Randomly dedicated to Kameeyah

I love you Grace.

I need you to believe that.

You believe that right? Right?

***

Grace's P.O.V

I had to convince Nora to leave, which wasn't very easy. She was so upset. I guess she had reason to be. She would have confronted Jeremy as soon as he got home, but I convinced her to just let things be. That didn't stop her from giving him the stink eye the moment he walked through the front door.
Part of me hates all her fussing. Bruises heal. Jeremy's not an evil person. He cares about his family. He loves us.
But there's a part of me that knows that not all bruises are physical. Not all of them heal with time.

The Grace before Jeremy would have never stayed in an abusive relationship. The Grace before Jeremy was a fighter. She knew her rights. She knew what was wrong even if it was being masked with "expressions of love."
But the Grace now... I'm not so sure.

Nora made leaving Jeremy sound so easy. Her suggestions of getting a place, finding a job just sounded so far fetched. I can't leave him. We've built so much together. I've worked too hard.
How could I just leave my husband? Haven't I made it this far?
For better or for worse. A vow is a vow.

Nora's P.O.V

My mind was split in two as I left Grace's house. Even as she stood on the front steps watching me, my heart like it was filled with lead.
I wanted to grab her and shake the senses back into her head. Could she be this foolish? Could she be so blind?
I know better of course. You can't make someone do what they don't want to do. You can't make the blind see even if you willed them.
Grace had to make her own choices. God gave us free will after all.

At least I tried. I offered her a place to stay with Levi until she could get an apartment. Grace was smart. Work wouldn't be difficult to find.
But she just laughed like it was the craziest idea in history. She couldn't see herself existing outside of Jeremy's presence. He was her sun and she would orbit him even if it meant crashing into danger.

I don't know if I can let her sit in her pity and denial. Deep down I know that she knows what to do. She knows that the power is in her hands, but she's afraid of the consequences. She is so afraid of what she'll lose that she can't see what she'll gain.
Fear cripples even the best of choices, but it's still yours to make.
I just hope that she can make the right decision.

Jeremy's P O.V

"How much for the carnations?" I asked the florist as I opened my wallet. The evening sun seemed to coat the petals of the roses and amaryllis on display at the stall. I couldn't resit purchasing a bouquet for Grace.

I'll admit that things have been rough between us lately. I wouldn't want her to get any ideas. It was getting harder and harder to communicate without threats and striking and it wasn't a big pill to swallow anymore when I made her cry. Perhaps I was becoming numb to my behavior. Perhaps I should tone things down a bit.

"Five a bunch sir," the florist replied with a warm smile.

I paid for the flowers and then made my way to my car. If I hurried, I could surprise Grace and then have my way with her tonight. I deserve it after the day I've had.

***
The moment I walked in the house, I knew. Something was up. The look on Nora's face said so. She looked disgusted. Like my very presence disturbed her greatly, which was strange since we usually got along so well. She didn't say a word to me as she passed, but her silence spoke volumes.
If that wasn't enough, Grace's demeanor told me everything I needed to know. She'd been crying heavily. Her face was red, her eyes puffy. She couldn't even get her words out of her mouth clearly.

I waited until Nora's car pulled out of the driveway. Grace busied herself with fluffing the pillows on the couch.
I leaned in to kiss her lips. I felt her hesitate before returning them.

"Anything the matter lovely?" I queried.
Grace's eyes fell from mine. I could see her lips trembling. She didn't respond.
Quickly, I swung the bouquet and hit her over the head. Petals fell everywhere. Grace broke down immediately.

"What did you tell her Grace?" I could feel myself getting angry.

"What did you tell her!?"

"S-she figured it o-out herself J-jeremy. I swear," she stammered.

"Oh really? You must think I'm stupid. What sort of picture are you painting Grace, huh?"

I whacked her again with what was left of the bouquet across her face.

"Your sister thinks I'm an abusive husband. What's that going to do to my reputation when word goes around?"

"You're the one giving yourself a bad name Jeremy. You keep saying you'll stop and be better, but you haven't changed one bit!!" Grace screamed and ran into the kitchen.

I went after her.