The Track and Me

Eight

Chapter Eight

"But- your mom- you didn't- oh my gosh. Jake I- I don't know what to say."

Jake was a foster kid. He had went through the system I have always heard things about.

"It's a difficult topic but I want you to know about my past."

"Jake you don't have to do this."

"I want you to feel like you can trust me."

"I do trust you. You don't need to reopen old wounds." I said carefully looking at Jake.

"And I know that. But sometimes to fix your problems you have to talk about them. I've never told anyone but the therapist I should."

Jake began driving.

"Ryan, I want to take you somewhere private to talk about this. Is that okay?"

"Sure. What ever you need."

After about ten minutes, Jake pulled into an empty lot and shut off his car.

"When I was born things were fine. When I turned five my mother passed away from a rare blood disease. My father didn't take it well. He began coming home drunk. When I was six he began beating me. Every night was filled with abuse. My teacher at school noticed and told the cops. I was taken away from him right before my seventh birthday and placed into a foster home while my dad was sentenced to life in prison. I spent around two years in foster care. I went from home to home before I met my adoptive parents- Matthew and Kelly Rivers. They adopted me when I was nine and I've been with them ever since."

"Jake, I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

"No one did. No one does."

It was quiet. I could hear Jake's breathing and that was it.

"They let him out."

"Who?"

"My biological father. They let him out of prison."

"I thought he had life in jail."

"Apparently he is getting out for good behavior. I can testify and try to get him re-sentenced."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know Carrie."

He called me Carrie. He never calls me that. I reached over grabbing ahold of his hand.

"You're a strong individual Jake Stanley. You can get through this. It's not my decision but I think you should testify."

"I know I should but I don't want to see him again. I don't want him to see the person I've become. I don't want him near my friends or my family."

"Then keep him in prison."

Jake held onto my hand while he leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes.

"Thanks Carrie."

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Jake was quiet for the rest of that night. He dropped me off at my house and we hadn't spoke since.

Tomorrow was the first day of the track retreat. I've decided to join the team. I have to get into college somehow. Coach said he would make the announcement tomorrow. You're looking at the new captain for the girl's track team.

Today was the day I got to ditch the crutches. They have been a pain. My ankle is still a little sore but I don't really care at this point. Those crutches are awful.

*knock knock*

"I'll get in grandma."

I opened the door to see the one and only Jake Stanley.