***For any of those who are confused, Matt is Jordan's cousin, but they are like brother and sister because Jordan's mom (aka Matt's aunt) took Matt in as her own son.***

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jordan just keeps hugging me, ignoring Matt's voice.

"Umm I'm sorry but I don't think-" I try to understand what's going on.

"You have to meet Mom!" Jordan tells me, finally letting go of me.

I'm already supposed to meet Matt's mom? It's only been a month. Parents always hate me. Derek's dad hated me. That's why he was so sadistic with me. That's why he abused me. Because I wasn't pleasing to the all-mighty father of his. That's why he would take a knife-

"Annalise? Are you okay?" Matt interrupts my thoughts with a worried voice.

"Yeah." I say quietly and clear my throat, "yeah I'm fine. Umm I'll just go get changed and get cleaned up and we can go?" I say shaky voice. I get up from the couch and see that Jordan had already left.

"Annalise you don't have to meet my aunt if you don't feel up to it." Matt says in a caring voice.

"No I'm fine. Just got lost in thought about Der-some stuff." I quickly recover, hoping he didn't catch my slip of the tongue. I turn around to head to his room.

"How long did you date him?" I hear his cold but concerned voice come from behind me.

Oops.

"About two and a half to three years..." I say quietly, looking down at my feet.

"But didn't your parents-"

"My parents didn't do shit." I say sharply. "I love them and all but they were so oblivious. Austin had his suspicions, but when he would confront Derek, any possible explanation was ruled out. Derek knew just were to hit." My voice trembles a bit, "it wasn't until the night Derek cut me when the police got involved. But he drugged me, so it was his word against my cloudy, doped up story."

"Isn't he in jail?" Matt asks.

"Yes. But for armed robbery and battery to a police officer with multiple offenses." I say quietly.

"Annalise. Stop talking." I hear Matt's voice say sharply but kindly to me. "Just please. Stop it." He sounds worried.

I look down and see why he's so worried. My hands are shaking like I'm in withdrawal from crack, and a tear falls onto one of my palms.

"Annalise." my stomach flutters at the sound of my name from his lips, "come and meet the women I call 'Mom'?"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

So this chapter was kind of a filler. So sorry. But you got some more background on the buttface Derek.

I JUST WANT TO GIVE A HUGE HUGE HUGE SHOUTOUT TO @ashdoesnttwerk FOR THE AMAZING COVER THAT I ABSOLUTELY ADORE!!!!!!

I just love it so much!!!

But a better chapter is coming sooner or later. I think the next few night be filler chapters, minus the whole "meeting Matt's mom/aunt". I really hate writer's block.

So hit that star at the bottom or at the end of this chapter and you will be followed and loved!! Leave some comments while you're at it :)

~QuackingDuck~