When We Love

Chapter 7 | Charged Up

I decide to charge them behind our bed, since an outlet is behind it. We don't have anything else plugged in, and I doubt Jared will go looking under the bed for anything.

With that location in mind, I hide all the packaging and take the cameras and charger, then go out into the bedroom. I close the door and lock it, just in case. Quickly, I put the cameras to charge and go back out to the kitchen.

I know I shouldn't be surprised at this point, but I'm still angry that my husband still has not put up the groceries! I start taking everything out, and put up the items that need to be in the refrigerator first. I make sure to be extra noisy and slam the refrigerator door. Nothing. Not even so much as a glance in my direction or a "Sorry, let me help you."

"Jared, I thought I had asked you to help me put up the groceries."He pauses the game and turns to me, I can see the annoyance on his face.

"Did you? I don't think you did because I would've remembered." Oh, so that's how it's going to be.

"Yes I did, you can put up the rest of the items. I already put up what needed to be in the fridge." I pick up the leftover grocery bags and put them up in the pantry for later.

"Wow, the least you can say is please." Is he serious? How did I take this s**t before and not get upset?! Oh yeah, because I was blindly in love and thought he loved me back but I was sorely mistaken. But now, it's a completely different story.

"You heard me, I don't want to have to ask again. Put up the groceries." I walk away feeling so good.

That feeling quickly disappears as I'm yanked back by my arm.

"Ow, Jared what the hell?" My husband is holding my arm very tightly and he's pinned me to the wall looking very angry.

Suddenly, I'm scared and my stomach is churning. He's never done this to me before, he would never hurt me, right?

"Don't you ever talk to me like that again. What the hell has gotten into you? Since this morning you've been looking at me weird and you avoid me. I've always helped you, haven't I? I'm the one that takes care of that girl while you just clack away on your computer. I don't even have time to myself, so you need to calm the f**k down. Do you understand?" I'm breathing hard, petrified by the tone of his voice.

All my confidence has vanished and I just want to get out of his grip as soon as possible. I manage a nod and he lets go, going back to his spot on the couch.

I take this chance to run away to Alice's room. Thankfully, she's playing with her toys, completely unaware of my panicked state.

I may have just caught Jared being a cheater, but I never expected him to get violent with me. He's never once touched me or talked to me like that! I rake my mind frantically, trying to think of the past couple of months and his actions. Nothing. He's never acted like this so why now? Because I'm not being complacent anymore? With a shaky breath, I walk past Alice's room to mine.

Locking the door again, I break down.

We really can't stay like this any longer. I thought we'd have more time, but with him being like this, I'm terrified of Alice popping up while he's angry. I want to think he wouldn't hurt his own daughter, but he just called her 'that girl' and I just can't have him hurting her. Through muffled sobs, I call Clara.

"Hey hey girlie, what's up? Did our plans change or-- hey what's wrong?"

I can't control my crying and I explain what just happened to my best friend.

"Oh hell no, Nicole, you need to leave. Like, right now. Do you want me to pick you girls up?"

"No, no I still need to get evidence. And I don't want to have to leave my house, I need to find a way to kick HIM out." I let out another sob, this has become so complicated.

"Clara, I just don't understand. He's never been violent with me. I'm so scared he'll hurt Alice now..."

"No, no cousin, don't think like that. Thankfully that hasn't happened.But you do need to get a divorce, like, yesterday. I think my friend knows a lawyer that could-"

"Not yet, Clara. I read online that I need to get evidence so the judge gives me more of our assets, like the house and full custody over Alice. Plus, Alice will be so confused if we suddenly leave without her dad. I just don't want her to feel like it's her fault."I hear my cousin sigh on the other end of the line.

"Yeah, I get you but if that man hurts you again, or worse, hurts Alice, you need to get your butt out of there. Evidence or not, okay?" I nod, even though my cousin can't see me. She's right, his temperament and the fact that he's willing to hurt me changes everything.

"Yeah I know. All I need is tonight. Once I have footage of him cheating, I'll take him to court. I just need to find an excuse for him to leave the living room. I'm planning on putting a camera in our room, another in the guest room, and the last one in the living room. The first two are easy, but he's always on the couch watching tv or playing games. And I need to be sure to cover that area too."

"Well, just wait till he uses the restroom. Then set it up quickly and come over."

Knowing that this will be the best way to do things, I agree. I just need him to use the restroom soon so I can leave this house with Alice quickly.

"Okay, I'll do that. Let me set up the ones in the rooms now and once I've gotten the chance to put the last one in the living room, I'll give you call to let you know I'm heading to your place. Is Damian okay with that?" I can hear Clara snort, "Girl, please. Yes, he'll be fine with it. You know he loves having you and Alice over!" I smile, Damian had always been like a big brother to me.

"Okay, then I'll let you go so I can pack and do that. Talk to you later, and thanks."

"Okay, and of course cousin. I love you, be safe."

"Love you too." With that, I hang up and wipe my tears. I feel a little calmer having talked to Clara and resolve to getting out of the house as quickly as possible.