Standing Her Ground

Within all stories written there is a bit of the writer's world; maybe past, maybe present, maybe future.

It was going to be a great day, despite the events that would be taking place over the next few hours.  Carol had decided that Jake was going to hear what she had to say whether he wanted to or not.  So often she had tried to get her words out only to be told what she had to say did not matter.  Today was the day, today he would hear or tomorrow he would wake up divorced.

"Good morning beautiful", Jake's drawl made her question her resolve. "So, you wanted to talk to me last night and you sounded so serious."

"Jake, I am serious", Carol began weakly, her inner voice screaming for her to speak up, stand her ground.  "I have decided to return to school and I want to work on my......" her voice trailing off as she watched the expression on his face fade from love to frustration.  She had broached this subject previously and knew it was going to be a fight. "D****t, you are going to hear me today or you are going to be one lonely man. I put you thorough school, you have your education, why would you deny me this?"  He voice rose as she became more determined to get Jake to listen.

Jake's answer was to simply roll his eyes and under his breath whisper the words that use to make her sad but now just made her angry. "Not this crap again."  Raising his voice Jake looked at Carol and firmly stated "Look, you know that you are considered disabled and I make enough money to allow you to live comfortably.  Just watch your soaps and let me take care of you."  

Jake never saw the flash in her eyes forewarning him of the slap he would receive.  Carol drew back and allowed all the anger that she had been keeping inside of her heart for the way he treated her like a child explode toward him.  As her hand made contact with his face she cringed praying he would not hurt her in his retaliation.  

Nothing came, the look on Jake's face was of utter surprise and retaliation never entered his thoughts.  He had promised her father that he would take care of her because of her being so much like her mother with schizophrenia tendencies.  His mind quickly began to think about what was happening.

"I know you think I am like my mom; you and Dad do not think I will be able to handle school.  But I am not like her.  I am not going to take my own life, I do not hear voices, I do not have anything more than mood swings.  Please don't take my life from me by keeping me a prisoner" Carol began to relax in her decision to return to school and despite the expression on Jake's face she knew with that last statement and the slap that she had delivered she had won as she would do what she wanted despite her father and Jake telling her no.

"I cannot believe you just slapped me", Jake drawled.  His expression was of complete confusion.  "You think slapping me is going to give you your way, it just proves my point, you are not stable enough to be out in society.  Maybe I should call Dr. Jenson and let him know you have become violent".

Carol just smiled, "Doc, would you come in here please".  Jake's expression paled when the doctor walked into the room, he knew the jig was up.

Dr. Jenson smiled at Carol, "I am quite impressed my dear, he did exactly as you have been telling me he would do.  I will help you get started at Columbia College tomorrow.  Do you feel you are safe here tonight?" he ask her while looking Jake directly into the eye giving he a knowing look that should anything happen to Carol, he would hold Jake personally responsible.

"I am very safe now Doc, all will be fine.  I will see you in the morning."  Carol smiled a knowing smile, looked at Jake with a new understanding of the power within her and ask him quite pointedly, "Are we okay?"  Jake just stood there with a look of utter unknowing upon his face, confusion flashing in those beautiful blue eyes.......

Author's Note

This is the first of many stories that I have started....seldom go farther than first page....chapter....not much of a finisher as I loose the momentum and quit....
Let me have good advice as maybe that will help me to finish....or take it from the end and add to it....could be interesting. Thanks for Reading....

Reviews

[Claire Twinn]

I like the idea of making a fresh start and overcoming the hurdles her family put in her way. I don't think a doctor would advocate using violence, but its great to think they might help a person to overcome the way a family member can disable a person by helping too much.
Schizophrenia tendencies is not a diagnosis, it would be better to say what her mental health problem is, which might help people to understand that people can and do live rich and fulfilling lives even when they have a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

[Constance Payne]

I can see the tendencies problem. I need to rethink that for sure.
I have had a physician back up someone who was being abused just in this manner....her husband would berate her and threaten her, her doctor came and listened from around the corner. When he heard the threats he came out and had her spouse arrested for being abusive and it was after she had slapped him.
Thank you for the advice and thank you for reading.

[Claire Twinn]

He sounds a great doctor.

[Rita L. Sev]

A follow-up on this story certainly could be interesting - the character of Carol really has potential! She is an inspiration - though I suppose that her story could take a turn, as happens in the real world. Lots of possibilities! A good start!

[Constance Payne]

Follow-up has never been my best thing....maybe now that it is here I can find a good line....or move the character in a happy direction. Thank you for reading.