Hidden (Matt Espinosa)

twenty-three

"He runs his hand through my hair and holds me close, "Shh, you'll be okay, I promise."

***

"No I won't, Matt. My died two months ago, my sister is so scared and probably very confused. And now I just found out my dad is innocent and that my sisters ex-boyfriend, psycho ex-boyfriend might I add, and his rapist of a father killed my sister and ruined my entire family."

"I know it's going to be really hard for you guys to get back on your feet and it'll probably take your dad a while to get out still, he'll have to be cleared and they'll need to get George and Ben to confess. It could take years. But at least Ben will be going to jail for attempt of murder and rape, he could've killed you. But wait, what about George being a rapist?"

I look around the room awkwardly. "When I told you that I wasn't a virgin, our first time, I wasn't lying. But, I was only not a virgin because he raped me. He had raped me and I was forbidden to tell anyone, I wanted you to know so bad but he said he would kill me. And sometimes he almost had, he beat me all the time and, oh god." I start to cry but he hugs me again."Don't cry, Drew. That asshole is never going to touch you ever again, I promise."

I nod. "But Drew, we have to call 911, and you know social services will get involed and then that means foster families."

"I don't want that. I just want to adopt Ana, and start over."

"You're only seventeen, you'll have to wait a year before you can even start filing papers and getting custody from the state. But for now, let's take this one step at a time. Call Ana down and I'll get my keys, we're going to head to the police station."

***

After waiting in the waiting area for over an hour a detective finally comes to get us. "Hello Ms. Rivers and Mr. Espinosa, I know you are with her young man but I would prefer she comes in alone."

He nods and lets me go with him.

"Hello, Drew. I hear you've had quite the time. Would you like some ice for your nose?"

"Yes please."

He smiles and gets up, going to get an ice-pack. When he comes back he hands it to me and nods.

"I'm ready whenever you are. I will be recording our session if you are comfortable with that."

I shake my head yes and swallow hard.

"Well, it all started when my moms boyfriend moved in, but it also started the night my sister died." I squeeze my eyes shut and continue to tell him about everything George did and all the times my mom had she's jeopardized our safety for her own pleasure. Whether she was drunk or high. I also told him about Ben and how he tried to rape and kill me and also his confession to me.

"Well, miss, if there's no evidence regarding the rapes we technically cannot charge him. But we will take them both in for questioning and due to your bruises and broken nose and what you've told him we can charge him for attempt of murder and we'll see what he confesses to. I am going to grab the social worker who works with us and have her talk to you and your sister."

I nod and wait while he goes to get her and Ana.

When he comes back an older woman shakes me hand and sits across from me next to the detective.

"So, Drew, you know what'll be happening next. The state is taking you out of your home."

I nod, "Will I be going far?"

"No , no. We have a few families we've been contacting over the last hour or so and one of them actually said yes. But, they will only take one."

"W-what, well we can't be separated."

"I know it's going to be very very hard for you to adjust, but we have wonderful homes for both you and Ana. She will be safe, and not to far from where your going."

"Where I'm going? Where the hell am I going."

"The family that has agreed to take you is about an hour away."

"No. I need to stay here, please, don't do this."

"I'm sorry."

"Ugh, whatever soon enough I'll be out of the system and getting custody of Ana."

She looks at me and lets out a laugh but I just keep staring at her. "Wait, your not kidding? Why would you waist your college life to raise a kid?"

"Maybe because I care more about my family then I care about my education."

She stays silent and nods, "Well that'll be all. Detective will secure you two a place to stay for the night and then we'll bring you to your homes in the morning." 

I roll my eyes as she walks out. "Now what?"

***

The next morning I wake up and shake Ana awake. Matt had given us his bed for the night and he took the couch. The social worker would be here in 20 minutes to get us.

"Get dressed and comb your hair, you need to make a good impression okay."

She nods and heads to the bathroom while I get dressed in leggings and a hoodie. I for one have 8 months until I turn 18 and don't care what impression I make, I already can't wait to get the hell out of there."

I finish dressing and Matt walks in with his hands in his pockets. "So, you ready?"

I shake my head, "No. I have to leave you, and I'll be so far and they probably won't let me come back to see anyone."

He nods and looks around the room. "We need to talk, Matt. About us."

"O-okay."

I walk over to him and take my hands in his. "I'm gonna be gone for almost a year, and that's along time. We probably won't be able to see each other that much, it'll be hard. I love you more than I ever thought possible, but now things are changing and all to fast. I think we should go our seperate ways, and if when I come back and settle down on my own, maybe we'll still be waiting for each other, or maybe not."

"We can make it work, Drew. I'll drive every weekend. We can make it work, I know we can. We love each other."

"I know we love each other and that's partly why I'm doing this. It's because I love you and I need to let you go. And you aren't driving Matt, that's too much gas money."

I hear a car horn and a knock at the door. "Shit already."

I shrug and Ana comes out all ready. "Go wait in the hall sweetie."

She nods and walks into the hall. "I'll wait for you I promise. I will always be waiting."

"Don't do that to yourself."

"I don't care. The only thing I care for is you."

I smile and pull him into a hug. "I have to go before the witch kills me."

We release and he smiles.

He leans down and kisses me hard. His hands trail to my hip and I groan. "Matt, I have to go."

I head for the stairs and then open the door. 

I look back to him where he's standing on the top, "I will always wait for you."

I smile and close the door behind me.

"Okay girls, say your goodbyes Ana you go with this gentleman and Drew you follow me."

I look to Ana and pull her close to me. "I promise that the day I turn 18 I will come for you and I will adopt you. We will be happy together and we will sue Mommy and hopefully dad will join us. I love you Ana, behave I'll see you soon."

She nods and heads to her car. "Wait, Miss, why does her cars plate say Maryland?"

"Because that's where she's going."

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