My Sister Threatened To Have Me Kicked Out If I Didn’t Leave Her Room…
Viral Truth and New Shelter
Some filmed with their phones. “Excellent precisely what we needed campus virality of Rachel’s performance she can’t hurt you” I said.
“Your emancipation court is next week and the restraining order protects you you’ll be free from them legally afterward”
Sarah breathed deeply. “I know only seeing her that way that woman was persuasive what if people trust her”
I told her they won’t but I wasn’t convinced. Rachel was always wonderful at playing the victim.
That night Rachel’s breakdown videos went viral on school social media. Most comments called Rachel insane and rude but a few questioned her claims.
Sarah’s confusion or mental illness made my fury boil. After everything we’d been through some people still trusted our abusers.
The next day the dean of students emailed me to come to her office. My stomach dropped.
Was I in trouble for Rachel’s scene? But Dean Patterson was unexpectedly empathetic.
“I’ve been updated on your position” She added. “The institution supports you and your sister security will watch for your parents and we will make academic accommodations if needed”
I almost sobbed with relief. “Thanks that’s significant”
“Of course” she answered politely. “No student should face what you’re facing do you need anything more from us now”
Thought about it. “Yes my roommate will return from her boyfriend’s house Sarah’s recuperation has benefited from privacy can we have a single room”
Dean Patterson nods. “I think we can I’ll check availability”
We were approved to move to a small single room in a calmer dorm by the end of the day. It wasn’t much bigger than our existing place but it would be ours.
No roommate to explain things to or work around. Sarah’s emancipation hearing day arrived.
The Court Ruling
Sarah donned a borrowed shirt from Lily and I wore my only non-jeans pants. David seemed confident as we arrived at the courts.
“Everything’s in order” He said. “With the criminal charges against your father and the restraining order already in place I don’t foresee any issues”
Rachel, Sarah’s legal guardian, was allowed to attend this court hearing despite the restraining order. She dressed modestly and politely like she was going to church.
“Sarah bruised my hand with her pressure.”
“She’ll try to stop it,” she muttered.
“She can try,” I muttered. “But she won’t succeed”
The meeting was surprisingly fast. The court read the papers and asked Sarah about her high school goals and living arrangements.
Aunt Jessica testified via video chat that she would offer housing and assistance. Rachel rose up blotting her tears with a tissue to speak.
She said, “Your honor my daughter is a difficult kid who has been influenced by her sister my husband is innocent of these claims Sarah has always experienced emotional issues.”
“Mrs. Thompson” the judge interrupted. “I examined the police reports in TTRO your husband is now in detention for serious child abuse allegations is the police and district attorney also manipulated”
Rachel faltered. “No but furthermore”
The court said, “Sarah’s instructors reported trauma related behavioral changes I trust Sarah’s evidence and medical records of injuries”
Rachel grew stern. “She lied they both are”
Over his spectacles the judge viewed her. “Mrs. Thompson think hard about your stance denying recorded abuse might hurt you in court”
That silenced her. The judge announced his ruling after a few more inquiries.
“Emancipation benefits Sarah petitions approved effective immediately”
Legally Free
Sarah cried alongside me happy tears. She was legally free from our parents.
Rachel approached us outside the courthouse. “Sarah please your error is dreadful”
We were separated by David. “Mrs. Thompson” “Daughter has a restraining order against you I recommend staying away”
Rachel’s face twisted with anger. “This isn’t over” she growled as she had outside the dorm. “You’ll regret this both of you”
Her threats were empty now that Sarah was free and Jon was in jail. We celebrated with pizza and ice cream in our new dorm room.
Sarah couldn’t stop smiling. She said, “I still can’t believe it I’m actually free.”
“You’re free?” I said. “And in 3 weeks you’ll be in Colorado with Aunt Jessica starting your new life.”
Sarah smiled hesitantly. “I’m going to miss you”
“I’ll miss you too,” I said. “We’ll chat often and I’ll visit during breaks promise?”
She looked like the young girl who sneaked into my room when we were kids when she requested. “Promise,” I said strongly.
A Final Message
The following three weeks whizzed by. Sarah packed her few belongings and we made plans for her trip to Colorado.
Aunt Jessica had already enrolled her in the local high school and set up her bedroom. Detective Parker updated us on the case against Jon which was progressing with more charges.
Rachel was now under investigation for child endangerment and failure to report abuse. Sarah and I gazed at the letter sent from our old dorm to our new one the day before Sarah’s trip.
Rachel’s handwriting was clear. “Shall we open it?” she inquired.
I said, “Might as well see what lies she’s telling now.”
Only one page of paper was inside. No tears or manipulation this time just a brief message.
“You wrecked this family father is broken you lied and cost me everything I hope your work pleases you never contact us again”
After reading twice Sarah gave it to me. “Does she still not understand they ruined the family not us”
I nodded crumpling the letter and throwing it away. “Some people never take responsibility but we’re free of them”
I drove Sarah to the airport the next day and we embraced long at security. “Thank you,” she muttered. “For believing me for helping me for everything.”
I embraced her harder. “Sisters do that protecting each other.”
As I watched her go through security I felt sorry that we’d wasted so many years to fear and abuse and hopeful that we might both improve our lives.
Breathing in Freedom
On the drive back to campus I thought about everything we’d been through. Years of abuse fear pain but also the strength we’d found the people who’d helped us and the justice that was finally being served.
Our parents had tried to break us but they failed. Sarah and I had survived.
I drove into campus parking feeling lighter than in years. Classes friends a life and a sister who despite everything I’d saved just like she saved me filled my future.
As I got out of the car the crisp fall air touched my face and I breathed deeply. Appreciating freedom for the first time I wasn’t terrified hiding or pretending to be someone else to escape punishment.
I could be Emily autism and all. As I returned to my dorm I noticed the vibrant red and orange leaves crunching beneath my feet.
The sound of students laughing in the distance and the smell of campus cafe coffee. Simple pleasures that had been overshadowed by fear for so long.
Sarah texted me past security. “Boarding shortly have missed you”
I responded back smiling. “Miss you too call me when you land”
That night I sat alone in our dorm room my dorm room now and felt a strange mix of emotions. Relief that Sarah was safe and on her way to a better life pride that we’d stood up to our parents and won sadness for all the years we’d lost.
But mostly I felt hope. Hope for Sarah’s future in Colorado and my future in college.
Hope that the worst was passed. I opened my laptop and started writing a psychology class essay on resilience to overcome trauma and hardship.
I smiled at the irony since Sarah and I knew about resilience. I understood as I write that our narrative went beyond abuse.
It was about finding our voices recognizing our worth and understanding that wonderful people exist to aid us. It was about two sisters who remained in love despite challenges.
