The road stretches for miles in front of us and behind us. We’ve been in the car for the last forty-five minutes. We are running but this time it feels like I’m running from my home. I would give anything to be able to turn around right now and forget everything but that’s not going to happen. "Be strong Spencer!" I keep repeating in my head. I’m scared shitless.

Times up. It’s now or never.

My battle with my demons has begun. Everything from fear to nervousness has invaded me. I’m scared of what might happen. What if they don’t believe me? Every kind of what if has run through my mind. Ashley keeps reminding me we have proof. We have the hospital records. Not to mention some of the bruises that have yet to fade away.

My mind wonders over all the disappointments I’ve had these last seven years. One of the ones that stand out the most is the first birthday I had with them or lack there of.

For the first time in six months, I wake up excited. It’s my eleventh birthday, and I wonder what I have gotten.

Changing out of my pj’s and into t-shirt and jeans, I rush down the stairs into the kitchen. Completely forgetting about his rule of making my bed every morning.

Busting into the kitchen, I wait for the "happy birthday" acknowledgment. My smile falters when none comes. Nancy is cooking his breakfast. Her back is turned to me as she asks me to get the table set and his drink.

Doing so quickly, I figure maybe she’s waiting for him to wish me a happy birthday and give me my present."Spencer, is the table ready? He’ll be down soon." She asks.

Nancy finally turns around to face me holding his plate, and I see the damage done to her last night. Her black eye is swollen shut, and a cut lines her left cheek. He must have left his ring on this time.

"Nancy are you…" My question is cut short as Uncle Earl enters the kitchen seething.

Sitting down at his spot, he starts eating his food vigorously in front of us. Not a single word has left his lips or a glance in our direction. His rules are always followed. I hate this rule the most. We are not allowed to eat until after he is done. Then we are allowed to share what ever he hasn’t eaten that has been cooked.