CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
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I lie in bed, my eyes fixed on the door, willing Martina to arrive soon. I've been waiting for what feels like an eternity. Finally, the door opens and Martina walks in , my baby boy in her arms. I try to sit up, but my body protests, and I fall back onto the pillows.
she rushes over, concern etched on her face.
Martina : don't try to get up. You're not ready yet.
I nod, feeling frustrated. she hands me my baby boy, and for the first time in eight long months, I look at him with love in my heart. I've been depriving him of my love because of his father, but now, I see him for who he is - an innocent child who needs my love and care.
As I hold my baby close, Martina breaks the silence.
Martina :How are you, Ashley? Really?
I look up at her, tears welling up in my eyes.
Me : I'm broken. But for the first time, I feel like I can start to heal.
Martina : You can, you can start to heal. And I'm here to support you every step of the way.
I take a deep breath and begin to tell Martina everything.
Me : I had a boyfriend, and at first, everything was great. But then he started taking drugs, and I didn't want to be with someone who was struggling with addiction. I was pregnant at the time, and I knew I had to get out of the relationship for my own good.
Martina nods, her eyes filled with understanding.
Me :But the day I tried to leave, he showed me a side of him I never knew existed. He beat me, Martina. And it didn't stop there. He continued to harass me at work, in front of my colleagues. I was so ashamed.
Tears begin to well up in my eyes as I continue.
Me: And the day I came home with glasses on, it was because of him too. He had hit me so hard.
she gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.
Martina :I'm so sorry.
she whispers.
I take a deep breath and continue.
Me : The reason I haven't been able to bond with my son is because every time I look at him, I see his father. I see the exact photocopy of the man who hurt me so badly. And sometimes, I wonder how I never miscarried after all the beatings I endured.
Martina's tears are flowing freely now, and she reaches out to take my hand.
Martina :Oh, Ashley, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. You're so strong to have survived it.
I feel relief wash over me as I finish telling Martina my story. It's the first time I've ever shared it with anyone, and it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
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I take a deep breath and begin to share my story with Ashley.
Me : My ex-husband, he was a loving man at first. But then he started working and gaining respect in our neighborhood, and everything changed. He started snapping at me, then punching me, and eventually, he rarely came home. I realized he had started noticing other women, even at our church. I became nothing to him.
Ashley listens
Me :What hurt me the most was that our kids noticed the abuse, but I wasn't willing to leave our 10-year marriage. I had hopes he would change. But one day, my son's teacher showed me these awful drawings he had made, and that's when I knew I had to leave.
I pause, collecting my thoughts.
Me : I packed my bags and left. My husband didn't even try to stop me. He even got away with beating me the week you gave me the job. I just wanted a divorce, but he couldn't accept that.
Me :But I've realized that I want to help other women who are going through the same thing. I want to start a program, 'Hope's Haven', to empower women and give them a safe space to share their stories and find support.
she nods, a smile on her face.
Ashley :I'm so proud of you You're a true survivor.
I smile back, feeling a sense of purpose.
Me :Thank you, Ashley. I know that together, we can make a difference.
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