One Thousand Miles

Chapter  |  So Close

Part  |  Two

I looked down at my phone scared of whose voice I was going to hear if I picked it up. Was I going to hear John the monster, or was I going to hear John the loving husband. I could just not answer it all, but what if it was the loving John? Then I would regret not picking it up and he would be angry at me. So my choices were pick it up and risk talking to the monster, or I could not pick it up and have him angry at me even if it was the loving John. I was taking a risk.

"Could you guys excuse me while I take this?" I say as I stand up from the couch and out the living room. I didn't pick up the phone until I took in a deep breath and was standing in the middle of the kitchen. "H-Hello?"

It's silent for a few seconds until he finally clears his throat. "I'm here, but you're not. Where the hell are you, Stephanie? You had me worried when I woke up and noticed you weren't there!"

He was upset, but he wasn't the monster and nor was he the loving John. "Well you were asleep and I thought I would be back before you got up. I'm sorry for leaving, but I just needed to handle something important. Look, I'll be home in---"

"No! You get your ass back here right now, not when you feel like it!" he yelled causing to jump about ten feet into the air.

"Okay, okay I'm coming right now," I say.

He hangs up and I stand there looking down at me phone. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it wasn't good either. I sigh and place my phone back in my pocket before heading back into the living room. Everybody stops what they're doing when I return and all eyes are on me.

"Is everything okay?" my mother asks worriedly.

I smile and nod my head. "Yes everything is fine."

"Well that's good, now what was it you wanted to tell us sweetie?" my father asks as he looks at me with a smile.

I instantly remember why I was here in the first place and gulp. John was already a little upset with me for leaving the house while he taking a nap and once I told my family about the beatings they would definitely go to John about it. I couldn't imagine what John would do if he found out I told somebody and I didn't want to find out.

"I...I just wanted to tell you guys I love and miss you," I say, forcing a smile onto my face.

They all just stare at me before dad lets out a small chuckle and comes to stand in front of me. "That's it? I mean I thought it was going to be something bad but I sure am glad it was just that. We love and miss you too sweetheart and we will always love you." 

He pulls me in for a quick hug before placing a kiss on my forehead. "Thanks dad, but I think I should be going. It's late and John is probably worried about me."

Ethan mumbles something under his breath before turning to face the television screen. I chuckle and say a quick goodbye before quickly leaving the house. I quickly got into my car and slammed the door shut before tightly gripping the steering wheel. I sat there staring at nothing until finally one lonely tear slid down my cheek.

When I arrived home I was greeted by darkness. The only light that was on downstairs was the light above the kitchen stove. I slowly made my way towards the kitchen and peeked inside. I found my husband leaning against the kitchen island drinking a glass of what I assumed was Brandy. He downed the last of his glass before pouring some more into his glass. The bottle was almost empty which made me wonder how much he had drunk.

"I know you're there Stephy," he said before taking a drink from his glass.

I sighed and stepped into the kitchen. "Hey."

He just looked at me for a moment before drinking the last of his glass. After swallowing he let out a sigh and slammed the glass down on the counter top. He stood there looking at nothing in particular before turning to look at me. He looked at me blankly and used his index finger to motion me over. "Come here."

I stood there frozen for just a few seconds before slowly stepping forward until I was in front of him. He looked down at me before wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into his chest. He leaned in so his face was just a few inches away from touching mine. "Y-Yes?"

He sighs and I refrain from grimacing at the smell of alcohol on his breath. "Where did you go baby? I was so upset when I saw that you were no longer in bed."

"I...I went to see my family," I say softly.

He looks at me with an 'are you serious?' look. "But you saw them the other day why do you need to see them again?"

I sigh and try to pull away from him. "Because they're my family John. I just wanted to see them for a few minutes, that's all."

"I don't care if you wanted to see them for a few minutes, an hour, hell even a day! All I care about is why you left when you should have been here lying in bed with me! I have the day off and want to spend it with my wife, but she has other plans!" he yells.

"John I'm sorry I---"

"No you're not sorry! You were more worried about seeing your family who you saw just a few days ago when you should have been here with me! It's like you don't love me!" he yells before bringing his hand up and running it through his hair. His eyes widen in fear and shock. "You don't love me. Oh my gosh you don't love me!"

I stare up at him with wide eyes and shake my head. "John that isn't true! You know I love you more than anybody else. You're just dru---"

"No you don't!" he yells before pushing me away. He then backhands causing me to fall to the floor. I cry in out in pain just as a few tears slide down my cheek. I hear him gasp from above me. "Oh god Stephy I'm sorry, but you made me do that. Do you see what you make me do! You make me do that!"

I back away before looking up at him with tear filled eyes. "I believe you John, just please believe me when I say I love you."

He growls in frustration before pulling at his hair. "Show me that you love me! Show me!"

I sit there for a moments before slowly standing up. I stand there wiping my tears away before stepping in front of him once again. I shakily cup his cheek with my hand and bring his face close to mine. "I love you," I whisper before placing my lips on his.

The kiss starts out slow and passionate, but soon becomes sloppy and steamy. "God I love you," he manages to say in between kisses. He grabs the back of both of my thighs and lifts me up and carries me out the kitchen. "Let me make love to you."

I look him in the eyes and nod my head.

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