I remembered that time about four years ago when I'd stepped off the plane.

Everyone was so happy that we'd finally made it home. They ran to their families, jumping up and down.

I watched the tears of joy fall, the many kisses and hugs given, the laughing and crying. But I'd never received any of that.

What I got was a night in jail. I got stares as I was thrown against the hood of a car. I got whispers as cuffs were slapped onto my wrists by my CDSS caseworker, Dan Rosenthal. I got a bump on my head from where he'd slammed it against the roof of his car before shoving me inside.

I got one phone call…one visitor…one trial…one plea. I got sentenced with probation.

I got a true friend…a girlfriend…a wife. I got someone that I could trust. I got someone that knew me more than anyone. I got someone I cared deeply for. I got someone I loved.

I got someone that I thought felt the same way about me.

Boy, was I wrong.

Two years later, I got the biggest surprise of my life.

I got my first woman-inflicted scar: a knife wound in my arm.

I got a ride to the emergency room. I got several stitches. I got an excuse that I was forced to tell the doctors--for fear, for love…and for fear of losing that love.

I got a change--a new perspective on life.

I got a new attitude. I got a new personality. I got a new character. I got a new mind.

I got what she wanted me to get.

Or, at least, that's what I thought I got.

Since she liked the newly discovered power, I got physical pain.

I got abused.

When I'd told somebody, I got divorce papers.

That's when I got a new feeling.

I got the fear of losing the one that knew me best. I got the fear of being without her. I got the fear of being alone. I got the fear of abandonment. I got the fear of losing the one I love.

I got the apology that I'd say replaying itself in my head. I got my words that I'd use to beg her to stay with me.

I got my a** kicked. I got yelled at.

But I got her back.

I got shoved to the floor when I tried to hug her. I got punched when I tried to kiss her.

But I got this feeling--this feeling that told me that this is where I belong.

I got an abusive wife that I cared so much for.

Love is what I got.

Thanks to all of my readers, especially jelissalover, Th Ghst f Slss Frnc, RandomnessSmiles, Anora -and Victoria-, -Melody of Words-, and readerchick6.