Tucked Away...

Part 1

The day had finally come, Camp Campbell was over for the summer, and Max could finally get away from David, at least until next summer. But there was dread inside of him. Even though he complained about how much he hated camp, which he did, he didn't want to go home, he was scared. He knew he had a beating coming soon after he got home. He knew exactly how it'd go: his father would tell him to do a chore, he'd move a bit to slowly and SMACK! He'd get hit. This he was not looking forward to. Max would never tell David this, but some part of him wanted to stay at camp with David and Gwen. Max said his goodbyes to Nikki and Neil as their parents picked them up, and of course Max's dad was the last to show up. David smiled down at Max, who had obviously been having doubts about anyone showing up at all. Abusive or not, they were his parents, and for some odd reason, he still loved them. Max's dad got out of the car and plastered a fake smile on his face before shaking David and Gwen's hands.

"Ah, Max's dad, nice to meet you Mr. uhh..."

He paused, unsure of Max's last name.

"Let's not bother with names, I'm just here to pick up lil' Maxi."

He rubbed his son's head. Max flinched, then resisted the urge to swat his father's hand away. Gwen noticed this and gave the kid a concerned look. Max saw the look on her face and panicked,

"Well Dad, don't you think we should get going? I can't wait to get home and see Mom!"

He almost choked on the lies.

"Alrighty then, bye Max! I hope to see you next summer!"

David had happy/sad tears in his eyes. Gwen leaned down to hug Max so she could whisper in his ear.

"Max if you need help now is your chance to say something, I will protect you, just step over to me."

Max considered his options, but didn't like the consequences that would follow if anything went wrong.

"I'll be fine Gwen."

He stayed put. Gwen looked at him but didn't say anything as he got in the car and drove away. Max sat in silence in the front seat, his mother not in the car, not looking forward to home. When Max got home he went straight to his room, ignoring his alcoholic mother watching TV on the couch. Max's father followed suit. Max kept walking, terrified, and entered his room, which was trashed, contrary to the way he left it.

"Max."

His father's voice was stern.

"Where's that stupid stuffed bear of yours?"

Max stiffened.

"Um... I uh..."

"Well?"

"I lost hi- I mean it..." Max lied.

"Let me search your bag."

Max froze.

"Uh... okay."

Max's father pulled Mr. Honeynuts out of Max's bag.

"Lost it eh?"

Max swallowed and his father slapped him.

"I'm going to teach you what happens when you lie to me." Max's father spat.

Max backed up against a wall. "No- wait- I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

"You will be."

The rest of the afternoon was filled with Max's screams and cries.

Max sat in the corner of his room, crying quietly and hugging his knees. Luckily his father had forgotten all about Mr. Honeynuts in his rage and left him lying on the floor. Max crawled over and grabbed his bear before returning to the corner. He shakily sang to himself to feel better.