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Beaten

Chapter 1: Meet Uncle Dean

"Mom; dad; please take me with you," Spinelli begged. "Sorry Hun, we can't this time," her mom reasoned. "Yeah, this is our second honeymoon," her dad chimed in, "besides, you'll like your Uncle Dean." There was a knock on the door. "That must be him now," he said walking over to the door.

He opened it to reveal a tall man about 5ft 2in. He was kinda chubby and bald. Her dad and the man hugged. "It's great ta see ya again big bro," said her dad. "Same to you," Dean said.

"Hun we better get going we don't want to miss our flight," her mom said rushing to the door. "Bye honey see you in a week," her dad said waving bye. "Bye mom, bye dad," Spinelli yelled back. She shut the door and walked over to Dean. "So you're my Uncle Dean huh? I'm Spinelli," she said, holding out her hand.

He uncle gave her a cold look that sent chills up her spine. Her fight or flight instincts said FLIGHT! Dean walked over to her and slapped her across her face. She hit the ground hard enough to bust her bottom lip. She could taste her own blood.

She got off the ground and wiped some blood off her lip, "what'd ya do that for!" "While I'm here, you do whatever I say when I say it, and if you say anything to anyone, the someone you care about will die," he said punching her in the eye. The next morning she got dressed and went to school, with a black eye. When she got to school the whole gang ran up to her. "Whoa Spinelli, where'd you get that black eye?" Gretchen asked.

"I was wondering the same thing," T.J said. "I got in a fight," she said. She really hated lying to her friends but if they knew the truth they'd be in danger. She'd never forgive herself if something happened to her friends. Then the bell rang.

They walked into Mrs. Kennedy's class, Mrs. Finster was out for a week and Mrs. K was subbing. Soon, the recess bell rang, Spinelli was thankful that Mrs. K didn't ask questions. Everyone ran out of the school to the recess grounds. "Finally!" Gus yelled. The gang nodded, everyone ran over to the kickball court, except Spinelli.

"Hey Spinelli, don't you wanna play kickball?" Mikey asked. "Nah, I think I'll just go sit down under a tree or something," she said walking away. " Guys, I think there's something really wrong with Spinel, she never refuses a kickball game," T.J said, worry showing in his voice. "I'll bet it has something to do with that shiner she has," said Gretchen. "What fate has befallen our friend," Mikey cried.

"I don't know, but we're going to find out," T. J said sternly. "I have an idea, why doesn't someone follow her home, for protection purposes," said Vince. "That's a great idea," said T.J smiling. "Look's like we have our volunteer," said Gus smiling at T.J. T.J looked stunned, "who me?"

Everyone nodded. "Why me!" T.J practically screamed. "You volunteered," they said in unison. "Alright I'll do it, I think someone should go talk to her," T.J said sighing. "We have a volunteer, again," said Mikey smiling at T.J.

T.J sighed and walked over to where Spinelli was "hey are you alright?" Spinelli jumped at hearing T.J's voice, "what are you talking bout course I'm alright." "The Spinelli I know never has refused a kickball game," T.J said smiling. "Well, I uh can't see that well through my eye and my mom told me I could strain my sight like that so I can't play," she said, lying through her teeth. T.J looked at her questioningly, "alright, answer me this, how did you really get that shiner, the truth this time?"

"You knew I lied?" she asked surprised. T.J let out a devious smile, and Spinelli mentally kicked herself, "I just found out." Spinelli let out a sad sigh, "I can't tell you Teej, I'd be putting you in danger." T.J's face looked a little shocked, "Spinel, I don't care what danger I'm put in if I can help." Spinelli got very mad, "No I refuse to put one of my friends in danger, Teej, just leave me alone!" Spinelli screamed and walked away.