Carly wasn’t sure what hole Jay had crawled out of; all she knew was she needed to get away from him fast. I mean, really, how much of anything he had told her was true? He lied to her constantly, and that wasn’t the worst of it.
She had met him through an online dating app. He had seemed nice enough and had a great profile—loved dogs and kids, both prerequisites for anyone she dated. At first, things had gone well. He’d been sweet and kind, and her kids had loved him.
Six months into their budding romance, she was starting to recognize the telltale signs. She’d been here before. Super nice guy morphs into control freak. Stick around long enough and he just might hit her.
The directives had started as suggestions. “I like you better in the green dress.” Now they were orders. “Take that off. You look like a tramp.” Then, when she didn’t move fast enough yesterday, he had grabbed her arm, leaving a bruise.
Now he was pushing for her to move in with him, all the while suggesting she sell her house and merge bank accounts. Yeah, that was going to happen—when hell froze over! She needed an exit plan. One that didn’t end in him stalking her. She made a phone call.
~~~
When Jay showed up uninvited the next day, Carly was ready. She had changed the locks. Jay pounded the door, screaming things at her she would never want her kids to hear. Carly had sent them to her parents for the weekend. She had also invited her cousin Rob to stay with her for a few weeks. Rob answered the door.
Jay stopped, mid knock. He looked up. Way up. Then he backed away. Rob, a professional wrestler, stood six-five, weighing in at two hundred sixty pounds of pure muscle.
“This the guy?” Rob asked, as Carly came to stand beside him.
Jay’s eyes shifted from Rob to Carly and swiftly back, the promise of retribution telegraphed in the brief contact.
“Yeah, that’s him.”
Rob looked down at Jay, taking a step forward. Jay backed up. “So listen,” Rob said, “This is how it’s going to go. I’ve moved in with Carly. I know your type and you’re never going to come near her or contact her again. I know where you live. I know where you work and where you hang out. Just so we understand each other. My cousin is off limits to you.”
Jay backed up three paces before mumbling, “I was going to break up with the bitch anyway.”
Rob took one step forward. Jay turned tail and ran.
The first line for this story popped into my head spontaneously. I had no idea what I was going to write until my fingers started typing.
I've certainly encountered situations where instant karma would be appreciated! Never afraid, just ticked right off! Good for anyone who recognizes the signs that any relationship, where there is any abuse on any level, is bad!
Perfect ✔