NO ONE WILL HURT YOU
Where on earth have you been? barked Peter as his wife stepped into the flat.
I was at work, Emily replied quietly.
Its Saturday! he snapped.
I work Saturdays too.
You say youre working, but theres never any money.
You dont work at all
Mind your tongue, he growled through clenched teeth, looming over her. Now run to the shop! Theres nothing to eat in the house.
Peter, we only have fifty pounds left and pay day isnt till next week. You could at least look for a job, or do a bit of driving for extra cash.
What, do you think Im some taxi driver now? Be grateful you get to live in my flat, he scoffed, opening the door. Go, to the shop now!
***
Tears welled up in Emilys eyes. How painful it all felt. Was it really her fault that everything had gone downhill? Theyd been married for four years. Things started out well enough; both sets of parents had scraped together money to buy them a tidy two-bedroom flat. Later, they managed to save for a small British carnot expensive, but theyd been over the moon. Of course, everything was in Peters name, since he was the head of the family. Her parents lived in a little village, but had chipped in too.
Peter had run a modest business with his father. It wasnt a fortune, but it paid the bills. But Peter let pride get in his way; after a falling out with his father, the business was lost, and Peter hadnt worked in more than a year. Now he just waited for something to turn up, quick to shout at his wifeand sometimes, his anger turned to violence. Emily worked six days a week, but her pay never stretched far enough. All Peter did was blame her for everything gone wrong. Sometimes, she considered fleeing back to her parents cottage, but her two younger sisters still lived there; she didnt want to be a burden.
***
She left the building, wiped her cheeks, and walked toward the shops. She deliberately headed to the cheaper supermarket further awayno sense in going straight home, and the prices were easier to manage.
At the car park outside, a Range Rover pulled up and a man got out, walking with a slight limp. Emily caught the movement from the corner of her eye.
Emily! came a warm, surprised voice.
She turned quickly.
Victor!
It was her old classmate from school. Victor had been disabled since childhoodsomething wrong with his arms and legs. Theyd been in the same class from year one to year eleven, and Emily remembered how often hed been in hospital. The boys had poked fun, but Victor always kept his spirits high. In spite of it all, he outperformed everyone in school. Each treatment made his limbs a bit more flexible; in year one, he had to be carried in, but by the time he left with his gold medal, he walked at his own steady pace, cane or no.
Now, hed just stepped out of a smart car, and he strode over to her beaming.
Can it really be you, Emily? I havent seen you in ages. Didnt you get the message about our school reunion? Julia said she invited you, but you didnt turn up!
Oh Life got in the way she muttered, but Victor noticed her awkwardness.
Heading to the shop? he asked easily.
Yes.
Come on, Im just going too.
He steered her towards a fancy supermarketit was far pricier than she could afford. When she hesitated for a fraction of a second, Victor realised instantly what was going on. Looking her over, he guessed at much more.
Emily he began cautiously.
No, Victor, I cant shop there. Sorry, she said quietly, and slipping away, headed for the cheaper shop.
***
She carefully counted her pennies, picking out groceries bit by bit. As she left the shop, Victor was there again, waiting beside his car. He stepped toward her almost determinedly, took her arm, opened the passenger door and said,
Get in.
Without protest, Emily slid into the seat and he joined her.
Alright, tell me whats really going on.
Suddenly, she was a child again, sniffling and pouring out the whole sorry story.
Just leave him! Victor said, appalled. Thats all there is to it.
Where would I go, Victor? Everythings in his name.
Emily, Im one of the citys top solicitors. Doesnt matter whose name is on the deedhalf of it is yours. Now, he said, pulling out his phone, your number, please.
She hesitated, then gave it. He called her immediately so shed have his too.
Its Saturday now. On Monday, youll file for divorce. Ill guide you step by step, he said, starting the engine. Where shall I take you?
I live on Dickens Road, near the post office.
Ive just moved into that new block round the corner, he nodded toward a shiny nine-floor building.
***
He dropped her at her front door, stepped out and opened the car door for her.
Emily, its time to take a stand. Ill call Monday. If anything happens before then, ring me straightaway.
Im frightened, Victor, she whispered.
Dont worry, he answered gently, smiling with reassurance.
***
Emily entered the flat, only for Peter to barrel out of the hallway.
Who was that, then? Riding round with men now?
I bumped into an old classmate
Husbands at home starving and shes out gallivanting and here followed a tirade of swearing and then, a blow.
Emily dropped her shopping, her chest heaving with pain and humiliation. She burst out of the flat, down the stairs, and thereshe practically ran into Victor.
Get in, he said, opening the car door.
She barely realised what was happening until she found herself being led into Victors spacious three-bedroom flat.
Victor why have you brought me here?
This is my place. Youre safe here. Nobody will lay a finger on you. I live alone.
Her mobile rang furiously. Peters harsh voice barked through the phone:
Where do you think you are?
The shouting started again. Victor calmly took the phone from her.
Emilys filing for divorce. The flat stays with her, Victor announced coolly.
Who the devil are you?
If you want to cause a fuss, Ill have you in police custody by tonight.
Whatyou cant do that!
Ive said all Im going to say, Victor replied, switching off the phone and handing it back to her.
Enough tears, Emily. Go have a wash, and lets get some tea.
While she freshened up, Victor put the kettle on and made a quick phone call.
***
Neither of them had much appetite but, after a cuppa, Victor said quietly,
Lets settle this with your husband.
No! Emilys eyes flashed with fear. Im scared
Emily, he said gently, we do this your way, at your pace.
A police car was parked outside her building. As it pulled up, a young sergeant got out and saluted.
Mr. Victor Collins, at your service, sir.
They shook hands. The sergeant ushered Emily into the car.
***
In a few minutes, they knocked at Emilys flat.
What now? Peter sneered, swinging open the door.
Peter Stewart? the sergeant asked sternly.
Yes.
I need to ask you a few questions.
Peter glared at his wife. Come in, then.
Victor motioned to Emily, Gather your documents and whatever you need for now.
His voice was calm and steadysomething she hadnt heard in so long. Instead, it had just been hardship, shouting, and loneliness.
Now, out of nowhere, her old classmateher friend, reallywas here helping her. At school, shed never considered Victor as anything more than a kind mate; back then, everyone dreamed of some prince, preferably with a flash white car, not a boy who limped, no matter how good-hearted. But now
She dutifully fetched her papers and, instinctively, handed them to Victor. He smiled at her with kind, sparkling eyes. Emily darted around, packing a small bag. She wasnt sure why, and had no idea what was coming nextbut she was certain things couldnt be any worse. For the first time in ages, something hopeful stirred in her chest.
Im finished, the sergeant said, standing up and closing his notebook.
Thanks. I need a word with Peter alone, said Victor.
He sat down opposite Peter.
Heres the deal. On Monday, Emily will file for divorce. Youll need to sign as well. No children involved, so itll be smoothjust assets to be split fairly.
And if I dont agree? The flats mine, anyway, Peter sneered.
Should you refuse, Emily will appeal to the court for divorce, a fair splitand file for assault. I chair one of the finest legal firms in the region, and believe me, the decision will be fair.
Ill have my say with my wife tonight, and thingsll be how I want em, Peter grinned menacingly.
No, Peter. Unless you want to spend the weekend in a cell while your wife stays here, youll let her go. Does that sound better?
Peter scowled, pondering.
Fine. Let her go wherever she likes, he muttered.
Good. Ill collect you Monday morning, and well sort it all.
***
Emilys phone rangit was her mum. Since the separation, her relationship with her parents had cooled; they didnt believe in divorce, having spent a contented thirty years together themselves.
Hello, Mum! she called, her voice bright.
Hello, love, her mother answered, sounding glum.
Mum, whats wrong? You sound down.
Youwell, you sound happy now youre divorced.
Honestly, Mum, I am, Emily replied, her voice sure.
Well, its your life. Anyway, your sister Olivia wants to get married now.
Really? To whom?
Some chap from the city. Wants to live in town like you. Hes got nothing but a hopeful heart. His parents have a three-bed but already have another grown son living with them. Theyre offering to split the cost of a one-bedroom with us, but no wedding ceremony. Now Olivias miserable about it all.
They can stay in my old place for nowthen well see.
Emily, where will you live?
Mum, Emily replied, joy rising in her voice, Im getting married again.
Already? Youve only just
I promise you, this one will last! His names Victor. I love him so much!
***
To find true happiness and safety, sometimes you have to gather your courage, break free from the things that hold you back, and believe that you deserve better. Real friendsand real lovewill always help show you the way.
