I DO NOT OWN THE HANDMAID'S TALE. THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MENTIONS OF CHILD ABUSE. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
As the days and weeks and months passed, Hannah got better acquainted with both Jesse and Jeffrey. Jeffrey didn't talk all that that much, he was clearly the more serious of the pair. Jesse was easier to talk to and talk they did. Hannah told Jesse what she remembered about her mother. He was the only one that she could discuss her mother with. She had accidentally let slip a comment about June once and Mrs. Mackenzie had been very angry. She still remembered it.
"She was not your mother Agnes, she was a very sinful woman." Mrs. Mackenzie said. "That is why you were taken away. So that you could be raised by a good family. That woman never loved you."
"Yes she did." Hannah insisted.
"Don't contradict your mother, Agnes. She did not.
"My mommy loves me." Suddenly, Mrs. Mackenzie struck Hannah across the face.
"Liar!" Mrs. Mackenzie exclaimed as she forced Hannah to the floor. "She was a sinner. She was not your mommy. She was a wicked evil slut...say it."
"No." Hannah replied as shook her head, but that made Mrs. Mackenzie hit her harder.
"Say it!"
"My mommy...is a wicked evil slut..."
"Say it again!"
"My mommy is a wicked evil slut."
"Do you love that filthy wench?" Mrs. Mackenzie asked. Hannah slowly shook her head.
"No."
"You will learn Agnes. SAY IT LOUDER!" The spiteful woman screamed as she hit Agnes again and again.
"I hate her!" Hannah cried out. "I'd be happy if she was dead!" Finally, Mrs. Mackenzie showed mercy.
"Go to your room Agnes." She ordered as Hannah ran upstairs where she ran into Jesse.
"Are you OK Hannah?" He asked as Hannah cried her eyes out.
"No!" She exclaimed. "I'm not OK, did you hear what I just said?"
"Hannah, it wasn't your fault. She made you say..."
"Just go away and leave me alone!" The poor girl shouted as she slammed her door, flopped down on her bed and cried for the remainder of the night.
HANNAH'S SPIRIT IS BEING BROKEN. NEXT TIME, SHE RECEIVES A VERY SPECIAL VISITOR. REVIEWS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.