Waking Up In Love

Chapter One

Standing in the kitchen stirring the pot on the stove, Maizy heard him come through the front door. She hoped he was in nothing but a good mood after their morning fight. Feeling her right eye, she knew it was bruised by now and she could feel the swelling as she remembered the punch that injured her. All-day she dreaded his return home, worried about what he would do when he did return. It was the first time he had ever become violent with her and it confused her.

“Maizy?” She heard him call for her but she was afraid to answer him. “Where are you, sweetheart?” He said, his voice calm.

Hesitating and still scared, she answered him anyway. “I’m in the kitchen...”

“Ah...” Tommy said as he came into the room. Holding a bouquet of flowers, he presented her with them. “I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about this morning. I don’t know what got into me...” he said and kissed her neck.

Relieved that he was calm, she smiled and took the flowers. “Thank you, they’re beautiful...” She said and smelled the middle of the assortment.

Turning around, she reached into the cupboard and grasped a vase. Putting water in it, she pushed the flowers into it and set the vase on the table. Giving one more sniff, she turned around and attended to the pot on the stove, feeling somewhat more at ease and relaxed knowing he was now calm. She certainly didn’t want to upset him again.

As she had the entire day, Maizy sat at the dinner table thinking of the horrible fight they had before he left for work that morning. Although she couldn’t even remember what the fight was about, she couldn’t get it out of her mind but mostly, she was just stunned by his boisterous actions. The thoughts seemed to haunt her and now, she feared him.

“So, how was work?” She asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

“It was good, just a normal day at the office.” He answered. “What did you do all day?”

“I mostly just cleaned. I watched some TV and rested. The doctor did say to take it easy.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Better. My morning sickness has subsided for the day and I’m able to eat.”

“That’s good. I have something for you...” He said as he reached into his suit jacket pocket. Tommy pulled out a long, rectangle box and handed it to her.

Smiling and frowning at the same time, she knew he was trying to make up for what he had done earlier this morning. Opening the box, she saw the thick, gold, Singapore chain with the half-carat diamond pendant. Tommy stood from his chair and walked up behind her, taking the chain from the box. As Maizy pulled her hair back, Tommy laid the pendant against her chest as he clasped the chain around her neck. Then he leaned down and kissed her neck. “I’m so very sorry...” He whispered before returning to his chair.

“Thank you, Tommy.” She said.

Tommy smiled and continued to eat, seeming content but Maizy was still overly upset about the situation. She realized she had been utterly alone in this world for nearly a year. Tommy had been the only person she really associated with and she was getting tired of it. She realized he had shut her off from the entire world and it was time for her to do something about it. But she wasn’t sure how.

Five long years she had been gone from home, traveling to acquire her nursing degree at one of the best schools in the country. She was over a thousand miles from home and being homesick had faded away after the first three years. But she still kept in touch with her family. Until the last year, when she moved in with Tommy, just before she acquired her Masters in nursing.

Tommy is a popular, local attorney in the small town in which they live, forty miles from the university she attended. After meeting at an art gallery downtown, they quickly became a couple in a whirlwind romance. She tried to keep him a certain distance from her heart but gave it up when she discovered her pregnancy.

Although she had turned him down twice before, Maizy finally married him just after she discovered she was pregnant. She is now three months pregnant and they have been married for a month. Her parents and close friends back home have no knowledge of her marriage or her pregnancy as she had not spoken to any of them since she moved in with him.

It was their wedding night when Tommy learned of her pregnancy. It was a complete surprise to Tommy and Maizy was still not completely sure of his ultimate reaction. At times he seemed to like the idea of being a father, but he also made it clear that he did not want children until he was older, more established in his law career.

While Maizy cleaned up the kitchen and put things away, Tommy took his nightly shower, as he did every night after dinner. Maizy was in the bedroom changing her clothes when Tommy walked in, completely naked. Standing in the doorway, he just looked at her with a smirk on his face. Then he came towards her, looking over her half-naked body.

With a gentle finger, he traced it along her waist and up to her chest with a seductive look on his face. But Maizy was still too upset for intimate contact with him. “I’m sorry Tommy, please not tonight… I don’t feel well.”

“I’m sorry too...” He said as he stepped closer, pushing himself against her. “I’m sorry that you feel that way but you are my wife. You took an oath to obey me and right now, I want sex.” He said and kissed her.

Afraid to move, she felt ill as her stomach began to turn, anticipating his response. At this point and time, she felt it was much better to oblige him than to deal with the wrath of rejection. Pulling back from the kiss, she looked at him.

“Of course you do...” She smiled and took his hand, leading him to the bed.

Maizy laid awake for an hour after Tommy had fallen asleep. She knew she needed to contact her parents to let them know what was happening but there was no phone in the house except for Tommy’s cell phone.

Quietly and gently, she scooted herself out of bed, watching for a response from Tommy. But he stayed sleeping as she stood up and walked around to the other side of the bed where his phone lie on the end table. Swiftly, she picked it up, looking at Tommy. Still, he didn’t move.

Taking the phone with her, she left the bedroom and went downstairs to the half bath and shut the door. She knew it was late and they would grow concerned but she didn’t care, she needed to call.

Hearing the phone ringing, it took a minute to answer and she knew she had woke them up. “Hello?” She heard her father’s voice.

“Dad?” Maizy said.

“Maizy, is that you?”

“Yes...”

“Why are you calling so late? Are you alright?”

“Yes...” She answered.

“What’s going on, we haven’t heard from you in months.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I have some news…”

“Hold on, let me wake your mother.” He said and Maizy could hear as he woke her up.

Hearing both their voices, she knew she was on speaker. “Mom, dad… I love and miss you.”

“We love and miss you too Maizy… What’s going on?” She heard her mother's voice.

“Well, I need to tell you that I’ve married… and we’re having a baby.”

“What! Maizy, who is this mystery man?” Her mother asked.

“His name is Tommy, Tommy Martin. He’s an attorney here, in town, in North Branch, where we live.”

“You married an attorney and we weren’t even invited to the wedding?” Her father seemed upset.

“Yes, it was kind of a spur of the moment thing, we kinda eloped, to Las Vegas.”

“What? Why?”

“It was what he wanted, I didn’t even have time to call...” Maizy said as she saw the bathroom door fly open.

Instantly her heart sank and she knew she was not in a good position as she saw the look in his eye. “Didn’t have time to call who?” His voice was angry again and Maizy feared the worse as Tommy grabbed the phone from her hand and hung it up. Then he looked at the number she had dialed and didn’t recognize it. “Who was this?” He said, his voice deep and loud as he shoved the phone in her face. “Who did you call?”

“It was my parents...” She said.

“Your parents? Do you expect me to believe that? I knew you were fucking around on me...” He said.

Maizy barely saw it coming but she certainly felt it as his fist landed along the side of her face, knocking her to the floor. In a second, Tommy was on top of her, his fists beating against the side of her head. “Who is he?” He asked as he continued to hit her.

“Nobody...” She screamed as she tried to protect herself.

Picking Maizy up off the floor, he threw her against the wall where she fell against the toilet and landed on the floor between the toilet and the wall. In shock, Maizy laid there for moments, trying to gather her thoughts, it had happened so quickly.

Feeling his hands around her ankles, Tommy pulled her away from the toilet and knelt down over her. With his fingers spreading across her neck, he applied just enough pressure to slightly cut off her air. “If I find out you are cheating on me, I will kill you, and him too,” Tommy said and held his position for a moment before he simply let go and walked out of the bathroom. “Don’t ever touch my phone again either...” He added.

On the cold, tile floor, Maizy laid there, in tears. She had never been so scared in her life. This man she loved has turned into a monster and she wasn’t sure how to deal with him. He was much bigger and stronger than her and she knew she was in a delicate position.

Afraid to go back to bed and be beside him, she stayed in the bathroom until the sun came up. The more she thought about it, the more she knew she had to get this man out of her life. She was afraid he would eventually kill her, nor could she bring her child up in this environment. She knew she had to get out but figuring out how and when was much more difficult.

As she heard movement outside the bathroom door, she knew he was awake. It was Saturday and she knew she had to be with him all day. And there was a social event he asked her to attend with him later in the evening. Standing to her feet, she looked in the mirror before opening the door. Her eye was still swollen shut and there were new bruises to match. The back of her head throbbed and was sore to the touch. You could almost see the bruises through her thick, blonde hair.

Just as she opened the door, she saw Tommy reaching for the doorknob. “Oh, sorry...” She said.

“Are you alright? I know you’ve been in here all night.”

“No Tommy, I’m not alright...” She said and brushed past him, hoping she wouldn’t rouse him again. But he said nothing more as Maizy went into the bedroom and laid in bed. She felt overly tired and could barely keep her eyes open. But it was enough for Tommy to just have her home as he allowed her to sleep until three PM.

Feeling him shake her, Maizy heard Tommy’s voice as he tried to wake her. Maizy opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was smiling down at her and she knew he was calm. “Hey, I thought you may be hungry.” He said.

“Yes, I am. Very.” She answered him and sat up. “What time is it?”

“Three. I thought you might want to get up and eat. Maybe start to get ready for the party.”

“Yeah, ok.” She said and pulled back the covers.

After eating, Maizy felt much better. She took a long, hot shower, trying to wash the violence down the drain. But her bruises remained. Wrapping her robe around her, she first dried and styled her hair. Then she tried to cover her bruises with makeup. Before dressing in her evening attire, she gabbed another bite to eat.

Tommy walked into the party knowing he had married the most beautiful woman at the party. And she was. Maizy’s fair skin was glowing and complimented her lemon yellow dress. With the length reaching her ankles, there was a slit coming up the side of her hip. It was embellished with yellow stones and sequins and it shined when she moved. Tommy became a jealous man that night as every man seemed to want to dance with his wife.

Growing more irritated, Tommy took Maize’s hand and left the party early at just a quarter after nine. Maizy knew he was angered and almost refused to leave the party but feared that he would cause a scene so she reluctantly followed him to the car.

“What am I going to do with you?” He said and looked at her just before he backhanded her across the face.

“What did I do?” Maizy responded, not understanding his fury.

“What didn’t you do?” He said and started the car, slamming it into drive. “Just wait until we get home...” He said, spinning his tires.

The thirty-minute drive seemed to take all night as Maizy worried about their arrival and what he would do. Although he said nothing the entire trip, Maizy knew his anger was building and she wasn’t about to say anything to break the silence. By the time they arrived home, Maizy was so nervous, she could barely move. Her hands were shaking and her heart was racing.

Without a word, Tommy got out and walked up to the front door, unlocking it. “Are you coming?” He shouted at her as she remained in the car. She knew he wasn’t about to make a scene before his neighbors. He had a reputation to uphold.

Hesitantly, Maizy got out of the car and walked into the house. But she could barely get the door closed before he hit her with a thick book, knocking her to the floor. “I can’t take you anywhere… How dare you embarrass me in front of my colleagues, flirting with every man there.”

Maizy knew she was in trouble as Tommy forced her on her back and sat on top of her. Spreading his fingers across her neck again, she tried to scream but the pressure he put on her neck muffled her voice. Maizy couldn’t take a breath as he was choking her. Thrashing her body, she tried anything she could to get him off her but her attempts were useless. Just as she was about to pass out, he released his hands from her neck and stood to his feet. For a moment, he just looked down at her before walking away.

Gasping for air, Maizy laid on the floor beside the front door for long minutes coughing and crying and thanking God she was still alive. His sudden, random acts of violence left her reeling and she knew she had already had enough. Pulling herself off the floor, she didn’t care as she opened the door and walked out it. Jogging to the end of the driveway, she heard the door open and turned to see Tommy running towards her.

Without haste, she took off running, entering the thick woods across the street from their house. Running as fast as she could, she wanted nothing more than to just get away from him. But as she stepped in a hole in the uneven terrain, she twisted her ankle and fell hard against a log that was laying in the forest.

Feeling the sudden pain in her ankle, she cringed and let out a cry. Trying to stand, she knew her ankle was injured and she would be unable to continue. Just looking at Tommy as he ran up to her, she could see the rage that was written all over his face. Closing her eyes, she waited for the outburst but instead, he just took her by the arm and helped her on her feet.

Without a word, he just helped her across the street and back into the house where he let her go and walked away. Surprised that she had avoided his wrath, she limped up the stairs to the bathroom. Turning on the water, she undressed and climbed into the shower. With the hot water pouring over her bruised body, she fell to the floor where she cried, her tears being washed away as soon as they left her eyes.

She knew she just had to make it through Sunday and she would pack her things and leave while he was at work Monday. After her shower, she dressed in her flannel pajamas as the night would be unseasonably cold. It was the second weekend in December and the snow had already accumulated to twelve inches on the ground throughout the assorted storms.

Maizy was already asleep when Tommy came to bed. She felt him as he ran his hands over her body, suggesting his excitement. Knowing it was better to give in, she rolled over and faced him. In the dimness of the room, she could barely see the outline of his face as he leaned over and kissed her. There seemed to be just as much passion in his kiss as there always was but it was much different for her now. She couldn’t get the violence out of her head.

After giving in to him, Maizy went back to sleep and slept soundly until seven AM when she opened her eyes feeling the incredible morning sickness. Running to the bathroom, she wondered when it would end. After expelling everything in her stomach, she came from the bathroom, passing Tommy as she went back to the bed.

Again, she slept late until Tommy woke her at ten, expressing his wishes to spend the day with his family at their ski resort. She had met his family, but only once or twice, and was unfamiliar with them. Maizy had never skied before and wasn’t about to start while she was three months pregnant. But it turned out to be good as she spent the day with Tommy’s mother and sister while the others hit the slopes.

Maizy was surprised to learn that his family had no knowledge of her pregnancy. For some reason, he failed to inform them. Knowing that he was preoccupied, Maizy slipped away to use a phone in one of the private rooms. She needed to contact her parents.

They were overly concerned about her after her last phone call that ended abruptly. Learning of her situation, they pleaded with her to come home. Reluctantly, she agreed but told them she would need time to gather her things. Quickly, they made an indirect plan for her to get away from the hell she’s living in.

Maizy could barely sleep that night, anticipating her escape the following day. She felt anxious and nervous. The day started off routine, Tommy woke her before heading off to work. Taking a shower first, she devoted some time to gather the things she most needed and most cherished. As she finished, she loaded her items into her car and looked at the house one last time before closing the door.

Just as she climbed into her car, she saw Tommy’s car pull in behind her. Instantly fear ran through her veins as she watched him get out and walk towards her car. Maizy knew she was trapped. Opening the door, Tommy grabbed her by the coat and pulled her from the car, taking her towards the house.

“What are you doing Tommy?” Maizy said as she pulled away from him. “This is not happening again. If you take me into that house, all your neighbors will know it. I swear to God...” Maizy’s words were halted by a fist against her mouth. Instantly she could taste blood and realized he had split her lip against her tooth.

With everything she had, Maizy pulled back her arm and hit him as hard as she could. It barely phased him and she grew worried quickly. Maizy began to scream but Tommy covered her mouth and pulled her towards the house. Just as she bit down on the flesh of his finger, he opened the door and yelled at her, pulling his hand from her mouth. Instantly she screamed again but he jerked her inside and shut the door.

Looking around, Maizy grabbed anything she could to help protect herself as Tommy turned towards her. “I saw you Maizy, packing your things. See, I have cameras all over this house. For some reason, I feel the need to spy on you. So, I watched as you packed your things. But the problem is that you think you’re going to leave me. You see, that’s not going to happen. The only way you’ll leave here is in a body bag.”

Maizy watched as his face turned completely evil and he ran towards her. Like a bull, he plowed into her and she felt the impact of the floor, knocking the wind out of her. Gasping for air, she watched as he climbed to his hands and knees and positioned himself over her. “You are mine now and I have no intention of giving you up. This is where you belong, with me. If you can’t live with that, then you can’t live.”

Looking up at him, she saw the look in his eye and thought he would certainly kill her this time. But he just leaned down and kissed her. It seemed that his violence had turned him on as he moved his lips from hers, kissing across her chin and down her neck. Drawing in a deep breath, she felt relieved that his mood suddenly changed. Giving in to him on the living room floor, she felt it was temporary safety.

Tommy stood to his feet as he zipped and buttoned his pants, tucking in his shirt. He knew, as well as she did, that he had to return to work. But before he left, he carried all her luggage inside. “I want you to put all this away. Remember, I’ll be watching you. Don’t think I won’t lock you in my basement to keep you here. If you leave, I will find you, no matter which corner of the earth you go to. Then I will bring you home. Don’t forget, I’m a man of law. I will find you.”

With a smile and a kiss, he walked out the door, locking it on his way out. Maizy watched him through the window until he drove out of sight. Feeling defeated again, she gathered her belongings and carried them back into the bedroom where she began to put them away. Cautiously, she looked about all the rooms, trying to locate the cameras. A few she found but feared there were many she did not find.

Spending her time cleaning the house and cooking dinner for him, she tried to obey him when he returned home. That evening went smoothly as he had no outbursts. The night was peaceful as she acquired some much-needed sleep.

Tuesday morning she woke to feel much better and noticing the morning sickness was finally beginning to wear off. It was the day of her second prenatal appointment and Tommy was adamant about going with her.

It was nearly one PM when Tommy returned home to pick Maizy up for her appointment. He brought her a healthy lunch to eat on the way and she was grateful for his consideration. Sitting quietly in the waiting room, they waited for her to be called back.

“Maizy Martin?” The nurse called her.

“Yes...” Maizy said and stood up. Tommy followed Maizy who followed the nurse to the exam room.

Asking routine questions, the nurse took a record of her vital signs and noticed her blood pressure was greatly elevated. “Is anything happening in your life right now causing you stress?” The nurse asked.

Maizy looked at Tommy before answering. “It’s just been a busy month, with Thanksgiving over and, now, Christmas coming up. Plus, Tommy has been under more stress at work. I’ve just been overworking myself...”

“I think he’s going to recommend that you rest and try to avoid stress. We need to lower this blood pressure.” The nurse said as she wrote notes in the folder. “The doctor will be in soon,” the nurse added and left the room.

Waiting another fifteen minutes for the doctor to walk in, Maizy turned to see him enter. The doctor took one look at Maizy and squinted his eyes. Although she wore makeup to cover the bruises, he could see the swelling in her face. But realizing her situation and Tommy standing there, he spoke nonchalantly.

“Maizy, you have to right to be alone during your examination. Would you like your husband to step out of the room for a moment?” The doctor asked.

Maizy looked up at Tommy as she tried to answer the doctor. “Um, it really doesn’t matter...” She stumbled upon her answer.

“Well, I will ask you to please step out of the room. It is considered patient/doctor confidentiality.” The doctor brazenly said to Tommy.

By the look on his face, Maizy knew it had angered Tommy as he simply changed his facial expression and left the room, knowing the doctor was in the right. Maizy closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath knowing she would pay for the doctor’s mistake later. Then she looked up at the doctor.

“Tell me what’s happening.” He said sincerely as he looked at her.

“He’s very abusive...” She spoke with a broken voice trying not to cry.

“I can see the injury you’re trying to hide. Do you need assistance?”

“Assistance?” Maizy repeated, unsure.

“Assistance to get away from him?”

Maizy just looked at the doctor, then looked at the floor, fidgeting with her fingers. “I don’t know...” She said as a tear fell down her face.

“You are not in the position to be treated like that and I suggest you fight just as hard to get away. I know some people that can help...” The doctor said as he reached in his pocket and pulled out a business card.

“No, I don’t think I should...” Maizy said, not taking the card from him.

With a frown, the doctor slipped the card back into his pocket then laid the table back and adjusted the stirrups. “Lay back...” He said. “Just think about my offer...” He said as he pulled rubber gloves over both hands.

Maizy tried to relax as he examined her. “You’re twenty-three and this is your first pregnancy, right?”

“Yes.” She answered.

“You should be approximately three months?”

“Yes.”

“But you have not had an ultrasound yet?”

“No.”

“Well, today is the day you get to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.”

“Really?” Maizy smiled.

“Yep, just give me a few minutes to set it up...” The doctor said as he opened the door and let Tommy back in as he walked past him.

Watching the doctor walk away as he entered the room, Tommy looked at Maizy. “What the hell was that all about? Did he mess with you?”

“No Tommy, he’s a doctor and very professional. He examined me, that’s all. Now he’s going to do an ultrasound, we get to hear the baby’s heartbeat.”

“Oh, that’s exciting…” Tommy smiled but under the surface, she knew he was infuriated.

As they watched the screen together, Tommy’s frustration seemed to melt away as he saw the outline of his child. The heartbeat sounded strong and Maizy was reassured after all the violence she had endured.

Keeping what the doctor had said in mind, Maizy left the doctor’s office with Tommy. “I think we need to go out and celebrate,” Tommy suggested.

“Ok.” Maizy agreed, knowing she was somewhat safe in public.

Taking her to the city, they dined at the finest restaurant. Tommy seemed to be the perfect gentleman he used to be but she knew the real him under his subservient exterior. Taking her home, he was gentle as he tried to seduce her. But before she just gave in to avoid a fight, she poured him two more glasses of bourbon.

Knowing he was greatly intoxicated from the drinks he had had at the restaurant combined with the two he had at home, Maizy waited for him to pass out after sex. Knowing she had no time to think about what she could take, she grabbed her keys along with Tommy’s keys and snuck out the bedroom door. Walking straight to the front door, she remained extremely quiet as she made her way outside and to her car, throwing his keys in the yard.

Starting the car, she wasted no time pulling out of the driveway. Stopping at the stop sign, she reached over and opened the glove box, pulling out an envelope. She saw the five hundred dollars was still in the envelope but her ID was gone. Thinking she needed it to renew her car’s registration, she remembered leaving it in her dresser drawer along with the car’s expired registration. She accepted the loss as she knew she would never go back to that house.

For long moments, she sat at the stop sign, scared to move until she saw a vehicle come up behind her. With shaky hands, she gripped the steering wheel as she moved straight through the intersection. The vehicle behind her turned right and it was like a wave of relief splashed over her. She smiled and relaxed as she continued to drive away from that house.

Heading straight for the freeway, she stopped to fill her tank before setting out on her journey home. Although she had an incredibly long drive before her, she felt overly relieved to be gone from Tommy’s reach. She was on her way home, to freedom.