if you wanted to but I wasn't going to. I stood in the line by myself, staring aimlessly at the group of girls opposite. They looked so happy; they were laughing and joking. They looked as though they had a great friendship which I had back in Germany. I missed them so much. My best friend, Alina, was the funniest person you could meet. I loved her like a sister and you could talk to her about anything. I never talked to her about my dad. I could never go that far, not with anyone.

The class had started to go in now, and I still continued to keep my head down. I made my way over to the back of the room, quickly sitting down to avoid any attention. The air around me was silent; it was kind of relaxing. It didn't last long though, before I knew it Dan was taking his seat right next to me. My heart started to get faster and faster, I felt like just getting up and walking straight out. But I was stronger than that. I couldn't keep running away from my problems, not now. I looked up at Dan, and to my surprise he was already looking at me. Our eyes met for a few seconds, and then he turned away.

'Dan-'I started. He was trying to interrupt me.

'Im sorry.' He said. My heart dropped.

'For what?' I said, trying to sound confused.

'This morning. Don't tell me you've forgotten about it, you turnip.' Turnip? What even was that?

'I haven't forgotten, its hard not to. But anyway, I forgive you.' I said, turning back to my maths book. Tears started to form in my eyes. I tried to push them away, to try and drown myself in the work in the textbook, but it didn't work. After a short while, the tears came rolling down my cheek. I felt Dan's delicate hands underneath my chin, propping my face up towards him.

'Sofie, don't cry. It wasn't your fault.' All I could do was cry. Speaking wasn't an option anymore, I felt so guilty for not being able to tell him what had really happened.

'Talk to me.' He asked, desperation in his voice. 'I see those bruises on your face, Sofie. Please, won't tell-' The tears stopped.

'I cant.' I whispered.

'Why not?' He asked softly. 'You can trust me.' I was so torn. I had never told anyone before; I didn't think anyone cared. But now, I was here with Dan, and he cared so much for me, right from the first day. As my heart pounded against my chest, I took a deep breath. I rolled up the three layers of clothing up on my left arm, leaving my scars and bruises exposed. Anyone that was looking our way would have seen. The bruises were still purple and black. They were much darker than the ones on my face. The cuts still hadn't healed properly; only one had started to heal. I glanced up at Dan. His facial expressions were lifeless. He didn't look alive at all. His mouth was in a fixed postion; slightly open but not a completely gawping mouth. His eyes were staring straight at my worst cut in the centre of my arm. He started to move. Dan's hand moved over to mine and he held my arm in his hand.

'Im sorry I didn't tell you.' I whispered.

'…Was this you?' He replied, his voice sounding hurt.

'N-no.' I choked.

'Then who was it?'

'My dad.' I gulped. This was such a risk.

'What?! No! I can't even- Why would he do this to you?!' He said, stuttering on every word. His voice became louder and raised the attention of the teacher, Mr Ross. I pulled my arm back under the table and rolled my sleeves back down. Mr Ross started to pace towards our desk.

'Is there a problem, Mr Howell?' He said, his voice as cold as ice.

'No, sir.' Dan spitted at him.

'Mr Howell, outside, now.' Dan walked out of the classroom and slammed the door behind him. I could see him through the window now, he looked so angry. His hands were placed on his forehead and his eyes were closed as he tried to calm himself down. He slid down the wall behind him and sat on the floor, his head still in his hands. I wanted to see him so badly. I raised my hand and Mr Ross immediately called on me.

'Can I go to the bathroom, please?' I asked.

'Do you have a medical condition?' He answered.

'No.' I said softly.

'Well then you can't go. Get on with your work.' For fucks sake.

'Wait.' I said, after I remembered I had a letter from the school nurse still in my bag. It was a couple of weeks old, but hopefully it wouldn't matter. 'I have this.' I held it in the air and Mr Ross seemed to recognize what it was.

'Fine. Come and get a pass.' I walked up to the front of the classroom, all eyes on me. I felt incredibly uncomfortable. As I walked up out of the room, I saw Dan turn towards me. I shut the door as quietly as I could, and then I came running towards Dan. I stopped just a few inches away from him as he got up. We were right outside the classroom and Mr Ross would be able to see us. I tried to gesture for him to move further down the corridor, but instead he pulled me into a hug. His body was warm and welcoming, but I soon broke away as I realised my whole body still ached.

'Come down here, where they can't see us.' I whispered, still eyes engaged with each other. He followed me further down the corridor until there was a dead end of lockers.

'I am so sorry, Sofie.' Dan said.

'Don't be, it's not your fault.'

'How is it not my fault?!' He said, quite loud this time. 'The one time I let you out of my sight, this happens!' He shouted.

'Its not your fault okay!' I exclaimed, starting to cry again. 'I snuck out to your house; I knew what he was going to do.' I said.

'You mean…he's done this before?' Dan said, his voice still loud.

'Yeah. Its nothing new, so don't get yourself worked up about it, okay?' I insisted. Suddenly, Dan turned around; punching the lockers behind him and started shouting multiple swear words into the empty corridors.

'Dan! Dan! DAN!' I shouted, trying to get in-between him and the lockers. 'Please. You're scaring me!' I shrieked. He abruptly stopped, his breath heavy. His brown eyes sunk as he stared at me. This time it was my turn to help him. I ran up to him and embraced him for the first time. He stroked my hair and I rested my head on his chest. His breathing became slower and quieter and my heart started to slow down too.

'I just can't believe he would do that to you, Sofie.'

'Dan, its much worse than just my arm.' I said to him.