Never Again, Again
Chapter 22
The list of injuries was extensive and Christine felt totally unprepared for Hannah to be released into her care. Mike still hadn't made it back and Christine hadn't heard from him. One of the few things Hannah had asked for was a nice hot bath when she got home, and Christine helped her into the bathtub in the master bathroom.
"I'm just glad there are no stitches so you can take a bath." Christine remarked. She had made it a bubble bath, hoping Hannah could enjoy it. She began washing Hannah's back gently.
"This stuff smells good." Hannah said indicating the bubbles.
"Your dad bought me that bubble bath for Mother's Day. Its lavender." Christine said.
"Daddy must be really upset at me." Hannah remarked.
"Why do you say that? He's in the South Pacific. One of the most remote areas on the Earth." Christine asked.
"I tried to fight, Mom. I tried to run. All I was doing was walking home from school." Hannah said.
"I know, honey; I know." Christine said.
"Do I have to go to school tomorrow?" Hannah asked.
"No. You can take as long as you need off." Christine answered.
"Can I sleep with you tonight? Since Daddy isn't here yet." Hannah asked.
"Of course, sweetie." Christine said.
"I wouldn't mind if Katie, James and Julia slept in there too." Hannah remarked.
"Well, it's a king-sized bed so there's plenty of room." Christine said.
"And maybe chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast?" Hannah asked.
"Of course. So, are you getting cold?" Christine asked.
"A little." Hannah admitted.
"Okay. Hold on; I put one of the towels on the warmer." Christine said. She took it off and then helped Hannah out of the shower, hating all the bruises all over her.
"This is nice." Hannah said, indicating the warm towel.
"Yeah. It was a Christmas present your dad and I gave each other last year." Christine answered.
"It feels really good. I'm sore…like, down there, Mom." Hannah said, obviously embarrassed.
"I'll get you a heat pad. It'll help some." Christine answered. She had to blink away tears because Hannah was only fourteen but her innocence had been stripped away. She'd already had to explain the pelvic examination and the dangers of pregnancy at Hannah's age.
"Mom…if I got pregnant…I know I can't have an abortion because of the Red Flu…but I'm scared what will happen to me." Hannah said.
"You will be taken care of, sweetheart. But…I don't want you to think about it right now. Those are adult worries for me and your dad." Christine told her as she helped her into one of her robes. She'd already helped her into her pajamas.
"But, the baby…" Hannah started.
"Lets cross that bridge when and if it comes. I promise; you will have a voice in it if so. I just don't want you to dwell on it, okay?" Christine begged.
"I'm just scared that if I am pregnant; I'll have to live somewhere else." Hannah said.
"Not a chance in the world. I just hope that you don't have to face that." Christine remarked.
"I hope not, either. I…keep thinking that Daddy will…be mad." Hannah said as Christine brushed her hair out.
"How come?" Christine asked.
"Those men…they kept saying that Daddy would not want to even look at me anymore." Hannah said.
"I promise; your daddy loves you so much. He would never, ever be like that to you. Remember which parent you've had more trouble with, right?" Christine said with a smile.
"But you're here and he isn't." Hannah remarked.
"He'd be here if he could. Its not because he's angry or upset." Christine said.
"If you're sure…" Hannah said.
"I am positive. How about I get your brother and sisters and we get to bed? I'm tired too." Christine asked.
"Okay. Thanks, Mom." Hannah said.
"You're welcome. Love you, honey." Christine said before kissing Hannah's bruised forehead and leaving the room. It gave her a moment to collect herself before finding her other kids downstairs.