The Pain of Love
Chapter 2-
The Beginning of the End
This hell Janice was living in never lasted. Some days nothing went wrong, and Remy actually acted like a human being toward her. Still everyday Janice felt like she was walking on egg shells. Was always fearing it would only be time before his next explosion would come.
Janice peered deep withing her soul, and asked herself “ Why do I put up with this s**t?”
It wasn't to long before Janice began to contemplate on how she would end this “hell”. She decided to first go about learning how to defend herself, even though it wouldn't be easy. As Remy's watchful eyes were constantly beating down on her. Finally, she decided to make her move while out shopping. It was the only time she ever really had to herself. He would never suspect that she was doing anything other than the food or clothes shopping.
For the next three months, Janice drove into the next county. Where she was secretly taking some classes in the martial arts. What she was learning, began to make her feel more confident about herself. Remy never seemed to notice any change in her. But then again he hardly paid any attention to his wife. Unless of course it was to strike her with his hands or talk harshly to her. And even though he hadn't erupted in a long time, she had a feeling it was coming. It was there, especially when she felt the hairs on the back of her arm stand up.
In the back of her mind, Janice finally thought ' only this time you aren't going to hit me!'
One day when Remy had his friends over, Ray mentioned that he wanted to go hunting. So it was then that he set the plan into motion. Using the excuse of going hunting would be a good alibi for the three. It would be Ray Bolls, George Anderson, Randy Manning, and of course Remington Gage. The four were going big game hunting, way up into the Canadian Frontier.
For the next few days Ray, and the others talked about Remy, and the way he inflicted his “ love taps ” on Janice. None of them approved of the way he treated her, and all felt it was ' time' to do something about it, before Janice was hurt bad. They finally began to plot out a tragic accident of their own.
One that although would be sad, but inevitably be best for all concerned.
After all there planning, the four guys would get ready to pack up and head out. The spot they chose was up in the remotest part of Canada, where George's cousin had a cabin. They knew what they had now plotted would be safe from prying eyes. Even the Royal Canadian Mounties never bothered trekking up that far. They would virtually be on there own, the four friends out on a friendly hunting trip.
As they sat around talking and drinking, the night before they were to leave, it seemed like all were having a great time. Remy began laughing at one of the jokes George had told. He then glanced over at Janice, and yelled “ Yeah guys, a whole f*****g week away from the b***h. This is going to be one great vacation!”
Randy looked over at Janice and frowned. He had been in love with her for many years, but never said a word. He knew she deserved a better life than she had been living. Even though he kept his feeling to himself, he wanted to reach out hug her right then. He also wanted to tell her that soon things would be different. That no man would ever lay a finger on her in a bad way again. Yet he forced himself to look down to the ground when he saw Remy take and grab Janice, then say crudely “ See you in a week, b***h!”
Randy cringed, he hated seeing him treat her that way. George smacked Remy on the back, and said “ Be nice to your wife Remy, or she wont miss you being gone!”
Remy turned to him, and replied “ Yeah, your right George. But Janice knows I love her, and that I'm just teasing.”
Janice crossed her arms and said, “ Yeah some love you show me.”
She tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip on her. So sure he would deck her, she began to flinch.. Seeing how she reacted, George took one of Remy's arms and said “ Come on, we've got some hunting to get to, I would like to get an early start. It would be nice to get near the border before nightfall.”
After a goodnight of sleep, they got up before dusk, and piled into George's van. As they were pulling away they waved goodbye to Janice. Only one person seemed to be quiet, and Roy was more than eager to get the deed over with. It never dawned on any of them that they were committing a felony. When they talked about doing this, they all thought of it as more of a service to society. George called it “ The hunting trip to end a true animal!”
Even though four men were leaving on this hunting trip, only three would come back.
Janice stood there watching as the van began to pull away. Suddenly she felt the weight of Remy's presence fall from her shoulders. When that happened she sighed and began thinking, 'for the next seven days no Remy, I will feel so happy. Maybe, just maybe I'll have some friends over for tea'. Janice would take advantage of her new freedom, and treasure every minute as if it were her last. While she set about making breakfast, she decided to invite a few of her friends over for lunch.
Janice wanted to bake her favorite cake, to have with lunch and some delicious iced tea. As her friends were making their way to her house, the men were nearing the Canadian border. Randy and Roy began complaining about being hungry, so George was glad they finally reached the motel.
After pulling up to the Lucky Strike Motel, the four checked in. George had previously reserved two rooms, Roy & Remy in one, and George with Randy. George knew if Remy was in a room with Randy, his hatred would get the best of him. And that hatred would cause him to do something stupid, and not wait until they were far away from prying eyes. So many times he wanted to do away with Remington, but his love for Janice stopped him every time.
They unpacked a few things, and went to grab a bite to eat over at the Trusty Diner. After the long drive, they were ready to sit down for a nice hearty meal. As they walked in, George turned his head slightly, and replied “ No alcohol tonight, especially you Remy! We'll need to get an early start in the morning, and I don't want anyone lagging.”
Roy piped up, “That's fine with me, and I know Randy isn't much of a drinker so he wont care.”
Randy shook his head, saying “ yeah soda's fine with me.”
Remy was the only one that looked sullen, but finally agreed saying “ Oh alright, George. But once we're in Canada, I'll do as much drinking as I want too!”
George laughed, and said “Hey thats fine with me Remy, you go right ahead and drink yourself into a stupor. Just don't think you're going to be using any of us as your personal punching bag. We all know how you get carried away with Janice after you've been drinking.”
Remy sadly replied “ yeah...... well, I don't mean to hurt her neither. It's just that she makes me so mad, and I get carried away sometimes.
Randy shrugged his shoulders, and spouted out “ just sometimes?”
After he said that George leaned over to hold Remy back. Thats when he noticed Remy begin to lean forward and hit Randy.
Roy leaned toward Randy, and while looking into his eyes, said “ Randy apologize to Remy right now. It's not our place to judge what goes on in another man's house.”
Remy gazed over at Randy, and waited for his apology.
Randy looked back at Roy, then turned to Remy then said “ You're right Roy, I'm sorry Remy.”
George spoke while taking a bite, “ Come on guys, we are on our own for the next seven days. Let's save our anger for the animals we plan to kill. I, for one plan on bagging the fiercest animal with one shot! Pow!!! Right between the eyes- dead on.”
As he said that he pointed his hand toward Remy, like he was shooting a gun. Just then Remy leaned his head back, and with a fearful look gasped loudly.
“ Ha ha Remy, don't be frightened, and don't worry I'm not going to shoot you” George exclaimed.
Randy and Roy sat quietly, hoping what they were thinking wasn't visible to Remy.
George then said “I think its time we should finish eating, then head back to the Lucky, to get some sleep. That way we can get up and have an early start.”
Roy quickly said “ Yeah that's a good idea. I'm finished eating anyway.”
Randy quietly replied “ Me too, I kind of lost my appetite.”
“Then I suggest we pay the bill, and head back to the motel for a good night's sleep” Remy said.
George got up and said, “ I'll pay the bill, and settle what you owe me later.” While waiting for the change, he turned to the guys and said “ Go on ahead, I'll be there in a few minutes.”
The others went to the door, then Randy turned and yelled “ Hey George, bring some soda's when you come to the room, I might get thirsty later.”
“Will do Randy........ Roy, Remy you guys want anything?” George asked.
*****
While the men were settling into their rooms, Janice was back at home quietly sleeping and dreaming of a peaceful day with her friends that would be visiting. This would be the first time that Janice would be able to have anyone over. At least without feeling any guilt that she was doing something wrong. Now past were the days when she would walk on eggshells, this was her house too!
She made up her mind that when Remy came back home, things were going to change or else. While sleeping she dreamed of standing in front of him saying, 'You will never lay a hand on me again, Mr. Remington Gage.' She then rolled over and began smiling in her sleep.
Janice was proud of how she was finally going to take control of her life. Also, how the class she was taking gave her the confidence needed to stand up against “ the monster.” Janice slept soundly the rest of the night, without a care in the world. As night transpired to day, Janice found the urge to sing while moving about the house. She went into the kitchen to prepare her breakfast, for once in a happy mood.
While eating, Janice looked through the only cookbook she owned. Reminiscing over the day she opened up the package, it being one of their wedding gifts. It was tattered from years of use, so she gently turned the pages in between bites of her scrambled eggs. She was hunting for her favorite cake recipe, one she hadn't been able to make since Remy ran off all her friends.
As she turned each page, Janice reflected on how fun it was to try out new recipes. To try and prepare the tastiest of meals for her newly married husband. But now he was gone, so Janice decided it was time to make her favorite cake. This would be in celebration of her new freedom, and as a treat for her guests.
One reason she had to celebrate was that Remy was gone. Secondly, that she wasn't going to let him push her around any more. The days of him being a “monster” were finally over, he just didn't know it yet.
As she took the last bite, the clock chimed 8 o'clock. She had enough time, to invite her friends over, and bake the cake before they arrived. Along with the cake, she decided to make a lovely lunch for them all. Janice began to hum while she went about cleaning. Stopping just long enough to make a few phone calls, then she went back to humming.
Since Remy would be gone for the whole week, she was going to take every advantage that she could. While pulling out her cake pan, she remembered that it used to belong to her Grandma Clara. Janice loudly exclaimed “ Oh Grandma, you were the only one who could see through his innocent exterior. I should have listened to your advice, someday I will make it up to you, I promise!”
After that she looked up at the clock, and noticed that it was creeping upon 9:00.
“Shoot I better get my butt in gear, I have some guests coming soon” Janice said happily. She moved about the kitchen mixing this and fixing that. Soon she had everything prepared, and ready for her special luncheon. Janice was determined to have a great time while her husband was gone.
****
The four men had gotten up, went to the diner to eat some breakfast. Then went back to the motel to pack up and get on the road. Randy had offered to drive until they reached the border, when he said, “Alright Roy you'll drive as soon as we reach the border.”
Roy replied happily “Alright guys, let's get going to our destination. We got some killing to do!”
As he said that Randy could see the gleam in Roy's eyes. That's when George looked at Remy, and asked “ What are you looking to shoot and kill,Remy? A moose...... elk..... or a deer maybe?”
Remy sat quietly for a few minutes thinking about it, then answered “ I think I will try bagging an elk, one with large antlers so I can take them home and hang them above the fireplace!”
George laughed and replied “ Oh I bet Janice would just love having those in the house.”
Remy retorted “ Hey, I am the KING of my castle. I'll put whatever I like up on my walls. And I can just see those nice antlers being used as a hat rack!”
As he said that, they all saw a large sign, that said “ WELCOME TO CANADA!”
When Randy saw the sign he said, “ Were here finally” and pulled into a parking spot to park.
George yawned, then said “ Let's get out and stretch out legs for awhile. We are making great time, so we can stop for a snack or possibly a light lunch.”
So all four got out, and began to stretch their legs. They spotted a small tourist shop and began heading for it to browse around. George decided to buy a map of Canada, even though he knew exactly where he was going. He thought it would be good evidence to have just in case somebody asked questions later on.
While the men were browsing around the border rest stop, Janice was happily entertaining her closest friends. She seemed to be having a great time, and her friends had been more than happy to come over to see her. None of the scars she normally wore had been visible, all they saw was their old friend smiling and conversing like old times.
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