In Susan’s line of work, things fluctuated a lot. Mass hire – mass fire. When bad relationships are added to the equation, her life became even more unstable. This led her to go back home. She moved in with her aunt this time, though.
Neither of them saw eye to eye and one thing that really set Susan off was someone trying to control her. Rage became a constant and safe companion. Anytime it got too much, she would escape to Missy. This created even more friction. Her aunt and grandparents thought she should only go from work to home. A social life was not a responsible choice in their eyes.
She worked as hard as she could to achieve their acceptance and pride in her, always falling way too short. Nothing she did mattered. No choice she made was good enough.
During this time, she also worked very hard to be a part of her father’s and stepmother’s lives. They accepted her well enough, but she never quite felt like she belonged there either. She didn’t fit anywhere other than with her children. That, at least, made her happy.
As time passed, her childhood disappeared. No matter how hard she tried, only flashes would show themselves. She was told about things that happened but couldn’t remember them. Her nightmares were not as kind. Whenever there was a location for them, it was her first home. A home that her stepsister now lived in.
That didn’t matter. What Susan desired was true happiness. A complete family unit. All she did find were abusive and terrible men. Not even one would dare touch her children, but they touched her hard enough. She would take it. It was attention after all.
Eventually, her oldest daughter left home and got married. It stung, but Susan was happy for her. She escaped the family. She was happy. Susan couldn’t be more proud of her. The other two stayed with her and life progressed.
Then he came along. If the devil had a mentor, he would have been it. Of course, he didn’t seem like that at first. He was caring and protective. He seemed like someone who would shield her from all life’s hazards. It was the ultimate façade.
It didn’t take long. Within months, he yelled at her for simply interacting with the people at work. That resulted in accusations of cheating. In conversations, he would miss hear something and declare her a whore. Her clothes were too tight, make up was only for easy women. The list went on. But by that time, she was in too deep.
He took her away from everyone. She lost her job and he held her hostage in his small apartment. Anytime she would escape, he drew her back in begging her to help him get better. His use of alcohol and prescription pain meds skyrocketed. Eventually, she was addicted to the meds just to escape mentally.
The abuse became more physical in all ways. Pain was on the menu every day. The only view she had outside of his apartment was the ground. Until Susan started fighting back.
