Chapter Text
Our mother drove us to the nicer part of Hatchetfield, where my Aunt Karen lived. I'm sure Grace would be a little too excited to see me and Hannah. But at least Grace wasn't our mother - she was just…Grace. Her little Bible verses always got under my skin, though she meant well. I just don't want her to make Hannah cry again. There's a pretty good chance Grace will say something stupid to get Hannah upset.
When we got to the Chasity's house, I saw balloons tied to their mailbox. They said, “Happy 14th Birthday!” Then I made the connection, it was Grace's 14th birthday and we were invited to celebrate with her. Maybe Hannah and I will actually be able to eat some good food for once. God knows that Hannah and I hadn't eaten anything decent in a long while - possibly since the last time we visited them, which was on the 4th of July.
My mother parked in their driveway, nearly bumping my aunt's car. I don't think Aunt Karen would be too keen on getting her car detailed after a potential scrape. Again, my mother was a shitty and erratic driver. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Hannah and I unbuckled our seatbelts and stepped out of the car. I got a good look at how close our mother got to bumping Aunt Karen's car. There was like an inch of clearance between both cars.
I glared at both cars and shook my head. I wasn't going to be like my mother when I eventually got my license. I'm fairly certain my mother was semi tipsy as she drove us here; yet another fucking crime she committed - today. I wished Duke could've seen how awful a driver she truly is.
“Lex!” A familiar overly cheerful voice called.
“Hi, Grace,” I said, turning my head to meet my cousin's gaze.
“I'm so happy you came! Very happy!”
“I didn't even know we were invited until about an hour ago.”
“Really? I told my momma to tell Aunt Pamela to invite you three last week,” Grace questioned, crossing her arms.
“Well, I'm glad that I'm here. Happy birthday, Grace,” I replied.
I opened my arms to hug Grace and she rushed me. I winced in pain, however, I couldn't let her notice that my entire body hurt. Grace held me hostage in her embrace for what seemed like an eternity before releasing me. She seemed to have gotten stronger since the last time we saw each other.
She took my hand and skipped happily to her front door. Hannah closely followed behind. She was quiet and had her head down. She didn't want to be here, neither did I, but her moreso. Grace opened the front door and there I saw Aunt Karen and Uncle Mark, blowing up balloons. They taped them all over the walls and staircase.
I smiled at the sight of them, they seemed to bring up my mood. Grace led - half pulled me into the kitchen, still holding my hand tightly. She told me to sit and so I did. Grace sat next to me at the kitchen table - a little too close if I'm being honest.
“I baked cupcakes and I want you to be the first one to try them!” Grace said excitedly.
“You can bake?” I asked, genuinely intrigued.
“Still learning. Momma helped me. I wanted cupcakes instead of regular cake for dessert. We made three batches! So there will be enough for everyone!”
“Wow, Grace. That's great! I'm proud of you,” I said, truly happy for her.
“I promise I did the recipe to a tee. I found it on a website,” Grace replied.
“I'm sure they'll come out fantastic. I haven't had a cupcake in a long time. And Hannah hasn't eaten properly in a few days. I'm not even sure she ate today.”
“Oh crimminy! She needs to eat. I remember that she's picky. We're having pizza for dinner. Will she eat that?” Grace asked sincerely.
“She won't eat the crust. Which toppings did your parents order?” I questioned.
“One cheese, one pepperoni, and one sausage and pepper.”
“Oh good. She'd only eat cheese pizza. She does NOT like peppers or pepperoni.”
I genuinely took a sigh of relief. I just hope Hannah's in a good enough mood to eat something. Her stomach was rumbling in the car. I don't want to force her but I will coax her if need be. She's thin. Not dangerously thin, but thin enough to look like a twig. I'm a twig. I plan to eat one of each. I'm starving!
As Grace rambled about what she was studying in the Bible, I heard another familiar voice. This voice I hadn't heard in a month or so. Steph Lauter! I rose from my seat and wrapped my arms around her. I missed her! I didn't know she was here. I know Grace and Steph had a rocky relationship with one another. Steph tolerated Grace and for good reason…she was a tad bit insane.
“What the hell are you doing here, Steph?” I asked happily.
“Grace invited me. Plus, I had a tutoring session about an hour ago. My dad pays Grace good money to tutor me,” Steph laughed, “right, Chasity?”
“Right! And you're doing much better in your classes!” Grace quipped.
“The year just started, though. Today was Hannah's first day.”
“I got tutoring over the summer, too,” Steph added.
“Something I wouldn't want to be doing all summer,” I snickered.
“I like helping people. School can be hard, which I understand,” Grace replied.
“Yeah, I know that. I dropped out after all.”
“My dad would kill me if I dropped out,” Steph sighed.
As Steph and Grace talked amongst themselves, I sat there in silence, watching the timer tick down on the cupcakes. Grace seemed a bit too excited for me to be the first one to try them. Luckily for Grace, I like cupcakes. I'll try to get Hannah to eat one.
Suddenly, my chin, where I'd been struck with my mother's belt, began to itch. The belt buckle made contact with my chin as well. I think the belt made contact at least three times. It was sore, itching crazily, and driving me nuts. I don't want to scratch it. That'll only make the bruise worse.
“Grace?”
“Yeah, Lex?”
“I forgot where your bathroom is,” I said, suppressing the urge to scratch.
“Down the hall and to the right,” Grace answered happily.
“Thank you.”
I got up from my seat and glanced at Hannah in the living room with the adults. Hannah looked sad and I sensed that she simply wanted to get out of here. I did, too, though it was nice to see Steph again. I made my way to the bathroom and locked the door. I glared at myself in the mirror and gently tapped on my chin.
I couldn't stand it any longer; I scratched at it vigorously. I grabbed a tissue and ran it under the sink. I had to remove the blush. The blush was heavily irritating the bruise! Once the blush had been removed, I stared back at myself. Tears filled my eyes. The bruise was getting worse. No amount of blush to cover it up would be enough to mask the soreness.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as a white knuckle gripped the edge of the sink. I didn't know what to do, except show Grace. I hope Grace would be of help. I don't think her parents have ever struck her before. My breathing became hitched through the sobbing. I assumed Grace and Steph would hear it, but they didn't come by. I had to tell Grace.
I opened the door ever so slightly. My mom and the Chasity's were still in deep conversation with each other, while Hannah's eyes were glued to the floor. I noticed Hannah was playing with the hem of her flannel. It was somewhat keeping her occupied.
Moments later, I swallowed hard and softly called out for Grace. Grace seemed to have fairly good hearing, being that she walked over mere seconds later. I grabbed her arm and pulled her into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind us. Grace rubbed her arm. I didn't mean to grab her so roughly. I immediately felt bad about that.
Before I could open my mouth, Grace's eyes went wide as she flicked them down to my bruise. Grace's mouth went agape. I've never seen her visibly upset and concerned. I hope she won't tell anyone, except Steph. I don't want my Aunt to find out her sister is a total piece of shit abuser…not yet at least. I don't want to cause a scene. That can only end one way.
“Oh my goodness! What happened, Lex?” Grace asked, simply keeping her eyes glued to my bruise.
I took a seat on the toilet and just broke down. Grace wrapped her arms around me. I winced and she immediately backed up. I choked through my sobs. Grace grabbed a tissue and handed it to me. I dabbed my eyes and started to laugh.
None of this was funny. I don't know why I'm laughing. Grace deserves an explanation as to why there's a bruise on my chin. I didn't want her to see me cry. I put on a tough girl persona in front of her, but I can't mask it anymore.
“Lex?” Grace said, kneeling down and putting her hand on my leg.
“Yeah?” I sniffled.
“What happened to your face?”
“Mom happened,” I answered, tears coming back once more.
“Wh-what do you mean?” Grace asked, glaring up into my eyes innocently.
“My mom beat me with her belt.”
“What?!”
“Yes.”
“But why?”
“She's an awful person, Grace. This wasn't the first time I got beat. She's d-done this many, many times before. Why do you think I'm covered up in a sweater today?” I explained, trying to calm myself down.
“Oh my goodness. How often does she strike you?” Grace questioned.
“Every single day, Grace. I'm not exaggerating, either.”
“Should I tell my-”
“No! Grace, please!” I begged.
“Okay, okay. I won't tell anyone. But what about Steph?” Grace asked intensely.
“Steph already knows. It's gotten worse since I saw her last.”
“Want me to get Steph in here?”
“Yeah, go get her.”
Grace nodded and left the bathroom. I glared down at the floor, trying to keep myself from bawling. Grace has to know that Hannah's gotten it, too. Hannah's gotten it worse than me at times, however, I got the worst of it today. I might as well show my entire chest and back to Grace, as well as my arms. The only reason I'm wearing a sweater is because I wanted to cover up my bruises. A couple of them were fresh.
Grace returned with Steph moments later. My eyes were red and my cheeks were flush. Steph's eyes flicked to my chin, walking over to me, gently rubbing the area. I winced. It was still very much sore. It was itching crazily, but if I scratch it, it'll bleed and I don't want it to bleed - not here.
“Shit, what'd she do to you, Lex?” Steph asked, going beet red.
“Beat me badly,” I answered, as I removed my sweater.
Every single bruise; fresh and old, scratch, and scab had been revealed. Steph knew of and had seen my bruises before, however, not of this magnitude. I revealed the rope marks on my wrists and lifted my pant legs on my jeans and revealed the rope marks there. Both Steph and Grace were at a loss for words.
Grace began to cry. I couldn't blame her. Her parents never laid a hand on her and I know that for a fact. I stood up and wrapped my arms around Grace and Steph. I've never seen Steph this angry before. If there weren't any laws, Steph would level my mother! Frankly, I'd give her permission to.
“Can you apply more blush to my chin?” I asked, staring at Grace.
“Oh, of course, Lex. Anything to make you happy!” Grace answered shakily.
“Why'd she tie you up? Is she some sort of sadist?” Steph questioned, fists clenched at her side.
“That was my punishment after she beat me. I was tied up for about two hours, while my mom and Hannah went out to the store. It's not the first time she's tied me up. She's also tied up Hannah. Sometimes, she'd tie us up back to back and gag us, while she had a man come over to the trailer. It's really bad. But today, our social worker, Douglas Keane, came over for a wellness check. I told him part of the truth. And when he left, my mom locked Hannah in her room and beat me in hers,” I rambled, tears streaming down my cheeks now.
Steph and Grace held my hands; keeping them from shaking. We remained in silence for a moment. Suddenly, the timer went off. The cupcakes! I totally forgot that Grace was supposed to be watching them. Grace got up and rushed out of the bathroom, leaving Steph and I by ourselves.
“I'll make sure that bruise isn't noticeable,” Steph said, taking blush out of her purse.
Steph, for the next several minutes, applied as much blush as she could. She and I wanted to make sure my chin was covered and unnoticeable to the Chasity's. I don't want them to have to ask me a throng of questions - at least not when my mother's present. It felt like to be taken care of for once, though in reality, Steph shouldn't be the one to take care of me. My mother should be the one doing that, however, she's way too busy wailing on Hannah and I.
“You okay, Lex?” Steph asked, finishing the final touches on my blush.
“I'm okay I guess. I don't know what to feel at the moment. I'm worried. I'm worried that my mother will kill either myself or Hannah,” I answered honestly.
“I wish you and Hannah could come and stay with me. I live in a mansion, so there's plenty of room for you two.”
“You're father doesn't like me. He thinks I'm a bad influence and fears you being friends with a quote, unquote delinquent will tarnish his image as Mayor,” I explained, sighing loudly.
“I don't think you're a delinquent,” Steph said, removing a few strands of hair from my eyes.
“Thank you. I know I've been arrested before, but that doesn't make me a bad person.”
“No, it doesn't.”
“Has your dad ever struck you?” I asked curiously, hoping not to eat my words.
“No, but he treats me like I'm stupid. He belittles me at any chance he can get. It gets bad, but once I'm 18, I'm fucking out of there,” Steph answered.
“My mom does that to Hannah, only that's followed by a belt to her rear.”
“Jesus Christ!”
“Yeah.”
Minutes later, Grace returned and smiled at Steph's work on my chin. Thankfully, the bruise was covered up. I stood up from the toilet and got a good look at myself in the mirror. I gave a sad smile at my reflection. It's ridiculous that I needed to apply goddamn makeup to cover up a fucking bruise! Regardless, I'm grateful for Grace and Steph.
The three of us stepped out of the bathroom and headed to the kitchen, where my Aunt Karen was frosting the cupcakes. My Aunt turned her head to meet my gaze and smiled. She thankfully didn't question why the three of us were in the bathroom.
“Hello, Lex. How have you been today? You were in the bathroom for sometime,” Karen asked cheerfully.
“I'm okay. And I was a little nauseous. I'll be alright though,” I answered.
“Gracie made these cupcakes all by herself! She's becoming quite the little baker!”
“Grace said she wanted me to be the first one to try a cupcake.”
“Yes, I just frosted a few. You may take one,” Karen said happily.
“Thank you. Can I give Hannah one?” I asked, as I saw her rocking back and forth in my peripheral vision.
“Oh, of course you can!”
I nodded and got up from my seat and walked over to Hannah. Hannah was rocking back and forth and zoning out. I crouched down beside her and she looked into my eyes and smiled. Hannah stopped rocking back and forth and slowly got up, but as she did, our mother forced her to sit back down.
“Where are you going, Nanners?” Our mother asked, holding Hannah's leg down.
“Aunt Karen told me I could give Hannah a cupcake. Grace made them,” I answered, as Hannah stammered over her words.
“No, we're not eating cupcakes before dinner.”
“Mom, Aunt Karen said it was fine. I'm having one,” I said, trying to control my anger from rising.
“You can have one, Alexandra,” my mother said stiffly.
“Okay…but Hannah can have one, too.”
“M-mommy, I want one. I-I'm hungry. I didn't eat t-today,” Hannah stuttered, fidgeting with her hands.
“Because you're picky.”
“Mom, we're not making a scene here! Hannah, come on,” I hissed.
“I wanna be with the teenagers a-and have a cupcake. I'm b-being good,” Hannah said, staring our mother directly in the eye.
“I said no. You're staying with me where I can keep an eye on you,” our mother sighed.
“Mom, she's safe with me.”
“Alexandra, do you want to get it?”
“I want a cupcake!” Hannah shouted, grabbing the attention of everyone in the house.
“Do you want to go home?” Our mother retorted.
“Pam, she can have a cupcake. What's the big deal?” Karen asked, walking over to the three of us.
“She'll spoil her dinner.”
“Oh, gimme a break, Pam. I could hear Hannah's growling from here.”
“Fine, have one. We'll talk about this when we get home,” our mother shrugged, not wanting to argue with her sister.
Hannah stood up and took my hand. I walked her into the kitchen and sat her down at the table. Steph gave Hannah a sad smile and mouthed if she was “okay.” Hannah shook her head and attempted to hold back tears, however, they came. Hannah was given a plate and a cupcake. Hannah nibbled at it. This was the first thing she'd eaten in a day and a half.
Hannah ate half and picked at the rest. I know she'd finish the other half in a few minutes. That look in Hannah's eyes…she was freaking out. Hannah and I knew that she'd be getting punished when she got home. Hannah didn't understand what she did wrong; in my eyes she did nothing wrong whatsoever. But according to our mother, Hannah was being a disrespectful brat.
About ten minutes later, Hannah finished the other half of the cupcake. She gave Grace a thumbs up and Grace smiled, giving Hannah one back. I told Hannah that Grace had made them. I'm glad that she enjoyed it. Frankly, Grace's cupcakes tasted a lot better than store-bought.
“These were great, Grace!” I said happily.
“You really think so?” Grace asked, grinning from ear to ear.
“Yeah!” Hannah exclaimed. “It was really good! I loved it!"
“Do you want another?” Aunt Karen asked.
“Um…after pizza?”
“Sure thing, honey.”
“What t-toppings did you get? I only like cheese pizza. If you didn't g-get cheese, I'll j-just pick off the toppings,” Hannah rambled.
“I ordered three pies,” Uncle Mark answered, “one cheese, one pepperoni, and one sausage and pepper,” he explained.
“Oh good! Thank you!”
“Don't mention it, sweetheart.”
I gently touched Hannah's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. I can tell she's happy. I'm glad I was there to stand up for her. I know it's challenging for her to do that - at least I was there for her. And that's all that really matters at this moment.
About a half hour later, the pizza came. The seven of us sat around the kitchen table. The Chasity's asked us to hold each other's hands while they prayed. I really have nothing to pray for…maybe getting the absolute hell away from my mother, taking Hannah with me. I feared that our mother would kill us. I don't think she has that in her, but with the intensity of the beatings, I wouldn't put anything past her.
After they prayed, I served Hannah a slice of cheese pizza and poured her a glass of apple juice. Hannah didn't like soda. Thankfully, my Aunt and Uncle had other beverage options for her. I'm very proud of Hannah eating every last bite of her pizza, including the crust. Hannah usually gives the crust to me. It goes to show just how starving she was.
“Can I-I have another slice, Aunt Karen?” Hannah asked sheepishly.
“I think one is enough, Nanners. You can't be greedy,” our mother interjected before Karen could speak.
“Pam, she can have enough. I ordered the cheese pizza mainly for her,” Aunt Karen defended.
“I'm teaching Nanners proper manners. You know she doesn't have any.”
Grace gave our mother a sidelong glance. She was getting angry. This was her birthday dinner and my mom was fucking ruining it! Hannah stared down at her shoes and became mute.
“Aunt Pamela?” Grace spoke up as my eyes went wide.
“Yes, Grace?”
“Why don't you get off your damn high horse and let Hannah have another slice. You're getting a damn power trip from controlling her. All of us see it. You're not a good person. The reason why I invited you was to see my cousins. Why don't you do us a big fat favor and wait in the car!” Grace hissed, slamming her fist into the table.
Hannah jumped at the sound. I instinctively held her leg. Hannah was crying now. There was an awkward silence. No one, myself included, never expected Grace to curse and raise her voice. I'm glad she did.
“Karen, you're going to sit there and let my niece talk to me like that?!” My mother growled.
“Well, Grace is right. Just go, Pam. You need time to cool down,” Karen answered.
“Fucking ridiculous. You'll get your karma, Grace!”
“That's not in the damn Bible, Pamela!” Grace retorted.
“Pamela, leave! Now!” Uncle Mark snarled, getting up from his seat.
He walked over to the front door and opened it. Our mother simply got up from her seat, not before shooting daggers at Grace. Grace shot them back at her, unafraid of her. I wish Hannah and I could say the same thing. I know when we get in the car to leave, both of us will be heavily punished, Hannah moreso.
Once our mother was out of the house, I watched as she walked into her car and sat there. She could sit there for several hours for all I care. I realized Grace is actually a good person. I feel a tad bit guilty for saying that I didn't like her and didn't want to see her. Grace showed me kindness and I'll be forever grateful. I wish I could live here, but I don't think that'll ever happen.
I sat back down next to Hannah and that's where the bawling started. Hannah buried her head into the chest and cried loudly for a while. Uncle Mark and Aunt Karen did everything they could to calm her down, but there was nothing they could say or do to get to relax.
“Would you two like to stay the night? There's a spare room next to Grace's,” Mark questioned, kneeling beside Hannah.
“Thank you, Uncle Mark, but I don't think we'll be able to,” I answered.
“What has she done to you two? Hannah's clearly terrified of her.”
“A lot. Our social worker came by today and tried to set her straight, however, speaking to her is like speaking to a brick wall,” I answered, gently rubbing Hannah's back.
“Well, the offer stands. We have no problem with taking you two girls in,” Mark sighed, giving me a sympathetic smile.
“I appreciate that, Uncle Mark. Really, I do. I don't think Pamela would allow us to stay here. She'll fight you two tooth and nail. It's better that Hannah and I just go back to our shitty trailer and have our social worker handle this,” I explained in depth.
“Who's your social worker?”
“Douglas Keane. We call him ‘Duke.’ He's seriously one of the nicest people. He's been periodically coming by the trailer and conducting wellness checks. He started coming around when Hannah was 7 and I was 11,” I rambled.
“Oh, I know who he is. He was a client of mine. I sold him a house several years back. Real standup man he is,” Mark said happily.
“I don't wanna live with mommy anymore!” Hannah said through her sobs.
“It's okay, Banana. We'll find somewhere safe soon,” I replied, continuing to rub her back.
Dinner continued in silence. Hannah got a second slice of pizza, while I stuck with only one slice. I wasn't all that hungry after our mother tried to pull shit with us. I'm surprised that Grace raised her voice and cursed to stand up for us. I really don't consider “damn” as a curse word, though I know Grace considers it that.
An hour or so later, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Grace. Grace blew out the candle of her cupcake and wished for our safety. For that, I got up from my seat and gave Grace a hug. Hannah was given two cupcakes and she picked at one. It seemed to be that she was no longer hungry. I know for a fact that this'd be the last proper meal Hannah and I would have for quite sometime.
I dreaded that Hannah and I would have to face our mother again in a short while. It was getting dark and Grace, Steph, and Hannah all had school the following morning. I at least had to keep Hannah on some sort of schedule. Though if she wanted to stay home, she could. It'll only be the second day of school. It's not like she'd be missing much after two days.
Minutes later, I heard the horn from my mother's car sound off. It was just past seven. Oh how I fucking dreaded getting in that car. I was fearful as I thought about what punishment she had in store for us.
“Would you like me to walk you to the car?” Grace asked kindly.
“I'd rather you not. I don't want Pamela yelling at you,” I answered, as Hannah tightened her grip on my hand.
“Are you sure, Lex?”
“I'm sure, Grace. Thank you for inviting Hannah and I. I appreciate that.”
“You're welcome!”
Grace wrapped her arms around Hannah and I. Hannah didn't want to leave, but as I was in deep thought, our mother beeped the horn once more. I grumbled and Hannah huffed. Grace released her grip on us. I waved at Grace, Steph, and the Chasity's as Hannah and I opened the door and stepped outside.
I sighed and held Hannah's hand as the both of us walked to our mother's car and got in the backseat. I buckled Hannah and then myself in the seat. Hannah held her head down. Making eye contact with our mother was something she didn't want to do.
As she pulled out of the driveway, she was silent for a moment before she took a deep breath. She was fuming. Her anger and rage had been festering for maybe about two hours now. As much as I appreciated Uncle Mark for kicking her out, I dreaded what would come next.
“So, girls,” she began.
I swallowed hard, preparing myself for an earful.
“Did you two enjoy yourselves?”
Hannah and I didn't and refused to answer her. She pulled this with me earlier in the day when I went on my walk. Where she grounded me and said it'd be the last walk I'd be taking for a long while.
“I asked you two a goddamn question!” She hissed.
We remained quiet. The silence was tense enough that you could cut through it with a knife!
“One of you two better answer me-”
“Or fucking what?!” I growled.
“You two are in a shitload of trouble, especially Nanners! You defied me in front of my fucking sister, Nanners!” She shouted, spewing pure vitriol at poor Hannah.
“I j-just wanted t-to eat,” Hannah whimpered, “I w-was hungry. I'm so-sorry.”
Hannah was shaking at this point. There was nothing, absolutely nothing I could do to get her to stop. It was breaking my heart!
“When I say fucking ‘no’ I mean fucking ‘no!’” Our mother screamed.
“Aunt Karen bought the pizza f-for me!”
“Are you talking back to me?”
“No! I-I'm not. You aren't being fair!”
“It wasn't fair that I was stuck with you and Alexandra as my fucking daughters!”
“I'm t-telling Duke the truth next time he comes by. F-f-fuck you, P-Pamela!” Hannah said angrily, she reached forward and yanked our mother's hair as hard as she could!
Our mother swerved and immediately slammed on the brakes. She turned her head and stared coldly at both Hannah and I. I can't believe Hannah did that! I don't blame her and wished I had that idea. Hannah buried her head in my chest, but that didn't stop our mother from slapping her back repeatedly.
“You fucking piece of shit! If you ever do that again they won't be able to find your tiny little body! And if you ever tell Duke the fucking truth, I'm killing both of you! You understand that?!” Our mother spat.
“I h-hate y-you!” Hannah sniffed, as I shielded her from another slap.
My head took the brunt of the slap this time. God, why does she have to slap with such a force? Suddenly, Hannah reached for the door, attempting to unlock it, but the child locks were on. Hannah forcefully pulled on the door, but it was jammed. Hannah and I were trapped until we got back to the trailer!
“You ever do that again…I'll figure out a way to torture you and your sister!” Our mother hissed.
“Hannah's fucking right, we're telling him the fucking truth!” I retorted.
“He won't be able to find you. You two are getting it big time when we get home. I suggest you two shut the fuck up and think about your actions!”
Hannah and I remained quiet as she turned down the dirt road that led to the trailer park. Panic set in as we got to our shitty trailer. We sat there in tense silence for a moment or two. The both of us didn't know what to do. I know as soon as we get into that trailer, severe punishment is coming to both of us. I truly wished our mother loved us and was loving like our Aunt Karen, but she was just…evil.
Once the doors were unlocked, both Hannah and I went to open ours, but I forgot about the child locks once again. We were still very much trapped. Our mother had to let us out. She stepped out of the driver's seat and approached my door and let me out. As I got out of the car, she grabbed a fistful of my hair and shoved me against the car. A fist flew at my face and I tasted blood!
She beat the absolute crap out of me, while Hannah watched and screamed in horror. I realized that this was Hannah's punishment. Her actions led to my beating. She held my hands above my head as she brought up her knee into my crotch. I sunk to the ground, screaming in excruciating pain!
“You piece of shit!” She snarled, kicking once more.
“Pl-please, mom. St-stop!” I breathed, as blood trickled down my nose.
I laid there dazed on the ground for a moment, but immediately got out of my stupor as she walked to Hannah's door. I crawled and forced myself to stand up. I wasn't going to let her hurt Hannah! She could pummel me all she wants, however, she will not lay a finger on my Banana!
Our mother opened the door and raised her hand to slap Hannah, but as she did…Hannah kicked her backward with her legs with as much force as she possibly could! She fell backward onto the railing, hitting her head! Our mother cursed at the pain. Hannah stepped out of the car and stared at my bloody face and ran as fast as she could. She ran into the Witchwood!
I ran after her as fast as my legs would allow. Hannah was a much faster runner than I was, but I had to chase after her. She was afraid of Witchwood Forest. Webby had told her to stay out of there and for good reason. We both saw the yellow, goat-like figure within the Witchwood earlier. Whatever it was, it cackled, giggling wildly. I feared that Hannah would come face to face with whatever that thing was.
“Hannah! Hannah! Come back!” I shouted, making my way into the Witchwood.
I ran for I don't know how long, but I had no idea where Hannah went. Witchwood took up over half of Hatchetfield. Hannah could be possibly anywhere! If I didn't find her soon…I don't know what I'd do! She doesn't have the skills to be alone, especially out in the woods.
Suddenly, I heard giggling! The same giggling I heard before Hannah got home from school! I ran in whichever direction the giggling was coming from. It's dark, but I could still see fairly well. It thankfully wasn't pitch black.
“Hannah! Where are you, Hannah?” I shouted, beginning to feel weary from running.
As I continued to run, now at a slower pace, I saw it! It wasn't a goat, though. It was a person, just in bright orange and yellow clothing. Hannah was with him. Hannah was calm, however, I wasn't. I ran in front of Hannah and between this…strange man. I held my hand in front of Hannah.
This stranger in the orange and yellow clothing has his hand outstretched to my sister and I. I instinctively backed away from him.
“Hello, you must be Alexandra,” the unknown man said.
“It's Lex. Who are you and how do you know my name?” I asked, staring into his glassy, yellowish eyes.
“I'm a friend.”
“You're joking, right?"
“Lexi, he's kind. He found me when I was crying and comforted me,” Hannah said sheepishly.
“Banana, he's a stranger. Do we talk to strangers? No offense to you, mister,” I immediately apologized, feeling bad if I insulted him, “You see, Hannah's autistic and ran into the woods. It's a long story. She doesn't know any better,” I explained, oversharing a bit too much.
“Oh, I know all about autism. And there's no reason to apologize. She said she ran away from your mother,” he said in a comforting tone.
“She told you that? Banana, you told him that?”
“Uh-huh,” Hannah nodded.
“We should be getting home. I appreciate you briefly watching my sister. I didn't catch your name.”
“Tinky,” he said.
“Well, Tinky. Thank you,” I smiled.
“Can Tinky walk us home?” Hannah asked innocently.
“Oh, I don't know about that, Banana. He's probably got a home that he needs to return to.”
“My brothers are expecting me home actually. I was just collecting firewood. It gets quite chilly at night,” Tinky explained.
“O-okay. Will I see you again?” Hannah asked.
“I think the three of us will be very good friends.”
“Yay! I don't have friends.”
“Now that makes Tinky sad. I'll be your friend, Hannah!”
Hannah smiled and waved as I took her hand. I waved to Tinky as well. He truly seemed nice, however, I won't trust him until we get to know him better. He must have an understanding or may have experienced abuse before, because he seemed to calm us with his words.
Once we made it out of the Witchwood, I instinctively grabbed a rock and placed it in the pocket of my jeans. My mother deserves a rock to the face after how badly she beat me. I fucking hate her with a burning passion!