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Four months have gone by since Renee first started working as a nail tech at ms. browns salon. She was shown around by a sweet girl named Neveah who looked too young to be as skilled as she was.
She seemed to form a big sister kind of relationship with Neveah, putting in the effort to eat lunch together and talk on breaks. Although , it took quite a while for Neveah to speak with her for anything more than small talk. She's glad to have brought Neveah out of her shell even if it's just a bit.
"You can't be serious" Neveah incredulity drawls out. She peels the thin layer of golden crust off her patty while shaking her head in shame, her freshly done braids swaying against her back.
"It's not that serious vee " Renee rolls her eyes at the girls' dramatics.
"I just -can't believe you did that " she scrunched up her nose at her story while Renee laughed in her face.
Renee disclosed she once kept a chocolate bar her crush gave her for three years.
"In my defense, I was 13" Renee smirked.
"You never been geeked over someone?"
"No, I never really paid attention to anyone in school" Neveah frowned, just now realizing how much of the "high school experience" she missed.
"But anyways make sure you tell ms. Angela 'thanks for the food " Neveah smiles before taking a sip of her pop. She was very thankful for Renee's grandmother especially since she hasn't been able to afford much food these past few days.
"That woman has been blowing me all week, it's always "how's Neveah?" "Bring her over "and pops is no better talking bout' he misses his cards partner " Renee rambles in mock irritation as a grin stretched across Neveah's face.
Renee had once invited Neveah over for dinner at her family's house after seeing her walk home alone and her folks took a liking towards the girl's sweet aura and how good of a friend she was to their granddaughter.
"Stop being jealous" Neveah sticks her tongue out. it's been so long since she'd interacted with anyone for more than a few minutes, she didn't realize how lonely she was. Making a friend, a good one at that, made her happy but she could only hope it would last.
"We're actually having a kickback this Saturday, wanna be my plus one?"Renee pleaded.
Her extended family was interesting, to say the least, they were cool people and all but their pestering that she should "settle down with someone" was enough to make her dread spending time with them. Neveah being there with her is a welcomed distraction.
"I don't know nene, from what I hear your family is pretty big" Neveah said looking unconvinced, It was one thing for her to meet her grandparents but the thought of meeting her extended family intimidated her.
"I don't even talk to all those folks and I'll be with you the whole time" nene continues.
"Plus I noticed that frown, here's an opportunity to be more social" Renee added, pointing her acrylic nail in the air.
"Okay okay fine –stop looking at me like that" Neveah chuckles at the pout on her face, before leaving the break room.
—
Neveah hums quietly to a song playing on the radio as she waits at the diner table. she takes another sip of her milkshake before letting a sigh escape her lips.
She was so busy sulking in boredom, she didn't notice a man standing directly next to her table.
"Ms.Owens" a man clears his throat, snapping her out of her daze.
Her head snaps up to meet an icy blue-eyed man before absentmindedly nodding, he adjusted his fitted navy blue suit before seating himself opposite to her.
"Well let's get straight into it" he clasped his hand together." since you are still a minor, this may be a bit tricky. You see, I looked into it and your parents left you a very generous amount of money along with your father's car but you cannot access this until you're 21. however, with the evidence of your aunt not being a fit guardian we can form an agreement in court" the lawyer explained as Neveah took a moment to soak everything in.
"Last session, I uh- I wasn't completely honest" Neveah confessed feeling herself begin to get hot.
"My aunt has physically abused me for years as well as been the cause of my sexual assault, I um - I have pictures if you need them" she continued, feeling two heavyweights lift off her shoulders.
"I'm sorry for not saying anything before, I know this probably makes me look bad. I promise to be completely honest from here-" she rambles hot tears brimming in her eyes and her chest rapidly rises and falls.
For years, she's lived with her head down and her mouth shut. That was how she survived, but now she had a chance to be free of the chains that were in the form of her aunt.Once she was done with her, her aunt would no longer have any power over her. "Neveah" a solemn voice paused her rambling.
"Well first off, I'm sorry you had to go through that and I promise I will fight my hardest to get you the justice you deserve. This changes everything, not only will your aunt lose custody of you but she could face years in jail." He told her with determination laced in his voice.
"You really think this could work, don't get my hopes up to let me down" she spoke anxiously, tugging on her sleeves.
This whole situation made her a huge ball of nerves. she often found herself worrying about her aunt finding out about these meetings with Mr.Howard or the possibility that no one believes her in court.
In the US, less than half of reported child abuse cases receive justice.
The statement echoed in her mind constantly
"Ms.Owens, I promise you I will fight my hardest for you to get the justice you deserve" he expressed before sliding out the booth.
"Lord be a fence " Neveah sighed before dropping her head onto her arms.
