Disclaimer: All the characters in this fic belong to Channel 9, Australia, and McLeod's Daughters. I am not in any way associated with them. I do however own Chris and Blade.

A/N: This may be a little awful to read but I think its an issue that people turn a blind eye to way more than they should.

The Strength to Carry On

Part 1

Tess landed hard against the dressing table. She didn't have the energy to fight back, she didn't even have the will power. If she fought him, it would only make things worse.

He came at her again, dragging her up from the floor by her hair. "How many times have I told you not to nag me?" He bellowed.

"I..I'm sorry," Tess stuttered as her head spun.

"Sorry," He repeated. "You're always sorry! I'll give you sorry!" The back of his hand connected with her face and sent her flying across the room again.

"The day you stop nagging, is the day hell will freezes over," He yelled as he laid into her.

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The next morning Tess staggered into the kitchen. Her entire body ached. It was something she had gotten used to though. She had to. It wasn't the first time her husband's temper had gotten the better of him. It happened too regularly these days.

Tess had put it down to stress. Chris was pretty high up in the business world. The demand of his job, the power and status he had acquired . . . it had all contributed.

When she and Chris had first gotten together, things were great. He was so caring, so loving, so kind. But since the wedding he had become a different man. The stress of his job, the lifestyle he lead was all too much.

Tess covered her swollen face with her hands. Why? She asked herself, Why the hell was she making excuses for him? She knew what he was doing to her was wrong. She knew she had to get out while she still could. It had been going on for almost a year now.

She could see what would happen. Chris would greet her with a kiss and apology. He would be sorry and try to kiss it all away. He would make promises, promises which would easily be broken in a day or two.

He had taken everything from her. Her self respect, her independence, everything. On some occasions he had even managed to convince her that the rages that he flew into were her fault. Mind games were his speciality.

He had cut her off from her friends and family. He would sit and listen to every phone call which came in as well as the outgoing calls. He had minders with her all day while he was at work. He even had security cameras installed in the apartment so that he could watch her every move! She couldn't say or do anything to help herself. He would monitor everything she did.

But yet she loved him. She couldn't leave him because she desperately clung to the hope that the man she fell in love with would come back to her. That one day she would wake up and discover that it was all just a dream.

"Morning honey," Chris called as he made his way down the stairs.

Tess looked up at him and smiled. It hurt to smile, but she did it anyway. "Morning."

Chris leaned over her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her. She winced.

"I'm sorry honey," He whispered. "I had a hard day at the office yesterday... we lost a major deal. I'm so sorry." He kissed her neck, "I'll make it up to you."

"It's okay," Tess whispered as she stood up and put her breakfast dishes in the sink. "I understand," She always understood. At times like this she could see the man she fell in love with. His eyes were rage free, his face was filled with regret. He loved her.

Chris followed her to the sink "You know I love you, don't you?"

She turned to face him "I know." She knew that somewhere deep down he did love her. She could see it, right there in his eyes.

She did up his tie for him and pecked him on the cheek, "I love you too."

The doorbell sounded and Chris turned "That'll be Blade."

Tess sighed as Chris headed for the door. Blade. Bloody Blade. He was constantly there, constantly watching every bloody move she made. The only space she could ever get was in the loo.

"Honey I'll see you tonight," Chris called as he headed out the door for another day at the office.

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Tess sunk down into the chair after placing the phone back in its cradle. She felt sick. Her stomach was churning, her head was spinning.

"What's wrong?" Came Blade's husky voice.

"There was an accident," A dazed Tess replied. "My Sister . . . Claire's been killed... the funeral's in a few days."

There was a short silence before Blade spoke, "I'm sorry."

Tess glared at him. As if he cared. The bastard.

She stood up and headed straight for her room. She had to get to Drovers.

"What are you doing?" Blade followed her.

"What do you think I'm doing?" She snapped. "I have to pack. I have to get to Drovers."

He put a hand on her wrist to halt her, "Don't do anything just yet"

"Blade my sister has just-"

"You know how Chris gets," He reminded her.

"Yes," She flopped down on the bed. "I know how he gets." She knew all too well.

"I'll give him a call," Blade said as he headed back into the lounge room.

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"Well?" Tess stood up as Blade re-entered the bedroom.

"It took some work, but you're free to go out to the country for a few days on the condition that I go with you."

Tess turned in frustration, "Typical."

"It's either that or nothing!" Snapped Blade angrily. He hated her attitude.

Tess ignored him and began to pack.

"I don't know why your bothering to pack now, we're not leaving til tomorrow morning"

Tess glared at Blade, "What?"

"What Chris wants, Chris gets. You should be glad of the opportunity to even go, little miss."

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As soon as Chris came through the door that night, he had Tess pinned up against the wall.

Her breathing was rapid as she trembled. He had caught her off guard. She hadn't even heard him come home.

"Blade, we'll see you tomorrow," Chris mumbled.

Blade nodded and headed for the door. He turned back to see the back of Chris' hand strike Tess in the face. As her cries echoed through the apartment, he left.

"Chris, please," Tess begged as she tried to shield herself from his fists.

"You planned this didn't you?" He yelled "You just want to get out of here!"

"No," Tess protested.

He pulled her off the ground by her hair, "It's that bloke isn't it? That Ryan! How do I know you're not just going back there to screw him? Huh? We both know you want to! I've seen the photo's of you two together! The way you look at each other! The way you drool all over each other!"

Tears streamed down Tess' already swollen face as Chris' fingers dug into her shoulders.

"It's got nothing to do with Nick, I swear," She sobbed "I just want to say goodbye to my sister, Chris."

He let her fall to the floor and headed up stares "You better not be lying to me!" He growled angrily.

A/N: I have already written parts 1 - 3 so I will post them over the next few days. Please review this and let me know what you think.