Story of Her Life

Trishta Sky woke to her dad screaming. She sighed "Why?" and got up out of bed. She did not know what her dad was screaming about this time, but as usual, she put up with it and went with her day. Trishta was sixteen and a junior in high school. She was very quite and intelligent. She threw herself into her clothes and got ready for another day of school.

She walked down stairs to catch the bus when her dad threw her against the wall. "I've been screaming for you, for half an hour", her dad said in rage.

Trishta rolled her eyes and said, "Sorry". She dodged the next hit and ran out the door. She got on the bus, all the talking stopped, and the laughing and pointing began. She made her way to the back of the bus to where her best friend Joseph sat. She sunk down in her seat and gave Joseph sad eyes.

Joseph just sighed and said "Trishta, you have to tell someone".

Trishta shook her head in response. Joseph was a junior too, he was not much of a talker, but with Trishta, he wanted to make sure she was always okay.

"Joseph I can't do it", she told him. Joseph looked down and shook his head. Trishta got physically abused by her dad, and lately had realized she had been sexually abused by him too. She did not always live with him, when she was two her parents divorced and she lived with her mom. However, when Trishta turned five, her mom passed away and she was forced to live with her dad. It had been happening for years, but Trishta and Joseph were too scared to tell anyone. They were just kids. "I'm sorry Joseph, I just can't", Trishta said.

Joseph looked at her and said, "No, I'm sorry". They were silent the rest of the way to school.

The bus pulled into school and the kids fled off the bus. Trishta and Joseph made their way to homeroom. Hours had passed and it was lunchtime. Joseph and Trishta walked into the cafeteria and someone called out, "Hey Trishta, if you were to die in your sleep tonight, Joseph would be the only one who cared".

Trishta's eyes filled with tears and she fled the room. The cafeteria roared with laughter. Joseph went right over to the idiot and punched him right in the face. "DO NOT EVER SAY ANYTHING TO HER AGAIN!" Joseph exclaimed and ran after her.

Joseph was sick of all the crap Trishta got and he would be the one to stop it, she didn't deserve it. Joseph found Trishta sitting against her locker, crying. "Why does this happen to me"? Trishta asked not looking up.

Joseph sat down beside her, held her hand, and said, "Because the worst things happen to the best people. Because you are stronger than anyone, I know. Trishta, we need to tell someone".

Just then, the principal, Mr. Thompson came walking through the hallway. "Everything okay kids?" Mr. Thompson asked.

Trishta didn't look up. Mr. Thompson stood there waiting for an answer, so Joseph nodded, "We're fine. Just, I punched someone in the face for making fun of Trishta".

Mr. Thompson looked appalled but concerned and said, "Well Joseph, I'm giving you after school detention. You know violence is never the answer".

Joseph nodded, "I understand. And it was Austin Denver I punched".

Mr. Thompson nodded, "Thank you for your honesty", and walked off.

Trishta was crying even more than before after Mr. Thompson left. Joseph gently petted her hair. "You punched Austin?" Trishta asked.

Joseph waited a minute and then said, 'Yes Trishta. I cannot stand that jerk. He gives you much crap you don't deserve".

Trishta looked up and gave him a hug. "Joseph, you are the best friend I could have. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me", Trishta told him crying.

Joseph held her, "Were going to get through this together. I promise", Joseph said crying. The bell ran, and that signaled for them to get back to class. Joseph got up and then helped Trishta up. He wiped away her tears and they started to their class.

It was the end of the day and Joseph would not be on the bus with Trishta. "Why can't I stand up for myself? It's my fault Joseph is in detention", Trishta thought to herself. The bus stopped at her house. She sighed and thoughts were screaming in her mind "Don't go in there. Don't do it". She got up and got off the bus. The bus full of kids went on and she stood there in front of her house. She shook her head and walked in.

Her dad was sitting on the couch. "Come my dear Trishta. Come sit with me", her dad said patting the seat next to him.

"No", Trishta said.

"Excuse me?" her dad asked.

"I said no", Trishta said in fear. He got up and went straight for Trishta. He threw her to the ground and ripped her shirt off. She started breathing heavy. He got over top of her and started unhooking her bra. She thought quickly and kicked him right in the middle. He fell over in pain and she got up and dashed up to her room.

"You're going to wish you hadn't done that!" her dad yelled.

She slammed her door shut and she shook. She started to have a panic attack. She took deep breaths. She walked to her bathroom, and took a shower. She cried for the longest time and then she got out remembering she had hurt her dad and he would react in rage. She quickly got dressed and sat on her bed. She could not take in anymore she got a knife and she slit her wrist. Seeing the blood made her cry. "Don't. You're becoming someone that you are against". She wiped off the blood and locked her door.

Her dad stomped up the stairs infuriated. He busted down her door and punched her in the stomach. He grabbed and shook her. "What's wrong with you? I am your father, you do not show me that kind of disrespect", he asked her.

She held her ground "You ARE NOT my father. You NEVER will be", she said running away.

She made it to the stairs and her dad was right behind her. He shoved her down and she tumbled down the stairs. She landed on her wrist, screaming in pain.

Her dad ran down the stairs after her and kicked her right back. "SHUT UP!" he screamed at her. She got up, with a slight limp walked up to her bathroom, and stayed in there all night.

"Another sleepless night", Trishta thought to herself, as she got ready for school that morning. She did what seemed to become her daily routine, fight with her dad and run out the door. When she got on the bus that morning, she was already crying. Her dad punched her in the face and gave her a black eye and she was sure she had broken her wrist. She sat by Joseph and he said, "That's it! You tell someone, or I do".

Trishta shook her head, "I can't".

Joseph looked at her wrists and asked, "What happened last night"?

Trishta covered her wrist up, "I-I-I couldn't help it", and she said crying.

Joseph sighed and asked, "Trishta. You think this is healthy"?

Trishta said, "I don't know".

Joseph gave her a look and shook his head "You know it isn't".

Trishta just looked down. "I don't want to tell, cause what if he hurts me if I do?" she asked.

Joseph cried, feeling her worry and said, "He won't. Everything will be okay".

???

They got off the bus and went to first period. Trishta tried her best to hide her black eye. Her first period teacher went around and gave papers to everyone. Trishta looked down as he made his way to her. "You are being very quite today Miss Sky", he pointed out as he put the paper on her desk. Trishta kept looking down and shrugged. The teacher looked worried but he kept walking. Trishta was done with her work, so she started writing a letter to Joseph. It said:

Joseph, I know you are right, I do need to tell someone, I am too scared to though. If you were in my shoes, you would be the same way. I know in my heart that you are right. Just thank you for being here for me. ~Trishta

The bell rang and Trishta slid the note in his locker and went on to lunch without him. Joseph was running late. He got to his locker and read the note. He shook his head. "I'm sorry Trishta. I have to tell. This has been going on too long", he thought to himself.

He shut his locker and walked down to Mr. Thompson's office. He knocked on the door crying. Mr. Thompson opened the door and greeted him. "Hello Joseph, what's wrong"? He asked with great concern.

"It's about Trishta. She's in pain", Joseph said.

Mr. Thompson led him into the room and gestured for him to sit down in the seat in front of him. "What's happening with Trishta"? he asked.

"Trishta, she... Has, a very troubled life. Her dad, abuses her, sexually, mentally, and physically. I just can't sit back anymore and watch it happen", Joseph said crying.

Mr. Thompson leaned in, and asked, "Joseph, how long has this been happening? Why didn't you tell anyone sooner?"

Joseph looked down and said, "The physical and mental abuse, about eight years. The sexual abuse, about five four years. Her dad has no boundaries. We didn't tell anyone because we didn't think anyone would believe us. I think she broke her wrist last night. And her dad gave her a black eye this morning. She recently found cutting as a comfort. Not to mention she gets made fun of everyday here. I just cannot let anything else happen to her, she's my best friend and she just does not deserve it. No one does", Joseph, said in hesitation.

Mr. Thompson nodded, "Okay Joseph. I understand that she doesn't deserve it and you guys shouldn't have to fight it alone. You were right to tell me. I am sure you have troubles of your own, but you want to take care of Trishta. Thank you for telling me. I am going to give you an extended lunch, while I talk to Trishta. In addition, if you ever need to talk, my door is always open; you do not need to fight your battle alone either. I want you to come back to my office after you eat".

Joseph nodded and wiped away his tears. "Thank you Mr. Thompson. Thank you for listening and believing me".

Mr. Thompson smiled a sad smile "It's quite alright. You two are great students and amazing people". Joseph got up and went down to the cafeteria.

Trishta sat against her locker crying. She put her hands into her face and cried. Mr. Thompson came walking down the hallway quietly. He sat down beside Trishta and hugged her. "Trishta, come on. Let's go to my office and talk. I know you are in pain. We're going to get through it though".

Trishta just cried and hugged him. They got up and walked to his office. Trishta sat down in a chair with Mr. Thompson across from her. "Trishta, Joseph told me everything. We WILL get you out of this. You do not deserve any of this. None of this is your fault, do you hear me? I promise as long as I'm living that man WILL NOT lay another hand on you", Mr. Thompson said.

Trishta looked at him with hopeful eyes, "What are you going to do about me"? she asked.

Mr. Thompson smiled, "Trishta. I'm going to make a report of this. Get you out of this house and set of some therapy for you".

Trishta let out a breath of fresh air. "Mr. Thompson?" she asked.

Mr. Thompson looked at her and asked, "What is it"?

Trishta smiled faintly, "What's going to happen to me? Where am I going to go"?

Mr. Thompson said, "You will be put up for adoption and know what happiness is like".

Trishta panicked, "What if they abuse me too? My foster family"? she asked with tremendous amounts of fear.

Mr. Thompson went over to her and looked at her eyes, "That won't happen, I promise".

Trishta nodded. "You may stay in here the rest of the day. I'm going to make the report and make you and some sessions with a therapist".

Trishta sat there quietly while Mr. Thompson made the report. Joseph came in his office and sat down beside Trishta. "I'm sorry Trishta", Joseph said getting a hold of her hand.

Trishta cried, "Don't be".

???

"Alright guys. Trishta, you are riding with me back to your house, so the kids on the bus will not ask questions about all the cars and stuff. Joseph, you ride with us. You're going to have to ask questions, since you're the only other one who knows", Mr. Thompson said.

They both nodded. The last bell of the day rang and they were on their way back to Trishta's house.

When they got there, there was a police car, a social worker and an ambulance. Her dad was being dragged out of the house and put into the police car. "You're just a worthless piece of crap Trishta, you know that!" her dad screamed as he was put in the car.

Trishta nodded, "Sadly, I do", Trishta said.

The paramedics and police officer came over to Trishta, while the social worker talked to Joseph and Mr. Thompson. "Looks like your wrist is swollen and chances are it’s broke. Is there any other place he bruised you?" the paramedic asked.

Trishta rubbed her eye and got the makeup off it; she pulled her jacket off and showed the bruises on her arms, "Yes, there are a lot of places. He punched me in the stomach too", Trishta said.

An hour or so passed and everything was settled. The social worker got all of Trishta's belongings and they left.

The next morning, Trishta and Joseph got to school and for once, they both looked well rested. Trishta was in a cast and had her ankle wrapped. Mr. Thompson called out for Trishta and she went over. "I heard you are officially up for adoption now. I think you'd make a great addition to my family", he said to her, smiling.

Trishta smiled and nodded, "I'd love that", she said.

The day passed on and Mr. Thompson got the newest member of his family, Trishta. Trishta laid her head on the car window on their way to Mr. Thompson's house. She cried silently and thought about times she had kept quite. Mr. Thompson looked over to her and he said, "Trishta, it's all over now, I PROMISE", as they pulled into her new home. Trishta looked up and dried her tears.

They got out of the car and a little girl, about seven years old came out running to Mr. Thompson. She jumped in his arms and gave him a big hug. Trishta smiled at the love. "Kellie, this is Trishta, she is going to live with us. She is now a part of the family. She's going to big like another big sister to you", Mr. Thompson said to the little girl.

"Yay!" Kellie yelled and gave Trishta a hug.

Trishta hugged the little girl back and said, "I'm glad to be part of the family".

Kellie led her into the house while Mr. Thompson gathered Trishta's stuff. Inside the house stood another girl who was about thirteen years old and who seemed to be Mr. Thompson's wife. "Hello Trishta. I'm Grace, Mr. Thompson's wife, and this is Kimmie", the woman said gesturing towards the other girl.

"Welcome to the family", Kimmie said.

Trishta smiled and said, "Thank you".

Mr. Thompson came in and took Trishta's stuff up to her new room. "Let me show you your room", Kimmie said to Trishta.

Trishta smiled and followed her. It was a colorful, bright room. "This used to be my room. But you deserve it", Kellie said once they got to the room.

Mr. Thompson left the room and shut the door. "Dinner will be ready shortly girls", Mr. Thompson said on his way out.

"So, how old are you?" Kimmie asked Trishta.

Trishta smiled, "I'm sixteen, what about you?" she replied.

"I just turned fourteen", Kimmie said.

Trishta smiled. "Trishta, my dad told me what was going on. I am not too young to understand. I find it crude and downgrading. I'm sorry for what you're dad put you through", Kimmie said giving her a hug.

"It's alright. I have you guys now", Trishta said in modesty.

Kimmie nodded. "So, you like anyone?" Kimmie asked changing the subject.

Trishta looked at Kimmie and said, "I might" and fell over laughing.

Kimmie laughed with her. Trishta thought to herself, "I'm going to like it here. No, I'm going to love it". They went down and ate dinner with her new family.

Trishta went and sat on the porch. Mr. Thompson came out and sat with her. "Thank you Mr. Thompson for everything you've done", Trishta said to him.

"Don't thank me dear, it's a pleasure to have you in this family", Mr. Thompson said to her.

Trishta nodded and said "Big day tomorrow. First therapy session".

Mr. Thompson smiled and said, "Yes and I'll be there with you every step of the way". Trishta got up, went inside, and finally, slept peacefully.

Trishta woke the next morning scared. She did not want to go to therapy. She was nervous. She walked down to the living room and sat in peace and quite for a minute. Mr. Thompson came in and asked, “You ready”?

Trishta took a deep breath then nodded. On the way there, she was silent. "Trishta, I know you're scared, but you've already got the hardest part out of the way".

Trishta shook, "I know".

They got there and Mr. Thompson waited patiently for Trishta. After the session, Trishta was diagnosed with depression and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Mr. Thompson looked at her and said, "We're going to beat this together".

Trishta smiled and said, "Yeah we are".

They left and went home. When they got home, Trishta went up to her room. Kimmie was in there waiting on her. "Hey sis, are you okay?" Kimmie asked.

Trishta smiled, "I'm fine. Only because you guys are staying strong with me".

Kimmie looked relieved, "Oh thank goodness. I was worried sick about you", she said.

Trishta gave her a hug. "Thank you".

It was about nine o'clock at night when the doorbell rang. Joseph stood there patiently and then the door opened. "Mr. Thompson, is Trishta here?" Joseph asked.

"Hold on just a minute", Mr. Thompson said.

Moments later, Trishta walked to the door. "Hey Joseph", she said with a huge smile.

She shut the door and walked to him. Joseph gave her a hug and held her, "Trishta, I'm sorry, but I couldn't stand and watch that keep happening. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me too".

Trishta shed a tear and looked at him, "You've gave me a chance to be happy Joseph, that means the world to me".

Joseph wiped her tear and held her still, "You gave me chance to realize what's worth fighting for", he said letting his eyes tear up.

???

Trishta put her head on his chest and they slowly danced to the beat of silence. "Trishta, I love you", Joseph said hugging her.

"Trishta picked her head up off of his chest and looked at him.” Joseph, I love you too", she said with tears filling her eyes.

He wrapped her up in his arms and whispered, "Don't cry Trishta, the bad days are over".

She cried and said, "But the scars are forever".

Joseph's eyes filled with tears and said, "It's going to be alright".

He held her real close and tight. He looked at her for a minute and then kissed her lightly on her lips. They danced slowly for a couple more minutes and then he said, "We're in this fight together".

She smiled and said, "I know".

He held her for a couple more minutes and finally said goodnight.

Trishta stood long after that and finally realized what it was like to be loved again, this, this was it.