Shattered

Chapter 2

Lee

Possible trigger warning in this chapter

Colonel Pratt didn't pull any punches, he told me flat out that I was to be medically discharged. It was an honorable discharge, but the only life I had ever known was over. When I was alone that night, I cried. I had missed my Mother's funeral because of the Army, devoted my entire life to it and now, I had nothing. The next day, I was going to be released into the General's care. He had a nine to five office job, so he could take care of me. He planned to retire in a few years from the Army, I didn't know why or how I could live without it, but it looks like I was going to learn.

Jackson and Grant were still on leave for Mom's funeral and I felt like an ass for missing it, although it wasn't like I was having fun. I was in my own personal hell. My brothers picked me up from the hospital. I told Davis and Clarrissa goodbye and promised to visit, I visited Matthews, but he was in a comma. Then, they took me to the General's house. It felt strange to be here, but I had nowhere else to go. Some of the guys packed my tiny apartment and put all of it into a storage unit that I rented, except some clothes. Not that I owned a lot of stuff, but I had some furniture and things of emotional value.

Everyone had left so I slowly made my way up the stairs and into my own bedroom. I grabbed clean clothes, shorts, and a tank, before heading into the bathroom. I couldn't shower, but I needed to get clean. I needed to wash all of it away. I grabbed a few washcloths and put about three inches of warm water in the tub. I used the washcloths to gently scrub myself, keeping the water and soap as far away from my stitches as I could. "Lee, what in the hell are you doing?" The General's strong voice boomed, but I kept scrubbing. He dropped to his knees next to the tub. I met his watery eyes, "Tell me, what did they do to you, Lee." His eyes wandered to the multiple stab wounds on my torso, the bruises and burn marks all over my body, the leg that was mangled. He grabbed a towel and lifted me from the tub, carefully, wrapping me in the softness. He carried me to my bed and helped me get dressed and comfortable. "At first, they just beat us with their fists, but then it changed to a whip. When that didn't get them what they wanted, they decided to use us against each other. Nobody cracked when they tied us up and electrocuted us, one at a time."

I took a shaky breath, "Then they got the bright idea that since I was a woman, I would talk or one of them would. So, they tied me up just outside of the cell and raped me over and over again. I killed three of them, but they kept on coming. The SEAL team that found us threw up when they saw me. I was a bloody mess. I lost two of my men, one is in a comma, and one is missing three fingers, and his sanity. They should have just killed me." He sucked in a sharp breath, "Never say that, Lee. You are stronger than that. I just buried your mother, I would have died to have to bury you too." I felt the tears stream down my face, "I would rather be dead than a disappointment." He grabbed my face, making me look him straight in the eyes, "You and your brothers have never ever disappointed me. I am proud to be your father. None of what happened over there, is your fault, do you hear me? Those mean you lost, died heroes, protecting their country. You and your remaining team, have to honor them and yourselves. You all made great sacrifices for your country. Never be ashamed of that. Those scars are badges of honor, wear them with pride, Lee. Remember, you are the General's Daughter."