Serayah stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection. The bruises from Marcus's last outburst had faded, but the emotional scars were still fresh, lurking beneath the surface. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to wash away the memories that clung to her like smoke.
Living with A'ja had given her a safe space to heal, but it hadn't erased the fear. Marcus's absence in her life was both a relief and a source of anxiety. What if he came looking for her? What if he found out where she was? Every time her phone buzzed, her heart skipped a beat, expecting it to be him.
But today was different. Today, Serayah was determined to take control. She couldn't let Marcus have power over her anymore. She would reach out for help—real help, not just from A'ja, but from someone who could make sure Marcus never hurt her again.
She left the bathroom, her resolve steady, and found A'ja in the kitchen, pouring coffee. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room.
"Morning," A'ja greeted with a smile, setting a cup of coffee in front of Serayah as she sat at the table.
"Morning," Serayah replied, taking a sip and letting the warmth of the drink seep into her. "I've been thinking..."
A'ja raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's on your mind?"
"I think it's time I get some legal help," Serayah said, her voice steady but firm. "A restraining order, maybe. I need to make sure Marcus can't come near me again."
A'ja's eyes softened, her expression filled with understanding. "That's a good idea. It's about time you started protecting yourself from him."
Serayah exhaled, feeling the weight of the decision settle on her shoulders. It wasn't going to be easy, but it was necessary. She had spent too long trapped in fear, letting Marcus dictate her life. Now it was time to reclaim her power.
A'ja leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Serayah's arm. "I'll help you with whatever you need. We can find a lawyer, figure out the process together."
Serayah nodded, grateful for A'ja's unwavering support. "Thank you. I don't think I could do this without you."
"You don't have to do it alone," A'ja said softly, her eyes locking with Serayah's. "You're strong, Serayah. You've survived so much. Now it's time to live."
Later that day, Serayah and A'ja sat in a lawyer's office, the sterile smell of paper and ink filling the air. The lawyer, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, reviewed the details of Serayah's situation, taking notes as she listened.
"We can file for a restraining order immediately," the lawyer said, her tone businesslike. "But you'll need to be prepared for a court hearing. Marcus will have a chance to contest it, though given the abuse you've described, I doubt he'll have much of a defense."
Serayah felt a knot form in her stomach at the thought of facing Marcus in court. The idea of being in the same room as him, of having to relive the abuse in front of strangers, terrified her.
Sensing her hesitation, A'ja reached over and squeezed Serayah's hand. "You don't have to go through this alone. I'll be with you every step of the way."
Serayah took a deep breath, steadying herself. She could do this. She had to do this.
The lawyer continued, outlining the process and what to expect. By the end of the meeting, Serayah felt both overwhelmed and relieved. The first steps had been taken, and there was no turning back now.
Over the next few weeks, life began to shift for Serayah. The process of filing the restraining order brought a new level of clarity. Each day, she felt a little stronger, a little more in control of her own life.
