"I'm not going over." I stated loudly. "I'm done listening to all of you. I'm not going to be married to Steven anymore. I'm done."

"Cheyanne." My father sighed, "We're going to back you on that." 

"What?" 

I never thought I would see the day when my father agreed with me on getting a divorce. I could hardly believe he said it, it felt surreal, like a dream I was going to wake up from any second.  

"Pastor Strand called me and filled me in on the situation. He believes that you do have Biblical grounds for ending your marriage." 

"Dad, I have to go." 

"Shy, I am so sorry that we didn't know how bad it was-"

I hung up the phone and began shaking with rage. 

I had always assumed I'd be rejoicing at seeing this day, that I would be so thrilled and grateful that my family had sided with me, but all I felt was the bitterness that had been building up against them for the past several years.

They didn't know how bad it was? BULLSHIT!

They're only now siding with me because someone else is involved. 

They're only taking my side because NOW they'll look bad if they don't back me on the divorce.

Is this why they pressured me to only go to them for advice for so many years? 

Did they already anticipate that this would happen someday? Is that why they're changing sides all of a sudden? 

I wept loudly inside the car as I drove back to Salvador and Amber's house. Today was the day I had been hoping for, praying for, pleading with God that He would allow it to come to pass. I had waiting over six years for this to happen, yet all I felt was a mixture of fury and sadness at it's arrival. 

Amber greeted me at the door this time. She had gotten home from work earlier that day, and she and Salvador had both been babysitting Oliver and watching their phones in case I texted them for help. She saw my red eyes, my tear stained face, and immediately threw her arms around me and brought me inside. Salvador joined shortly in holding me once his phone interpretation call had ended. Oliver too came over to me and joined in the huddle. I sat down on the couch so I could hold my son in my arms. 

I told them everything, including how I was feeling about my family, and they all just listened and held me tightly as I kept sobbing uncontrollably. My whole body kept shaking and I couldn't get it under control. 

I've been justified for getting a divorce all along... 

I am vindicated... 

And I've wasted six years of my life with that man...

I've been robbed of so many things because of that man and my family...

I'm finally going to be free. 

I'm never letting anyone control me ever again. 

"We're here for you." Salvador said comfortingly.

"We love you." Amber said as she gave me gentle squeezes around my waist.

"Love you, Mom." Oliver mumbled. 

"I love you all too." I sighed as I melted into everyone's arms. 

Today was D-Day in my fight for freedom. It marked the beginning of the end of Steven and my family's reign of terror over me. Despite having Pastor Strand on my side, and now my family's blessing for the divorce, there were still many battles left to fight, as I would soon come to find out in the next couple of hours. 

In that moment, however, I just wanted to rest in the embrace of the people I loved the most on Earth and soak in their comfort. Salvador and Amber both kissed my cheeks and hair, and I kissed theirs back. 

These three souls were my family. 

Little did I know that the next time I would feel that well rested would be almost exactly one year later, when the ridiculously difficult 2 am - 10:30 pm schedule I had taken on in order to pay off my attorney fees would finally change into something more feasible for me.

My cell phone went off, interrupted our cuddling. 

Steven was calling me.