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 17
BELLA
My fingers shook as I typed up an email to my boss, Carleen, explaining the situation I found myself in with Chris. She knew little things about my relationship with him, like how we met at a coffee shop. What she didn't know was how he became abusive after I graduated from Western Washington University. And I wasn't sure what my best friend, Edward, told her when he took over my doctor's note. All he told me was they spoke for a bit.
I was staying at Edward's apartment, a cozy and safe place in Seattle. It was a sunny morning, but I felt cold and numb inside. The only sound I heard was the clicking of the keyboard and my own heartbeat.
Carleen was my favorite boss, not that I have had many bosses, but I interned for Creative Spaces every summer. And when she offered me a job after I graduated, I jumped at the opportunity. The one thing I knew about her was she valued honesty. When any of her interior designers made a mistake, she would rather have us own up to it and make it right.
She asked me about Chris from time to time and I felt I was lying to her by saying all was fine when in reality it was anything but fine. It was a nightmare. When she noticed I was bleeding a few days ago, I should have told her what was going on, but I was scared.
It was time to be honest, especially with myself.
Hey Carleen,
Thanks for the flowers and chocolates. And thanks for suggesting I take an additional week than what the doctor recommended. I need it.
I am not sure what Edward spoke with you about when he brought in the doctor's note, but I need to be honest with you about what happened to me and what is happening to me.
Chris, my ex-boyfriend, is a wolf in sheep's clothing. I didn't want to admit it to myself. To admit what he was doing to me, however, it is way past time. Chris was abusive, verbally and physically.
I paused in my typing and took a deep breath. Edward was making noise in the kitchen. His distant presence was a comfort, and I knew if I called out for him, he would come running. He was always busy and energetic, but he never hesitated to help me when I needed him. He was willing to sit with me as I typed the email out. But I needed to do this alone.
I heard him open the fridge and ask me if I wanted some tea. I called out 'no' and typed on.
The night before Chris sent me to the hospital, he cut my thigh with a butcher's knife. I should have gone to the hospital for stitches, not that it would have stopped his next attack. After spending time with a few coworkers, I returned to find he had broken into my apartment and was in my bed with another woman. I broke up with him then and there. Unfortunately, he and the woman didn't leave. And he "disciplined" me as he told me he would decide when we would be over. Further, he threatened to kill but he wasn't done with me.
I reached up and swiped at my eyes. How did I let myself be lured in by Chris?
Again, I started typing.
I have filed charges against him and have spoken with a detective, Ryan Carter, twice. I've also talked with a lawyer.
I wanted you to know and ask you to not give out any information about me without my permission. Detective Carter should be stopping by later today to talk with you and any coworkers about me. His picture and shield number are below. I trust the detective. He's gone above and beyond the call of duty to help me feel safe. Please help in any way you can.
Bella.
I hit send and closed my laptop. I felt a surge of relief and fear. I had just exposed my darkest secret to my boss. How would she react? Would she fire me? Would she help me?
A warm hand touched my shoulder. It was Edward. He sat down next to me on the couch, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. He smelled of mint and soap, from his toothpaste and his shower.
"Bella, I'm so proud of you," he whispered. " You're strong, and you're not alone. I'm here for you, and so are your dad and my parents. We'll get through this together."
I leaned into his embrace and let the tears flow. He was right. I wasn't alone. I had him. I had my dad and his parents. And maybe, just maybe, I had Carleen too.
We stayed like that for a long time, Edward holding me and letting me cry. His hand smoothed down my back. He was my rock. I didn't know where I would have gone had he not lived close. My breathing hitched. What would have happened to me had Chris come back? Had he?
Suddenly, I heard Chris' voice in my head, as clear as if he was standing next to me.
"I should just slice your fucking throat open and end your pathetic life. But I'm not done with you yet. I want you so broken, no guy will want you."
Did he really say that? Or was it a nightmare? No, it was real. He was real. He was out there. Somewhere. Looking for me.
I felt a cold sweat on my forehead and a knot in my stomach. My heart was pounding in my chest and my throat was dry. I was terrified that Chris would find me and hurt me again.
"I can't stay in this building," I whispered.
The grip on my shoulder tightened. Edward looked at me with concern and compassion in his green eyes. His voice was low and soothing. "Yes, you can." He winked at me. "I've updated security."
"What do you mean?"
He winked at me again. "I own the building," I said, conspiratorially. "It's my responsibility to protect all the tenants."
I made to say something. To say it wasn't his fault. He pressed a finger to my lips.
"It might not be my fault. However, I want to do everything I can to ensure no one breaks in again."
I smiled up at him.
"And we are moving up to the penthouse. You, my dear, get to decorate it."
My smile got wider. I knew Edward had money, but that he owned the building. A laugh escaped me.