For a few days I stayed at the dorms trying to recoup on the couch and doing homework whenever I felt up to it. Every time I woke up I made sure I thanked Lexi for being there for me. Making her breakfast before she left for classes and doing her laundry like the suck up I am.

I dreaded shower time though. Having to look at all the marks left on my body was a harsh reminder of the reality i had gotten myself into. Thick hand prints encompassed my arms and there were finger print bruises marring my stomach. The worst part was my thighs though. The clear, welted hand print on my inner right thigh told the story of just how close he really was to accomplishing what he set out for. I let my thoughts drift to Mason as i softly wash over the marks, grateful that he was in my life. I kept my breathing steady, making myself stand tall at the thought of surviving an ass hole like Chris.

I won't let a single tear shed for what he did. I may be a victim but i refuse to act like one.

Once i felt clean enough, i was out of the shower and dressed within minutes so i didn't have to look at myself anymore. Out of sight, out of mind... for now. I tucked my tiger patterned blanket in at my sides on the couch and had everything I needed within reach. I searched for more jobs in between homework but to no avail. The last job had left me apprehensive about cold calling people I didn't know.

I'd just finished my English essay on the holocaust when Lexi came through the door after another day in class. She had a satchel slung across her shoulder overflowing with books and a handful of papers. I got up from the couch to help her.

"Your homework is in my hands Quinnie, the rest is all mine, lucky me." She twirled her finger in the air sarcastically.

"Thanks Lex, you're a lifesaver. What did you end up telling the teachers when you collected my homework for me?" she paused.

"Well, it wasn't me that actually went to your teachers to grab your homework. Mason did." She turned around after unloading her satchel.

"But why would he do that? He's only in two of my classes." I wondered, pouring myself a cup of hot tea.

"I told you, he's sweet on you! He hasn't even looked at another girl since... well since you guys started getting friendly." She gave a sly grin and shimmied her shoulders.

"Whatever Lex, he's totally out of my league. Plus, do you really think he would want me after finding out about my 'rebellious' streak. He's probably just got a thing for good girls." I let myself wonder for a second but brushed the thought from my mind.

I flicked through the papers on the bench Lexi had brought home. English. Math. Psychology. Music.

"Lex what day is it?!" I choked on my tea, coughing and spluttering.

"Thursday, why?" She asked, her mouth full of ham and cheese croissant.

"I've been home for almost a week?! How is that even possible?! I've got a music exam tomorrow!" I threw my tea in the sink and started racing around getting my ipod and laptop from the couch.

"Yeah, you slept for a lot of it babe. Don't beat yourself up about it. What do you have to do for the exam?" She asked helping gather my papers in a neat pile.

"I've got to do a duet... with Mason. But I haven't even practised!" I started hyperventilating.

I don't want to screw up in front of the whole class and sink my grades. But most of all I don't want to screw up in front of HIM!

"Okay, well lets just breathe okay? Pregnant breathing, hee-hee-hoo, hee-hee,hoo..." Lexi was using her hands to push and pull invisible breathe. I stared at her with a what the hell look.

"That is so not helping, weirdo." I laughed at her face contorting around the sounds.

"Well you've stopped stressing like a mental haven't you?" She crossed her arms, clearly proud of her accomplishment. I flicked through the music pages smiling to myself.

There was nothing on the paper that told me which song I was meant to be singing. My memory was hazy and I couldn't remember. I scanned the pages slower when at the top of the first page there was Masons name and number. I had to hand it to him, he was two steps ahead. He knew I'd have to call him for the details. Touché Mason.

Lexi busied herself in the kitchen washing up dishes so I took the opportunity to text Mason. For some reason texting was less nerve racking than the thought of hearing his voice. Coming from the girl who always gets Lexi to call and order pizza because I don't want to talk over the phone.

Hey Mase it's Quinn. Do you remember which song we have to sing tomorrow for the exam?

I got a text back straight away

MASON: Hey AmicaMea! It's good to hear from you =) We're doing 'I really like you by Carly Rae Jepson'

Does that mean you're coming tomorrow?

ME: Yeah. I've slept enough for a bear in hibernation I think. And what does AmicaMea mean? auto correct get you too?

MASON: Lol You're far more attractive than a bear though. AmicaMea is just a nickname. Only yours though. No sharing

ME: Okay, no sharing. Scouts honour... even though I've never been a scout

MASON: Haha I trust you. You'd make a pretty cute scout if I may say so myself. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Have fun rehearsing ;)

ME: Lol I will. See you tomorrow =)

"What are you smiling at your phone like a fool for?" Lexi asked sitting across from me on the couch. I jumped, holding my chest to stop my heart from jumping out of my rib cage.

"Gees Lex! What are you? A ninja?!" She laughed and shuffled closer to me.

"So who's got you smiling like you're in love?" She nudged me with her elbow.

"No one, miss nosey parker. It was school related." I nudged her back playfully, not completely lying but not telling the truth either.

"I bet that 'no one' was Mason. I've never seen you that way except when you're with him. You should totally hook up." She said flicking channels on the tv. I got up off the couch and gathered my things.

"You go ahead and continue your outrageous train of thought crazy lady. I've got some rehearsing to cram." I carried the papers in between my lips as I manuevered everything to my bedroom.

I downloaded the song from itunes and listened to it at least twenty times, singing along with the lyrics on my laptop in front of me before I tried singing it unaccompanied. I tried not to pay attention to the lyrics but I imagined singing it to Mason and it made me mess up a few times. Once I was happy with my progress I decided to turn in for the night, hoping the song would stick in my brain.