Teen Ink

4

I was reading through the file once more while sitting on the Jet. I was in the back by myself. I had a lot on my mind. It's not like I was already trying to be antisocial. I just told them that I could read better when in privacy, rather than up near everyone else. Of course Spencer had known I was lying. I could read just like him and had no problem being around others. I stared at the photos of the victims and yet I wasn't even paying attention. All I could think about was that night so many years ago. I closed the folder and let out a long sigh. I turned towards the window and looked out, spacing off. A cough came from in front of me. I turned my attention back to who was in front of me. There sat Spencer.
"Hey" He said. "Hello Spence" I replied opening the folder again. Before I could act like I was interested, Spencer's hand went out and closed the folder. I looked up at him and knew what was coming next. I shook my head slowly and he took one of my hands in his. I was shocked at this move. It wasn't like Spencer at all. He was the awkward shy one who was never this open. Then again he was caring and compassionate. I smiled slightly and looked down at our hands. "Talk to me Annabelle. I hope that even though so much time has passed, we could still tell each other things" He said.
"I know...I really want to tell you Spency-Beans, I just...Things should be left in the past right?" I asked quoting him. "Something’s, yes, but when it's causing you problems like this...Annabelle...just tell me. I already think I know, but I'd rather you tell me. I'm not going to push you anymore, but I'm here" He replied. "Thank you...” I said quietly opening the folder again. I heard him sigh and let go of my hand. When I looked back up he was gone. I leaned back and soon the plane landed. We made our way to the police headquarters and set up there. Spencer and I were ordered to stay behind and map out the geographic profile of this Unsub. I was sitting there thinking to myself when I was interrupted. "Annabelle?" Spencer asked. "Yes Spencer?" I responded. "Do you still have the scar?" He asked.
I froze at that question. Why was he insisting on bringing up that night so much? I closed my eyes, then reopened them looking at him. He blushed a little and looked down. I knew he was feeling guilty. It was my first official day and already he had my head everywhere else but the case. I sighed and rolled my chair over to him. He looked at me as I put my leg up on his lap and rolled up the pant leg. There on my calf was a huge scar running from my knee cap almost to my ankle. He traced it and I shivered, rolling back. My leg fell to the ground and I blushed, while rolling down my pant leg. "Sorry" He apologized. 'No, no...It's fine...Um...Can we get back to work?" I asked. "Yes...but...Just tell me...What happened that night Annabelle. I know it's not easy talking about these things. Honestly if you hadn't been there when those football players stripped me and tied me up, I probably would have a very hard time telling you. It was bad when I told Morgan" He said. "If...If...I tell you...Will you drop it and never bring it up again? Also don't give me any pity looks or sympathy after I tell you. It's the past and I have come to terms with what happened" I said. "I promise" He said smiling slightly. I smiled back and took a deep breath. This was going to be one of the hardest conversations I would ever have with Spencer. We had been so close back then, but at that time in my life I was used to doing things on my own. That and I didn't want Spencer worrying over me. We were twelve and that was too much stress for such a young age. I took another breath before speaking.
"It was the night of the first home football game. I should have known better, but some of the cheerleaders came up to me and asked me to stay after the game. They had me believe that they wanted me on the squad. Said I was small enough to be on the top of the pyramid. I wanted so badly to fit in Spencer. So I foolishly believed them. When everyone left, I found myself alone standing underneath the bleachers. Soon there was a bag over my head and I heard them all laughing. I don't know exactly where they took me. It was out to one of their houses. When the bag was finally removed I was in a room with some of the guys from the football team. They were poking fun like they always did. Saying perverted things and pushing me around. It was all just a joke to them. Their laughs still ring in my head when I think about it. One of the guys had been drinking and tried to force himself on me...I...” I started to choke up. Spencer reached over and took my hand. I swallowed hard and blinked back a couple of tears before looking up again. Spencer was rubbing his thumb on my palm and I was thankful at that moment. I have never spoken about that night before.
"Anyways...I managed to somehow get away from underneath him and I took off running. I ran out of the room and they were still laughing. I remember running past the girls and them making comments about how I was a chicken and a tease...I also remember crying when I heard some of the guys behind me. I ran as fast as I could and next thing I knew I was on the ground. I had tripped and fell, breaking my leg. A stupid damn stick...They caught up of course. The break had broke my skin, which is why I have that pretty scar you saw...I was laying there crying and they just laughed and walked away. Left me alone. Eventually one of them called for help. I never spoke a word about it though. I told everyone I was just out for a walk...Honestly I don't know if I was afraid or just wanted to forget about it all together, but I did..It's the past anyways...and like I said...I've dealt with it" I finished. He just sat there staring at me for a moment before pulling me into a hug. I smiled and blushed at his movement. When he pulled away I sent him a puzzled kind of look. "You told me know pity and no sympathy words...you never said no hugs" He said smiling.
I smiled and softly ruffled his hair. He blushed and I rolled back over to my position before in front of the map. It felt good to finally get that night off my chest. It felt even better that it had been Spencer. He would understand above everyone else. I knew at that moment that it didn't matter how many years we spent apart, Spencer Reid was a part of my life and he wasn't going anywhere.