Part 28

Part 28

As soon as it started, he ended. I could see on his face the embarrassment, but I also wasn't in a place to make fun. I just laid there, motionless, trying to remember what happened between King and I that landed me here. It was a big blur, all I remember is everything that happened before I was taken, how much I loved him, and believing he would be my knight in shining armour. The door opens and brings me back to this fucked up reality I need to get out of.

"Yo B, that's some good pussy there."

I could hear a lot of people laughing, mostly men because of how deep their laughs were. I sat up looking for a window, I need a way to get out of here before I'm drugged again; before they all end up having their way with me. I tried to stand but I was shaking so bad I could hardly control my movements. I kept telling myself that I'm not what they want me to be, I am Aaliyah Petty, I am a Queen. I finally made it to the window, when I looked down I saw lights, a light to a flashlight. I didn't know who it was so I ducked down and curled into a ball. Then there was a loud crash, like a door being kicked in, I jumped to my feet, and heard someone yell out Police. I remember my father use to tell me as a young kid, never to run towards the voice when someone yell police, always wait until they find you. For the first time since I left home, I did what my father told me to do.

I went into a corner, curled up in a ball hoping, they wouldn't forget to check the back rooms. I don't know how long it's been but the door opened slowly, I could see the barrel of a gun and a badge.

"My name is Aaliyah Petty. I've been held, drugged, and a part of a human trafficking ring. Please help me, my father is a Police Officer with the Philadelphia Police department."

"It's okay Aaliyah, you're safe now."

The Officer wraps a blanket around me and escorts me outside to an ambulance. He told me that he needs to take me to meet me at the hospital for questioning after I get settled. I grabbed his hand and thanked him for saving my life. I knew I was a far shot from here I was or even where I wanted to be. The EMTs went to strap me down to the gurney but I briefly explain what happened to me, they allowed me to sit up and wear seatbelt instead.

At the hospital they were asking me ask types of questions that I couldn't remember the answers too. I knew my name and the address I grew up in, other then that I was pretty much useless. After them checking me over, taking blood,  and giving me what they call a cocktail which is used as an HIV prevention measure. They gathered everything the needed and exited the room so the Police can question me.

"I'm Officer Boyd with the Miami Police Department. Do you know who kidnapped you?"

"Reymundo he never told me his last name but told me to refer to him as Abuelo. I met him in Brooklyn along with his grandson that he shot on the train that we were on heading to New Orleans. His grandson's name is Leonard Whye and goes by King."

"He's the one that called it in, that's how we found you."

"King? You mean he isn't dead? He looked for me?"

"Ms. Petty, it's been three years since that incident. He came to us a few months ago but every house we searched we didn't find you. We find other girls, most a lot younger than you but yes, he's alive, and yes he never stopped looking for you. He's a hero."

"What about Abuelo?"

"We can't find him. The entire East Coast was on alert because you were only 14 when this took place. Unfortunately, people like that move fast and mostly move without a trace. Also, your parents have been notified but was advised not to come. Mr. Wythe explained what took place between you and your parents so we checked it out just to make sure, but just to let you know, they're worried about you."

"I wouldn't have been in this mess if it weren't for them. They can stay where they are."

"We understand, just a few more questions and we'll be going."

They did as they stated, asked me a few more questions; but before they left they advised me that child services would be there before I'm released to make sure my living arrangements were in order before my departure. I only had one question for them and that was to know today's date.  With tears in Officer Boyd's eyes he said February 1, 2016 and walked out the room.

I missed my birthday but I'm 17 which lands me in a different bracket with child services. The only thing I was thinking about right now is getting another hit, I know this is going to be a long process of recovery, but if anyone can do it I can. Rolling over I fell asleep comfortably for the first time in a long time, I felt safe.