Tarasia {OneShots}

22: Safe

Hey! All mistakes are mine. Enjoy!

"She walked in the shadows, believing that she didn't deserve the sunshine that was only a step away."

Taraji was tired. It was such a simple word, but it was the only word that seemed fitting. Being emotionally, mentally, and physically drained was nothing new to her, but this time around, she'd had enough. Her body couldn't take it anymore. Taraji had to get out before there wasn't anything left of her. It wouldn't be easy because her fiancé had isolated her from everyone who ever gave a damn about her.

Kelvin, Taraji's fiancé and abuser, was an ex-football player. He had to give up on his career prematurely after suffering too many concussions. Doctors were sure he suffered from CTE, but it couldn't definitively be diagnosed while he was still alive. His forced retirement brought about a rage inside of him, which he hid from everyone with his charismatic charm. And he did a damn good job of it—reeling Taraji in with ease. Their relationship blossomed quickly; their engagement came just three months into them dating.

For Taraji, everything since meeting Kelvin had felt like a fairytale. He worshipped her, showered her with gifts, and made her feel like she was the center of his world. He had also made her believe that he was the only person she needed. Taraji had been so blinded by love that she couldn't see clearly. So she lost everyone important to her outside of Kelvin.

The first hit came after Taraji decided that she wanted to contact her mother. She had just found out that she was pregnant and wanted to share that news with the woman who gave her life. Kelvin told her that it wasn't a good idea, and she blindly questioned him. Taraji didn't see what was wrong with talking to her mom, but Kelvin knew that it would undo all his hard work of isolating her. So he slapped her and told her to never question him again. That day was only the beginning of the abuse.

Kelvin had really done a number on Taraji during his latest drunken rampage, so much so that she lost her baby. And the miscarriage he had caused was the final straw. Taraji had been bruised, battered, and beaten for the last time. A nurse at the hospital during Taraji's visit had slipped her a phone number. "It's a safe space. They'll help you," the nurse had whispered. Taraji never thought she would have the strength or courage to use it, but something had to change, or she would end up dead. So she called the number and ran, never looking back.

That was six months ago. Today, Taraji was in a women's shelter where she had gone in broken, but now she was thriving—helping other women just trying to survive. She was safe and wanted to help provide solace and serenity to a shelter full of domestic abuse survivors. She knew Kelvin wouldn't give up looking for her, but in the meantime, she had lives to change.

~~~~~

Fantasia was a philanthropist on paper. But in reality, she was so much more—a savior to many. She put her wealth to good use—the five women's shelters she spearheaded being only part of her virtuous deeds. The woman was also one of the kindest souls you would ever meet. Giving back fulfilled something within her. And none of it was for clout or to garner attention. She already got enough of that. Helping was just in her DNA—she got it honestly from her grandmother.

Tabitha, the woman who managed one of Fantasia's shelters, called Taraji to her office. Taraji had never really been summoned before, so she was nervous. She and Tabitha had established a close-knit relationship. They almost felt like sisters. But Taraji couldn't help but wonder what she had done wrong. Had she overstepped—crossed a line she shouldn't have? She knew sometimes she did a little too much, but the shelter had saved her life, and she just wanted to give back tenfold.