Still We Rise

14: Free

Song: Let you Down- NF
A child being abused by their parent(s) doesn't stop loving the parent(s). They stop loving themselves.
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Kenzie's POV:

      Today is the day I get most of my freedom. Mine and Kinsler's freedom.

      These past two weeks have been nothing but waiting and wondering if I am fit enough to live on my own, and get custody of my brother. While we played the waiting game, Kinsler and I go to school, and face millions of looks and questions people ask. We also deal with the pity people feel the need to give us, and everything else that comes with. Thankfully, with the guys and my bosses statements and my kickass lawyer, I was granted emancipation and custody of Kinsler. Their statements basically said how hard I've been working to make our apartment more of a home, how I never miss work- except for these past few weeks while they investigate Blake- and how I have great discipline towards my brother and myself.

      The judge granted my emancipation and custody request almost immediately, so once she signed the papers she said we could either ahve Jarred sign them ourselves or she would have my lawyer have him sign them. Obviously, I want to deliver them myself, so Officer Izens and I are on our way to the prison Jarred will be held at until trial.

      "Once we get in here, don't cause too many problems. If he gets mad, let him. If he starts yelling, let him. Because if he gets out of hand, his hand will be forced to sign the papers." Officer Izens tells me. I give her a nod, thoughts race through my mind. Good thing I'm great at playing mind games.

      "Really? If he gets aggressive his hand will be forced to sign them?" I question, not knowing that they could actually do that.

       She gives me a nod, "They will see first hand that he is unfit. Meaning, if he ever gets out or a chance for parole later on down the road he won't be able to file for custody again. And he can't say that Kinsler is supposed to be with someone else." She explains. Huh, the things you learn whne your father is a piece of shit.

      "Okay..." I trail off, and she gives me a look. A smile creeps its way on my face, "Can I make him mad though? Obviously not saying anything that will make it seem like I'm trying, but by saying stuff that I know will make him mad to the point where he'll flip out." I question, and she smirks a little.

      "I mean, I don't personally advise it, but if it happens then it happens." She says.

      I give her a smile, "Okay, so I'll be on my best behavior then." I promise, and she rolls her eyes. Maybe I'm more fucked up in the head then I thought, but I think Jarred deserves a little mind fuck from me before he gets it from someone else. Also, part of me prays that he'll become someones bitch.

      Shortly after our conversation, we arrive at the prison. "Ready kiddo?" She asks, and I give her a nod. I'm as ready as I'll ever be I guess. "Let's go then." She says, grabbing a Manila folder from her visor. We get out of the car, and head to the building. When we get in, she talks to the security at the front, and they let us in pretty quickly. "We get thirty minutes. They will have another Officer in there, who will appoint Jarred if he has any questions, and then another who will make sure it stays civil. Remember what we talked about in the car." She tells me.

      I give her a nod, anxity creeping up my spine as we walk towards a room. The whole way, I try to hype myself up. You've faced him for years, this is your chance to be better, and you have nothing to worry about. I told myself that the whole ride here, and apparently it isn't sticking in my damn mind. Being away from danger has clearly made me go soft, and I hate that.