The next morning when I wake up, and eventually move the dresser back from in front of my door, I see that Richards car isn't here, so he must not have come home.
It's fine, though. I'd rather him be gone where he can cool off than here causing tension and an argument.
I slept alright last night, but I did keep waking up each time I'd hear a little bump or knock.
It's not that I'm afraid of Norman, it's just that I know what he's capable of when he doesn't even realize he's doing it.
I go in the master bathroom and lean at the mirror, cringing at my face. My chin is bruised, my cheek is bruised, and my lip is swollen where it was busted.
If only I were brave enough to leave Richard. He has so much control over me that he could single handedly ruin my life.
I love him. I really do. I just don't love what he's become. I miss the charming man I fell for all those years ago.
The clock says it's 6:30 so I decide to go start on breakfast.
The grocery store definitely needs to be on my schedule. All that I find to make are eggs, pancakes, and toast, so I start them on the stove.
I'm not sure what time Norman wakes up, but maybe it'll be done by the time he comes down.
*Half an hour later*
Wow, I almost forgot how good I can cook. This breakfast truly looks incredible.
The door upstairs creak and I hear soft footsteps telling me that Norman is awake.
He comes down the stairs, smiling at me and the food.
"I hope you're hungry!" I exclaim, pulling a chair out for him.
He nods, sitting down and adding small details to his plate to make it the way he wants.
I'm not exactly hungry. My stomach is in twists due to me thinking about Richard and I just don't have it in me to eat a large meal, although it doesn't seem as if Norman needs any help eating it. "I haven't had food this amazing in months."
I smile.
"These pancakes taste just like the ones my mother used to make for me."
"Well, she didn't make these. I did!" I want him to think of his mother as little as possible. I know it'll be hard, but maybe somehow it can help him to get better.
He finishes his plate in about twenty minutes and leans back, groaning. "Thank you so much. You sure do know how to cook."
"Thank you Norman. I taught myself when I was a teenager." I smile.
He takes his plate over to the sink, then turns the water on and reaches for the soap. I go over to him. "Don't bother. I got it."
"Well you know what they say, the cook doesn't clean."
I've never heard that saying.
The water starts to steam and I hop up on the counter next to the sink and reach for a towel so I can dry the dishes he washes.
The last dish goes into the cabinet and I smile, handing him the towel so he can dry his arms.
"Norman, thank you so much. I've never actually had anyone help me with cleaning before. Or anything for that matter."
He waves me off. "No sense in thanking me. We make a pretty good pair." He leans against the counter where I'm sitting, gazing up at me. I feel my heart race and I don't know if it's because I'm afraid of him or if it's because this would be the worst possible time for Richard to waltz in, but whatever it is causes me to hop down.
I stumble a little and he steps after me, grabbing my hips to steady me. "Be careful Jolene, don't hurt yourself."
I nod, forcing a laugh. "Just clumsy me."
He takes his hands off my hips, turning awkwardly.
"Well, let's go upstairs. We can go through those clothes I was telling you about." I say, grabbing his wrist and pulling him behind me.
Once we get up there I start opening totes and pushing them toward him.
"You should be able to wear this stuff. It's from when we like, first met. Probably a good seventy pounds ago for Richard."
He snorts, bending down to go through them when we hear the door open downstairs. He starts to stand up, but I shake my head.
"It's ok Norman. I've got it."
"I'm surprised to see you're still in one piece." Richard says smugly, glancing over me before walking by.
"I told you he's not dangerous. You just need to trust me."
"Jo, what happened to you?" He asks, throwing his coat on the dresser in our room.
I cross my arms. "No Richard, what happened to you? You were like Prince Charming to me when we first met, but now you only treat me like a rag doll. Why is that?"
His face falls. "I don't treat you bad do I?"
I nod, putting my head down.
"Look at me."
I look up and he grabs my cheeks in his hands, the same way Norman did last night to comfort me.
"I'm sorry Jo, I guess I just let my anger get the best of me."
"If you'd just give him a chance-"
"Dammit, why do you always have to ruin everything?" He yells.
I wince, putting my arm up to block him and he backs off.
"No, you know what. I'm fine with him staying."
I widen my eyes. "Huh?"
"Yeah. Oh, and by the way, I'm gonna have to evict your mom and sister out of that house they rent from me. I was gonna let it slide, but now I think I'm gonna have to follow the formalities." He says, brushing by my and grabbing his keys once more, leaving me dumbfounded.
I know I know this one isn't the best either. I've been trying to write this for two days and kept getting distracted. I promise it's gonna get good soon!