So Long Ago

Ch.7- When Fate Attacks

A/N: Just a reminder that I don't own anything that someone else owns. Also, some events are based on information I have gotten. If they are not accurate, please forgive me. As always, all reviews are more than welcome.

January 31, 1984

After the winter break, Sara found herself once more getting ready for school. Her room had lost its comfort and warmness since Willy was no longer there. She was about to leave when someone knocked on her door.

"C'mon in." She called. The door opened and her mother glided in. She looked sadly at Sara, closing the door behind her.

"Sara, hon," She spoke very quietly and guiltily. Sara wondered what was going on. Sara took a seat on the edge of her bed. "You know that me and your dad…well, we don't get along that well." She hesitated, not knowing how to explain herself.

"What is it?" Sara was very curious as to why her mother would come in her room at this hour. Usually she was already at work.

"Sara, I want to leave your father."

"Mom…"

"Sara listen, it's for the best. You can grow up in a better place with me. No more fights, no more anything."

Sara sighed. Her mother often talked about leaving. Sara hated the fighting, but she just couldn't imagine her parents divorcing.

"Why do you want to leave?" Sara asked. It was a dumb question, she knew the answer was obvious, but she wanted to buy some time.

"Sara, please. You know this kills me. I-I know that we are a family-"

"This is not how families act!" Sara half yelled, jumping off her bed. "Marriage is about commitment!"

"Sara please listen, you don't understand. I can't do this anymore!" Sara's mom pleaded.

Sara wasn't sure why she was arguing about this. She loved her mother and hated seeing her being hurt. She just wanted to pretend her family was normal. She was being irrational, but she feared that a divorce would only make things worse.

"I have to go mom." Sara picked up her things and left without a word, slamming her door behind her. She stopped in the hallway, and leaned against it. Inside, she heard her mother sobbing. Sara didn't know how much damage she had done.

Later that day, Sara was sitting in Mr. Johnson's, her English teacher's classroom. He had recently announced that they were to put on a career fair for the sixth graders. Sara thought about what she was going to do, probably something with science. A shrill bell rang through the room, signaling lunch.

Sara, Ryan, and Katie sat at their usual table in the corner of the lunchroom. Sara had forced the mornings events out of her head, but apparently her face told everything.

Ryan was going on about his career project. "I'll bring in some specimens and some books…yah, that'll work…" He went on, but no one was listening. Katie was watching Sara with concern.

"Are you okay?" She asked Sara.

"Yah," Sara tried to sound convincing. Katie thought of letting it go, but she couldn't.

"No, you're not." She stated. Sara blinked at Katie. Even Ryan stopped talking at this.

"Is this going to be a girl talk?" He asked looking between them. Katie glared at her brother. "Okay, um, I'll see you guys later." He picked up his lunch and left. Katie turned back to Sara, who stared at her stale macaroni and cheese.

"Sara. What's going on? You always seem preoccupied." Sara remained quiet. "Listen you can tell me."

Sara had never told anyone about her families problems. No one knew she had an alcoholic father that hit his wife. Sometimes, she wanted to tell the world…to let it all out. But, she just couldn't.

"It's nothing." She said. Katie sighed and leaned back in her chair.

"You know me and Ryan are here for you."

"I know." Sara responded quietly.

The trio was sitting in Ms. Hanson's Math class when there was a knock at the door. Mr. Kendal, the school principal, walked in. All heads turned as he whispered something into Ms. Hanson's ear. She nodded.

"Sara, please go with Mr. Kendal." She instructed.

"Bring your things." Mr. Kendal added. Ryan and Katie looked questioningly at her. She just shrugged, wondering what could have happened this time.

She followed Mr. Kendal to his office. Her heart stopped when she saw who was in there. It was Detective Mann.