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“Actually, Savannah, that’s where you’re wrong.” Carly says sitting down beside me. She laces her fingers through mine then looks up at me sorrowfully. “I’ve never shared this with anyone but Colton, because it’s a violently disturbing memory that I wish I could forget.” She sighs, her chest shaking with fear as she blinks back the tears, holding her head high as she speaks. “I was raped just after I moved to Myrtle Beach, and that cost me and Colton our first born child. It’s hard to overcome, I won’t deny that. I nearly lost myself, so consumed with an array of emotions that my world seemed to fade to black. I’ll never forget my little angel, but I was so determined to find my way back to me because I deserved my happiness. You have to fight through the anguish and rise above it. It took me a while but I did it and so can you.”
I’m so shocked by her revelation. I didn’t know she was pregnant. Oh heavens, she was so young! My heart aches that she lost such a huge part of her and Colton due to such a depraved event. Carly continues to tell me about how she nearly gave up on life but she realized that although this world is full of hate and ugliness that you have to look past the darkness and find the beauty. She’s so admirable. Carly has always been more resilient between the two of us, and I wish I could steal away just an ounce of her strength.
Since she shared her story with me, I feel a little more comfortable with opening up about Josh’s abuse. I don’t think Carly was prepared to hear what I went through no matter how bad she wanted to know. Perhaps she didn’t realize just how bad the abuse was? I always kept my veil perfectly in place, hiding the bruises and scars. Apparently I didn’t hide them good enough, because Luke ended up seeing them all. But I’m grateful that he did.
“Can you just be honest with me for a second? How does Luke make you feel?” Carly asks inquisitively.
“Confused.” I shrug. There’s no other way to explain it all. I know there is something there, but until this divorce is finalized I can’t begin to sift through my emotions.
“Think of it like this…if your divorce was final and Josh was just a faded memory. How would you feel then?”
“Are you ever gonna drop this? I don’t know how I’d feel, Carly. Besides, there is still your past with Luke that hangs over my head, and I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“You can’t be serious, Savannah.” Carly stares at me in shock. I glare back at her silently, tongue tied and tense in the moment. “Luke and I are just friends. I know that if I need to confide in him, I can. Yes, we shared one night together, but that one night was a drunken mistake that nearly cost me the most important man in my life.” Carly reassures and I feel stupid for even bringing it up. To be honest, I think I’d rather find any excuse not to let Luke in just to keep my heart safe. She bats her mascara laden lashes, heavy with disgraceful tears that brim her hazel eyes. “But Sis, the way he looks at you is truly mesmerizing. He looks at you as if you stole the breath from his lungs, as if you’re the only person in his sight. Luke is head over heels for you, Savannah and he’s never gonna relent until he has you.”
“Savannah! This is Michele, how are you?” Michele sings loudly through the receiver.
“Good morning, Michele, I’m good. How are you?” I ask nervously. Her calls never bring good news.
“Well I am literally skippin’ my crazy ass over to the court house right now, and I just wanted to cue you in on the divorce proceedings.” Her voice is always jovial and kind. I brace myself against the counter as dread fills my stomach and I pinch my eyes closed preparing myself for the sorrowful tears that are bound to fall. “Savannah, are you still there?” Michele asks softly.
“Ye-yes, I’m here.” I stutter.
“Judge Thornhall owes me a little favor, so I’m hoping to have the divorce petition signed and filed by the end of business today.”
I still, unable to move my cemented feet. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Josh signed the Petition for Divorce, Savannah.”
“He what?”
“He signed! James hand delivered the petition himself just this morning. But he also asked that I give you a letter from Josh. That’s at my office if you want it, if not, we can pretend I never received it.”
My knees defy my feet and I slide down into the floor, consumed with…shock? Joy?
“Savannah!” Michele yells, pulling me to the present.
“I’m here.”
“Congratulations, honey. I don’t know what prompted him to change his mind, but you’re free now.” Free? FREE! Michele explains in further detail the process for the divorce while my mind stumbles over the reality of my freedom. Since Josh signed the Petition, reluctantly, she’s pulling strings with Judge Thornhall to have the divorce finalized today.
Pressing end on the phone I drop it to the floor and sit staring at the shiny silver handle of the cabinet. My breathing slows as I try to grasp my new reality.
Divorced.
Safe.
Free.
I hear the back door slam shut but I’m too weak to move. Heavy steps descend toward me but I stay focused on the cabinet, my thoughts running rampant with excitement and relief. Suddenly, a large frame stoops before me. Taking in my frail state, Luke’s large, yet gentle hands cup my face ever so softly and as my eyes drift to his the tears spring free. Without thought, he scoops me into his arms, carrying me to the couch. He brushes my hair back, allowing him the view of my red puffy eyes. His piercing blue eyes soften, filling with sorrow. “Sweetheart,” he whispers as he dips his head and kisses the corner of my lip, “you’re safe.” He swipes the pad of his thumb across my cheek erasing the tears instantly, tightening his gripe around my waist.
“I’m free.” I whisper, suddenly
finding the strength to smile.
“What, sweetheart?” Luke asks, his face scrunching in confusion and I can’t help but to cry harder.
“I’m free! I’m free!” I try to find more words to express my happiness but that’s all my mind can focus on – my freedom. Luke doesn’t pry any further for several minutes. He holds me close, giving me the chance to calm my tears, gathering my thoughts.
