Chapter 1
After two years of abuse, and month of planning; it all comes down to this.
Getting up this morning, I get ready for work like it's any other day. I shower, pick out my scrubs, throw my hair in a ponytail, and make my way out to the kitchen.
I get a mug for Dennis, and my yeti and make our morning coffee. I place his mug on the island in front of him like I always do, and start to pack my lunch.
"Remember what I said, Franky. No overtime tonight. You are to come straight home as soon as your shift is done." I turn around to look at him with a piece of ham in my hand.
"I can't help if something happens as I'm getting off my shift. If someone codes, and I don't do my job I could be fired or brought up on charges by the family. I'm a nurse, not a cab driver. I don't just flip a switch to say my shift is over." I say slapping the last piece of ham on the bread and pack my sandwich in my brown bag. I add a apple and a banana, and close the bag up and stuff it in my backpack. I grab my coffee and keys and make my way to the door.
"Franky."
I stop walking, and turn back around popping my hip.
"No kiss?" He asks standing in the doorway of the kitchen.
My heart is racing. I'm so close to getting away. I have to keep up the act.
I march back to him with a little attitude. If I get too snippy he's liable to hit me, and I'll have to stay another day. He knows I won't go to work with a hand print on my face.
"No attitude. You know I don't like that, princess."
Bile rises in my throat every time he calls me that. But I just smile and nod.
"I'm sorry, Den."
"Good girl." He pulls me against him and smashes his lips down on mine. Shoving his tongue in my mouth, he groans and squeezes my ass.
Needing this to end I place my hands on his chest and gently pull away. "I'm gonna be late Den."
He pouts, but pecks my lips once more before releasing me.
"Fine." As I turn to walk away he grabs my ponytail, pulling me back, with a yank making me whimper at the pain in my neck. "Don't be late princess." He kisses my cheek before releasing my hair.
I walk quickly to the door to get the fuck out of the hell on earth he calls a home.
"Have a great day!" He calls as I close the door without looking back.
Once I pull out of the drive way, I drive a few blocks before I toss my phone into a sewer drain. I'll pick up a new one.
I go through my check list in my head. I cleared out my bank account yesterday, so my first stop is the car dealership. I traded in this piece of shit for a brand new Volks Wagon Atlas. New plates and new registration is already being sent to my new address. Once I get settled I'll turn in the plates for new state registration and plates.
I stop and pick up a new cell phone next. I was on Dennis' family plan for the longest time, and it was an easy way for him to track me. Now I'll have my own account and number.
Once I've picked up the new car, and phone; I run to my storage unit. Clear out everything I've snuck out of the house over the month and packed up in boxes. I load up my truck and close my account for the storage unit. I have no friends or family to say goodbye to. My mom was all I had and she died a few years ago. Any friends I had gave up on me because I was so afraid to leave Dennis for so long.
It's not until I'm over the bridge, and past state lines that I can breathe a little easier. I have at least ten hours before he starts looking for me. By that time I should be unpacking my truck, and starting my new life.
The thought of how angry he's going to be sends a shiver down my spine. I feel sorry for whoever is at the other end of his wrath. I know he's going to go up to the hospital looking for me. He's done that plenty of times when I stayed late because of an emergency. Ranting and raving like a lunatic until I'd come out and agree to leave with him. When he finds out my last day was a week ago he's going to have a stroke. And for the first time in two years, I don't give a shit. I'm no longer his punching bag.
With that thought in mind I decide to forget about him, and my old life. This is a new beginning. It's my time.
I smile to myself and turn the radio up. Life should be smooth sailing from here on out.
