Chapter 27
It was a Wednesday morning, the girls had broken up for Christmas over a week ago, they'd had a lovely Christmas all together, all of Rachel's family had been over which had meant Christmas had been quite busy.
Rachel had been up a while and was busy in the kitchen when Hannah came in.
"hey darling, do you want some breakfast?"
"I'm okay thanks, Rachel, can I go and see my Dad today?"
Hannah's Dad had been in hospital over the last week, Rachel knew things really weren't good with him and chances are he wasn't going to live that much longer. Hannah had been to see him on a couple of occasions, every time she did she would come back really upset. Rachel wasn't sure it was a good idea for Hannah to go again but didn't want to stop her if it was what she wanted.
"I guess so, if that's what you want, but Hannah your Dad is really poorly at the moment"
"I know but he's going to be out of hospital soon, I think he's going to get better"
Rachel paused for a second, she knew Hannah needed to know the truth but wasn't sure now was the right time to break it to her, especially when she seemed so happy "Let's hope so, how about you get ready and then we'll go, I'll wake Amy up and get her to keep an eye on Ivy"
"Thanks Rachel" Hannah said smiling "Is it okay if I go to Chloe's tonight"
"sure, Uncle Harry is dropping Lily off later she's sleeping at ours tonight" Rachel said, she didn't get to see much of her niece as her brother was never really in the area, so she was looking forward to having her round.
"oh that means her and Ivy will be up until about midnight then"
"you got it; I can't wait" Rachel said sarcastically.
They talked for a bit longer before Hannah went upstairs to get ready, she bumped into Gaby on her way up.
'watch where you're going" Gaby said moodily
Gaby hadn't been herself over the last few days, her and Tom had broken up a few days ago and it was really getting Gaby down, she just felt really confused with everything, she hadn't told anyone about it yet though
Hannah ignored her and went off to get changed.
She came back downstairs a few minutes later
"Are Gaby and Amy awake?"
"Gaby is, she moaned because I bumped into her"
"oh I wouldn't take any notice, she moans at me all the time. Anyway, I'll just tell her where we're going then we can head off okay?"
Hannah nodded so Rachel went up
She knocked on Gaby's door before going in
"Gab, I'm going to take Hannah to see her Dad, will you keep an eye on Ivy for me?"
"I guess"
"Are you going to go and see Tom later?" Rachel asked
"Nope" Gaby said "can Ellie come round though?"
"sure, have you and Tom had a fight or something?"
"I don't want to talk about it"
Rachel sighed but didn't push it any further.
She then went downstairs and grabbed her coat, she felt a bit nervous about seeing Hannah's Dad, he was really unwell last time she saw him and she hated seeing someone so ill.
Hannah followed so they went out to the car together. The hospital wasn't very far so it didn't take them that long to get there.
They walked up to the ward he was on
As they were approaching one of the nurses who had been treating Hannah's Dad came over to them, she had a concerned look on her face.
"Rachel I need to speak to you if that's okay?"
Rachel suddenly felt her stomach tighten; something was telling her that this wasn't good news
"What's wrong?" Hannah asked sounding worried
"Hannah why don't you pop along to the shop, get us some chocolate or something" Rachel said reaching into her purse and giving her some money
"Okay, can I not go and see my Dad while you speak to the nurse?"
Rachel glanced up at the nurse who promptly shook her head
"Not right now love, go on, I'll meet you back here"
Rachel didn't want to hear the news that she was certain was to come, but she followed the nurse through to the family room.
"I'm really sorry to have to tell you this, Tony passed away just an hour ago, he went into cardiac arrest and we just couldn't bring him round …. I'm really sorry"
It took a while for the news to sink in, Rachel hadn't really known Tony, but he had been really good to Hannah over the past few months and she knew she was going to be so upset, even though they'd all been expecting it.
"Oh god, the poor man". Rachel said shaking her head
"He was sleeping when it happened, I doubt he'd have been in any pain" she said "I really am sorry, I know it's terrible news"
"It's Hannah I'm worried about ..the poor kids already lost her Mum" Rachel said a tear slipping down her face, she didn't know how she was going to break it to her
"I thought it was right I told you first, though I can tell Hannah too"
"No, it should be me that does that, it's going to be so hard for her, she's only just started getting to know him over the past few months"
A couple of minutes later Hannah walked into the room.
"Can I see Dad now?" she asked
"I'll leave you two to talk" the nurse said
"Sit down Hannah" Rachel said
Hannah was a bit confused but took a seat next to Rachel. Rachel put her arm around her.
"It's not good news" Rachel said "your Dad passed away this morning, I'm really, really sorry"
Rachel waited for Hannah to say something, but she didn't, she just sat in silence
"Hannah, I know what an awful shock this is, but I'm here and …"
"I'm fine" Hannah said, "Can we go back home now please?"
Rachel was shocked at her reaction, she thought she'd be in hysterics
"Yes of course"
Hannah quickly got her stuff together and walked off, staying a little ahead of Rachel. She didn't say a word the whole way back to the car.
When they got in the car, Rachel turned to face Hannah
"Darling I know how upset you must be, we don't have to go home yet, not if you don't want"
"I want to go home" Hannah said
Rachel nodded and started driving back, Hannah didn't say a word the whole way back.
As soon as Rachel unlocked the door, she ran up to her bedroom and closed the door behind her, part of Rachel wanted to follow her, but she decided to give her some space.
She went through to the living room, the other girls were in there watching some TV with Ivy.
Rachel sat down and put Ivy on her knee
"You weren't very long Rach' Amy said
"I'm afraid we got some bad news; Hannah's Dad has died" she explained
The other girls didn't know Tony but felt upset for Hannah.
"Oh no poor Hannah" Amy said "how's she taking it"
"she's not really said anything, I think she's in shock, she went up to her room, so let's just give her a bit of space yeah?"
"It must be awful for her" Gaby said
The three of them chatted for a bit longer, before Rachel decided to go upstairs and see how Hannah was getting on.
She knocked on her bedroom door.
"Go away" Hannah shouted
"Hannah it's just me, please let me in"
"I don't want to talk to you" Hannah shouted back
Rachel sighed, but realised there was no point in pushing it if Hannah wasn't ready to talk.
"Okay love, well let me know if you need anything yeah?"
Rachel waited a couple of seconds for a response, but she didn't get one so walked away.
She went downstairs and started getting some stuff ready for lunch, inevitably her mind started wandering to everything that had happened this morning, It was hard processing it all. Even though her and Tony hadn't always seen eye to eye she felt awful about what had happened.
A little while later she called the girls down for lunch. She wasn't expecting Hannah to come down, but to her surprise she did.
"Rachel I'm going out" Hannah said "Chloe asked if I'd go around to her house'
Rachel wasn't sure if this was a good idea, she'd have been fine for Hannah to go round to a friend's house but she had never been very keen on Chloe, and wasn't sure she was the right person for Hannah to be around at the moment
"Are you sure that's a good idea love? Why don't you invite some of your friends around here instead?"
"Because I want to go out' Hannah insisted
"Okay, well why don't you wait until after lunch, I'll give you a lift to Chloe's'
"It's fine, I'd rather walk' Hannah said "I'll see you later'
Hannah walked off, and Rachel followed her out, closing the kitchen door behind her so the other girls couldn't hear them
"Darling, I know you must be hurting, I'm not going to stop you going out if that's what you want but are you sure it's the best thing to be doing?'
"I'll be fine" Hannah said
"Okay, well remember to take your mobile with you'
Hannah did as she was told before going out, she felt really strange, ever since she'd found out about her Dad, she'd just felt all numb inside, she hadn't been able to cry or anything, which made her feel guilty.
She felt a bit nervous about seeing Chloe, she was her friend from dancing, but she was quite a bit older than her and Hannah had always felt quite intimidated by her. She hadn't told her about what had happened with her Dad, as she just wanted to forget about it for a while.
She walked over to Chloe's and knocked on the door.
A few moments later Chloe answered, she had applied makeup quite heavily and was wearing a short skirt and tight-fitting top, she was also joined by another girl, who was about the same age and equally as glamorous, Hannah felt like she looked so young by comparison.
"Hey Hannah, Holly my other friend from school is coming, you don't mind, do you?'
"No of course not' Hannah said, although she did a bit.
The two of them walked out, Holly didn't even acknowledge Hannah and started chatting to Chloe.
'Where are we going?' Hannah asked
'Town' Chloe said casually 'we'll get the bus"
Hannah instantly felt nervous; she knew Rachel would never let her go into town on the bus by herself. She felt far too scared to argue though so just followed the girls.
As they were walking Hannah began to feel increasingly left out, the girl were talking between themselves and they were almost completely ignoring Hannah's existence, she began to think this wasn't such a good idea after all, it had started to rain too and Hannah hadn't brought her coat with her, she felt freezing.
When they got on the bus Chloe and holly sat together, leaving Hannah to sit by herself.
Much to her embarrassment, Hannah suddenly found herself crying, she had no idea why, it was as though everything had just hit her and she started to feel really overwhelmed, she wished she could just go back home and see her auntie. She hastily wiped her eyes before the girls could see her.
When they got to town the three girls got off the bus, Chloe and Holly walked ahead leaving Hannah to trail along behind, feeling more alone than ever.
They went into a boots shop and the two older girls started trying on bits of makeup.
"Hannah let's put some on you" Holly said winking at Chloe.
It was the first time they'd spoken to her all afternoon, so Hannah agreed, feeling pleased to finally feel included.
The girls giggled, before putting the makeup on Hannah's face.
When they were finished Hannah looked at herself in the mirror, she felt like crying again, they'd smeared red lipstick all over her and put blusher all over her eyelids.
"Don't you like it? We think you look gorgeous" Chloe said
"Well I don't think you could ever quite go that far with her' Holly said cruelly.
Hannah couldn't believe how horrible they were being to her, she desperately wanted to get away from them, but she didn't even know which bus to get home.
She desperately tried to rub the makeup off her face, but it wasn't working very well.
As they were leaving Hannah was shocked to see the girls pick up a few things and walk out the shop with them, she decided not to mention it though.
As soon as they were outside Holly got a cigarette up and passed another to Chloe.
"Do you want one Hannah?" she asked
"No"
"Go on, just try it, lighten up a bit Hannah'
'I don't want one' Hannah said adamantly
'why? Are you scared about what your Mum will say' Holly asked giggling
'She hasn't got a Mum' Chloe replied 'she's like an orphan'
This caused tears to fill up in Hannah's eyes again.
"Oh for gods sake Hannah you're not a baby' Chloe snapped "Why don't you have some of my vodka, I brought it in a water bottle look'
'I don't want any' Hannah mumbled
'why did you even bother coming out with us, you're so boring' Holly sighed
Hannah didn't know what to say, she just stood there wishing she could disappear.
'Nip into that shop there and nick us some snacks Hannah' Chloe ordered
Hannah was horrified, she'd never stolen anything before and the thought of doing it made her feel sick
'No I c..can't' she stammered
'Yes you can' Holly said 'It's easy you watched me and Chloe do it'
"please don't make me' she whispered
'go on just do it' Chloe said 'or I'll tell your auntie you were smoking and drinking with us, and she certainly won't be happy'
Hannah didn't know what to do, she felt like she could be sick.
"it'll be fine, we'll wait out here for you" Holly said
Hannah felt terrible, but she realised she didn't have any other choice.
Feeling terrified, she went into the shop, she spent ages wandering round before picking up some crisps and a bar of chocolate. She felt like she could pass out. Hannah glanced round, she was sure no one was looking.
She started to work her way towards the shop exit, she'd almost made it out when suddenly the shop keeper called after her
"Hey come back here right now'
Hannah panicked and ran out of the shop, she tried to find chloe but she'd gone off, Hannah didn't know what to do, breathing rapidly, she started to run.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of hands catch her. She was breathing so rapidly she felt like she wasn't really with it at all, tears were streaming down her face.
To her horror she realised the shop keeper had caught up with her.
'Oi you little thief, come back to my shop right now, I'm going to get the police onto you' he yelled
Hearing his yelling made Hannah more hysterical.
"Ah look there's a police woman right down this road, let's see what she's got to say about it all'
Hannah couldn't believe that she was getting brought to see the police, she would be arrested, what on earth would her auntie say?
The shop keeper practically dragged Hannah over to the police woman.
The police officer was shocked when she saw the state of the girl in front of her, who only looked to be about 9.
"Hello, I'm PC Miller how can I help?'
"This girl has been caught stealing from my shop and then she ran off, she'd have got away if I hadn't caught up with her'
'I see, what's your name?' She asked Hannah
'Hannah Ryan' Hannah sobbed 'I only did it because the girls I'm with made me, I didn't want to but they said … they said they'd tell my auntie I'd been smoking and drinking if I didn't, and now they've ran off'
The police officer felt incredibly sorry for the little girl in front of her, she was now drenched from all the rain.
'Hannah have you returned what you've stolen to this gentleman' she asked
Hannah nodded her head
'Very well, sir why don't you return to your shop, I'll handle this'
The shop owner shook his head at Hannah before walking away.
"Miss, I really didn't want to steal, please don't arrest me'
"Calm down darling, I'm not going to arrest you, I want to make sure your safe that's all' she said gently, of course they would normally be so much tougher on young shop lifters, but this girl seemed so scared and vulnerable. "How old are you Hannah'
"11' Hannah cried 'I promise I only did it because the girls I was with made me'
'I believe you Hannah, where are these girls?'
"They ran off, and I don't know how to get home' she sobbed
"A little girl like you shouldn't be in town on your own, does your Mum or Dad know you're out'
"My mum died about a year ago and my Dad died this morning'
"This morning?' The police woman asked shocked
"Yeah, that's why I went out, I didn't want to stay in sad all day, this girl I know from dancing messaged me asking to meet up, but this other girl was with her and they've been horrible to me and … and …' Hannah couldn't complete her sentence she was so upset
'Hannah it sounds like you've had an awful day, I'm going to drive you home. We can get you warmed up in the van, who is it you live with?'
"My auntie, she's going to be really cross'
"I'm sure she'll be just glad to have you home, I'm going to have to talk to her, but I promise I'll explain what happened properly'
Hannah continued to cry, she felt so scared about everything.
"Come on, let's get you home"
Hannah followed and got in the van, it felt really strange being in here, but she was glad to get out of the cold.
As they pulled up, Hannah began to feel really nervous about what her auntie was going to say.
The police officer got out and Hannah followed behind.
Rachel heard a knock at the door and went to answer it, she'd locked the door, so presumed it was Hannah who'd forgotten to take her key with her.
She got a shock when she opened it and saw the police woman, with Hannah next to her.
"Hannah, what on earths the matter, you're absolutely soaked, and what's all that makeup on your face?" Rachel said sounding worried
Hannah didn't say anything, she just stayed next to the police officer.
"I'm PC Miller, I came across Hannah in town …"
"You were in town?" Rachel asked sounding shocked
"She was found taking some things from a shop"
"What" Rachel said, she couldn't believe this of Hannah
"She was with two other girls, they were quite a bit older than she was, I don't think they'd been treating her very nicely, they rubbed the makeup on her face, apparently they were smoking and drinking, when Hannah said she wouldn't they told her that they'd tell you she'd been smoking and drinking unless she went and stole something from the shop. When she stole some crisps, they ran off, I don't know how she'd have managed to get home if I hadn't come across her" The police officer explained
Hannah was crying again now, Rachel couldn't believe what had happened, she felt very sorry for Hannah, especially after everything she'd been through already today.
Rachel reached her hand out to Hannah and took her inside.
"Thank you so much for bringing her back, I'll have a talk with her about everything,'
'it really is no trouble' she said
'Did she return everything she'd taken from the shop, do we need to pay any money?"
"She did, and no not at all, we would usually take shop lifting very seriously, but I'm almost certain she was forced into it'
"Okay, well thanks again for everything" Rachel said
The police officer said goodbye and then walked off, Rachel turned her attention to Hannah
"Listen me and you are going to need a talk about what happened, but let's get you sorted out first yeah?"
Hannah nodded, Rachel led her upstairs, she got some of her makeup remover and wiped the makeup off her face gently.
"Why don't you go and have a nice warm shower, I'll get some pyjamas ready'
Hannah didn't say anything but went up to the bathroom, she stood in the shower ages, tears were running down her face.
Eventually, she got out, she dried herself off and changed into the pyjamas Rachel had left on her bed before wrapping her dressing gown around her.
She went into Rachel's room, and found her auntie
"Hey love, come and sit on the bed' she said
Hannah went and sat down next to her, she felt really tired after everything and she was still quite tearful and shivery.
When she sat down Rachel put an arm around her, Hannah collapsed into her auntie, she sobbed into her chest.
"Shh, it's okay Hannah, it's all going to be okay' Rachel soothed
Hannah didn't say anything, she just continued to cry.
She stayed cuddled up to Rachel for ages, eventually she sat up, feeling a bit calmer
"Rachel, I'm really sorry about going into town, I didn't want to, they just ignored me the whole time and then they made me steal that stuff. I really didn't want to I promise'
'I believe you, and I'm absolutely furious with Chloe, but darling you should have rung or texted me the second you felt uncomfortable, I'd have sorted Chloe out for you'
'I was just scared'
'I know you were, look I don't need to tell you that stealing is wrong do I? Not every police officer will be as understanding as that one, so that's why you never ever take anything from a shop."
"But Chloe said …"
"I know what Chloe said.. do you honestly think I'd believe it if she told me you were smoking and drinking?"
"I don't know' Hannah whispered
'Well I wouldn't have, because I know you' Rachel said 'Look I'm not going to say anything else about what had happened, I think you've had a rough enough day as it is'
"Thanks Rachel" Hannah mumbled
"You know if you want to talk about your Dad I am here, I do understand how difficult it is you know'
'I know' Hannah said 'Rachel I'm really tired, I think I'm going to go to bed if that's okay, just to have a nap'
'of course, I think that's a very good idea, I'll make sure no one disturbs you'
Hannah then went off to her bedroom, she felt incredibly tired, she only meant to go to sleep for about half an hour but ended up falling into a deep sleep.