The Flashbacks

Chapter Two: Ease the Pain

Elyse pulled up to my parent's house and I took a deep breath. I don't know if I can do this. What are they gonna think of me when I tell them? Come on Steph, your loving caring family is just right inside those doors. "You got this Steph, I'll be right there beside you," Elyse said to me as we just sat there in my parents' driveway.

"Thank you," I whispered. We got out of the car and I got Ava down while Elyse helped Jax. She held his hand while we walked up the walk. I rang the doorbell and I smiled when my older sister Sarah was the one that opened the door.

"Steph, long time no see!" She pulled me in for a hug and I could feel her baby bump. I had forgotten that she and Ryan were expecting. This would be their first baby after going through two rounds of IVF. "Holy crap, Elyse Manning, is that you?" Wait a minute...did my sister know Elyse?

"Sarah Jacobs?" Elyse grinned when she saw her. "What a small world. Your sister and I went to medical school together." Elyse explained when she saw me watching the two of them, confused.

"It's Price now. I got married four years ago. Please, come on in. Mom and Dad are sitting on the back patio." Sarah picked up Jax and went inside. She was my kids' godmother.

"There's my beautiful baby girl. Where's that handsome son-in-law of mine?" My dad asked, getting up from the chair as soon as he saw me. My mom kissed me on the cheek and took Ava from me.

"Tyler's not with me right now." My voice was shaking. I noticed my mom looking around me at Elyse, who was giving me space, but at the same time giving me support. "This is my friend Doctor Elyse Manning." I gestured to her and gave her a small wave.

"Steph, sweet pea, what's going on? Why are you so nervous?" My mom asked once she had settled back in her chair with Ava. I looked over at Elyse and she nodded her head just once.

"Please tell me that you're not leaving Tyler for this woman." My dad said before I could open my mouth to respond. I felt my face burning red, but Elyse just had a small smile on her lips. I wondered how many of the women from our support group she had done this with.

"I am leaving Tyler, Daddy, but not for Elyse. She's just here for support." I cleared my throat, trying to shake the uncomfortable feeling. "Tyler's been abusing me. For a year and a half." I slid off my cardigan. I was wearing a tank top underneath. Elyse had suggested I show my bruises in case my parents didn't believe me. I could tell that my dad was hesitant when I said it. There were finger-shaped bruises on my wrists and upper arms. There were yellow bruises that were in the process of healing on my collarbone. "Last year when I went to the hospital before getting pregnant with Ava, we said my ribs were broken because I fell down the stairs. It was actually because Tyler pushed me down and kicked me several times." I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

"Oh, Stephanie." My mom whispered, putting Ava in my dad's arms. She jumped up and wrapped her arms around me. "I knew you should have never married that stupid man." She whispered in my ear. I looked at my dad and he was just quietly staring off into space. I knew how much he loved Tyler. He was so excited when he found out I was getting married. This probably broke his heart and not because his baby girl was getting abused.

"Where are you staying right now?" Sarah asked, bouncing Jax on her lap. He had no idea what was going on. How lovely it had to be to be that innocent.

"I found a studio apartment cheap enough for me to afford on my salary," I explained sitting across from my parents and next to Sarah. Elyse sat down on the other side of me.

"You should come stay with me and Ryan. He stays at the firehouse three days a week. We have two spare bedrooms for you and the kids. You can help me with the nursery." Ryan and Sarah had moved into a four-bedroom house earlier this year. "You won't have to pay rent and I'll watch the kids for free while you're at work. Tyler's never been to my house so it's not like he knows where it is." Sarah kissed the top of Jax's head when he leaned back against her.