Friendly Goodbye

Chapter 8: It Was Second Nature

Sauli

I sat up in bed wincing as I extended my arm the dark purple bruises littered on my flesh stinging as each muscle extended. Matt walked in the room and I immediately scrunched against the headboard, after a year and a half it was second nature.

Matt: Stop being a pussy Sauli. I’m getting really sick of your shit!

Me: I … I didn’t do anything.

Matt: You didn’t do anything!?! YOU DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!?!

Before I could block him he swung and punched me hard across the face. Blood seeped out of my nose and I went to get up. As I did he grabbed me harshly shoving me down on the bed and choking me. I gasped and struggled underneath him trying to get him off of me. Finally he let go as I tried to get air into my lungs. He shoved me to the floor making he cry out as I landed on the bruises. He just cursed me under his breath and left the room. He wasn’t always like this … he could be THE nicest man on the planet when he wanted to be. He had just gotten a promotion at work 6 months ago and that’s when he really started with the violence. He was always apologetic saying it was because of stress. I loved him so much but I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had, had enough … I wasn’t going to take it anymore. I could hear the front door slam shut and soon I could see his car pull away. I walked into the bathroom to clean up my blood stained face. As the water hit it I yelped and realized that it wasn’t just my nose the blood was coming from, it was an almost 3 inch gash on my cheek. I lived pretty close to a clinic so I slowly made my way over there, I knew it needed stitches. Of course they asked how it happened and I said that I was practicing boxing and someone accidentally hit me. They stitched up my cheek and I made my way over to a nearby diner where I sat down to try to eat something. It hurt like hell to open my jaw but I was starving. I pulled out my phone and pulled up Adam’s number sending him a quick text.

Me: Are you home?

Adam: Yeah I’m home.

Me: You’re not busy are you?

Adam: No Joe is out of town for work. Why what’s up?

Me: Can you come to Starlight diner? I really need someone right now.

Adam: Of course I’ll be there in 10 minutes.

Just about 10 minutes later the door chimed and Adam walked in making his way back to the booth I was sitting in. I was sitting in the booth with my bad side away from the opening so when he walked in he didn’t see. He smiled and leaned down kissing my cheek.

Adam: Hey Sauli. What’s up?

I sadly turned toward him and he gasped as he saw the huge gash and the black and blue marks that were spreading across my face.

Adam: What the hell happened Sauli!?!

Me: It’s … Matt. He’s been hurting me off and on the whole time we’ve been together. It’s gotten really bad since his promotion at work.

Adam: Sauli why did you stay with him?

Me: I love him Adam … I love him so much. When he’s nice he so nice … and he takes good care of me.

Adam: No this isn’t taking good care of you Sauli. You have to leave him. I won’t let him lay another finger on you I promise.

Me: I’m scared …

Adam: Of what sunshine?

Me: He almost killed me today … he strangled me. I could see my life passing before my eyes. He’s so violent when he wants to be.

Adam: Is he home?

Me: No he left for work.

Adam: We’re going over there and we’re going to pick up your stuff. You’re coming to stay with me for the time being.

Me: There’s no room for me there Adam …

Adam: I’ll make room.

Me: That’s not fair to Joe … I don’t want to intrude.

Adam: Sauli you’re coming with me and that’s final. Now finish up and come on.

We managed to pack my stuff and head over to Adam's place. He got me settled in the living room on the pull out sofa but had to leave for a bit for a quick meeting. I just snuggled up and fell asleep.