Harry Anderson has been stuck in an abusive relationship for almost four years now. Having known Noah Carter since kindergarten, his boyfriend began drinking at 21 years old and began beating on him for no good reason. Harry's 25th birthday is arriv...
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□ Harry Anderson □ ~~~~~~~~~~ □ The Morning After □
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I wake up in my bed. I forget reality for a few minutes before the memories come rushing back. The color drains from my face as tears sting my eyes. Oh, God, no! This didn't happen at all!
Noah didn't rape me last night. He didn't. No, we discussed having sex like human beings. We talked about having sex rationally. But I know that I can't keep lying to myself anymore.
Noah raped me. My boyfriend fucking raped me last night. I'm too scared to get out of bed. What if he's downstairs and wants another round? My anxiety level begins to rise, and I take deep breaths.
Someone knocks on my bedroom door. I tense up, pulling the blanket up to my neck. The door opens, and it's Noah. I shake in fear, and the tears sting a cut on my face. "Get the fuck away from me," I stammer.
"Harry," says Noah. His voice is broken. He's upset about what he did to me. There are dry tears on his face. His hands are shaking a bit.
I don't speak. I keep my mouth shut. If I speak, I'll say something I'll regret. Harry approaches the bed slowly. "Keep away from me," I say.
Harry stays by our dresser, listening to me. He clears his throat and says, "Harry, I'm sorry for what I did to you. I wasn't thinking properly. I was leading with my emotions instead of logic." I'm confused now. Normally, I'd be the one apologizing. But another question arises in my mind: Why isn't he at work?
"I promise, as God is my witness, that I will never hurt you again," says Noah as he walks toward the bed. He sits down and tries to place a hand on my knee. I pull my legs up closer to me. "I promise I won't abuse you, I won't drink, I won't rape you ever again," sobs Noah. His voice cracks, and silent tears slide down his face.
I begin to cry too. But I'm not sure how to respond to this. I can only nod my head and say, "I forgive you." Noah is being sincere. I know that most abusers don't change, but maybe he will. Noah scoots up closer and clears his throat again.
