Continuing the cycles

It must be love

-Autumn-
January 25th
2023
Present

"Ouch" I quivered as Anika put rubbing alcohol on my cut

"I'm sorry honey I don't want it to get infected" She paused

"I thought you said he's never put his hands on you?"

"He never did until I left I was hitting him because I was so mad and he hit me back-"

"I should've expected this" I sighed

"I've never been in a good relationship before and I was raised in a house hold to just smile and tell no one about what goes on at home what happens in this house stays in this house and I've kept these secrets for so long it's like it's natural for me to hid these things I never told anyone how he treated me and I never told anyone about how Lucas treated me because of how I grew up in that hostile space" I explained

"I completely understand but telling people is what gets you out of those situations" Anika said

"I know but it's just hard for people to even understand what's going on with me cause hell I barely even know" She finished cleaning me up

"I just can't believe he put his hands on you" She sighed

"Hey Aunty" 13 year old Jaylene walked up to me

"Hey baby" she kissed my cheek and gave me a tight hug

"I love you Aunty remember that" She said and walked off Anika looked at me

"Armani probably told her what happened" She said

"I could've killed him and my kids would've been there" I whispered

"I know but you stood your ground" she paused

"And I'm proud of you" She smiled lightly

"Autumn what's his address?" Roman asked as he came into the living room he looked mad

"Roman it's not that serious-"

"What's his address" He interrupted me

I sighed in defeat

"His address is 2553 Woodland Park Drive."

"Ight thank you, imma take care of him." He said through gritted teeth

"Don't hurt him Roman, I still love him."

"How you still trying to protect him after he just beat yo ass, he did exactly what you've been running from this entire time." He said walking towards the door he scoffed and closed the door behind him

We were sitting in silence for about 5 minutes on the bed. She laid with me and held me as I cried until we both fell asleep.

"Anika, we fell asleep what time is it??" I said shaking her awake

"Shhhh let me sleep babe." She said pulling the blanket over her head

"Babe?" I thought to myself I brushed it off and got up to go check on the kids.