Hello, everyone. This prompt was suggested by Locitapurplepink. Enjoy.
Omega walked into the cafeteria and saw Jemla sitting by herself. She was pushing people around and she was very quiet. She kept her head down and seemed afraid of any and all touch. Omega knew something wasn't right. She walked over to Jemla and Jemla looked up at her.
"What do you want?" Jemla spat.
"I just wanted to see if you were alright. You're not your usual self." Omega replied.
"Funny, I thought you of all people would want me to change."
"Well, it would be nice if you were nicer to me, but I don't want you to change completely. You're sad and I don't like to see people sad. It doesn't matter to me who they are or how they've treated me."
Omega sat down and started eating her lunch. Jemla rubbed her wrist and Omega saw a bruise.
"How did you get that bruise?" OMega wondered.
"I fell and landed on my wrist," Jemla replied.
"Is it painful?"
"I'll get over it."
Omega and Jemla continued to eat their lunch in awkward silence.
"In your essay last month, you said that your parents took you to Bracca and saw one of the great cities," Omega said.
"Yeah, so?" Jemla scoffed.
"I've been to Bracca. There are no cities there. It's a junkyard. It's a toxic planet. NOt safe for tourists."
"It must have been Ord Mantell then."
"I used to live on Ord Mantell. There are cities, but they're not great. And they're not the kind of planet people would visit unless they had family there. You lied in your essay. Why?"
"It's none of your business."
"Ok."
That afternoon, Omega sat on the porch thinking about Jemla. She didn't even hear Hunter come and sit beside her. Hunter smiled and shook his head when he noticed how deep in thought Omega was. He gave her a slight shove and Omega looked up at him.
"What did Jemla say today?" Hunter questioned.
"What makes you think it's Jemla?" Omega wondered.
"Because I know you. Answer my question."
"She lied in her essay about her family. She said they went to Bracca and visited one of the great cities."
"Huh, there are no cities on Bracca."
"When I questioned her about it, she said that it was Ord Mantell. And she's been upset the past few days. She hasn't bullied anyone and she won't sit with her friends. When people go to touch her, she flinches."
"Like she's afraid of being hit?" Hunter wondered.
"Yes. When I was sitting with her at lunch, I noticed that her wrist had a bruise on it. She said she fell, but I know she was lying." Omega explained.
"How?"
"Remember that one mission where you grabbed me by the wrist to pull me out of the way from being shot?"
"Yeah."
"Do you remember the bruise I had on my wrist from you doing that? It was like her wrist, but worse."
"I see."
"I think someone hurt her, but I don't know what to do."
"Keep an eye on her and continue to be her friend."
Omega nodded. At supper, Omega explained to the others what was going on with Jemla.
"What's her last name?" Crosshair asked.
"Chenk," Omega replied. Crosshair scoffed and shook his head.
"Like father, like daughter."
"What do you mean?" Hunter questioned.
"I work with her father. He makes me look like the friendliest person alive. He's constantly drinking and yelling at others. Starting fights, cursing at coworkers, damaging equipment, and more. His wife isn't any better. From what I hear, she likes to cause trouble too." Crosshair explained.
"If they're as abusive at work as you say, then could it be possible that they're abusing Jemla?" Echo wondered.
"Heh, it's a miracle Jemla's even alive. Chances are, she put on a rough and tough look just to hide what's happening at home."
"What can we do?" Omega wondered.
"What about Program Safe?" Wrecker asked.
"Program Safe would get her out of there, but she's 12. She'd have to say that she felt unsafe. We couldn't do it for her." Hunter sighed. "Omega, see if you can convince Jemla to come over for a playdate."
"I'll try," Omega replied.
The next day, Omega walked up to Jemla and saw that she was hiding from everyone.
"Jemla, are you alright?" Omega wondered.
"I'm fine. Just leave me alone." Jemla replied. Her words lacked their usual cruelty and Omega knew it.
"I was wondering if you'd like to come over to my house and hang out after school. My brother was going to bake some cookies. Maybe you could help."
"My parents wouldn't let me."
"Oh."
The bell rang and Omega started to walk away. Jemla looked up at Omega and took a shaky breath.
"Your brother… is he nice?" Jemla wondered.
"Very nice. Wrecker's a gentle giant." Omega replied. "Except when someone hurts me or my brothers."
"Maybe… maybe I could come over for a little while. I just have to be home in time for supper."
"Great."
After school, Omega waited for Jemla. Hera walked over and stood next to Omega.
"Want to come over to my place and play?" Hera asked.
"Tomorrow. Jemla's coming over," Omega answered.
"Why? She's mean to you."
"Because it's the nice thing to do. Besides, she hasn't been herself and I want to cheer her up."
"You're much better than I am. I could never invite a bully to my house."
"Yes, you could. You invited Crosshair over."
The girls giggled and Hera sighed.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Hera said.
"Ok," Omega answered.
Hera walked away and Jemla walked over.
"Come on, Wrecker will be waiting," Omega stated.
They walked to Omega's house. When they arrived, Hunter, Echo, and Wrecker were talking.
"Jemla, meet Echo, Hunter, and Wrecker. Crosshair and Tech will be home in a bit." Omega introduced.
"Hello, Jemla. Ready to make the cookies?" Wrecker greeted.
"I suppose," Jemla answered.
The girls followed Wrecker inside and Echo looked at Hunter.
"That's the girl that's been bullying Omega?" Echo wondered. "She looks so defeated."
"I know." Hunter sighed. "She's not been treated correctly at home. Marla works with Program Safe as does Wrecker. If Wrecker can make her feel safe, hopefully, Marla can help her. Get her out of that place and someplace safe."
"Yeah."
"I'll go get Marla. I'll be back."
Hunter started walking to town. In the kitchen, Omega, Jemla, and Wrecker were busy making cookies.
"Remember Wrecker, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of leavening, not 2 tablespoons." Echo teased.
"That… Hey, that wasn't my fault." Wrecker exclaimed.
"For 6 months we were wondering why the baking always tasted strange. Hunter watched him and realized that he was getting his teaspoons and tablespoons confused."
Jemla smiled softly. They heard arguing and saw Crosshair and Tech walk in.
"I think I know how to do my job, Tech." Crosshair sneered. They walked into the kitchen and saw the others.
"Where's Hunter?" Tech asked.
"He went to see his girlfriend." Echo replied.
"As usual, he just saw her two hours ago." Crosshair chuckled.
"You know Hunter."
"Oh, boy do I."
When the cookies were made, they went to sit in the living room. Crosshair watched Jemla push her shirt collar to the side to feel a wound.
"That's a nasty-looking burn. Your father has a burn like that on his hand." Crosshair said.
"You know my father?" Jemla wondered.
"I know both of your parents. What happened?"
"We were taking care of some oil. It was hot and when I tossed it, it splattered and hit my shoulder. My dad was trying to discard the rest and burnt his hand."
"I want to believe you, but I know your father. He's a lazy bum. He doesn't even do his job. However, he does like to drink and bully people. I'd hate to have him for a father."
"He's not that bad."
"Yeah, I can tell from the injuries on your legs."
Jemla looked at her legs and then at Crosshair.
"How…" Jemla questioned as she stood up.
"I have enhanced sight. I could spot your injuries a mile away if not farther." Crosshair replied.
Marla and Hunter walked in and saw Jemla trying to hide herself.
"Jemla, is your father hurting you?" Wrecker questioned. Jemla looked at Wrecker who was looking at her in concern. She nodded and sat back down. "How long?"
"Most of my life, I guess. But recently, he was demoted and he's been taking it out on me." Jemla admitted.
"Jemla, have you heard of Program Safe?" Marla asked as she sat on the floor in front of Jemla. Jemla nodded and looked at Marla. "Program Safe protects anyone and everyone who is being abused. All you have to do is say that you feel unsafe in your home and you will be moved to a safe place. In your case, if you tell me you feel unsafe, I can fill out a form with you and your parents will immediately lose custody of you for 1 month. They will not be allowed to visit you and they cannot violate the distance restraint. If they do, they could lose custody of you immediately. A protector will take you to your house and protect you while you pack. Then you will be taken to a safe family. There, you are given the freedom you need to feel safe again. You can choose if you want to go to school or stay in your new home and do your school. You can choose when you're examined for injuries and when you're interviewed. IN that month, a Kersho Abydonian will interview your parents. Kersho Abydonians are the pink with green hair and eyes Abydonians. They're born with the ability to know the truth. They can tell when someone is lying and they're on them in a heartbeat. If your parents are found to be guilty, they will immediately lose custody of you for good. When they lose custody, you will be moved to a permanent home where you will live till you're grown."
"What about my siblings?" Jemla wondered.
"You will be saying it is unsafe for yourself and your siblings."
"Maybe you could come stay with us," Omega suggested.
"That's not a good idea, Omega." Hunter sighed.
"Why not?"
"Well, for one, we're not a certified temporary safe home. Wrecker's the only one here certified and he's only a protector. 2, you and Jemla have not had the greatest of relationships. Only a month ago, she was lying to the world and herself about her family and was on your case about yours. Besides, we wouldn't be able to take her and her siblings in and give them the space they need."
"But I am certified and I can take in 5 kids at the most. If you want, you can come stay with me, Jemla." Marla stated.
Jemla nodded and Marla and Omega held her hands. Within an hour, documents were signed and Wrecker and Marla walked Jemla back home.
"Jemla, where have you been? Your supper is getting cold." Mr. Chenk said.
"Mr. Chenk, have your wife step outside please," Marla stated. Mrs. Chenk came outside and looked at Marla and Wrecker in confusion. "Mr. and Mrs. Chenk, you know I am the manager of the local repair shop. What you may not know is that I also work for Program Safe. As of 20 minutes ago, you lost custody of your 2 daughters and 2 sons for a whole month. Your daughter Jemla has declared this home to be unsafe for her and her siblings. They will pack their bags and if you will not contact them and you will not approach them. If you do, you will lose permanent custody of them. Tomorrow, you are obligated to go to the Program Safe building and be interviewed. If these accusations are found to be true, you will lose custody of your children. If you try to flee, you will be found and you will not only have your children taken away permanently, but you will serve a prison sentence of 10 years minimum."
Wrecker walked up to the door and looked inside. He saw the children at the table and he smiled gently. He glared at Mr. and Mrs. Chenk.
"Move." Wrecker stated. He pushed Mr. and Mrs. Chenk away from the house and away from the children. Marla helped the children and Wrecker stood guard. When Marla and the children came out, Mr. Chenk tried to grab them, but Wrecker stopped him.
"You can't take our own children away from us. You will pay for this, Jemla." Mr. Chenk sneered.
"Mr. Chenk, I think you just blew your case in that one statement," Marla stated.
"Inside, now." Wrecker stated. He shoved Mr. and Mrs. Chenk inside the house and closed the door. Marla and Wrecker took the children to her house where they got settled in.
The next day, Mrs. and Mr. Chenk were found guilty of abusing their children and after staying with Marla for a month, the children were adopted by a good and loving couple who were willing to take the time to help each of the children. Jemla changed but in a good way. Instead of bullying the weak and vulnerable, she defended them and bullied the bullies. SHe no longer felt the need to behave in the way that her biological parents treated her. She now had the freedom to be whoever she wanted to be.
THE END