NO ONE WILL HURT YOU
Where have you been? Edward barked as his wife stepped inside the flat.
Ive been at work.
But its Saturday!
I work Saturdays, too.
You work, and yet theres no money.
And you? You dont do anything at all
You mind your tongue, Edward snapped through clenched teeth, advancing menacingly. Go to the shop, now! There’s nothing to eat in the house.
Edward, weve only got forty pounds left and payday isnt for a week. You might try looking for a job, or at least do a bit of driving for hire.
You think Im some cabbie? Be grateful you have a roof over your head in my flat, he growled, throwing open the door. Now get to the shop, at once!
Tears sprang to Alices eyes. How unfair life had become! Was it her fault things had gone awry? Theyd been married four years. In the beginning, everything had seemed all right. Both their families had scraped together enough for a two-bedroom flat. Afterwards, theyd managed to save for a carnot a grand one, but still, it was theirs. Everything was put in Edwards name, since he was the head of the family. Her own parents lived in a village, but theyd contributed their share as well.
Edward and his father had run a small business, not a major money-maker but enough for a decent life. Then Edward, ever the proud man, decided he was meant for more, quarreled with his father, and lost everything through his arrogance. Hed been out of work for a year, waiting for something that never came.
Now he shouted at Alice, and had started turning violent. She worked six days a week, but the money never lasted, and still Edward blamed her for everything. Shed thought of going back to her parents village, but both her younger sisters were living there now. She couldnt burden them further.
She left the building, wiped away her tears, and headed for the grocers. Not the nearest oneshe preferred the farther shop, where prices were lower and she could postpone returning home. As she crossed the car park near a shop, a Range Rover pulled up and a gentleman with a slight limp stepped out. Alice noticed him out of the corner of her eye.
Alice! he called cheerfully.
She turned in surprise. Christopher?
It was her old classmate. Chris had been disabled since childhood, his hands and legs never quite right. Theyd attended school together from the first year all the way through. Half the time, as Alice recalled, Chris had been in hospitals. Other boys made fun of him, but he kept his spirits up, always the best student in the class, sometimes the whole school. After every course of treatment, his limbs improved a bit. If hed arrived in year one carried in someones arms, by the end hed walked out, still with a limp, but confidently.
Now, hed stepped from a smart car and strode over, pleased to see her.
Alice, is it really you? His voice brimmed with confidence. Youve not been around much. We had a reunion a couple of years agoyou didnt come. Julia said she told you, but
She hesitated, Well, you know how it is, things got in the way Her uncertainty didnt escape his attention.
Shopping? Chris asked, shifting the subject.
Yes.
Im going too. Lets go together. He took her arm and steered her towards the shopthough it was the more expensive one. Her slight hesitation said enough. Observing her closely, Chris read much more in her tired stance.
Alice he began gently.
No, Chris, I cant go in there. Sorry. She slipped free, lowering her head, and made for the cheaper shop next door.
She counted every pound as she picked out the groceries, stretching every coin. When she emerged, Chris was by his car, waiting for her. He approached, took her hand decisively, opened the front passenger door, and commanded, Hop in.
Without protest, Alice got in. He sat beside her. Tell mewhats happened?
With a child-like sniffle, she spilled everything, holding back nothing.
Leave him, and thats that! Chris said at last.
Chris, where would I go? Everythings in his name.
Alice, Im one of the citys top solicitors. Doesnt matter whos name is on whathalf is yours by law. He pulled out his mobile. Give me your number.
She hesitated, gave her mobile. He tapped in his call right away, letting her phone ring.
Its Saturday. On Monday, we file for divorce. Ill tell you what you need to do and write. Ill give you a lift home, where are you living?
On Byron Road, near the post office.
Ive just moved into that big block over there. He gestured to a new nine-storey building.
They drove to her flat. He stepped out, opened her door.
Thats settled, Alice. Ill ring you Monday. If anything happens over the weekend, phone me immediately.
Chris, Imfrightened of him.
Dont be! He flashed her an encouraging smile.
She entered the flat. At once, Edward burst from the hallway.
Who was that you were with in the car?
Edward, it was just an old school friend.
Your husbands sat here hungry while you gad about He swore and there was a blow.
Alice dropped the shopping, choking on tears and pain, and fled the flat, out to the streetright into Christopher, waiting in his car.
Get in! He opened the door and helped her in before driving off.
Alice realised, as Chris led her into a three-bedroom flat, where she was.
Chris, where are we?
My flat. No one will hurt you here. I live alone.
Her phone ranga harsh voice thundered down the line.
Where have you gone?
The shouting began again. Christopher took the phone gently.
Alice is filing for divorce. The flat stays with her.
What? Who do you think you are?
Youll find out. Keep this up, and youll spend the next couple of years behind bars.
Chris shut the phone and gave it back. She kept sobbing.
There now, Alice. Calm down. Go wash up, then well have some lunch.
While she was in the bathroom, Chris put the kettle on and made a phone call.
After a light tea (neither had an appetite), Chris spoke firmly.
Lets see to your husband, then.
No, she stammered, eyes wide, I cantIm afraid.
Alice, he coaxed. This will all go the way you choose.
A police Land Rover was waiting by her block. A young constable stepped out.
Mr. Clark, at your service, sir!
Chris introduced him, helped Alice into the police car. In a few minutes, they knocked on the old flats door.
Whos there, now? Edwards haughty drawl echoed as he opened up.
Edward Turner? the constable asked, coolly.
Yes?
There are a few questions I must ask.
Edward glared at his wife. Come in.
Chris and the constable entered, sat, and the policeman started writing up his report.
Alice, pack your papers and anything youll need for now.
Her old classmates voice was calm and steady, and it warmed her a little. In recent months, shed had no shelter, no kindnessonly bleakness and shouts. Now here was Christopherher good schoolfriend, whom shed never thought of beyond friendship in youth. Back then, everyone dreamt of a prince with a white steed, or failing that, a shiny white carnot the limping lad, however kind.
She instinctively fetched her documents and handed them to Chris. He smiled, his eyes warm. Alice began packing up a few things, with no clear thoughtjust trusting nothing could be worse, that Chris could be relied on, and something new and hopeful was awakening in her heart.
Ive finished, sir, the constable said, rising.
Right, let me have a word with him alone.
Chris faced Edward.
Now then, Edward. On Monday, your wife files for divorce. Youll need to fill out the forms as well. Youve no children, so itll go through registry quick and proper. The assets get split fairly.
What if I refuse? Edward sneered. And the flats mine.
Then Alice will see the judgefile for divorce, property division, and, crucially, assault. Im the head of the county solicitors board. You may trust the court will rule justly.
Ill have a private word with my wife tonight, and see how she feels, Edward grinned darkly.
And who told you shed be left alone with you?
Whilst shes my wife, I have the right
I could have you held in custody for assault until Monday. Shed have the flat in peace. Does that suit you?
Edward mulled it over. Fine. Let her go. I dont care.
Splendid. Monday morning, Ill fetch you both and well see to the paperwork.
Her phone chimed. Alice brightenedher mother was calling. Since the split with Edward, her mother had been cold; Alices parents frowned on divorce, having managed a peaceful marriage themselves for over twenty-five years.
Hello, Mum! she said, cheerful.
Hello, love, came the subdued reply.
Mum, what is it? Why are you upset?
You sound so happy. Glad to be rid of your husband, are you?
HonestlyI am! Alice replied firmly.
Well, its your life to live.
Why did you ring, Mum?
Its about Emily. Shes thinking of getting married.
To whom?
To some city chap. Wants to move up here like you did. Hes got nothing but promises. His parents live in a small three-bed with another son. Where will they put our Emily? Anyway, were clubbing together for a place for them, but no wedding. Now your sister mopes about, not happy.
Well, they can stay in my flat for now, until sorted.
Alice, what are you talking about? Where will you live?
Mum, Alices voice brimmed with joy, Im getting married again.
Youve barely left your husband and already
This ones for life, I promise. His name is Christopher. I love him with all my heart.There was a stunned silence from the other end. Then her mothers sigh crackled through the line, soft and not unkind. Well then, love, if your hearts found peace, I suppose thats all a mother wishes for.
Alice smiled through new tearsnot of pain, but relief. It is, Mum. Im safe now. No one will ever hurt me again.
After she ended the call, the evening sunlight poured warm through Chriss window as he set two cups of tea on the table. His gaze found hersopen, hopeful, unwavering.
Ready for the future, Alice? he asked, quietly.
For the first time in years, she felt it: hope, dazzling and real. She nodded, a smile spreading, heart steady. Hand in hand, they looked out over the city, where dreams, once battered, began to mend and take flight.
Tomorrow, the world awaited. Tonight, at last, she was home.
