Path-to-Freedom (version 1)

(15)

As the weeks went on, I became very mature for my age and adapted to many other behaviors.

Tony still beat me but not as much as he used to. Instead, now, he'd insult me more.

I guess many people were right, words sometimes hurt more than stabs.

I learned that lesson the hard way.

Whenever there was a test, Tony would always leave me alone and give me a bit more food to make sure I passed.

He hated failure.

On one test I had gotten a 79 and he beat me to the point of where I was vomiting up blood.

He didn't like it when I strayed from my 4.0 GPA and he'd always beat on me if I did anything to ruin it.

As the days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and months turned into years, I was already getting my degree.

By now I was 9 and was getting many offers for internships.

I chose the best one for me and started learning and working under my mentor.

Over these years, I'd started talking more to be able to communicate.

I chose to study criminal law.

I haven't met any criminals yet and I'm glad, I'm not ready for that yet.

My mentor, Raelyn, had taught me a lot over the years and I became one of the youngest lawyers.

I didn't get any cases since I was still considered too young but as I got older, I started getting a few cases and then I had gotten my own office at Tony's house.

Tony had decided to stay and live in Massachusetts since he was getting unhealthier and he didn't want to risk getting hurt.

At some point, I actually felt pity for Tony. He beats me so he won't have to face his sadness.

I started saving up all of the money I'd earn, having to give two-thirds to Tony, but what I did save, I put aside to open my own practice and hire young lawyers that haven't been given a chance.

When I turned 18, I spoke with a realtor in London and gave him the specifications of the type of building I was looking for.

Over my years, I'd learn to speak up more, I'd just always go quiet around Tony.

I told the realtor that I was looking for a two story building with many offices and something that I'd have the chance to renovate in the future. I'd also asked if any of them could possibly have an apartment that would come with.

It'd taken him a month, but he found one.

It was two stories and needed some serious work. It had an apartment right next door which was also two stories with 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths with all the fixins.

I knew I was going to have to speak to Tony about moving out but I wasn't going to until everything was done.

I kept working on more cases and saving up. I renovated the building and apartment. It took about 3 years since the builders and constructors found many issues with the buildings. I made sure to save up enough money just in case problems like these arose.

In the end, I decided not to tell Tony and asked one of my contacts to take me to London.

The day before I was very careful because he was in a horrible mood.

It seemed every time it was my birthday, he'd give me a horrible beating. My birthday and January 18th.

The day before I left was February 27th, when I turned 21 so I knew I was in for a horrible beating.

I called my contact and asked them to have their jet ready by tomorrow so I could leave right when Tony went out.

Over the years, Tony had gotten into a routine.

Wake up, wake me up in pain, go to work, come back, beat me, then leave to go drink, come back, beat me some more and then sleep and repeat.

I had packed up my suitcase, it contained everything I had and found important and hid it in the corner of the basement where it was dark and Tony would never see.