A Path Of Survival

A PATH OF SURVIVAL SMASHWORDS EDITION

Published by:Melissa Mercer at Smashwords Copyright © 2012 Melissa Mercer

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold.If you would like to share this book with another person, please do. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this story to the millions of victims out there whose voice never gets heard. To all of the stories left untold and for those who may not have had the opportunity to share their struggle of survival.

These topics some may consider to be controversial. It took me many years of therapy to even be able to bring myself to write this story and as I was doing so. It brought back painful memories, but I feel it was worth the effort. For, my healing process began.

For those of you who may not fully understand how hard it is living with the effects of domestic violence or any type of abuse for that matter. This story is also to give you a better understanding. It is a struggle every day.

Violence is something that should not be ignored, yet it seems to be just the same. Many like to think that if they haven’t heard about it then it simply didn’t happen, but the statistics show otherwise.

Statistics show that one in four women will suffer from domestic violence and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by their partner each year. 85% of these victims are women and one of the most disturbing facts is that the numbers are much larger, for, the majority of domestic violence victims fail to report the abuse to the police. I fell among this statistic. Among these statistics are that one-third of female homicide victims that are reported were killed by their partner and in 70-80% of the cases there was a history of domestic violence.

It is important for everyone to recognize the behavior and early detections of abuse. It doesn’t matter where you came from. Domestic violence and sexual assault is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. The consequences of domestic violence and sexual assault can cross generations and the effects truly do last a lifetime.

This is a touching story of a young girl who simply refused to give up. Millions of teens and women around the world suffer from these types of situations and their story needs to be told. Thank you for taking Jessica’s journey along with her.

Table of Contents:

Chapter One: How It Began

Chapter Two: My Hero

Chapter Three: Losing My Innocence

Chapter Four: Unexplained Events

Chapter Five: The Kidnapping

Chapter Six: The Search

Chapter Seven: Moving On

Chapter Eight: The Return of Daniel Green

Chapter Nine: The First Punch

Chapter Ten: I Meet Tim Last

Chapter Eleven: The Big Move

Chapter Twelve: Living In Hell

Chapter Thirteen: My Return Home

Chapter Fourteen: The Affair

Chapter Fifteen: Betrayal

Chapter Sixteen: Hide Out Time

Chapter Seventeen: It’s About Time

Chapter Eighteen: Is There No Justice

Chapter Nineteen: The Trial

Chapter Twenty: A Never-Ending Battle

Chapter Twenty-One: Surprise, Surprise

Chapter Twenty-Two: Mrs. at Last

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Final Chapter

Dedication

Introduction

About the Author

Introduction

All I could see was darkness, with moonlight in the background, but I felt the effects of the woods as it tore at my flesh. The sound of leaves crumbling behind me kept getting louder. I began to run faster, as the trees and bushes dug into my tired body. Suddenly, headlights appeared in the distance. I had to believe that hope was only as far as the headlights I was running for, but just as I approached them. I felt something graze my shoulder and I screamed out in fright. Only to realize I had been dreaming and was being woken up from this nightmare. This has gone on for many years now.

I am haunted by my past and relive it every night as I sleep. It’s difficult coming to terms with what I must do to stop the nightmares and finally reach the headlights I dream about, for, I have never spoken about my past before now. The pain is just too unbearable, but regardless of how fast I run. I can’t seem to escape it. I know now the only way for me to truly escape is to tell my story. So, close your eyes and take my hand as I lead you down my path of survival.

Chapter One: How It Began

I don’t remember much about my early childhood. My grandparents were really the only parents I ever knew. Sure, I had a mom and dad, but they were never around. We shared the same house, but that‘s about as far as our relationship went. I was never punished for my wrong doings. It appeared that as long as what I was doing, regardless of what I happened to be doing, didn't involve them. Then they could not care less.

I spent my early childhood years in the middle of a small town named Sharlem in Southern California. There were two convenient stores in my little town. One of them was privately owned by a member of the community, The Post office and a very famous set of railroad tracks that ran right through the middle of town. The railroad tracks in Sharlem were very well known by the surrounding cities. You see, many bodies were found in pieces littering the ground either on or nearby those same railroad tracks. In other words, if it was dark and a train was passing through. Everyone knew to turn around and not to sit and wait for the train to pass by. That’s not all my town was known for. It was also known for the local drunks, drug dealers and gang members to be roaming the area, looking for a free handout, or an outsider to be wandering alone. Everyone knew everyone in Sharlem. Therefore, if you were not raised there, or didn't have any family there, then you were not welcome. No outsiders were allowed and everyone knew that. It was an endless cycle in Sharlem. The adults were all alcoholics and addicted to drugs, which had been in and out of prison their entire lives. Their children followed in their footsteps, so the cycle continued. I could never figure out why none of them wanted more out of life. However, I was different. I was going to get out. I longed for a better life and brighter future.

I was friends with most of the teenagers my age in Sharlem. I seemed to get along better with the boys in my town for some reason. It probably had to do with the fact that I refused to join the girls in their idea of fun, while they ganged up on all the outside girls who happened to wander into our lovely little town. Even though, I got along well with the boys from my neighborhood. I promised myself that I would never date anyone from Sharlem. I wanted more than any of them had to offer me. I was never mean about it. I let them down gently and everyone remained friends through it all. I could go on forever about the ups and downs of my town. Instead, I am going to take you to the night the real trouble began. Jessica is my name and this is how my life took a turn for the worse.

I was staying the night with my cousin Ashley one Friday night. She and I were both thirteen years old at this time. We were only separated in age by seven months. She was the older one of course. We were always together and usually doing something we weren’t supposed to. A mutual friend of ours Tiffany was also staying the night. Tiffany didn’t have very many friends in school, because she had a real bad reputation for being a major slut. In spite of this, we all seemed to get along very well despite her reputation. All three of us decided we were going to stay the night in Ashley’s shed.

Uncle Paul helped Ashley and I make the big shed in their yard into a girl’s dream house. We hung pink curtains on the windows and put up posters of our favorite rock bands. We also had two twin size beds, a stereo and even a television in there as well. All the comforts of a regular room, except outside we could make as much noise as we wanted without having to worry about waking the adults.

We were having a blast, jamming to the stereo. When suddenly we became distracted by the sound of Uncle Paul’s truck starting up. He worked third shift at an Orange Juice Factory in Jade City. It was only seven miles from Sharlem, and where Ashley and Tiffany attended school. I lived across the county line and attended school elsewhere.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Tiffany comes up with this brilliant idea.

Let’s sneak out! She said.

I looked over at Ashley and we both busted out in laughter. Assuming she was kidding, but it seemed our assumption was wrong.

I wasn’t joking. Tiffany said in a sarcastic tone.

I instantly dropped all expression and said.

Please tell me that was meant as a joke as well. Come on Tiffany, you know the reputation this place has. It is very dark, not to mention, no one knows you around here. This is definitely not one of your better ideas.

That‘s when Ashley turned my way and said. Why not?

I could not believe that Ashley was agreeing with her, but before I could say anything further, Ashley said.

Think about it Jes. We know everyone here and as long as Tiffany is with us. No one will bother her, plus everyone knows Todd. I’m his little sister; they wouldn’t dare hurt us because of that. Please it’ll be fun, and we can take my alarm clock. We’ll check in every hour and make sure my mom‘s still asleep.

I did not like the idea very much, but she did make a good point. My cousin Todd was five years older than Ashley and I, plus he was friends with all the known troublemakers in town. We really didn’t have to worry about any of them bothering us. Not to mention that alarm clock of hers talked! Every hour it would announce out loud what time it was, and I do mean out loud.

I knew there was no way we could lose track of time if we took that thing with us. With that in mind, I went against my better judgment and agreed to sneak out, but only if we came back every hour to check in and made sure Aunt Linda was still asleep. Both Tiffany and Ashley agreed to my stipulations.

I predictably was the first one out. Ooh Lucky me. I pushed the shed door open slowly trying not to make too much noise. The instant I developed the nerve to open the door. I stuck my head around the corner and looked toward the house. All the lights were still out, so I motioned for Ashley and Tiffany to follow in behind me. The street was right in front of the shed. So, we slowly crept our way to it and began to walk. None of us knew exactly where we were going, but the rush of doing it was enough. We were just about to turn the curve, when we witnessed two figures emerging from the darkness. Unsure how to react, we quickly grouped up and decided to turn around. That's when we heard.

And just what do you guys think you're doing?

Once we heard the voice. We knew it was Todd and he was being accompanied by one of his trouble making friends. Yep, we were busted! Ashley turned around and said to him.

The same thing you are, apparently!

Todd was not pleased with her tone and said.

You know dad would kill you, if he knew you were out walking around at night.

I was very gifted at voicing my opinion. Thus, I spoke out immediately saying.

Like he wouldn’t do the same to you?

Ya know, you really need to learn when to shut your smart mouth. Todd said to me, with a disgusted look on his face.

He continued by saying.

Ashley, you, Jessica and your other friend better go back in the shed, or I am going inside to wake mom up and tell her I caught all of you walking around.

Shockingly, Ashley just smiled and said.

Go ahead! Better yet we can tell her together.

Then she turned around and started walking back towards her house. Tiffany and I looked at each other in confusion, having no idea what exactly she was doing. Suddenly, Ashley stopped, turned to Todd and said with a slight smirk on her face.

After we are done telling on me, it is my turn to tell on you. I will tell mom, how I found two joints in your room yesterday, oh and that you were out walking around also. So, let's go. What are you waiting for?

Todd seemed to be in disbelief as well. He was at a loss for words, when Ashley said with a smile.

Tell you what. You pretend that you didn't see us and I’ll forget where you keep your stash.

He was not a happy camper. She didn’t really give him an option. He had no choice but to agree with it. Meanwhile, Tiffany and I were trying not to burst out laughing. Ashley informed Todd we were going to check in every hour. Todd stated that he was also going to be walking around later, and then he simply walked away. Once they were out of sight. I looked at Ashley alarmingly and said.

Where in the Hell did that come from?

Ashley just snickered and replied.

I have no idea, but I am tired of him ordering me around. I get enough of that from my dad and he’s at work, so let’s have some fun!

Just around the curve from Ashley’s was our grandparent’s home, and we were approaching their house. We knew they were probably sound asleep, but just walking by in the late hours of the night, was enough to freak us out. We didn’t make a sound while passing by, and we didn’t take our eyes off their house for a second. Finally, we managed to make it past and could breathe a little easier.

There was only one major hard road running through Sharlem. The rest were all small dirt roads, with run down houses and woods surrounding them, not to mention there weren’t streetlights on any of them. The road we were walking down was very dark and wooded. We were all very scared, as a result of our fear; each of us linked ourselves to the other one’s arm and walked in the middle of the road. Abruptly, I heard something and stopped dead in my tracks.

Shush! Do you hear that? I asked Ashley and Tiffany in a shaky tone.

We could hear several different voices, which appeared to be getting louder. Everyone stared down the dark wooded street, that’s when we witnessed three dark figures descending from the fog. Tiffany spoke in a fearful tone

Okay I agree with Jes now. This was definitely not a good idea. We should probably turn around.

Tiffany and I started to turn around when Ashley said.

Wait you guys. I know that voice. Jes its Tony and Rick.

Rick and Tony were two teens from the neighborhood. Rick had four other brothers and a sister. I got along with all of his brothers. However, his sister Angel was a different story. She never did like me very much, not to mention she was at least 200 pounds and I was maybe 98 pounds soaking wet. Needless to say, I was very afraid of her and she knew it!

The instant we approached them Rick said.

Hey Jes, whose your friend?

However, I did not have to introduce Tiffany. She had no problem introducing herself. Suddenly, Ashley had a hold of my arm pulling me off to myself and said.

I hope she doesn’t start flirting with Rick.

I knew Ashley had a crush on Rick for a very long time, but she was too shy to say anything.

You know she’s going to. Why don’t you just tell him how you feel? I replied.

In spite of this, Ashley just gave me a look and quickly changed the subject. She looked at them talking and said to me.

Who is the tall guy in the middle?

I went to turn around and Ashley quickly swung me back facing her, and said with laughter in her voice.

Don‘t look! He‘s been staring at you since we first approached them.

I pushed Ashley a bit and we both began to laugh. Yet, when I glanced his way, I did notice him looking in my direction. I became a little excited clinching onto Ashley’s arm, saying.

Let’s find out who this stranger is.

We headed back, giggling the whole way of course, but before I got the chance to ask him anything. Tiffany stepped between us and said.

Hi, my name is Tiffany, you are?

I quickly rolled my eyes and was beginning to see why she had such a bad reputation. The mystery guy spoke, surprisingly not to Tiffany. Instead, he walked right past her, extended his hand to me and said.

My name is Daniel Green and it is very nice to meet you Jessica.

I had no idea how he knew my name, but at that moment, I really didn’t care. My entire face turned red, as I also extended my hand. His next move was very shocking to me. Instead of shaking my hand, which is what I assumed he was going to do. He pulled my hand to his lips and gently kissed it. From the moment he pressed his lips to my hand, I knew he had to be from some place far away from Sharlem. I got lost in his eyes for a moment. He was about 6ft tall, with blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. I had never seen such eyes. It was almost as if I could see right through them.

I was so focused on him, that I had forgotten anyone else was around. But, I was quickly reminded of that fact, when Ashley coughed very loudly and said with a hint of laughter in her voice.

Should we leave you two alone?

I looked around and everyone was staring at us as well. The silence was broken when everyone began to laugh and cut jokes at our expense. My face turned beet red. I was very embarrassed. Luckily, I was saved by the bell you might say. Ashley’s alarm clock went off announcing very loudly, that it was now 1:00am. It was time for us to go check in, and make sure Aunt Linda was still sleeping, and it couldn’t have been better timing as far as I was concerned.

I breathed a sigh of relief, then quickly turned around and began walking back toward Ashley’s house. Tiffany and Ashley told the guys that we would be back in a few minutes and to meet us back at the stop sign. Ashley yelled for me to wait up, and once she caught up to me. I noticed that she had tears in her eyes. For that reason I asked her.

Ashley what’s the matter? Did one of them say or do something to you? Where is Tiffany?

She wiped the tears from her eyes and answered.

Tiffany is back there with Rick! He asked her if she would go out with him.

I could see the hurt in Ashley‘s eyes. Thus, I said with anger in my voice.

I’m going to go back there and inform Rick that you like him and tell Tiffany to keep her hands off!

I had every intension on doing just that, but as I turned around, Ashley grabbed me by the arm and said.

No, Jes, Tiffany didn’t know I liked him. Nobody does except you. He’ll get tired of her and hopefully see what he means to me. I’m okay with it really, besides you didn’t let me finish.

Then a massive smile emerged. I was confused and had no idea why she was smiling, so I said to her, also with a smile.

Finish what? What are you talking about?

Daniel really likes you. He sent me over here to ask you if you would go out with him. Ashley replied.

I have to admit that I was very flattered, although I said to her.

He seems like a nice guy, but I don’t know him and.

Before I could finish Ashley interrupted me, by saying.

And what? You’re always doing this. Every time a guy says he likes you, you push him away. This guy is cute, sweet and for some crazy reason. He seems to like you. Okay, you say you don’t know him. His grandparents, aunt and uncle live down the street. His mom and step dad lives in Michigan. His dad and step mom lives in Maryland. Now he is here to live with his grandparents for a while. There now you know him.

I responded instantly with laughter in my voice.

How do you know so much about him?

She responded quickly with a hint of sarcasm.

I asked, Duh! Come on Jes, for once take a chance.

Ashley was giving me her puppy dog eyes' routine, when I heard Tiffany yell out.

Jes, Daniel is starting to sweat really bad over here.

I looked at Ashley and yelled back with a massive grin.

Okay I’ll go out with you.

Afterwards, we heard laughing and a lot of commotion. Tiffany came running up to us quickly and said.

Jes, you just made that guy’s day.

All three of us began to giggle and joke around as we ventured back to Ashley’s house.

Once we were close enough to Ashley’s house to see it, we noticed the lights were still off, meaning Aunt Linda was still asleep. Nevertheless, by this time we had an even bigger problem. All of us had to go to the bathroom and of course, we had to walk right by Aunt Linda’s bedroom to get there.

Ashley went first, then it was my turn and Tiffany was last. I had to go so bad that I was dancing in the hallway. Finally, Ashley was out and I ran in. Tiffany went in after me. However, on her way out she fell down right in front of Aunt Linda’s room. She hit the floor hard and it made a very loud thump. We were certain the loud bang would awaken Aunt Linda. Everyone stood still for a second, but surprisingly Tiffany’s fall had not woken her. Once we made sure Tiffany was alright, we began to laugh uncontrollably. We were trying not to be too loud, but we could not hold it in much longer. Therefore, we ran for the front door rapidly. The instant we stepped outside, all of us began laughing out so loudly that it would have woken Aunt Linda for sure. I happened to glance at Ashley’s clock and said.

I can’t believe thirty minutes has gone by already.

Ashley turned to me quickly and said. Come on, we have to hurry. I told the guys that we would meet them at the stop sign in fifteen minutes. They’re probably gone by now.

Off we went, laughing the entire way.

Once we approached the stop sign. We noticed that Tony was the only one there. Predictably Tiffany asked.

Where are Rick and Daniel?

They walked to Audri’s house. Her parents are gone and she is having a party. They told me to wait for you guys here. Tony replied.

Tiffany looked at me and said.

Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s join the party.

I instantly looked at Ashley and said.

You guys go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.

Ashley knew why I didn’t want to go. Angel was Audri’s best friend and I knew she would be there. I did not want to take any chances on running into her. Ashley knew Angel had it in for me and that I was very afraid of her. So, she agreed for her and Tiffany to go get the guys and meet me back at the stop sign. Audri only lived down the street from the stop sign and if anything happened. I could scream loud enough for them to hear me.

They had only been gone for a few minutes. Suddenly, I heard someone yell out from behind me.

He’s my boyfriend, you little whore!

I turned around and witnessed Angel running right for me. She was coming so fast that I didn’t have a chance to move. I was caught off guard as she grabbed me by my hair and slung me into a trash pile that was on the side of the road. She went to reach for me again, but Rick came running from down the street and grabbed her from behind. I quickly jumped to my feet and began to run toward Ashley’s house.

I could hear Ashley and Tiffany running after me. They were yelling for me to stop. It wasn’t long before I was out of breath and had no choice but to stop. I was standing there bent over, trying to catch my breath when they finally caught up to me.

Are you alright? What happened? We could hear Angel screaming at you. Ashley said, while trying to catch her breath as well.

I was very angry and trying not to cry. Hence, it me a few minutes to answer her. Finally, I said to her with anger in my voice.

She said Daniel was her boyfriend!

Tiffany spoke instantly with the look of confusion on her face.

I don’t believe that. He was so happy when you said you would go out with him. I don’t think he would choose her over you.

I was not convinced and said back to her in a loud tone.

Why can’t you believe it? Do you know him? No, Tiffany you don't and neither do I. Why would he go to that party in the first place, if she weren’t telling the truth? He was probably going out with her before he asked me out. Did that ever cross your mind?

I was very upset, trying to explain exactly how I seen things to Tiffany, when Ashley grabbed my arm and said.

Oh my God you’re bleeding.

I looked down at my arm and spotted the blood falling to the ground. My adrenalin was pumping so hastily; that I was unaware