“I don’t think you want to do this today.” I slipped my own mouth guard in.
“I can handle more than you think,” came out garbled as he crouched and waited for my assault. I grunted as I swung, and he blocked me. “Focus!” he commanded as he tapped my shoulder, taunting me.
I spun, swinging my leg out in the process. We went back and forth, blow for blow until I was a sweaty mess. I’d exhausted myself before he’d even arrived today, and now I was running on pure frustration. Thoughts of Hadleigh trying to defend herself against the douche bag who called last night fueled me. I wanted to save her, but she wouldn’t let me and the idea that I was helpless in the situation made it that much worse.
“Feel any better?” Dad handed me a water after tossing his gloves.
“Not really,” I muttered.
“Wanna tell me what’s going on?” He sighed as he ran a hand through his sweaty hair. “That’s some of the best form I’ve seen from you. Whoever she is, she’s making you better.”
I grimaced when I looked at him. “She’s not doing anything, and it’s not what you think.”
“I know you’re staying late. I know you’re coming in early. I’m not stupid, Easton. I know it’s because of a woman.” He stared at me. “You don’t have to talk about it. You’re a grown man, but you can’t let it twist you up like this.” He tipped his head back and downed the last of his water.
“She won’t let me help her,” I whispered through gritted teeth. “I tried, and she won’t even talk to me.”
Dad’s head whipped in my direction. “Is this that woman from class? The one who stopped coming?”
“Maybe.” I sighed.
“E, that’s an uphill battle that sometimes takes years to climb.” He shook his head at me. “You’ve heard the stories from Uncle Cole about what he went through with your Aunt Maddie.”
“This is different.” I started pacing. All the frustration I’d tried to work out in the ring was back, and I felt like I could explode. “She’s scared. I could see it.”
“They’re all scared, E. They all want to leave, but they think they can’t. They’ve been brainwashed to believe that they don’t deserve better.” He moved in my path and put his hand on my shoulder, causing me to stop. “You can’t do this to yourself.
“I need to save her.” I sounded like a little kid pleading with his dad.
“She has to want that for it to work.” His tone softened.
“She came last night. He’d hurt her again.” I stepped around him and started pacing again.
“Let me guess… she went home to him too.” Dad moved to stop me. “She has to want to leave. I know this is hard. You’ve never been close to this like me, but what you’re doing…being her friend…it’s all you can do right now. Be there, and don’t push. When she’s ready to leave, she’s going to need you.” I nodded and then stared out into the gym. I was looking for her, it was a habit that I couldn’t break. “I’ve got to get cleaned up before my first class. I’ll see you in there.” He nodded and walked away.
Once Dad disappeared into his office, I rushed up to the front desk. Caleb was on the phone, and I motioned for our membership book. What I was about to do was completely wrong, but I couldn’t help myself. I started scanning the member sign-ins, looking for Hadleigh’s name. She had to sign in each time she came, and she had to register for the class. I searched for a good ten minutes, but couldn’t find anyone listed under that name. I slammed the book shut, and stormed back to the training room. “She’s not in there!” I growled.
“What?” Dad glanced up from his clipboard. He’d changed clothes, and you’d never know we sparred just a few moments before.
“I looked for her in the book. She’s not in there.”
Dad’s eyes flashed. “You can’t be doing that, E. She may not have used a real name. Some women don’t. Some are so scared that they use a fake name so they can’t be found. I don’t question it. The fact that they’re coming to get help is enough for me.”
My hands balled into fists as my frustration over the whole thing climbed exponentially. “This isn’t helping. You’re not helping.” I sounded like a child.
“Class is going to start. Get yourself together.” Dad was as cool as a cucumber. “Morning, ladies.” He smiled as he looked over my shoulder, and I heard a few women chattering as they walked through the door. “Have a seat and we’ll get started soon.”
I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. When I turned around, there she was. Hadleigh. Our eyes connected as she came through the door, and she froze. Her face turned white, and she rushed to turn around.
“Wait!” I reached her in few short strides. “Wait.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I came,” she murmured.
“I do.” I stepped closer and lowered my voice. “You want help, and this place makes you feel safe.” I’d heard my dad utter those words many times to the women who attempted to leave after showing up for a class. Hadleigh visibly relaxed. Her head tipped up, and her eyes met mine again. They were filled with tears, and a red mark marred her neck. “Did he do that?” I reached out, but when she recoiled, I thought better of touching her.
“I don’t want to talk about that.” She sighed and I stepped out of her way.
“Let’s work on fighting back.” I motioned for her to join the class. She nodded and moved into the room to take a seat.
ooooooooo
Hadleigh
Coming here was a mistake. I knew he’d be here, but something about him makes me feel safe. I don’t know why, and that scares me. Easton would tower over Josh, and could probably throw him like a ragdoll, but being around him is different.
Josh left early this morning for a business trip. He’s going to be out of town for three days. As long as I’m home this evening for his call, I’m free for the daytime. After sitting down, I wrapped my arms around my knees. My neck and shoulder hurt from the beating I took last night. Since Easton caught us in the parking lot, and Josh made sure I never go out dressed like that again, I’ve been holed up in my apartment.
Class was much like it’s been in the past. Wes talked about the importance of getting away safely, and surviving was the goal, and then we practiced on Easton. “I look forward to seeing you all next week.” Wes waved, and everyone started filing out of the room.
I quickly stood and attempted to blend into the group. I didn’t want Easton following me and asking more questions. I just about made it to the front of the gym when I felt him behind me. My senses have been heightened thanks to Josh, and I could feel his presence behind me the minute he rushed up.
“Where are you going?” He sounded hurt.
“Home.” I glanced back and then started moving toward the door.
“Back to him,” Easton huffed. “What does he have to do to make you leave? Are you waiting for him to kill you?” He flung his arms out as I turned on him.
“You don’t know anything about me.” Anger surged and I stepped forward. I wasn’t afraid of him, and that made me even angrier. Why couldn’t I do this to Josh?
“I know you let him beat on you. I know you think you deserve it. I know you don’t,” he seethed. “What am I missing here? Huh? What am I missing?” He was practically shouting at this point.
“I can’t, okay? I can’t get away.” My anger turned to frustration and then hopelessness. “He knows where I live. He knows where I work. He has keys to my apartment. He’s a part of every part of my being. There is no place that’s away from him.” The tears started to come, and that made the anger surge back. “You can’t help me. You can’t!” I stomped my foot. He moved closer, and this time I didn’t shy away from him. He stepped so closer, that his chest was almost brushing my cheek. “You can’t save me.” I sniffed as he slowly reached out to wrap me in a hug.
“Let me try,” he whispered as his arms cradled me against him. “Please, let me try.”
I sagged against the warm muscle. “Okay.”
Hadleigh
“Wanna grab a coffee?” Easton released me and I staggered backwards slightly.
“Huh?” I blinked a few times. My head was foggy, and confusion mixed with frustration swirled inside me.
“Coffee. It’s this brown stuff you drink. Sometimes you put cream and sugar in it.” He grinned as he bent his knees to make eye contact.
“I know what coffee is.” I rolled my eyes and he laughed. “It’s just…” my voice trailed off.
“Normal?” He chuckled.
“I guess.” I shrugged.
“We can walk. We can get to know each other better.” He was waving his arms animatedly. “You know… be friends?” He grinned.
“Sure. Friends.” I nodded. It felt weird, and I didn’t really have friends anymore, so I didn’t know exactly what this meant.
ooooooooo
We walked side by side down the block to Cool Beans. It’s a local spot that everyone seems to love. I’ve never hung out inside. Usually, it’s takeout because I’ve never had the time. Josh doesn’t like it when I’m out without him, so I spend a lot of time at home.
When we reached the coffee shop, Easton held the door for me. It took me a minute to react. Josh doesn’t do any of that. We walked inside, and got in line. “Are you a hot or iced coffee drinker?” Easton pointed to the menu.
“It’s kinda warm out today. I guess iced?” I tipped my head to the side.
“You say that like a question. You get to decide for yourself. Do you want iced?” His brow crinkled as he stared down at me.
I thought for a second. Josh would have ordered for me without even asking. “I don’t know.” I shifted on my feet. “Maybe you could pick something out?”
“Me?” He pointed to his chest.
“Sure.” I shrugged noncommittally.
“I see what’s happening here. I want you to pick. What do YOU want?” His voice was calm but I knew he was upset with my indecision. I stared longer at all the choices. What did I want? “It’s just coffee, Hadleigh. Pick what you want?”
“Um.” I chewed the inside of my cheek as my heart began to beat faster. Why was this hard? My eyes darted across all the words as I shifted faster from side to side. The customer in front of us moved out of the way, and it was our turn.
“I’ll have an ice-cold brew with cream and sugar.” Easton rattled off his order. “And she’ll have…” He turned to me.
“House blend, no sorry. A caramel frappé with sweet foam.” I nodded. “Yeah. That’s what I want.” I swallowed. This was the first time I’d done this. Josh had been ordering my food and drinks for the last two years. I never had a say, and as crazy as it sounded, this little bit of freedom felt good.
“That’ll be ten fifty,” the barista rambled off as he started pulling cups from beneath the counter. He scribbled our orders on the cups, and then took Easton’s money.
“You don’t have to pay for mine,” I argued, but he brushed me off.
“Don’t worry about it.” He ushered us over to the waiting area. “Want to grab one of those tables, and I’ll get the drinks?”
“You wanna hang out here?” I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was.
“Sure, I don’t have anything else going on. Why not?” He smiled and pointed toward the tables.
I turned, slowly, and started walking over to an empty one near the window. I sat down, and began nervously twisting my fingers in my lap. This felt wrong in so many ways. I was out with a guy who wasn’t my boyfriend. We were having coffee together. It sounded like a date. Josh would be pissed if he found out. All these thoughts plagued me as I watched Easton come striding my way with our coffees.
“You okay?” He sat down and handed me my cup.
“I shouldn’t be here,” I mumbled.
“Why?” Easton’s head tipped to the side. “Because he’ll get mad? You’re not doing anything wrong, Hadleigh.” There was an edge to his voice and I jumped slightly.
“This isn’t a date.” I swallowed as I refused to look up.
“I know that.” He reached across the table and covered my hand with his. I stared at it, and he pulled back. “Sorry. I’m just trying to be your friend. I think you need one.” He leaned back in his chair and sipped his coffee.
“How’s that?” I crossed my arms over my chest. I was being defensive, and part of me was mad.
“I may not know everything about you, but I know what you’re going through. My dad has been teaching these classes since before I was born. I’ve heard him talk to my mom about the things he’s been told. My aunt had a boyfriend like yours. You’re not alone, and there is a way out.” He softened his features as he leaned closer. “When you’re ready. I want to help.”
“I don’t know how you can.” I placed my elbows on the table and rested my head on my fists.
“I do, but you have to be all in.” He studied me as if he was trying to memorize every part of me.
“Like how?” I sighed, wondering if I even wanted to know this.
ooooooooo
Easton
She looked so helpless and defeated as she sat there staring at something over my shoulder. I was tempted to look back, but thought better of it. I’m sure it was nothing, just her way of avoiding looking at me directly.
It was a busy morning in Cool Beans. Lots of patrons bustling in and out on their way to wherever they were going for the day. Hadleigh slowly sipped her coffee, but didn’t add any more to the conversation. I knew being her friend would be hard, but I wasn’t prepared for how hard. “The first thing you need to do is change the locks on your doors.” I sat back in my chair and nodded. “If he doesn’t have a way to get in, then you’ll be safe at home.”
“That would make him so mad.” She swallowed before looking away and watching people out the window.
“You have to tell him no, Hadleigh. He needs to know that you matter. You have a say, and when you say no, that’s what it means.” I sounded like I was pleading with her.
“It’s not that easy.” She began turning her cup in her hands. “He always finds a way to convince me that I need to give him a second chance. You don’t get it.”
“I do get it. Let me guess. The first time he hit you, he told you he was sorry and it would never happen again. He blamed it on a bad day at work, or the fact that you were bothering him after a bad day. Am I close?” I tipped my head to the side and watched her. She pressed her lips together as if she was trying not to cry. “You forgave him, and a few days later he did it again. Every time he’s hit you, he’s had a reason why it’s your fault, and you’ve accepted that.”
“He doesn’t mean it.” The words came out as a choked whisper. “I can be a pain at times.”
Rage filled me. How the hell can anyone think that they deserve to be hit? “I don’t care what you’ve done or said. You do not deserve to be hit for any reason.” I placed my elbows on the table and dropped my head in my hands. “A man doesn’t hit a woman for any reason. It’s wrong,” I growled as I tugged at my hair.
“You’ve never gotten mad at a girlfriend?” She twisted her lips as she watched me.
“Sure, but I’ve never laid hands on any of them.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“But you’re a fighter.” She looked confused.
“I fight because it’s the job I picked. I don’t hit anyone who doesn’t hit back, and I’ve never hit a woman.” My voice was stern, but I was trying not to scare her. “You have to stand up to him. Tell him no. Tell him you can’t be with a man who hurts you. Tell him you’re leaving if he doesn’t change.” I pounded the table and it shook, causing our cups to wobble.
“I can’t…” She turned away.
“I’ll help you. I’ll change your locks. I’ll protect you. I’ll do whatever you need.”
“You’re not my boyfriend.” Her brows dipped.
“This is what friends do, Hadleigh. They help each other. Let me help you,” I begged. We’d finishe
d our coffees at this point, and I stood and tossed them in the trash. “Please.” I held my hand out to her.
“I’ll have to think about it.” She sighed as she stood. She crossed her arms in front of her, avoiding my touch. It felt strange. Most women who knew me, threw themselves at me. Hell, some women who didn’t know me did it. With Hadleigh, it was as if I was a nobody.
“Here.” I grabbed one of the gym’s business cards out of my wallet. “Put this in your bag. It has my and my dad’s numbers on it. You can call me anytime.”
She slowly took the card, and stared at it. “What if it’s in the middle of the night?” She blinked up at me, the sun shining in her eyes.
“Anytime,” I reiterated.
I watched as she tucked it into her bag. “Thank you.” She smiled.
“You don’t need to thank me, just use the card when he hurts you again, because he’s going to hurt you again, Hadleigh. That’s how these guys work. They don’t stop until someone makes them. I just hope he doesn’t kill you the next time.” It was harsh, but I was angry. Dad’s words flitted through my head, ‘you can’t make them leave. They have to choose to change things.’
We walked back to the gym, but when we reached the doors, she turned toward the parking lot. I watched as she walked to a silver car, and climbed in. She waved once more before pulling out into traffic and leaving me there. The idea that she was going back home to this asshole made my blood boil. How bad was he going to have to hurt her for her to leave? How bad did it have to get?
ooooooooo
I shook the thought from my head as I tore open the door and stomped inside. Music boomed through the sound system and Caleb was hunched over the front desk, tapping away on his phone. “My dad doesn’t pay you to sext my sister all day,” I grumbled as I walked past him.
“Jealous?” he shot back. I waved my hand in the air as I made a beeline for the bags in the back. I needed to work out my aggression before I said something I shouldn’t. Being around Hadleigh always brought out the caveman in me.
Broken Shadows (The Broken Series Second Generation Book 2) Page 10
