Stolen Innocence
S.M. Stryker
Copyright © 2014 S.M. Stryker
All rights reserved as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the Author. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the publisher. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Cover by:
Stephanie Tkach: [email protected]
Addition Photo supplied by:
Ian Sane: http://portlandstreets.tumblr.com/
Editing by:
Easy Edits: www.Facebook.com/easyeditsbyjill
Dedication
For Kurt, my loving husband.
Thank you for putting up with my insanity for 25 years until I saw the writing on the wall, so to speak. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader. I love you!
I would choose you again.
And to my girls, thank you for your support.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Epilogue
Help Hotline
Thank You
About the Author
Chapter 1
Birthday
Parker
I'm half asleep when my alarm clock goes off, turning it off I sit up in bed. Today is May 6th, 2014 it’s my eighteenth birthday. I am legal to do whatever I want. Well, except drink, but I've never been interested in that since that's how mom died.
I get ready for school, waiting for Bridget to pick me up. Looking out my bedroom window I see it is a little overcast but at least I can see the sun trying to peak out from behind the clouds.
Oh... There's Bridget's car horn. I grab my backpack looking around my room making sure I have everything I need. Oh, my alarm clock, I unplug it stuffing it into my backpack. I think I have everything and run out the door.
I don't have many close friends other than Bridget and Ash. Bridget and I have been best friends since seventh grade. That is when her family built a house and moved in down the road from me. She is very pretty, with long dark flowing hair that has a strategically placed blonde streak close to her face. She has huge brown eyes, a beautiful olive complexion, and a muscular athletic body that can rip a softball over a fence with little to no effort. She also has a great sense of humor, the kind that can make the grumpiest person break out in a laugh no matter how shitty their day is.
Even though Bridget has been my best friend for several years, I still can't bring myself to tell her of the nightmare I have had to endure.
I met Ash as a freshman in high school. I knew that he liked me back then; he asked me out one day after school. I was very shy, and I thought going on a date could help me break out of my shell, was I ever wrong
Bridget and Ash started dating our sophomore year. It was great, since Ash was always with us anyway. Wherever we went, he was our shadow. Ash was cute and so sweet. Bridget was so lucky, he adored her. How many guys would rather hang with two girls instead of his football teammates?
A month before my birthday, I started slowly removing the belongings from my room that I wanted to take with me to my apartment. I plan to move out after school is over. I figured if I removed my things slowly, Hank my adoptive-father wouldn't notice. I didn't have a lot; just a few pictures of my mother, my laptop, a TV, some clothes, and my prized book collection. Bridget kept the few boxes I had in the back of her car, knowing all too well that if Hank found out I was moving, he would stop me. As the end of the school year grew near, Hank was getting more possessive of me. He wasn't letting me hang out with Bridget and Ash as much anymore. Bridget had been picking me up and taking me home from school, which was the only time we had to talk about my plans. Well, since our school schedules were different, at least that had been the plan, but that all changed on May 2nd.
I decided to not attend my commencement ceremony. I didn't need the pomp and circumstance anyway.
Today is the day that I talk to my school counselor about finishing school without coming to class. I make an appointment for the end of the day. I have enough credits to graduate. In fact, I had enough credits to graduated last year, so I'm not afraid I wouldn't get my diploma, I wanted to keep taking college credit courses (AP) so I didn't have to pay for them when I go to college, and I could start college with the majority of all my prerequisites completed. I didn't talk to the school administrators prior to today because I don't want them to contact Hank. He would be very upset if he knew of my plans. I make it very clear that today is last day attending classes. I will continue to do my assigned work until I am notified of their decision. I spoke to each of my teachers throughout the day, advising them that today is my last day for personal reasons, and ask them for a list of assignments through the end of the year. I am a good student, and don't want to take the classes over if I didn’t have to.
Chapter 2
The Move
Parker
Bridget doesn’t understand why I am so anxious to get away from my house. She has been asking me why ever since I asked her to keep my belongings in her car. She still doesn't seem to understand so I told her that Hank is getting too controlling. The fact that I didn’t want him to know what my plans were kept her happy… for now.
I have saved up enough money from babysitting and my allowance over the last five years to rent a small studio apartment in downtown Portland, I figure if I get a job right away I will be fine. I found the apartment online about a month ago. I put a deposit down to hold it until I moved out. It isn’t in the best location, but it is perfect for me. It has a security door that makes me feel safer.
The studio isn't much to look at; the walls look as if they hadn’t been painted since it was built, and they are so discolored that it’s impossible to tell what the original color was. When entering the apartment, there is a small kitchen to the right with an old fridge and stove. The kitchen sink is stained, but I think it used to be white. It does have an eating bar area though, making the room look larger than it is. To the left is a door to the grungy looking bathroom with a minuscule shower stall, pedestal sink, and toilet. That is all I will need. Looking back into the living area, there is a tacky floral picture permanently affixed to the wall, smartly disguising a pull-down handle to the old Murphy bed. I chuckle at the cleverness, or is it tackiness? The good thing is that there are two tall narrow windows on either side of the bed where the sun can shine through, making it even brighter. Under the windows are two floating shelves that are used as nightstands, each with a little lamp on them. On the left wall there is an old brown sofa, almost the same color as the old carpet. A small stained coffee table is in front of it. On the kitchen wall there is a small dr
esser that I can use as a TV stand. I look around and think, This is a start. Since it is somewhat furnished, I didn’t have to worry about the expense of buying any furniture.
I had taken Bridget and Ash to see the apartment the weekend before I moved to make sure it was secure and move in ready. "I don't know why you just didn't go to WOU with us," Ash says, "You're splitting us up, how are we going to see each other?"
"I know Ash, but this is something I need to do for myself and Portland has everything I will need, I am within walking distance to so many new places that I don't have to worry about not having a car. I can walk, or ride my bike. MAX, the light rail system that travels through Portland and surrounding areas, is also an option.
I move out on Today, after school. Bridget and Ash drive me to the apartment, and the car is packed with the few boxes of my belongings. Once there, I get my key from the manager's office. We grab the few boxes I have and start up the stairs. I am excited for my new life that lay ahead, and relieved to be escaping my hell.
"I don't like you living in this area of Portland. It looks a bit sketchy to me," Bridget says in a concerned voice. "I don't understand why you won't just stay at your house until you start college." Bridget goes on and on, and my thoughts turn to the uneasy feeling of the horrible home life I had been living. I know I need to tell her, but I need to find the right time once we are by ourselves. Ash cannot be around for my story either.
"Bridget, I told you that Hank is getting way too controlling and possessive of me. He is talking about having me stay at home and even suggesting that I not go to college. He is acting as if he is going to lock me up. It's getting creepy. I can't take the chance that he won't let me leave for college, let alone move out to live my life. Anyway, I decided to start taking classes this summer to get the rest of my prerequisites out of the way so I can graduate from college as quickly as possible." I explain to her.
"Oh! Well, that's cool that you are able to register for some summer classes," Bridget says, with excitement in her voice.
"I know, right? Brig, why don't you come and stay a night or a weekend with me, kind of like our last hurrah? That way, we can walk around Portland, and maybe go to the Saturday market. You can experience Portland so you won't have to worry about me."
"I would love that! Ash, are you okay with me spending a weekend down here?” Bridget asks. “It would mean that we wouldn't see each other until Monday at school."
"Yeah, that's cool. I haven't spent any time with the guys in a while. Why don't you do it this weekend? The weather is supposed to be nice and with the Rose Festival starting, you guys will have a lot to do. I know the rides won't be set up yet, but there are games booths and concerts going on." Ash says.
"That's a great idea, Ash! I forgot about the Rose Festival! I have been so preoccupied with moving and the end of school that I haven't even thought about it," I say, with a shrill tone in my voice.
Ash was a three-sport athlete; he received a scholarship to Western Oregon University for his football accomplishments. He's what I called lean and muscular, being over six feet tall and ripped; with that natural golden tan everyone wanted. He has shaggy dirty-blonde hair that has natural golden highlights and chocolate-brown eyes surrounded by dark lashes. If he was my boyfriend, I would say he is gorgeous male perfection, but he wasn't. I didn't think of him that way anymore. Since he and Bridget started dating, it was all about girl code. I’m going to miss being around her and Ash, but I need to find out who I am and learn to like that person.
"Your parents don't know I am moving out today, do they?" I suddenly ask Bridget, with a concerned look on my face.
"No, I haven't told anyone," Bridget states, looking worried. "Why?"
"I just don't want Hank to know where I am. I want to do this on my own," I explain. "Please don't tell anyone."
"Bridget you are always so protective, why are you so nervous with me living in the city?"
"I don't know, maybe it is because I am used to county life and downtown is so busy, it just scares me. Haven't you seen the news shows that talk about young girls that get kidnapped and sold as sex slaves?"
I had to admit that would be one of my worst fears, and I have seen the shows, but that always happens in big cities. "I have, but that is something I'm not going to even think about."
Bridget had made her decision to go to Western Oregon University in Monmouth. She wanted to be a translator for the deaf and WOU had a fantastic program. Plus, she’d be with Ash. Bridget received a small scholarship to play softball for them so, for her, it's a win-win situation for her.
Portland State University, on the other hand, is one of the largest student enrollment state universities in Oregon. It’s located in downtown Portland, spanning several blocks. It's within walking distance from my apartment. am so excited about the farmers’ market they have on campus every Saturday I can get fresh produce and lovely flowers for my new apartment.
Bridget and Ash get ready to leave and drive back home, the last thing I want are her parents questioning her where she has been. We hug each other and promise to call each other as we say our goodbyes and they drive away.
For now, since it is my first night in my new apartment, I put these thoughts aside. I am excited, but apprehensive of being responsible for myself too. I pull the bed out of the wall. I put the sheets and blankets on and get ready to start my new life.
It's later than I thought it was so I take a shower and go through my bedtime ritual. I think about what I want in my life. I don’t have to think too hard about my career choice. I’ve often thought about being a counselor, helping children who have been abused.
I eventually want to have a relationship too. I want to know what it is like to be in love and be loved. I want more. I want a family of my own, a loving happy family. I dream of a man who will care for me and cherish me, as if I am the air that he breathes. I know right now that it’s just a dream, but it is one I aim to achieve. I will make sure of that. Right now though, I still feel as if I’m damaged goods, as if no one will ever want me. I have so much baggage and pain to work through, but removing myself from the situation itself is the first step to healing.
Grabbing my iPad I decide to do a little reading. It doesn't take long before I can't keep my eyes open. I lay my iPad on the nightstand and, cuddling my pillow, I quickly fall asleep.
My peaceful sleep doesn't last long as a nightmare rips through it. It's so bad that I wake up screaming. Sitting straight up in bed as I try to recognize my surroundings, tears stream down my face. I am forced, once again, to confront the reality of Hank and what he had done to me. I am hoping now that I have moved my nightmares will subside.
Chapter 3
Welcome To My Hell
May 2, 2014 (Four Days Prior To The Move)
Parker
I was in a deep sleep when I awoke to the stench of a hot sweaty hand covering my mouth and nose. Frightened beyond measure, I struggled against my attacker, clawing at the hand covering my face. My heart raced as I tried to wake from a sleepy haze. I was suddenly aware that it was Hank who was looming over me in the darkness. He whispered in my ear, "Shhhh. I need to love you, sweetie. I'm so lonely. Just let me lie down next to you and love you.”
I knew what was going to happen next; it was inevitable, and I didn’t have a choice. He had started coming into my room over five years ago, just after my mother had died. He pulled my blankets back. I tried to cover myself, making myself inaccessible, but it was futile, he was stronger than me. I laid there with my eyes closed tight, trying to go to that ever-so-comforting safe place in the back of my mind. I worked to keep my mind and body separate, detaching myself as he prevailed at taking me again.
Deep in my sub conscience I know what he is saying as I try to keep my mind somewhere else but I keep hearing his words and his moans and groans as he rubs his bristled face across my ear and neck. That with the smell of his ghastly breath make it hard to stay in my safe place. When he was finished, he thre
w back the covers, and left my room.
I stared up at the lavender crocheted canopy that my mom made for me for my sixth birthday as if it held the answers to life, as the tears started to stream down my cheeks.
I don't know what to do. Fathers were supposed to protect their daughters, not violate and abuse them. I tried to block it out of my mind, but I couldn't ever get rid of the memories altogether; my subconscious always rushed back to the frightened little girl from the first day he entered my room.
I often wondered if he had a predilection for this or if he just snapped after my mother's death. Hank had always been well liked. He was a good husband and father, well known and loved in the community. If anyone needed anything, Hank was the first person everyone called. He was a jack-of-all-trades. He could do almost anything, from building a house to replacing a motor in a car. Hank was a self-taught man. His father died when he was just an infant, so he was the man of the house at a very early age. He went into the Navy as soon as he was of age. He met my mother when he was stationed in San Diego, and they were married six weeks later. My mother was already pregnant with me when they got married. She had gone to a party, got drunk and slept with someone, she never knew his name. She had met Hank before she knew she was pregnant. They hadn't slept together when she found out she was pregnant. Hank loved her and asked her to marry him. They moved to Oregon after his tour in the Navy, and then I was born. He adopted me right after I was born.
They built our house when I was four; out in the country on three and a half acres. It was a great life…the open air, animals to play with, happy and loving parents…what more could I ask for? Life was good. No, it was great! Then my life came crashing down around me.
I dreamt of the day when I could escape this tragic nightmare to find my freedom, but Hank was getting more and more possessive as the days went on, allowing me only to go to school. He had started talking as if I would be living with him the rest of my life. He was infatuated, as if this was something I wanted, the sick bastard. That was when I changed my plans. I knew I couldn't stay until graduation like I had planned.
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