The Swiss Escape

My life is perfect; everything has gone according to my plan. I wanted to get married to my high school sweetheart, Johnny, t the second I graduated college. Then we waited to start our family until I finished with my Master’s degree. Our daughter was born a month after I graduated. Since he made enough money to support us, I took a part-time job working online as a curriculum developer for a nonprofit organization. The money isn't great; I barely make enough to cover my daughter's activities. My sweet girl Kayla is now two. She is, without a doubt, one of the most active girls I know. When she turned two, I enrolled her in gymnastics and dance classes. She loves them. Johnny is an amazing man. He and I have our share of problems, but he loves our daughter and works hard to support us. Since getting a promotion, Johnny has needed to work more hours. It’s been hard, but he assures me that when they hire another person, his work life will slow down. At first, I thought he was having an affair, Johnny has a history of doing so, but after allowing me to go through his emails and phone, I felt better. Today started like most days; a playdate in the park, dance, and home for lunch and nap. When we arrived home, I found a car in front of my house. A police officer lived next door and was outside washing his car, so I felt safe when approaching the house. I reached the door and was unlocking it when a woman approached me. “Hello, are you Mrs. Wallace?” I stared at her for a moment. “Yes, may I help you?” “Hello, I’m Bernice. I just wanted to know why you won't sign the divorce papers. Johnny continues to try; he is willing to give you everything, why haven’t you let him go?” “Excuse me? Johnny hasn’t given me divorce papers. He begged me for a second child last night. Who do you think you are?” I was appalled at this woman standing in front of me. “I am Johnny’s girlfriend. Don’t lie, he has asked for a divorce over and over again! You just won't give it to him.” Feeling annoyed at this point, I carried my daughter into the house and slammed the door in Bernice’s face. Pulling out my phone, I called Johnny. “Hey honey, I am swamped, is everything okay?” “There is a woman here claiming to be your girlfriend. Her name is Bernice.” Johnny curses under his breath. “Is it true? Do you want a divorce?” “No, I don’t want a divorce. Look, I am on my way home now.” Johnny hung up the phone, and I put Kayla down for her nap. Bernice was still outside when Johnny got home. I walked out while she jumped into his arms. Watching them, he tells her something, and she gets into her car. Johnny walks up to the house, but I stop him. “So you are with her. I can't do this anymore. Just be with her and file for divorce; I'm done.” I turn and close the door. Johnny opens it back and tries to talk. “It’s not what you think. She’s confused.” I stopped and looked at him like he is a colossal i***t. “Tell me the truth, John. What is going on? Why does this keep happening?” “I don’t want a divorce; I just have certain needs and wants. One woman would never be enough for me.  You and Kayla and any other children we have will come first. Why are you making such a big deal about this?” “Am I allowed to have other lovers, John? How would you feel if a man showed up demanding to know why you haven’t divorced me yet?” “I will talk to her. She should have stayed away. Next time I will be more discrete in my digressions.” Johnny said this as if it would make everything better. “How long has this gone on behind my back? Are there others?” I wasn’t sure if I wanted the answer, but I needed to know. “It’s been happening for three months. I have also had a few one nights stands here and there.” Johnny didn’t even look remorseful as he confessed. “I need you to leave for a while; I can't do this anymore. I want a divorce.” Johnny looked at me with amusement. “Baby, you’re a smart girl. Tell me if it’s wise to leave a high profile man like me. I have friends in the courts. You don’t make enough money at your job, do you think that a judge is going to let you have Kayla.” “There are alimony and child support; we would be fine.” Johnny still has an amused look on his face. “I will draw the process out so long you lose everything. I can make our divorce take months. You don’t have enough to make it for longer than a few weeks. Then when you’re broke, I will offer you a deal. Give me full custody, and I will let you have enough money to support yourself. You will, of course, take it because you’re an amazing mother and want what is best for our daughter. But you will never see her again.” “I could go to my parents. The court will find their house suitable. I will never give up my daughter.” “Kamryn, I love you. I still want you as my wife. You’re a great wife and mother, but you're quite boring. That is why I need these other women. But Kam, if you try and leave, I will come after you. If you try to leave me, I will kill you. Understand?” He placed his hand on my cheek. I stared at Johnny, wondering who the man in front of me is. He just threatened me. If I leave, he will either take my daughter from me or kill me. In barely a whisper, I reply, “I understand.” He smiles. “Now, we are going to go back to our normal lives. You will be the picture-perfect wife, and I will be more discrete.” A tear rolls down my cheek; Johnny wipes it away, then in a voice that generally would be considered soothing says, “Don’t worry, you’re the only one I truly love.” Kissing the top of my head, he walks to the door. “I will be home late. Just leave dinner out for me. Bernice can't cook worth a damn.” Johnny left, and I stood there, stunned. I sat down and tried to work but couldn’t. How did he expect me just to go back to everyday life? Today isn't the first time Johnny has cheated, but he usually shows remorse. He swears never to do it again. The last time it happened was right after Kayla was born. Johnny offered couples counseling and wanted to make things better. Feeling dazed, I called my best friend. “Hey, Girl? How’s my baby?” “Jen, he’s cheating again.” I heard her gasp, “Again? Kams, you have to leave. He is just going to keep doing this!” “I did, but he threatened to take Kayla from me. When I told him it wasn’t possible, he told me he threatened to kill me.” “Oh my gosh. You have to talk to an attorney. We can get a protective order.” “He has friends in the courts, Jen. Even if I got an order, it might not get enforced. Maybe I should try to do things better; he said I was boring. Maybe I could spice things up, be more willing to experiment?” “Are you serious right now? Look, I need my Kams back. She never took s**t from anyone. She is smart and kind and does not let any man walk all over her. Can you put her on the phone, please.” Jenifer was my best friend in college. She was also maid-of-honor at my wedding. “Jen, it isn't that easy. I have a small child and barely make an income. Johnny is also the only man I ever dated. What am I supposed to do?” Jen let out a deep sigh. “I don’t know, girl. I’m sorry. How did you find out?” I told Jen about Bernice showing up at my house and me calling Johnny home. “Damn, this is like a SOAP. Give me a few days; I will try to find something on him or his company. When I do, we can formulate a plan to get you out of there.” “Jen, I don’t know if I want to leave. I need time to process all of this.” “Okay, I understand. Call me if you want to talk.” After getting off the phone, I heard Kayla singing. I quickly got up, and we spent the rest of the day playing. I made dinner and left some in a covered dish for Johnny. Then put a note on the door telling him what I made him and where it was. Then I bathed Kayla and put her to bed. My mind raced about what to do. Nothing made sense. Staying involved me being miserable in my relationship, but at least my daughter and I will be financially taken care of, leaving would give me a chance to start over, but Kayla and I would struggle. Nothing seemed like the right choice. As I laid in bed, I heard the front door open. I debated on if I should go out and talk to Johnny.