Dark Mansion 3

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In a sky that has no meaning 3

she looks for answers 4

on a page with no words 5

she looks for clues 6

in a world full of judgement 7

she looks for forgiveness 8

in a church with no foundation 9

she looks for salvation 10

in a heart with out feeling 11

she looks for love 12

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Daylight streamed through the open curtains of the bedroom. Angie awoke to the sound of her son’s voice. He was singing to himself in the corner. She smiled at his freedom, she had not heard him sing in quite some time. 14

When she sat up, Steven ran over to her clamoring onto the bed and smothered Angie with kisses. She held him close and kissed his forehead. 15

“Mommy look” he said pointing to the cart of food in the room. Getting out of bed she walked over to the cart and uncovered the trays. 16

“OH Mommy smiley cakes” The first plate had pancakes made into smiley faces. Steven started dancing around until Angie said it was time to eat. She cut up his pancakes and poured syrup as per his request. Uncovering her plate she found eggs, toast and bacon. It didn’t occur to her until half way through the meal that the tray had been delivered before she was awake, and that the last time she was awake was in the library on the couch. 17

She was not bothered by this revelation, but rather curious. There were many questions she needed answers to, but for now she chose to enjoy the silence there 18

Later that day Angie decided to take Steven outside. The day was beautiful, a gentle breeze blew, and the sun was shining. She had found sunblock and clothes in the drawers in their room. Getting out of the clothes they had been wearing for several days was nice. 19

The warmth of the sun penetrated her face as Steven took off running. He disappeared around a corner and Angie quickened her pace. She knew there was no way her husband had found her already, but after years of conditioning her instincts took over. 20

When she turned the corner, Angie saw a playground with several children having a blast. The mothers were all watching attentively, huddled together. She could tell they were like her, escaping situations no woman should ever experience. Some had injuries in various stages of healing. Others had no noticeable marks, but their demeanor showed the hurts they had endured. 21

Angie approached cautiously not sure of the rules of engagement. She stood nearby until one woman approached her. 22

“Hi my name is Susie, welcome, please come and join us” She took Angie by the hand leaving her little choice. Susie introduced the other women in the group, then they went on with their discussion. Angie listened, gleaning information as they spoke. Her attention started to wain, and she drifted back again. The roaring started in her ears, his voice booming in her mind. Telling her how worthless, lazy, undesirable she was. That is how it always started, then that night something different happened. 23

Sex had always been his makeup thing, his way to coax her into believing the abuse wouldn't’t happen again, no more choking, no more intimidation. Sex meant love and to Angie, his sex meant that he really did love her. That night he had come to bed and roused her. Though she had felt that familiar tension in the air for days, she was starved for touch, and to that she responded. 24

It started off gentle enough, kissing, touching, passion. She had given him what he wanted, her head in his lap then begged him inside of her. He had asked her to turn over, which wasn’t unusual, he had stated he didn’t like seeing her face. She did as he asked, lest he get angry and stop. When he pulled out, and put himself to her anus she collapsed, begging him no, not this time. He said OK, then resumed normal activity for a couple of minutes. Again he tried and again she said no. Cold chills ran up her spine as she remembers the change in the room, going from hot passion, to the cold detachment she felt when violence was eminent. 25

He grabbed the back of her neck, forcing her face into the pillow. Then forcing himself inside of her, he ripped her until she bled. 26

“You have e no right to say no to me, I am your husband. You belong to me.” he seethed his voice low and full of rage. She lay there in shock, bleeding, not believing what was happening and blanked out. 27

Angie felt herself falling but couldn't’t stop. The other women rushed to her side and she could hear Susie saying go get Jack. 28

The ceiling was stark white as Angie looked up. Her fear was that she was waking in yet another hospital after yet another “accident”. She lay there for a moment listening for the familiar sounds of the ER or ICU. To her surprise she heard only silence. 29

Her mouth was dry and it took a moment for her to get her voice working. She called for Steven, and soon heard a response. 30

“Steven is fine, don’t worry, Susie is watching him outside.” 31

Angie looked for the source of the voice, turning her head first to the left then right. Her eyes began to focus and saw the gentleman from the previous night. 32

“Who” she started before Jack interrupted. 33

“My name is Jack, we met briefly last night, I am the owner of the Dark Mansion, and your host. Right now you are in our clinic, being treated for a rather nasty bump you gave yourself when you passed out. Steven is fine as I explained earlier, and he will come later to see you , right now you need your rest. You have been through a lot in the last few days, your body is reeling. “ 34

Angie closed her eyes and shook her head in agreement. His voice was so soothing, his demeanor so comforting, she felt safe. Drifting back into a sleep, Angie was able to rest. 35