Sorry for the total lack of updates. Everything's just been piling on top of me over the last few months but things have gone calm for a day or two so I'm updating! I really am sorry it's been so long, but please forgive me and let me know what you think, please?

Nina

Two Beds and a Coffee Machine

Part 4

Blackness

The bruises were worse that morning, Monica noticed as she looked in her mirror. The usual outline around her eye had been replaced by an ugly purple swell. Monica winced as she touched it gingerly, before once more reaching for her concealer. As she plastered it all over her face she felt the tears falling again, the dull realisation that Ethan would never change. He would always do this to her, no matter what she did. If she were the perfect wife he would find something else to lash out about. She couldn't stop him. Nothing could.

"Morning sweetheart"

She froze. Why was he still here? He had an early start this morning. She couldn't afford him loosing another job, they needed the money more than ever. Inhaling, forcing a smile onto her face she replied, "Good morning"

He leant down to kiss her cheek and she felt herself moving away from him, almost without thinking. She felt his palm make contact with her cheek as he forced her head to remain stationary while he kissed her. Pulling away, Monica quickly busied herself in the kitchen, hoping to avoid more contact.

"I'm finishing early tonight. Should be home right after the kids. Dinner on the table right?"

Monica nodded, smiling "Sure, whatever you want. See you tonight"

She watched him go, walking up the path towards his old truck. As she heard the engine start she fell to the floor. Sobbing.

Ring

Ring

Ring

"Hello?"

Monica quickly balanced the phone in the crook of her neck while she tried to put the washing basket down on the sofa, without spilling any of the washing.

"Monica?"

"Yes"

"Hi, it's Rachel. Rachel Green, I was just wondering if you'd got my invite … "

Monica dropped the basket, not caring that the washing had landed on her beige carpet. Rachel was calling her, Rachel Green. Her best friend. Her roomie. The one person who had sent her actual mail in the last five years. Rachel.

"Monica? Hello? You still there?"

Monica smiled to herself, someone cared enough about her to call! To check that she was coming to the wedding! "Yeah, Rach, I'm here" she heard herself reply, "And I got your invite. Congratulations by the way"

She could practically hear the smile in Rachel's voice, "Thanks. Tag's great. He's really great, I just can't believe I'm actually getting married!"

They giggled together and for an instant it was just like old times. Just like how they used to giggle with each other after good dates, and disastrous dates. Monica didn't speak; she let Rachel continue talking about Tag, her wedding, her dress. Monica sat back and enjoyed the conversation of another person. Finally putting Ethan out of her mind.

"OK Rach, I gotta go. The kids are home"

They said their goodbyes as Henry and Anna ran into the room, making the noise they usually did, their book bags swinging around them.

"Hey! Hey hey! Come on, no fighting. Go and get cleaned up, OK?" She smiled as she watched them walk up the stairs, still fighting amongst themselves. She was still watching them when the door opened and she heard Ethan's voice behind her,

"Where's my fucking dinner?"

Monica turned to face him, an apologetic look on her face, "I'm sorry. Rachel rang and I guess I lost track of time. I'm sorry"

"Your sorry?" he repeated, his mouth set in a hard line, "Your sorry? Well I guess that makes everything OK! I have been working all day, while you've been talking to some spoiled little rich bitch, and when I get home I want my god damm dinner ready!"

Monica felt the fear rising again, this was not a good time to forget to cook, "I'm sorry. I'll start it now, I'm really sorry"

"I don't care!" he yelled, punching her once in the ribs, "You're my wife, and when I want my wife to cook for me she will fucking cook for me!"

She felt his fist on her face, and as she fell she heard the crack as her skull made contact with the worktop. Then everything was black.