Safe. Home.

Epilogue

This song was suggested by my friend @daniellediva101

Smile by Mikk Ekko

I can't believe this day is finally here. I've been waiting so long for this day: Graduation Day. It's been a year since my dad went to jail and I couldn't have been more free. I got to live with the best family you could ever dream of
and be with my amazing boyfriend too.

When my father went to jail it ended up in the news. They were talking about how the best lawyer in the state went to jail for child abuse and sexual assault. They wanted to interview me but I declined. I didn't want to be in the spotlight. It went away after a week of them unfolding what happened to him and what happen in that court room.

I moved into the Buskers two days after court. Grace was so happy I was moving in; she said that now we can harass her brothers now that there is an even playing field. I of course agreed even though one of them is my boyfriend but when me and Grace are planing a scheme he is the enemy. Everybody made me feel welcome even Jonah. Miranda and Daniel put some guid lines for Lucas and me but I knew it wasn't going to be a problem. We followed most of them. I felt like I was in real loving family. It took some time but Miranda finally convicted me to call her mom. It was weird at first to say it but I got used to it.

When I went back to school for senior year I got talked about a lot. I knew everybody knew my dad went to jail and that I was abused for most of my life but after a few weeks it dialed down a little. My Senior year was better than I expected because I gained a new friend. Her name was Amber. She moved here and didn't know anyone and we just clicked. Now we are inseparable. It was nice to have a friend who wasn't my boyfriend. Lucas was amazing through all of this. He took it slow when I moved in but now he can touch me without flinching or whimpering. It was tough because I knew he wouldn't hurt me and I knew he was hurt every time I moved away from him a little, but eventually I got better and we are so clingy now. Amber thinks it adorable and so does mom but Daniel is not used to it. I love Daniel. He knew I wasn't going to call him dad like I call Miranda mom but he was cool with it. He treats me like I'm his own daughter and spoils me sometimes but is firm on somethings. I get out of trouble by pulling out the 'but you love me no matter what' card. He just smiles and tells me to go on but on certain standards.

Here I am waiting to speak to my senior class. I got asked to speak to my senior class. I felt honored so I said yes. Amber and Lucas helped a lot with speech and Daniel and mom looked over it. They thought it was great. I get up from my seat and stood before my class.

"First off this is an honored to speak to this year's senior class. It been a hell of a journey we all went through. Everybody has a story to tell and it up to you to share your story. You always start with the beginning and I'm talking about when mommy and daddy love each other very much..." I get laughs from that."I'm talking about that time in your life that started everything for you. Doesn't matter if it started when you were in elementary or middle school or even high school. From that moment where you begin keep going all the way up to where you are now. You all are about to start a new chapter in that story and don't worry if that chapter in your life is boring, exciting, or sad. This chapter could change your life forever. I know my life changing chapter already happened but maybe your in your life changing chapter or not, but be ready. It's not going to be easy after this. It's going to be harder and harder but it pays off in the end. It doesn't matter where you started but it's where you end up that matters. Of course I got out of my hard situation a year ago but it's not too late for you to get out of yours. Make sure that after you go out there on your own you know what you want to do and that you achieve at it and word hard for it. I know I will. One thing I want you to remember when you walk out into the world is face the tough situations face to face and you will see that it's not so tough after all. Thank you"