Sarah walked to the her closet and grabbed a robe and wrapped her body in it as if it were her tomb. She opened her bedroom door and entered the livingroom, with no signs of Mark anywhere. She smelled the enticing aroma of coffee coming from the kitchen, and pushed her body there to enjoy a cup. She grabbed a cup from the dishwasher and filled it with coffee. She took her first sip before she even sat down at the small dinette. SHe reached her chair and saw all the evidence that Mark had sat there that morning. An ashtray sat overflowing with butts, and empty cigarette wrapper lay just beside it, and ashes were strewn across the table. She had repeatedly asked Mark to please just empty the astray when he filled it, and he would consistently tell her it wouldn't hurt her to do it herself. The phone rang, bringing Sarah out of her thoughts. She quickly rose to answer the phone. "Hello...." she answered.

"Good morning Sarah!"
"Good morning yourself...." Sarah answered with a smile. "How are you Melanie?"
"Well, I am just peachy Sarah!"
"Well good for you!"
"So anyway, would you like to go to the bazaar with me today?"
"Oh I don't know Mel, Mark left this morning and the kitchen is just a mess, you know how he makes it every morning..."
"So it is his mess, let him clean it up..."
Sarah thought about the last time she just let Mark clean it up. "I am not sure that is good idea Melanie." Sarah stuttered.
"That is foolish Sarah, we will just be gone for a little while. Just go get dressed and I will walk on over and we can go. Talk to you soon!"
"Mel wait...." Sarah tried to add to the conversation, but it was too late as Melanie had already hung up. She hung up the phone, and took another sip of her coffee and headed to her room to get dressed.

A half hour later there was a knock on the door. Sarah headed for the door putting in her last earring on the way. She reached the door and opened it up to a tall red headed woman. "Well are ya ready?" Melanie asked excitedly.
"Well as a matter of fact I am, just let me grab my purse."
"Ok....this is gonna be a great sale Sarah. If you had not have gone, you would have kicked yourself!" Sarah grabbed her purse and headed out the door and mumbled, "I am gonna kick myself for going." Melanie looked a little confused at that statement, but she let it pass.

"Wow Mel, this is a great dress!" Sarah said as she held up a gorgeous black mini dress.
"Well go try it on." "Oh I couldn't, could I?" Sarah said giggling. "It is simply sinful!"
"Boy, Mark would really love you in that!" Sarah was quiet for a moment, then stuttered, "Yeah, yeah I guess he would."
"Sarah, is everything ok with you and Mark?" Sarah walked away ready to try her dress on. "Later Melanie, ok? I promise I will talk to you later."
Minutes later Sarah came out to model the black dress. She had to admit that it did look great on her. The dress was about 2 inches above her knee, with a low back, and it was sleeveless.
"Wow that looks great Sarah!" Melanie chimed.
"Thank you maam, I kinda like it myself!"
Sarah looked at herself a moment longer in the mirror and then went in and changed out of the dress. Even though she was reluctant to do it, she knew she had wasted enough time here as it was. She stepped back out from the dressing room. She found Melanie looking at another rack of flashy dresses smiling wickedly as she grabbed one. Sarah walked up to her smiling. "So you found one I see!"
"Yep, I sure did!" Melanie said giggling. "So, how much is yours gonna cost?" Sarah looked for a price tag and finally found it dangling inside.
"Wow price reduction, this dress is only fifty dollars! I think I may just have to buy this one."
"Ok you decide on that, and I will try this one on, I won't be long."
Sarah smiled as she looked at the dress. She was very pleased with it. It had been a long time since she had bought anything for herself. Afterall, she deserved to treat herself once in awhile since Mark didn't seem to have the time anymore. Just then Melanie came out in a light turquoise sequened dress.
"Well what do you think Sarah?" Melanie asked and she did a quick turn around.
"Wow Mel, that looks really good on you!"
"Great, then I am going to get it. Let me go back and change." she said as she admired herself in the mirror.
Sarah paced nervously looking at her watch, while she waited for Melanie to come back. "Come on Mel, hurry up...." she whispered to herself.
Five minutes later they were at the check out. "Hi," said Sarah to the cashier. "I would like to purchase this lovely dress today!" She smiled at the cashier and handed her the black dress.
"What a nice choice you made today." she said to Sarah. She busily rang her up. "Ok that will be forty three dollars."
"Are you sure? The price tag says fifty dollars." Sarah questioned.
"You get another twenty percent off today." she said smiling.
"Well great then!" Sarah, pulled out her wallet with excitement. Her excitement suddenly turned into nervousness.
"Sarah what is wrong hon?" Melanie asked.
"My money is gone, I can't find it." Sarah rummaged through her purse. Stuffing items into her jacket pocket to get a better look, she paused and said "I just got paid yesterday, and I was sure to leave a hundred out." Sarah continued searching, and then suddenly stopped. She knew the only explanation was that Mark had taken it.
"Just add that dress to mine please." Melanie requested.
"Certainly Maam." the cashier answered, and busily rang up Melanie's dress. "Ok that totals eighty five fifty."
"Alrighty then..." Melanie pulled out the money and handed it too the cashier. "Here you go." Sarah was lost in her own world, not aware of what just took place. Melanie touched her shoulder softly. "Sarah, hon, let's go ok?"
Sarah was abrupty brought back from her thoughts. "Oh yeah, sorry Melanie."
In the car Sarah argued with Melanie. "Melanie you really didn't have to do that."
"Sarah, please no more discussion, I know I didn't have to, I wanted to. So do you think you left the money at home?"
"I would have to say that is where it is." Sarah nervously explained.
"Sarah, what is going on?" Just then they pulled up outside of Melanie's house. "Come in for coffee, and we can talk." Melanie told her. Sarah looked over at her house and noticed that Mark was home. "Uh, no Mel, I better get home. We will talk soon."
"Sarah please...."
"Mel, I promise we will talk soon." Sarah leaned over and gave her friend a quick hug. "Thanks for getting the dress." And she hurriedly walked to her house next door.

Melanie sat there for a moment watching her friend get in the door. "What is she keeping from me?" Melanie asked herself. She finally pulled herself from her car, she knew she would worry about Sarah all night.

Sarah step inside the door, looking around for Mark. She placed her bag on the floor, and laid her purse on the table next to the couch. Sarah nervously walked across the room, she noticed the dinette was still a mess. She began cleaning it up when she felt a strong grasp on her arm. Mark swirled her around to face him. "Just where were you at little girl?"
"I...uh...Melanie took me to the Bazaar today for a little shopping." Sarah stuttered.
"You went shopping? You went to go parade around town with your tramp friend when you knew this house needed to be cleaned up?"
"Mark please....I was not gone that long, and I am cleaning it up now."
"No Sarah, that is not the way it works around here. First you clean, then you can go out."
"Mark I am not your maid. I am your wife!" she raised her voice to him. Just then Mark slapped her across the mouth, sending Sarah into the kitchen counter.
"You will do as I tell you!" he screamed at her. "Yes you are my wife, and you are to do as I say!"
With that Mark grabbed a jacket and headed for the door. He turned to look at Sarah as she made her way back to the table and began cleaning it up. "Don't you forget who is boss in this house!" he left and slammed the door.
Sarah then sat in the chair and cried. Her mouth was on fire, and she was sure she would have a nice bruise there. She felt the blood trickling down her chin. She made her way into the bathroom, and looked in the mirror. What she saw was horrifying. Her lip was swollen and split open. A bruise already started to form all the way up to her cheek. Sarah felt her stomache begin to rumble, as she hurried to the toilet and vomited. She slid down the wall with her hands in her face, and sobbed for what seemed an eternity.

Sarah was unsure how long she sat there, but her mouth told her it was time to get up. She stopped in front of the linen closet and pulled out a wash cloth. She walked in a daze to the bathroom sink and moistened the cloth. She lightly patted her throbbing lip with the cloth, wincing in pain. Then she wiped away all blood that found it's way down her chin. When she was satisfied with the results she made her way slowly back into the kitchen. Sarah looked at the table and saw her blood that had dripped there in almost a pattern. She stared at it a moment longer, wondering how she managed to get herself in this type of relationship. She cleaned up the table and then made her way to the freezer to collect some ice for her battered face. She felt the pain in her back as she reached into the bucket to pull out some ice. "Why is this happening to me?" Sarah asked herself. Just then the phone rang. Sarah debated on whether or not she wanted to answer. Her whole face seemed ready to burst. She held the ice on her face, welcoming the coolness as she walked to the phone. Reluctantly she picked up the phone and answered carefully. "Hello....she whispered.
"Sarah...this is Mel..."
"Hi Mel...."
"Sarah, you are not sounding so good, are you alright?" Melanie was very concerned that something had happened. When Sarah didn't answer, Melanie was a little panicked. "Sarah, answer me!"
Sarah broke down and began crying. "No Mel, I am not alright."
"Sarah, I am coming over...." and she hung up.
"Mel, no...." Sarah stopped when she realized Melanie had already hung up. In minutes there was a knock at the door. "Sarah, open up!" Sarah was hesitant to open the door. What would Mel think of her? What if Mark came back home? "Sarah, come on honey, I am here to help you." Slowly Sarah reached for the doorknob, and twisted it. Before Melanie came through the door she looked at her dearest friend, her companion for many years. "Oh my God Sarah, what happened?"
Sarah made her way to the couch, and replaced the ice back to her face. She sat down with her eyes once again welling up with tears. Melanie quietly shut the door and sat down next to Sarah with her own tears threatening to fall. She looked at Sarah intently, "Sarah, you need to tell me what happened."
"Mark was very upset...see, I should have cleaned the house up, Mark likes it to be clean, I knew this and I still went shopping when I should have stayed here, I should learn that the house really needs to be cleaned...." Sarah rambled uncontrolably.
"Sarah!! Melanie said. "Stop this, this is no way your fault, you did not ask for this!"
"I did though Mel, I should have cleaned the house, then this would not have happened." she explained.
"That is nonsense Sarah, I don't want to hear that come out of your mouth! No woman deserves to be hit like this. Look at you!"
"Oh Mel, I don't know what to do. If only I had stayed home."
"Sarah, has this happened before?" Melanie asked with concern. Sarah looked at her friend and could not find the word 'yes'. "Sarah answer me!"
Sarah then stood up wincing in pain as she pulled on her back. Unconsciously she put her hand to her back, forgetting her friend was there for a moment. Melanie looked at her friend. "Sarah is your back hurt too?"
"I don't think so, just aches a bit."
"I don't believe you Sarah!" Melanie stood up and raised Sarah's shirt up, and was taken aback at the sight. On her lower back was a bruise about the size of a small melon. "Sarah, you need to get out of here! And you never answered my question!" All of sudden Sarah turned and looked at her friend. "Yes, ok, are you happy now, yes this happens to me quite often. But Mark doesn't mean it, he loves me! He tells me all the time that he loves me Mel, so he can't possibly mean to hurt me." Sarah yelled at her friend, tears running down her cheeks. Melanie went to her friend and gave her a hug. Sarah clung to Mel like she was her savior. She lead her dear friend back to the couch still clinging to her, and helped her sit down. "Sarah listen to me, you need to get out of here, but you need to do it when Mark is not here." Melanie pleaded with her.
"Leave? I can't leave Mel. Where would I go? I couldn't make it out on my own."
"Sarah, women do it all the time. You have a good job. You and I can share my house. It can work!" You have been in this mess for long enough!"
Sarah looked at her friend with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Ok, tomorrow is Monday, I will go then. Mark works till five I think, he is working overtime. I can pack after he leaves, and then I can get a cab to work."
"No Sarah, you need to go now."
"Mel, I can't go now, he could be home any minute, I need time to get things together."
"Sarah, come with me right now. If he comes to my house then I will call the police. You will be protected, I promise. Then we can get your things tomorrow while he is working."
"No, no Mel, that will never work."
"Sarah, I think you need to do this now...." Just then Mark pulled up in the driveway.
"Mel you need to go now! Use the back door, please hurry." They both quickly got up. Sarah grabbed her bag by the door and Mel headed for the back door. "Tomorrow Sarah...." and out the door she went. Sarah quickly hung the dress in the closet, and threw the bag in the trash. She then made her way to the bed, and lied down. She pretended to sleep as she heard Mark make his way into the bedroom. He quietly walked to the bed and sat down next to Sarah and brushed the hair back off of her face.
"Sarah.." he whispered. "are you awake sweetheart?" Sarah slowly opened her eyes and looked at her husband of six years. "Are you going to fix dinner soon honey?" Sarah could not believe what she was hearing.
"Yes Mark, what would you like for dinner?" she asked as she slowly sat up feeling every bruise her body had acquired.
"Well how bout you cook up that nice juicy steak for me. Maybe toss a salad too. That really sounds good to me." Sarah stood up at the same time Mark did. She did not look at him, only brushed past him.
"I'll let you know when it is done!" she said on the way out of the bedroom door.
"Thanks honey, hey would you mind running to the store, we are all out of steak sauce?" he caught up to her and handed her a ten dollar bill. She couldn't help to think that was her money he was handing to her, but she said nothing, her body took all it could already. "Uh...sure not a problem Mark." She walked to the door and put her shoes on, and was ready to go, when Mark stopped her.
"Honey don't you think you should put some make up on and try to cover that bruise up?"
"Why, I will just tell everyone what I always tell them, 'I walked into a door' they never guess that my wonderful husband just beat me." she said sarcastically and left, careful not to slam the door.
As usual Mark left the keys in the ignition. She had warned him repeatedly that someone was going to take the car one of these days. She got in and drove off to the store, relieved that she was not in the same house as him. A million thoughts went through her head as she drove the almost deserted streets. How was she goingto be able to survive on her own. Mark had always provided for her, she didn't have to buy to many things for herself. She realized she was justifying his actions. She knew that was something she had to stop doing. She also knew that she had stopped loving him, so why defend him? She knew she was insecure, but if she didn't find some security soon, she would be lost in sadness for the rest of her life.

Sarah finally pulled up outside of the Super Mart. She shut down the car, and was sure to pull the keys out from the ignition. She just stuck them in her pocket since she never grabbed her purse, why should she Mark had taken all of her money. "Well I had better hurry up." she said as she got out of the car. Sarah walked up to the doors, and entered the store. She quickly walked to the aisle she needed she didn't want people asking her about her misfortunate face. She grabbed the steak sauce, and headed back to checkout, careful to leave her head down in attempts of hiding her injuries. Just before she got to the check out she bumped into a man who had been heading to the aisle she just left. "Oh excuse me Sir!" she said.
"It is quite alright maam." he said. His vioce was so deep, yet had that appealing raspiness. She just had to look at him. Sarah raised her eyes to him and saw before her the most stunning man she had ever laid eyes on in her entire life. She started to turn away to head to the check out when he stopped her.
"Maam, are you alright?" He asked with slight concern in his voice.
"Yes," Sarah had to clear her throat. "I am quite alright, and thank you."
She headed off to the check out and chose her place in line. Something in front was slowing it up, as she glanced over to the other lines they were just as long as the one she had chosen. She was looking at her watch, and waiting patiently, when she heard that same vioce behind her. "I think they could use some help eh?"
"Uhhhh...yes it looks like it." Sarah stuttered. The line began moving again, when soon it was Sarah's turn. She placed the steak sauce on the counter, and reached into her pocket to retrieve the ten dollars. As she pulled her hand out something had fallen from her jacket, and she had not noticed at all.
"Three fifty seven please Maam."
Sarah gave her the money and accepted her changed, grabbed her bag and walked off. She hurried to her car and climbed in.
They stranger quickly ran out the door to catch Sarah, as he had picked her license up off the floor. He was too late, she had just pulled out of the parking lot. "Damn!" he whispered. And he headed to his own car.

Sarah pulled into the driveway and grabbed her new purchase. She climbed out slowly not really wanting to be back in the same house as Mark. She got to the front door and opened it. She quietly walked in the house hoping that Mark might have fallen asleep. She laid the keys on the table, and walked in to the kitchen and prepared to cook the steak. She pulled out the frying pan, the one Mark insisted that she used for his steak. After she got it started she decided to go check and see if Mark was sleeping. She tip toed to the bedroom, and took a peek around the doorway. There lay Mark sleeping on the bed. She turned, pulled the door shut and headed back to the kitchen. She pulled a soda from the fridge, and sat down at the table. Her cheek and lip began to throb again, but the ice earlier in the day helped in reducing the swelling. She began thinking about tomorrow, and if she could pull it off. She knew she would putting Melanie in jeopardy, but what if it was like she said? What if she would really be protected? This could be her happiness. She could actually survive. She knew Melanie would help her as best she could. All the thoughts actually brought a small smile to her lips. The steak was crackling loudly, and brought her out of her dreamworld. "Oh my goodness, please don't be burnt, pleaseeeee!" She ran to the stove, and lifted the lid. She quickly flipped and steak, and breathed a sigh of relief. She turned the flame down, and added some more seasoning. And out of no where, she spit on the steak. She did not know why she did that. Maybe out of revenge for all that he had done to her. She gently wiped her lip, and recovered the steak. She headed back to table to sit back down when there was a light knock on the door. "Now who on earth could that be?" she asked to herself. She walked to the door and opened it to the stunning stranger who she first met at the Super Mart. Sarah really was taken aback by his good looks, height, and voice. "Uhhhh hello..." she said softly. "Can I help you?" He stared at her a moment longer, and blinked himself out the daze he was in. "Oh yes..uhh.." he stuttered. "You dropped this at the Super Mart." He said as he handed her driver's license. Sarah looked at it in surprise.
"Oh sir thank you, I had never realized."
"Steve..." he said holding out his hand. "my name is Steve, and nice to meet you."
"Well nice to meet you too Steve, I am sure you know by my license that my name is Sarah." she said slightly smiling. "How can I ever thank you for returning this to me?"
"Well how bout inviting me in for a cup of coffee, it got a little chilly this evening." he said. Sarah looked over her shoulder.
"Uhh..I don't think that would be a good idea." she explained. Steve had a good idea of why, but he felt he needed to get to know her better.
"Ok I'll tell you what.." he said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and pen. "...here is my number, call me when you want to pay up." He handed her his number with a wide grin.
"Oh, I don't know if that would even be possible Steve, I am married...." Steve cut her off. "I know Sarah....but think about it ok?" For a moment they stared into one another's eyes. Sarah had again gotten a glimmer of hope. The hope that maybe this man would still find her attractive, even though she was bruised, and battered. "Well, ok then I will certainly concider it, thank you again Steve."
"You are quite welcome, take care." And with that Steve turned and walked away. Sarah watched him as he reached his car, and gave him a quick wave, and closed the door.

Sarah remembered the steak on the stove and ran to the kitchen. She lifted the lid and a wonderful aroma escaped the confinements of the pan. She flipped the steak, and she got lucky once again. She jabbed a knife in and the steak looked perfect. She recovered it and lowered the flames a bit more. She then prepared a nice light salad with italian dressing. She wished that she felt like eating, because the steak smelled so tempting, but her face and lip just hurt too badly. She knew she had to go wake Mark so he could eat. She was findng it hard to do so. She made her way to the bedroom and around to Mark's side of the bed. "Mark..." she whispered gently shaking him. "...your dinner is done." Mark slowly came to, and began rubbing his eyes. He looked at Sarah distantly, almost like she wasn't there. Sarah began walking away and said "Come on Mark, it will get cold." With that she walked out of the room.

Sarah pulled a plate out of the cabinet and laid the steak on it, she heated some corn in the microwave to go with it. She then made him a dish of salad, and had it all on the table before Mark ever got out of the bedroom. She made sure the tv was on and the channel to the news. While she prepared all of this she realized how routine her life was. How sad it was to live her life over and over as if the day never changed into the next. She joined Mark at the table and dished herself her own salad. It was very painful taking that first bite. But the salad was good to her. She caught herself consistently drifting back to the tall stunning man whom she met at the mart. He had beautiful green eyes, jet black hair, and that voice was to die for. She caught herself smiling and decided she better tune back into her reality there at the table. "So were you able to buy anything at the Bazaar?" Mark asked her.
"Well it was something Mark, I found a dress that I really liked, and I went to go buy it, and found all my money was gone. I wonder what happened to it?" Sarah announced bravely.
"Well you do misplace things alot." he retorted
"I agree sometimes I do Mark, but I would not misplace a hundred dollars!"
"So what are you insinuating my dear?"
That was as brave as Sarah dared to get. She was sure she got her point across to Mark that she knew he had taken her money. "Nothing Mark, I am sure it is around here somewhere." Sarah lowered her eyes, she began to think about her plans tomorrow, and if she would get away with it. She knew Mel had been right saying that she needed to get out and soon!
"What time are you working tomorrow Mark?" she asked
"Same time as usual seven am. But tomorrow is my overtime day, so can you please be sure you have dinner on the table for when I get home. I will be really hungry!"
"Of course Mark."
"Good, looks like you are finally learning who is boss in this house!" He sneered at her making her feel little and unwanted. Sarah glared at him after his last statement, and rose from the table to take her dish to the kitchen. Mark reached out and snatched her arm, and pulled her into his lap. "How bout a lil lovin darlin?"
"Mark, I really do not feel like it right now. I want to clean up and go relax with a book." Mark grabbed her face in his hand and forced a kiss on her. Sarah winced in pain, and tried to get free, but Marks grasp was too strong. He finally released her, and she quickly jumped up. Tears were stinging her eyes and threatening to fall. Sarah managed to hold them back until she stood over the sink and rinsed her dish, the tears readily fell then. In the meantime Mark stripped down to his shorts and laid out across the couch focusing on the news. He threw his clothes in the bedroom doorway. She looked over at him and felt sick. She proceeded with cleaning up always careful to keep an eye on him at all times.

Night fell quickly and Sarah closed her book and settled down in the bed for sleep. What an exhausting day it had been for her. Her body almost thanked her for lying down for the night. "Soon..." she thought "...soon you will have a new life, a new hope." She was interupted by Mark climbing into the bed with her. He rolled over and began kissing her ear, her neck, her shoulder. Sarah tried to move away, but couldn't get far enough. "Mark please, not tonight, I am exhausted." Mark would not stop and whispered in her ear. "Now here I thought you were learning who was boss in my house!"
"Of course I know who Mark, I am just really tired..." she looked at him and she knew he sensed the fear in her, and kissed her hard on lips. His hands were all over her. He used his knee to part her legs. She managed to pull her mouth from his and began to struggle harder with him. "Mark, please don't do this...please.." she begged him.
"Do what? I just want to make a little love to my wife." He moved on top of her and ripped her panties from her body. Sarah was sobbing, just wishing it was all over. "Why fight Sarah, you know you want me." Sarah felt all the hate well up in her, she felt the old Sarah leave her body while hanging on to the hope that her long nightmare would end. "I don't want you!" She yelled at him. "You make me sick Mark, literally sick!" Just then she felt the impact to her face once again, and her body was swallowed up in complete blackness.

The sun had rose and Sarah woke up, she felt as if she had been hit by a freight train. She couldn't remember much of what happened. She raised her body from the bed, and looked at the clock. She only had two hours before she had to work, and she knew she could not drag herself there. She got up and walked to the mirror, she hated to see herself looking the way she did. It didn't appear that Mark did much more damage to her face. But he violated her and that was worse than any other form of abuse. She made her way to the phone to call work, and hoped they would understand. She slowly dialed the numbers. "Hello...Sinclair industries, may I help you..?
"Yes, Nancy, this is Sarah..."
"Well good morning Sarah, how are you?"
"Dreadful Nan, I won't be able to make it to work today, I think I have gotten ahold of a stomache flu." she lied.
"Awww, well Sarah I am sorry to hear that, you take all the time you need."
"Thanks Nan, I appreciate that"
Sarah hung up the phone, and sat at the table, once again a horrid mess made by her wonderful husband. She began clearing it up, and then stopped. She realized that today was the day she was ending her nightmare. She quickly stood up and ran to the bedroom. She pulled out a suitcase and went to her closet and vigorously began throwing clothing into it. She then went and got another suitcase and an empty box that was in there. She moved to the dresser and began piling those clothes into the box. She heard a knock at the door, and was unsure on whether or not to answer it. She then heard Melanie on the other side ofthe door. "Sarah open up!"
"I am coming Mel, hold on.." she hurried to the door and opened it to her best friend in the world! She quickly gave Melanie a hug.
"Wow what was that for?"
"Mel, come here and sit down for a sec..." Sarah steered her friend to the couch. "Mel, it happened again last night..."
"He hit you again..."
"Shhh Mel, let me finish first..."Sarah let out a sigh and began to tell Melanie the events of the prior evening. "Mel, Mark raped me last night."
Melanie jumped up and yelled, "He did what!!??"
"Mel, please sit down, I am alright." Melanie slowly sat down. "He pretty much knocked me out, I came to a few times while it was happening, but everything is so unclear..." Sarah's tears began to fall once again. Melanie leaned over and hugged her dearest friend for a long time. Sarah realized that she had better finish doing her packing, so she pushed herself away from Mel and stood up wiping her tears. "Well up are you up to helping me?"
"Helping you?"
"Yes, I am getting out and getting out now while I am still alive."
A big smile cascaded Melanie's face. "Really? This is wonderful Sarah!"
"Well come on we have to be quick, I don't want Mark to decide to come home in the middle of me packing."

"Well that looks to be all of it Mel. Thanks for helping me"
"Don't mention it, I am glad to help you, you know that!"
"Oh Mel, do you think everything will be ok?"
"Don't you worry darlin, everything will be ok now." Sarah began looking around the room. "What are you looking for Sarah?"
"My clothes from last night..."
"Well did we pack them?" Melanie asked concerned at her friends urgency.
"No, we didn't, wait the bathroom, I got a shower last night before bed, they must be in there." Sarah rushed into the bathroom.
"Sarah what is it?" Melanie asked. Sarah returned from the bathroom with her clothing, and pulled outa small piece of paper and handed it to Melanie. "Look at this." Melanine looked at it.
"Who is Steve?"
Mel, it was unbelievable!" Sarah stopped. "Listen, I will tell you all about it after we get to your house."
They worked quickly getting things over to Melanie's house. One last walk through the house reminded Sarah that this would be the last time she was in her home. This home was one that she and Mark had worked hard for. If it hadn't been for the bad memories that were held within this house, Sarah might have broke down and decided to stay. She slowly sat down on the couch and looked around the room. Mark hadn't been all the bad. She remembered when he carried her through the doorway on their wedding night. How they made sweet love that night. How he made her feel like a princess. She remembered how they happily went out and bought their new furniture, and household items. She remembered how time and time again he told her 'I love you'. None of that mattered anymore after he hit her the first time. How he said he was sorry and tried to kiss the hurt away. How she accepted his apology time and time again, until the love for him had withered away. And now it comes to this, she leaves her home and everything in it. She would miss it, but she wouldn't miss the hurt and all the tears. She supposed she still held some love him, you usually always do. Afterall this was her first real serious relationship. "Sarah come on hon..." Melanie brought her back to the present. Sarah stood up, and took one last look around the room, and then walked out of her nightmare, hoping to never return.

"So anyway, I walked right into this man, because I had my head down, and I looked at him and thought he was the most spectacular man I had ever seen!" Sarah told Melanie excitedly over a cup of coffee.
"Ok, so then what?" Melanie asked with her ear almost glued to Sarah's lips.
"Well we spoke for a few minutes, then I left..."
"That's it? When did you have time to get his number?" Melanie asked almost disappointed.
"Well the story doesn't end there."
"Ok ok, sorry please continue." Melanie giggled.
"So anyway, I get home and I am making Mark's dinner when I hear a soft knock on the door. So I go to the door, half expecting it to be you right? When I open the door here is this same man from the mart." Sarah told her. Melanie was sitting there totally amazed at Sarah's story.
"You must have been speechless!"
"Well I was kind of surprised he was there. It felt like a dream you know? Like nothing else mattered but him standing there."
"How dreamy..." Melanie sighed. "Ok so then what?"
"Well we spoke for a few minutes, and then he gave me his number. Mel, he has the most incredible smile!"
"Ok, so when are you going to call him?"
"What do you mean when I am going to call him?"
"You know, call him on the phone and have him over for coffee..." Melanie prompted her.
"Mel, I can't call him, I am married."
"Sarah if you haven't noticed you are living with me now."
Yes, but I..."Sarah started until Melanie cut her off.
"Sarah, do yourself a favor and call this man. You may lose him forever."
"Mel, it really is kinda soon to be thinking about this."
"I am not saying to sleep with him Sarah, we are just talking coffee here!" Melanaie explained herself.
"Well maybe you are right, I guess it couldn't hurt right?"
"Right!" At that moment Sarah looked at the clock and noticed it was five thirty pm.
."Oh dear!" Sarah said with fear in her voice.
"What is it Sarah?"
"The time Mel, Mark is probably home. I was supposed to have dinner ready for him. I left the house a mess." Sarah said in a panick.
"Sarah, hon relax ok, you are not going back there ok? You are safe with me. I really think you need to press charges against good ole Mark!" Melanie stood up and began locking every door and window in her house. Sarah joined in. They closed every curtain as well."Ok Sarah you sit tight, I am going to go pull the car into the garage."
"No Melanie don't go out, he could be watching you, he is crazy Mel, you don't know what he is capable of."
"Sarah, it is ok, he may not even be home yet. Now I need to get the car in the garage, I really can't afford to get a new one once he is done with it ok?"
Sarah gathered herself together and agreed. "Just be quick ok?"
"I will...." Melanie answered and went out the door. Sarah watched her get into the car and pull into the garage, then heard the garage door lower. Melanie came in through the adjoining door. "Well he is not home yet." Melanie told her.
"That is odd, he usually never wastes time to get home. I am going to call in to get my messages, do you mind?"
"Of course not, go ahead." Sarah dialed the number for her messages. "Sarah, where in the hell are you? I was calling to tell you I would be late this evening, I got tied up at the office. You better be there when I get home, or you will be sorry! Do you you hear me..." Sarah dropped the phone. Melanie went over to her and picked up the phone and just caught the 'good bye' part of the meassage. "Sarah come on and sit down." Melanie said as she led Sarah to the couch.
"He is going to be so mad at me Mel, are you sure we will be ok? I mean it is just you and me here." Sarah was mortified.
"We will be fine." Mel said as she looked at the door and noticed it was not locked. She jumped up and locked it, and then locked the adjoining door to the garage. "We won't even answer the door if he comes to it. He will get home and see your things are gone, and maybe think you and I went somewhere else."
"No Mel, he will know." She said shakily.
"Ok I have an idea. I have a friend on the police force, I can call his desk, and see if he will sit outside of the house for us ok?"
"Will he do that?"
"Oh yeah, Nick is a great friend to me!" Melanie said with a forced smiled on her lips. She got up and went to the phone. While she was dialing and talking to Nick, Sarah begin to pace the floor. She wondered exactly how safe they would be. She just wanted this to all be over with. She wished that she was in another state, or at least another city, anywhere but right next door to him. "Ok Nick said he was on his way." That made Sarah feel a little better. Melanie walked to the window and took a quick peek out. "Still no sign of mister wonderful."
"I hope Nick gets here before Mark does."
"Try not to worry too much Sarah, if Mark gets home we will be ok until Nick gets here."
"I am sure you are right, I mean I hope Mark is smart enough not to do something crazy."
"Well, why don't we try and relax over another cup of coffee, what do you say?" Melanie asked trying to relieve some of the tension.
"Yes, that sounds good." Melanie went and poured them some more coffee, and met Sarah back on the couch.
"So did Mark say why he was running late?"
"Just that he got tied up at the office.."
"Tied up with his secretary you mean..." Melanie sneered. "I mean why would he start disappearing on his days off and such?"
"You don't think he really is having an affair do you?" Sarah gasped.
"All I am saying is that he is acting odd right? I mean outside of the abuse."
"Yeah, coming home a little later, but if he is having an affair, why did he feel like he needed to rape me?"
"Sarah, rape is not a sexual act, it is an act of power." Melanie saw the tears begin to form in Sarah's eyes. Melanie reached over and squeezed her hand. "It will really be ok Sarah, I promise you!"
"I know someday it will, but it is looking so grim..." At that moment there was a knock on the door. It startled both Melanie and Sarah."Oh God Mel, he is here." Sarah whispered.
"Shhhh...just be quiet, lets slip behind the bar ok?" Quietly the both stood up and walked behind the bar in kitchen, there they crouched. Another knock on the door echoed through the house. "Melanie, I know you two are in there, now let me in before I break this door down and pull you both out!" Mark yelled and banged again. "Sarah, honey I am sorry, now just come home ok? We'll make things ok like we always do." Melanie looked over at Sarah and saw complete horror in her eyes. Melanie placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. "Sarah please honey come on, what more do I have to say? I love you sweetheart!" Sarah crouched closer to Melanie and was shaking uncontrollably.
"No sir, no problem here. Was just checking to see if my wife was over here. I guess noone is home." Melanie and Sarah creeped from behind the bar. "Well sir you were making an awful lot of racket out here." Nick said.
"Oh officer I am sorry, I hadn't realized I was making so much noise. I just live next door." Mark explained.
"I am aware of that sir, now if you will please return to your house. I don't want to see you making a scene out here again."
"I certainly won't sir, thank you, I'll just go home now."
Five minutes later there was a knock on the door. Melanie and Sarah froze once again. "Melanie open up, it is me Nick." Melanie rushed to door and opened it to a very large muscular man. He stood about six feet five inches, dark hair, and dark eyes. "Nick you were fantastic! Oh and you look just as fantastic." Melanie said and planted a deep kiss on Nick. Nick wrapped his arms about her and kissed her back. He opened his eyes and saw Sarah standing there watching. He pushed himself away from Melanie, and cleared his throat. He offered his hand to Sarah. "Hi I am officer Nick Malone." Sarah shook his hand gently.
"So Mel, how long have you been hiding him?" Sarah said as he gave him an all over look.
"Well Sarah, I can't tell you everything you know?" Sarah looked at Nick again and said "Nick thank you so much for coming here. I was really scared, and you being here is really helping alot."
"No need for thanks Maam, just doing my job. And speaking of my job, I really need to get back to it."
"What time do you get off duty tonight darlin?" Melanie asked seductively.
"Not till midnight tonight. Will you still be up?"
"I don't think Sarah and I will be going to sleep anytime soon. We had quite a scare tonight."
"Well I will do my best to keep watch for both of you." Melanie walked up to Nick and gave him another soft kiss and whispered, "I know you will. Now get back to your job." Nick went out the door. "He is something special Sarah, I think I am really falling for this one."
"He seems very nice, and is quite attractive! I am sure we will see him again tonight!" Sarah said, feeling a little more at ease.

An hour passed and the girls were talking on the couch in front of a cozy fire. "So Sarah, are you ready to give ole Steve a call?"
"Oh Mel, I couldn't really."
"And why not? He is just a real nice guy looking for a real nice girl." Sarah sat there for a moment longer thinking about what she should do. "I don't know Mel, I don't want to be too foward ya know. I am still married."
"Well then think of it as a start to a new affair!" Melanie laughed.
"You know what, youre right. He has already seen me all bruised up, afterall, he just wants a cup of coffee right?"
"Right! And you really need to let him know you aren't there now. What if he would try to go there and you weren't there but Mark was?"
"You know I never thought of that Mel, but I highly doubt he would go to my house. He does know I am married." Melanie got up and walked to the phone, while Sarah fished around in her pocket for Steve's number. "Well, here is the phone. I am gonna go take a shower, and freshen up a bit, I feel simply ungodly right now."
Melanie handed her the phone, and scampered off to the bathroom. Sarah let out a long sigh and dialed Steve's number. On the third ring she heard the unmistakable voice of the stunning stranger. "Hello"
"Uh...hi Steve.." Sarah always found herself stuttering when talking to him. "This is Sarah, the girl from the mart."
"Oh Sarah, yes of course, how are you?"
"Well I have been better....listen I wanted to pay up. How bout that cup of coffee?"
"Well that's great! I have to run an errand first then I will drop by."
"Steve?" "Yes..."
"I am not at my house..." Sarah explained to him where she was. She also explained to him why she was not at her house. They spoke a little about their first meeting, and why she was talking to him now. Melanie came back out, and was happy to see that Sarah was loosening up a bit. She even heard her laugh a little. She loved to see Sarah smiling. She thought she had one of the prettiest smiles around. She could not believe all that Sarah had been going through. How she was able to hide the abuse from her, and apparently everyone else as well. "Ok Steve, then I guess I will see you in a bit. Just be sure to explain who you are to the officer that is outside of the house....ok...see you then." Sarah hung up the phone and stared at Melanie in total disbelief. "I really called him Mel, he is coming over here! Oh my I am just a mess, I need to clean up."
"Sarah slow down hon, you'll be fine."
"Wow, why am I so nervous? I feel like a little kid."
"Just go get a shower, and relax a little, I will brew some coffee, turn on some music, and everything will be great. I am also going to run out and let Nick know."
"That would be great Mel, thanks." Melanie went out to explain the situation to Nick, and Sarah went in to get a relaxing shower.

The hot water beating on her tired body was heavenly. She didn't want to get out. She began to think of the big mess she was in, and began crying yet again. She felt so dirty, so used. She heard the music playing, and even smelled the coffee brewing, but nothing could take her mind off of what she just recently endured. How could this other man possibly have any interest in a used and abuse, scared, insecure lady. She finally turned the water off, and slowly stepped out of the tub. "Hi, you must be Steve. Wow you are looker just like Sarah said you were."
"Uh...well thank you." Sarah could not believe Steve was already there, and she was dripping wet from head to toe. She knew she must pull herself together. She must appear much stronger than she actually was. She didn't want to scare Steve away from her. "Sarah will be out in just a bit I am sure. Would you like a cup of coffee now?"
"Sure that would be great!" Sarah loved to hear him talk. She drifted back to the evening at the mart. How he showed geniune concern for her, or was it all a front. She thought about all of this as she dressed in a light dress, and combed her hair. She was feeling a bit nervous with all of this. "Oh pull yourself together Sarah, he is here for coffee, nothing more, nothing less!" Then why did she find herself still trying to make herself presentable. "Breathe Sarah, and walk right on out there." With that Sarah opened the door. She gracefully carried herself to the table. She saw Steve's eyes on her as he stood, and offered his hand to her. "Good evening Sarah," he leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I must say you look a liitle more at ease than you did yesterday." He smiled and made her heart pump so hard in her chest that she thought it was lying on the floor.
"Thank you Steve." she said lowering her eyes. Steve walked around and pulled the chair out for her to be seated. "Thank you." She looked over at Melanie pouring the coffee with a faint smile on her lips. Melanie moved carefully to the table carrying two cups of coffee. She handed the first to their guest. "Thank you maam," Steve said with a smile.
"Your are quite welcome she said as she placed Sarah's cup in front of her.
"Ummmm this smells good Mel, thank you."
"You are very welcome as well Sarah." Finally Melanie sat down with her own cup of coffee.

They talked for what seem like hours. The knock on the door interupted their conversation. Sarah tensed up at the thought of who could be standing there. She felt a hand envelope hers, and looked up to see Steve smiling with assurance that she would be ok. Melanie went to the door and opened it up to Nick. "Wow I thought that you all went to bed!" He smiled at Melanie and gave her a kiss.
"Sorry sweetie, but things are a bit tense here you know?"
I understand Mel, just giving you a hard time is all."
"So are you getting ready to leave now?"
"Not on your life honey! I called the station, and they granted me permission to keep watch all night. Well, they are letting me keep the car here even though I am off duty."
"Well that is wonderful", she squealed looking back at Sarah. "I think she will appreciate knowing that she is protected for the rest of the night." They walked over to the table and Melanie quickly poured Nick a cup of coffee.
"Sarah you will be happy to know that Nick has permission to keep the car here over night. So looks like we have another guest!" They talked a bit longer, until Melanie decided it was time to turn in. "Well I am getting mighty tired everyone, so I am going to turn in." Nick stood up, "Well I guess I will see you in the morning." Melanie grabbed his tie and took him with her. "You bet you will." Nick laughed and followed her. Melanie looked over her shoulder, "Steve it was so very nice to meet you. Sarah, g'night hon, we'll chat tomorrow." And with that they entered the bedroom and closed the door.
"Well I suppose I should get out of here, and let you get some rest."
"Do you have to go already?" She asked with a slight smile. She looked at the clock, "Oh dear it is after midnight isn't it?"
"I can stay a bit longer."
"Well great, how bout another cup of coffee?"
"Ok, you twisted my arm." The little bit longer turned into another two hours, and Sarah started to feel sleep invading her entire body. "Wow it is after two."
"Yes it is, so much for the little bit longer eh?" Steve laughed. "I really enjoyed this time with you. Thank you for inviting me over."
"Steve it has been my pleasure." They had been sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace, sipping coffee, and getting to know one another. "Sarah MCcoy, you are one special lady."
"Thank you Steve, I think you are quite special yourself." There was a long pause and Steve slowly leaned over and kissed Sarah very softly on her delicate lips. Everything in Sarah's past was forgotten in that moment. Her head spun with excitement. Steve stood up and offered a hand to help Sarah up. She graciously accepted it. They walked hand in hand to the door. "I hope that we can get together again sometime soon. I did enjoy your company."
"As did I Steve. And we'll make plans soon. She quickly went to the desk and wrote her numbers down, both for work and for her new home. She walked back over to Steve and handed him the little slip of paper. "Call me soon ok?"
"You can count it." With that he bent over and gave her a longer kiss, Sarah felt herself wrap her arms up around his neck, and began to kiss him back. She was lost in this splendid world. Time stood still at that very moment. She also thought about how she could be doing this the very same day she walked out of her old miserable world. Was this all meant to be. Had God granted her a glimmer of hope that her new life would begin? They finally seperated from the kiss, and Steve gave her one of his beautiful smiles. He whispered in her ear a soft goodnight and kissed her cheek. He opened the door, and she watched him walk to the car, and drive away.

Sarah stood against the door for quite sometime, totally lost in all of it. She thought she was crazy for jumping into all of this. Was this just on rebound, or something meant to be? She felt so confused, but she felt so wonderful all at the same time. Steve seemed to wipe away all the pain that existed in her life, all the loniless she felt. He was her angel, her hope. Was she being to quick to assume that he really wanted anything to do with her? With all these thoughts in motion she realized it was late and needed to go get some sleep. Thank God that Nan said she could take all the time she needed. Although she could not afford to miss too much work. She dragged herself into the spare bedroom that would be hers as long as Melanie allowed it. She softly placed her fingertips to her lips remembering the soft kiss that Steve had so gently placed there. This time she would go to bed with no fears.

A week had passed, a Sarah sat at her desk in her office working busily when she recieved call. "Sarah you have a call on line two." Darlene her secretary reported.
"Thank you Darlene, she said as she clicked to line two. "Hello, Sinclair Industries, this is Sarah, how may I help you?"
"Well hello there pretty lady." Sarah smiled at the voice on the other end.
"Well hello yourself. How are you Steve? I was beginning to think you had disappeared."
"Not a chance! Listen, I was wondering if you wanted to go to that new nightclub that just opened. I hear they have killer dinners, and a fantastic dance floor."
Sarah thought about it for a moment. She could not stop herself from thinking about the committments she had made to Mark that day they decided to start their life together. "Sarah, you there?"
"Oh yes of course, sorry Steve. Yes, I think that would be wonderful."
"Ok, great then! I'll pick you oh say sixish?"
"Sounds good to me, see you then."
"Ok till then, now don't work too hard."
"Ok bye bye" Sarah hung up the phone and had to let out a long sigh. She must be crazy for getting herself into this. She was brought back by a knock on the door. She cleared her throat, come in. There before her stood Mark. She quickly jumped up as he shut the door. "Sarah, you look wonderful."
"What are you doing here Mark?"
"I just came by to see how my lovely wife was doing."
"I am fine, now please escort yourself out the door!" Sarah was petrified, but she could not let Mark see that. Mark walked to her and grab her arms and pushed her against the wall. "Did you miss me sweetheart?" He pressed into her harder. "I have certainly missed you. You know it was not nice that you did not have dinner ready for me last Monday." Sarah managed to pull away from him.
"Mark, I don't know if you have noticed, but we are through." Sarah's voice was faltering which was a clue for Mark to move in once again. He grabbed her and placed a hand over her mouth. Sarah struggled but to no avail. "Don't even think about filing for a divorce Sarah, you will never win. I am always going to be a part of your life. I will always be here. You should know you can't get rid of me. I am watching you Sarah, I know everything you do. And one day I will catch you by surprise, and you will be back in our home once again. You'll never be free Sarah. You love me, and I love you, we were meant to be." Sarah struggled harder and finally she raised a leg and sent Mark hurling in pain.
"Now you listen to me, and listen well..." Sarah had no idea where these words were coming from. She knew she really wanted to back up into the wall and just cry. "We are through Mark, and I will file for divorce from you. You make me sick to my stomache Mark. I loathe even seeing your face. Now get out of my office, and do not ever come back here!"
The door flew open and a security guard walked in. "Ms. MCcoy everything ok in here?"
"Yes Lenny, please show Mr. MCcoy out of the building."
"You'll be sorry Sarah, I promise you that..."
"Come on Mr. MCcoy out you go"
"Let go of me!" He shook Lenny off of him. "I can find the door myelf." Lenny followed Mark out the door and closed it behind him. Sarah slid herself down the wall and sobbed. It had been a week since she had seen him. And once again he made her feel worthless. Melanie went rushing into Sarah's office. "Oh honey..." she said as she saw Sarah sitting there on the floor. "It will be ok, are you alright Sarah?" Sarah looked at Melanie there kneeling beside her, and began crying once again. "Did he hurt you Sarah, did he hit you again?"
"No..." Sarah whimpered, "he threatened me Mel, I am so scared." Melanie helped Sarah up, and into her chair.
"What did he say Sarah, what happened?"
"He said I could never get away from him, that he was watching." Sarah began to pull herself together a little more. Melanie handed her a tissue. "He said I better not try to file for divorce..." Sarah explained as she wiped away the tears.
"Sarah, you need to file charges and now! We all heard the commotion Sarah, we will back you up."
"I know you would. And I know I have to do something." Sarah sat there for a little while and reached for the phone.
"Who are you going to call?"
Sarah looked at Melanie and said sadly, "Steve, I have to call and cancel our date for the night."
Melanie grabbed the phone from her hand."Oh no you don't! You didn't even tell me you had a date tonight, that is wonderful!"
"Yes he called just minutes before Mark showed up. And I can't possibly go out with Steve tonight, not with Mark watching me."
"Sarah, Steve is a big boy, I don't think he will be threatened by Mark, and he will see to it that you are ok."
"Yes Mel, but what about the times that I am alone, like here, or home by myself when you go out? You do not realize what kind of fear I am living in right now Mel!" Sarah raised her voice to Melanie. "You could never understand that!!!"
"I understand more than you realize." Melanie mumbled standing up and preparing to leave.
"What? Mel, what did you say?"
"Nothing Sarah, I will see you at the front doors."
"Melanie sit down!" Melanie looked at Sarah, and slowly sat back down in the chair. "Now would please explain to me what you meant?"
"Sarah, you are not the only woman who has felt this fear, or lived in this type of environment. I lived it for ten years."
"Mel, you never told me."
"Well Sarah like I said, I haven't told you everything."
"Mel, I am so sorry for jumping all over you."
"It's ok Sarah."
"How did you find so much strength? How did you pull yourself out of it?" Sarah asked in total amazement.
"I had a friend too Sarah, someone who deeply cared for me, opened her home to me, and protected me." Melanie looked at the clock. "Well hon, let's get out of here, it is quitting time, and you have date to get ready for." Melanie stood up, and waited for Sarah to do the same.
"Mel..."
"Yes...
"Thank you!" Melanie walked around the desk and gave her dear friend a hug. Sarah realized she was so lucky to have a friend like Melanie to help keep her level headed. She whispered a soft thank you to God for this lady that was her dearest friend.
"Well lets go! Melanie said "I have a date tonight too."
"Oh yeah, where ya goin?"
"Well Nick thought it would be nice if we checked out that new night club on forty third." She squealed excitedly.
"No way Mel, that is where Steve wants to take me too!" They both giggled as they walked out the door.

Sarah had stood in front of her full length mirror, to admire the work had just performed on herself. She had chose to wear the new black dress she had gotten at the Bazaar. She had to admit once again that it did look good on her. She borrowed a pair of black pumps from Melanie. She had piled her hair up on top of her head, accented with a nice clip that Melanie so graciously let her borrow. She was wearing a new exciting scent called Midnight, that was very light on the skin. And overall she was very happy with her appearance. Although the bruises on her face faded quite nicely, she ended up with a small scar on her lip. It was starting to fade from pink to white, but was barely noticable. Sarah was the first out of the bedroom, so decided that a nice cup of coffee before their dates would be nice. She proceeded to the kitchen and heard Melanie's bedroom door open. She made the coffee and waited for Mel to make her way to the kitchen. "Well Sarah, how do I look?" Sarah turned to look at her and was taken aback by Mel's beauty.
"Mel, you look just beautiful!" Sarah smiled. "Nick is lucky to have such a wonderful and beautiful lady such as yourself."
"Sarah, you look fantastic yourself. You are just as beautiful, and Steve is just as lucky." They giggled together and noted the time of five forty five. They patiently waited for the coffee to brew, and they had a light salad. They talked over coffee, waiting for their Romeos to show up. Soon it was six fifteen. "Now what could be keeping those boys?" Melanie asked with concern.
"Listen to you Mel, acting like this is your first date!" Sarah grinned
"Well Sarah actually it is our first official date."
"It is?"
"Yes Maam! We kinda kept everything secret. He would stop by for some midnight rendevouz, but that was about it. So now we are officially dating." she explained.
"Well that is great...." There was a knock at the door, and Sarah could still not help but be nervous.
"Relax honey, it is probably our dates!" Sure enough when Melanie opened the door Nick walked in, and to her surprise Steve walked in closely behind. Sarah slowly rose from the table and looked at Steve. Steve looked over at Sarah and grinned, and walked slowly towards her. Sarah stepped away from the table and closer to Steve. Their eyes stay locked and unwavering. Finally Steve was in front of her and gave her a gentle hug. Sarah wrapped her arms are around his neck, and gracefully planted a soft kiss on his lips. She found herself once again lost in a set moment of time where only she and Steve existed. Steve whispered in her ear "You look remarkable!"

They were at night club for about three hours when Melanie suggested they all go back to the house for some light conversation, and maybe some coffee. Melanie was getting a little light headed and she decided she had enough. "I think that is a great idea" Sarah agreed, all the while looking into Steve's eyes.
"Ok then lets go" Nick added as he escorted Melanie to the doors. Steve and Sarah followed close behind.

Melanie started brewing some coffee, and turned on some music. The house was so cozy and warm. Steve planted himself on the floor in front of the fireplace, lost in deep thought. Sarah kneeled next to him and brought him out. "I am going to go change, and I will be right out."
"Ok Sarah, I will be right here waiting." He said with a soft smile. Melanie and Nick were cuddled on the couch when Sarah made her return, and took her place next to Steve in front of the fireplace. They all sat and talked for hours it seemed. They all thoroughly enjoyed the others company. Sarah and Steve got to know so much more about the other, and Melanie and Nick could just not keep their hands off of each other. "Well, I am quite ready to go to bed." Melanie announced giggling uncontrollably. She stood up holding Nick's hand and led him to the bedroom. "Sarah hon, I will talk to you in the morning." She said with a wink. "G'night Steve."
"Night Mel, Nick..." They closed the door behind them. "Melanie is quite the little spitfire." Steve laughed.
"Yes she is, and a true honest friend. I could not ask for a better friend." She then looked at Steve. "Other than you that is." She said almost dreamily.
"And I feel the same for you." Steve reached over and pulled the clip from Sarah's hair, and watched as her hair tumbled down around her shoulders, He gently carressed her cheek. Sarah could not stop herself. She leaned into Steve and gave him kiss, a kiss that had no end. Time had once again ceased. Steve could feel Sarah tremble as the kiss deepend. Neither of them could resist the other and pull away. Both lost in the most perfect moment in time. The fire blazing, the coziness, and the soft music invaded their minds. Each one aching for more, asking for more. Out of breath Sarah whispered. "Maybe would should take this to a more appropriate place..." she then proceeded in kissing Steve all over again. Steve's head was swirling. Steve finally pushed away. "Are you sure that is something you want to do Sarah?" Sarah cupped Steve's face in her hands and whispered "I have never been so sure about anything in my life." And she softly kissed his lips, and stood holding her hand down to Steve. They walked into her bedroom, and shut the door.

Two months had passed and Sarah's life had been uninventful as far as Mark was concerned. She thought about how wonderful Steve and her had been as she got dressed for work that morning. She now woke in new spirits every morning! She walked out to the kitchen. "Good morning Mel!"
"Well good morning sunshine. What time did you get in last night?"
"Now I can't tell you everything Mel!" Sarah giggled.
"Oh that is sinful Sarah!!
"Guess what!?"
"Ok, what?"
"Guess where Steve and I are going tomorrow?"
"Must I guess, wouldn't it be so much easier to just tell me?" Melanie said with a smile.
"Ok you win, I will just tell you! We are going to courthouse. I am going to start the divorce proceedings."
"Sarah that is wonderful! But I thought you still hadn't save enough for that."
"Well Steve says he wants me to be rid of Mark, so he is paying for it, well until I can give it back to him."
"He sure is something else Sarah. You have a wonderful man there." Sarah broke out in a big beautiful smile and agreed. There was a honk outside. "Oh..." Sarah said taking a sip of coffee, "..that is for me! Got to go Mel, I will see you this evening!" She gave Melanie a kiss on the cheek and was out the door! Melanie was so happy to see Sarah content in life. She certainly deserved all the happiness that Steve was showing her.

"Ok that is all we need! You will hear from us when your court date is set up!"
"Thank you sir, you have been most helpful!" Sarah said to the Attorney. She looked over at Steve with a smile. "When will my husband be served?" she asked with a concern.
"It should be no later than three days."
"Ok thank you!" Sarah said as she stood up and Steve joined her in rising.
"Ms MCcoy?"
She turned to look back at her attorney, "Yes...?"
"We will make this as painless as possible. It should go smoothly though since there are no children involved, and you agreed to let him have the house."
"Thank you Mr. Peterson, I am hopeful."

As they drove Sarah was a little anxious. She remembered the little threats that Mark had made to her. Why did she always let him make her so damn uneasy! She had not heard from him in two months, so why now is she feeling like this. "Steve..?"
"Yes sweetheart..."
"Can you not take me home just yet?"
"Sarah what is wrong?"
"Oh just a little uneasy, everything seems to be going along a little too easy for me."
"Well we can go to my house if you'd like." She looked at Steve and smiled. How did she get so lucky to find such a wonderful man. How could he have ever found her so attractive. He knew alot of her little habits, her quirks, and yet he treated her as an equal to himself. She could say anything she wanted to him when they had a little disaggreements, and not have to cower in fear. "What are you thinking about...?" Steve asked.
"I am thinking about how wonderful my life is here with you. How you have made everything perfect for me." Steve pulled off onto a little lookout spot and stopped the car. He took Sarah's hands within his own. "Sarah, I have found a new life myself. I want you to know that I will always do my best to show you happiness."
"I know...."Steve placed a finger to her lips "Shhhhh.....listen ok?" Sarah nodded her head. "Sarah, I think about you day in and day out, and when we are not together it seems like my life is meaningless. I guess what I am trying to say is..." There was a short pause "...I am trying to say I love you Sarah." Sarah could not believe what she just heard. She was astounded, she didn't expect to hear that another man loved her. She tried to search for words to say, but she was rendered speechless. "Sarah, are you ok?"
Sarah looked deeply into Steve's eyes, almost trying to search his soul to see if he was being honest with his feelings. How could he love her. "Sarah honey, would you please talk to me?"
Sarah shook herself from the state she was in and gave Steve an incredible hug and whispered in his ear "I love you too Steve!" The tears were flowing freely from her eyes, but for once the flowed out of happiness. Steve held her even closer. They remained like that until they had the strength to let go. Steve looked into her eyes and then softly kissed her lips, eyes, cheeks, and back to her lips. Sarah giggled happily as she returned the favor. They drove off and headed to Steve's house for a light lunch.

Sarah woke up to someone lightly shaking her. She opened her eyes and saw Steve standing there over her with a warm smile, and still wrapped in a robe. She couldn't help but think how delicious he looked standing there. "Wake up my sleeping beauty."
"No, you did that all wrong..." she explained. "You are suppose to kiss your sleeping beauty awake." she giggled. Steve leaned down and gave her a seductive kiss good morning. Sarah grabbed ahold of him and pulled him into her bed. He rolled on top of her, kissing her neck, and moved to her ear. Sarah was breathless and clung to him. In the distance she heard the phone ring. "Uhhh...maybe I should get that..." Steve said in between kisses.
"The machine will pick up." she returned each kiss that Steve gave her. They were lost in their own world.

Sarah just climbed out of the shower, and found Steve preparing a spectacular breakfast for the two of them. The coffee was brewing, and there was light music playing. "I can't believe that you talked me into staying with you for two days. My vacation has been wonderful!" she said as she hugged him from behind. "Ummmm...I love you!" she said it so easily now! Steve turned around to face her. All he could do was marvel at the sight before him. He leaned down and softly kissed her lips. The phone rang and Sarah went to get it. "Hello..."
"Are you ever coming back home?" Melanie asked on the other end.
"Yes I will be home this afternoon I promise. Steve has to go run some errands." Sarah said with a smile.
"Ok, I just had to check and make sure you hadn't fallen off the face of the earth. Do you have your key?"
"Yep I sure do, don't leave home without it." Sarah giggled.
"Ok good, Nick and I are running out to catch an early show. Then he promised to make us a delicious meal."
"So Nick is a cook too eh?" Sarah laughed. Steve watched Sarah as she chatted away with Melanie. He knew he was a very lucky man. "Ok Mel, I will see you later this afternoon then. ok...bye bye." Sarah hung up the phone and sat at the kitchen table. "She is something else. She thinks she has to check up on me."
"Well she is a good friend then." Steve said to her as he placed their breakfast on the table before her. They sat and ate with good conversation. Soon it was time for them to go, and Sarah almost hated leaving. She could definately live here in this beautiful house. Maybe someday she would. They left and got in the car and started out. Steve broke the silence. "Sarah..? What do you think of this environment? The house, the area in general?"
"It is all beautiful Steve. I love your house, the fresh air, all of it." she answered with a smile.
"Sarah I want you to live here with me. I...I..."
"You what Steve?"
Steve pulled over and stopped the car. "I want you to be my wife Sarah!"
"You what...what?"
"You heard me Sarah, I want to marry you...I am not saying today, tomorrow, or next year, but someday, I want to be your husband, and I want us to have a family, and live here in OUR house on top of the hill. I want to make you so incredibly happy. I want you to never fear anything again..."
"Yes...."Sarah whispered.
"What did you say?"
"I said yes, I will marry you!" Steve reached over and hugged Sarah with everything that he had in him. They kissed and hugged and kissed again! And then after about a half hour, they got on the road again. They pulled up outside of Melanies house and he gave her yet another kiss. "I will be back just as soon as I can, and then we will make some plans." Sarah smiled and said "Ok honey, see you soon." Sarah was so happy that she practically skipped to the door. She drew out her key and waved to Steve as he drove away! She got in the door and it was obvious that Melanie had already left. She found a note on the fridge. Sarah grabbed it. 'Sarah, there is some salad in the fridge, and some light cold cuts for you to have for lunch. We should be home by four. ~~Mel

Sarah picked up in her bedroom, she could not believe she left it such a mess. She practically danced around the room, she was walking on clouds. She noticed about an hour had passed, so she decided to watch some television. She sat down on the couch and flipped through the channels. There was a knock on the door. She joyfully opened thinking it was Steve. As she opened the door it was pushed, sending her across the room. She heard the door slam and heard the lock turn. "Well well well, what do we have here?"
"Mark what are you doing here?"
"Why I came to collect what is mine.... what is the meaning of this Sarah!" he said as he through the papers at her. "I told you not to file any divorce papers Sarah, and you just didn't listen did you?"
"Mark get out....we are through, we have been for nearly three months now!" He closed the gap quickly between. Following her every step getting closer and closer. "Mark stay back, I am warning you!"
Mark let out a cynical laugh. "Oh you are warning me now? You don't know what you are dealing with little girl." Mark reached out and grabbed her. He gripped her arms painfully. "And now you need to be taught a lesson." He pushed her up against the wall. "But first you owe me some lost time in the lovin department, or have you given all of that to your boyfriend?"
"Mark please just go..."
"Too late for begging tactics now Sarah. I came for you and I plan on getting what I want." He kissed her hard, so hard it hurt. She struggled as hard as she could and got her face away from his. "Well, it seems you have gotten a little fiestier since the last time I had to fight for what I wanted."
"You son of...." she was stopped short with a hand across the mouth. The pain sent her head reeling. Mark threw her to the floor and climbed on top of her. She regained some of herself and began struggling again. Mark was trying to raise her dress up. "Sarah, if you just wouldn't fight this would not have to be so painful. You are my wife, and you should do as I say."
With all the strength she had, she forced herself to speak, "Not for long...." and raised a knee up and sent Mark rolling off of her in pain. She quickly stood up to run past him, and he reached and grabbed an ankle and she went down, pain racking her entire body. Mark climbed on top of her again, this time being sure he had her legs secure. He began forcing his kisses on her again, and when she fought he hit her hard. Sarah could feel herself drifting into darkness.

"Get of of her you son of a bitch!" Steve yelled and jerked Mark off of her. Nick had followed closely behind Steve, and had his gun drawn. Steve threw Mark across the room, and then chased after him and slugged him in the faceagina and again. Nick ran after Steve. "Steve you gotta stop man, you gotta stop...." As steve pulled back again to let Mark have another one he grabbed his hand. "Steve stop..." Steve finally gave in and stopped. He backed up, his body tired from the fighting. Then he instantly thought of Sarah. He looked over and saw that Melanie had been sitting with her, trying to wake her up. He went to her and saw her badly bruised face once again. He knelt down beside them and began to cry. "If only I had just stayed, the errands could have waited." The police finally arrived and Nick handed Mark over to them. "Get this piece of shit out of here." They escorted him off of the property and to the station.

"Sarah, wake up honey." Steve cried. He remembered just earlier that day what she had said to him about kissing her awake. He thought about how she giggled, and how she said 'yes'. He couldn't lose her now, not after all this happiness he found. Steve leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her swollen lips. Sarah then responded to him with a kiss of her own. Steve raised his head and saw Sarah open her eyes. She had a soft hoarsy whisper come out. "You are becoming quite the Prince charming." Steve raised her up, and she reasted against his chest.
"Maybe we should get her to the doctor." Melanie said with frantic worry in her voice.
"No Mel, I am ok, not any worse than any other time." Sarah began to stand up and Steve helped her. He walked her over to the couch. Melanie went to the bathroom and got a cloth, and filled it with ice for Sarah to place on her face. She got another one and moistened it. She helped Sarah to clean up her mouth. "Well that's not so bad." She said with tears in her eyes.
"Oh why are you crying Mel, I think I will be ok now." She said with a smile, even though it hurt. I couldn't ask for more special people to be in my life. I realize now my nightmare is finally over." She leaned over against Steve and rested.

"Your honor, this is the case between Ms. MCcoy and Mr. MCcoy."
"Ok Ms. MCcoy, you wish to be granted a divorce from Mr. MCcoy, is this correct?"
"Yes your honor." she answered.
"And Mr.MCcoy, I am sure you have something say about this.."
"Yes your honor I do, I do not wish to grant Ms MCcoy this divorce. She has had an affair, and made a fool out of me..."
"Mr MCcoy, might I suggest to you what led to this so called affair in the first place."
"No sir your honor..."
"Let me also make it clear to you Mr. MCcoy that I better not catch you near Ms MCcoy again. You got lucky that your behind in not sitting in jail right now. But if I hear of you bothering Ms MCcoy again, you will quickly find yourself there. Now, Ms. MCcoy agreed to let you have the house and all that lies there within that house. She has also requested a restraining order against Mr. MCcoy for life. This divorce and restraining order are both granted to Ms MCcoy, and should therefore be followed. Do both parties agree with this?" He first looked at Sarah.
She responded with a "Yes your honor."
He then looked at Mark. Mark did not respond right away, but looked over at Sarah. Sarah slowly looked down. "Mr MCcoy I am waiting for an answer!" Mark knew he had lost her, and looked back at the judge.
"Yes your honor."
"Then I find this case in honor of the Plaintiff, with no rights to appeal. This case is now closed. May you all have a good day." With that the judge rose. Sarah turned to look at Steve and suddenly realized she was no longer a married woman. Steve made his way to Sarah and hugged her tight. "I love you Sarah! And he squeezed her even tighter. Mark was escorted out of the courtroom and out of the courthouse as well. Sarah never looked up at him once after the judge ruled in her favor. They all left the courtroom together, eager to start their brand new life. Sarah knew there was a glimmer of hope from the moment Melanie helped her escape her nightmare. She realized that when Steve walked into her life that hope had already been well on it's way of becoming a reality. She just had to find her own self worth, and with the help of her friends, and her new love, she was able to accomplish just that.

Artwork by

Midi By Bruce DeBoer