In 8th grade, the feeling of fear but also determination was flowing through me as I walked into Mrs. Jackie’s office for the first time.
"Hello, what can I do ya' for?" She asked me as she held a big smile on her face.
"I-I was wondering if I could talk to you for a bit about my problems at home" I asked as my shyness came over me.
"Of course, sit down," She said nicely, then continued "Now what’s wrong at home?" She asked as she got a file ready for me. I looked around her office as she got ready. Now, why don’t I tell you about the biggest event that ever happened in my life after I met Jackie. In this story, I will be telling you how me and my parents became so close.
Now, back to the story. As she awaited me answer, I moved my eyes to my lap like a child who was caught getting a cookie from the cookie jar without permission.
"They drink, heavily and they abuse me..." I said quietly but loud enough for her to hear me.
She sighed as if annoyed and asked "is that all?" But I didn’t answer her for the feeling of embarrassment overcame me. She sighed again and kept writing, not saying anything. I took off my large, oversized coat to reveal blue and purple bruises on my arms and around my chest, looking like I just got out of a boxing match. I, then, rose my head, and looked at her, an angry but sad stare followed.
"Do I look like I am bluffing?! Or should I go and find someone else that will take me seriously?" I asked in a dark, threatening tone. She stayed silent, knowing that I wasn’t just here to make a scene.
Then, she finally spoke, "how did this happen?" as her eyes dropped from my gaze. I sat down and put my coat back on.
"I already told you, my parents are always drunk and hurt me all the time" I said. She took a minute, as if to gather her thoughts.
"Do they do anything else?" She asked.
I shrugged, not wanting to say more as I looked at her. But she was persistent and kept asking.
"Do they?" She asked.
I sighed and nodded, saying "my mother sexually touches me sometimes..."
"We are callin' the child care unit right now" She said suddenly and started to call people.
Then she said "Go grab your stuff" and so I did. When I came back to the office, the police were there and a lady was there too. She started to ask me strange questions I wasn't fond of answering. To save time, I am gonna skip the questions she asked because I don’t quite remember. Anyway, after the questions, she took me into her car and we started to head for Everett. We went into this huge, brown building that had plenty of windows to make a window store look bad. So, we went inside the building and I was told to sit down on the couch while the lady who brought me was talking to some people. After a long while, she came back with another lady.
"Vanessa? Hi, I am Anna, follow me please" said the new lady, now known as Anna. I just nodded and followed her into this narrow maze of a hallway. Soon, she led us to what looked like a conference room. I sat down in one of the chairs and so did the lady who brought me here.
Anna then said "Now, please wait here while I go get the Detective." Then she left. Silence filled the room for neither me or the lady knew what to talk about. Soon, a man walked in, sat down, and pulled out a recorder.
He got all conformable before anyone decided to talk and soon, papers swamped the table.
Finally, he spoke "Hello, Vanessa? Wasn't it? I am Matt and I will be working on your case."
Then he put his hand on the recorder and asked "Do you mind if I record our conversation?" I didn't wanna talk so I just shrugged. He took that as a 'no I don’t mind' and started the recorder. He started to ask me more strange questions and I would answer as shortly as I could. After the questions, he got up and so did we. I was taken to a foster home and, at first, I was scared about who I was gonna live with. Then, it turns out, it was an old lady who was my friend’s grandmother. She walked out then invited me inside. Her name was Jane and she & the lady who brought me started to talk. Finally the lady left and it was just me and Jane now.
"Well now, let's go get you some clothes, shall we?" She said as she got ready to go.
"Wait.... What?" I asked.
She looked at me and nodded, saying "Yes, you’re not allowed to go home and get anything of yours for a while. Oh and try not to get to conformable, you might be going to a new home with a new family if this case gets serious"
I couldn't say anything, what could be said when you're lost in reality? She went out to her car with me following her slowly. Much later that night, we had returned to the new place I now was supposed to call home with clothes for me.
"Well, go put the clothes in your room and I will order pizza" Jane said as she went to the kitchen. So, I did as I was told and placed the clothes into my new room. It had the feel of loneliness and regret in the room. I sighed and with a heavy heart, I sat on the bed calmly. Then I heard the doorbell ring so I ran to the door to answer.
'It’s just the pizza guy' I thought as I took the pizza and placed them onto the counter as Jane paid for the food. Soon, after we had dinner, we went to bed. As I laid down, tears started to pour out of my eyes as I soon buried my face into the pillow. I somehow drifted asleep after crying my heart out to the world. The next couple days had been just the same as the last, it was just wake up, feel bad, eat, somehow make it through the day, then sleep.
Until one day, two little girls moved in for the time being, just like me. Mia and Maya was their names. The first day I met them, I felt like an older sister. Since that day, we made little games and they would help me with work or reading. They made me feel happy again, like a family. Then, one day, I was told I could write to my mom who was in a hospital like place. I started writing so many letters to my mom, I was so happy that cried on every single one. But I was soon told that only one got to her. I waited and waited for her reply. Then the day arrived when I got my mom’s letter. For once in my life, I don’t think I could have cried harder when I read it.
"What’s wrong sissy?" said little 7 year old Mia. I tried to smile but my heart wouldn’t let me and I collapsed onto the ground then hugged her. I couldn't tell her what I felt because, honestly, I didn't know myself. Soon after, it was back to normal but then, I was told I could go home. That I wasn't going to a new family but I was going home but back to where my real dad is, my real family. I was happy but sad at the same time because I had made a new family here, at Jane’s house. It was almost Christmas as well which made it worse. The next day though, I went home. I don’t think I have ever been happier to see him. Soon after, I was able to see my mom and everything came back together. Now we live all in the same home, happy with each other.
  Now, I have to cut the story short but that’s basically what happened. Now, I have a question for you, do you pity me now? Because you shouldn't and I especially don’t. I bonded and became best friends with my parents. I don’t think I could ever regret what happened. Thank you for reading. Have a nice day.