and then i met you {chim}

Chapter 9

Jane's POV

"Hannah, where's dinner?!" Hank stormed into the small house and slammed the door.  I jumped at his loud and raging tone, scared to death of him.

"It's almost done." Hannah, my foster mother, straightened up and walked into the kitchen.  She left me in the front room alone with him.

My heart won't stop beating.  I can hear his footsteps coming closer towards me.  I'm trying to keep my hands from shaking, but can't.

"I work all day and this is what I come home to?!  An empty table and you two sitting at the telly?!" Hank screamed at me from behind the couch.  My spine shivered every time he yelled.  My back was to him, so I never knew when he would hit me.

"Have you learned nothing from these past two weeks?!  Huh?" Hank hit the back of my head with his palm, making my neck fall forwards.  I kept my head down and silently cried to myself.

"Get yourself together, bitch." He spat at me and went into the kitchen.  I heard a loud bang then a slap.  I couldn't bare to see if Hannah was okay, I'm too frightened of him.

---

"Jane?" I shot my eyes open and immediately sat up. I felt someone's hand touch my leg, making me shiver. I looked up and saw Kimberley's face in the moonlight.

"Are you alright, babe?" She asked me, seeing my frightened face. I nodded and wiped my cheeks from the tears that must have slipped in my sleep.

"Just a nightmare." I whispered while deep breathing. I don't know what happened, but something must have triggered my nightmare.

"Do you want me to stay?" Kimberley hesitantly asked, making me slightly smile. I nodded and watched her bring my vanity chair beside the bed.

"I'll be right here." She whispered to me, soothing my fears a bit. I don't know why, but I didn't like how far away she seemed.

"Could you maybe...just lie down with me?" I said, not meaning for it to come out as a question. She looked shocked that I asked, but nodded her head.

Kimberley laid down on the opposite side of the bed from me. We didn't cuddle up or anything because we're not that close yet. I just feel like she seems closer to me now.

"Just think happy thoughts, then you'll dream about them." She cheerfully said, making me smile. At first I didn't know what to think about, but then I made up my mind.

---

I was waiting by the glass doors, anxious to see her again.  I've never seen myself so eager, so god knows what I look like to everyone else.  I began tracing random shapes on the window until I saw her car.

"Don't you dare run out there!" Karen yelled from her office as I went to open the door.  I sulked back in my seat and saw her coming closer.  My feet started bouncing up and down, my cheeks burned up, my hands started fidgeting.

I watched her strut closer with a slight smile on her face.  Her heels could be heard clinking against the pavement from the inside.  When she opened the door, I jumped out of my seat.