Path-to-Freedom (version 1)

(13)

We drove to Tony's house in silence and right when we entered, he roughly grabbed my arm after looking around to see that Mary wasn't around.

"You better pass all those tests if you know what's good for you bitch."

When I first got here, Tony always used to call me names that I didn't know the meaning of but once I started middle school, I learned that they were mean words which hurt.

But I got over it, and just let his words fly over me.

They still affect me but just not as much.

I nodded to him and he let me go.

"Go study today. Mary can do everything, I'll bring you dinner." He spoke in a harsh tone.

I quickly scurried off and went downstairs. I sat at the old table with the rusty chair.

I first did all of my homework which took me less than an hour and then took out the book I checked out.

I read it over and did the test at the end. I got a score of approximately 1400 but that wasn't good enough so I went through it again. It took me two tries before I finally got the perfect score and then I did it once more just in case and then one last time to be prepared.

I then went through all of the notes I took throughout the year and by the time I finished, it was about 7:30. Tony had gotten me an old clock so I'd be able to track my time.

At 8:39, Tony came downstairs with a plate of a small serving of spaghetti and meatballs.

I could tell he gave me more than usual since he wanted me to pass.

I wasn't complaining but this was the treatment I'd get. If he wanted something, he'd give me a little bit more food and beat me less, then the next day everything would go back to normal.

He watched me eat and waited until I finished speaking.

"Go to sleep, you won't have to do any work tomorrow if you pass."

I nodded and started pretending like I was studying so he could leave.

Once he was gone, I did my bathroom routine before cleaning up and going to sleep.

The next day, I was only awoken by his voice, no water this time.

Now I could tell that he really wanted me to do well.

Wouldn't it be funny if I went and deliberately failed? Yeah, no. I'm pretty sure he'd beat me to the edge of death.

I grabbed my homework and the textbook, stashing it in my bag and carefully putting the food Mary had given me the day before, before doing my routine and going upstairs to an awaiting Tony standing next to the door.

"Ready?"

I nodded and we left.

As soon as we arrived, I got out of the car and went to return the book, then just before the bell rang, I went to the counselors office.

"Good morning Ashley, just have a seat and we'll get started right away. You're not allowed to have your bag with you per testing regulations. We will provide you with pen and paper and if you need anything just ask."

I nodded and she brought out the first test.

"Ok, you have an hour and a half for this first test and then we'll move on."

She started her timer and told me to begin.

I opened the test and finished it in under 25 minutes.

I looked up at her and she was busy on her computer so I tapped her hand and she looked at me.

"Need anything?"

I shook my head and gave her my test.

She looked shocked but then reached into her drawer and brought out the next one.

The rest of the day went on like this. The one I had most difficulty with was Calculus and Physics.

I turned them in and she shook her head with a smile.

"You can take a break and eat something if you brought it, if not then I can get you something from the lunchroom."

I got up and grabbed the food from my bag before finishing it all with much difficulty and then going back to the test.

"Ok, now you'll be taking the SATs."

I nodded while she placed the test in front of me.

It took me about an hour to finish since I went over it 3 times to make sure I did it correct.

"Ok, you can go outside, your father's already waiting for you in front. The results will arrive at the end of the week and if you'd like, then I can email you your test results separately too."

I nodded, giving her a small smile and leaving with my bag.

I went out front and saw Tony waiting for me in his car.

"Did you do good?" He asked as soon as I entered the car.

I shrugged and looked out the window.

He hated it when I didn't talk but hated it even more when I did.

"You better hope you did bitch, if you didn't, then you best be prepared for what you'll get."

I nodded in fear and leaned my head against the window.

When we reached home, I went inside and walked straight towards the basement and he didn't stop me.

Right away I put my bag on the table. Taking off my shoes, I sat down.

Eventually I got tired and went to sleep.