Mina helped also taking one of moms arms. Lina went to the front door and opened it to let Denise know we were here. She came out side and got to mom and the two hugged. Mom was so happy to see the woman that saved her from a worse fate. We all went inside with Will looking around the area for anyone familiar. Dusty nudged him to tell him everything would be ok and it was. The day went pretty well Zan and Helen came over to visit telling Mom and Denise if they ever needed anything to call them.
They also said they were sorry for leaving to soon. Mom told them both that it’s not their fault. That Russ would of picked another time and probably of done much worse. Helen gave Mom and Denise a number to a counselor that could help them. Mom took the number then hugged Helen thanking her so much. Helen responded with ‘ Your welcome Terra, besides we are going to be family’. When Helen said that she smiled ear to ear. We had a big dinner with everyone there.
Denise, Mina, Helen, Maxine, and Lina fixed dinner telling Mom to just relax in her chair. And mom did without arguing. Zan, Will, and Dusty sat on the couch talking about different things. As I looked at mom I could see she was still feeling bad, but if I knew my mother as good as I do. I knew she was going to fight what mental state Russ left on her. She kept looking at the piece of paper Helen gave her and then looked over at me. I think she noticed my eyes stareing at her.
Mom gave me a wink then mouth the words ‘ I am going to stay strong’. I gave her a smile and mouthed ‘ Please do I need you in my life ‘. The rest of the week went by with Mom and Denise having to talk to our lawyer and the DA. Mom also had her and Denise talk to the counselor that Helen talked about. Mom was persistent in getting past all that happened to her and Denise. The last day of school was just a week away. I thought of a last day of school party.
At lunch Monday of the last week of school I asked my friends what they thought about the idea. They all thought for a few minutes then had smiles on their faces. Will asked who all would be there I said use six, Mom, and Denise. He came out to say since we all considered being family how about our parents being there. Maxine and Dusty got quiet and I do believe both Will and Lina caught what I saw. Will spoke up telling Maxine that his parents thought of her as a daughter.
Lina told Dusty her parents thought the same about him as a son. Both of my oldest best friends smiled at their comments and agreed on the party. I already had permission from Mom and she was ready to cook again. She wanted it to be a night we would never forget, but she said our graduation party was going to be bigger to remember. The week went by and it was finally Friday. Everyone was counting down the hours and minutes. Last class of the day was slow as heck.
The seconds felt like they drifted by so slowly. The teacher told us all to have a great summer and said he wished us great joy in our coming endeavors. The final bell rang and there was shouts and cheers that our last day of school was over. I cleaned out my locker but left a note in it saying ‘ Good Luck ‘ I figured hell the next person that got this locker could use some luck next year. I shut the locker door for the last time and kept my hand on it thinking of how the past school year went.
The things that happened to me that brought me to this point in my life. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see five smiling faces. Mina, Maxine, Dusty, Lina, and Will. ” Well bro you ready to kick this party in gear?” Dusty with a big smile asked ” You bet, I’m sure mom and Denise are already getting things started.” with a smile back told him Mina put her arm in mine and walked beside me out of the building for the last time.
Us seniors already had our caps and gowns for graduation so we didn’t have to come back. Out in the parking lot we all got to our vehicles and hung out one last time at the school of memories. I glanced across the way and seen David and a few of his football buddies talking and looking at me. I knew David wasn’t finished with me, but at that moment all I cared about was those around me. Will and Lina said they would call home from my house.
I told them cool and we all loaded up in three separate rides. Once out on the street it was like a race to my place. first I would be in front then it would be Dusty, but since Will had a faster car he beat us to the finish line which was the front of my house. It was funny when Dusty went up to Will and gave him a playful hit on his left shoulder and Will countering by grabbing Dusty around the neck and pulled him down at started rubbing his head. Dusty pushed him away laughing.
Yep it’s times like this that defines the word Friends. We all got in the house and being attacked with hugs from both Mom and Denise. They both thought of my friends as sons and daughters they never had. I just smiled big seeing all the love and caring being shown in hugs. Mom and Denise said it be about two hours for dinner. Will and Lina called home to remind their parents and Mina did the same. This was going to be the best night ever.
I was sitting in my chair thinking of a party I was at and it turned out bad. I sat there hoping this party would be so different then that one. Mina came over and sat in my lap and snuggled up to me. Lina and Maxine did the same to Dusty and Will as we waited for the other parents to show up. The evening was going well and the music was playing. It was very nice seeing all the parents talking and getting to know one another. Mom, Zan, Helen, and Denise found out that Will’s dad was a preacher.
They asked if he would be able to perform a wedding in July and he asked who’s. Mina and I raised our hands and he smiled saying he be happy to. Will heard and smiled also. Seems his mom was a wedding planner and that when all the parents kicked into ‘ planning a wedding mode’. Mina and I just laughed which caused the others to laugh. The evening went by nicely everyone was having fun and dancing. Around 10 p.m. everyone left saying good nights and good byes.
Mom, Denise, Mina, and I sat on the couch just relaxing. Mom brought up that there was going to be a trial for Russ the coming Wednesday and her and Denise had to be there. I told mom that Mina and I would be there for them both. She gave me a smile and said thank you to us both. It was Wednesday and the first week of June. At 11a.m. I am looking around and see my friends and a few parents sitting behind Mom, Denise, Mina, and I. We are hearing Judge Anderson has the Prosecuting attorney Mr.
Wells read out the list of charges that Russ had done. Assault in 1st degree, battery, and rape. The Judge asked Russ how he pleaded. Russ was standing along with his lawyer a Mr. Hatfield when he says not guilty. I hear him say that and my temper kicks in. Mom feels my hand shake and she squeezes it to get me to calm down. We continue to listen when the Judge Anderson tells Mr. Wells to call for his first witness.