Destined by Chance

Hard Decisions

Elizabeth was still not sure if this was the right thing to do, but she followed Sarah to the back anyway. She really was hurting, knowing she needed to get checked. Sarah saw how hard it was for her to walk and her heart went out for her. Sarah saw many women walk into the clinic the same way and only a handful of them left their situation. She was really hoping that Elizabeth would get the courage to leave hers. If she didn't, Sarah knew that the possibility of death would be high for Elizabeth. Sarah walked slower than normal, so Elizabeth could follow at her pace. They finally reached a room at the end of the hall. Sarah carefully opened the door as she smiled. "I hope you are comfortable here. This is one of the nicest rooms we have."

Elizabeth was still quiet as she followed Sarah into the room. It was a very nice room with a comfy leather couch and two leather chairs around a marble coffee table. It was very homey. A few minutes later Shelly came knocking on the door, making Elizabeth jump. Sarah noticed how nervous Elizabeth had just gotten. Shelly entered the room apologizing, "I'm sorry I know you were jumpy, but I didn't mean to startle you. Let's check you out, then we can talk if you want. Please, don't be shy to take off your sunglasses and scarf. We need to know exactly what bruises and marks you have. So we know what tests we need to run."

Elizabeth took off her sunglasses and scarf like Shelly suggested. She was very careful when she removed the scarf, knowing that the scar made the fabric stick to her face. When Sarah and Shelly saw the freshly opened wound they gasped. Elizabeth drew back into a corner of the room with mortification. She was ashamed that she allowed herself to be treated the way she was last night. All Sarah could ask was, "Who would do this to you?"

Elizabeth sheepishly looked down when she answered, "If I told you would you believe me? I know if I turned him in nobody would ever believe me because he is well known. I'm afraid if I tell you, it will get back to him. I'm not sure what he would do if I told anyone this was from him being drunk."

Shelly reassured her that she was safe there. She went over to Elizabeth, leading her over to the couch to sit so they could talk. Shelly smiled a gracious smile as she stated, "This is a safe place. What you tell us stays here and not beyond these walls. Nobody knows the stories these walls have heard. The secrets are safe here. Even if people don't believe you, you should be able to tell someone who can help you just in case something were to happen to you."

Sarah sat across from them with concern and worry on her face. She was hoping that this young beautiful soul would release her secret so she could start forgiving herself. Nobody needs to carry guilt or hopelessness just because a guy laid his hands on them. Sarah encouraged Elizabeth, "Sweetie, you don't need to carry this burden alone. Please trust us, we can really help you, but in order to help you we need to know what we are up against. Then we will take pictures and x-rays that way if and when the time comes we have the evidence on our side."

Elizabeth was still hesitant as Shelly cleaned her face so she could take a picture. She was worried when she said, "How do I know I will be safe? How do I know I can trust you or that you won't tell him where I am?"

Sarah carefully pulled out her camera, taking pictures as she answered Elizabeth. "I know you are afraid. I also know that it is hard to trust after what has happened to you, but I promise I'll protect you without another thought. No matter who we are up against. We have dealt with many women who have high-profile boyfriends that were abusive to them. We have helped them leave their situation. We can help you leave too, if you can just have a little trust in us."

Shelly was now examining the bruises on her ribs and stomach as she added, "You don't have to tell us but if you do, we can help you disappear. We have done it before. We have an underground railroad to help. We can even relocate you with a new identity. Just think about it. We are going to need to do some x-rays to make sure you don't have any broken bones."

Elizabeth squirmed as Sarah touched her stomach, examining the bruise. Elizabeth whispered, "His name is Jim Crane, he works with the government as a lawyer. He takes on only high profile criminal cases."

Sarah and Shelly nodded at each other, knowing that this was the first step for Elizabeth to get her life back. They led Elizabeth to the x-ray room. Sarah was relieved that she had decided to give a name. The only concern now was to get her to safety. Sarah broke the silence. "I have to ask, is there any way you may be pregnant?"

Elizabeth shook her head with sadness in her eyes, "No, about a month ago I had a miscarriage. Ever since then, I have been on birth control. It hurt so much to lose the baby that I didn't even want to try again."

Shelly knew her pain because she, too, had lost a baby, and she just nodded as she helped Elizabeth on the table. They took three pictures and were very grateful that nothing was broken. But they knew she was going to be in pain for a few days. Shelly's eyes showed her emotions when she finally said, "Don't give up on having a family. Things happen for a reason. I lost a baby when I was a teen, but recently I was blessed with a baby girl. I truly believe that things happen when they are meant to happen. I know it hurts now, but one day it will all make sense."

Elizabeth was so surprised at Shelly's story that all she could ask was, "How did you get through the pain? It seems like I'm drowning in guilt. He blamed me and that was when things really got bad for me."

Shelly knew the guilt well, so she squeezed Elizabeth's hand when she said, "Never give up and keep moving forward. You also need to forgive yourself. Only then will you heal. I don't just mean the miscarriage, but also for choosing Jim. You can do so much better."

They returned to the room so they could continue to talk. Sarah was the one who asked, "Are you ready to heal and be free? Is there anything you don't want to lose? The decision is yours and yours only."

Elizabeth thought for a moment before answering. "I really don't have anything to lose. My parents died a few years ago. Jim took me in while working on their case. Everything is just materialistic and can be replaced. I'm just afraid that Jim will kill me if I stay, but if he finds me he will kill me then too. So, if you can help me disappear, then let's do it. I just want to be happy again."

Sarah and Shelly nodded as they excused themselves to make phone calls. Shelly looked at Elizabeth as she replied, "You let us worry about that. We will be right back. Please don't leave this room for anything. We'll set up everything for you. I'm glad you came in today."