“Hey babe, what do you think about this bed?” I asked.

“You really want a bed from goodwill?” he muttered.

“Well we need one and we have no money for a better one.”

“Fine, here’s the money I’ll be out in the car.” He passes me the money and walks out.

I kneeled down to pick Aubrey up.

“Mommy, are we going home soon.”

“Yes honey. I just have to buy this bed.”

I walked over to the cashier and told her I wanted that bed, as I pointed in the direction in which it was. She hurried to it and scanned it then walked back over to us. “$432.35, please.” I handed her the cash Josh had given to me. We went out to the van and I put Aubrey into her booster seat.

“I am going to need help with that mattress when we get back to the apartment.” I demanded

“You always insist on me doing everything for you and I’m getting sick and tired of it. I’m busy later anyways. Peter is coming over for a beer, and don’t you ever demand anything of me ever again.” Josh reached over and slapped me across the face. “You are so worthless. I don’t even know why I stay.” Josh pushed on the gas and we started home. I put my hand on my cheek and I tried to hold back the tears, for Aubrey.

We pulled up into the apartment parking lot and parked in the same spot we always did. I ran out to the other side of the car and got Aubrey out. “Hey honey I’m going to call your best friend Kelly and see if you can go over there for a little while how does that sound?”

“Yeah, we can play dolls.” She said bouncing up and down.

“Okay.” I laughed and pulled out my cell phone. “Hey Janet, yeah it’s Jessica. Yeah, I was wondering if Aubrey can come over. Peter is coming over to have a beer with Josh and I thought it would be best for Aubrey to get out of the house. Thank you so much, oh no I’ll be fine at the house, I have stuff to do anyways. Yes I’m sure. Thank you so much.” I hung up the phone. “She is on her way big girl.” I went inside and asked Josh if he could help me with the mattress before Peter gets here. He opened a beer. “You got it, babe. I know you do.” I went outside thinking Janet was here, but when I ran out the door it was just Peter. He wore a wife beater shirt and brought some of his own beer with. His face was dirty like he had been working on a car. His eyes were tired and he needed a shave. He and Josh were the same, but at least Peter didn’t have a girl to beat on.

“Hey Peter, josh is inside.”
“Thanks.” He hurried up and went in the apartment.
“Aubrey, go inside and get your stuff while I make the boys something to eat. Pack some clothes and as much toys as you can, okay?”
“Yes mommy.” She ran inside as fast as she could.
I went inside to prepare a snack while the football game started. Josh wasn’t paying any attention to anyone but Peter and the T.V. another car pulled up. Janet was here. My intention was to send Aubrey away for a few hours but I’m not sure if I can stand putting her through this. I need to make a decision. I went back outside to greet my good friend.
“Hey Jessica, where’s Aubrey?” Janet asked as she got out of her minivan.
“Upstairs packing.” I said softly.
“Packing? Jessica I thought Aubrey was only coming over for a couple hours?”
“I have to talk to you. I understand if you don’t want to do what im about to ask you but I need your help. Do you remember when you commented about all those bruises last week?”
“Yeah, you said you fell..” Janet paused.
“I can’t take Aubrey seeing what Josh does. She may not know but she is beginning to understand more and more each time something happens. She sees me lie to you and other people about how I got bruises or marks all over me. I just need a place to stay for a bit while I get a job. Josh has some money stashed in a couple places. I could grab some so I can find a place faster. You are my only hope. If I call the police I can get in trouble for helping josh sell drugs and steal. I keep thinking that if Aubrey doesn’t listen to him, I won’t be the only one getting hurt.”
“Jessica, you are my best friend. It would be fine if you stay with me and tom. Go get Aubrey and we can leave now.”
“Thank you so much. I’m going to finish preparing a plate of cheese and crackers for Josh and Peter so that they won’t notice we are gone. Josh doesn’t know you are taking Aubrey so this will be safe. I will grab the money and write a small letter. I will send Aubrey out.”
“Okay. Hurry”
I ran inside and told Aubrey to head out. I gave the plate to the boys and got some cold beers. The spot where all the money was hidden and I emptied it. Then I wrote.
Josh,
You have hurt me enough, and I can’t risk you doing it to Aubrey. We are leaving. I’m taking a bus south. I’m thinking about going to Texas. Don’t follow me. I took the money you put away. you owe me at least that. Like I said don’t follow me, and I can demands anything I want. Besides I’m worthless to you. Now you don’t have to hate or regret staying with me because I’m gone.











Goodbye,
Jessica.

I grabbed my purse and stuffed the money and some other personal items that I didn’t want to leave behind inside.

“Hey, babe I’m going to run to the store to get some more food and beer. I saw peter only brought a six pack and I know you guys’ usually drink a 12. I’ll be back real quick.” I said

“Yeah, Yeah. Hurry up b****.”

“I will” I walked away and smiled. I know I’m safe and for once the fresh air outside made me feel free.

“Oh, and babe.. Don’t do anything stupid. The police won’t listen to you after the things I tell them.” He laughs a little. I continue to walk outside. I grab some toys Aubrey left on the porch and got into the van.