Abby jumped up on the dresser, that was in her closet. Lifted the hatch to the attic. Put her hand up to lift herself into the cubbyhole. As She set her hand down she found it was soft, not hard. She felt around with her hand, and found it was a plastic bag. She took it down. Looked at the plastic wrapping. She was stunned. She jumped down from the dresser and sat on the waterbed.
     "He promised. No more. He promised." Abby  sat on the bed, not knowing what to do. She looked down at her hands at the large plastic bag, in an instant she threw it on the floor and immediately closed all the bedroom shades, so no one could see in. It was a small housing area, and you could never be too careful. She had learned that all too well. She picked up the bag and put it in one of the doors of their waterbed.
    Just then the baby started to cry, he was up from his nap. She went to his room to get him. The rest of the day progressed. But spring cleaning was just not a top priority anymore. She waited and waited for Jacob to get home, soon it was Nathan's bedtime. So she put him to bed. Looked at his sweet face. "'He's only  5 months old,  thank goodness, he's too young to know what's going on.'"
     "I promise little one, I will take care of you, always." She kissed him on the head, and set him down in his crib. He fell asleep instantly. Abby sat and waited for Jacob, it was early morning before he got home. She met him at the door.
    "You're later than I thought you would be. " She said with no feeling at all.
     "Yea, traffic was terrible coming back from Boynton Beach. Sorry." He said. She could smell the Jack Daniels on his breath.
     "Well, I did some spring cleaning today, it was my day off you know. I found something that belongs to you." She looked at him, wondering if he realized what was about to happen.
     "Really, what?" Jacob said without a worry. She walked back into the bedroom, and he followed. She opened the door under the water bed,. Picked up  the plastic bag and threw it into his arms
     "This" She said
     " Oh... I can explain...................it's not mine. "Jacob said, wondering if she would believe anything he had to say.
     "Yeah..right. And I'm the tooth fairy. .....I should have seen this coming. A job, where you traveled... Home at strange hours... The messages on our answering machine.....The money to buy you the  sports car... Oh, my God, how could I have been so blind. I trusted you. You promised this would stop." Abby said, she looked at him wondering if he would ever change.
     " You don't  understand. I'm not doing cocaine. I'm dealing. Cocaine is a thriving business. I'm careful. I only take so much for myself. I've made alot of money.  It's safe. I'm very careful."
     " VERY CAREFUL! Are you crazy?  We have Nathan, the house, everything .;..We could lose everything...Don't you see that. If they arrest you and search the house....We could lose Nathan. They would take him away." She said putting the stuff back under the bed. And walking back to the living room, so as not to wake Nathan in the next room..
     "That won't happen. I said I'm very careful. I don't deal out of the house."
     "Ever?" She said, doubting.
     "Well, only to close friends. But I know them, it's okay. "He said
     :"Yeah, okay that should be easy to explain to the cops...Well, he only sold to really close friends.. "Abby said sarcastically, Sitting down on the couch.
      "Abby, what is the problem? " He said really not understanding.
     "The problem Is.I don't want to lose my son.. not for you, not for anyone. You get that crap out of our house or I will get out, and I'll take Nathan with me." She said in a voice that could wake the dead.
     "You're not leaving me....we went through this before. I will kill you, and him, before you ever reach the door." Jacob said, he looked her square in the eyes to show her he was not kidding.
     "You wouldn't do that. I'm only trying to protect him.". She said, scared.
     "Just watch me. " Jacob started to get up from the couch. Abby grabbed him and pulled him down on the couch. She grabbed his jugular and hung on for Nathan's life. She didn't let go. Jacob....couldn't breathe. He tried to pry her hand from his throat but couldn't. He looked
at her and saw she was determined. Before he realized what was happening, he started to beat her. Pounding her face over and over  and over again. When that didn't work, he moved to her chest and stomach. Constantly pounding away. Finally he stopped. He looked at her all bloody and still. He sat there for a few minutes not knowing what to do. Just looking at her. Finally, he got up and went to the kitchen to call Tony, his best friend, he would know what to do.
     "Tony ..Thank God, Are you busy? Oh......... Can you come over? I need your help, it's Abby...I think I killed her.."
 

                                                        Chapter 2
 

     Abby awoke on the floor everything hurt. But she didn't move...she didn't even try to open an eye. She heard him in the next room.
     "Tony, Thank god, Are you busy? Oh.... Can you come over? I need your help it's Abby... I think I killed her..........Yea.....okay......I will. ......thanks."  She could hear him walking back into the room. She stayed still, tried not to breath.
      A bout 5 minutes passed and there was a knock on the door. When Jacob went to answer it, Abby sat up. Jacob opened the door and there stood Tony, He looked at Jacob and then, behind him at  Abby on the floor., All battered and beaten. He threw Jacob against the wall, so quickly, you couldn't even bat an eye.
     "Are you proud of yourself? Can you only beat defenseless women? God Damn it Jacob, What is the matter with you.?" Tony said holding Jacob in a lock with his arm against the wall.
    Abby watched and didn't say a word. Dawn, Tony's girlfriend came in behind him. Took a look at Abby and ran to her side.
      "Are you okay?" Dawn said,helping Abby off of the floor.
     "I'm sure I looks worse than it is." Not sure what to say, she'd only met Dawn a couple of times through Jacob and Tony.
     "Can I get you something...a drink...ice?" Dawn was trying to be helpful but didn't know how to handle the situation.
     "Um...No thanks...I'm okay. " Abby said Just then Nathan started to cry in his room.
Abby went to him. Trying not to show the pain she was in.Thankin God he was  too young to see her . She picked him up out of the crib . Turned around and there was Dawn. Standing  in the doorway.
    Abby held Nathan and sat on the floor. She told Dawn what had happened. How she Wanted to leave. How she Had wanted to leave for a long time. This was not the first beating she had gotten, but she wanted it to be her last.
     "He promised when we moved back here, he would stop. But he didn't . Not the Drugs.. not the Booze.. not the Beatings. I can live this way till I die...Maybe I deserve it. But My son doesn't. He's never done anything. I won't let him live this way. But I have no where to go.There's no way out." Abby said, really talking to herself..but out loud.
     "You can stay with me?" Dawn said. She had no idea of the impact that sentence had on Abby's soul.
     "Really? You mean it? What about Jacob? He'll be mad." Abby said, wondering if Dawn knew what she was in for.
     "Really, I just got my own place a few weeks ago. I've been staying with my mom & dad since I left my husband. He used to beat me too. I've been where you are. You and Nathan are welcome in my house. And as Far as Jacob.... Well, We've been friends a long time and if he doesn't like it -- that's tough. Don't worry, I can handle Jacob." Dawn said with a smile.
    "Okay, I'd really appreciate it. We won't stay long I swear. We'll get our own place as soon as I can save some money. I have a good job and it shouldn't take long." Abby said , already starting to put Nathan's things in his diaper bag.
     "Well, just so you know, all I have is a rocking chair , a table and  2 chairs, and a bed. Everything else will take time. I'm recovering too."Dawn said hoping Abby knew what to expect.
     "Oh, that's okay. We don't need much. Thank You. Really. Thank you." Abby said touching Dawn's shoulder. Abby wondered if Dawn really knew how grateful she was.
     They left the baby's room and went to the front door. There stood Tony and Jacob still talking. Tony had let go of Jacob, but was still standing guard.
     "I'm leaving and going to Dawn's house . I won't be back, so pack my things, and the baby's. Don't come over...I won't see you. Don't call...I won't talk. Leave a message to say when you won't be home so I can come and pickup my things." Abby said without even looking at him. Any feeling she had ever had for him died the moment he threatened her son.
     "I told you , you weren't ever going to leave me..." Jacob said reaching for her. Tony, stood between them and grabbed Jacob's arm.
     "She can go anywhere she wants. If you want to stop her you will have to go through me, Jacob ."
     Jacob stopped and looked at Tony. He could see he was serious. So he let her pass through the doorway...out of his reach.

                                                   Chapter 3

     It was 4 am by the time Abby reached her new temporary home. Dawn unlocked the door.
Carrying Nathan, he was asleep on her shoulder. She entered the humble duplex. He was amazed to see how empty it was. There was a chair in the living room with a stereo .
In the kitchen was a small table with 2 chairs. The one bedroom had a huge king size waterbed. The second bedroom had a twin. With a dresser.
     "You can sleep on my bed with Nathan. I'll take the twin. My daughter is visiting her dad this weekend. You'll like her . Her Name is Stephanie. "
    Abby looked around the apartment.She was so tired she couldn't think. She shook her head yes. She turned around and looked at Dawn.
      "Thank you...you saved our lives tonight." Abby said sincerely.
     "Hey, no thanks, till you see my bill!!" Dawn said trying to put Abby at ease.
     "I'm going to put him in bed now. If you don't mind. I think I'll try to sleep too, if that's okay? I'm really tired." Abby said, trying not to think of the pain in her head and ribs.
     "Good idea. Put him down. But you might want to wash up first. No offense..but you look pretty bad. You should take care of those bruises." Dawn said, trying not to be too personal. But Abby really looked hurt and Dawn just wanted to know that She wasn't going to die on her, in her sleep.
     "Oh, Yea, I guess you're right.Thanks. okay." Abby said.
     Abby put Nathan in the center of the king sized waterbed and went to the bathroom.
She looked in the mirror and was surprised to see the reflection.She hardly recognized herself. Swollen and bloody, her  left eye wasn't even open. Her face was already starting to turn colors. She had a broken tooth. Broken nose. Even her ear was purple. She was amazed. It really didn't hurt as bad as it looked.Her chest hurt, probably a cracked rib. Then she realized ..She couldn't work like this...How was she going to get money. She had a son. She had to feed. She started to cry. She cried so hard she could hardly breathe.
     Then there was a knock on the bathroom door. Abby jumped She was so on edge any noise would have made her jump.
   "Are you okay, Abby?" It was Dawn.
     "Yeah. I'm fine I'll be out in a second." Abby said washing the blood and water from her face. She washed up and opened the door. There sat Dawn, in the rocking chair. Looking at her.
     "Do you want to go to the hospital?" Dawn said.
   "No, really I'm fine. Nothing I haven't had before. You should sleep it's late...Or should I say early?" Abby said trying to make light of the situation, so uncomfortable being with a someone she barely knew and having her save her life...literally.
     "Oh, tomorrow's my day off . Don't worry about me. You get some sleep. We'll deal with tomorrow ...tomorrow. Okay? Really, Abby, you're going to be okay."
     "I know I am now thanks to you. But I can't go to work looking like this. What am I going to do?" Abby said, hoping Dawn had a answer.
     "Well, then, you'll have take a few days off. One look at you... I'm sure they will understand."Dawn says grinning.
    "I'm sure they will. But I only have a few dollars with me. I'm sure Jacob won't give me money. I need to feed Nathan, Diapers...things." Abby says she's on the edge of crying again, but stops herself. She has never cried in front of people, she's not going to start now.
     "Well, I'm sure we will find a way. Y ou work. I work. I'll loan you money until you can get back to work. Okay.? Okay it's settled then. Go to bed." Dawn said with such decision Abby didn't have time to think let alone argue.
     "Okay. .....See you in the morning?" Abby said. looking back at Her new found friend one more time.
      "I'll be here. ..Call if you need anything." Dawn said as Abby shut the door to the bedroom.
      Abby laid down on the bed, careful not to wake Nathan, She looked at him in the pale light. He was sleeping so peacefully.She was amazed at how resilient he was . She laid her head on the pillow, and fell asleep before the pillow sank from the weight of her head.
 

                                                       Chapter 4

     When Abby awoke the next morning it was like a freight train had hit her in her sleep. Everything on her hurt. Her head her face, her body. Even her feet hurt. When she finally opened her eyes, after minutes of excruciating pain. She looked next to her where she had left Nathan, and he was gone!
    She jumped up forgetting about the pain she was in flung open the door to the bedroom. There in the living room was Nathan playing on the floor with a rag and a stick. She looked up . Dawn was sitting in the rocking chair listening to the radio and watching Nathan play.
     "Well, good morning sleepy head. Or should I say good afternoon. It's almost 1:00pm.
I tried to keep him quiet. I thought you could use the rest. " Dawn said innocently.
      "Oh, Wow, it's that late. Thanks for letting me sleep. And for watching Nathan. Is he okay? " Abby said with great concern.
    "Oh, sure he's fine. I don't really have any toys. Stephanie's 12 years old. But the rag and stick seem to be doing wonders. How are you this morning?" Dawn really was concerned about her new found friend.
     "I'm fine. I have to call work. Go in and see the desk manger. I hope she can understand.
Do you have coffee? I could really use some coffee." Abby said, not sure if she should get it herself or not. She wasn't a guest, but she wasn't a friend either.
     "Yeah, lots of coffee. It's in the cupboard over the coffee machine. Help yourself. I'll watch Nathan while you run to work , if you want." Dawn said trying to make her feel welcome.
    "Oh, great thanks. I'll make some. Would you like a cup.? Um... I think I'll take Nathan with me thought to work I mean.. Thanks anyway though."Abby says stammering. She didn't want to leave Nathan anywhere, with any one..
    "Okay. Listen I'm going to the grocery store. What would you like, besides baby food and diapers?"
     "Dawn not to be trouble or anything, but could you wait til I get back? I would like to go with you." Abby said trying not to be a burden. But She Wanted them to start to do things together, it would help her get to know her new room mate.
     "Sure not a problem. When you get back then. Um.....Jacob called this morning. I told him you were sleeping." Dawn said  looking at Nathan play with his rag.
    "Oh,What did he say?" Abby asked, not that she didn't know. He had apologized so many times before, she had it memorized.
     "He said,that he was sorry. He didn't mean to hurt you . He just didn't know how else to deal with you. He said it was self defense. That you were trying to strangle him. He said he would call back later." Dawn sat there quietly. She didn't dare comment.
     "I was not trying to strangle him. I was just trying to keep him away from Nathan . He threatened him. He was going to hurt him I know he was. I had to stop him. I'm not sorry
I'd do it again." Abby says, Half to Dawn and half to herself.
     "Listen, you don't have to explain anything to me. I know how it is.He may think it's your fault. But it's not. It never was. No matter what you did,or what your said. Some men just don't get it.Look, I'm not an expert and I don't want to interfere. I will abide by what ever you want. You decide. To talk or not to talk ...to see or not to see... I am only here to help you.
If you want to include me in this, it's up to you. I will keep him away...if that's what you want. I will let him in...if that's what you want...You run the show hon, It's YOUR life, not mine."
     "I want to keep him away. I don't want to talk to him. I don't want to see him. If he asks
when I will- tell him to ask again after the bruises are gone. Until then, leave me alone!!!!!"
    Abby went into the kitchen and made coffee. Had two cups and then took a shower.
She cleaned and dressed Nathan. Put him in the car, and left for work.
     She walked in the front door of the office. She was met by her supervisor, Ellen.
One look at Abby's face and Ellen's face changed.
     "Listen, I can't work for awhile. I can't have people coming in seeing me like this. Can I have a few days off? I have sick days accrued? I promise I'll makeup anything you want."
Abby was so afraid she would be fired on the spot.
    Ellen calmly said, "Abby. You can have as many days off as you need. I won't dock your pay. Call me when you can come back to work. For now let's just say a week? Okay?
    "Okay a week. That should do it. Ellen, I'm so sorry.."Abby said sincerely.
     "For what? Getting your face smashed in ? Like you did it on purpose. Did you leave him this time, Abby?" Ellen said, wondering if she would admit it was her husband this time.
     "Um...yea I did. I'm staying with a..friend. My new number is 555-7895. You can reach me there. Um, Ellen, if anyone comes looking for me...could you tell them I don't work here anymore? I know it's alot to ask but it would save the business alot of hassle,"
    "Sure. No problem. I'll pass the words on too, if that's okay.?"
    "Sure it's not like it's going to be a secret.." Abby left the office feeling better. Stronger. Independent, For the first time in a really long time

                                                  Chapter 5

     When Abby got back to Dawn's house, Nathan was asleep, so she put him in bed. Dawn was sitting in the kitchen at the table, writing.
     "Hi, Everything go ok?" Dawn asked Abby.
     "Yea, Ellen, my boss, was really great about it. She gave me a week off, with pay and everything. I told her to tell anyone who asked where I was, that I didn't work there anymore. So... could you not tell Jacob."Abby hated to ask her to lie, but she needed space to think.
     "Sure, whatever you want. But you know he's going to find out eventually."
     "I know I just need a little while...to figure out what I'm going to do." Abby said.
     "I went to your house...Jacob's house and picked up some things, for you and the baby. I figured you weren't ready to go yet Jacob packed some stuff . He wants you to call him."
Dawn said, wondering if she'd done the right thing.
      "Really? Thanks.I'm not ready for that yet.And I can't talk to him yet either".
      "It's okay. We'll take this one day at a time.Right now let's just get through today."
     The next few days Dawn and Abby spent alot of time talking. Finding out about each other.Their lives, their families. They seemed to talk nonstop.It was amazing how much they had in common. They even liked the same music. It was a good thing too, because Dawn was always playing her stereo.
     They talked about past loves. Abby even told her about Eric, the boy she loved and lost, when he moved away to college. She had wanted to marry him, but they lost touch and it wasn't to be..Dawn told Abby about her love for Tony. She had always been attracted to him
but their timing was always wrong. He was with someone, or she was. This was the first time they were both free at the same time, and they were finally growing to a new level. Dawn was excited about the chance. Abby was glad for her new friend.
     Dawn's daughter came home from her father's house, and was surprised to see roommates. She was great with Nathan. Carried him all the time. She had always wanted a baby brother and now she felt like she had one. Stephanie and nathan shared a room.
Nathan slept in a playpen, Dawn had brought from Jacob's house. Dawn and Abby had gone shopping at the Goodwill and had found a pull out couch. Abby slept on that. After just a week, Abby felt like it was her home too.
     Abby went back to work. Life seemed to be getting back to the way she always thought it should be. Jacob had called and asked to see Nathan. Abby said he could come over and see
him, but to bring Tony with him. It stayed that way for weeks. Jacob would come over. Play with Nathan and try to get Abby to go back home with him. He promised the stars and the moon. Abby was not going to be fooled again. She knew he would never change.
     Then, one night late. The phone rang. Dawn picked up the phone.
    "Hello. Yea..ok.. ok...just a minute." Dawn said in a voice that made Abby take notice.
     ""It's Jacob, he needs to talk to you. He's been arrested." Dawn said, surprised. Abby took the phone out of Dawn's hand.
     "Hello? Jacob... " there was a long pause. "Okay I will. .....I said okay...I'll be right there."
 Abby hung up the phone. Turned around and looked at Dawn. Shaking her head.
     "Jacob got arrested for trafficking cocaine. He's in jail. He wants me to go to the house and get the checkbook and bail him out. I said I would. Could you watch Nathan?" Abby said.
     "Yea, sure. Are you sure you want to do this? You haven't been alone with him yet.
This may be a good thing. Maybe scare him into going straight." Dawn said, everything saw spinning in her head, she didn't know what to say. Jacob was a friend she'd known him a long time. But Abby was her friend too. She wanted to do what was best for both.
    "I have to. He can't stay in jail, besides what would I tell Nathan when he grows up that I let his father rot in jail, when I could have gotten him out? I won't be alone with him. I'll pay the bond and leave. I won't even see him." Abby said grabbing her purse.
     "Okay. Then I'll wait up for you." Dawn said.
Abby went to the house. She hadn't been there since the night she left. She unlocked the door and stepped in. On the carpet of the living room floor was the blood stains,Jacob hadn't even tried to clean it.She stopped and looked at it for a few minutes. Felt the side of her face
An walked to the desk. Got the checkbook and left.
     She went to the police station. Paid his bail , left a note and the checkbook in an envelope for him to pick up on his way out. She didn't wait and she didn't look back. She had done what he asked so that was that.She got home and filled Dawn in. They went to bed.
     The next morning, Jacob called. He came over to see Nathan and explain to Abby what had happened. Dawn and Tony were there. Dawn opened the door.
    "Hi, Can I see Abby?  Abby, thank you for last night. Why didn't you stay and wait for me?" Jacob said walking in the door.
    "I did what you asked Jacob. I didn't need to see you. Besides you know the rules. I can't be alone with you.I'm glad you're not in jail anymore. Other than that I really don't have anything to say. You know it's over between us. The only thing we have in common is Nathan. You can see him. But not without me." Abby said determined to stick to her guns this time. She won't go back again not ever. Nathan needs a good home. Jacob would never give them that.
     "Abby. Listen, I know I messed up. I have alot of problem. But I'm not going to deal anymore. I'll get clean, no more drugs. I found a Group therapy thing for Men who beat their wives. I'm going to go. Will be take me back then? If I do it all Will you come back to me then?" Jacob said, practically begging, he couldn't stand the thought of losing her forever. Right now was just temporary, at least that's what he told himself.
     "Jacob, do all those things, and that's when I'll think about it. NOT before." Abby said.
Not even realizing she had just giving him hope. She never thought in a million years he would do it. She figured it was finally over. He would leave her alone. What she asked him to do....he would never do.
     "Okay. I will. You'll see Abby. I'll change." Jacob kissed Nathan on the head and tried to give Abby a kiss too. Abby ducked back so as not to be touched. Jacob stopped and stepped back. Turned and left.
 
                                                   Chapter 6

      Two days later there was a knock on the door. Abby opened it to see a policeman in a uniform. She got very nervous.
    "Can I help you? Abby asked
  "Hello I'm detective Morgan. Are you Abigail  Benson?"He asked.
     "Yes," she said
     "Detective Anderson and myself would like to ask you to come down town. We have some questions to ask you." He pointed to a man in his police car.
     "About what.?" Abby said wondering what she could possibly know that they would want to her.
     "About your husband, Jacob Benson." He said.
     "I don't know anything that could help you. I'm not even living with him anymore. I moved out a long time ago." Abby said trying to avoid having to go .
     "I realize that Mam,  but we would still like you to come." He said determined.
    "Yea, okay. Can I wait until my roommate gets home from work, so she can watch my son?"
     "That will be fine. When you get to the front desk just ask to see me." He handed her a business card with his name and phone number on it. He turned and left.
    Abby shut the door. Sat on the couch half scared to death. Dawn got home about 2 hours later. Abby told her what happened. She agreed to watch Nathan and Abby headed to the police station. She got to the front desk and asked for  Det. Morgan, The lady took her back to an office and told her to wait. Abby waited.Then, 2 men appeared at the door. One was Det. Morgan. The other she assumed was Det. Anderson.
     "Hello, Ms. Benson. Thank you for coming. This is Det. Anderson." Morgan said. Then he sat behind the desk . Det. Anderson stood beside him there. Both of them were just looking at her.
     "Your welcome. But I still don't understand what you think I can help you with." Abby said very uncomfortable.
     "Well, We just thought you might like to tell us who your husband gets his drugs from. See he's not being very cooperative. It would go easy on him I we could find his contacts."
Det, Morgan said.
     "I don't know. How would I know. I don't anything about it. I can't help you I'm sorry."
    "Ms. Benson, I would think you would want us to put your husband behind bars, after what he'd done to you. You would be much safer if he were in jail." Det. Anderson, finally spoke.
    "What do you mean. After what he did to me?" Abby asked
     "We were watching the night you left him. We'd had the house staked out for 2 weeks.
We watched him beating you.  We know what a danger he is to you ...and your son." Det. Anderson said matter of factly.
      "What?" Abby was shocked and angry. "You saw the whole thing? And you did nothing?
He could have killed me that night."
     "We  were only watching to gather drug data. We couldn't interfere. It would have blown our cover." Det. Morgan said trying to make her see.
    "Oh, well, then that makes it okay. I wouldn't want you to stop a murder. When you could stop a cocaine dealer. You people are crazy.!! You think I'm going to help you now, even if I could?!!" She was yelling and she didn't even notice. "Look! I don't know anything,  or anybody. I don't know anything about it, I found that stupid shit  the night I left. I told him to get rid of it..that's what the fight was about. If  you want information, you're asking the wrong person. "
     "Ms. Benson, you could be charged too. The house is in your name too. Are you sure you won't cooperate with us?" Det. Anderson said trying a scare tactic.
    "Oh, don't give me that crap. I haven't lived there in weeks, months. I have witnesses.
Change of address, you name it. You couldn't  stick a a lollipop on me. Try to and I swear I will make the biggest headline YOU ever saw. Are we through? " Abby said getting out of the chair and picking up her purse.
     "Yes, Ms. Benson, for now. But you will let us know if you decide to help ...won't you?
Det. Morgan said shaking his head. He knew he had made a mistake bringing her in.
     "Oh, of course, you'd be the first ones I'd call if ever I needed a cop. Good day gentlemen." Abby left. She didn't know if she was more angry or scared. She was still shaking when she got home. She filled Dawn in on everything. Dawn was shocked to find out They were there that night. She was proud of Abby for sticking up for herself. She just hoped it wouldn't come back to haunt her.

                                                             Chapter 7

      A couple of weeks went by and Abby hadn't heard from the police again. She was relieved.She was so happy everything was going to work out. Jacob had stopped bugging her about going back to him. She had even talked him into giving her the washer and dryer. He was dropping it off While she was at work. So she picked up Nathan from the sitter and headed home. When she got there Jacob was still there in the utility room trying to hook up the dryer. He seemed angry. He  was mumbling to himself. Abby ignored him and walked into the house. Dawn was in the kitchen, starting dinner.
     "What's the matter with Jacob?" Abby asked figuring Dawn would probably know.
    "He's all upset, cause you got a phone call from some guy and her answered the phone."
Dawn said. Turning around.
    "What's he doing answering our phone? And What  guy ? Mike?" Abby asked Mike was a guy from work . He wanted to date her but it was too soon. But he Kept asking.
      "Well, I was in the bathroom when it rang. So Jacob answered it for me. No,it wasn't Mike...Some guy named Eric." Dawn said.
     "Eric...Eric, I don't know any Eric. Are you sure you got the name right?" Abby asked scanning her brain.
     "Yeah, wait, I wrote it down." Dawn said, she goes to the phone and picks up a piece of  paper  by it. "See, Eric Willis."
      Abby almost drops Nathan, standing there with her mouth open. She takes the piece of paper and looks at it. Then looks at Dawn.
     "Oh, Abby, you're kidding, this Eric, he's not the Eric you told me about is he?" Dawn said with a shock.
     "Yeah, it is. Wow, I haven't seen or heard from him in 4 years. We didn't exactly part on friendly terms.You know, I told you. He wanted me to move and when I wouldn't he just left.
I haven't talked to him since. I wonder what her wants. How did he find me?" Abby had so many questions. But she knew Dawn wasn't the one to ask.
     "Wow, does Jacob know about you and Eric?"Dawn asked, shoving Abby back into the present.
    "Yea, he does, of course he does. " Abby answered.
    "No wonder he's pissed. " Dawn summarized.
     "Well, it's none of his business anymore. I filed for divorce. He should know it's over.
For goodness sakes, it's been months. Besides, I haven't even seen Eric, it's not my fault he called." Abby said defending herself.
     "I know. But Jacob is....well......Jacob." Dawn said
    "Oh, who cares. I'll talk to him. Try to calm him down. There's no reason for him to be upset. Even if he HAD a right to." Abby said handing the baby to Dawn. She went outside to talk to Jacob. He was sitting on the lawn. Talking to himself and crying.
     "Jacob. I have to talk to you." Abby said without feeling.
    "I'm going to lose you aren't I? It's not right . You said if I did everything you asked you would come back to me. Abby, I've worked very hard. I'm much better now. I don't get angry like I used to. I've changed. I stopped dealing and I stopped the drugs. You said you would come home." Jacob said looking at her.
     "Actually What I said was, Before I would even consider going back to you, you had to do these things. You've done well, Jacob. I'm proud of you. But I don't love you anymore. It's too late for us. It's been too late for a long time. As far as losing me....You did that a long time ago, you just refused to see it." Abby said trying not to hurt him, just to make him see.
     " That's not true. We could work it out. You could learn to love me again. Unless you're seeing someone else. Are You? Are you seeing Eric, behind my Back?" Jacob said, turning from sad to angry.
     "Jacob, I'm not seeing Eric , or anyone else for that matter, not that it's any of your business anymore. I haven't seen Eric in 4 years. Why he called --I don't know . But it has nothing to do with you." Abby said defending herself.
     "Abby, I love you. I want our family back. Can't we work it out?" Jacob said, trying to stay calm.
    "No Jacob, we can't. I've already filed for divorce, the papers should reach you in a couple of days. I won't stop you from seeing Nathan . You are his father and as long as you respect that I am his mother, we won't have any problems.I'm sorry but ...You have to understand. It really is over." Abby said backing up. She was still scared of him.Even if she wouldn't let it show, to do that could give him the upper hand.
     "I won't fight it. I understand. But you'll see before it's final..you'll change your mind. Abby no one in the world can love you like I love you." Jacob said taking pride in that.
     "Jacob, I don't want to be loved the way you love me. It could kill me. Goodnight Jacob."
Abby turned around and went back into the house, and shut the door.
    Jacob sat on the lawn for a few minutes. Then finally got up and left.
    Abby told Dawn everything. She was so relieved to have it over. Plus they got the Washer and Dryer, no more Laundromats!!!!
    Abby looked at Dawn and said,
     "I wonder how Eric found me. Everything is in your name. I married, my last name is different. Only my family and work knows where I am. My family wouldn't tell him, not without telling me. Work doesn't give out home phone or addresses. I don't get it." Abby said puzzled.
     "I don't know. You should ask him when he calls back. He said he would call tomorrow at 6:00. What are you going to say to him?" Dawn asked.
     "I guess I'll see what he wants. Things may not have worked out for us, but if he needed a friend I would always be there for him. God, It's been so long. There have been so many times I would think about how my life would have been, if I'd married him, instead of Jacob.
Dawn we were always so happy together. But that's the past. I am here in the present. So, I'll just have to wait and see.
 

                                                        Chapter 8

     Abby started pacing the floor around 4:00. She decided to relax with a glass of wine. Before she knew it  she drank almost the whole bottle and was feeling kind of tipsy.When 6:00 came She was much more relaxed. When the phone rang she walked over to it and let it ring 2 more times...just cause she could. Then, she answered it.
     "Hello," Abby said nonchalantly.
    "Hello, may I speak with Abby please?" It was Eric, she recognized his voice right away.
     "Speaking." Abby said
     "Abby, Hi It's Eric."  he said
     "Oh Hi! How are you?" She asked trying to remain calm.
     "I'm good how are you?
      "I'm fine. So what have you been doing ?" Abby wondered if he could her her nervousness through the phone.
     "Well, I graduated from College. I have a job now working in Tampa, as a private investigator. I  go home on weekends, since it's so close . What have you been doing.?"
Eric asked.
     "In the last 4 years, hmm, lets see. I graduated college. Got a job, moved to Miami,
got married, had a baby, moved back here. Got divorced. Not much. " Abby said trying to be flip.She hadn't realized til just this moment how angry she was at him for leaving her.
     "Wow, You have been busy. You sound good. Listen, I'm coming back to town tomorrow.
Would you like to get together?" Eric asked
     "Why?" Abby said
     "Oh, I don't know, to catch up. It's been such a long time, I really would like to see you."
Eric said, hopeful.
     " Well, hang on a sec". She held the phone and motioned Dawn to come out of her room
     "He wants to meet me tomorrow, can you watch Nathan for me?" Abby asked Dawn
     "Sure anytime, I don't have any plans....one condition though, you have to tell me ALL about it Okay.?" Dawn said with a smile. She was glad to see her friend so excited.
     "Of course I will. You Goose." Abby said nudging Dawn with her elbow.
Abby got back on the phone.
      "Sure I guess I can, When?
      "1:00 okay?"
      "Sure. Where?"
     "Um, Sam's, by the beach?" Eric knew that Sam's held a spot in both there hearts. He was hoping she couldn't turn him down.
     "Sam's.......okay sure. They have great buffalo Wings, and their Margarita's are to die for."
Abby said trying to cover the fact he had just reached into her heart and pulled a string.
     "I know. Great! I'll see you tomorrow. Anything I should know, I mean do you look different or anything?" Eric asked trying to stay on the phone just a little bit longer.
    "If you mean, have I gained about 50 lbs and dyed my hair coal black. " Abby giggled
    "Yea, have you?" Eric laughed. He loved her sense of humor.
    "No, I look pretty much the way I did 4 years ago. Nothing drastic. I think you'll recognize me. How about you?" She asked with a picture in her head.
    "No pretty much the same. Skinny and knock-kneed." Eric answered trying to keep up.
    "Okay then, see you tomorrow. " Abby said.
    "Okay. Bye Abby." Eric said.
Abby hung up the phone and nearly jumped out of her skin. She turned around and looked at Dawn.
     "I'm going to meet him tomorrow. At Sam's. It's a place we used to always hang out at. So many memories there." Abby said with stars in her eyes.
     "That is so great. Did he tell you how he found you?" Dawn asked trying to be practical.
     "No, I forgot to ask. He's a private investigator, in Tampa. It's only a short drive. This is so cool." Abby said excited.
     "A P.I..Wow how exciting. I guess that's how he found you."
    " Oh, My GOD What if he's working for the police, just to get information about Jacob and that drug thing? What if he's using me.?"  Abby said as she said it  she looked as if her world was caving in.
     "That's kind of a stretch, don't you think?" Dawn said
     "Well, he could be. You don't know how they work. Between the cops and the drug dealers anything's possible. You haven't been in that world. When I was in Miami with Jacob , I saw things and heard things that would make your skin crawl." Abby said thinking back to that awful time in her life. Trusting was something she learned to live without.
     "Abby, You know Eric, would he do something like that.?" Dawn asked
      "Not the Eric I knew. But it's been 4 years. People change. Look at me I'm surely not the same woman I was back then." Abby said
     "Abby, Why don't you just wait to see what he has to say be for you go jumping to conclusions. Maybe he just wants to see you again. To see how you are. "
    "Dawn. What if he comes back, only to leave me again. I'm going through too much stuff right now on my own. I'm not sure I can do this. Maybe I just won't go."Abby said, disappointed in herself.
    "Abby, don't be silly. You're a strong woman look at everything you've been through in your life. You're stronger now than you've ever been. Just have a little faith. Maybe things do work out for the best." Dawn was trying to be supportive, Abby knew she would go. She couldn't not go. She had to know what he wanted. Even if it was bad.
    "You're right I have to go. I can do this. It's just a guy. A guy I haven't seen for 4 years, and he wants to catch up on things. That's all.No big deal."
     "So what are you gonna do when you see him again?" Dawn asked wanting to know.
    "I'm not sure yet, I'll either hug him, or slap him square in the face for leaving me 4 years ago. Abby said with determination in her voice.

                                                     Chapter 9

      It was a bright day out . The sun was hot, but the breeze from the water was cooling.
Abby walked up on the balcony, next to the bar area. Looked out toward the ocean, and there...with his back to her stood Eric. He didn't see her come in. So she stopped the waitress and ordered a margarita. When she turned around she almost bumped into a man, she looked at his face and it was Eric smiling at her.
    "Hi stranger, how about a hug." Eric said with his hands stretched out.
    "Hi" Abby said just standing there looking at him. "Sure" She said and gave him a quick hug. It felt odd, but familiar.
      "Well, lets have a seat out on the balcony, if that's okay." Eric said waving his arm for her to proceed.
    "Sure okay. I ordered a drink. But I didn't order you one. Would you like one?" Abby said not sure what to say.
    "Sure I'll have a Coors light" Eric said as they sat down at a table. Abby was so nervous.
They started making small talk about the weather the ocean, how much Sam's Place had changed. The way they looked Abby drank her drink and ordered another one. She was starting to get a headache so she started to rub her neck.
    "What's the matter with your neck?" Eric asked.
    "Nothing I get headaches sometimes when I get cold or stressed. It's from a pinched  nerve in my neck. It's nothing." Abby said
     "How did you get a pinched nerve?" Eric asked really wanting to know.
     "Well, I'm not sure, It was either the throw down the stairs, or the throw over the couch onto the coffee table that did it. I never was quite sure." Abby said without really even thinking about what she had just said.
     "What !!!Who did that?" Eric said shocked.
     "Oh.., my soon to be ex husband. His name is Jacob. It's a really long story." Abby said she was more concerned about the present now more than the past.
     "Oh, God Abby. I'm sorry." Eric said putting his hand on her neck.
    "What are you sorry for? You didn't do it. It was my stupid mistake marrying the guy. Not yours." Abby didn't get why he would apologize.
     "Yea, but if it weren't for me....." Eric started
Abby jumped in, "leaving me. Hey, look we all make decisions in our life. Some are good, some are bad. But We make those decisions on what we know now today. Not on things we don't know yet. We do the best we can with what we have.The last time you left, I fell apart. I thought there was something wrong with me, I went on a self destruct mode , you wouldn't believe. But I'm over that now. Don't regret...it makes no sense." Abby said trying to put his guilty conscience to rest.
     "Yea, I know. But still the thought of anyone hurting you. It kills me." Eric said sincerely.
     "Well, I'm a big girl now and I can take take of myself. I don't need anyone's help. Look Eric. I don't know why you're here, now. But if it has anything to do with Jacob. I don't know anything. "Abby looked at him. She felt it was time to de direct.
       "JACOB! Why would it have anything to do with him?" Eric was in complete bewilderment.
     "Because you're a PI. and The cops want to know Jacob's drug buddies and they think I know. Is that why you're here?" ABby looked directly at him to see his eyes, he had never lied to her and she knew she could tell if he was.
     "No Abby, your ex-husband has nothing to do with why I found you. "
    "Good. By the way, How did you find me anyway?" Abby asked,
     "Well, I called your mother and said I was from the High School reunion committee. And She gave me your number and told me you were using your maiden name again. So I knew you were single and I had a number to call, so I called." Eric said.
     "That's pretty sneaky, do you do that allot in your line of work?" Abby asked
     "Well, quite abit actually. You'd be surprised how often it works when your looking for someone who doesn't want to be found." Eric said with pride.
      "Well, now I know the how. What about the Why." Abby said
     "Why, because I wanted to see you again. I had always felt bad about the way it ended with us. I thought since you weren't willing to move for me, you didn't love me. But Lately I have been wondering if I was wrong. Really all I wanted to do was find you and see that you were happy and okay..................... And to tell you that I love you. I've always loved you. I never stopped. I wanted to see if maybe we could ...have another chance." Eric said looking down, he was afraid of the answer. He knew he didn't deserve another chance.
     "Look, Eric if you're just here to mess with my head again and then just leave , like you did before. Please just leave now..  I have too much stuff to deal with in my life right now to have add you to my plate." Abby said scared that he would actually leave.
     "No Abby, I'm not here To 'mess with your head' Honest. I really want to try again. I've missed you so much, for so many years. If you'll give me a chance......If you give us a chance I know this time we could make it."
     "Eric, this is too much. I can't handle this right now. I'm just starting to walk on my own. I can't start to depend on you being here, only to watch you leave." Abby said afraid to say yes.
    "Abby, I swear. I won't leave. Not Ever ! Atleast not Until the day you tell me to go.You can trust me. Really. " Eric said and with that, he leaned over and kissed her. It had been a long time since he had kissed her. She felt warm and safe. Passion she thought that was long since dead came alive again. She kissed him back.
    "Eric..... I have more than myself now, there's Nathan. It's been a long time for us. So many things are different. But if you're seriuos.. We can try . But you're going to have to be patient. Trusting is not a thing I do easily anymore. You're going to have to earn it." Abby said with a smile. Comfortable with the decision she'd made.
     "That's okay...We have all the time in the world. How about I start earning it tonight..How about dinner?" Eric said
     ""Okay, Dinner" Abby said. For the first time in a long time she felt happy.
    She left him at the Restaurant , on the drive home she thought about her life. The twists and turns it had taken The learning experiences. The full circle her life had turned into. The roads to the rest of her life were her decisions to make . This time, the decisions would be right. . Maybe, everything truly did happen for a reason. Now She could begin again. Only this time...........
                             She just might be happy..
 

                                                        THE END.
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