Authors note: hey guys sorry it took so long…I've been really busy with schoolwork lately and haven't had much time to write…but anyway, a BIG thanks to Simple Plan Rulz who gave me the idea for this chapter, and have it all from Abby's POV and for all her encouragement…well I hope you like it! Please review!

Chapter 13: Battle Scars

Abbys POV

Ray stepped out of the room and called me over.

"Abby, come here. I want you to meet Madison."

I followed him into the room, staying close, not knowing what to expect.

"Madi, I want you to meet my good friend Abby, she was with me when Chris called, and basically kept me from punching a hole in the lounge wall."

"Can't say as much for the phone though." I added, grinning up at him.

I looked over to the bed, and a look of disbelief crossed my face. I knew this girl.

"Um, don't I know you?" Madi asked.

I just shrugged, and didn't meet her eyes. She closed her eyes and thought for a minute.

"Wait a minute; you're that chick from last year. You tripped or something and my friend caught you before you fell. Then some big dude came over and punched Nick, before he all but dragged you off. You remember it too, I can tell."

Ray just watched, me, eyebrows raised, waiting for me to respond. He looked me in the eyes, and I know he saw the surprise, fear, and disbelief in them. I watched as realization dawned in his eyes.

"Richard?" he mouthed.

I just looked away, knowing he would know that the answer was yes. I looked back at Madi, who was still waiting for an answer, and nodded.

I started to get up to go take a walk and try to clear my head, but Ray shook his head.

"Abby I want you to hear this too."

I sat back down, and waited for him to talk. He moved over and sat down on the edge of Madison's bed. Then slowly ran his finger down a small scar on the side of her face, over a large bruise on her upper arm where it looked like someone had grabbed her and twisted, before pointing to a burn mark just above her collar bone.

"All these, they're from Chris aren't they?"

She didn't say anything.

"I bet these aren't even half the marks. You know it's not your fault right? He did that to mom too." He paused, then added, "And me."

She scoffed, as if she thought he was just saying that.

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I heard you on the phone with Nick. What, you'll tell Nick that, but you won't even tell me?" I heard the hurt in his voice.

She stiffened, and her eyes were wide and scared.

"You don't believe me do you? I have the scars to prove it."

He lifted his shirt up, and both our eyes widened as we saw the scar that must have been at least 8 inches long that ran across his back, and numerous smaller scars on his shoulders and back.

"Holy shit." Madi and I said in unison, than looked at each other, noticing the identical expressions of horror on our faces.

I went over and ran my hand down the length of the scar, and as I touched him, I felt him tense up, and was surprised at the hurt I felt.

"What the hell happened?" I asked, the same time another voice asked,

"What the hell is going on here?"