She was still living with her alcoholic father, and he was still abusing her. Nothing changed and she’d told herself that so many times, she believed it herself. Hilary gave up. She would spend nights at Greg’s house just to get away, or even at the park on a bench. Hilary didn’t want to turn her dad in, because it would lead to further pain. She never wanted to be taken away from Greg, he was her support and love.

It was a Friday night and Hilary was invited to Greg’s house to eat dinner with his family. She wanted time alone before arriving, so she walked the 15 minutes to his house. She stopped to get a small bouquet of flowers to give to Mrs. Raposo for being so nice. Greg’s parents didn’t know many details about her father. They knew she didn’t like him, but nothing about the drinking and abuse.

She knocked on the door and one of Greg’s little sisters Amanda answered the door.

**knock knock**

“Hi Hilary!” Amanda said opening the door for Hilary.

“Hey you, how are ya?”

“I’m good, you?”

“I’m ok.”

“Come on in, Greg’s up in his room if you want to go up?” Amanda told her.

“Alright, thanks Amanda!” Hilary started to the stairs.

She quietly walked up the stairs and into his room so he wouldn’t hear or see her. He was sitting at his desk faced away from her slouched over something.

“Hey sweetie, what ya looking at?” Hilary crept up behind him and rubbed his shoulders.

“Hey babe, I didn’t hear you coming. Nothing, just a picture of us.” He said smiling. He turned around and kissed her.

“Ready for dinner?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“Who are the flowers for?” he was confused, “I’m not a flower guy…” he joked.

“Your mom. She’s been so nice for having me here. They don’t know about any of, uh, what’s going on, do they?” she asked cautiously.

“No. no details at least. The only thing my parents know is that you don’t like your dad or get along with him.”

“Good.”

“Hil, I know you really don’t want to, but really do need to tell someone about this. I’m sure my mom would under-” He told her.

“No Greg, we’ve been through this before! And your mom wouldn’t understand!” she was getting angry, “If I tell someone, and my dad by chance goes to jail, I don’t have any family members to live with, then I’ll be stuck in foster care or some crappy home until I’m legal, then what am I left with?”

“Alright, calm down,” he soothed her in his arms, “We’ll talk about this later if you want.”

They walked downstairs and into the kitchen

“Hey Hilary, how are you?” Mrs. Raposo asked with a big smile, like always.

“I’m good, thanks. These flowers are for you, thanks for everything. For letting me be here some nights.”

“Aw no problem sweetie, any time you need to, come on over if you and your dad fight.”

Mrs. Raposo was a good friend of the Dock family and best friends with Kathy, Hilary’s mom. Although after the “mysterious suicide” of Hilary’s mom, they grew apart. Mrs. Raposo never did like Mr. Dock very much, but she never mentioned anything to Kathy.

“Well dinner is ready, Hilary you can sit right over there.” She said pointing to a chair next to Greg.

Mrs. Raposo, “So Hilary, Greg was telling us about your big plans to go to Syracuse.”

Hilary glanced over at Greg who looked back at her with pleading eyes giving her the notion to go with it.

“Yeah, uh, yeah, I just sent my application,” Hilary covered for Greg.

“That’s wonderful! Speaking of colleges, has Greg told you the fabulous news?!” Mrs. Raposo asked with great enthusiasm.

Before Hilary could catch her breath, Mrs. Raposo continued.

“Greg has gotten into NYU! We’re all so excited for him.”

Greg once again looked over at Hilary, however this time she couldn’t conceal her emotions.

“Yeah it’s fabulous, but may I be excused for a minute, I’m sorry I just need to get some fresh air,” Hilary asked calmly.

“Sure dear,” Mrs. Raposo answered. Hilary got up and left the room. “Was is something I said?” she asked confused.

“No, it was something I didn’t……” Greg got up quickly and went the way Hilary did.