"Fuck you Travis! You aren't my master. You don't own me!"
His grey eyes flashed and his hand clamped down around my wrist, stopping me from going anywhere. I looked around, desperate for someone to help me, but the roads were deserted, and I felt the familiar wave of fear rise up inside of me.
"You're wrong. I do. I own every single part of you. From this gorgeous hair," his hand rose up and fisted itself in my raven curls, tugging it down slightly, "to this sexy little body."
His hands clamped down on my waist and pulled me closer until we were about an inch apart. I could feel his hot breath on my neck, and I mentally prepared myself for what was going to happen next.
His lips crushed themselves against mine, kneading against them roughly, leaving me with no time to breathe, or even to react. He did this for a couple of minutes, purposely making sure my lips were bruised and swollen, then finally released me.
I took several deep breaths. I looked up and glared at the smirk he wore on his face.
"I hate you."
As quick as lightning, Travis's hand flew out and struck me across the face, the impact resulting with me flying onto the cement. Instinctively, my hands flew to my face and tears welled up into my eyes. Travis only laughed and then reached down, fisting his hand into my curls once again, and pulled my head up.
Menacingly, he whispered into my ear. "No matter how much you may hate me, you'll never be free of me. You and your stupid little daughter. You're both mine. You can run, but I'll always find you. You can hide, but that'll never be enough. And I can promise you, when I find you, both of you're punishments are going to be worse than you can ever imagine. "
I whimpered. He could threaten me all he liked, but once he threatened my daughter, shit was going to fly. Suddenly bored, Travis flung me onto the floor and sent a parting kick to my ribs before walking off.
I wasn't stupid. I knew I needed to get away, not just for myself, but also for my daughter. I picked myself up, stifling the groan of pain, and limped into our revolting apartment. Beer cans littered the furniture, cigarette butts covered every inch of the molding carpet, dirty dishes were piled in the sink, and the stench from the garbage reeked, floating around the apartment in unpleasant waves.
Travis sat on the huge armchair, beer clasped in hand, watching the TV in loud volumes and graphic pictures. Ignoring me, he guffawed loudly at a man on the TV being shot, and I quickly moved into our room.
It was only a little better than out living room. The floor was covered but the bed always managed to stay clean. Grabbing some clothes, I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the steam cover every inch of the tiny bathroom. I lifted my shirt, groaning in pain and looked at my ribs in the mirror. They were swollen and bruised, but not broken. I stripped the rest of my clothes off and stepped into the boiling hot water. I instantly felt my muscles relax, and the stress leave my body. I quickly washed my body and hair, and turned the water off. I stepped out, dried off, and changed into the jeans and long sleeve shirt I brought into the bathroom with me. I ran a brush through my hair and put on some make-up over my bruises. I walked out of the bathroom, through the living, and into my daughters room, smiling brightly at the sight of her asleep, cuddled next her bear.
Though she came from an unfavorable experience, I loved her to no end. She was my light, my sun, and moon. She was the best little girl anyone could ever have. She rarely cried, she was very affectionate, and was always in high spirits. Though she is only two she has the mind of a 6 year old, comprehending everything, learning new words, and learning to read. I was so proud of her and loved her more than anything in the world.
Before moving to sit next to her I snuck a peek outside to Travis. He was slumped over, beer spilling all over the floor, snores racking the house. I knew this was the moment of truth. Quickly, I moved over my daughter, scooping her up into my arms, and put a finger over my mouth to motion her to be silent. Her eyes were large, questioning what I was doing, but she was silent, clutching her bear to her chest.
I grabbed her red fleece jacket and my backpack, and began my silent voyage to get out of this hellhole. Every step I took, my heart clenched nervously. I could feel a sheen begin on my forehead, and my palms beginning to sweat. Once I reached the door, my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest. As silently as I could, I twisted the doorknob, my ears alert, and swung the door open quickly, hoping the hinges wouldn't squeak.
"Eeeeeeekkkkkkkkk…."
I stood still, mentally cursing the door, and listened to hear if Travis had gotten up. For five minutes everything was silent. I looked down at my baby girl and grinned. Her beautiful blue eyes shined and she grinned back. I stepped outside and nearly felt my shoulders ease with relief. I quietly shut the door and took off for the car I had parked 2 blocks away.
I all but wept in relief when I saw the tiny blue Toyota hidden amongst the trees. I grabbed the keys from my backpack and unlocked the doors. I buckled my baby into the car seat, and kissed both her cheeks joyfully. I hopped into the drivers seat and started the car up. The purr of the engine sparked a new found hope in my heart.
I looked into the review mirror at my daughter. "I love you sweetheart."
She smiled. "I love you too Mommy."
I grinned and put the car into drive. I pulled out of trees and onto the streets, following it until I reached the highway. I kept driving, not knowing where I was going, or where we'd end up. I'd packed both our suitcases, bought non-perishable groceries, and stuffed the rest of my cash into the glove compartment. Even though it had taken me months to plan this escape, hiding the car, the money, and food, it'd all been worth it. Especially since I knew my daughter would finally be safe, away from the abusive monster and hellhole in which we'd both stayed in for so long.
The highway was relatively empty for 2:00 in the morning, so I let my mind wander. As much as I'd wanted to rid myself of them, Travis' words stuck.
" You're both mine. You can run, but I'll always find you. You can hide, but that'll never be enough. And I can promise you, when I find you, both of you're punishments are going to be worse than you can ever imagine."
He wasn't going to find us. I wouldn't let him. I was going to keep my daughter safe, no matter what the cost was.
I looked in the review mirror once again, my eyes resting on my sleeping daughter.
"I promise you baby, he's never going to hurt you ever again. I'll keep you safe. Always. I love you, my Annabelle."