The Pain of Love Chapter 3 Her Peace Finally

             Chapter 3

      Her Peace - Finally

As Janice walked around this quiet peacefulness brought her an inner joy, one she had not felt in many years. From the time she was a young budding bride, until now Janice never felt a real peaceful moment. After her wedding day, she thought it was normal and that they were just getting to know each other more. But, as time went on she saw a different side of her new husband. His affectionate nature soon turned into something strange- an evilness began to emerge in him.

At first she attributed it to his excessive drinking, yet gradually it soon made its appearance at other times. If something was out of place, or his food wasn't cooked to his liking he would fly off the handle and begin yelling at her. It wasn't until the third year of their marriage when he began to get worse, at times even violent. The places he struck Janice had gone unnoticed. But once while they were out among friends he raised his hand, which caused her to flinch. That was the first sign that all was not right in the house of Janice & Remington Gage. When someone asked, she didn't dare say a word so fearful that if anyone found out " he would retaliate and take it out on her!

As time went on, it did escalate and there was no way Janice could hide the black eyes, bruised arms or the broken arm he had caused. Janice sat in the hospital's emergency room for an hour, as the doctor asked her repeatedly “ How did this happen?”

She hated lying........ but knew she had to, and replied “ I tripped during the night and fell on my arm.”

The doctor noticed the fear behind her eyes, so he didn't pursue the matter anymore. In the report, he documented it as an accidental break, even though the xray showed clearly it was caused by a twisting of the forearm.

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Now today, was the first day of peace. As she stood in her kitchen making a meat & cheese tray, she sighed.

“ Oh how I wish things could be this peaceful all the time. Not just when Remy is gone away” she said quietly.

Just then the doorbell rang breaking the silence, so she ran to excitedly answer it. Upon opening the door she yelled “ Donna, come in, come in. It's been way to long- oh how I have missed your company too!”

As Donna stepped in she gave Janice a warm tight hug, then replied “ yeah I know, and I have missed you too my dear friend.”

Janice answered sweetly “ oh me too Donna.”

Donna glanced around warily, then asked “ The bear isn't around...... I am sorry, I mean Remy?”

“ No thankfully, he isn't Donna. Him and his friends went up into Canada. They're going hunting- so for a whole week I am free from him!” Janice said wearing a big smile.

“ A week...... only a week. Sorry Janice, I know he is your husband, and I guess a part of you still loves him. But to me you are far better off without him being around.” Donna emphatically replied.

“Well Donna for the next seven days, I- Janice Gage will be without that grouchy bear. I will go back to being Janice Foster, and be the happiest woman on this planet!” Janice said while dancing around the room.

Donna laughed and replied, “ That's the spirit, like you're floating on a cloud. Free to do what you want, how you want to do it!”

“ Oh you are so right Donna. That's why I invited you and all my other friends over. We are going to celebrate this new freedom I have now!" Janice happily exclaimed.

“ Oh Janice, if you could only be this happy all the time!” Donna replied as she hugged Janice again.

Janice began dancing around again, then said “ Well, I am going to take advantage of this time that “the monster” is gone.”

Grabbing Janice by the shoulders she exclaimed “ So that's why you invited all of us over. To help celebrate your new found freedom!”

“ Yes, and maybe go out for a manicure sometime this week” she said as she held out both hands.

“ Well is there anything I can help you with, before the others arrive? Or do you have things all ready, maybe tidy up the living room?” Donna inquisitively asked.

“First, let's make sure things are tidy, I have done the living room, but you can check the bathroom for me. Then come to the kitchen and help get the food ready, its been a long time since I have entertained. I will also show you the 'piéce de resistance' that I made, Donna!” Janice joyfully replied.

They both eagerly went into the kitchen to see what Janice made especially for this celebration. As soon as Donna rounded the corner she saw an esquisitely decorated yellow cake. It was sitting on Janice's Grandmothers old cake stand, looking deliciously grand.

“ Oh Janice...... it's beautiful. I had forgotten what a great decorator you were” Donna exclaimed.

“ It's my celebration cake, Donna! Not only will I have a week without the monster, but from this day forward Remy will never lay a hand on me again!” Janice replied sternly.

“ Um, he should have never done that to begin with Janice, that is not how love is supposed to be shown. But tell me how will you stop him?” she questioned her.

“Well don't tell anyone...... you swear to keep what I am going to tell you a secret?"  Janice said looking around for her Bible.

“ Of course, I will Janice what's a best friend for. Anything you tell me will stay with me, now do tell- how will you stop him?” Donna said as she took both of her hand's in her own.

“ Donna, I decided that if I was going to stop him from ever hitting me again, I needed to do something. So for the past few months I have been going to the next county, and taking a Martial Arts class I have been learning to defend myself. I'm not a black belt yet, but if I continue I could be one soon. But I tell you what " he, that husband of mine will never strike me again” Janice said with confidence.

Donna hugged Janice, then said “ good for you, it's about time you took back control of your life. Now let's get this party started!”

Janice and Donna scurried around the house, getting everything ready. In between lighting scented candles and setting out candy mints, the other guests began to arrive. Donna made sure Janice stayed happy, and thoughts of Remy never entered her mind. Everyone was happy to see her again, especially her own mother whom she had to secretly visit. No one hated to tell what she should do concerning Remy, but it was time that 'the monster' was stopped.

As Janice hugged all her friends, they were so happy to be able to visit her without him around. The day went off just as Janice hoped it would, and everyone loved her cake she had made just for this occasion.

Soon it was time for all to leave, and they hated to go. The sun was slowly going down, and many had their own family to attend to. Even Janice was sad, but she would enjoy the peace and quiet being by herself tonight. Donna had promised she'd come over after her kids were in school, then they could play catch up over coffee and some of the delicious cake that was left. Donna said her good-bye's and hugged her best friend and left.

Author's Note

Do tell me if something sounds hinky, or I have missed a comma or another mark! It's been awhile since I worked on this story. Trying to get back in the groove of writing deep stories, although I do love writing about a bugs life!