Cuts, bruises, and broken hearts

chapter nine

"Thanks for the ride, Jonah." I nearly whispered as I reached for the door handle.

"Hannah, I am here for you. No matter what. I'm a phone call away. 3 am or 3 pm. It doesn't matter." Jonah replied, nearly as quietly as I had been.

I never expected to be in Jonah's car clinging to his every word. No one has ever cared for me since my dad. I had always been the quiet girl who didn't have many friends. I went unnoticed.

"That uh.. that means a lot." I stuttered.

I opened the car door and climbed put. I was not ready to face my mom.

Jonah's car stayed in my driveway until I reached the door. I turned and waved awkwardly and he backed out.

"Hannah, darling! How easy your day?" My mom called cheerfully.

Umm.. what the fuck?

"It was ok..." I said, sounding more nervous than I wanted to.

As I turned the corner to the kitchen I realized why my mom was being nice. A social worker.

And on that day, Jesus answered my prayers. I could finally get out of this prison. Well.. maybe.

"Hannah, would you show me to your room? I have a few questions for you." The lady said.

I smiled sweetly at the lady as she stood up. My mom sent me a warning glare from across the room.

Well shit.

"Alright Hannah. Let's get down to business. Do you feel safe in your home?" She asked.

"I don't have a home. I live in this house but it hasn't been a home since I lost dad." I answered simply.

"Of course. Do you feel safe in this house?" She tried again.

"Not since I lost dad." I told her again.

All theses questions could be answered by that one phrase.

"Has your mom ever hit you or harmed you in anyway?"

I chuckled dryly and looked at the woman.

"I won't answer these questions here. If I do, it'll be bad after you leave." I nearly whispered.

The woman smiled a sad smile and walked toward the door.

"Follow my lead, hun." She said like I had a different plan.

"I'm taking Hannah to the station for further questioning. I'll contact you in a bit." The lady said to my mother.

She was mad. You could practically see the steam coming off of her.

"Of course." She smiled as we walked out the door.