Stop in the Name of Love (Completed)

Chapter 45

It's been almost six months since I was released from the hospital. Dad's been doing better, recovery hasn't been easy but with Jordan and I helping he's avoided drinking, he's even going to meetings in the city. Being sober allowed him to actually attend my graduation in June, something I never thought would happen. The Stom family came too to support me, as did Mr. Marsh and Jordan's parents came for both of us.

Of course I was subject to some very vicious rumors the last six months, as no one could imagine a guy like Dominic as abusive, but a majority of people offered support. Dominic's old friend group, Zach and Tony and them found out and weren't surprised, they even spent every day for the rest of the year with me. They'd help Jordan walk me from class to my car to lunch and defend me if anyone gave me crap.

I still babysit Emily, more so now that school is out. Mr. Marsh promoted me to full-time manager, giving me a pay raise and a key to the place, he thinks it's important I start saving up seeing as I go to college in September... Councilman Stom has some friends who work at my mom's alma mater New Mexico School of the Arts, he was able to pull strings and get me a late audition, that with a few letters of recommendation on my talent, strength, and character and they let me in on full scholarship. Jordan got accepted to a small community college close by and we've been looking for an apartment close by. After I'm done at NMSA I'm going to get a teaching degree and come home to teach music.

Jordan and I have found a few potential jobs we can get while in school and he's convinced me to go to counseling, both group and one on one. It was hard to talk about everything at first with my group and therapist but after a couple weeks I saw I wasn't alone and how many of us, girls and boys have gone through abuse in one form or another. I've made a few friends in group, my therapist says that my progress is very promising. She's even encouraged me to reconnect with Maria, and it's really helped.

Dad's nervous about staying sober while I'm gone, so he'll be visiting often, coming to every performance I'm in for the year.

Dominic's trial was about a month ago. I was scared before it started, I was testifying and I was scared if he was found not guilty that he would come after me. The Stom family gave me a security detail the entire time. Jordan, my dad and the Stom's were there for the whole trial. Nothing could compare to the closure and joy we all felt when the guilty verdict was brought down. There was too much evidence against him, my being a minor while he's charged as an adult, my call to Jordan, the DNA, my blood on the table that scratched my face, and the bites that matched his dental records, the case was solid and he was given ten years in prison.

Jordan and I are packing up my room today and helping dad clean the house before we make the two hour drive to our new apartment.

"I promise I'll call every night," I say to my dad as I put another box in the back of my truck, Jordan got us a small Uhaul but we have enough stuff to still need my truck, "And you'll visit on weekends. You've gone this long, you won't slip dad."

"I just don't want to let you down again," He gives me a hug before following me to help with my stuff.

"Everything will be ok, there's a lot we didn't think we'd overcome," I feel the small scar that formed on my cheek, "We've made it this far, we can do it."

"I don't know how I'll keep things running without you, you always took care of groceries and food and that stuff. I'm so out of practice, I can't believe I ever took you for granted," He slumps onto the couch, looking terrified.

"Well, remember that Google stuff I showed you, the list and calendar and stuff?" He nods, "That should help, as long as you have the reminders set on your phone and laptop, and I'll check it since I can see them too."