This was posted just before the SSC, but not AS an SSC entry. So now it
is.
<g>

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Trust

by Tasha


            What do you do when you know your friend is being abused?
I've seen the bruises and welts in the changing room at the gym. I know
he beats her. I've told her that I know it. But she insists he's a kind,
gentle, loving man. It's the sort of thing you hear about, the sort of
thing they do training courses and seminars on. But this is my friend. I
want to help her. I love her.

            She says I don't understand, that it's not against her will.
But she can't mean that. No woman in her right mind would consent to
anything like that unless she simply feared the consequences of
resisting. I sure as hell wouldn't. Any man who tried to hit me would
find himself in jail before the first blow landed.

            My friend is very sweet and well-meaning. And too forgiving.
The ideal victim, I suppose. I asked her if he ever apologizes, brings
her flowers, promises he'll never do it again. (I've read about the
cycle of abuse and the honeymoon phase, after all; I'm not ignorant.)

            She just smiles that sweet, clueless smile of hers and tells
me for the hundredth time that I don't get it. Of course he never
promises not to do it again. That would ruin everything for her.

            I can't help but think she gets something out of it, however
twisted. Maybe it validates a sense of self-loathing. Whatever it is,
it's unhealthy. And he's a monster for exploiting and encouraging it.

            She needs help. I can't sit by and let this violence
continue. I refuse to let him betray her trust any more. If she won't
stop him, I will.

            I've decided to position myself outside their bedroom
window. I'm going to listen. And when he starts to beat her I'll call
the police. In this state they have to arrest the husband even if the
wife begs them not to. It's a good system. That way he can't blame her
for sending him to jail and take it out on her when he gets out. But it
also sends a message to the wife that suffering at the hands of your
husband is unacceptable.

            And now I hear her voice - soft and high, like a little
girl's. That's all she is to him. A too-trusting child. Something weak
and small to be mistreated. I'll show him. When the police come she'll
understand. It's for her own good. She'll thank me for it in the end.


© SSC 2004 by Tasha