Breaking Free

1.

Kierra stood at the kitchen sink, her hands submerged in soapy water, scrubbing the last of the dinner dishes. The scent of burnt chicken lingered in the air, a silent accusation of her failure to please Jordan. She had hoped the meal would be a peace offering but as she rinsed the plates, she heard the TV in the living room cut off, and her heart dropped.

She heard his footsteps approaching, and she braced herself for what was about to happen. She felt Jordan's presence behind her and she felt him breathing on her neck as he grabbed her wrist, twisting it. "This isn't how you're supposed to treat your husband" he said, jerking her around to face him. Her eyes searched his trying to find the man she once loved, but all she found was a rage filled man that she didn't know anymore.

Her knees trembled, and she forced herself to look up at him, her voice quivering as she spoke "I'm sorry, I'll make it better" she said, trying to calm him down but he ignored her apology. Jordan's fist connected with her face, sending a shock of pain through her body. She stumbled backwards from the impact, her vision becoming blurred as she tasted the metallic taste of blood.

Tasha's voice echoed in her mind, a glimpse of hope in the dark space that she's in. Kierra met her at a concert that both of them were performing at. They bonded over their love for God and music. Tasha noticed the bruises and the fear in Kierra's eyes, but Kierra always reassured her that she was ok with a forced smile. Now, she wasn't able to hide her pain any longer.

With trembling fingers, Kierra reached for her phone and dialed Tasha's number. She needed to get out of this marriage. Tasha answered on the first ring, her voice was gentle "Kierra, what's wrong?" She asked, showing concern. "He hit me again" Kierra said, rushing her words out.

Tasha's tone shifted from concern to urgency. "You need to leave, now." She said firmly. "I'll be there in 15 minutes. Do you have a bag packed already?" Kierra nodded her head but then she realized that she couldn't see her so she said "yes" in a soft voice "it's under the bed"

The phone line went quiet for a moment before Tasha finally said "lock yourself in the bathroom, I'm on my way"

Kierra didn't hesitate. She grabbed the bag and went into the bathroom. Her heart was pounding through her chest. She locked the door and sat on the floor with her back against the tub and held her breath, listening for any sign of Jordan coming to the door. It was silent except for the sound of a car getting closer.

Tasha's car pulled up outside and Kierra immediately started to feel safe. She could see her headlights through the bathroom window. She heard the front door open and she heard Tasha's voice say "Jordan. We need to talk."

Kierra's heart started racing as she waited for him to respond. She heard his footsteps retreating to the living room and she knew she had to act fast. She unlocked the bathroom door and walked out of the bathroom, holding her bag close to her chest. The sight of Tasha standing there gave her the strength she needed to leave.

Tasha stepped into the kitchen, scanning the room making sure there wasn't going to be any trouble. "Kierra, Come with me" she said firmly, holding out her hand. Kierra grabbed her hand and they quickly moved to the front door, the sound of Jordan's voice got louder as they were getting closer to the door.

Tasha didn't even flinch. "Jordan it's over, you can't do this to her anymore." Jordan's eyes narrowed, his grip on the couch tightened, "what are you talking about?" He asked

"I'm taking her with me, she doesn't deserve this" Tasha said. Kierra could feel the tension building between them but Tasha continued to hold her hand, gently pulling her towards the door.

Jordan's eyes flashed with anger, and he lunged forward but Tasha stepped between them. "You're not going anywhere" he said, reaching for Kierra.

Tasha stepped aside and swung her bag, striking him in the face with whatever she had inside of her purse. He grabbed his bloody nose and screamed in pain.

Tasha's eyes stayed on Jordan while she backed up towards the door, bringing Kierra with her. "You're wrong, you're the one who's lost." Jordan's eyes flickered with confusion and fear.

The door slammed shut behind them, and Kierra took a deep breath. Tasha's hand never left hers as they hurried to the car. "You're safe now" Tasha said.

They drove in silence for a moment as Kierra thought about the decision she just made. She left everything she knew behind. The house, her life, her husband that vowed to love and protect her but the bruises on her body showed otherwise.

Tasha broke the silence, her voice soft and comforting. "You can stay with me until we figure out what to do next." Kierra nodded and said "thank you" she had nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to because he isolated her from her family.

They arrived at Tasha's house. Tasha led her to the guest room, the bed was made with fresh, clean sheets. "You can sleep in here, you're safe now" she said. Kierra sat on the edge of the bed and dropped her bag on the floor.

Tasha left the room and came back with a bag of ice. She pressed it to Kierra's bruised cheek, to give her some temporary relief from the pain. Kierra flinched at the contact and Tasha's face became concerned "I'm going to get you some water and medicine for the pain" she said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before leaving the room.

While Tasha was gone, Kierra looked at her surroundings. The walls were full of pictures of Tasha and her family, and her music awards.

When Tasha returned with a glass of water and painkillers, Kierra gave her a small smile. "Thank you" she said, taking the pain pills and swallowed them with a gulp of water. Tasha sat beside her and said "you don't have to thank me, you're my sister in Christ, and I'll always protect you."

The next few days consisted of police reports, doctor's appointments, and the slow process of healing. Tasha was a constant presence, a pillar of strength that Kierra leaned on. They talked late into the night, sharing stories of their love for gospel music and their faith that carried them through the darkest moments in their lives. It was during those conversations that Kierra realized that she finally allowing herself to feel what she hasn't felt in years which was true friendship.