My Right To Choose

My Right to Choose

My Right to Choose, by Sharon Lopez and Michele Therrien, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Copyright 2016

Chapter 1

Hope. Hope breakfast! Mrs. Thompson yelled over Hope’s blaring music. When her daughter didn’t answer she cracked the door open.

Hope?

Are you kidding me? Hello, privacy! Hope said turning down her music.

Hope, I was standing at the door calling for you for about five minutes.

Hope rolled her eyes her hand planted firmly on her hip.

You’re so dramatic, mom. Give me five.

Hope turned her attention back to the mirror where she continued to decide what outfit to wear. Mrs. Thompson turned from her daughter with a sigh. She walked through the door and took two steps down the hall when she heard Hope call out.

Did you forget how a door worked?

Mrs. Thompson took two steps backward and looked at her daughter. Hope was staring back at her mother with a serious expression.

Did you forget how to speak to your mother?

Hope sighed loudly and stomped to the door.

I think I expressed myself rather well, Hope said slamming the door in her mother’s face.

The sound of Hope’s music began to fill the air. Mrs. Thompson closed her eyes, and she breathed deeply to control the feeling of anger that washed over her.

Hope, I swear I don’t know what I am going to do with you.

Mrs. Thompson shook her head and then walked away.

Hope came into the kitchen about ten minutes later holding some clothes in her hands.

Here, Hope said shoving the clothes at her mother.

You know it wouldn’t be unheard of for you to start doing your own laundry.

Why would I do that when I have you?

Hope’s mother stood there dumbfounded staring at Hope. Hope shrugged and sat down at the table. She took a bite of her eggs and then spit them back on her plate.

Ugh! What the hell is this?

Hope, you are in high school I’m sure you know what an egg is by now.

No, this is disgusting! I asked for an egg white omelet. Do you know how much cholesterol there is in egg yolks?

Hope wiped her tongue with a napkin and then took a drink of her orange juice.

Well, maybe you should make your own breakfast.

I don’t have time for this, Hope said drinking the rest of her juice.

She got up from the table and grabbed her keys from a bowl on the counter.

Where are you going? You haven’t finished your breakfast.

As you so nicely pointed out, I am in high school, and I have to go before I’m late.

What about your plate?

You might want to take care of it. I doubt it will wash itself.

Hope left the house and sped out of the driveway as Mrs. Thompson stood there in dismay.

Han, come on. I need to use the bathroom too! Dillon called knocking on the bathroom door.

Just a second, Hanna sang from the other side of the door.

Han, you said that five minutes ago, come on, Hope will be here soon.

The door opened, and Hanna stuck her head out. She looked at Dillon for a moment and then smiled.

Then you might want to get ready.

Dillon laughed and shook his head.

Are you done? I really need to use the bathroom.

Just a second, Hanna said shutting the door.

Han!

Dillon smacked the door with his palm. He heard Hanna giggle from within the bathroom.

Damn it, Dillon! a scream came from downstairs.

Hanna flung open the door and stepped into the hall. Her face was full of worry. She pushed Dillon inside the bathroom and shut the door.

That was me. I’m sorry. I tripped walking out of the bathroom and hit the door.

Be more careful Hanna.

Hanna sighed. She looked back at the bathroom once before dashing to her room.

Hanna and Dillon wandered into the kitchen together. They sat down at the table. Dillon took pancakes and put them on his and Hanna’s plates. Hanna poured glasses of milk for her and Dillon.

You take that garbage out yet boy? the voice came again from the living room.

Dillon put down his fork and stood up. The chair scraped against the floor slightly.

Attitudes can get fixed! Hanna’s father said walking into the room.

Morning daddy, Hanna interrupted cheerfully.

Good morning sweetheart. Hanna’s mother smiled. She walked into the room and stood in front of her husband.

Dillon seized the trash bag from the kitchen and stormed out the front door.

Maybe it’s your attitude that needs fixing, Dillon said throwing the bag into the outside trash can.

Dillon took a few deep breaths and then started toward the front door. Before he could reach for the handle the door swung open.

You got something to say to me, boy?

Dillon locked eyes with his uncle and then shook his head.

Howard! Helen called from inside the house.

Howard glared at Dillon for a moment and then disappeared inside the house. Dillon entered the house and then sat back at the kitchen table. Dillon and Hanna ate their breakfast. Hanna collected their dishes. On the way to the sink, one of the glasses slipped out of Hanna’s hands and crashed onto the floor. Hanna and Dillon froze.

Damn it! Howard’s voice cut through the tense air bringing dread to both Dillon and Hanna.

Uncle Howard’s angry footsteps could be heard as he made his way into the kitchen. Hanna glanced up to see her father standing between her and Dillon.

What in the hell is going on in here?!

Hanna opened her mouth to speak, but Dillon spoke first.

It was me. I went to hand my glass to Hanna, and it slipped out of my hand.

Hanna cringed as she watched her father undo his belt. It came swinging down leaving its mark across Dillon’s cheek. A red line began to form on his face. Dillon winced, but out of fear, he did not cry out.

You’ve been asking for that all morning. Now clean this mess up and get to school!

Dillon jumped to the task as Hanna finished washing their breakfast dishes. After her father left the room Hanna turned to Dillon.

You need to let him get angry with me.

Dillon didn’t respond.

If he were to ever touch me—

Dillon was filled with anger at the very thought of his uncle anywhere near Hanna. Dillon stood and took Hanna’s hands into his. He looked directly into her eyes.

If he were to ever touch you...I would kill him.

My mom would never let him get away with putting his hands on me. She would toss him out for sure.

Dillon crouched down, picked up the dustpan, and then threw the broken pieces in the garbage. He turned to Hanna and shook his head.

Hope pressed on the horn as she bounced in time to the music. Dillon and Hanna rushed out of the house and got into Hope’s car. Dillon leaned over and kissed Hope on the lips. When he sat back Hope frowned.

What happened?

It’s nothing.

If by nothing you mean my dad, Hanna chimed in hugging Hope from the back seat.

Again?

Hope gave their house a disgusted look and held her middle finger out the window.

Screw you, Howard! Hope yelled as she slammed her foot down on the accelerator.

The crowd cheered as Hope lead the cheer squad in introducing the team onto the field. Dillon winked as he ran by her.

You two will be at the party tonight, right?

Hope turned around to face her friend.

When do we ever miss a party, Chelsea?

Chelsea smiled and shrugged her shoulders. Chelsea and Hope settled down on the bench to chat while the football game started.

Hey, Jena said as she and Hanna strolled over.

Jena sat next to Chelsea and Hanna sat next to Hope.

Are we heading to the party together? Jena asked peering at Hanna and Hope.

I have dance class after school. I’ll have to meet you all there.

Our budding ballerina. Chelsea smiled admirably.

Ugh, Hanna groaned. She rolled her eyes. I wouldn’t even be dancing if my mother wasn’t forcing me to.

Jena leaned around Chelsea to look at Hanna directly.

No, we were all at your recital last week you are good, Jena raved.

I would much rather be back on the squad with Hope and Chelsea.

And we miss you here, Hope said giving Hanna’s hand a squeeze.

Tell me about it. None of these girls can do a decent flip. Chelsea agreed surveying the other girls practicing a pyramid.

You’re still coming over to help me pick out my dress for tonight, right? Hope asked turning to face Hanna.

Yep, If I can keep my mom and Mrs. Horche from planning my future long enough to get out of there, then I’ll meet you and Dillon at the party.

The girls began to laugh together.

Hope and Chelsea stood to cheer with the rest of the squad. Chelsea began arguing with one of the other girls who made the mistake of bumping into her during their cheer.

Jena, do you think they’ll kick her off the squad for fighting so much? Hanna asked watching the argument unfold.

No, Chelsea is right. With you gone she and Hope are the only ones that can do anything right.

Jena and Hanna laughed.

Uh-oh we better break that up, Jena said jumping to her feet.

Jena and Hanna raced over to help Hope pull Chelsea off of the other girl.

After breaking up the fight the girls sat back down on the bench to watch the game.

Dillon stood there holding the ball. He watched for Eric or Chad to be open for him to throw the ball to. Eric continued to run away from Dillon his back facing him. Chad turned around but then tripped before Dillon could toss him the ball. The other team was fighting to get to him. There were only a few seconds before Dillon himself would be tackled. Come on...Come on Dillon said to himself urging his teammates to be open to catch the football. Out of the corner of his eye, Dillon saw Tommy look back at him and heard him laugh. Tommy stepped slightly to the right letting the player he was blocking to turn left and run straight for Dillon. Before Dillon knew what was happening two guys from the other team had tackled him to the ground. Dillon lost his breath and then everything went black.

Chapter 2

The girls watched on in horror as two huge guys brought Dillon to the ground. Dillon didn’t move after he was hit. He just laid there on the field. Hope screamed, and then she and Hanna ran to Dillon’s side. Hanna and Hope struggled together to get Dillon’s helmet off. When they finally managed it, they noticed Dillon’s eyes were closed. Both girls cried and pleaded for Dillon to wake up, and after a few moments, he finally came to.

H...Hope? Wh...what are you doing on the field? Dillon mumbled.

Before Hope could answer the team’s doctor and the coach came running over to Dillon. The doctor began checking Dillon over and then helped Dillon to his feet.

I’m alright, Dillon said waving off the doctor.

Hanna grabbed Dillon by the arm.

Dillon, you were knocked out.

Dillon took Hanna’s hand off his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.

I’m fine, Dillon said taking a couple steps forward.

Hope took Dillon’s hand in hers forcing Dillon to stop in his tracks.

Dillon, I think you should sit out. At least let the doctor examine you more.

I’m fine Hope. Dillon smiled putting his hand under Hope’s chin.

Afraid not Morison. Hit the showers, The coach demanded.

Coach! Dillon groaned turning his attention to the coach.

I’m not sure who you pissed off or why, but I plan to get to the bottom of it! This should never have happened. For now, go to the back with the doc.

Yes, sir. Dillon exhaled hard.

Dillon hugged Hanna and then gave Hope a quick kiss. The girls watched on as Dillon headed back to the locker room.

The Coach was true to his word. He lectured the team intensely about the importance of teamwork and cautioned anyone that tried to do anything like that in the future.

Afterward, Dillon met Hope and Hanna at Hope’s car. They all got in and drove to Hanna and Dillon’s house.

What the hell is he doing here? Dillon asked seeing his uncle’s truck parked in the driveway.

I thought he worked tonight? Hope asked.

Dillon and Hanna shrugged their shoulders.

There goes homemade pizza night." Hanna sighed.

We could go to my house for dinner, Hope suggested.

Ok let me grab my bag for tonight, Hanna said getting out of the car.

Hanna opened the front door and heard her parents arguing again. She quietly made her way to her room and picked up her duffle bag. Hanna stopped in the kitchen and took a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. She cursed quietly as she spilled some of it while she was trying to open the bottle. She quickly picked up a napkin to wipe it up. As she walked to the garbage can to throw the napkin away she noticed the bag had fallen inside the can. When she reached in to fix it a piece of glass from earlier that morning cut across her finger causing her to cry out.

Hanna? her mother called from her bedroom.

What happened? Hanna’s father hollered.

Hanna’s parents rushed into the room.

The bag fell in the can, so I went to fix it. A piece of glass cut my finger.

Glass? Hanna’s mother asked.

Where the hell is he? Hanna’s dad shouted.

Dad, I’m fine. See it already stopped bleeding, Hanna said holding her finger out.

Howard ignored his daughter. He stormed through the house screaming wildly as he searched for Dillon. Hanna ran after him hoping to calm him down. There was never any calming him down. Howard was drunk more than he was home and a mean one at that.

Please, Dad. Stop.

Howard saw Hope’s car through the window as he was trudging through the living room.

There he is. That’s it Helen that boy is going to wish he was never born! Howard yelled as he headed toward the door.

Hanna ran and placed herself in front of the door. She was crying and begging her dad to stop.

Get out of the way Hanna.

No.

What did you say?

Hanna took a deep breath and peered into her father’s eyes. Her fear was replaced by anger now as she had decided her father’s reign of terror was going to end tonight.

I said no, Hanna said with a newly found forcefulness.

Howard looked at his daughter curiously. He stared