Michelle I finished your story with tears in my eyes. They were both sad and happy tears. Sad to read more details of a story that shouldn't have had to happen to Vicki or any other little girl. The happy tears were when your parents wised up and got the hell out. So many of us are reading your story and thinking "why couldn't I have had parents like that?"
I wish all the best to Vicki and to you, her re-united childhood friend. They say that bad things happen in three's, but there's no number assigned to good things. So I can only hope that this is just the start of a whole series of good things for Vicki and you. I can see it's a good thing for the board that we now have you here so welcome!
Mike.