The next morning.

Bradley ended up staying the night at Ziah's.
The only two home were Jessica and Conner.

"How's your face?" Conner asks.

"It stings."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it."

"Have you thought about what you're going to do?"

"No."

"You need to leave him.  Come with me!  You can stay at my apartment."

"Honey.. thank you for caring but, I'm okay.
  He'll be home any minute with flowers.  He'll apologize and ask for forgiveness.  And if I don't forgive him, he'll spend the rest of the month treating me like a queen.  That's how it always goes."

"That's not right, mom."

"It's okay."

"Ma, you married dad young.. maybe.. maybe because this is all you know, you think this behavior is okay, but it's not.  It's not okay!"

"I know it's not!  But.. I don't know..
  Your father and I need each other.  Eventually he'll accept Bradley.. I think he will."

"Mom, he's brainwashed you!  This isn't normal!"

"Conner please.  I am a grown woman, and this is my marriage.  Let's just drop this."

Conner sighs just as the front door opens.
Jessica was right.  It was Hank coming home with flowers to apologize.

"Good morning."

"Morning." Jessica says not looking up from the table.

"I bought you some flowers, baby."

"Thank you."

"Annnnd, some chocolate!" Hank smiles.

"Oh there was something new this time." Jessica looks at Conner who just rolled his eyes.

Hank then kneels down beside her chair, and looks into her eyes.

"I'm sorry.  I really am.  I was wrong.  I still don't accept it.. but I was wrong for everything else.  I'm sorry for causing a scene.  I'm sorry for hurting you.. I'm sorry for.." Hank reaches up and gentle caresses his thumb over her red marked cheek. "Everything.
Please forgive me."

"Not now, Hank." Jessica turns her face.
"Please just leave me alone."

"I love you.."

"I know.  Go take a shower, you smell like a whore!"

Hank looks down before he stands up and places the flowers and candy on the table.

Once he is out of sight, Jessica looks at Conner.
"Do I know him or what?"

"That was scary.  Mom, this only shows me he does this often.  And that he will do it again!"

"Conner, please.  Just stay out of it, baby boy.  Don't worry about me, I'm a big girl.  I can handle this."

***
I really wanted to space these chapters out a bit more, but I have no self control!  I have one more written that I really really want to post, but I'll try to hold out for tomorrow lol.  It's more interesting than this chapter haha!

.. I might post it later today🤷🏻‍♀️😆
Hope you guys are liking this story!