Trapped

18

Erik, Mark, and I celebrated my justice with lots of ice cream. Lots and lots of it. Steve got locked away for fifteen years. Fifteen isn't enough, but I get to live free knowing he is there suffering in that rat's hole. I wanted him to go through what he put me through but being behind bars is better than nothing. They almost didn't count my rape as statutory rape since I just turned 18, but I prayed, and I got what I wanted.

My dad was so pissed, he didn't even show up to the courts. Mark being there helped sped the process and me informing him about the rape helped things. And I can't forget about Erik. They both have been great supporters. I talked to Erik about telling Mark his crises so he can help, but Erik either doesn't want to talk about it or doesn't want anything to do with putting his parents away. He says his dad is too powerful and that no one would believe him. I just wish Lyle and Erik can live free of their parents... At times I want to go behind his back and tell authority, but I can't...

When I came home the day that Steve got sentenced, my dad blew up in my face. He was so mad at me, he took his rage out of me. I shielded my abdomen with my hands, so nothing happened to the baby. He screamed about how I ruined his future plans with Steve. Something illegal, I know it is. Once he drove me out the door, I walked to the police station with a bloody nose and light bruises. People gathered me once I walked through the doors. Once I saw Mark's face, a familiar one, I felt safe.

It was that night Mark took me in and allowed for me to stay for how long I wanted. When it was time that I needed to go back, I took Mark with me for backup to protect this child I am carrying. When I stepped foot in the house, it didn't take my dad a second to not notice me. He got up in a fuming attitude and walked to me, Mark crossed his arms, and my dad was deranged to meet eyes with him. Mark advised me to go to my room and get the stuff that I needed, so I listened. When I came out with my bag, my dad was in handcuffs and a wounded face. I didn't know Mark was charging my dad with assault. I wasn't mad that he did. I was grateful that he is getting a taste of his own medicine.

It's been so nice at his place. He doesn't drink, smoke, hit me, take me down mentally, and make me do all the chores like I used to. I still try and pull my weight, and I insisted to Mark that I take care of the house. For my pregnancy, it has been scary, but I am getting through it little by little. I have been trying to find the baby a safe home but no luck. I rub my stomach occasionally, thinking that my baby would be with someone else. It upsets me a slight bit.

Eriks POV
"So Erik... When am I going to see your friend? What her name... Emily."

I clear my throat. "Ellie..."

"Ah yes! Ellie. I would love to meet the girl who takes you away from your practice and school work."

I play with my fork. "She doesn't..."

"Do you not want me to meet her? Is that why she never comes over?"

"N-no. You just miss her."

"DON'T LIE TO ME, SON!"

"Okay! I don't want you to meet her. I don't want any of you to meet her."

My mother picks up her glass. "Are you embarrassed by us?"

"I... I am embarrassed by what dad does..." I turn my face at my dad. "I don't want you hurting her as you hurt me."

My father takes his fork and bites off his eggs aggressively. "Tell me, Erik... What do I do to hurt you?"

I gulp my throat. I look at my watch. "I should get going... I don't want to be late." I say, getting up, grabbing my school bag from the ground.

"Plate!" My mom shouts. "Dumb child." I hear her whisper underneath her breath.