Path-to-Freedom (version 1)

(6)

Someone came and took the suitcase from Tony before he got onto the plane.

"Tony! Dang, it took you long enough." I heard another man say right when he saw Tony.

The man was wearing a uniform with a weird hat. He looked friendly. Nice.

"Yeah, I had to pick up Ashley from her moms and then she fell and didn't want to leave her mother. Let's just say, she had a hard time saying goodbye."

"Tell me about it. Tera still comes to sleep in our room at night."

"Wow. Isn't she about to turn 5?"

"Yeah. She's so excited. That's all she can talk about."

Tony didn't say anything and just nodded.

"I'm gonna go up front now, take a seat, strap your seatbelts and I'll tell you when we'll take off."

"Ok, thanks man."

"My pleasure, just don't let Tina kill me when she finds out that I helped you take her daughter for a vacation."

Tony laughed and nodded at him. "I won't, she's the one who wanted me to visit her parents with Ashely while she stayed and looked after the house selling here before she joins us."

"Well good luck looking after Ash alone for the time being." The man then walked to the front and Tony made us sit down before strapping me into the seat.

"Don't fucking speak, you hear me?" I nodded and tried to go to sleep. Maybe if I wake up again then it'll finally be a dream? Or more like a nightmare?

After the plane took off, I fell asleep looking down at the world thinking of my momma. The clouds reminded me of my family. There were so many of them and they were all so different yet they all stayed together, not one separated from the other.

I don't know how long I slept but I soon heard a rough voice speak. "Wake up."

The voice also sounded sad.

Momma used to tell me to help sad people not be sad anymore.

"I said wake up bitch." I recognised that rough sad voice to be Tony's.

I opened my eyes and saw that we were back on the ground.

"Where awre we?"

"Orlando."

I nodded and looked out the window again to see a car waiting for us.

"Lets go. Don't say a word to anyone. If I hear you, I'll hurt you again, understand?"

I nodded in fear and he stood up, taking me in his arms without another word.

"I'll see you later Tony. I have another flight for tonight."

"Ok, thanks for this favor by the way. Just let me know what I have to do to repay you."

"Don't talk nonsense Tony, it was a favour. Not a deal."

Tony nodded and left the plane.

He walked straight to a car and got in.

Roughly throwing me on the seat next to him and giving me a pointed look as to not speak.

The rest of the car ride I kept quiet and thought about the plane ride over and the world beneath me. It felt like I was on top of the world, literally.

I miss my momma and dadda. I miss my brothers and sisters. I miss grandma and grandpa. I miss my room. I miss everything from before Tony took me. I miss it all.

"When can I see momma and dadda?"

"Didn't I tell you they were dead?" He whispered.

"Yeah, but momma say that she no gonna leave me for long time."

"Well she did so shut up."

I didn't want to get hit again so I stayed quiet, for now.

"Where we going?"

"Home."

I suddenly perked up, is he finally gonna take me home? "Where home?" My smile was slowly starting to form.

"Shut. Up."

"Ok dad." I whispered, I had a small grin on my face. If I had to shut up to go home, then I could be quiet for a while.

When the car finally stopped, we were outside of a big house but not as big as momma and daddas.

"Go inside." Tony leaned across and opened the door next to me.

I nodded and hopped down from the car before quietly walking into the house.

Upon entering, there were two other people seen straight away.

One looked like a chef from TV, with a white coat and big hat. The other, a maid.

"Hey sweetie, do you want me to take you to your bedroom?" The maid asked.

Before I could answer, Tony came inside and answered for me.

"No, get back to work. She has a new room."

She nodded and left the room.

Tony roughly grabbed my arm and dragged me to a door.

He opened it and there were stairs leading down into darkness.

"Why we going down there?"

"Because that's where you're going to be living. Why, you scared?"

"Yes. Momma and dadda always used to have nightlights for me so it won't be dark." I have a fear of the dark. It's scary.

"Well too bad your momma and dadda aren't here." He spoke in a mocking tone.

I teared up at the thought of being alone in the dark but I tried my hardest not to let them fall.

He looked down at me and rolled his eyes.

"If I even see one tear, I'll make it worth it."

That terrified me even further.

********

It's so horrific and terrifying that people like Tony actually exist.

If you or anyone you know is in a similar situation or needs helps in any way shape or form, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

This is a safe environment and you will always be welcomed here.

Thank you for reading.

-M.