CHAPTER 1

December 2014

Kitten,

I realize that you are still upset about what happened and are avoiding my calls. I have already apologized numerous times and am starting to get upset that you are dodging all attempts for contact. So for the last time, I AM SORRY! I will never put you in that situation again. Do remember when we first met? You were so beautiful and full of life that I couldn't stay away from you. You were a breath of fresh air to me and I promised to cherish you until my last day on this Earth. I know we have had some rough times since mom died but she wouldn't want us to fight like this and you know it. We are soulmates and made a promise before God and our family to be together until DEATH DO US PART.

Now that is out of the way let's get to the business at hand. I spoke with the hospital recently and discovered you checked yourself out, so I know you are home resting. Just remember to stick with our original story in case the military police do a follow up and we should be fine. I know it must have been terrifying for you to wake up without me there but I had my orders and couldn't delay on my mission. Don't worry I will be back for a little R&R in a few months and we will celebrate your recovery then.

Also, I think I need to address the other elephant in the room. I received a copy of your medical chart at the base not too long ago and noticed an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. You know exactly what I am referring to Kitten. Take care of it now and there won't be any other mention of it from me. You know my feelings on children from the get go and we both decided long ago that they do not fit into my lifestyle. At least they caught it in the early stages and it can be managed appropriately now. I expect you to take this time while I'm gone to rest and recover from ALL the transgressions that you have brought on yourself and be healthy and whole by the time I get back.

Now I expect you to behave while I am gone and stay out of trouble in the meantime. I will have someone to check in on you from time to time to make sure you are where you are suppose to be. Remember I have eyes and ears all over that base and you need to remember that. DO NOT spend all your time with that Katie girl you just befriended. You know how I feel about nosey outsiders.

I love you Kitten and can't wait to hold you in my arms again. Be a good girl and don't worry we will move past this last ordeal and it will be as if nothing ever happened. See you soon Kitten!

-Trevor

Great the same bullshit he always spews. Typical. "Why can't I just leave him?" I say to myself. Oh wait, that's what got me put in the hospital just two weeks ago remember. Blah, blah, blah! At least I have a few months to make a decision on what I need to do with my life and the direction that I want it to go. With him being halfway around the world I can make a clean break and get as much distance between us and start over somewhere that he can't find me.

"OH SHIT!" I yell while sitting on a park bench as people pass by me.

Shit he knows about the pregnancy and wants me to 'take care of it'. Great and now someone will be watching me on his orders. I will never get out now that someone will be reporting back to him my every move. I need to call Kate; she will know what to do.

I met Kate at this very park about two years ago. She was here visiting her brother who is in the military and we hit it right off. I had come to the park to clear my head after an argument with Trevor and literally ran into her. I was looking down at my feet not paying any attention to my surroundings and BAM we collided. She helped me up and noticed my split lip and red mark on my cheek, but never asked what happened she just started talking about herself and her family. We spent hours just talking about everything and anything. It turns out that we are the same age and she was taking online college courses so that she could stay and visit her brother, Ethan, for long periods of time. They are originally from Seattle, Washington and their parents own some big media company on the west coast. We became best friends in no time and she also helped me start some online classes since I was a "bored housewife". When in reality Trevor wanted me under his thumb at every turn.

Trevor never really knew about Kate until the last few months; we tried our best to keep it just between us. He has always been a very jealous person and if he knew that I told Kate everything about our marriage it could end very badly for one if not both of us. I always kept a tight schedule and stuck to it so that way we always happen to be at the park to work out or grocery shopping at the same time. Kate has been my rock and saving grace. At first she tried so hard to get me away from Trevor but after an "accident" and a trip to the ER, she understood it was way more complicated than that. Trevor was a very high ranking officer and his word was golden around base, not to mention lies slid off his tongue like honey.

Kate left to head back to Seattle to visit her parents a few days ago and won't be back for another two weeks or so. She wanted me to fly out with her and meet the family but with my injuries it would be very uncomfortable not to mention I have my finals that are in a few days.

I grab my prepaid phone that Kate bought so we wouldn't be monitored by Trevor and dial her number.

"Hey girl I was just thinking of calling you. Are you-" She says cheerfully but I cut her off.

"Kate he knows." I say in a hurry.

"Are you sure? How? He is halfway around the world, right?" Kate questions.

"I received a letter from him telling me to take care of it before he gets home in a few months. It was dated three days ago." Tears are welling in my eyes.

"Shit balls!" She yells into the phone. "Listen to me Ana, I am getting on the next flight out and we will pack all of your things and fly back to my parents and they will help you. He won't be able to find you and by then we will have a better plan in place." Kate says in her take charge voice.

"Okay Kate. I know that it is now or never. Wait, I have finals in a few days and Trevor said that he was having someone watch out for me." I say worried that I might get caught.

"Okay honey this might take a few days to get underway so that is not a problem, I am going to run this by my parents and see what they suggest. I'll get back with you soon. Love ya!" She said. "And remember Ana. You are strong and you can do this! This fucker has already taken up too much of your young life. I will be here for you every step of the way."

"Love you too...And Kate, thanks for everything." I say hoping she can truly hear it in my voice just how thankful I am for her being in my life.

I hang up with Kate and head back to Trevor's silver 2013 Chevy pickup truck in the parking lot. As I'm walking I feel like everything around me is a blur as I think back at how I ended up here.