Salvation

Chapter 2: How I met Mr Alexander

Chapter Two: How I met Mr Alexander

Edited and Rewritten

I open my foggy eyes as the tears seem to glue them together. My ribs still ached, but the real pain came from listening to David destroy our house and having to be next door to him sleeping with another woman. My heart hurt so much that it made my ribs feel like a paper cut.

I sit on the edge of my bed while my eyes watch the sun beginning to rise, and I knew that I had to get ready for my new job. The weekend of torture had ended, and it was finally Monday.

I shower and wash my long, dull and boring brunette hair. I look at the yellowing bruises on my thin, pale and ugly body - I am glad that the wounds are healing just in time for my new job. A lot is resting upon my shoulders for this to go perfectly; I had to be the breadwinner and pay for the house, especially since David was laid off.

I dry my hair and do my best to make it look presentable, which was hard as I was not any special to look at. I put on a layer of foundation to hide the remaining marks on my face and the bruise that circled my jawline. I change into the new clothes that David allowed me to purchase from the charity shop, and I make sure that my clothes were in good order and they were appropriate for work.

I look into the mirror at my white shirt and black pencil shirt before slipping on my old black heels. I had coloured in the patches with a black marker, so it wasn't noticeable that they were worn. I take one last look at myself in the mirror to make sure that nothing is out of place and that I look fine.

I make my way into the kitchen, and I step over the passed-out bodies and the numerous beer cans and bottles. The floor is covered in stains, vomit and stickiness - I would have to clean this all when I come home. I walk into the kitchen before making myself some coffee before making some toast and coffee to take up to the guest bedroom for David.

I walk up to the room and force myself not to cry when I see the naked woman beside David. I walk over to David's side before putting the toast and coffee on the bedside table, and I crouch down beside him. I touch his cheek, and he begins to stir.

"Good Morning, Honey. That's me leaving for work, and I have made you some coffee and toast for breakfast," I say to lightly to him as I run my hand through his hair. I smile at his sleeping face as he opens his eyes. I went to stand up to leave, and his hand grabs my wrist, stopping me from going. I try to pull away, but David won't let me go. I feel my wrist throbbing as David twists it, and it causes me to well up.

"David, you're hurting me," I say to him as my voice breaks.

"I'm telling you, Grace, you mess this up, and I will chuck you out on the streets," David tells me through gritted teeth as he twists my arm once again. I nod in reply as I bite on my lip so that I wouldn't cry.

David lets go of my hand, but I don't dare to move just yet; I don't even dare to breathe. I stay there as David rolls back over and gets comfortable in bed.

"Get out of my sight, you worthless piece of crap," He growls at me with closed eyes. I rush out of the bedroom. My wrist was aching, but I push through the pain, and I grab my handbag with my car keys. I close the door behind me, and I get into the car. I pause for a few seconds before taking in a deep breath, trying to regain some of my confidence that has been lost for so long.

I start the car before driving through my sleepy and half-abandoned home town. I look at the falling leaves off the trees and the multitude of colours. Autumn has always been my favourite season, as it offers the chance for change. The scenery changes from my small town to the towering buildings and skyscrapers of the City.