I watched the ceiling as James is sleeping next to me. This is the first time that James is next to me. Usually, after he is done with his inhumanity, he pushes me like I am soiled but today, he is cuddling with me.

I tried to get away from him, but his grip on my waist is tight. It's like he is glued with me. Noticing his peaceful face, I realised he is not stinking of liquor anymore. He smells addictive now. As a child, I had his poster in my closet. I hid that from Mother. For some reason, Mother never liked him… But the irony is, the same man is her son-in-law.

It was one of the longest nights, as soon as I got out of his sinful grip that would eventually stop me if he apologises. I know, I will forgive him for his sins. Because I am still holding the hope given by Mother.

With tipping toes, I wore his t-shirt lying on the floor to cover myself. He didn't spare my innocent clothes. Tearing them apart, he wasted his money. I have everything because of my monthly allowance, with no source of income, except the flower shop, run by Trina. We are working on it, but the business is not enough to provide my son, the lifestyles that I dreamed of.

As I reached to Jamie, who is still sleeping peacefully and Zippy next to him, I am grateful to both of them. What if my life would be without them? I would have definitely got bored with my life. They both keep me happy…. busy, alive. And another hope keeps me busy… Return of Cherish. I pray time that Cherish, doesn't hate me. She knows my dedication to this marriage. I hope she is wise enough to understand that why I took 16 years before giving up?

When sun rays intruded into the room, I realised I didn't sleep last night. I was afraid to even blink, with wild possibility homed in my mind. It is almost 24 hours that I haven't slept and, now, I would feel the tingling sensation of upcoming headache.

What if he would strangle me to death in my sleep?

Would he take care of Jamie?

Will he love my son like Malcolm?

I watched the sunrise with so many questions and possibilities in mind. Maybe in somewhere in an alternate universe, I have a different life… Where I am stronger but unfortunately, this is my reality..... Where I am seeing the last view of sunrise in my home. I planned to settle down here… My haven…. Maybe my possible dream home. I was decorating it the way I imagined, but I was wrong. I have to leave everything here and run with Jamie. Not only that, but I can't even touch the monthly allowance I am promised by James to prevent getting caught.

I have to start fresh.

Wiping my running nose, I pulled the hem of my t-shirt of James down. I could see the silhouette of Norma and Daniel moving around their house. They are awake now. I wonder what would be their reaction if they learn about me getting raped in my home.

I don't have time.

Setting the target to leave before James get up, I walked into the bathroom. I have to take bath… To remove the filthy touch, his proof inside me. He didn't use any type of protection. I am disgusted by James. He is home to STDs. My first job will be getting a contraceptive and then an STD check-up. I don't trust James. He ruined me.

My plan slipped to the bottom of my priority list as Jamie started to stir. Soon, I meet with little forest green eyes. With sleepy emotions, those eyes glowed at my presence. The love was obvious. Jamie smiled with adoration. Those dimples on his left cheek deepened when I walked towards my boy, and he squealed.

Jamie's voice echoed in the room and zippy opened his eyes. The puppy blinked a few times before his senses concerned my presence.

Zippy is cute.

Yawning, Zippy sat and watched me take Jamie out of his bed.

“We are leaving babies.” I cooed both of the babies and settle Jamie next to Zippy.

Zippy rolled on the floor and Jamie patted on his tummy.

Jamie wanted to say, zippy is hungry.

“I know baby… We will feed him.” I assured Jamie. But, my answer wasn't what Jamie wanted to hear. He pouted and again patted Zippy's tummy while Zippy stocked his tongue out.

“Baby, it's too early. Let's go to sleep.” I tried to convince him. James is still in the house, and I am not in the place to take that risk.

I do have the option to live in this house and enjoy the monthly allowance, but without my kids and I refuse to take this. I am choosing my kids. Mother promised me a good family. So, I have taken my decision… My kids are my family.

With my response, Jamie scoffed.

Wait!

Did Jamie scoff?

“Who taught you this?” I asked.

Instead of answering, Jamie patted Zippy's tummy again while Zippy was busy licking his paws.

“James Carter Jr… I don't appreciate this attitude of yours.” I said with a stern voice. “This is unacceptable, young man.”

“Sowy….” Mumbling, Jamie bend his head. I could hear the sadness.

I didn't mean to hurt you, baby.

“You know, I love you.” I pulled Jamie in my arms. But instead of answering me, Jamie was looking at my scars… The scars that James gave me last night.

His little eyes looked at me with questions. He frowned and, “boo… Boo…” He said.

“I am fine… But we need to leave.” I hugged him and Zippy rolled towards my leg.

“And where will you go?” We heard a deep, familiar, calm voice. There is no emotion. I know the owner of the voice. The same voice which was groaning near my ears last night.

I didn't dare to turn around… to face him. But Jamie poked his tiny curious head out of my shoulder and looked at his father. While Zippy straighten his back and took up. I could see Zippy getting into a defence mood.

“Stenja…” Jamie pointed at James and zippy jumped in between us.

“Get out of my way… Puppy.” I heard James approaching us.

Then I heard a painful whining. No doubt, it's Zippy.

Trina said, Zippy, is my baby.

I turned and see, James carrying Zippy. He was lifting Zippy in the air by holding the scruff of Zippy, which is definitely painful. Zippy never whines.

“Leave him.” With a low voice, I tried to demand.

“Who trains him?” James asked. And I could feel James staring at us… His intense eyes on me and Jamie without confrontation is scaring me.

“Leave him,” I repeated.

“He tried to bite me with his powerless jaw.” James's voice was raging.

“Bite…” Jamie squealed and zippy started to struggle again.

“Anna….” We heard Norma voice calling me, downstairs.

“Your name is Anna?” James was confused.

“Noma…” Jamie was loud.

“Norma….” Closing my eyes, I screamed for her.

Her panic feet neared us, and then I heard her incoherent words.

“Get out.” She ordered. I am sure she is demanding this from James.

“I have countless questions…” James was angry.

“Get out,” Norma yelled, which scared Jamie, and he hugged me.

“Please leave,” I whispered.

Without presenting any argument, James threw Zippy at my feet and walked out of the room. While Zippy growled at the departing figure like it was all his efforts.

“Good job,” Jamie mumbled with fear, still hidden in my arms to Zippy. And zippy sat next to us, wagging his tail.

“What did James do?” Norma entered the room, throwing the flowers of pink Hydrangeas on the floor, which symbolize heartfelt emotion.

“Everything.” I cried…. “We need to leave… They will take Jamie… He knows.”

.