Adopted by Zalfie

Chapter 31

It's lunch and Jeana and I are on the tree again. I'm very concerned about Jeana because she hasn't been eating lunch lately and she's been looking more and more weak and nervous lately. She always wears the same sweater or long sleeve shirt no matter how hot it was out.

It was so hot out today. And also, we've climbed more than half way up the tree, which was awesome. We can see the whole playground.

"It's so hot out." I commented, wiping my forehead.

She nodded. Then a large growl came from her stomach. She held it and made a wincing face.

"You should really eat."

She looked away. "I'm never hungry. I always eat huge breakfasts and suppers."

Why is she being so quiet lately? She used to be so fun and happy and now she's miserable and sad. I decided to ask finally.

"Why don't you ever take your sweater off?" I asked, concerned.

She shrugged.

"Jeana... you can tell me."

"There's nothing to say." She said, making a weak smile.

Then something crazy happened. She stretched and yawned, and her arms lifted in the air. I noticed a small bit of purple on her wrist when she lifted them. Then, something even crazy happened. I reached up for her arm and pulled up her sleeve.

She screamed loudly and tried hiding her arm but it was too late.

I saw bruises. Purple and red and blue. All up and down her arms.

"JEANA WHAT THE HELL?" I screamed. "WHAT HAPPENED?"

Tears started to pour down her face. "I'M SORRY!!" She yelled back.

Now I was confused. "Why are you sorry?? What happened?"

She sniffed and sobbed some more. "I should have told you."

"Tell me what???"

There was no answer, just silence.

"Jeana!"

She looked away from me and put her hand over her mouth. "My dad abuses me."