Chapter One
Aaron Hotchner was a skinny ten year old boy playing baseball with his baby brother, five year old Sean. "Why is dada always so mad Aaron?" Sean asked innocently as he threw the ball towards his older brother.
"I don't know buddy. He must be sad down deep." Aaron answered the inquiry the best way he knew how. Sean shrugged, deciding his brother's wisdom was enough for now.
"Throw it far Aaron, I wanna run." Sean shrieked as he giggled.
"Okay bud, be careful though." Aaron yelled across the lawn before giving the ball a good heave. *Smash* Sean's face filled with dread the second he heard the crash. He knew dada would be mad again.
"Aaron…" Sean whispered, his hands already shaking in fear.
"Shh buddy, you'll be okay." Aaron whispered even softer. "I need you to go to the tree house, okay? I'll come get you in a little bit." Ten year old Aaron promised the little boy, he knew how dad could be and wanted Sean safe before….
'AARON!" Mr. Hotchner bellowed from inside the house, having just found the broken window.
"Run Sean, go!" Aaron whispered, already making his way to the house to face the music. He didn't want dad finding Sean with him.
"Hi dad." Aaron whispered, his terrified body making his voice stutter.
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU BOY?!" Mr. Hotchner yelled in Aaron's personal space, a backhanded blow being delivered to his cheekbone as the scent of alcohol wafted with his words.
"Nothing dad. It was an accident." Aaron rushed out. "What's the matter dad? Are you drinking again because you're sad?" He asked, trying to learn the reasons behind his father's behavior. A punch was doled out this time.
"DON'T EVEN START WITH ME BOY!" This yell was louder if that was possible. Aaron flinched, the noise level aggravating his pounding head.
"It's why mom left right? You would never talk when you were sad, so you just started punchin'." Aaron spoke louder this time, knowing whispered words angered his drunk father. That did it. The drunk man's temper flared and he started to kick his eldest son repeatedly. Silent tears streamed down Aaron's face as the pain became too much to bear. Once the energy escaped his body, the older man spoke again.
"Get outta here boy. I don't wanna look at ya." He slurred. Aaron got up slowly due to his beaten body. As soon as he was out of the house however, Aaron ran with all his might to the tree house to comfort Sean. He knew the little boy was scared. He skidded to a stop breathing heavily to climb the ladder and get to his brother.
"Sean, I'm here it's okay." Aaron said softly as to not scare his baby brother.
"Aaron?" Sean asked through his tears.
"Yeah bud it's me. Everything is alright now." Aaron promised. Sean let a small smile grace his lips until he looked closer at his brother's face.
"Your eye is bruised." The five year old said, putting his tiny palm to his older brother's cheek.
AN: There you have it folks. This is something a little different. Drop me a line if you liked this chapter.