Randomly dedicated to arriaaaanne

Grace's P.O.V

I folded the last of Levi's clothing and placed it in a large garbage bag. Tying it securely, I carried it to the garage and placed it next to a bunch of boxes.
I had already packed up some of his toys along with my own clothing and other items. I had decided to not take everything with me right away. Jeremy owned most of our furniture except for a few pots and pans, the microwave and the small couch in the game room which I was leaving behind for now. Nora had informed me that Robin, her fiance, would help me move out my stuff. He would come by around 2 pm which gave me enough time to leave before Jeremy got home.
I felt a cold feeling stir up in my stomach as I thought about what I was about to do. Jeremy would be pissed when he comes home and can't find me. I felt awful about not preparing him. I wonder how he'll take it?
I checked my watch. It was 1:35 pm.
I could feel my heart racing. I was really doing this. I wanted to hug Levi for comfort, but he was asleep and I didn't want to add any pressure by waking him up. I took some deep breaths to calm myself. It was going to be alright.

"Hey," I heard a voice call from behind me. I turned around so fast that I almost slipped. Jeremy was standing in the hallway. He had a small smile on his lips. His dark eyes sparkled as he made his way to me. I backed away slightly. My brain was in full panic mood. I had not prepared for this.
Jeremy didn't seem to notice my behavior. He promptly kissed me on the lips. I snapped out of my panic just in time to kiss him back. I was really going to miss that.

"You're home early," I said softly, helping him undo his tie. He smiled sweetly at me.

"I asked for the rest of the day off," he replied casually and slid off his tie.

"Why?" I asked alarmed.

Jeremy studied me carefully.

"What's in those boxes in the garage?" he asked instead of responding to my question.

I let my eyes flicker to the ground and hesitated my response. Jeremy waited patiently. His eyes steady on me. I took a step back from him.

"Me and baby's stuff. I was serious about wanting some time apart Jer. I can't take anymore of this marriage. I've been hurting for over two years. I've been silent. I've been obedient, but my bruises are reminders daily that things between us are far from okay. You keep pretending and saying that we'll be fine with time. How much time do you need? I am exhausted. Most of the time I'm afraid of you and I don't want Levi experiencing any of this. I love you Jeremy. I want to spend my life with you, but we can't continue this way. Please understand. I don't wanna fight with you," I pleaded and automatically braced myself for the explosion I was sure to come.

Jeremy just looked at me. His jaw was clenched and so were his fists. A silence stretched between us. I swore I could hear the seconds ticking by.

"Jeremy?" I called timidly.

"My mother left my father you know. She said she couldn't take it anymore. She never came back," he muttered.

"Please don't play that card. I'm not your mother. I'm not planning to never return. Baby, you know I love you, but I believe that we need this. You need to get help -,"

"You're supposed to help me Grace! Why do you want to leave me?"

"I've been trying to help. I put up with your abuse for a long time. What do you expect me to do?"

Jeremy went silent again. After several moments he spoke,

"I expect you to stand by me through thick and thin. I expect you to be my wife even in the tough times,"

"Have I not stood by your side? Tell me that you don't see what's been going wrong with this marriage. Am I supposed to be your punching bag or am I your wife? Jeremy I didn't sign up for this when I met you -"

"Then why didn't you leave Grace?! Why did you stay? If I'm so bad, why did you make love to me?!" he interrupted.

"Because I loved you and I wanted things to work out. I hoped and I prayed for our marriage. I have tried to keep things together for Levi's sake, but I'm fed up!!!" I shouted.

Jeremy pulled a face at me.

"If you love me, then you'll stay,"

"If you love me, then you'll understand and let me go," I countered.

"So we're over then? Is that it?" he questioned.

I rolled my eyes at him, slightly annoyed that he was being so stubborn.

"Why are you being so difficult Jeremy? I don't want us to be over. I just want you to get yourself together and get some help. You can't keep blaming your past for your present behavior," I replied.

Jeremy didn't look very convinced.

"I don't want you to leave," he said softly, "please don't go Grace. I need you in my life. You're my everything,"

"If I was your everything, we wouldn't be in this situation right now. I've made up my mind Jeremy. I'm going whether you want me to or not," I said dead serious.

Jeremy cornered me against the wall. I swallowed hard trying to be brave. I wasn't going to let him scare me. Suddenly, his hand flew up and slammed into the wall making me jump. He grinned at me like he'd just cracked a joke.

"I admire your bravery, but I can't let you go,"

His hand went from the wall to my neck in an instance. I felt his grip tighten as he squeezed. At first it was light, but then he began to press, his fingernails digging into my skin.

I cried out and begged him to stop.

"Why should I? Aren't I the bad guy, huh? Miss perfect Grace? You think you can just walk out on me? Walk out on this marriage? You have another thing coming,"