This chapter is more about Ben. I thought he needed some space in this story, so this is all for him! Hope you like :D

ENJOY!

R POV

Right now I was close to happiness - at least relationship wise. Or was it a relationship? I'd love it to be anyway. Maybe three dates was taking something a little for granted but with Dimitri I could feel it. I was past thirty but I can bet I was acting like a teenager! The girls at work had commented on my smile cause apparently I smile a lot.

I was smiling like a fool right now. My smile grew even more when I thought about it.

The date a few nights ago was fantastic. We might have stayed in the car a little too long cause Christian called after a while asking if I could come inside since he wanted to go home and sleep. When I got inside it was pretty tense but I still couldn't stop smiling.

We hadn't decided on anything new but I could only guess there wouldn't be too far away.

Something that bothered me right now though was Ben. He has been really quiet lately and I don't know what's up. He promised he would tell me if something happened in school, and he hadn't so I trusted him.

Of course he was already kind of quiet – not when Dimitri or Paul was around but that's another story.

I just couldn't figure it out. He always went to his room, he never answered my questions and if I wanted a hug – which I do a lot – he'll either tell me that he's not into it or that he wasn't my little boy anymore. I knew he wasn't, but I love him more then he understands. All my kids have different qualities and they show me their love in different ways. Alex is always goofy and making me laugh, Alice is the girly one that I can play with dolls with. If we start we can play for hours on and on.

Then Ve and I are very good friends and I think she's finally gotten over the whole Dimitri thing since she doesn't act that bad anymore and do talk to me a lot. And then there's Ben. He's the cozy little guy who wants to watch a movie, show me his little car show he put together or play superhero. He has a lot of nightmares so now a days he sleeps next to me in my bed. It's very comforting since he clings to me for warmth. It fills up some space I miss often. But now he's more quiet then ever, when I ask about watching his favorite show he tells me no and go to his room. He always looks down and never goes to Paul's place. I don't understand this. Where did my sweet little boy go?

B POV (BEN)

I was walking from class to my jacket cause it was break time and Paul wanted to go out an Paul in the rain. I was really excited cause I knew that the older grades didn't have a break right now. They were in class. I put on my raincoat and pants, then my wellingtons ready for any adventure thrown at me. I walked out stumbling on my feet cause my boots were a little too big for me, but mommy told me I'll grow into them soon.

"Look what we have here"

I froze. That feeling came over me again. A lump in my stomach, cold washing over me. I was scared.

I knew Jonah and Marcus was watching me. They'd been after me for days now. I couldn't tell mom because she'd only be disappointed that I couldn't handle it on my won. Dimitri was never around and Paul couldn't help me.

"Little tiny girly Hathaway boy" A mocking voice said. Jonah. My hands started to shake, I hated when they were around. I hated them, all of them!

"Oh, little boys scared huh?" His friend Marcus said. I felt my lips quiver. Do not cry Ben do not cry! I told myself. I can to this. I'm a Hathaway.

I felt a light shove and I stumbled.

"Cat caught your tongue?" Marcus asked. I stared at the ground.

"Aw, are you going to cry?" They laughed. I bit my lower lip holding it all in. I could do nothing. I was nothing. Just like they taught me.

"You're just a tiny piece of shit Hathaway. Can't even defend yourself"

"Yeah, why don't you go tell your sister?" Jonah laughed icily. "Oh wait a second, she won't come anyway"

They laughed again and I felt the tears burn. Don't cry. Don't cry!

Suddenly loud voice carried through the halls. Grown ups. I felt hope run through me.

"C'mon" Marcus said to Jonah. I thought they'd left. Maybe left me for good but when I felt a hard grip around my arm I new Jonah never leave me alone.

"This might have saved you this time, but remember when schools over you're mine"

R POV

I was driving to school, I was a little early but maybe I could catch Dimitri and ask if he knew what was going on with Ben. Maybe he'd seen something. But then he would call me, wouldn't he?

I parked my car and locked it. I was wearing a pair of black jeans, and a large red flannel shirt with rolled up sleeves. I ran a hand through my hair as I walked in on the schoolyards. Kids were playing out on their last break before school finished for the day and here I am in all my glory picking up my kids.

I saw Abby and Alice jumping around by the swings. I smiled and walked over.

"Hey girls"

"Hi mommy" Abby smiled and stopped jumping.

"Hello Ms. Rose" Alice said politely.

"Just Rose Alice" I smiled. She nodded in response before she continued. Soon she saw her mom said goodbye and she was gone.

"Abby have you seen your brother?" I asked looking around.
"No" she said a little too quickly and I looked down on her. She didn't meet my gaze I narrowed my eyes and crouched in front of her. I raised a brow, "Abby?"

"Yes mommy"

"Look at me" I said.

"I am"

"No you're looking at your feet" I put a finger under her chin, "My face is up here" I said tilting her head back so I could see her eyes. "Now where's Ben"

She shrugged. I sighed, "Abby, If you know where he is there is no reason for not telling me, I'm his mother too"

She mumbled something unhearable. "What?"

"He told me to stay quiet"

I didn't want to get angry but I grew impatient. Ben never held out on things and he never told Abby no.

"What did he tell you not to tell me?"

"Something"

"Abby" I said looking at her sternly. I didn't like this. I didn't like this one bit. "Where. Is. Ben?"

"With the boys" she said finally. I was getting somewhere

"What boys?"

"Those mean boys" She said sniffling slightly.

"What mean boys?" I asked frowning.

"Those boys who gave him that thing on his cheek"

I froze. "Where are they Abby?" She was quiet, "Abby I need you to tell me this, Ben could be in danger"

She sniffled again, "They followed him behind the building"

I shot up fast, "Abby honey, you stay here. Mommy's going to take care of everything. Just stay here and wait for me to come back. If you see coach Belikov stay with him ok?"

She nodded. I kissed her head and started walking fast towards the corner of the building. Hell no I was going to let this pass easily. You mess with my kids' hell will break loose!

B POV

They shoved me into the brick wall. A whining noise escaped. Why Ben, why?

"Aw, little Ben's going to cry?" Jonah teased.

"You want mommy huh?" Marcus smirked. "Well she's not here. No one is, it's just you, us and our fists right Jonah?" Marcus said looking over at Jonah.

"I think you forgot something" Jonah had an evil look on his face, "I've brought our friend the bat"

My stomach dropped. I wanted to defend myself, but I was useless. I've always been. Don't cry don't cry I prayed over and over. They pressed me up against the wall, hitting my head hard. Their grip too hard, tears burned.

"You're just useless Ben"

"Can't do anything. Nothing"

They were right. They put me down and before I could even try to defend myself I felt a hard hit in the stomach. I muffled a cry and doubled over. I hate this. I hate them. I hate everything!

"Bu-ho" Marcus mocked laughing at me. Lousy tears fell down my face I sniffled.

"Did that hurt?" Jonah asked. I didn't answer, looking down at my feet.

"Look at me when I'm taking to you" Jonah yelled shoving me back again. I groaned, "Yes"

"Good" He smiled, "Get the bat!" He told Marcus.

"My pleasure"

Both of them turned around and I noticed both of them were busy so I took my shot trying to escape. I didn't get far before someone grabbed my backpack throwing me into the brick wall again.

"Ho-ho-hold up fella, not so fast" Marcus laughed, "We're not done playing yet"

I saw Jonah holding the bat. I'm Ben Hathaway, nine years old. This is when I die.

R POV

I heard muffled voice but I couldn't find them at first. The voices grew stronger, "…we're not done playing yet…"

A growled formed in my chest. When I saw the scene it was first hard to take it. As a mother I was heart broken. My lovely sweet innocent little baby was pressed up against a brick wall with too taller guys over him. One of them holding him and it looked a little too hard to be friendly. The other one holding a bat. I felt anger run through my veins, when I'm done they'll regret this so much they'll beg me to stop.

"Nothing to say Hathaway?" One of them said. "You never have anything to say"

Both of them laughed. "Let's see if you still feel anything shall we?" The other guy said with amusement in his voice. They didn't hear me when I snuck up on them. He raised the bat as the other one held him against the wall. Before he could even think about swinging it I grabbed it and ripped it out of his hands.

"What the-" He turned around and saw me. He frowned I wasn't what he expected.

"Put. Him down" I said icily. "Now"

He studied me since I was short he was a little bit taller than me. Everyone was taller than me, but that didn't give any of them an advantage.

He laughed mockingly, "What you going to do shorty?"

I threw my bag on the ground moving quickly. I grabbed his arm and in a quick movement I shoved him up against the wall holding the bat a little too tight against his throat. Now he looked scared.

"Don't make me repeat myself again!" I hissed, "Put. Him. Down!"

I didn't looked at Ben, I was too angry with this motherfucker to look away right now. I saw in the corner of my eye how he let him go looking at me like the crazy lady I am. I heard Ben move away. This is when my rage comes out. First I kneed the first one in the stomach, not too hard but enough for it to hurt. While he doubled over I hit the bat at the kneecaps of the other one sweeping him off his feet. Not breaking of hurting any of them. Maybe leaving a bruise or to but I would never hurt anyone that bad.

After a few painful minutes I had them both pinned against the wall with the bat pressed to their throats. I glared at them.

"Now you listen to me and you will listen closely." I said harshly. "If you ever, ever think I'll let this pass with out notice you can forget it. I've got contacts" I said looking at them closely. "I know people that won't hurt you physically but mentally. First I will get your grades down, then" I tightened the bat a bit to make a statement. "Then I will get both of you expelled. No education no Work. No work, no money. No money no future. No girls, kids and no fucking way will I let you close to happiness" I growled. "Hurt my son and I'll hurt you back thousands of way worse, you hear me?" I asked. They didn't answer. I wasn't satisfied.

"Did. You. Hear me?" I asked through my teeth pressing the bat closer to their throats.

"Yes, yes" both of them squeaked trying to get air to their lungs.

"Good now" I said "Apologize to him" I said nodding towards Ben. They stayed quiet. "Apologize or I'll bat your fucking brains out" I growled. They looked scared.

"S-s-sorry-y Ben" One of them breathed. I nodded a thank you smiling evil looking over at the other one.

"Say it"

The stayed quiet. I shoved the other one away focusing on the stubborn asshole, "Apologize!" I hissed. He made a whining sound. "I'm sorry, I'm s-sorry!" He yelled.

"Well you better be you fucking-"

"ROZA!" Dimitri's voice boomed through the air and both of the guys looked even more freaked. I removed the bat letting the kid breathe properly. I stepped back seeing Dimitri walk over with power in each step. I think he first noticed Ben he must've been bruised. I hadn't looked at him yet I was too upset to do that. Then he was standing next to me.

"Parker, Winston get up!" he ordered with a firm voice. Both of them scrambled off the ground standing against the wall. He had his hands behind his back, military style.

"Did you cause anything of that" he nodded towards Ben. They gulped and looked down. Coach Belikov got the power!

"Did you?" he asked a little louder.

"Yes sir" they mumbled.

"And why is that?" He asked. Silence. "Did Ben try to hurt you so you used self defense?"

"No"

"Did he try to defend himself when you attacked him?"

"No…"

"Did you do it on purpose"

"…Yes"

"Why?" His voice was ice.

"I don't k-know sir"

"You don't know?" Dimitri asked raising a brow in disbelief. "You don't know?"

He took a step forward, "You know what I think of that?" he asked looking at both of them. "Bull. Shit"

I didn't show any emotion on my face. I was blank.

"Go to detention right now, I'll deal with you later" They hesitated. "Move!" his voice boomed. They started moving fast almost running disappearing around the corner.

Dimitri and I stayed silent for a while, not saying anything. Just being.

I then turned to Ben crouching down in front of his starting to brush him off.

"You ok?" I asked trying to sound composed. He just nodded looking down. I licked my lips putting a finger under his cheek "Hey" He finally met my gaze.

"I'm not mad" I said sincere. "I'm just disappointed you didn't tell me"

He nodded and sniffled. "Does anything hurt?" I asked.

"My stomach" he mumbled. I nodded, "Can you go to the car and wait there so I can talk to Dimitri alone? You think that would be ok?" I asked "I'll treat that stomach ache when we get home ok? It's nothing a little ice cream and power rangers can't fix huh?" I smiled. A small smile hit his lips and he nodded. I sent him off as he slowly took steps farther away from Dimitri and I. I straightened up. Damn I would get a lot of shit for this one…

"You can't do that" his voice heavy with emotions. I watched Ben go around the corner wearing his backpack.

"I just did." I said shortly.
"Rose, on school property you can get arrested for harassment" Dimitri said seriously.

"Well I didn't see you doing anything," I said turning around meeting his gaze. "I didn't see anyone doing anything so I took it in my own hands"

"You never told me that-"

"No I didn't cause I didn't know. I had to brawl it out of Abby and then take matters in my own hands. It's not like you've done anything" I accused. I know I was being rude. Unfair.

"I would've if you'd just asked me!" he said looking into my eyes. I had nothing to say he was right. He would've.

I swallowed feeling guilty for putting this on him. It wasn't his fault.

"How's Ben?" He asked instead.

"Bruised. But I think he feels worse then he's telling me" I said crossing my arms loosely over my chest.

"He can take it. He's your son"

"But what if he can't?" I asked looking into Dimitri's eyes. "What if I'm pushing him too hard so he can't take the pressure"

"You're not pushing him Rose"

"What if I am?" I asked, "I'm not the average mother" I said feeling weak. I couldn't even protect my kids.

"I know you're not. But that's what makes you so much better. Some parents don't really know how to love their kids the right way. I've seen more love from you then half of the parents to the kids at this school" I smiled a halfhearted smile. Dimitri always knew how to talk. "The first time I saw you, you were dressed in heels and shorts" he stepped closer. "I didn't know that you were a mother of four but when you told me you were it didn't bother me" He smiled. "Cause you are Rose Hathaway. The badass mother in heels"

I chuckled, "You talk to much"

"I know" he taking my hand. "Sorry I sounded so mean, I just don't want you in jail"

I smiled, "You could make it up to me"

He chuckled, "I hoped so, dinner?"

"Sure, I pick the place"

He smiled at that leaning forward. I cleared my throat, "Maybe not on the crime scene?"

"You're right" he blushed.

"I'll text you where and I'll see you there tomorrow at, let's say seven?"

"Great" He smiled.

I'm going on a date! I'm going on a Date! I'm going on a date! I sang in my head.

After saying goodbye to Dimitri watching him walk back to the gym knowing the guys would slip easily I was driving Abby, Alex and Ben home. Abby went to her room to play with her dolls and Alex was playing with some animals on the floor. I found Ben sitting in the couch.

"Hey" I said sliding down next to him. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. "How are you feeling?" I asked warily.

"It's ok"

"Can I hug you?" I asked. He nodded turning towards me wrapping his arms around my neck. He buried his face in my neck, sobbing lightly. I hugged him tight, "I'm so sorry baby." I murmured stroking his back. He hugged me tighter, "It's my fault"

"It's not your fault, they were stupid enough to mess with you!" I said. "You didn't do anything wrong but the next time I want you to tell me, I don't like seeing you hurt"

He nodded and I pulled away to see his pretty face. He had a slight bruise on his cheek and then some on his back. Nothing serious but the sight wasn't what a mother loved.

"Promise to tell me if they bug you again? You can tell Dimitri if that's easier, but don't do it on your own"

He nodded, "I love you mommy"

"AW" I pulled him in for another tight hug, "I love you more"

Ok I'm a sucker for sweet endings... sorry if you don't like them but that's just me :D

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