Chapter 6: Heroes

"Come on Hannah," said Kim as they sat down at the lunch table. "You are the only girl in the school not going to the Winter Ball"
"I don't have time for things like that," said Hannah shrugging her shoulders. "Okay"
"Oh yeah right," said Kim, "What are you going to do instead study? You and I both know that you are the easily the smartest person in the entire senior class. Come on Hannah please come"
"No," said Hannah stressing the word, "I don't even have a date"
"I can arrange for you to go with someone," said Kim, "Please Please Hannah"
"If I agree to go will you please stop bugging me and let me eat my lunch?" asked Hannah finally breaking down. "Yes!" said Kim hugging Hannah, "You are going to have so much fun. I think I'll set you up with my cousin Kyle. He would really like you."

"Hannah!" yelled Matthew up the stairs, "Your date is here"
"Be right there," yelled Hannah from her bedroom. She and Kim were standing in her bedroom. Hannah was looking at herself in the mirror. She had let Kim take full control of her hair, make-up, and wardrobe. She was wearing a black halter-top dress that went right above her knee. Kim had tamed her natural curls into perfect ringlets that bounced when she walked. Kim stood up, she was wearing a bright red strapless dress, her blonde hair was in a fancy up-do on the back of her head. Kim walked out of the room, her date was also downstairs, Hannah stood up and walked one step and tripped into Kim. Hannah never wore high-heels, but now she was wearing a pair of black stiletto heels. Hannah and Kim made their way cautiously down the stairs and into the living room. Kim walked right over to her boyfriend Christopher. Hannah walked over to Kyle. He was very tall and good-looking; he had short blond hair and deep blue eyes. Kyle was standing next to her Dad, who was smiling, that was a good sign. Jack nodded at Hannah and Kyle took her arm and led her out the door, Kim and her date followed closing the door behind them. Once they had gone Kate walked into the living room. "Well he seemed like a nice guy," said Kate walking over to Jack who was now seated on the couch. "I didn't like him," said Jack.
"Of course you didn't Jack," said Kate, "Hannah is your little girl and it doesn't matter who the guy is, he'll never be good enough for Hannah"
"Damn right," said Jack smiling. Kate returned the smile and then snuggled up close to him. "You do know that someday she will get married," said Kate. "I know," said Jack, "That's if the guy is still around after I pull him in close so only he can hear what I am going to say. I tell him that's my only little girl and if he hurts one hair on her head…well I have no problem going back to prison"
"You wouldn't," said Kate sitting up, "Anyway I'm the only one in this house who has ever been to prison so I will have to say that"
"And what is going to be your excuse for going to prison this time," asked Jack. "I'll say that I killed my husband," said Kate. "Hey!" said Jack.
"I'll just say that you are my seventh husband," said Kate. She scratched her head like she was really counting her number of husbands, "Or is it eighth."


The Winter Ball was being held in the High School gym. When Hannah walked in it took her breath away. The gym had been draped in white fabric and lights. It was so beautiful that Hannah stood in the doorway dumbfounded. Kyle nudged her and she laughed and followed him out onto the dance floor. They had come in, in the middle of a slow dance. Hannah spotted Jake on the dance floor surrounded by a bunch of girls that wanted to dance with him. Jake saw her and waved to her. Hannah waved back and Kyle took her arm and led her onto the dance floor. The song witched to another couple's song and Kyle took Hannah's arm and put it around his waist, he stepped in close to her and Hannah tried to step back. She looked around them; everyone was dancing very close to their partner. It made Hannah feel uncomfortable to be dancing this close to Kyle. She knew nothing about him and she wasn't sure if she fully trusted him. "Kyle," said Hannah backing away from him. He shot her a look and she knew what he was thinking. Everyone seemed to be dancing this way…expect for Jake who had somehow disappeared from the floor. She felt uncomfortable and smiled, "I'm thirsty. I'll be right back"
Hannah looked around and finally saw Kim. She was sitting by herself her legs crosses in front of her. Hannah walked over to her; only tripping twice in her heals. "Hey," said Hannah sitting down next to Kim. "Hey yourself," said Kim she seemed kind of agitated about something. "Where is Christopher?" asked Hannah.
"God only knows," said Kim she began tapping her foot angrily, "Why aren't you with Kyle"
"Oh," said Hannah for a minute she had completely forgotten about her date, "He is somewhere. I said I was going to get a drink"
"You don't like him?" asked Kim her tone becoming cold.
"Ummm," said Hannah, "Not really. He is a nice guy, but not my type"
"You should be grateful that he took you to the dance," snapped Kim, "God knows nobody else wanted to take you"
"What is your problem?" asked Hannah standing up, "You are taking it personally that I don't like your cousin"
"So what if I am?" asked Kim standing up as well, "I had to beg him to come here with you tonight"
"Well I wish you hadn't," said Hannah, "He creeps me out"
"Why?" asked Kim, "It not like he is a stalker like your brothers"
"Don't you dare talk about my brothers," said Hannah, "They aren't nearly as creepy as Kyle. My brothers are good guys"
"Why don't you just leave then," said Kim, "If Kyle makes you feel so damn uncomfortable. I don't need a ride home from you. I can find my own way"
"Fine," said Hannah turning around. She didn't even bother looking for Kyle, she just wanted to get home. When she was halfway to the door Jake ran up to her. He had shed his suit jacket and his cheeks were pink from dancing. "Where are you going so soon?" he asked when they were face to face. "I'm going home," said Hannah, "This isn't as much fun. Kim is mad at me and my date gives me the creeps"
"Oh come on," said Jake jokingly, "I haven't even gotten to dance with you yet"
"Some other time okay?" promised Hannah, "now I just want to go home."

Hannah said goodbye to Jake and walked out of the High School and into the parking lot. She was halfway to her Mustang when she heard somebody calling her name. She turned around and saw Kyle running towards her. "Hannah!" said Kyle as they came face to face. "Where are you going"
"I'm going home," replied Hannah. "Why?" asked Kyle touching her bare arm softly. Hannah shuddered and took a step back. She didn't want to say to his face that for some unknown reason he creped her out and she just want to get away from him. "Kim and I got into a fight," said Hannah shrugging. "Probably something stupid we can fix on Monday, but I just have a headache and I want to go home"
"Well can I get a ride back to my house?" asked Kyle. "Ummm," said Hannah, she felt kind of bad about ditching him, "Alright."


Boone and Christian walked into the High School gym and found Matthew immediately. Matthew had come to the dance with his friends, Hannah was supposed to let him ride with her, Kim, and their dates back home. But Hannah had disappeared before he had gotten to say hello. The twins walked over to Matthew who looked completely bored and dateless. "What's up?" asked Christian. "This is a waste of my time," said Matthew.
"Do you mean the star football player doesn't have a date?" asked Boone laughing.
"Oh I had a date," said Matthew, "But she had barricaded herself in the bathroom because some guy got punch on her new white dress"
Boone and Christian exchanged a laugh and then patted their brother on the back. "Life is rough," said Christian, "Where did Hannah go anyway"
"I don't know," said Matthew, "I just saw her disappear with some boy about a half-hour ago"
"She left with a boy?" asked Boone. "Yeah," said Matthew, Kyle I think his name was. The one that gave us the creeps remember"
"Hannah left with him?" asked a girl sitting not to far from the boys.
"Yes," said Christian, "Why"
"Because I used to go to his school," said the girl pulling her long auburn hair behind her back, "His name is Kyle O'Brien. He was charged with rape last year. The charges fell through though"
"Right," said Christian, "Well we have to get going. Thanks for the most disturbing information I have heard in my entire life"
The three Shepard boys walked quickly out of the gym. Jake ran after them out of curiosity, he didn't expect the twins to be there. He quickly found out about Hannah's date and he got into the blue SUV with the rest of them. Christian pulled out of the parking lot at top speed and raced down the street. "I swear to god," said Christian his hands shaking in range, "If that bastard puts one hand on my sister I will kill him."


"Hey Hannah just make a left turn here," said Kyle putting his hand on hers. Hannah moved her hand on top of the steering wheel so she didn't have to touch him. Hannah turned on the road it was completely pitch black. "Are you sure that your house is down this road"
"Pretty sure," said Kyle causally. "Why don't you pull over for a second so I can make sure"
"I think you can make sure while we are driving," said Hannah. Suddenly a chill ran up her spin. She knew that this was a mistake and she really wanted Kyle out of her car. Hannah pulled over to the side of the road and unlocked the door. "I think you should get out now"
"What?" asked Kyle looking at her angrily. "I don't want you in my car anymore, get out," said Hannah firmly. Her eyes flashed dangerously, Kyle knew she wasn't joking. "Are you scared?" asked Kyle, "Of me"
"No," lied Hannah, "I just want you out of my car"
"I bet you heard those rumors from someone at the dance," said Kyle locking the door, "They aren't true of course, I would never hurt a fly"
"Like hell you wouldn't," said Hannah unlocking the doors. "Get out"
"No," said Kyle relocking the doors. "And you aren't going to get out either"
Kyle moved towards Hannah and he ran his finger down her arm. Hannah tried to push him away but he was much stronger then she was. "Kyle get the hell away from me," said Hannah. "Come on everybody is doing it," said Kyle kissing her check. Hannah slapped him across the face. "Is that what you told your last victim?" asked Hannah angrily. "No," said Kyle he was holding the side of his face in shock. "I told her that I loved her and if she loved me"
"So you did rape that girl from East View," said Hannah shocked and for the first time she was truly scared. "I never denied it," said Kyle he smiled viciously. "Let me out of the car," said Hannah she tried to unlock the car, but before she reached the button Kyle grabbed her wrist and twisted it angrily. Hannah cried out in pain and backed against the door holding her wrist. Kyle smiled and got closer to her. He went to kiss her, but Hannah moved her face so all her got was her cheek. Kyle laughed a cruel deep laugh. "Playing hard to get?" asked Kyle like this was some game. "No," said Hannah, "Because you aren't going to get anything from me"
"Do you really think that?" asked Kyle, "I get whatever I want"
Kyle pulled Hannah down the front seat of the car so she was lying down; before she could get up he was on top of her. Hannah began to scream but Kyle covered her mouth. Hannah looked up at him; his eyes were crazy with fury and something else that Hannah had never seen before. The desire to be in absolute control. Kyle bent down to kiss Hannah again, but Hannah bawled her hand into a fist and punch Kyle across the face. His nose splattered blood all over the car and all over Hannah. Kyle swore in fury and got off of Hannah, he grabbed her wrist again and twisted it. "You are going to be sorry you did that Hannah," said Kyle.


"How are we going to find her?" asked Jake, "It's dark and we have no idea where this Kyle guy might lead Hannah"
"Christian and I," began Boone his voice was deep and angry, "Have a pretty good idea. The road where all the high school kids go when they want to get some action. Absolutely disgusting"
"Knacke road?" asked Matthew, "I hear the football team members talking about it all the time"
"That's the one," said Christian he was still flying down the road, making turns every once in a while, "We are almost there. Boone call the police and tell them they might need to get down there"
They continued driving for another five minutes, finally Christian turned onto the dark road. Almost immediately the SUV's headlights hit something bright red. Christian turned off the headlights hopefully to go unnoticed. He stopped the car about ten feet behind Hannah's Mustang. Everyone got out of the car. It was clear that a struggle was going on inside of the car. They could hear Hannah's voice loud and angry, she was shouting something. They heard a slap and Hannah's voice died. The twins ran to the car and went on the passenger's side; they wanted to get rid of Kyle. Boone tried to open the door, but it was locked, without even thinking Boone took off his jacket and wrapped up his hand. He punch the car window as hard as he could, it shattered into thousands of pieces flying into the car, Hannah, and Kyle. Hannah screamed and covered her face. Christian and Boone opened the car door and dragged Kyle out of the car and onto the blacktop. Then Boone hit the unlock button so Hannah could get out. Matthew opened the door for Hannah and helped her out of the car. "Are you okay?" asked Matthew urgently. "Yes," said Hannah. Her dress was slightly ripped, her hair was completely tangled, her wrist was most likely sprained, and she was beginning to develop a black-eye from where Kyle had hit her, but otherwise she was okay. "I'm okay"
"Thank God," said Matthew hugging his sister. Jake came over to them and when they broke apart he put his suit jacket across Hannah's shoulders. Hannah smiled and thanked Jake. On the other side of the car Kyle was still laying in the middle of the road, Boone and Christian continued to stand over him. The police would be coming any minute now and they were not going to let that bastard any where near their sister. Five minutes later two police squad cars came flying down the road, sirens blaring interrupting the silent night. Four cops got out; two went over to Hannah to talk to her. The other two cops didn't waste anytime placing Kyle under arrest and putting him in the back of the car. The twins had the cops tow the Mustang away to the repair shop so they could replace the broken window. When the cops had left with Kyle, Hannah walked over to the twins and hugged them both. Finally the broke apart, Boone got into the drivers seat of the SUV and everyone pilled into the back, they had called their parents and were going to take Hannah to the hospital.

"Hannah!" exclaimed Kate as she rushed into Hannah's hospital room and into her daughter's arms, "Are you okay"
"I'm fine Mom," said Hannah, "No permanent damage"
"I'm so sorry we didn't stop that boy from taking you out," said Kate, "We just didn't get any bad vibes"
"It's okay," said Hannah as they broke apart, she put her bandaged hand into her moms, "I got the vibe a little to late. It's not your fault"
"As long as you are okay," said Kate.

Outside the room Jack was getting briefed from Hannah's doctor. Dr. Riley told Jack that there was nothing wrong with Hannah; she escaped with just a sprained wrist. The only thing that they might want to consider is some counseling sessions just so she didn't suffer and physiological damage from the attack. After talking to the doctor Jack walked into the hospital room and gave Hannah a tight hug. "Are you okay?" asked Jack. "Yes, the doctor said I am fine," said Hannah. "I know what the doctor said," replied Jack, "I want to know if you are okay"
"I'm okay Dad," said Hannah sincerely. "I just want to go home."


"Hey," said a voice from the darkness. Boone looked around and saw Laura walking towards him hugging a sweater close to her body. "Hey," said Boone smiling for the first time that day. He had just gotten home from the hospital; he needed to clear his head. He had come outside and sat under a tree in his backyard. "What's up"
"I heard about Hannah," said Laura, "How is she"
"She is going to be okay," said Boone, "A little jumpy when someone touches her, but nothing that can't be cured"
"I'm very relieved," replied Laura, "My whole family was really worried. Boone you and your brothers are heroes"
"What?" asked Boone his cheeks going red in the darkness.
"You are," said Laura, "Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't come"
"I had to," said Boone, "It wasn't heroic or anything, she's my sister and I have to protect her"
"Boone," said Laura softly. "What?" asked Boone. "I broke up with Mike," replied Laura. "Oh," said Boone he didn't want to sound excited. "So can I kiss you"
"You better," said Laura. Boone put his hand on the side of her face and kissed her, Laura kissed him back deeply and then broke apart from him laughing. "What?" asked Boone becoming embarrassed.
"I was just thinking about what my Dad is going to do when he finds out," replied Laura. "He is going to kill me," said Boone. "Probably," said Laura. "So you better kiss me again just in case."


"Jack," said Kate into the darkness of her bedroom. "What?" asked Jack turning over in bed again. "Stop moving," said Kate. "You are keeping me up"
Jack sat up and flicked on the light next to his bed. Kate moaned and turned over to shield her eyes.
"Kate," said Jack, "I can't sleep"
"Obviously," said Kate sitting up as well. "I can't stop thinking there is something that we---that I could have done to have stopped that scum bag from touching my daughter," said Jack. "Jack there is nothing we could have done," said Kate. "He seemed like a good kids. How were we supposed to know"
"I don't know," said Jack. "We can't keep them in the house forever, we have to let them make their own choices," said Kate, "Hannah is going to be just fine"
"I hope to God she is," said Jack, "Or I don't know what I will do"
"Jack," said Kate scooting over next to him, she put her hands on the side of his face and looked into his eyes. "You are a great Dad. Stop worrying about what you should have done. You didn't do anything to cause this, Hannah knows that"
Jack looked down and then back up at Kate. He put his hands over hers and took them off his face and held them close. He kissed her and then laid back down, her in his arms. "Jack," said Kate. "What?" asked Jack his eyes closed. "You wanna turn off the light?"


The morning light came pouring into Hannah's bedroom. She opened her eyes and realized that she wasn't alone in the room. Her brother's were sitting together in the room playing Monopoly. She sat up in bed, the night's events seemed like a dream. "Hey she is awake," said Christian standing up. "What time is it?" asked Hannah rubbing her eyes. "About three in the afternoon," said Matthew. "Oh," said Hannah. "It gave us plenty of time to get you a present," said Boone picking up a cardboard box. He put it on her bed and dug his hands into it. He pulled out an orange and white kitten. Hannah covered her mouth and shock. Boone put the kitten into Hannah's lap.
"He is to take care of you just incase we aren't around," said Matthew. "Thank you," said Hannah becoming choked up. She gave each of her brothers a hug and they one by one left the room. Hannah sat alone for a minute running her fingers down her cat's soft fur. She was going to name him 'Hero' because that's what her brothers were…her heroes. Hannah took in a deep breath, she was going to be okay. She really believed it too. She was going to be okay, because she had her family right behind her.

To be continued…