Renee?

Mom? Bette They both exclaimed in unison.

Whats going on here?

Mom, we can explain. Its not what you think?

Oh, and how do you know what Im thinking?

Whats wrong sweeti Tina asked as she entered the room. Renne?

Our daughter says she can explain why Renee is sleeping in her bed after you dropped her off a few hours ago.

Annie? Renee? Whats going on?

Please dont send me home? Dont tell my mom please?

Renee your mom would be worried. Tina said.

No she wont. Angelica chimed in.

I can tell by the looks on their faces that they are two desperate children more so on Renees part. I cant be angry anymore. Tina realises this as well because her tone has changed as well. Sweetie, is everything ok at home? Tina asked, her voice full of concern.

I cant.. She started to speak but Angelica cut her off.

Mom if you send her home her mom will be angry. You cant send her home.

Angelica if youll dont tell us whats going on we cant help.

Renee slowly raised her shirt. I could not believe what I was seeing. Her back and stomach had marks and wounds on them. Some fresh and some looked like days old. Her mother was careful. Renees face was clean. The parts of her body you can see were free of marks and bruises. If you hit someone in the heat of passion then its a mistake. But this was a careful and deliberate act of abuse. See mom, you cant send her home.

How long has this been going on? I asked trying to conceal my fury.

The beating or sleeping over?

Both.

Before Christmas.

What? You mean shes been sneaking in for more than six months and we had no idea?

You guys are usually in bed early.

So it was easy. Renee completed.

Annie, we have to tell someone. You cant protect her all the time. You are just a child yourself. Tina said.

Mom I know that. I talked to aunt Olivia about it.

And what did she say?