Breaking Free
Trigger Warning: This story contains scenes of domestic violence, and physical and emotional abuse. The main character was in an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her both physically and mentally. The story also depicts the main character's struggle to escape from the abuse and find love and healing with another person. If you are sensitive to these topics, please read with caution. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe and happy.
Chapter 12
BELLA
My heart pounded in my chest as I lay in bed, clutching the blanket over my head. Who was at the door? Could it be Chris? Did he find me? I shivered, imagining his cold eyes and cruel smile.
I wished I could stay awake, to welcome Edward when he came back to bed. However, the medication the doctor gave me was too strong. It was supposed to numb the pain, but it only made me sleepy. To feel his arms around me, his chest against my back. His touch was gentle and warm, his breath steady and calm. I needed him to be near, not knowing what nightmares would plague me because of Chris. Edward made me feel safe, no matter what. And he might be able to keep the nightmares away.
The sheets were soft and blue, like the sky on a clear day. They gently caressed my skin, coaxing me to let go and relax. Edward's cologne lingered on the pillow, a mix of wood and spice. It reminded me of his embrace, warm and comforting.
Edward's voice reached me from the front room, low and soothing. The door opened with a click, followed by a murmur of greeting. Was he talking to a friend who came over to watch the baseball game?
I tried to keep my eyes open, but sleep won. It embraced me peacefully, taking me away from Edward.
~~~ BF ~~~
The nightmare unfolded in fragments, each moment more terrifying than the last.
Chris towered over me, his malevolent grin and piercing gaze sending chills down my spine. His eyes, cold and dark, seemed to swallow me whole. With a twisted smirk, he spat out his venomous words. "You brought this upon yourself, Bella, or should I simply address you as a bitch?"
My heart pounded in my chest as I desperately struggled to break free from his grip, but he tightened his hold on my hair, a knife glinting ominously in his hand.
In the dim light from the window, the blade gleamed, tracing a path of agony across my face. A fiery sensation ripped across my face, as if he had branded me with a hot iron. His hot, putrid breath brushed against my skin as he whispered in my ear, "I could easily slit your throat and put an end to your pitiful existence. But I won't stop there. I want to shatter you so completely that no man will ever desire you."
I screamed, pleading for him to cease his torment, but my cries fell on deaf ears.
He laughed, a cruel and mocking sound that reverberated in my ears. Tears streamed down my face as I writhed in the suffocating blanket, desperate to escape his clutches.
Why wouldn't he stop?
Why was no one coming to my aid?
Where was Edward?
"Bells," a distant voice called out.
~~~ BF ~~~
With a sudden jolt, I snapped my eyes open.
My father's face greeted me, filled with genuine concern and love. Gasping for air, I threw myself into his waiting arms.
His calm and rhythmic breaths rose and fell, soothing my frayed nerves. His embrace enveloped me, offering solace. The familiar scent of wood and spice, his cologne, comforted me. As I sobbed into his shoulder, the taste of salt lingered on my lips.
"Hush, it's alright, Bells. You're safe now," he whispered.
His voice, soothing and gentle, washed over me. He rubbed my back and planted a tender kiss on my head.
Yet, even within the safety of my father's arms, I couldn't shake off the feeling of vulnerability.
I felt exposed, as if Chris could still reach me.
He pulled away and looked at me with a serious expression.
"Bells, I need to ask you a question. And I need you to be honest with me, okay?" he said.
I nodded, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.
He took a deep breath and asked, "Did Chris… did he hurt you? Did he do anything to you that you didn't want him to do?"
I felt a surge of panic and shame. I knew what he was asking. He was asking if Chris had raped me.
I shook my head, lying through my teeth. "No, dad, he didn't. He just… he just hit me and cut me. That's all."
Chris had, just not early this morning. Two months ago when I wasn't in the mood, he forced himself on me. I had broken up with him the next day. Three weeks later, he came crawling back, apologizing. And I had bought it, hook, line, and sinker. I should have never let Chris back into my life. Never should have accepted his apology. But I was kidding myself. Chris would have sent me to the hospital sooner.
He looked at me with a mix of relief and doubt. He didn't believe me, but he didn't push me either.
He sighed and hugged me again. "I'm so sorry, Bells. I'm so sorry this happened to you. You don't deserve this. You deserve so much better."
He kissed my forehead and said, "I love you, Bells. You're my daughter, and I'll always be here for you. No matter what."
I hugged him back and said, "I love you too, Dad. Thank you for being here for me."
He smiled and said, "Of course, Bells. Anytime."
He got up and said, "I'll let you get some rest. Everyone is out front, call out if you need anything."
He walked to the door and turned to look at me. "Bells, if you ever need to talk to someone, you can always talk to me. Or to Edward. Or to anyone you trust. You don't have to go through this alone, okay?"
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Okay, Dad. I'll remember that."
He nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.
I sank into Edward's pillow, inhaling his sweet and familiar scent, hoping it would lull me to sleep.
But sleep didn't come.
Instead, the memories of Chris haunted me.
His face, his voice, his touch.
His threats, his insults, his violence.
His lies, his betrayal, his hatred.
They replayed in my mind, over and over, like a broken record. Even if I had kicked him to the curb, again.
I knew, deep down, that I wasn't safe.
That he would find me.
That he would hurt me again.
And when that day came, I wouldn't survive.