“Thank you, Faith. You may step down now.” The judge dismisses me.
They call my father to the stand and he denies everything. He tells them that I’ve always had a vivid imagination and that he and my mom caught me lying a lot when I was younger. I look over to the jury and I can see the disgust for the man on the witness stand written all over their faces. Hopefully this is a good sign. I don’t know what I’ll do if he’s found not guilty.
The judge dismisses my dad as well and since I’m the only one to testify against him, there are no other witnesses called. We go out into the hallway to wait for the jury to make their decisions.
Two hours pass by before we are led back into the courtroom to hear them announce the verdict. My father is sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
He’s going to be locked away. A huge weight is lifted off my shoulders as I realize that in this moment, I’m the freest I’ll ever be.
Chapter 8
Faith
I’m in the middle of a meeting with our wedding planner. She’s going on and on about flower arrangements, cakes, and locations. I’ve tuned her out a while ago and let my mind drift away to my sleepover at Aunt Martha’s a few weeks ago.
I had gone over there one Friday night to spend some much needed time with her. Of course, she immediately had known that something was up with me and after a while I finally spilled the beans. I told her about the engagement with Jordan, my love for Seth, and my fear of giving a relationship with Seth a chance.
“Darling, sometimes in life you have to take chances. You have to let go of your fears and just dive right in. You took a chance when you ran away from home and look where it brought you. It brought you a loving family, amazing friends, and happiness. Who’s to say the same won’t happen with Seth? You can either try to take the risk or you can sit back and let love pass you by. It’s your choice to make. No one can take that decision off your shoulders, but I can promise you, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life if you let Seth go,” she had said to me. I knew she was right, but could I act on it?
“What are your favorite colors?” The wedding planner pulls me back into the now and here.
“Uhh... I’m sorry, but I just remembered I had another appointment. Can I call you in a couple of days to reschedule?” I stand up from the chair I’m sitting on. She looks a little flabbergasted but agrees to reschedule. I don’t plan on calling her back. This wedding can’t happen. I don’t love Jordan. I want to be with Seth and I’m gonna take a chance. In a few months he’ll be back. We’ll be able to have a fresh start.
Happiness bubbles through me at the thought of Seth. I’m finally letting go of all my fears by putting my heart in his hands. I pull out my phone to pull up my Facebook Messenger app. He’s online. Finding a nearby Starbucks, I go in, order my coffee, and find a place to sit down.
Me: Hey, soldier, what are you up to?
Seth: Nothing much. We’re getting ready to go out on a mission in the morning. So I’m just hanging around, talking to friends. How are you?
Me: I’m doing great. Actually, there’s something I need to talk to you about.
Seth: If it’s an invitation to the wedding, I’m not interested. Sorry, but I can’t do it.
Me: I would never do that, Seth. But no, that’s not what it is. Matter of fact, there will be no wedding...
Seth: Huh? When did you break up with Jordan? Your status still says engaged.
Me: Are you stalking my profile? ;)
Seth: Maybe. You still haven’t answered my question.
Me: I haven’t broken the news to him yet because I just made the decision ten minutes ago... I’m telling him tonight.
Seth: But why?
I take a few moments to respond. This is the moment where I lay it all out and give Seth the chance to either heal me or shatter me forever.
Me: I’m not getting married because I’m not in love with him. I have tried to love him, but there’s only one person that holds my heart. He owns every inch of it.
Seth: Who is he? He sounds like a very lucky guy.
Me: You don’t know him. He’s this guy who’s married to a bitch and is about to get divorced. We shared one night together. That night has stayed with me and I think about it every damn day. I think about the way he held me, touched me, and kissed me. Just thinking about it makes my heart flutter.
Seth: What’s his name? Sounds like I need to beat the shit out of him for sleeping with someone special like you while still married.
Me: He’s been forgiven. I’ve put him through a lot and I hope he can forgive me for being such a bitch. I also hope he still loves me and wants to give this a chance? What do you think? Should I tell him how much I love him?
Seth: I think your chances are really good. I’m sure he thinks you’re the most beautiful girl in the world and you’re worth every minute he waited for you.
Me: I love you, Seth. I’ve only ever loved you. I’m sorry for not seeing it sooner. When I think about my future with Jordan I’m so ridiculously sad because it’s not him I picture it with. You’re all that I see. I don’t believe in love at first sight but from the moment I saw you, I knew I was done for. You’ve changed my outlook on love and it scares the piss out of me. I want to be with you. I can’t let my fear stand in the way anymore. So, please take my heart. Hold it carefully because only you have the power to destroy me.
Seth: I’ve waited for this moment for over a year now, Faith Livingston. I love you so much. You have no idea how big I am smiling right now. You’re mine. Finally. I promise, I’ll never break your heart.
Me: Katherine. My real name is Katherine. I changed it when Aunt Martha adopted me. I want you to know everything about me, the good and the bad.
Seth: Wow. Okay. Do you want me to call you Katherine?
Me: No. I just wanted to give you a piece of the real me – to show you how much I trust you with my heart. Katherine is who I was back then, Faith is who I am now. I don’t like the girl from my past, but that’s a story for another day.
Seth: Thank you for sharing that with me. Your trust means a lot to me. So, this is the real deal now? You and I are an item?
Me: I would like us to be. I’ve wasted too much time already.
Seth: My smile is growing wider and wider. I love you, Faith.
Me: I love you too and I should’ve never tried to fight it. But hey, I have to go. I’m at Starbucks. Jordan will be home and the sooner I get this over with the better. I will talk to you later, okay?
Seth: No problem, baby. I’ll be up for a while. Maybe we can Skype later. I would love to see your face. If not we can always Skype when I get back from the mission.
Me: I would love that. Talk to you later. Xoxo
Seth: I will be here. I love you.
Me: I love you too.
Whoa. Seth and I are officially a couple. Never in my life would I have thought this day would come. Now it was time to break the news to Jordan. I hate that I have to break his heart, but surely he must know that my heart hasn’t been in the game, right? Ugh. This sucks.
I get in my car to head home. I put my phone on loudspeaker and call Skye.
“Hey, Faith, what’s up?” she answers on the third ring. She sounds exhausted. Little Abby made her grand entrance a little over a month ago. Motherhood suits Skye perfectly, but the long nights are taking a toll on her.
“I did it.”
“You did what?”
“Seth...”
“What about him? Come on, Faith. I’m tired. I just got Abby down for a nap. I’d like to take one too.”
“Okay, okay. I was in the middle of a meeting with a wedding planner when I decided that I wasn’t gonna marry Jordan. I’m breaking up with him tonight. I talked to Seth and confessed my feelings to him. I even told him a little bit about my past. Not a lot, but enough to show him that I do trust him. I’m doing it, Skye. I’m giving our love a chance.”
“Finally. It’s about fucking time. I’m so happy for you,
Faith. You deserve it.”
“I might need to stay with you for a while until Jordan finds a place to stay. I’m already breaking his heart. I don’t want to make him homeless as well.”
“Sure. I’ll have Braden swing by your house after school to help you pack. He should be getting out in a couple of hours.”
“Sounds perfect.” We chat a little more about Abby and the little things she does every day. I can’t wait to see my little niece again. She’s so adorable.
“Okay, I’m at the house now. See you in about two hours.” I hang up the phone. Taking a deep breath, I know this isn’t going to be easy.
When I open the door I see beer bottles everywhere. What the fuck? I walk into the living room and find Jordan sitting in the recliner drunk out of his mind. He has on a white wifebeater that is covered in stains. He reminds me of my father when he went on one of his binge drinking sessions. Fuck.
“Jordan, what the fuck is going on?” He looks up at me, but it’s as if he is looking right through me.
“Answer me for fuck’s sake! My fucking house is a disaster and you’re drunk out of your damn mind on a weekday. It’s not even four in the afternoon. What the fuck is wrong with you?” I can’t hold it together. Seeing Jordan like this triggers too many bad memories.
“What? I just decided to drink a little. There’s no harm in that.”
“A little? You call this...” I gesture around the room that is covered in empty beer bottles. “You call this a little? It looks like you robbed a damn brewery. You stink.”
“What is your problem? I had a few drinks. That’s all.”
“Jordan, I can’t do this.”
“Do what?”
“I can’t marry you. I came here to talk to you about it. I’m gonna pack my bags and go to Skye’s house till you can find a place to stay. I’m sorry, but I don’t love you.”
I watch him as the shock on his face turns to anger. He stands up out of his chair and stumbles towards me. I back away from him. I don’t trust him in the state he’s in.
“It’s because of that Seth guy, isn’t it? I saw the letters. You’re just another little slut. News flash. You’re not going anywhere. You belong here with me. He doesn’t love you like I do.”
“You found the letters? Is that why you drank your brain away?”
“I’m not very happy about some guy confessing his love for you, but I forgive you. I love you after all.”
“It’s over, Jordan. I’m leaving. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have led you on like this. I thought I could love you. I thought I could marry you and forget about him. But I can’t.”
Jordan grabs me by the throat pushing me up against the wall. I struggle against his grip, but he’s stronger than I am, even when he’s drunk. I gasp for air.
“You dirty little whore. You think you can just walk in here and break our engagement? I’ve put with your shit long enough. I’m done. We play by my rules now. We’re getting married. End of story.”
He loosens his grip a little just to pull back his fist and slam it in my face. He hits my nose and I feel the bones crushing. Tears shoot to my eyes. What is happening? Why is he doing this? Who is that guy in front of me? Fuck, my nose hurts like a bitch.
“You’re right, Jordan. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course I’ll marry you. I love you.” That does the trick and he lets go of me. I hold my nose. Blood is covering my hand. Fuck. My nose is definitely broken. I only have to make it till Braden gets here. He’ll know what to do.
“Damn right you will. Now show me just how much you love me.” He pulls me to him while pushing up my skirt. I’m repulsed by him, but let it continue to happen. If I upset him more who knows what will happen. He drags me over to the couch and bends me over the armrest. Ripping my panties off in one fast move he pushes into me without any preparation. It stings, but I don’t make a sound. I just need to let him get it over with. Fuck. I never thought I’d be in this position again.
“Do you feel this? This is me owning your pussy. No one else will ever have you. I promise.”
I silently cry while he slams in and out of me. I’m reminded of all the times my father took from me what he wanted. It’s all my fault. I should’ve never started dating Jordan. I broke his heart and now he is trying to get back at me. He’s being brutal and I’m in a lot of pain. He finally finishes. As he walks to the bedroom, I grab my phone to send a quick text to Braden telling him to hurry up. I need to get away from here.
I peak into our bedroom. Jordan is fast asleep. I get some ice for my nose while I wait for Braden to show up. I look at my watch every few seconds wishing time would move faster. I’m scared Jordan will wake up and repeat what he just did. I can’t handle it again.
Thirty minutes later, the doorbell rings. Braden takes one look at me and anger flashes across his face.
“Where the fuck is he? I’m going to fucking kill him.”
Pulling his arms as he walks past me, I say, “No, Braden, it’s my fault. I led him on all this time. I broke his heart. I deserved it.”
“The fuck you did. So what if you broke his heart? He should’ve never laid his hands on you.”
I hear shuffling behind us and see that Jordan has woken back up. Fuck. This is gonna get nasty.
“What the fuck are you gonna do about it? Call the cops? She’s my fiancée and I’ll do whatever the fuck I want to her. I’ve been waiting for her to give up that pussy. You know how long it’s been since we had sex? Weeks. I’m tired of it. She will do what I tell her from now on.” I don’t recognize the guy who is standing in front of me. Just this morning everything had been fine between us and now? It’s like someone flipped the switch. Before I can say anything Braden is already charging at Jordan. Fists are flying, bodies are slamming against walls until Braden has Jordan pinned to the floor. He’s hitting him over and over again.
“You ever lay eyes on her again or come anywhere near her I’ll fucking murder you, understand? She doesn’t love you. She never has. I know it sucks, but you’ll just have to get over it. Now get your shit and get the fuck outta here before I call the cops.”
“Fine. Fine. I don’t want some cheating whore anyways.”
“I have NEVER cheated on you.”
“You might as well have. Don’t worry, I’ll leave. I can find better pussy any day of the week. Stupid bitch. At least give me the ring back.”
I pull off the ring and throw it at his face. His words hurt. I tried. I tried so hard to love him, to be enough for him. In the end my heart won. I can’t be faulted for that, can I?
Braden and I watch while Jordan packs his belongings. Soon after he finally leaves. I fall to my knees and start sobbing uncontrollably. Braden wraps me in his arms.
“It’s okay, Faith. He’s gone.”
“I felt like I was back in my childhood home. I’ve never seen him so violent.”
“I know, sweetheart. I know. Come on, let’s get you to the hospital. Your nose is broken. You need to have a doctor check that out. After that I’m taking you to the police station.”
“No. Not the cops. I’m not pressing charges. I don’t want to go through all that again.” I shake my head.
“Faith, you have to press charges. You can’t let him get away with that. What if it happens again to you or someone in the future?”
“No.”
“Okay. Fine. For now. You still have to see a doctor though.”
“Okay. Let me change.”
As I head into the bathroom, I look into the mirror and gasp. My nose is swollen and blood is dried to my face. My eyes are already turning black. I look terrible. I change into clean clothes and a fresh pair of panties. I’m sore down there from where he ripped into me.
Braden drives me to the hospital and we wait for about an hour before the doctor can see me. He has to break my nose again to set it straight. The pain barely registers for me. I’m still in shock about what happened. Tonight Jordan broke a piece of me that I had work
ed very hard to fix.
Braden insists that I come to their house for a few days. Once we get there I lock myself in the guest room. As the shock wears off, I finally find all of my bottled up emotions and let go of them.
I promised myself never to be a victim again. Tonight, I failed. I let Jordan take something from me that I wasn’t willing to give – my free will. I’m not sure how I’ll move on from this. Just when I thought I could be happy, my past reared its ugly head.
I think about Seth and how I promised him to message him when everything was over with. I can’t even bring myself to talk to him right now. Again, I’m reminded of why he is better off without me. Maybe I am just not meant to be with anyone.
Life sucks and I’m not sure it will ever stop sucking.
Chapter 9
Seth
It’s been one week since I talked to Faith, one week since she finally admitted her feelings for me. Now there’s silence. She doesn’t respond to my messages or calls. I don’t know what happened, but all I can think is that she changed her mind. I have no idea why. Her last messages were so full of hope and trust. What changed since then?
I scroll through Facebook, but she’s not online. All of my messages so far have gone unread. What the fuck is going on? When Braden’s name pops up on my chat bar I decide to ask him. Surely he knows what’s going on.
Me: Hey man, what’s up?
His response almost comes immediately.
Braden: Thank God. I’ve been looking for you to come online for days. Some shit went down.
Me: What? I just got back from a mission yesterday. What happened? Is Faith okay? She hasn’t responded to any of my messages. She was gonna message me when she broke up with Jordan. I haven’t heard from her since.
Braden: Fuck. Look, don’t flip out, okay? You need to keep a calm head over there.
Me: TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED, BRADEN!!! Don’t tell me to be fucking calm. The love of my life won’t talk to me.
Braden: So... Faith went to break up with Jordan right after she talked to you. Well when she got home the house was covered in beer bottles. I saw it. It was bad. Jordan was drunk out of his fucking mind. When she told him that she was breaking up he went crazy.
Uncovering Peace Page 7
