During my sophmore year of high school, art class had really proven a skill I never thought I'd had.

I'd created a piece that apparently peaked the interest of my teacher.

Which in turn, recommended my piece to a local gallery and a reference to college, if I was interested.

Oh, I was interested.

 I couldn't wait to get home to research art colleges. I was so excited, a scholorship was just within my grasp.

I needed to start looking around and getting an idea of where I wanted to attend.

I head up the stairs and before I hit the 6th step I felt the hard tug on my back pack.

With nothing to grab on to, I fell backward, tumbling down the steps.

I tried to protect my head as best as possible but as I landed on the ground floor I put my hands out to stop myself from face planting, only to land wrong on my wrist.

Thus ending up with my first fracture.

**

My junior year I was entered into an art competition, which paved my way to the future I hoped for, as I'd won 1st place. My piece was place in a gallery up for bid and sold at an unrealistic amount.

I put all my emotion into that piece, and it paid off.

LITERALLY.

That achievment gave me the hope and push I needed, to reasure me that I was doing something right. That I was good at something.

**

My high school graduation was one of proudest moments I could remember.

It silently proved to James, that I guess "dogs" could make something of themselves.

I'd received a scholarship for college, and I had already chose a college that was no where close to James.

It was the only way I could gain my freedom.

**

Eventually, my 18th birthday rolled around. To celebrate my birthday my adoptive parents decorated the kitchen, and had ordered me the most lavish cake I'd ever seen. We all sat at the kitchen table, including James.

It was kind of nice to be able to celebrate my birthday without having James torment me, at least for as long as Josh and Mary were around.

"So, for your gift this year, Josh and I would like to give you a bit of an inheritance for you gift." Mary says as she hands me an envelope. My eyes went wide as I slowly grab the envelope from her.

"James, this is for you as well. We Know your birthday was 2 weeks ago, but we wanted to wait til you both turned 18." Says Josh as he hands James his envelope.

I slowly open the envelope and pick inside. My mouth drops. I look up at Mary and Josh in shock.

"I know it may seem like a lot Nicolas, but Mary and I both feel that you should live comfortably outside of home. You've done so great with yourself, and we both see and aknowledge your acomplishments. So, happy birthday."

Comfortably? Are they serious? There's enough money on this check to get me through the rest of my life!

"Now I understand you've got everything ready to go and set up?" Josh continued.

I sign back - Yes. I found a 2 bedroom place close to campus. Thank you for the gift.

"Great. Now you're both set up and ready to head out within the next week. James will be taking business management a few buildings over from the art department. So James I expect you to keep an eye out for Nicolas and keep eachother safe."

The color drained from my face as I look over at James.

He smiles wickedly at me.

"Oh don't worry dad, I will."