Runaway Love

I sat on the couch, flipping through Netflix for the hundredth time today. I let out a dramatic sigh and plopped the remote on my lap.

"Now that doesn't sound like relaxing and non-stressing." Sean said from the kitchen as he made lunch.

"Yea, well you don't sound like a supportive boyfriend either." I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"I saw that." He said with a serious look.

"You don't miss much." I muttered.

"Alright, darling. That's enough back talk. Here's your lunch, have you tried Hulu or Amazon?" He asked, reaching for the remote and going back to the menu on the roku. "Yep and yep. I've watched most of it." I sighed, taking a bite of my grilled cheese.

"It's been two weeks, I'm sure there's plenty you haven't watched." He said, pulling up his go to movie, The Upside.

I finished my sandwich as we watched the movie. After I set my plate on the coffee table I laid back. Sean took my legs and set them over his lap so I could stretch out. He absent mindedly rubbed my thigh, and I felt my eyes start to get heavy.

***

A beeping sound pulled me into consciousness. It irritated the pounding behind my eyes. I raise my hand to rub them, but it hurts and feels heavy. Opening my eyes I see that I have a cast on my hand up past my wrist. Confusion fills my mind. "Thank God, you're awake. I was so worried about you baby." Josh leaned on the side of the bed. His eyes portray anger instead of concern.

The threat is clear in them, play along or it gets worse. I take in the room and I see that I'm in an ER bay. The nurse is checking my IV and writing something on the computer.

"What happened, why am I here?" I learned my lesson well the last time I tried to say anything to the cops. I paid for that mistake with my unborn child.

"You were rushing down the stairs and missed one, falling. The doctor said you have a concussion and broken wrist." He said, focusing on me, ignoring the nurse as she goes about her business.

"Sir, why don't you step out? It will allow me the chance to finish checking on your wife." The nurse said, stepping up to the side of the bed.

"Sure, I need a cup of coffee anyway." He leaned down and kissed my temple, acting the doting and caring husband.

"I'm just going to be blunt, did he do this? I've seen the bruises that you, and they aren't recent. Honestly, I don't think that the type of fracture you have is consistent with a fall either." She asked, her voice soft and sweet. "No, I fell. That's all. I'm klutzy on a good day, so rushing down the stairs isn't a smart choice. Clearly." I said forcing a chuckle and raising my arm.

"We can help you, you don't have to take his shit."

"I fell, that's all." I said sharply.

"Why were you rushing?"

"What?" I was not sure how to answer.

"What was making you rush, were you late, or did something happen?" She asked, supplying a few suggestions.

"We were late for a date."

She nodded unconvinced, but silent. Josh came back into the bay with a cup of coffee and water.

"Can she have this?" he asked, holding up the water.

The nurse nodded, but glared at him. He acted like he didn't see it, but I knew him too well to know he didn't catch it. I prayed he wouldn't jump to conclusions. The nurse left, with a promise to be back in a few minutes with discharge papers. I took the water with a smile, but was unable to open it. Josh saw the struggle, but ignored it. Yep, he definitely didn't miss the glare and was jumping to conclusions.

The nurse reentered with paperwork for me to sign, which I did and then got dressed the best I could with one arm. We walked to Josh's car and he slammed my door once I was in. "What did you say?" He snapped as soon as he was on the road.

"Nothing, she asked, but I told I was klutzy and fell down the road."

"Then why was she glaring at me?"

"I don't know, Josh, I swear I didn't say a word. They wouldn't have let me leave without a statement or calling the police otherwise." I said, hoping he would believe me and let it go.

We sat in silence the rest of the ride, tears streaming down my face. As we pulled in I saw blue blinking lights.

"You stupid bitch. What did you say?" He snapped, grabbing my arm hard.

"Ow, Josh. I swear."

A cop walked up to the car and knocked on Josh's window.

"Are you ok, ma'am?" He asked, looking at Josh's hand on my arm, he quickly released me.

"Yes, sir, I'm fine. What's going on?" I asked.

"We had a call about a possible domestice. A woman and man fighting. What apartment are you guys?" he asked, looking at his notebook.

"Oh, we don't live here, we are visiting a friend who lives here. They just moved in." Josh supplied quickly.

The cop looked at him, not convinced, but unable to say much else.

"Well, then, be safe and have a good night." He said walking away.

"You're lucky someone else called. Go up to the apartment, I'll be right up." He said through clenched teeth.

I got out and quickly made my way to our apartment, thankful that no officers were by the door. I unlocked the door and closed it behind me, leaning against it as a sob wracked through me. I can't take this. He's hot and cold with his moods, and they were becoming more hot than cold lately.

A sudden urge to vomit filled my belly, and I darted for the bathroom. I made it just in time to make it to the toilet. I heaved until my stomach was empty and I rested my head against the cool porcelain.

The effort of vomiting made my head spin, my vision blurring as the pounding became stronger with each beat. I leaned against the wall, and cradled my head in my hands. Tears fell and wet the legs of my jeans. I heard the door open, but didn't move. I heard the toilet flush, and warm hands grasped my arms.

"Come on, let's get you changed and into bed." Josh said softly, helping me to my feet. His touch is gentle again.

He helped me to our room, and then into pajamas. After getting me tucked in, he turned the lamp off beside the bed. He leaned over me and brushed my hair back and gave me a kiss before stepping away. Exhaustion pulled at my body and was half asleep by the time he made it to the door. I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure he apologized before leaving the room.

***

"Darling, little one, wake up." I opened my eyes and saw Sean looking at me. "You were having a bad dream. Want to share?" "No, I don't." I said, wiping my cheeks, realizing that they were wet from tears.

"Have you thought about seeing the counselor? I really think he would help." He said, brushing away tears from my other cheek.

"I have, and I'm nervous. But I think I'll try it. Maybe it will help with all these dreams." I said looking at my lap.

"Good, I think it will." He said leaning in and giving me a kiss. "I'm going to go make dinner. Oliver should be home soon."

"I'm going to go take a bath. My back hurts from sleeping so long on this couch." I said, stretching with a groan.

I made my way upstairs thinking about the dream. It wasn't the worst flashback/dream I'd had, but it seemed to really be sticking with me. I shivered at the memory of how quick Josh's moods could change. It used to make my head spin. I ran the water for a bath and undressed. After adding some jasmine scented bubbles I stepped into the warm bath, sighing as the water warmed my muscles and helped them relax. I propped a pillow behind my head and closed my eyes, enjoying the quiet and warmth.

A sudden rush of thankfulness filled me as I counted my blessings. So much had changed so quickly, but I now had two men who cared deeply about me. I was reconnected with Oliver. We would soon be welcoming the twins into the world. I smiled at the thought. Today I would enjoy these thoughts, and leave the dark thoughts and worries for another day.