"Broken"

(A/N: I've had the idea for this story in my head for a while now. But a recent episode of Grey's Anatomy gave me the push I needed to finally write the words out on paper. I know I have a million other stories and I need to update those. But this story has infiltrated my brain and won't let up. This story will contain very mature themes, such as domestic violence and sexual assault. There will be some chapters that are very difficult to read. I'll give a warning in the author's note before hand. This story is not meant to offend anyone, if you find some of the chapters too painful to read, please fill free to skip. This is not meant to be an easy story by any means. But every cloud has a silver lining. To all the survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault I want to dedicate this story to you. I hope that this story touches people, and evokes conversations about these painful topics. Anyway please read and review. I'll continue to write this story either way, because some stories need to be told. There is some major violence in this chapter. You have been warned.)

Summary: What happens when the person who is supposed to love and cherish you forever, is the person who hurts you the most?

"Chapter One"

I can't tell you what it really is

I can only tell you what it feels like...

Fitz patted his shirt, and pants pockets down frantically. "Where the hell are my keys?" he muttered. He paused and glanced over at the clock in his grandmother's living room. "Shit, we're gonna be late!"

He started searching the couch, in between the cushions and underneath the coffee table. "Fuck!" he hissed loudly. He threw up his hands in frustration. "Why today," he groaned.

This day was already starting off bad. First he'd woken up late, even though he'd sworn he set his alarm for the correct time. His son was not being cooperative about school at all. It took him an extra thirty minutes to get Teddy out of the bed this morning. On top of that he had to call his boss and let him know that he would be late on his very first day. And now he couldn't find his damned keys.

He got down on his knees and patted the space between the floor underneath the couch. "Where the fuck are my k…." he started, until he heard something dangling just above his head.

"Looking for something?" Fitz smiled up at her gratefully.

"Thanks grams," he said getting up and placing a kiss on her cheek.

"I know that the town of Greenville is about as safe as you can get, but you still shouldn't leave your keys in the car overnight," she scolded lightly.

Fitz shook his head. "I was out there working on the timing belt last night, must've forgot em…"

"You know what else you forgot?" she asked in a slightly annoyed tone. Fitz eyed her curiously. "There's a six year old living here too now, looks like a carbon copy of you at that age." She hit him on the chest lightly. "Watch your language!"

Fitz sighed. "I'm sorry Grams, I'm just a bit stressed is all." Verna nodded and was about to say something else; when they heard Teddy coming. They both turned their heads to the staircase. Teddy was walking down them slowly; dragging his bookbag behind him.

"Morning," he mumbled sleepily. Verna smiled at him.

"I made you some lunch sweetpea, I'll go get it," she told him. Teddy nodded. Fitz walked up to his son. He stooped down so that he was eye-level with him.

"I know you don't wanna start at a new school bud; but this is a chance for the both of us to start over," he told him.

"I don't like school daddy," he whispered. Fitz smiled at him.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Teddy glanced up at him with his bright blue eyes, and nodded. "I didn't like school either." Teddy chuckled. "Tell you what, after school we'll go out for ice cream. But you gotta make it through your first day, and so do I for that matter. We'll celebrate together later, deal?" he asked holding out his closed fist to his son. Teddy nodded and pounded his smaller fist with his dad's.

"Deal."

"Alright you two, you're already late," said Verna, coming back with both of their lunches. She handed one to Fitz and the other to Teddy, who put it in his book-bag. "I'll see you two tonight for dinner," she told them. She hugged them both, placing kisses on each other their cheeks. Fitz opened the door for Teddy. His son walked out, and he was about to follow; when Verna said to him.

"You're doing great kid." Fitz looked back, and flashed her a grateful smile before walking out of the door.

After dropping Teddy off at school; Fitz headed to work. He pulled up to "Huck's Garage" and got out of his car. Huck was already outside working on another vehicle when he pulled up. Huck paused his work to come and get a good look at Fitz's car.

Huck gave a low whistle of appreciation. "She's a beauty." Fitz smiled and leaned up against it.

"She was my grandfathers." He lightly patted the hood of his 67' Candy-Apple Red Ford Gt500.

"You fixed her up yourself?" he asked. Huck had seen this car sitting in Mrs. Verna's yard for a few years now. He wanted to buy it from her, but she refused to sell it, rightfully so.

"Yep as soon as I got back from Durham. I had to practically sell my grandmother my rib, before she'd let me touch it, but I got it done," he joked. Huck smiled.

"Speaking of Durham, how are you liking Greenville?" he asked.

Greenville, North Carolina was a small town that held about three thousand residents. It was about three hours from the city of Durham, North Carolina. Everybody knew everybody. Except for Fitz, he only knew his grandmother of course, and Huck, because they served together in the military.

Fitz shrugged. "It's an adjustment." Huck nodded.

"I can imagine, city boy," he teased lightly. Fitz playfully rolled his eyes. "How long you been here?" he asked?

"Couple of weeks. I had to wait until after I could pick up Teddy. Sorry, otherwise I would've started a lot sooner."

Huck waved him off. "Hey man you could've taken all the time you needed, you know that."

Fitz nodded a small glimmer of a grimace passed his features, and just like that it was gone. He offered no other response. "So you got a uniform for me or what?" Huck grinned, and left to go retrieve Fitz's uniform from inside the shop. He came back holding the neatly folding uniform in his hand.

"Didn't know if I had one to fit all those muscles you like to flash around pretty boy." Fitz laughed.

"Jealous much." Huck tossed his uniform at him quickly and Fitz caught it.

"Hardly, now get to work Grant," he scolded playfully.

Fitz chuckled, and gave him a mock salute. "Sure thing boss."

"Keep going Jayden, you're doing great." Olivia smiled at the young boy as he nodded, thankful for her encouragement.

Few things were as fulfilling and as rewarding as being a teacher. Olivia prided herself on being the best teacher. She taught first grade at Greenville Elementary School. She'd been doing so for the past two years, and she loved every minute of it. She'd always had a great love of education. She loved children even more. Her heart exploded at the fact that she found a way to combine her love for education with her love for children. Her job would always be her first love, she thought. A knock on her classroom door interrupted her class reading, as well as her thoughts.

"Just a moment everyone," she announced looking at the group of about twenty first-graders.

She went to her classroom door and opened it. The school's administrative assistant was standing there with a new student. He looked down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact with her. She smiled at him. Students were often shy at this age, but only for a moment. She knew that it would only be a matter of time before he was off making friends. The school administrator explained who the new student was, and that he'd been assigned to her class. Olivia nodded and got down to eye level with her new student; wincing as she did so. But luckily that went unnoticed.

"Hi there," she spoke softly. The little boy in question, looked back up at her with the brightest blue eyes she'd ever seen. She felt her heart melt at the sight of them.

"Hi," he whispered.

"I'm Olivia, what's your name?" she asked kindly.

"Teddy," he mumbled. She smiled at him.

"Teddy would you like to walk inside the classroom with me?" she asked. Teddy raised his bright blue eyes to her once more and nodded. Olivia stood up fully, and sucked in a breath as she felt a sharp pain in her thigh.

"Are you okay?" asked Mrs. Janice, the school's administrator.

Olivia nodded. "Yeah I'm fine, too much pilates last night, I guess," she joked. Mrs. Janice nodded, although she seemed a little unconvinced.

"I'll leave this one in your capable hands." She winked at the little boy. "See you around Teddy," she told him before walking off.

Olivia reached out her hand to him. "No need to be scared Teddy, we'll walk in together."

Teddy glanced up at her, then down at her hand. Hesitantly he reached out to her, and she clasped his hand in hers. She gave him a bright smile, before leading him into the classroom. All of the students stared at him, wondering who this new person was. Olivia held onto his hand and he squeezed hers, feeling his nerves take over.

"Class this is Teddy, he's new, and he'll be joining us from now on. I want you all to make him feel welcome, okay." All of the students nodded. "Everyone say Hi Teddy." The classroom broke out in a chorus of "Hi Teddy." Teddy giggled, and the class laughed with him. He looked up at Olivia and grinned. His smile revealing his two missing front teeth. She felt her heart tighten. He was adorable. "Alright Teddy, you can take a seat next to Jayden, and I'll grab you a book." Teddy went to take his seat. Olivia placed the book in front of him and opened it to the page they were on.

Once Jayden finished his last sentence. She stopped him. "Teddy why don't you pick up where Jayden left off." Teddy looked up at her, nervously. She smiled at him kindly "It's ok Teddy, go ahead."

Teddy took a deep breath, placing his finger underneath the first word on the page. "Thh-the, ca-tt...ran att-ttt," Olivia cleared her throat and corrected him.

"Too," she said softly. He sighed, but kept his eyes on the page.

"Too," he repeated, before continuing. "The-eee," he began, and some of the students began snickering.

"Quiet," she scolded lightly. And just like that, you could hear a pin-drop. "Go on Teddy," she told him. He looked up at her, and she winked at him. He smiled, and continued on with much difficulty.

Fitz went to pick up Teddy after a hard day at work. All he wanted to do was take a hot shower, and crawl into bed. But when he got to the school, the school's secretary informed him that Teddy's teacher wished to speak with him. When he inquired whether or not Teddy was in trouble. The secretary could not tell him. He silently followed her to Teddy's classroom, to meet with the teacher. Teddy was sitting in the back of the classroom doing his homework. He was so focused on his son, that he didn't even notice the person that had walked up to him.

"Hi Mr. Grant. I'm Olivia; Teddy's teacher."

Fitz tore his eyes away from his son to the soft brown doe eyes of his teacher. Fitz felt his heart speed up and slow down at the same time; as he took in her appearance. She was short, couldn't be more that 5'2 or 5'3 but the four inch heels, slim, but athletic figure, she wore helped her out a bit in the height department. She wore a yellow sundress, with a white sweater. Light makeup on her face and nude colored lipstick. The tone of the lipstick made her lips look even more plump and ripe for kissing. She looked like an innocent school teacher. But too Fitz she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

Fitz cleared his throat, blushing at the fact that he'd been checking out his son's teacher. Because of that fact; he hadn't really heard anything she said.

"Mr. Grant are you okay?" she asked, concern etched in her features. Fitz shook his head and smiled.

"Sorry, it's Fitz….I'm Fitz," he stammered, holding his hand out for her to shake it. She placed her hand inside his and his much larger hand engulfed hers. Both of them glanced down momentarily at their hands; as they felt an unexplainable electric spark. Her skin was so soft. He could only imagine how the rest of her felt.

"Nice to meet you Fitz," Olivia continued; her gaze on his face once more. "As I said before I'm Olivia, Teddy's teacher." She glanced back at Teddy, he was still quietly doing his homework. "I know you're wondering why I wanted to meet with you. Teddy's not in trouble or anything I can assure you." Fitz let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Okay," he said even more curious as to why she wanted to meet with him now. Olivia cleared her throat.

"While doing daily reading in my class today; I noticed that Teddy seemed to struggle a lot more than the other kids."

"Okay," he repeated. Olivia glanced back at Teddy, who was still working diligently and smiled. Then she looked up into his father's eyes, the same blue eyes that his son had, she noted. Olivia felt herself get lost for a moment, but she quickly recovered.

"I think Teddy is dyslexic."

"I'm sorry?" asked Fitz confused. Olivia paused carefully considering her words before continuing. Some parents often had trouble accepting their children being anything other than stereotypically normal. She hoped that Mr. Grant wasn't apart of that group.

"Dyslexic... meaning he has trouble learning to read or interpreting words, letters or symbols. That doesn't mean that he won't be able to do it ever. He'll just need a little more help that's all."

Fitz ran a nervous hand through his hair as he glanced back at his son. "Shit...I mean...sorry, um so what do I do..I just...um...what are the next steps?" he rambled. Olivia smiled at him kindly.

"It's important to know that this doesn't mean that Teddy's not intelligent, this condition can be treated Mr. Grant."

"Fitz."

"Huh?" she asked.

"It's Fitz, you don't have to call me Mr. Grant," he told her. She nodded. "So what do we do?" he asked.

"Well there is a program at the youth center in town. They help children with this kind of disorder. I volunteer there myself sometimes. They meet three times a week after school."

Fitz sighed. "I don't know Ma'am. Teddy doesn't really take to strangers all that great. I mean we just moved here. I'm lucky he even got out of bed, and agreed to come to school today."

"Well is there anyway that you could come and sit with him during the sessions, maybe his mom co…." she started, but Fitz quickly cut her off.

"She's not in the picture." Olivia nodded in understanding. She felt a tug at her heart, hearing that. A boy that young needed his mom. She glanced at Teddy once more; before looking back to his father.

"Okay, well how about I work with Teddy for a few weeks after school, and we'll try to integrate him into the program after that?" she asked.

Olivia felt her heart flutter as Fitz gazed at her hopefully. "Would you really be willing to do that? I mean I wouldn't wanna to put anything extra on your plate Ma'am." Olivia waved him off.

"It's Olivia," she corrected. When he grinned at her, she felt her stomach do a somersault. Still she continued on. "Nonsense, I'm here to help educate children, so that's what I'm going to do. How about we talk to Teddy about it, and see what he says," she suggested. Fitz flashed her a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

She nodded and motioned for him to walk ahead of her.

Teddy seemed excited about getting to spend a little extra time with his kind teacher after school. Fitz couldn't be more grateful. During his stint in the military, he didn't really get to see Teddy very much after he was born. He and Teddy's mom never really got along, but he loved his son. Nevertheless, It took awhile for Teddy to warm up to him after he got full custody. He had no idea how to be a father; but he loved his son with all his heart. He wanted the best for him. Olivia seemed to be the best. Teddy had taken to her quite well, and so soon.

"I can't thank you enough Ma'am."

They were walking towards the front of the school. Olivia and Fitz planned out a schedule that would work for all of them. She'd meet with Teddy every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. These were the days Fitz worked longer at the shop. He'd pick Teddy up after they were done.

"If I have to call you Fitz, then I insist on you calling me Olivia," she told him as they got to the front doors of the school. Fitz stopped in front of her, holding Teddy's hand.

"Alright, Olivia," he said, testing her name out on his lips. She had to admit, that she quite like the way her name sounded when he said it. He held out his hand for her to shake, and she placed her hand in his. "Thanks again, I really appreciate this. And I know the little guy does too." He said looking down at Teddy, who wiped his eyes sleepily. Olivia smiled at Fitz, then turned her attention to Teddy.

"It was nice to meet you Teddy. I'll see you tomorrow okay."

"Okay, bye Miss Olivia." he said, hugging onto his father's leg.

Fitz smiled down at him, before looking back up to Olivia. Neither of them had noticed before, but they hadn't let each others hand go. He wanted to say something else to her, to convey his thanks further, but the words seem caught in his throat. She looked like she wanted to say more as well but she was at a loss for words also. So the two of them just stood there staring at each other for a moment. Until a stranger's voice broke their trance.

"Olivia."

They both looked in the direction the voice was coming from, and Olivia snatched her hand back from Fitz like it was lit on fire. Fitz gave her a questioning look, but then turned his attention back to the stranger, who was now walking towards them.

The man in question looked to be in his mid to late twenties. He was tall about 6'1 or 6'2. Skinny build; but not sickly looking. He had sandy brown hair, and light green eyes. He was wearing a brown police officers uniform, with his gun and baton holstered in his police belt. As he got closer to them; Fitz could see that his badge said Deputy Sheriff on it. He stopped in front of them and glanced at where their hands were once joined. Fitz saw him frown quickly, but as the man looked up, he was smiling; though the smile never fully reached his cold eyes.

"Olivia," he repeated smiling still. "Who's your friend?" He glanced at Fitz and sized him up. Fitz stood firm, staring this man up and down as well. Who the hell was this asshole? He wondered.

"Um..Jake...this is...um…this is... Fitz Grant. He's the father of my newest student." Olivia's voice was meek and very rattled. It seemed as if she were nervous or scared. Maybe it was a mixture of both.

Jake came to stand next to Olivia so that they were now both facing Fitz. He put a possessive arm around her shoulder, and squeezed it tight; crushing her against his side. Olivia grimaced in pain, but quickly recovered. This Jake character either ignored her reaction, or he didn't seem to care.

"Aren't you going to introduce me honey?" It was more of a statement than a question. Fitz could tell, especially when Olivia quickly blurted out.

"Fitz, this is my husband Jake."

Fitz's eyes widened but only momentarily. Of course the most perfect woman he'd ever met would be married. And to this asshole, even better. He thought sarcastically. Nevertheless, Fitz being the gentleman he was; held out his hand for Jake to shake it.

"Nice to meet you. Your wife is an amazing teacher," he complimented. Jake smirked at him shaking his hand. He applied a bit of pressure to his handshake, just to see if Fitz would react.

"You know that after one meeting huh." Fitz glanced at Olivia quickly. She looked down and around at everything but him. Fitz could clearly tell that she was highly uncomfortable with the situation. The comment her husband made, caught Fitz off guard. Still he turned his head to Jake and nodded.

"My son's lucky to have her." Fitz turned his attention to Olivia once more. She was quiet and much more reserved around her husband. Nothing like the delightful, cheerful person, he'd just met half an hour ago. "Thanks again for all your help Olivia." She refused to meet his gaze. She nodded, keeping her eyes to the ground, and replied in a soft voice.

"You're welcome."

Fitz felt a weird vibe coming from Olivia's husband, and was about to ask her about it, but Teddy tugged on his pants leg.

"Daddy I'm hungry." Fitz smiled down at his son. He was sure it was almost dinner time by now.

"Okay bud, we're leaving," he assured him. "Thanks again Olivia." She nodded quietly looking down at the floor still. Fitz frowned. Then he turned to Jake and nodded. "Nice meeting you," he said, even though he didn't mean it. Jake nodded at him as well, offering no verbal response.

Fitz grabbed Teddy's hand and the two turned around and headed for the front doors. "Bye Miss Olivia," said Teddy, turning back to her one last time. She finally raised her eyes from the ground and glanced at the little boy. He smiled and waved at her, before following his father out of the front door. She smiled at him sadly.

Jake waited a few moments after they were gone before he spoke up again. "Well that was interesting." Olivia remained quiet. "Let's go." He glanced around the hallway. Seeing no one in sight; he grabbed her hand and practically yanked her out of the front door. She kept up with him as best as she could; careful not to complain about the pains shooting through her arm.

The car ride to their house was silent. She kept her eyes on the floor, as she tried to guess what type of mood he was in. Olivia closed her eyes and prayed silently.

They reached the house fifteen minutes later and he got out wordlessly. He walked to the front door without waiting for her to get out of the car. She took a deep breath and exited the vehicle. She made it to the front porch by the time he got the screen door open. Once he opened the front door, he stood back so that she could walk inside first. This surprised her, maybe he wasn't angry after all. She heard the screen door shut; then he shut the front door and locked it. She looked through her purse for a cough drop, because her throat was sore.

"What would you like for dinner?" she asked turning to him.

Before she could do a complete 180 to face him, she felt the back of his hand strike her across her face so forcefully, that it sent her backwards. Unsteady, she fell to the ground hard. Attempting to brace herself she placed her hands out in front of her during her fall. She hurt her wrist in the process, once they came into contact, with the hard wooden floors of their living room. Olivia curled up in a ball, covering her face, with her hands, ignoring the pain in her wrist, and lip. Running her tongue across her bottom lip; she could taste the blood where the skin split. That'd be yet another bruise she would have to try and cover up, or explain.

Jake sneered down at her, hands on his hips, glaring at her menacingly. "Do you think I'm stupid!" he spat. "You take me for a fucking fool don't you!" His tone was harsh and he was beginning to get louder. Olivia knew better than to answer him back. That would only result in more harm.

He walked around her small form, until he was closer to her face. "Look at me dammit!" he demanded. Olivia whimpered softly, but forced herself to look at him, knowing that if she didn't; the consequences would be even more severe. He snarled at her; kneeling down until he was sitting on his knees. He pressed his pointer finger to her forehead. "Flirting with your fucking students father, in my face like I'm not even there! Seriously Olivia!" He boomed, then he shook his head condescendingly. "I knew you were fucking whore! You little cunt!" He cursed, pressing his finger into her forehead with each word he spoke. As he pressed his finger against her forehead, the back of her head hit the ground each time, causing even more pain.

She'd long since become numb to his insults. Even though they grew more frequent and nasty as time went by. She couldn't respond, she couldn't defend herself, not against him. If she tried, he'd just get more angry. The angrier he got, the more violent he became. He hadn't hit her in her face in a long time. Only because he knew how hard it was for her to cover it up. He didn't want anyone asking questions. So far she'd covered up every little detail, physically and emotionally. To the town of Greenville; their marriage was picture perfect. They were the model couple. No one knew the truth. That she was married to a monster.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed.

He scoffed at her, before standing up straight. "Clean yourself up, and make me some fucking dinner!" He ordered, then he walked away.

Probably to the fridge to grab a beer. After a while; her sobs slowed down to quiet sniffles. She sat up slowly and wiped her face off; the blood dried up on her lip. She carefully grazed the back of her head. She could feel a small knot forming there. She picked herself up off the floor, and went into the half bathroom on the first floor. She had to clean herself up and start on dinner before he got angry again.

(A/N: As you can see this story will be very much Rated M. It's hard to write, but it's an important message. Just a warning, things are going to get worse, before they get better. But I hope you'll read anyway. Jake will be the main villain in this story, there will be no redemption for his character. If you think he's bad in this chapter, you ain't seen nothing yet! Alright enough said. Please R&R and let me know what you think.)