Over the next few days, Amy discovered that it was nice having friends. Being able to just be herself was something she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She even found the courage to start writing again which was another thing she hadn’t experienced in a long time. There was also the simple pleasure of just sitting and enjoying life around her. The way the ocean moved, the call of a seagull, the guys bickering over who was going to do the dishes and the sweet sound of their music. But the best part was feeling safe. For the first time in longer than she could remember she felt safe.
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Ron Damson sat in a six foot by eight-foot jail cell he shared with three other inmates. Unlike the past two weeks he had spent in jail, this day was turning out better. Things were looking up. He had found out from a friend on the outside that the man that turned him in was Micky Dolenz. His woman had been shacking up with him and his three roommates ever since she had been released from the hospital. With good behavior he would be out of this stinking cell in two months and then not only would Micky pay but also Amy would pay double.
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“What is that incredible smell?” Micky followed the aroma through the back door and into the kitchen.
“Spaghetti and meatballs.” Amy answered with a smile.
“You should be resting, not cooking.” He leaned over her shoulder.
“I feel much better. I wanted to do something nice for you guys.” She playfully smacked his hand away when he tried to dip his finger in for a taste. “Even though this doesn’t even come close to repaying you for all you’ve done for me.”
“Seeing that smile is payment enough.” He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. “I get the feeling it’s been a while since you smiled like that.”
“It has been.” She answered softly and stirred the sauce.
“We don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready.” He leaned back against the counter and watched her.
“You’ve been more than patient.” She looked over at him. “What do you want to know?”
He sat down at the kitchen table. “Mostly why you stayed with him.”
“He wasn’t always like this. When we first met, Ron was sweet and very charming.” She sighed. “The first time he hit me was about three months after we started dating. I don’t even remember what we were fighting about. I just remember being knocked half way across the room and my first shiner. I kicked him out of my parents’ house and swore I would never seen him again.”
“What happened to change your mind?”
“He came over the next day with flowers and candy and full of apologies. At first, I resisted. Then my mother insisted that I take him back. She explained that it was a man’s right and if I straightened up, it wouldn’t happen again. I actually believed her.” Silent tears ran down her face. “I took him back and for the next couple weeks, it was good again. Then it got worse than I could have ever imagined. It didn’t matter to him if I straightened up or not, I was always wrong and I always paid the price. He took me away from my friends and my family. We moved in to that apartment together and I was stuck. I believed him when he told me that no one would ever love me. I believed him when he said I was dirt and deserved it. Nothing I did pleased him. The apartment was ever clean enough, the food never cooked the way he liked it and I was ugly and stupid.” She looked at him now, her eyes full of tears.
Micky cupped her face, his thumbs gently wiping away the tears. “He was so wrong. And what he did to you was wrong. You are beautiful and smart. You have a kind heart and a gentle nature. You are a talented writer and from what I smell, an excellent cook.” He chuckled and then looked deep into her eyes. “Any man would be lucky if you gave him your love. You deserve nothing less.”
“Thank you.” She covered his hands with her own. “If you had told me that two weeks ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.” She could feel herself getting lost in his almond-shaped eyes.
“And now?” He smiled, his thumbs still gently caressing her cheeks and his lips moving closer to hers.
She felt the fear rising up in her throat. “And now I should get back to making dinner.” She quickly pulled away and stood.
“I’m sorry.” Micky stood behind her.
“No, I’m sorry.” She stirred the sauce and felt the hot tears burning her eyes. “I can’t…I’m not ready to get involved again.”
“I won’t push you.” He placed his hands gently on her shoulders. “I would never do anything to hurt you.”
“I know you wouldn’t.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “I just need time to heal.”
“Take as much time as you need.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”
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Part 6
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