The Weaving of a Warrior: The Tapestry Series, #2

By K.C. Mitchell

This gripping saga continues in Book Two of The Tapestry Series as Brie Taylor's worst fears unfold when her newfound life collides with her past. 

 

The last thing Brie expects is for her estranged husband to reappear and demand their son, driving Brie to the brink of collapse. She must find the resolve to face him at last, rather than run from him any longer. In the midst of her past chasing her down, Abriella meets a man who appears to be everything she needs and wants. Yet as these two men clash, Abriella must pick up the pieces. Her unspeakable misery takes her in the opposite direction from which she thought she was going.

 

This heroic and fiery novel is a stunning and imposing story of finding new love, grasping faith, and becoming independent. Hopeful and wounding, Abriella's story explores what it means to pursue happiness even when the world is falling apart. 

 

An up-all-night page turner with twists at its core, this layered and compelling story is a feel-good book guaranteed to lift your spirits and rouse courage to face your demons, accept love, and hold on to what is precious in life.

 

Told with reflective intellect and passionate emotion, this is a powerful and radiant story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.C. MItchell
• Release date: Nov 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9798201806620

K.C. Mitchell

Mitchell writes in multigenres including romance, literary fiction, historical fiction, chic lit, and contemporary fiction.      She completed her B.A. in English Language and Literature at Columbus State University. She currently resides in Columbus, Georgia. Contact K. C. Mitchell at [e-mail].

Book preview

The Weaving of a Warrior

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Book Two in The Tapestry Series

The Weaving of a Warrior

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Book Two in The Tapestry Series

K.C. Mitchell

Copyright © 2014, 2024 K.C. Mitchell

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law or in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation to anyone bearing the same name or names. Any resemblance to individuals known or unknown to the author is purely coincidental.

Notes to Readers: This edition is the rebranded, revised edition of the original book.

Please be aware, this story contains themes of spousal abuse, rape, and their aftermath, including PTSD symptoms that could trigger certain audiences.

This book contains sexual content and is recommended only for mature readers eighteen and older.

Also By

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More Novels By K. C. Mitchell

The Tapestry Series:

The Tapestry of A. Taylor: An Inspiring Emotional Novel, Book One

The Weaving of a Warrior, Book Two

The Fate of a Family, Book Three

Other Books by K.C. Mitchell

till the Tide: A Novel of Awakening

Beneath a Tainted Sky: A Passionate Historical Affair

Coming Soon…

More Titles in The Tapestry Series:

The Woes of a Woman, Book Four

The Painting of a Portrait, Book Five

The Legacy of a Lady, Book Six

Contents

Preface

1.Broken Pieces

2.Revving Up

3.A Simple Plan

4.Unforeseen Circumstances

5.A Lovely Night

6.Whirlwind

7.A Startling Crisis

8.An Unexpected Visitor

9.Strangest Turn of Events

10.The Reprieve

11.Confrontation

12.A Welcome Distraction

13.Strange Turn of Events

14.Electrifying Ecstasy

15.Here We Go

16.The Dream Continues

17.Better Than Better

18.A Strong Foundation

19.At the Cusp

20.Bitter Truths

21.Aftermath of Integrity

22.Drum Roll, Please

23.The Big Climax

24.The Promise

25.Crash

26.A Life Without Hazen

27.Afterwards

28.African Dreams: A New Era

Excerpt from The Fate of a Family, Book Three in The Tapestry Series

From the Author

About the Author

Also By

Preface

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Life is But a Weaving (The Tapestry Poem)

Attributed to Corrie Ten Boom

My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colors He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow; And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned

He knows, He loves, He cares; Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives the very best to those Who leave the choice to Him.

Chapter one

Broken Pieces

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It began as an ordinary day except I decided I would not hide out in my office eating lunch alone again; instead, I ventured to a nearby restaurant to enjoy my soup hot for a change. 

I should have known better. 

Just as I finished eating and glanced up from the printout I was reading, I spotted him. My heart jolted as if a thousand watt plug had struck it. 

He had not seen me yet. I hid my face behind the sheets of work I brought to distract me. It had been over four years since I fled our home and I’d hidden from Seth Taylor. I had hoped I would never run into him again.

The outrageous plan of moving to the opposite side of this large city worked beautifully. It would have succeeded even better had I not gotten pregnant from Seth raping me that last night I was with him before I escaped.

A little over a year ago, I followed my new boss, Rick Mallott, back to the same business district I wanted to stay away from because it was Seth’s area. Except for finding my dream job, I never would have moved back here. 

I was making enough money to support my two children after working hard to move up. After all this time of eating at my desk and not attending gatherings outside the office, my plan had now failed. I thought surely I would manage to miss Seth with all these precautions.

The consequences of him discovering me were too great. I had fled in the night, as he lay passed out beside me. And I had unearthed his secret of homosexuality, which he kept from his affluent friends and family. He would do anything to keep that quiet. The stakes were high for him. 

Now I also had a secret- his son. 

The server came to my table and slid my sales ticket to me, announcing for me to pay the cashier on the way out.

Would you please take it for me? I asked, pleading. I handed her a ten. She peered at me indignantly. 

I’m begging you. There is a man over there who has been stalking me. I don’t want him to find me. She looked around expectantly, as if a stalker would dress obviously. What if I double your tip? I added, taking out a five from my wallet and placing it on the table. 

No change needed. 

Her demeanor altered then, and she nodded, not saying a word. She slipped the money and ticket into her apron as if to be inconspicuous and turned away.

I took leave at the same time and walked straight to the door, too afraid to look up, praying every step of the way that he had not noticed me. 

Right before stepping out of the door, I peeked back. He was by himself as well. My hesitation at the door must have caught his eye because, at that second, he glanced up, directly at me. 

The recognition of his countenance was clear as the blood drained from his handsome face. The long seconds of us staring at each other made the unmistakable identification all the more obvious.

I fled as if a bomb had detonated. I walked fast, yet without drawing more attention to myself in the direction of my office, only a few blocks away. After a moment, I peeked behind me, hoping only strangers were there, going about their day. 

I was horrified. He stepped out of the restaurant door, glancing both ways and spotting me. He headed toward me. I fled. No longer caring about walking inconspicuously anymore, I took off. 

I ran as quickly as my rubber legs and high heels would move. I glanced back and he was following me. He had never run when we were married, and the sight of him running towards me now frightened me until I was paralyzed. 

My head swam. I turned again to check if he was gaining on me, and he was. 

Turning the corner, I now went in the opposite direction of my work. I craved the safety of my office, but if he saw me enter our building, then he would easily find me. 

As soon as I turned the corner, I realized I must dash into one of the shops before he came to the same corner and found where I’d gone. I dove into the first one I came to, which was a quaint dessert shop. 

Where’s your restroom? I barked at the young man scooping ice cream from under the clear freezer. His eyes darted toward the short hall, and I ran before he spoke. Once I entered the ladies’ room, I locked the door behind me.

Breathe. Breathe. My heart pumped frantically and yet my lungs screamed for air. My head spun and I scanned the room for a place to sit before my legs gave out. There was only the toilet, so I placed a paper seat cover over it and sat, completely clothed. 

Expecting pounding on the door at any moment and Seth screaming for me to come out, I waited. Flashbacks of our marriage assaulted my brain. My insides constricted. 

Then I sat for another few moments. I heard nothing and was not sure what I should be listening for. Looking at my watch, fifteen minutes had gone by.

Apprehensively, I opened the door, peeking out to see if he was standing waiting for me. He was not there.

I crept to the front of the little shop and scanned it. There was no sign of him. I went to the window and peeked outside- nothing. I waited, watching for any movement to alert me of his presence. All appeared normal. 

Taking a deep breath, I knew I must proceed to my office. Saying a silent prayer, I opened the door to walk out onto the sidewalk. Transfixed, I stood looking around and fully expecting him to ambush me. 

People strolled around me and there was no reason not to head toward my work complex. So I continued slowly, scanning every few feet to check the area. My heart’s beat matched the rhythm of my fast pace as I walked.

Once I entered my office building at last, I stood at the door and looked out. Again, ensuring he was not following me from a safe distance to find where I was going. I did not see him at all, so I went on to my office. 

I stayed there the rest of the day, barely breathing and constantly expecting him to walk in. 

What’s up? Rick responded in his usual casual manner. He was a terrific boss, but, more importantly, he had become an indispensable friend. We rarely had time to talk about personal matters during the tax season. I was thankful we had time now as the scorching sun rose in the Georgia July sky. 

Do you have a minute?

Sure. Come in. I entered Rick’s messy office and closed the door behind me. He gave a suspicious look. He interpreted I needed privacy because I hardly ever shut his door.

I saw Seth at lunch today. Waiting for him to react with horror as I had when I’d seen him, I paused a moment. But Rick’s cool character revealed nothing except relaxed interest. 

I needed to talk to Annie Mae, my confidant from my hiding place on the opposite side of town. She would have immediately drilled me with questions and shown unabashed curiosity. Every day I missed her, but especially when I wanted someone to confide in.

Rick continued to stare at me as if he wondered what I was waiting for, so I answered his unasked questions. 

We didn’t speak, but he definitely recognized me. He chased me until I was able to ditch him. He still gave no response. 

Rick, it terrified me. What should I do? Rick’s lack of enthusiasm did not reflect a lack of concern for me. He and his wife, Tracy, had practically adopted my children and me since our move to the north side of town. 

Rick had enabled me to locate an apartment which I was able to afford. Tracy helped me enroll Katie in school and find a nursery for Josh. In fact, she watched Josh for me for several weeks during the transition until I was settled. 

They were the only family I had left. It was painful to leave Annie Mae, Poppa, and Ezekiel when I moved. Their presence these past four years made a significant difference in my life. Admittedly, they had saved my life. I owed them everything.

I wanted to call Annie Mae now for her take on this incident. But I had not talked to her in a few months, and it appeared the only time I called was when I needed something. A pang of guilt hit me in the gut.

I thought of calling Kayla since we had remained close, although we were not able to hang out together. She was trying to enroll at the University of Georgia in Athens. 

She was overwhelmed herself, jumping through all the hoops the university demanded to be a part of their postgraduate program while still working to help support her mother and little sister. I felt guilty thinking of taking up her time.

I don’t know that you need to do anything. It sounds like you handled the situation. Rick’s response reined in my wandering mind.

But what if he finds me? Now that he has seen me, he knows I’m here! I yelped.

Well, Brie, ‘here’ is a big place. Atlanta is an easy city to get lost in, plus just because he ran into you at some restaurant doesn’t mean he realizes you are here. For all he knows, you were passing through. I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you. Just go on about your business as normal. 

I was not sure what I expected from Rick. His response was typical for a man, I supposed. Of course, I couldn’t go on as usual because my routine was hiding, looking over my shoulder, and being a loner. This way of life had grown old a long time ago.

For the last four years of my life, I’d run from Seth and, now that I lived in his area, it would only continue to be a problem for me. Rick understood his advice disappointed me. 

Brie, I know you worry about this constantly, but, well, to be honest, I sometimes think it might be better to get it over. I mean, seriously, what can he actually do to you? Yep, exactly like a man.

My mind blurred with all the things he might do to me, had already done to me.

You’re right, Rick. I do worry about this all the time. Thanks for talking with me. Standing up to leave, I tried hard not to let the disappointment show in my voice, but he sensed it. He understood me too well. 

Brie, why don’t you call a lawyer and check on getting a divorce? Maybe if you were proactive in meeting Seth where he lives, then you’d feel more in control of the situation, and it wouldn’t disturb you so much. Face it head-on! Yeah, like that’s going to happen. Did he know me at all?

You’re probably right. I’ll think about it. I smiled weakly at him and left. When I got back to my office, I picked up the phone to call Annie Mae. Yet, something kept me from it, and I hung up the receiver. I must learn to stand on my own two feet. 

That night I dreamed of Seth. It was the first time in over a year, but I awoke with the same shaky limbs and overly beating heart, which I always had after those dreams.

Perhaps this was one of those things. Like the old saying by Gosho Aoyama; the fear of death is worse than death itself. Maybe, one day, I would face Seth and it wouldn’t be as bad as I imagined. Perhaps. One day. 

The next day was uneventful and the one after that one. 

Good morning, beautiful. Joe’s voice met me at the office almost every day. Joe was one of the stockbrokers who occupied the neighboring business and our proprietor. 

There was certainly chemistry between us, but I kept him at bay. There were too many reasons to remain single and anonymous. Besides, with two children, a career, and a truckload of baggage from my past, I didn’t have the energy or inclination to be in a relationship.

Morning, Joe, I responded coolly, as I continued toward my side of the complex. Joe often arrived at exactly the same time I did, and we would greet one another. 

Occasionally, he would come by our business to chat or bring goodies for our office staff. Every woman within our firm cooed over him and several single ladies leeched onto him when he walked in the door. 

If I heard him from down the hall, I would usually close my door. He was tempting, to be sure, but I did not need the distraction. Moreover, if I were honest with myself, he was way out of my league. 

I learned my lesson once before with Seth to not overshoot my ambitions. If I ever fell in love, it would be with an average Joe, not this Joe who was rich, successful, and sinfully handsome. 

You free for lunch today? he called as I walked away from him.

Oh, sorry- busy day. Won’t have time. Thanks anyway, I replied.

Why don’t I bring lunch to you, then? He didn’t give up easily. I had to hand him that much.

I brought mine, thanks, I responded as I tried to unlock our firm’s door. The key was always somewhat difficult, and every single morning when I unlocked it, I remembered the first time I had experienced this door’s ornery temperament. 

Rick had wanted to preview the office I rented on his behalf while he was out of the country with his wife. Joe met us there and the attraction between us was thick. 

I had arrogantly insisted I needed no help but was then unable to unlock the door. Joe came up behind me and placed his hand over mine to guide the key into the correct position. 

The electric current which passed between us had shocked us both. The remembrance of that moment made me blush even now, especially with Joe standing watching me.

Need some help? he asked as he hurried toward me.

I’ve got it, I announced too quickly. He was only a few yards away from me when the key gave and clicked at last. I waved at him as I entered the building. His face fell and he walked away. The blood pounding through my veins rang in my ears and I proceeded to the break room to start the morning coffee. 

Several days went by after seeing Seth at lunch and I fixated my mind on trying to think of a solution. I could not sit idly by and wait for him to discover me. He would try to find me now he had witnessed my return. 

I conceded to calling Annie Mae. It was early and her day at the beauty shop would still be quiet before her endless line of patrons demanded her time.

Hello, her familiar voice rang through the phone lines and felt like a warm hug.

Hi, Annie Mae, it’s Brie. How are you doing?

Hey, baby! Whut you doin’, chille? She always sounded so glad to hear from me, and the miles between us were suddenly nonexistent. The truth of the matter was the distance that separated us was nothing compared to the worlds apart from which we came. 

My moving to her doorstep was not a coincidence. It had been a divine act of God to place this angel in my life. She and her family took us in, supported me, encouraged me, helped me, and showed me genuine agape love. Although everything about her world was the polar opposite of mine, she was more of a mother to me than my own had ever been. 

I was just thinking about y’all this morning and thought I’d check on you, I lied. 

Well, ain’t you sweet. Yeah, me an’ Jessie doin’ jus’ fine. ‘Zekiel had a bit of a summer cold but nuttin’ serious. How the babies doin’? It was so like Annie Mae, skimming over her own life and asking how we were doing.

They’re doing well. Katie enjoys her daycare for the summer and has a little boyfriend. Josh has grown so much. I need to drive out there so y’all can see them. 

We both understood I would not. Although I had bought a car at last, it was not the most dependable breed. I supposed I could borrow one from someone, perhaps Rick. But except to spend time with Annie Mae and the group, I had no desire to go back to their neighborhood. 

Simply thinking about going made me uneasy, considering myself lucky to have managed no harm by the time I moved away from there. I was in no hurry to return, not even for a visit.

Although I had begged Annie Mae and Jessie to sell their properties and move with me, they insisted it was their home. As unimaginable as it seemed to me, I was powerless to change them. 

Oh, honey chille, I’d love that so much! The yearning in her voice made my guilt well up again. So, I decided, regardless of my trepidation, I would find a way to visit with them soon. 

So, any gossip?

No, chille, it’s been a slow season ’round here. What’s goin’ on with you? I knowed you got some reason for callin’ Annie Mae out the blue. Rick, okay?

Yes, he and Tracey are fine. But, as usual, you are right about my having a purpose for the call. I ran into Seth the other day, my husband. We didn’t speak, she interrupted me abruptly.

Lord, chille, you what? Oh, my goodness, tell me everythang. Don’t leave nuthin’ out, you hear me? Her excitement was palpable. She pulled a chair up to sit comfortably; its scraping on the floor drowned out all other noises for a second. 

Well, it turned out to be nothing really, but it scared the you-know-what out of me. I continued telling her my version of the story and even told her what Rick had suggested. What do you think, Annie Mae? What should I do?

Oh, chille, I don’ know. Lemme think for a minute. ‘Zekiel, get momma a drank, will ya?

Tell Ezekiel I said, ‘hi’ I interjected.

Miss Brie says, ‘hi’ ‘Zekiel, she quoted. Ezekiel responded in the background, telling her to tell me hey back. Okay. You ain’t gone like this none, but I’m gone tell ya what I think. Rick’s on ta somethin’. Seth done seen ya so tha cat’s out a tha bag. You should find you a lawyer and slap him upside the head with divorce papers before he has a chance to find ya, if’n he’s lookin’. 

She was right; I didn’t like this advice. Since I had run away from my problems in the past, I was not completely prepared to meet them head-on now. She continued.

Sooner or later, you gots ta git a divorce, ya know? One day you gone find someone an’ wanna git married, but ya won’t be able to cause you already married. Go on an’ bite the bullet an’ git it over with. I didn’t respond at all and the momentary silence between us let her know what I was thinking. 

Chille, you asked me what I think. Now I done told ya. Don’t mean you gotta do it, but that’s just what I think.

Oh, Annie Mae! You and Rick make it sound so simple. The truth is, I would only open a can of worms by contacting him. I don’t know what the consequences would be, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be good.

You right, baby, you don’t know what’d come of it. But I guarantee ya there are also consequences ta not movin’ on with yo life. An’, you already know I think he oughta be payin’ ya some child support for that baby. You an’ those babies both deserve that much!

I’ll think about it, Annie Mae. Nausea gripped my stomach and I wished I’d eaten a little something before I called her. 

No, you won’t, chille. You gone keep right on ignorin’ this here problem like you done been doin’ for the past four years. Till somethin’ blows up in yo face and forces ya to deal with it. I knows you. We both had to laugh. She certainly did know me well.

Well, Annie Mae, I do appreciate your advice and concern. I may not always take it, but I do appreciate it, always. Chuckling, I tried to soften the blow of the truth.

Chille, I gotta go. Mrs. Wilson comin’ in the door. You know she ain’t got no patience. Give them kids a kiss from Momma Mae, ok?

I sure will. Annie Mae? It’s good to hear your voice.

Okay, Chille, you, too. Annie Mae was never one for sentimental words or emotions, although on many occasions had shown me she had an enormous love for all those around her. 

Hearing her voice made me long for those days again of working with her. There was something in her presence that caused me to feel safe and comforted.

Lingering for several minutes after we hung up, I enjoyed the sense of peace from talking with her.

The last thing I wanted to do was to meet this problem head-on. The risk of the outcome was simply too great.

I would put off dealing with Seth for as long as possible. I’d continue avoiding him; however, I could not avoid the foreboding sensation that I would live to regret this decision.

Chapter two

Revving Up

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Amonth passed by, and I was beginning to relax again. A day or two would go by and I would not think of Seth. My life resumed with business as usual. 

The summer wound down and fall was around the corner. As Rick’s wife did each year, Tracy frequented the office as the holidays drew closer. One day, she came into my office and closed the door.

Do you have a minute? she asked me.

 Of course. Tracy and I always enjoyed talking, and we hadn’t caught up in a while.

Well, I want to plan a surprise party for Rick. As you know, he’s been in business for just over forty years. Panic surged up that she was about to tell me he was going to retire. Where would I be without this job? I’d like it to be big and at a venue who can cater it. Will you help me plan it?

 Of course, I’d be honored to assist you, Tracy. Um, is he planning to retire? There, I got it out.

Oh, dear, no! He’ll never retire. You know him. He talks about it, but I can’t imagine him puttering around the house all day. No, I just want him to see how much his staff, his clients, everyone all appreciate him. I really want this to be memorable for him. 

With a sigh of relief, I zealously jumped in to help her plan the event. It would be the first of many meetings Tracy and I would have to ensure all was perfect. 

We decided to schedule it around the first of December. We would tell Rick it was the company’s annual Christmas party, surprising him once he was there with the fact that it also encompassed an appreciation celebration for him. The date allowed us ample time to plan it without the pressure of time constraints. The Christmas party façade would disguise its purpose.

The company had grown since our move to this bigger complex on the north side of town. We added seven accountants to fill the empty offices, bringing the total to thirteen, including Rick. 

Sandy, the business manager, and I also had executive offices and the secretaries had their own, leaving the receptionist to work upfront since she greeted clients.

The increase in people within our firm brought with it added income. Rick put Sandy and me in charge of making everything run well, so he was free to continue his accounting duties as he had for decades.

Of course, I was still Rick’s personal assistant and apprentice, so most of the day-to-day responsibilities fell on Sandy. Rick compensated both of us generously as his revenue picked up from the additional business and associates. 

I’d grown confident in my duties at last. Rick spent many hours teaching me all I needed to know to one day be a full-fledged accountant. 

For the first time in my life, I had assurance my children and I would be financially secure. 

As I reflected on a conversation I had enjoyed with Kayla years ago, I realized I was living my dream of self-reliance. No longer did I depend on the government, my mother, or a husband for help.

Remembering how close I’d come to taking my own life when all appeared hopeless, I shivered at the alternate outcome. I said a prayer, thanking God for the dream of that possible scenario, which shook me enough to motivate me to change my life. There was no way I would have made it this far without genuine friends to help me along the way. 

Throwing a surprise party for so many people was a much bigger undertaking than anything I had ever done.

Tracy arrived at each meeting exuberant with anticipation and had always completed several tasks necessary to ensure the party’s success. I gathered names of all our clients, around seven hundred, and personally sent invitations asking for RSVPs from them. To my amazement, five hundred and thirty-five responded!

Tracy added eighty-six of their friends and family. We counted on the twenty of us from the office plus our families. We were looking at almost six hundred and fifty guests.

It seemed a daunting task and yet Tracy, who was a reserved homebody by nature, came alive. Her organizational skills amazed me, and I learned so much from her. 

Oh, it’s not so bad when you break it down, she consoled me as I voiced my qualms to her one day over lunch. Per my suggestion, she came to my office for lunch most days, suggesting we had access to computers and printers here.

It’s just like planning a wedding. In fact, it’s exactly like it, but without the added stress of having the perfect dress, she laughed. 

I think we should keep it simple, with only hors d’oeuvres since we have so many people coming, I suggested.

Oh, no, Brie, we must do this properly with a meal. Although a buffet will make feeding them easier and more affordable. How about the country club? It would be the perfect place to have it. No! I wanted to scream at her. 

Seth was a member there and I wasn’t going to risk seeing him. If we hosted it there, we would need to go several times for various planning necessities, not to mention the actual party.

I didn’t think y’all were members there, I slyly interjected.

Oh, honey, we are not. Rick doesn’t take time for such frivolous activities, but our son, Kyle, is and he can get the reservation for us, she beamed with pride. I did not have the heart to burst her bubble, but I must be honest with her.

Tracy, I have to tell you something, I began. Filling her in on the entire story, I even mentioned Seth’s name, which I rarely did. Although I assumed Rick had already told her my background, she sat patiently listening.

I finished with how I’d seen him and how the ordeal had petrified me. I wanted her to understand how difficult this was for me and, regardless of whether she changed the venue, to at least understand my trepidation. She came across as such a meek person that I was not prepared for her response.

Abriella Taylor! Be ashamed! You struggled all these years and continue to struggle because you haven’t the courage to stand up to a bully?! What are you teaching your children? 

I was stunned. I opened my mouth to respond but had no rebuttal. She continued.

I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to blurt out, but seriously, what are you thinking? 

It’s not that simple, Tracy. You don’t understand. Then I told her all my reasons for not standing up for myself.

You’re absolutely right. I don’t understand, she interrupted my answer. I don’t understand how you can allow your children to do without because you’re afraid some man will intimidate you. You have to know their lives would be better with the financial assistance he owes you. Not to mention having a mother who lives fearlessly rather than cower behind her desk each day. 

I’d never witnessed Tracy’s full disapproval before. I did not like it at all. 

She had no idea what it was like to live the way I had. She was blessed with a loving husband who worshipped her. The rebellion welled up in my throat and it was all I could do to sit there and listen to her reproach me.

I am sorry, dear. I don’t normally voice my opinion, but since you shared your problem with me, I assume you want me to be honest with you. She reached over the desk and placed her hand over mine. I wanted to move it but knew I should not.

Sweetheart, this man took years of joy from your life. Don’t let him have another day. With the meeting obviously over, she made up