WITH MY KNEES locked and my flats planted on the concrete parking lot, I waited for my demise, for whatever Aaron was about to dish out. I didn’t know if he would hit me right here in the middle of a crowded parking lot, but I wouldn’t put it past him. I could smell the stench of liquor wafting in the brisk air as he drew closer to me.
“Don’t come any closer to me!” I spat, holding my left hand in front of my body, while clutching my file against my chest with the other. He didn’t waiver as he continued to draw closer to me, with a deep chuckle escaping his lips, his Adam’s apple vibrating.
“You think just because you took off, you’re suddenly in control?” He let out another hearty laugh as his designer shoes pressed on top of my thin flats. His dark eyes stared into mine, his hatred for me was apparent. I refused to wince, or even make a move. I knew he fed on my fear and my pain, I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Not anymore.
My open palm pressed against his hard chest for just a moment before I dropped it to my side, not wanting to touch him for even a second. I placed my hand down at my side and made a fist, just in case.
“I am, actually. You don’t get to control me anymore.” My boldness surprised me, and I stood a little taller, preparing myself for the repercussions that were sure to unfold. He squinted his eyes and puffed his chest out before speaking.
“You’re pathetic, you know that?” Saliva pooled around the corner of his mouth and his teeth clenched as he spoke.
“I’m leaving.” I tried to brush past him, but he caught me by the forearm and dug his large hands into my skin and then chuckled.
“Those arms are getting a little chubby there, Ryan.” He stared at my arm in disgust and squeezed a little tighter. My own teeth clenched.
“Let. Me. Go,” I demanded, staring up at him.
“Gladly,” he agreed, but didn’t let go, only gripped me tighter. “But only because you’re so pathetic, Ryan.”
I lifted my chin, taking the punishment he was determined to give me.
“I’ll gladly throw you out, like the trash that you are.” He pulled me closer to him and spit his venom in my ear.
I wanted to fight.
Finally.
I finally had the courage to stand up to him. But I wouldn’t. Because what I wanted more than a fight, was distance.
“But let’s just be clear. If I wanted you, I’d have you. If I wanted anything to do with that whiney little brat, I’d have her too.” The mere mention of Gracie made my body tremble with anger. My breathing began to quicken, and my jaw started to flinch. On the inside, I was enraged. But on the outside, I remained silent as he continued.
“You’re way more trouble than your worth. No one will want someone like you, Ryan,” he continued, spewing his wrath, as the foul liquor stench coated my cheeks.
I stood my ground, refusing to give him the satisfaction of getting a response out of me.
“You were trash when I took you in, and that’s all you’ll ever be.” His voice quivered in my ear. I suppressed my urge to shutter, disgusted by the smell of liquor hammering against me. “You can go spread your legs for that attorney of yours, and whoever else will have you, but no one will ever put up with you the way I did. You’ll die old and alone, just like that mother of yours did.” His words were meant to shatter me, but he wouldn’t. I couldn’t allow him to have that kind of power over me. That was the first thing I learned at my group meetings for battered women.
He wanted control, even in the form of my own emotions.
But I wasn’t giving it to him.
Not now.
Not ever again.
Lord, please get me out of here. Get me away from him.
I let my silent plea roll around my mind for a mere few seconds.
“Ma’am, are you okay?” I heard a deep voice close behind my back and felt Aaron loosen his grip on my arm.
I wrestled with my answer, unsure how to handle this situation. But when I glanced at Aaron, I saw something on his face. Something I’d never seen before.
Fear.
I pulled my arm out of Aaron’s grasp and backed further away from him, refusing to look down at my arm, which was sure to be bruised.
“I just need to get away from him.” I backed away from Aaron. The voice I’d heard a few seconds ago was now in front of me, creating a barrier between myself and my now ex-husband.
The giant stood well over six feet tall, towering over Aaron, making him look small in comparison. He wore a black cowboy hat with a long sleeve shirt, and his cowboy boots stood toe to toe with Aaron’s designer dress shoes.
“Well then, I’ll just stand right here while you make your exit, ma’am.” He folded his arms across his broad chest, glancing at me over his shoulder before turning his attention back to Aaron, who was frozen in place.
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that,” I mumbled and scurried away from the two men, determined to get out of this parking lot quickly.
I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder as I made my way to my car. The cowboy remained firmly in place but catching my glance, he gave me a nod. Aaron stayed frozen, fear covering his face, and I wanted to laugh. Finally, someone put him in his place and his true colors shined through.
Coward.
I unlocked my car and slid inside, starting the ignition as I buckled my seatbelt. I threw the car in reverse, backing out of the tight spot and hitting the gas. I glanced out of the corner of my eye and saw the two men still planted firmly in place.
I couldn’t control the giggle that escaped my lips. I had to hold out hope that this was the last time I would ever be forced to see Aaron Frost. I was thankful he thought I was pathetic. I was glad that he didn’t think anyone would ever want me and I would be alone forever. The truth was, I’d rather be alone than be stuck with him for the rest of my life.
But I knew the truth. I wasn’t alone. I had my Gracie and I had my new family. We didn’t share the same bloodline, but they were family in every way that counted.
“Thank you, Jesus,” I mumbled into the air.
The sound of my phone vibrating in my pocket startled me. I pulled it out, keeping my other hand on the wheel as I drove down the highway. I realized it was a text from Joshua and decided to take a quick peak.
Joshua: I can’t stop thinking about your smile.
I reread the text quickly and pressed my phone to my chest, waiting for my heart to slam it right out of my hand. My giggle turned to a full-blown laugh as his words replayed over and over in my mind. I didn’t deserve for someone like him to give me attention, but I couldn’t deny how good it felt.
I enjoyed the butterflies that flailed around my stomach for the rest of the ride home.