Chapter 2

Emily POV

"What do you mean he stopped?" Even through the phone, I could tell Hanna didn't believe me. She was right, of course. She knew just as well as I did that Father would never stop what he was doing to me. He didn't like leaving the house, and thanks to my mother abandoning me on his front porch before I could even remember her touch, he no longer had to.

"I mean... Maybe he's getting tired of me."

"Why would he be getting tired of you? That doesn't make any sense. You're the reason he's not a rotting corpse in that castle of his."

"Does it have to make sense? Does anything else make any fucking sense? My mother got tired of me before I was even born, didn't she? That's why she left me with this monster the first chance she got." I could feel the tears starting to form in my eyes, but I forced them back. I learned a long time ago that crying wouldn't bring my mother back to me. She made it clear she wanted nothing to do with me, and I made the decision to do the same with her. "God. I'm sorry, Han. I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

"Hey. You know you never have to apologize to me for anything. I get it."

"You don't deserve to be yelled at like that."

"Then make it up to me. Spend the rest of the night at my house. I miss you."

I chuckled. Hanna always knew exactly what to say to get me to smile. "You saw me a earlier at school, Han." I was already packing my overnight bag.

"I know, but that was hours ago! Besides, I still don't like the idea of you being home."

"'I'll be there in about ten minutes, okay? See you soon." I hung up the phone before double checking that I had everything I would need.

I walked swiftly down the stairs, not bothering how much noise I made. Just as I predicted, Father was passed out on the couch, still clutching a bottle of whiskey in his right hand. I grabbed the notepad off the counter and wrote him a quick note.

At Hanna's. Be back at the usual time.

I put the note where I knew he would see it: the liquor cabinet. Then I was out the door. As I heard it shut behind me, I couldn't help but pray it was the last time I ever walked through that door.

Just like everytime I walked through Hanna's front door, I instantly felt at home. Maybe it was the smell of freshly baked cookies that always seemed present there, or the smile Ms. Marin gave me as she opened the door. Maybe it was the warm, safe embrace she gave me when she asked how I was doing, or the gentle hands she used to inspect any new injuries Father had given me. Whatever the reason, walking into Hanna's house made me wonder what my life would have been like if I had a home, instead of a prison.

After Ms. Marin was satisfied that none of the new bruises were life threatening, I walked up the short flight of stairs and opened the second door to the left. Instantly, there was a flash of blonde hair in my vision, before I was oh-so-lovingly suffocated in a bone crushing hug.

"Hello to you too, Hanna." I giggled, tightening my arms around her waist and burying my face in her neck. Somehow, Hanna always smelled even more like home than anything I had ever known. It was like I belonged with her, like she and I were destined to be the best of friends for all time.

"You told me he didn't do anything, Em. I can see the bruises."

"I'm fine, promise. Can we just not talk about it tonight? Please? I'd rather just pretend he doesn't exist, like we always do."

"Okay. Just, promise me you won't lie to me anymore."

"I just don't want you to worry about me. You have enough on your plate as it is."

"Emily. You're the only true friend I've ever had. It's kind of my job to worry about you. You're too good a person to deserve this. No one should have to go through something like this, but especially not you. You're the kindest, most genuine soul that has ever existed."

I couldn't help but smile as I pulled my best friend in for another hug. Hanna had such a way with words sometimes, for someone that can barely understand the English language. Sometimes I wished she would show other people this side of her. The kind, fiercely loyal, incredibly loving person that I knew she was. Most of the time, however, I was glad she only showed this side of her to me. Hanna was the one aspect of my life where I couldn't help but be selfish sometimes. She's like this priceless jewel. I want to show her off to the world, but at the same time, I like that she's only mine to protect and cherish.

I was pulled from my train of thought when Hanna opened the bathroom door, now wearing her pajamas. I was so wrapped up in my thought, I hadn't even noticed she had left.

"Weren't you standing in that exact same spot when I left?" She asked, looking at me quizzically.

"Uh... So, what movie do you want to watch tonight? Another 1980s horror flick?" I could tell in her eyes she was still mocking me. Luckily, she let it go, for now anyway.

We watched movie after movie, until we could barely keep our eyes open. And as the credits signaled the end of the fourth movie, Hanna turned off the tv and curled into my side.

"Goodnight, Han. Sweet dreams."

"Night, Em. I love you." She pulled herself even closer to me and I felt myself relax into her touch. As I closed my eyes, and my mind began to drift to thoughts of Maya, I heard Hanna mumble one last word, and I know she was no longer asleep. With one last glance at her, I settled in to her embrace and prepared for a night full of beautiful dreams and Maya, the most beautiful soul to ever grace this Earth.

"Always."

And there's Chapter 2, guys. I hope you enjoyed it. Once again, I apologize for the long wait, especially for this, which is sort of a filler chapter, but the new episodes of Pretty Little Liars have really been inspiring updates should be coming much more quickly than this one did. Please continue to read and review, it means so so much to me. Talk to you guys again really soon. :)