Beauty from Ashes

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 44

I’m drifting off to sleep. Seriously. I thought this would be a quick in-and-out procedure, but I guess it’s far enough along it’s going to be a little more complicated than that.

I knew I should have come here sooner.

The nurse has been in and out, in and out, and now I’m waiting again. Waiting for those silly sticks she shoved up in me to do their work. It’s been such a stressful day, first that fight with Jake, then the drive all the way out to Spokane. I don’t know if I even have enough gas money to make it back to Orchard Grove. If Jake didn’t need his stupid car back, I might stay here for good.

In the bathroom at the clinic was a number for a shelter for battered women. Even have a free shuttle that will come pick me up. Jake’s never hit me, but they’re not going to turn me away just because I’m not bruised up enough.

Even a woman’s shelter would beat that stupid trailer park.

I forget how long the nurse said I had to wait before we could go on with the procedure. I’m just so tired and stressed out. Why in the world did I think it would be a good idea to give up coffee?

I’ve got to rest my eyes. I won’t fall asleep or anything. I just need to give my brain a break. Slow down. Unwind.

I’ve been living the past five months for someone else. It’s time to take care of me for a change.