Too Young

Too Young Chapter 16

Too Young

Chapter 16

     Matthew:
     I was furious with Hannah the entire day. I was afraid that she told Amy everything. Knowing that she was mad or upset with me, I knew there was a likelihood of her doing that because she had a big mouth when she was mad or upset. It was like she had know sensor. I didn't know what to do. By seventh period I was also feeling really sick, as well. I kept hearing Carolyn's words in the back of my mind so I knew that I had to make it the rest of the day. I couldn't concentrate on what my math teacher was saying, although I noticed that I was taking notes. How crazy is that?
     Between class periods I finally had to go throw up. I was late to eighth period. I had eighth with Amy. She asked me if I was OK and I had to lie. Of course, she didn't believe me, I'm sure. I knew she and Hannah would talk about it on the way home, too. But at that point I didn't care. I just wanted to get home without throwing up again. Again, I took notes without really paying attention to what I was doing. Ninth period came not a moment too soon. I couldn't wait for study hall. I had to ask to be excused to go to the bathroom. Once again, I threw up. Now, I was praying to the gods that I wasn't going to throw up on the way home. I hated to admit it to myself, but I was then thinking that Carolynn was right and I should have probably stayed home that day. Unfortunately, while I was in the bathroom I heard someone else come in. I didn't know who it was but he asked me if I was OK. I said yes and he walked out.
     As soon as I got back to study hall the nurse walked in. She asked if she could see me. I cursed to myself. It wasn't like I could say no. So, I went down to the office with her. Nurse Smith was in her early 30s and had long brown hair and striking Blue eyes. Not that I was looking. But, back to what happened next. She sat me down and asked how I was feeling. I was sick and tired of everyone asking that of me me that day. So again, I lied. I hated doing that but what else was I supposed to do? "How are you feeling," she asked.
     "I'm OK. Just a little tired."
     She looked at me with concern in her eyes. "Someone came to me today with a lot of concerns about you, Matthew. Can you tell me anything of what they might be?"
     I knew it had to be Hannah. My mind was racing. I didn't know what to say next. I was silent for a long moment. "No, I don't know what concerns someone could have over me. Could you tell me who came to see you with these concerns, and what they are?"
     "They asked to remain anonymous. I'm sorry. Your friend is just concerned over you. Given what they have told me, you need to be looked over. Have you been physically abused by your stepmother?"
     I figured I might as well talk. I had finally figured that the lies would end and her  jig  with my dad would be up.  I worried about Brandon, but this couldn't go on. I figured that Hannah would eventually crack someday. She was like my sister, and the first time I saw  her again I was  apologizing. I just hoped my father wasn't going to be mad at me.
     The nurse said that they called Child and Family Services. They were to take me to the hospital and make sure I was alright. "I want my dad. Please?"     They told me that I couldn't see my dad until they knew for sure that it wasn't him that abused me, even though I told them over and over that it wasn't him. I was terrified that they would take me away from my dad, too. We didn't have any family left in Minnesota. The only family I had left was Stevie. After what seemed like an eternity, they let my father come in to my hospital room. I knew he had been crying. He came up to my bed and took my hand and his. He looked at me with tears in his eyes. "I am so sorry, Matt. I wish you would have come to me. I would have never let this go on."
     "It's not your fault, dad. I was the one who never came to you. I'm the one who is sorry. Where is Brandon?"
     When my father answered me there was sorrow in his eyes. "He's fine. Carolynn is in jail. I promise you that I will never let her hurt you again. The hospital is going to admit you for a day or two. But I promise that I will stay wit you. Just try to get some sleep, bud. I love you.