Our Love

Quinn

*TW* Description of Domestic Violence is below; read with caution.

I was rinsing my face in the bathroom when I heard Wade's voice. I was both comforted and made more nervous at the same time hearing it. I looked at my reflection, fighting back the tears again. I had spent so much time running and hiding, and here we were again. Police officers, statements, fear, and worry all because Rex Meadow thought he owned me.

I was thankful for the way that Carrie and Grant had helped in the situation. Carrie stood by my side, offering her support, and Grant felt like my hero. Showing up at the shop, escorting us back to Carrie's place, and never leaving our side. He was quiet, but I could feel the care when he spoke and every time he looked at me.

I made my way down the steps, listening to the three of them discuss how to handle my situation. I heard Carrie explaining how they would wait until I was down to talk with me, and I appreciated her kindness. I dreaded spilling my truth again, though; I especially felt sick at the idea of letting Wade know how damaged I was and the world that I came from.

As soon as I entered the room, they fell silent. Wade looked over at me, and his emerald eyes held so much concern as he took me in; I could feel it in my bones. These three people were sitting here, helping me, and the way they genuinely cared for me was overwhelming. I cleared my throat, trying to build up the nerve to discuss this again and in more detail. They deserved to know all the truth, to decide if I was worth the trouble perhaps.

"My ears were burning." I attempted a joke, though they all looked guilty. "I'm kidding; it's ok. Did the officers leave?" I asked Carrie as I sat on the loveseat across from the guys.

"They did. Are you okay?" She asked me with a weak smile.

"I am. You guys are wonderful; thank you for that." I clasped my hands together on my lap. "I should perhaps spill my guts, huh?" I chuckled nervously.

"You don't have to share anything you're uncomfortable sharing," Wade spoke up softly. I gave him a thankful smile.

"I want to apologize first for pulling you all into my drama. I've worked very hard to separate myself from all of that. I understand if you would rather distance yourselves from me after this." I paused.

"Stop, we're all friends now, and friends help each other through good and bad." Carrie hopped up and moved over to sit next to me.

"I told you that you're worthless! You think anyone else is going to want you?!"

He grabbed my arm, squeezing me as he pulled me toward him. His blonde hair was disheveled, and his blue eyes froze over in rage. I fought back the sobs threatening to escape, knowing that any sign of distress would anger him more.

"Now you're going to come back into the bedroom, and we're going to make-up like couples do, and in the morning, everything will be perfect again, you understand?"

I nodded as he held my face in his hand, squeezing with just enough pressure to be uncomfortable. This was the first of many attempts to leave before I finally made it out.

"I was in a very abusive relationship over a year ago. I...I'm embarrassed that I stayed so long, and I'm embarrassed that I found myself in that situation to begin with." I took a deep breath, staring at my hands. I could feel their gazes on me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet their eyes just yet.

"The last time." I began again. "The last time he nearly killed me, and when I recovered, I left. I took what little I had, and I left. I started out across the country, state to state, working at diners and things to get by to get as far away as possible. I altered my name, got a burner phone, and tried to lay low."

"When you say he nearly killed you, what did he do?" Grant asked quietly.

"Only if you want to tell us," Carrie added quickly, reaching over and taking one of my hands into hers and squeezing gently.

"Um, well. Ok. He came home before I was able to get out. I had a bag packed up and was heading out the door, literally. Rex is his name; he grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the house. I tried to fight him off, but he made sure to work out and keep fit. He was incredibly narcissistic, and I think he wanted to make sure he could always overpower me."

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm leaving, Rex. I can't do this. This has gone on too long. We're toxic. We just keep hurting each other, and I don't want to do this anymore." I squeaked out, trying to put on a brave front.

"You think you're going to find someone else to put up with your mouth? Someone else to put up with your pathetic excuse for cooking and just look at you; you're not exactly beautiful anymore."

"You did that to me! You ruined me. I don't need anyone else. I don't need you. I don't want you. I want to leave. Let me leave, Rex." I cried out.

He responded with the back of his hand across my face. The stinging feeling was nothing new to me. I was becoming numb to it, actually, which was exactly why I had to get out now.

"You're a worthless little whore like your Dad said, just doing whatever you want, thinking only of yourself. Is that what you want Margaret, to leave me? You were just going to sneak out while I was out busting my ass to provide for you, to take care of you. Such a selfish little bitch."

Slap. Kiss. Slap. Kiss.

I was becoming dizzy from the back and forth and disgusted each time his mouth touched mine. He walked us further into the house until I was backed up against the wall. He boxed me in, staring down into my eyes each time he spoke. There was a time when I thought he was the most handsome man that lived. That time was so long ago, and now all I saw was the evil that lived inside of him.

"Let me go." I squirmed underneath his arms, attempting to kick and claw at him. He leaned his head back, laughing in a maniacal manner before leaning back down and smashing his lips into mine. When I refused to kiss him back, he bit my lips so hard he drew blood.

"He kept pushing just enough that I could fight back, and each time I attempted to fight back, he would return that with something a step further. Eventually, he grabbed my hair and slammed my head repeatedly into the wall. I was in and out of consciousness, but I kept fighting; I promise I kept fighting." I spoke with clear words as tears started to stream down my cheeks. "The rest, well, I don't really remember. I woke up in a hospital room a few weeks after that incident. I had several cracked ribs, a concussion, lacerations, two black eyes, and a protective order in place. A neighbor, fortunately, heard the commotion and called it in. The officers arrived just in time and caught him. He was arrested and charged with attempted murder." The longer I spoke, the more the emotions took over me; reliving all of this again was hard, but I wanted to get it out and get through it now.

"Quinn. My God." Carrie whispered out through her own tears. She reached out to me and pulled me into her arms, holding me in a hug. "I'm so sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. You don't have to say anymore. We don't have to know the details." She rubbed over my back. When I pulled back from her embrace, I looked over to see that Wade had left the room. Grant sat with worried eyes, staring a hole into the floor.

I knew this would happen. I'd have to share my story, and it would scare off anyone who wanted to get to know me. Rex was right; who would want me after all of that?