Rated: Fiction T (Teen) (PG-13) - English - Romance/Drama - Sonic & Amy

Chapter Two – The Mysterious Little Girl

The bright lights of the early morning beamed through Sonic's bedroom windows. He slowly opened his eyes and yawned; he sat up slowly rubbing his groggy eyes trying to get the sleepiness out. He looked around his empty bedroom and began looking around his blankets to notice something was missing, starting to slightly panic he began to check under the sheets and his pillows only to find nothing.

"Charlie..." He called out, but received no answer.

"Charlie where are ya?" He leaned over his bed and looked underneath it and sure enough his chao stuffed animal lay on the floor. Feeling relief, he quickly grabbed the stuffed chao and hugged him tightly.

"What are ya doing under there buddy?" He asked the doll.

"Sonic! It's time to get ready for school!" He heard his mother yell from downstairs.

He crawled out of bed and winced slightly, his hand clutching his stomach; he still felt very sore from yesterday. He was usually used to feeling like this and learned how to hide it well but this time he was having great difficulty. It hurt just to breath; his father hasn't gone that hard on him in a long time.

He sighed heading towards the door, trying not to think about it. At least he'll be at school today and away from his father for a good while. Bernadette was in the middle of making his lunch when she heard his little feet rushing down the stairs.

"Good morning sweetheart!" She greeted her sleepy son. He was still rubbing his eyes as he sat down at the table.

"Mornin' mommy." He replied, his eyes still half lidded. He looked down at his plate to see a pancake with two strips of bacon and a sunny side up egg. It took him a moment to realize his pancake was smiling back at him. He looked back at his mother who gave him a warm smile and he returned it. He loved it when she made happy faces on his pancakes with syrup.

She finished packing his lunch box and set it off to the side on the counter. "Did you sleep well?" She asked him, taking a hand and ruffling up his quills. He laughed and nodded. "Yeah."

"Good." She bent down and kissed him on the cheek lovingly. Suddenly his father came into the kitchen dressed in a suit and tie. Sonic's happy mood suddenly dropped, he looked back down at his plate pretending nothing was wrong and continued to eat. Jules walked over to his wife giving her a quick kiss while adjusting his tie.

"Jules, why don't you sit down and have something to eat before you leave." She suggested, her one hand on his cheek. He smiled back at her. "I can't! I'm running late as it is." Sonic continued to avoid all eye contact with his father, keeping his head low quickly devouring his meal.

Jules looked over at his son and decided to play the fatherly part for his wife. "Mornin kiddo!" He said cheerfully and walked over to him. Sonic felt his nerves acting up, his food suddenly churning in his stomach.

"M-mornin...d-daddy." He stuttered in a low voice, luckily for him his mother didn't catch the stutters due to his mouth being packed with food. His father put on a fake loving smile, trying to conceal the smirk forming on his face.

Jules' eyes wandered on Sonic's stuffed chao sitting next to his plate on the table.

"You're still carrying this thing around?" He asked, suddenly grabbing it. He knew how much Sonic loved the stupid thing and decided to have a little fun with him. Sonic's eyes widened as he dropped his fork and watched helplessly as his father held Charlie in his hands.

His father examined the stuffed doll questioningly. "Aren't you a little old to be playing with dolls?" He teased, laughing playfully.

"He's not a doll...he's my friend!" Sonic suddenly blurted out without thinking. His father eyed him sternly for a moment as if challenging the little hedgehog. Sonic realized his mistake and looked back down at his plate. "I-I mean..." He played with the remaining bits of food on his plate with his fork while trying to think of what to say.

He suddenly felt his father step behind his chair and he felt his heart begin to race. He swallowed hard trying to stay calm.

"I shouldn't of done that!" He mentally scolded himself.

"I'm going to get it real bad this time..." He suddenly felt his father's hand on his shoulder and he flinched slightly closing his eyes in reflex. With his other hand Jules handed Sonic back his stuffed chao.

"Here...I know how much he means to you." He said calmly, putting on a fake loving smile. Sonic looked at his father confused for a moment then turned and realized his mother, Bernadette was still in the kitchen; she was completely oblivious to the scene that had just taken place.

"Here." She said handing her husband two slices of toast, fresh from the toaster.

"You can't work on an empty stomach." She insisted, her hand caressing his. He bent down and kissed his wife passionately.

"Thanks dear" He said while pulling away; she smiled sheepishly at him.

"Are you working late again tonight?" He asked his wife.

She nodded, disappointment evident on her face. "Yes...unfortunately..." She turned her attention to Sonic who was still sitting at the kitchen table.

"I couldn't take off today...but I should be able to tomorrow." Jules nodded in understanding.

"Well, I'll be getting off work early today since it's Thursday." His attention suddenly went back to his son.

"Isn't that great Sonic? You and I can spend a lot of time together today." He said with false cheeriness. His hand still on Sonic's shoulder, began to squeeze tightly; Sonic held back a whimper as it began to hurt. Sonic simply nodded trying to find words. "Y-yeah..."

After breakfast, Bernadette quickly got Sonic dressed and ready for school. She had lost track of the time and they were beginning to run late. Sonic stepped out of the house walking down the small pathway leading to the driveway. Bernadette locked the front door and grabbed her car keys out of her purse. Sonic usually took the bus to school in the mornings and afternoon but she wanted to drive him today. She couldn't take off work today but was able to at least come in slightly later than usual.

"Ready?" She asked him while walking towards their mini van. Sonic nodded, grabbing hold of his mothers hand. She helped him into his booster seat and strapped him in securely.

"We better hurry." She said as she slid into the drivers seat.

"We're running a little late this morning." Sonic stared out the window as she began to pull out and slowly drive off. They drove in silence, Bernadette periodically looking into the rear view mirror to check on her son.

Sonic was lost in his thoughts, thinking about what his father had said at breakfast. He was terrified to come home today; he knew his dad was up to something. He felt his hands becoming clammy as his anxiety built up inside him; he began to twiddle his thumbs and fingers nervously.

His mother noticed his odd change in behavior, and monitored it closely. One of the main reasons she wanted to drive him to school this morning was to try and find more clues as to what was going on with him. She was determined to find out the truth.

"Is he worrying about something?" She wondered. "What's bothering you sweetheart...please tell me."

"Sonic?" She suddenly asked. "Is everything alright?"

He turned his attention from the window to look in her direction. He nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Are you sure...? You're awfully quiet this morning." Sonic looked down at his shoes.

Silence again filled the car and his mother sighed, her efforts fruitless.

"Sweetheart...you know you can tell mommy anything." Sonic thought for a moment, taking her words in. He almost considered telling her the truth but decided against it when thoughts of his father returned to him.

"If I tell mommy the truth...daddy will hurt her because of me." He told himself.

The car suddenly came to a stop as she pulled up by the curb of the school. Sonic unbuckled himself and leaned over his mothers seat. She tried to hide the sadness from her eyes as her expression softened; she kissed his cheek affectionately.

"Have a good day at school...okay?" He smiled and kissed her cheek back.

"I will!" He said as he opened the door and climbed out of the car. He pulled his little back pack over his shoulders and gave his mother a final wave goodbye as he began to retreat into the school. She waved back supportively and sat watching him until he disappeared from sight.

Time seemed to be passing too quickly for Sonic today. School was already halfway over and the thought of going home unnerved him. He sat in deep thought on a swing rocking himself back and forth slowly with his feet. His head lay low dejectedly as he stared at the soft sand beneath his shoes. His mother was beginning to ask more questions now and he was not sure how to avoid answering them anymore. Even his teacher Mrs. Kennedy began to notice a sudden change in his demeanor.

The little hedgehog sighed as he watched all the other children play. He couldn't even consider playing right now; his body ached all over and he had all to do to keep from falling over. He could feel the butterflies jumping in his stomach as he thought about going home later that day.

The rest of the day moved just as swiftly as the morning had. The children had their snack after going on the playground and were watching an educational television show about learning how to read. Sonic, not really paying attention, continued coloring a picture he was making for his mother. Just then, somebody Sonic never saw before came into the classroom to speak with his teacher.

She was a light brown Manx cat with crystal blue eyes. She wore beige pants and a white t-shirt that bore the words "Station Square Children's Home" on the back. The unknown stranger and his teacher were in a deep, serious discussion about something Sonic couldn't hear. Sonic didn't really pay it any mind; he just figured it was another teacher from another classroom.

School had officially ended and Sonic dragged his feet, walking as slowly as possible towards the main entrance of the school. He opened the doors and proceeded outside walking down the steps; he saw the bus loop where he had to find his bus but he felt compelled to stay standing where he was. Putting his back pack down on the last step he took a seat. There was no way he was going to go home right away knowing his father was there eagerly waiting for him.

He had no where else to go, so he decided to just sit there at the school and stall for time. He sat for a while watching all the students gather onto their respective buses and cars and depart from the school. He watched as all the buses, including his own left the school and before long he was almost completely alone. Sonic eyed his surroundings and took in a deep breath of the fresh air.

He suddenly felt very lonely, sitting there all by himself. He didn't really have any friends to talk to or play with and that disheartened him greatly. Feeling bored, he grabbed a small stick and began poking at pebbles on the ground pushing them around with the stick. His ears twitched and the sounds of voices grabbed his attention.

Looking up, he saw his principal talking to the same woman he saw earlier in his class. Then something else caught his eye, standing directly behind the woman was a little girl. Sonic blinked, she was a petite, pink hedgehog who looked to be around the same age as him. She had dark, forest green jade eyes and her quills curved around her face above her shoulders. She was wearing a tattered light blue dress with a matching headband and large bow; her curly bangs hung loosely over her forehead.

Sonic just sat there dumbfounded as he watched the scene taking place in front of him. She looked around her surroundings shyly as she hugged her worn teddy bear tightly, her purple back pack hanging loosely over her shoulder. Sonic couldn't help but notice the sadness apparent in her jade eyes. Curiosity getting the better of him, he stood up and ventured closer trying to get a better look.

Sonic hid behind a small tree a few feet away from the talking adults. He was at a close enough distance now to be able to hear what they were saying. The principal looked over at the small girl and bent down slightly.

"Are you excited about starting school here?" He asked with a welcoming smile. The little girl looked at him shyly, hiding half her face with her teddy bear. Without speaking a word the little girl nodded her head.

"She's a little shy." Said the Manx woman. He nodded in understanding.

"Once you start school here you'll make lots of friends." He said encouragingly.

"Thank you for everything Mr. Watson...it means a lot to us." The Manx woman said shaking his hand.

"It's no problem at all Ms. Reeves...you know the school will do anything to help out."

Sonic really wanted to hear the little girl's voice, in fact he wanted to go over there and try talking to her at that very moment; impatient he shifted his weight from leg to leg. The little pink hedgehog looked around and noticed a small blue figure standing behind a tree. Her eyes lit up as she stared at the little boy intently; Sonic noticed her staring at him and felt his cheeks heat up. For a moment he just stood there mesmerized, staring back at her.

Sonic bashfully raised one hand and gave her a small wave, smiling. She moved her hands away from her face, dropping one hand holding her teddy to the side. Sonic was finally able to see her full face which now wore a bright smile. She giggled suddenly and gave him a small wave back with her free hand.

Ms. Reeves took hold of the little hedgehog's hand and began to lead her away towards the parking lot. Sonic frowned, he didn't even get to talk to her yet. As she was being pulled away, she kept turning around to look back at the little boy. Sonic stood watching as she was placed into a small car which was now slowly driving away.

Jules had come home early just as he said he would. He stood alone in the house brooding in his dark thoughts.

"That little shit should have been home by now..." He said to himself. He knew Sonic was purposely making himself late. It would only make things worse for him in the end, as his father planned to worsen his punishment today just for coming home later than scheduled. He began pacing the room, his dark thoughts getting to the better of him.

He then walked into his bedroom, opening the closet door. He opened up a brief case that held a medium sized box inside. He smiled maliciously knowing full well what lay hidden within the box's contents. Carefully opening the lid, he unveiled a medium sized hand gun; he picked it up gently holding it in a firm, steady grip. For a moment he just knelt on the floor examining the gun he held in his hand. He chuckled darkly to himself.

"I'd gladly shoot the little bastard...if it wasn't for Bernadette." He said to himself while admiring the gun he held in his hand. He stroked it's confines with his free hand as if it were a rare treasure. His dark thoughts of harming the little hedgehog consumed his better judgment.

"Killing him with this would be to easy...besides...who else can I take my anger out on?"

"What if...I killed him today...?" He thought darkly. His face had the look of a complete madman.

He stood up holding the gun in his hand and looked at himself in the full length mirror of their bedroom.

"I could easily dispose of his body...and hide all evidence...I even know a great spot to dump him."

His dark thoughts were now racing through his mind at light speed. "What about the police? I'd be the first they would suspect..." He held his free hand to his head as if his thoughts suddenly sickened him.

"No...no...I can't do this...I may hate him...but he is still my son..."

"Bernadette would never forgive me...she'd leave me..." He walked back to the closet and placed the hand gun back into its respective box and brief case. He tucked the brief case in the far back corner of the closet, hiding it amongst clothes and boxes.

Sonic had begun to walk home slowly, stalling for time as much as possible. He could not control the anxiety and fear that was beginning to build up inside him as he walked through his isolated neighborhood. His hands were clammy and he could feel his teeth chattering. He sighed trying to keep his mind off of his father and the possible beating that awaited him.

He thought about the mysterious little girl he had met earlier that day. He wondered if he would see her again; surely he would, his principal had said she would be going to his school. He smiled at the thought of her being in his class.

"I wonder what her name is..." He thought, while kicking a tin can as he walked. He smiled sheepishly as he remembered her face and smile. For some reason she made him feel warm inside, he hoped they could become good friends.

He frowned when he realized he was standing in front of his house now. His father's vehicle was parked in the driveway.

"Daddy's home..." He swallowed hard, trying to control his unsteady, rapid heart beat. He felt himself shaking and he tried to calm himself as he walked apprehensively towards the front door.

He turned the door knob and poked his head inside; he didn't see anyone and the living room lights were turned off. He looked around nervously, slightly confused, and quietly walked inside shutting the door behind him.

"Maybe daddy went out...or...he's taking a nap." Sonic hoped. He stood in the doorway afraid to move, he wanted to race to his bedroom and lock the door but he was afraid of his father hearing him. He balled his clammy hands into a fist and held in a deep breath as he began to walk slowly further into the house.

He edged himself closer towards the staircase; the room was so quiet he could hear his own heart pounding in his chest. As he got closer a shimmer of hope flowed within him as he thought he would make it up there in one piece.

"Going somewhere kiddo?" A dark voice said within the shadows.

Sonic turned around slowly in fear, his body trembling.

"I-I-I..." He stuttered, trying to remember how to speak. His father walked slowly closer to him, emerging out of the shadows cast in the room.

"I...I w-was...j-just g-g-going to go i-into my room d-daddy..." He managed, fiddling with his fingers nervously.

His father stared at his terrified son with his hazel eyes, devoid of any emotion. He actually enjoyed seeing Sonic become this fearful and found it to be like a game. Sonic debated whether he should try running or not, if he bolted for the door he may be able to escape in time.

"You're late." Jules said coldly, his eyes filled with pure hatred. "And you know how daddy doesn't like waiting."

Sonic gulped. He was to afraid to even move, his body was frozen in place.

"I-I'm s-sorry d-daddy...I m-missed m-my bus..." He stuttered, trying to muster himself to move.

"Isn't that a shame..." His father said with a hint of annoyance in his voice. He walked closer to Sonic, circling him as if he were an animal stalking its prey. Sonic couldn't control his shaking, he looked around nervously trying to think of what to do. His father laughed maliciously, his eyes locked on his son.

"You're so pathetic." He said, smiling sadistically.

"I don't know why you're mother even wastes her time on the likes of you." Sonic felt a stabbing at his heart as he took in the hurtful words. He looked down at the floor, his ears pinned back.

"I-I'm s-sorry...d-daddy..." He whispered softly. His father just smirked.

"Not as sorry as you're going to be you little shit." He said darkly, edging closer towards his trembling son.

Sonic looked up at his father fearfully, knowing full well what was about to happen next. His father suddenly struck him in the face and Sonic fell backwards to the floor whimpering in pain. He held a hand up to his already sore left cheek, trying to hold back his tears.

"GET UP!" His father yelled. Sonic struggled to stand, feeling disoriented. He felt the air get knocked out of him as he felt another blow this time to his stomach. He leaned over and coughed clutching his stomach. Jules smiled at the sight.

"You're punishment will be even longer today for making me wait." He said while watching Sonic, who was gasping for air.

Sonic began to panic, something didn't feel right, even for this. Wincing, he looked up at his father to see he was holding his belt. Sonic's eyes widened in fear, he looked ahead past his father to see the bathroom.

"Should I try?" He asked himself.

"Will I be able to run there in time?"

He was terrified to try, but he had to get away from his father somehow. He summoned as much bravery he could muster and in one quick motion bolted for the bathroom in hopes of locking himself inside. Jules was shocked for a moment, not expecting this and quickly went after him.

Sonic managed to get halfway to his destination before he felt a firm hold tug on the back of his back pack which he was still wearing. He felt himself get pulled back and thrown into a wall; wincing he tried to keep from collapsing to the floor, hot tears now flowing down his soft cheeks.

He felt another sharp pain in his stomach as he received another sharp blow from his father. He closed his eyes and yelped in pain.

"You're so weak!" His father said harshly, hitting him again. Sonic whimpered and began to sob, he was not sure how much more he could take of this. He suddenly felt a strange liquid pouring from his tiny nose which began to drip down to his upper lip. Confused he touched his upper lip gently and looked at the crimson liquid on his fingers. It was blood, he was bleeding.

Before he could even react he felt a firm hand around his small throat. He began to whimper as the hand tightened its grip. Sonic lifted his hands to try and pry the hand off his throat, kicking his little feet that now hovered above the floor.

"You little bastard..." His father breathed, sounding more sinister than Sonic had ever heard him sound before. As his airway became constricted he began to panic; he continued to struggle, beginning to feel light headed and dizzy.

"If you say anything to your mother about this...I'll kill you." He said in a low voice.

He began to shake Sonic. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?" Sonic felt weak, he could no longer breath and everything around him was beginning to blur. He was thrown to the hard floor and he began to cough violently gasping for air.

He lay on the floor weak and unable to move; he tried to open his eyes but could not find the strength to. He began to feel sharp pain against his back as he received his fathers lashes from the belt. He sobbed hopelessly wishing for the pain to end. His face was now stained with hot, salty tears and the small amounts of blood from his nose.

Everything began to blur out of focus and darken; Sonic felt to tired to try and resist any longer. He lay there with thoughts of his mother flowing through his mind; flashbacks of wonderful memories replaying in his head. He managed to smile weakly at the fond memories, remembering his mother's warmth and tender kisses. Another image suddenly came to play, a mysterious little girl with beautiful jade green eyes and a soft smile. Then within an instant everything had gone completely black.