This isn't what I want

chapter 1

He broke me. I was fine. I had a house, a job, a life. And now I'm broken. I can't move today. My right arm's so bruised it isn't even white anymore. But I have to get up. I have work to do. And the team will know if something is up.

Will's gone to work. He comes back late, drunk every night. I'm his form of entertainment. Only it isn't funny. It's abuse. But I can't tell anyone. They'll take my precious boy away from me. My sweet Henry. I can't let him take that away from me as well.

He laid out a dress for me for work. It's my favourite one. I rip it off the hanger and shove it in the back of the cupboard. Instead I put on a simple shirt and jumper to cover my arm, and black pants. I'm doing up my laces slowly when my cell rings.

"JJ? Where are you? We've got a case. I'm sending Reid to pick you up in ten minutes." Hotch says.

I'm too tired to say anything. Instead, I try to tidy up. To make it look as if nothing had happened. I padlocked the hidden room so nobody would find out what happened at home. I straightened my hair and plastered a smile on my face. And the doorbell rings.

** At the BAU **

"I'm sorry, I've been a bit distracted lately. You know, Will and I have been looking into moving house."

"Not a problem." Hotch smiles. Well, it's almost a smile.

I take a seat, and immediately feel all the eyes on me. I stare at the file, not taking anything in.

"JJ? Are you listening?" Morgan asks me.

I rub my eyes, and realise that my arm still aches. I try not to wince but I can feel Hotch watching me.

"Sorry, I didn't sleep much last night."

"Are you sure that's it?"

"Yes, I'll be fine. I'll sleep on the jet. Where are we headed?"

"JJ, the case is here, in Virginia. Look, I'll have Reid take you home to rest. You look exhausted. We aren't getting any leads today so come back tomorrow. Fresh to start work again in the morning." Hotch says sternly.

I'm too tired to say anything and just stand up and walk out. I ignore all the calls from my team, and flag down a cab outside. Just as I'm getting settled into the cab, I see him. Only for a second. And then I'm driving away. Back home again.