A/N: Okay, moving right along. Warning, this chapter is not for audiences sensitive to violence and child abuse. This is the one with all of the details. Well, FYI... so nobody is confused, the stuff in italics is a dream and this...(>->->-) is like... between events if you know what I mean. Don't worry, if you have any questions, just ask. I know this chappy is long, but if you have the song Concrete Angel, I suggest you listen to it while you read. Depending how fast you read, the song should repeat between three and six times. LOL, I've edited this a few times. It took me longer to write it then it will for some of you to read it, and I listened to it the whole time. It helped...LOL. Can anyone guess what song is stuck in my head? I'll shut up now. LOL Anywhoo......Enjoy!
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She walks to school with the lunch she packed
Nobody knows what she's holdin' back
Wearin' the same dress she wore yesterday
She hides the bruises with linen and lace
"Hannah! Where are you girl? Hannah! You answer me!" He said walking up the stairs. He checked the rooms upstairs and retraced his steps to the kitchen. He walked back into the living room and saw her heading for the door. "Hannah! You wait. How come those dishes weren't done last night?"
"I ran out of soap." Hannah said not even turning around.
"Why didn't you tell me we were low? I could have bought some."
"Dad I have to go to school. I'll finish them tonight I promise. I have to go, the bus is almost here."
"Don't you talk back to me!" He said slapping her face. He came closer to her and she could smell the whiskey on his breath. She held her breath as long as she could to keep from gaging. Again he struck her, making her drop her books. He kept hitting her until she screamed.
"Daddy stop! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please stop!" She pleaded as he finally just pushed her to the floor. He looked at her for a moment then retreated to the kitchen. He turned around as the school bus passed by the house.
"Looks like you just missed your bus."
"Yes sir." Hannah stuttered picking up her lunch and scattered books from the floor.
"Go on. You have a long way to walk. You better not be late. If I get another call saying you were late, you're gonna regret it. You understand me?" He said angrily.
"Yes sir." Hannah said sniffling as she opened the door, thinking about how much she wished she didn't have to come back.
The teacher wonders but she doesn't ask
It's hard to see the pain behind the mask
Bearing the burden of a secret storm
Sometimes she wishes she was never born
"Hannah, do you have a tardy pass?" The teacher asked once Hannah walked in ten minutes late.
"No ma'am."
"Can I see you in the hall for a second?" She asked as a few other students snickered. Aaron who was watching from the corner, noticed that she had been crying. "Hannah, this is the fourth time in two weeks. I'm afraid I'm going to have to call your father again."
"No Ms. Andrews, please don't call my dad. I promise it won't happen again."
"Hannah, that's what you said last week. I'm sorry."
"I swear it will never happen again. I'll stay after for detention for a month. Please."
"I'm sorry Hannah. Really. But there is some kind of problem here that needs to be taken care of." Ms. Andrews said looking at Hannah. She knew something was wrong, but she thought it was better not to say anything. "Let's go back inside. We need to get on with class." She said as they headed into the class room. Hannah walked to the back of the room and took her seat next to Aaron.
"Hey what happened to you? Are you okay?"
"Yeah... I- I'm fine."
"Hannah, Aaron, eyes up front please." The teacher said as Aaron raised his hand. "Yes Aaron."
"Ms. Andrews, may I talk to Hannah in the hall? To catch her up on what she missed yesterday and at the beginning of class. Please?"
"Fine. Make it quick. You have five minutes." She answered as the two slowly walked out of the room.
"Hannah, where were you yesterday? What happened to you?" Aaron asked worriedly as tears welled in Hannah's eyes. "Your dad?" He asked as Hannah nodded.
"It's not that bad. I just- I wasn't feeling well yesterday and-"
"Don't Hannah, I already know what happened. He hit you pretty hard over the weekend didn't he?" Aaron asked, reading Hannah's eyes. He knew. The first time it happened, she called him to tell him not to worry.
"Aaron, please. I don't want to get into it. It's almost gone anyway." Hannah said as Aaron fixed his eyes on hers. She didn't know how, but she knew he was the one person who could see through her makeup. A tear rolled down her cheek and Aaron quickly wiped it away.
"Hey, you better be careful. You don't want that makeup coming off during class."
"Thanks." Hannah sad forcing a smile that only lasted a second.
"Why were you late?"
"He got mad at me this morning and I missed the bus so he made me walk again."
"He got mad at you? You mean he hit you again. Hannah, it's five miles. Doesn't he get that?"
"He knows how far it is. But I couldn't have him drive me because not only was he upset, but he had been drinking."
"Why didn't you call me or Greg? And don't give me that 'Greg was sleeping' excuse. You know he would come."
"Because if I tried to call either one of you, he would have been even more upset."
"I'm sorry. I was just worried about you when you didn't call or anything."
"Ms. Andrews is going to call him tonight and tell him I've been late. Aaron, he told me if he got a call that I would be in trouble. I'm so scared." Hannah said in a shaky voice.
"Hey, don't worry. I'll tell you what. I'll go home with you and I'll stay until your dad goes out and we can tell him we have a project we have to work on okay?"
"Alright. Thank you so much Aaron." She said hugging him. Aaron noticed Ms. Andrews look out to them so he quickly parted with his friend.
"Come on before Ms. Andrews has a cow." He said smiling as Hannah wiped her eyes.
Through the wind and the rain
She stands hard as a stone
In a world that she can't rise above
But her dreams give her wings
And she flies to a place where she's loved
Concrete angel
>->->->->->->->->->->->->-
"Bye Linds. Have fun okay?" Hannah said hugging her. "Bye Catherine, bye Grissom. Thank you for the ride and for breakfast."
"Anytime Hannah. Thank you for all of your help." Catherine said smiling.
"Yeah Hannah, you are welcome anytime. We'll see you tonight. Don't be late." Grissom said as Catherine started to back up.
"I won't." Hannah called to them as she walked up the steps to the porch where her father was sitting. "Hi dad. Thank you for bringing my clothes for me last night."
"You're welcome. Go upstairs and put your things away and finish your chores. I want to talk to you later." He said taking a swig of his beer.
"Yes sir." Hannah said as she went inside. One hour, (and six beers) later, Hannah had finished her chores. She went into the living room where her father was watching television. He turned it off as she sat down. "Daddy? You wanted to talk to me?" Hannah asked as he got up and walked to her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her up from her chair.
"Where did you get it?" He said tightening his grip.
"What?"
"You thought I wouldn't see it? That I wouldn't find out you had it? Now tell me!"
"Dad I don't know what you are talking about! I swear!"
"The box, the jewelry, where did you get them? I told you and Jeremy when I threw them out that I never wanted to see them again, now how did you get them?" He yelled as Hannah started to cry. "You stop that crying and tell me!" Hannah screamed as he hit her face with his free hand.
"Jeremy! He gave them to me! He said I should have something that belonged to mom. Please, daddy you're hurting me!" Hannah screamed as his grip tightened even more.
"Don't you lie to me! Jeremy never would have done that! You had that punk Greg steal it didn't you? Didn't you!"
"No, daddy I swear! Greg didn't even know about it! I promise." Hannah screamed turning her face away as his came closer, and the sickening smell of alcohol became stronger.
"If I wanted to keep your mama's stuff around here, I would have. But I didn't and that is why I threw it out. Now tell me the truth!"
"Daddy, I promise! Jeremy gave them to me!"
"You're nothing but a no good liar!" He said pushing Hannah down my the arm he was holding. Hannah winced in pain and screamed as the bone snapped. She curled up on the floor and closed her eyes until she heard her father slam the door and start his truck. She got up and made her way to the phone. She needed help.
"Hello?"
"Greg? Greg I need your help. Please." Hannah said weakly.
"Hannah? What's wrong? What happened? Are you okay?"
"Where are you?"
"I'm with Sara. She's in the other room, she can't hear me. Just tell me what happened."
"Just come over. Please hurry. I have to get out of here before he comes home. Please."
"Okay, hang tight. I have to tell Sara."
"Okay. Please hurry." Hannah said hanging up and rocking back and forth on her knees. 'Why does this always happen? What did I do to deserve this?' She thought to herself. She answered her own questions in her mind as she closed her eyes and tried to think of her brother. Greg came to her rescue once again and finally she felt safe.
>->->->->->->->->->->->-
They drove back to Hannah's house where her father was standing on the porch waiting. He looked through the windshield and glared at Greg as Hannah climbed out of the backseat.
"Bye Hannah. And happy birthday." Sara said smiling.
"Thanks. And thank you for the ride. I'll see you later." Hannah said walking into the house passing by her father, who was sitting on the porch swing. She looked at his face and could tell he was upset. She quickly went to her room to put her things away and change her clothes. Ten minutes later, she came downstairs as her father called her.
"Why are you late?" Her father asked as he closed the door.
"I had to finish working on a case with Sara." Hannah said looking at the floor.
"Why were you with him?"
"He was going to Sara's house and she offered to give me a ride on the way."
"You stop lying to me. I know what's going on between you two. You've been lying to me all along haven't you Hannah? You said you weren't working with him anymore."
"I'm sorry. I...I thought he was switching shifts and I-"
"Don't bother. I know the truth. And I'm going to have him arrested."
"What? What are you talking about? Greg hasn't done anything."
"What did I tell you about talking back to me?" Hannah fell to the ground as he struck her face. "Do you think I'm stupid Hannah? Do you think I don't know what is going on? You see him every night. You think I can't put two and two together? I know what he is doing and it's against the law."
"Dad you're wrong! There is nothing going on. Greg isn't like that. He would never do anything like that!" Hannah said as her father stood over her. But something was different. His voice was clear, not slurred like it usually was. There were no red, glazed eyes and no sickening alcohol smell. For once in a long time, Hannah noticed her father was completely sober.
"Stop lying to me!" He yelled hitting Hannah once she managed to get to her feet. "So what you're saying that he is you're friend now? He killed your brother Hannah! You can't tell me you forgot that."
"It was an accident! Remember? I was there too! If you cared about me, or loved me at all you would remember that Jeremy wasn't the only one who was hurt! I could have died too and you wouldn't have even cared one bit! Just admit it dad, you have never cared about me and you never will!" Hannah said, her eyes widening when she realized what she had just said to her father. She closed her eyes, expecting to get the worst beating of her life. But it didn't come.
Her father walked away from her. He stopped at the fireplace and turned to face her. Hannah turned her back to him. She heard him pick up something, but before she could turn around to see what it was, she felt glass shattering against her back. She fell to the floor, wincing as her back encountered the glass again. She closed her eyes and prayed that he would go away like he always did once she hit the floor. She felt something hit her ribs, then her legs and finally her arms. Over and over she felt the sharp blows. Everywhere but her head. Hannah thanked God for that much. She curled up as best she could to shield herself and she prayed to God to make it stop.
"Daddy stop! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! Please stop!" Hannah shrieked. "Oh God, please make him stop!" She yelled as he continued hitting her.
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Meanwhile......
Greg was leaving Sara's apartment when his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Greg?"
"Aaron, what's up man?"
"Greg, I'm worried about Hannah. She tried to send me and instant message, but I was away, when I was finally able to talk to her, she was really freaked out. I think she might be in a lot of trouble."
"Okay. I'll go check it out, thanks Aaron." Greg said getting into his truck and driving to Hannah's house.
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"Please! Somebody help me! Daddy stop!"
"Maybe if I beat you enough you'll learn to keep your mouth shut!" He yelled as he struck Hannah repeatedly. Hannah pleaded with him to stop, but he kept going. He kept going until her moving and screaming stopped. He threw the metal bat on the floor. He walked out of the house leaving an unconscious Hannah sprawled on the floor. No more than five minutes passed when Greg ran into the house searching frantically for Hannah.
"Hannah! Hannah where are you!" Greg yelled as he walked into the living room. He found Hannah and saw the blood covered glass and the metal bat. "Oh God. Hannah talk to me." He lightly shook her body. "Hannah! Come on!"
"Greg? How..." Hannah spoke weakly.
"Aaron was worried about you."
"You have to get out of here. If my dad finds you here, he'll kill you!"
"I'm not leaving you here alone. Come on, I'm getting you out of here." He said trying to pick her up. She screamed and Greg placed her down again. "I'm calling an ambulance."
"No Greg. Please. I just have to get out of here, I'm fine. Try again." Hannah said wincing as Greg slid his arms underneath her body.
"Okay, try not to move okay?" Greg lifted her in his arms and gently placed her on a chair. "Sit here. I'm going to get your things. You're going to stay with me. I don't care what anybody says." Greg said running up the stairs. He grabbed some clothes from her room and the first aid kit from the bathroom. He slowly went down the stairs when he heard something outside. Hannah's father walked into the house and went to Hannah. Hannah saw him and stood up as quickly as she could.
"Where is he? I know he's here! Where is he?"
"Daddy please-"
"I'm sick and tired of this! Now you either tell me where he is, or I'll make this the shortest birthday you ever had." He said pulling a gun from behind his back. Hannah's eyes widened, and tears welled into her eyes. 'Just do it...kill me...I deserve it... do what you have always wanted to do...' Hannah thought to herself as a tear rolled down her cheek. Greg was listening form the stairs and he became horrified when he heard a click. "Tell me! You have five seconds. One...two...thr-" Greg jumped from behind him and tried to grab the gun. The two men struggled for control of the gun.
"Stop it! Dad put the gun down please!" She watched as they threw punches, each with one hand on the gun. Hannah kept screaming until she heard the trigger snap and the loud bang of the gun releasing the bullet. It was then that she felt a sharp, excruciating pain in her abdomen.
"Hannah!" Greg yelled as Hannah fell to the ground. He gave one last punch which made Hannah's father fall to the ground unconscious. He took the gun and ran to Hannah's side. "Oh God, Hannah I'm so sorry. Hannah? Can you hear me? God, please this can't be happening." Greg squeezed her hand. He saw the blood starting to flow heavier from her abdomen and he cried harder. He stood up and Hannah's father who had regained consciousness, was standing behind him. He punched Greg and grabbed the gun. He stumbled backwards as Greg got to his feet. Once Greg stood up, Hannah's father pulled the trigger again and Greg fell and landed on top of Hannah. After a slow, short silence, another shot was fired and again... silence.
Somebody cries in the middle of the night
The neighbors hear, but they turn out the lights
A fragile soul caught in the hands of fate
When morning comes it'll be too late
Through the wind and the rain
She stands hard as a stone
In a world that she can't rise above
But her dreams give her wings
And she flies to a place where she's loved
Concrete angel
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A/N: Okay, I know sucky ending. But If I kept going, it would be too long. Trust me, the next chappy is pretty long. And incase anyone is confused.....this is all one big nightmare. Any other questions can be directed by review or email. I hope y'all liked it! Oh, and FYI so nobody sues me... the bold words are the lyrics to 'Concrete Angel' by Martina McBride. Man, that song is still in my head! LOL I hope you liked it!...
:sings:... 'But her dreams give her wings, and she flies to a place where she's loved.... Concrete Angel'....... LOL
Sweet Jorja