Hey guys!
So I've been writing on this fic for a while and it's taking up data space that I need cleared, so I'm gonna go ahead and post it.
WARNING: It's a little dark, dealing with child abuse, ptsd, ect.
I have no personal experience in the matter, and mean no offense to anyone who might.
But I will try to portray the characters accurately to their situation.
Thanks, and I hope you like it!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own tvd or it's characters. Just this story.
Also, I am still writing ETWR, for those who follow it!
Shutting up now.
Jenna Sommers had been in this seat many times.
The small bus was commonly used for transferring, and she'd sat beside many different children while on it.
And still, she'd never seen anything like the little girl that sat beside her now.
Elena Gilbert.
Her case was still new, but wasn't expected to be open long.
The mother and her boyfriend, who happened to be the children's uncle, were already behind bars.
And with good reason.
They'd killed one child, and had nearly succeeded with the second.
At the age of nine, Elena was the size of a five year old.
Her dark hair was pulled backed into pigtails, allowing the last of the fading lines on her neck to be seen.
The report had also mentioned documented molestation and previously broken bones.
Bruises still covered the girl's skin, as did a few lighter scars, but the emotional damage would be the hardest to heal.
Though, if any place could do it, it was the Second Chance Refuge for Abused and Abandoned Children.
Time after time, Jenna has seen miracles worked at the refuge.
The sense of love and home, combined with all the different therapies available, worked well for nearly every child who stepped through.
The frightened and hurting could find a way to live again, and that's all that mattered.
And these children were so strong and deserved to find happiness.
Especially this little girl.
Jenna looked down at Elena, who was staring out the bus window with wide eyes.
This little nine year old had worked up the courage to call a hotline from a number she'd found in a newspaper.
Jenna had been in the room when the call came in.
She remembered the broken look on the operator's face as she spoke to the girl.
Elena had hung up before they could get a trace, but they did get the number and was able to track it down.
And not a second too soon.
The report stated that the police had shown up to find little Elena in a broken hump, bruises covering her skin.
There was obvious signs of malnourishment and previous abuse, but what has shocked them the most was that Elena had been clinging to the body of a six year old little boy, later discovered to be Jeremy Gilbert, Elena's baby brother, who unfortunately, didn't survive the abuse that night.
Jenna tried to shake off the horrific images, as the bus pulled into the long drive of the refuge village.
She could see the wonder in Elena's eyes, but also the fear.
Slowly, she reached out a hand to the girl.
Elena stared at it for a second, then hesitantly grasped it, allowing Jenna to lead her from the seat.
She thanked the driver, as she and Elena exited the bus, and came to stand in front of the spacious building, that was the main office.
A tall fence circled the property, leaving the only entrance to the grounds, through the office.
For the safety of the children, of course.
"What do you think?" Jenna asked, trying to sound cheery.
Elena looked up at the building, and shrugged.
Jenna smiled, "I've been here lots of times. It's really fun, and is full of really nice people."
Elena still stared up at it.
With a sad smile, Jenna squatted down, to be eye level with the girl.
"Elena..."
The pigtails swished as she turned her head, the pain tugging at her, as Jenna looked into those big brown eyes.
"Look, sweetie. I know you're scared. But you'll be safe here. I promise. We only want to help."
She nodded slowly, before asking, "When do I have to go back?"
Her voice was small, fragile.
Jenna smiled kindly, "You don't ever have to go back, Elena."
Relief was evident on her face, and Jenna took her hand again, "Come on, let's go check it out, what do you say?"
Her nod was a little more relaxed this time, and Jenna was able to lead her into the double doors of Second Chance.
Elena took a deep breath, clinging to the stuffed teddy bear in her arms, a few hours after her arrival.
Miss. Sommers had just opened the door to, what would be, her new room.
There were three beds, each in a corner, with dressers and a nightstand.
A banner hung on the wall, above what she assumed was her bed, next to the window, that read "Welcome home, Elena!"
She blinked away threatening tears...home?
"You'll share this room with two other girls," Miss. Sommers was saying, "Caroline and Bonnie. They are about the same age as you, and can help you with anything you need."
She motioned to the bed, "That's your bed. If you need more sheets or blankets, let me know, and I can get them. There are a few outfits in these drawers, for you, but you'll be able to pick out your own, later."
Elena nodded, trying to take it all in.
"Would you like to sit your teddy down, here?" Miss. Sommers asked, patting the bed.
Elena shook her head.
Her teddy had been the last present she'd gotten from her daddy, before he had left, and there was no way she could be without it right now.
"I want him with me," she confirmed, hoping Miss. Sommers wouldn't mind.
She only smiled, "If that's what you want."
Elena nodded.
"Alright then," Miss. Sommers allowed, "Why don't we go see the rest of the village then? Mr. Teddy can come with us."
Elena smiled slightly.
Miss. Sommers was really nice.
They walked down to the art center, where Elena saw paintings that other kids had done, and felt her excitement grow. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
Then they visited the dining hall, and the animal farm, then even the therapy rooms and playground.
Other children were all around them, at each destination, and Elena began to feel sad.
She wondered if each of these children had bad mommies too.
Or mommy's boyfriends.
She shuddered, trying not to remember her Uncle John.
"Elena," Miss. Sommers addressed, "Did you hear me, sweetie?"
Elena looked up at her, "Sorry..."
"It's okay. I just wondered if you wanted to go to the dining hall, or if you wanted to go back to your room and settle in?"
Elena considered that.
Did she really want to be around a bunch of other children right now?
No, not really.
"Can I go to the room, please?"
Miss. Sommers nodded, "Of course."
It only took them a few minutes to get back to the dormitory building, and finding the room was even easier.
Only this time, when the door opened, both of her roommates were present.
"Miss. Sommers!" One of the girls, a small blond, greeted, rushing over to hug the woman.
"Caroline," Miss. Sommers grinned, "How are you?"
"Great," Caroline enthused, "I got to sign up for the play, at school, today!"
"That's awesome!" Miss. Sommers told her, "I'm sure you'll do great."
Caroline nodded, "Is this our new roommate?"
Elena blushed, as the blond's gaze turned on her.
Miss. Sommers rubbed her back encouragingly, "Yes. This is Elena Gilbert. She just got in today. Elena, this is Caroline Forbes, and that over there, is Bonnie Bennett."
Caroline smiled and waved at her, but Bonnie hardly acknowledged that they'd been introduced.
Caroline seemed to notice this, "Don't mind her, Elena. She's just upset that her Grams didn't visit today."
"Blabber-mouth," Bonnie accused, and Caroline stuck her tongue out.
"You girls, play nice," Miss. Sommers reminded them, before looking down at Elena.
"Okay, sweetie, I need to go fill out some paperwork. You can go to the dining hall if you get hungry. Caroline can help you, if you have questions."
Elena nodded, "Okay."
"Alright," Miss Sommers sighed, "I'll be back tomorrow morning. We'll check in then, okay?"
Again, Elena nodded.
Miss. Sommers smiled, "Good. Alright, see you girls tomorrow."
And she was gone.
Elena squeezed her teddy tightly, before turning to her bed.
Everything felt like it had been spinning since this whole thing had started, and she just wanted to sit and breathe for a moment.
Unfortunately, Caroline was already talking.
"It really is fun here. We get to paint and play with the animals, and go to school and play and-"
"When is bedtime?" Elena asked quietly, but made sure Caroline heard her.
"Nine-thirty," the other girl, Bonnie, answered, "But it's ten on weekends."
Elena nodded and Caroline moved to sit on the bottom of her bed.
"So why did you get brought here? Is it because of your bruises? How did you get them? I had bruises too, but they're all gone. My daddy gave them to me. But he's in jail now. Are your parents in jail?"
Elena couldn't hold back the tears anymore.
It was just too much.
She didn't even really know where she was, or how long she had to be here, or if she'd ever see her mommy again, and what if she did? What if Uncle John found her?! What if he killed her, like he killed-
She fell to her mattress, tears shaking her tiny shoulders, and Caroline had stopped talking.
Elena had a feeling that both of her roommates were giving her weird looks, but she couldn't help it.
It hurt so much.
She slowly became aware of a hand on her shoulder, and looked up, surprised to see Bonnie there.
The dark girl smiled softly, and whispered, "It'll be better tomorrow."
Elena wasn't sure that was true, but it was hope, and right now, that's exactly what she needed.
So that's the first chapter.
Please review so I know if I should continue!
Thanks! :)