Janet's escape

[KissMyGrits]

Ok, so I stink at naming my writings, LOL! Anyway please read and give me you honest opinions.

Janet Wood-Dawson is staring out the window of her hospital room. She is trying to remember a time before her life went so horribly wrong. It had been so bad, for so long that she can hardly remember a time when she was happy. It all started 7 years ago when she married Phillip Dawson. That is when her living nightmare began. That is when all the laughter and fun went out of her life.

Janet and Phillip left for their honeymoon the day after their wedding. They spent 10 days in the Caribbean islands. Everything was wonderful. They laughed and had a great time. Janet would later remember that as the last truly happy moment of her life. It was when they returned from the trip that her nightmare began.

"Phillip, let's go eat at Jack's Bistro tonight. It has been so long since I have seen him. I want to catch up on old times."

"Now Janet, we are married now. How would it look if you are talking to other men? Besides, Jack is involved with Vicky now."

"I know, but Jack is still my best friend, other than Terri of course."

"That's another thing. I don't think it is a good idea if you talk to Terri. I mean she is kind of.."

"What do you mean Phillip? You had no problems with us being friends before we were married. What is it with you anyway?"

"Janet, you are my wife now and have to learn your place. I expect you to act a certain way and keep certain friends, and well, Terri and Jack are not the type of friends we keep."

With that Phillip left the room. Janet was left staring at him with a shocked expression on her face. She couldn't believe the man that Phillip had become. How dare he tell her who she could and couldn't have for friends? If he wanted that then maybe this wasn't such a good idea. With that Janet walked into the kitchen and stood watching the cook prepare dinner. It would probably be something bland and tasteless again.

Unknown to Phillip, Janet continued to see and talk to Jack. Usually when he was at work and Janet could slip away for a few minutes. The time they had together was precious and they laughed and talked about the old times. Jack could see sadness in Janet's eyes though. It never quite went away, even when she was laughing at a joke he told.

Eventually Phillip found out about her secret trips to see Jack. He accused her of having an affair with Jack. She started laughing at that one. That is the first time that he hit her. Janet was so shocked that she didn't know what to do. She tried to walk away from him, but that just made him angrier. He then proceeded to punch her so hard that she swore she saw stars. That was the first of many such beatings that he gave her during the next 6½ years, each one got worse than the one before. Sometimes, Janet felt like giving up. She tried to walk away many times, but Phillip talked her into returning. She eventually lost touch with Terri and only saw Jack a few times a year. That was her biggest regret. She loved Jack and sometimes wished that she could tell him what was happening to her, but she was afraid of what Phillip would do if he found out.

Eventually they moved far away from Santa Monica. Janet lost touch with Jack and her lifeline away from Phillip was gone. So for the next 6 ½ years she lived like a little mouse. She became afraid to do anything without Phillip's approval. That was the state she was in when she discovered one morning that she was pregnant. She had tried so very carefully to prevent that from happening. It was bad enough that she had to live thru this nightmare that her life had become but, she didn't want to bring a child into their lives. It wasn't fair to either of them. The baby or her, she was totally terrified of what Phillip would do to a child. But there is little you can do when a man forces himself on you. It was shortly after that latest brutal beating that Janet discovered she was pregnant. Her arms were bruised and she had bruises all over her legs. One eye was swollen shut and he had cut her lip open. Janet barely looked like herself. After Phillip left for work one morning Janet decided that she'd had enough. She wasn't going to bring a baby into this world only to have Phillip abuse the child. She had to leave him. Even if it meant hiding from everyone she ever knew. She would do it. She had to, for the child she carried under her heart.

On her way out the door we hear the song “Unsaveable” by Faith Hill.

Love so cruel
Yeah that's all that I got from you
Tell me what in the world I do
But leave
After all that you've done to me
Now it's so easy to say I'm over you

'Cause baby I cried a little too hard
A little too long
What I thought was right
Was way too wrong
And too far gone
I can't bring back the love
There just ain't enough
Available,impossible,unsaveable

Here you come
Tryin' to make up for what you've done
It's too late to say you're sorry now
Now it's your turn
You can't cross that bridge you burned
You're on your own when will you learn

'Cause baby I cried a little too hard
A little too long
What I thought was right
Was way too wrong
And too far gone
I can't bring back the love
There just ain't enough
Available,impossible,unsaveable

Love
There's someone out there for me
Who thinks I'm beautiful
I've got to go

'Cause baby I cried a little too hard
A little too long
What I thought was right
Was way too wrong
And too far gone
I can't bring back the love
There just ain't enough
Available,impossible,unsaveable


Feedback is always welcome. Should I continue this story?

Michelle

[Tibbs]

Yes, I likey!

[LuckyM]

Ooo! I liked it! Please continue!

[JJ4EVER]

Wow very good start. I really hope u continue. its great.

[Janet Tripper]

AWW! Omg!....we totally hate Philip don't we!!! LOL! JK! What a bad word!!! Janet didn't deserve that I am gald some of that strong Janet came back in and stood up for her and her child and relaized what was the best way to go. Can't wai tfor another chapter!!

[Tibbs]

Originally Posted by Janet Tripper

AWW! Omg!....we totally hate Philip don't we!!! LOL! JK! What a bad word!!! Janet didn't deserve that I am gald some of that strong Janet came back in and stood up for her and her child and relaized what was the best way to go. Can't wai tfor another chapter!!

LOL yeah, Phillip always ends up being the bad guy in fanfics. I guess thats because everybody likes Jack better.

[LuckyM]

LOL Of course Phillip's always the bad guy! He's the man that got Janet instead of Jack. And that's the meanest thing ever. pissed:

[Tibbs]

Originally Posted by LuckyM

LOL Of course Phillip's always the bad guy! He's the man that got Janet instead of Jack. And that's the meanest thing ever. pissed:

LOL yea, grr Phillip!

[Heart Shaped Box]

Great story, keep updating!

[KissMyGrits]

Yeah, Phillip is the bad guy!! It should have been Jack marrying Janet in the final episode. So, I like making him the bad guy in my stories. LOL!! Anyway, I should be updating sometime today or maybe tonight....

Michelle

[Moonlight Lady]

Oh my god, I love it Yes, please continue.

[KissMyGrits]

Jack smiled as he looked around the restaurant. He was very proud of the success that he had made of the place. He went from cooking himself to being able to hire a full time chef and still cook most of the meals himself. The restaurant was packed every night of the week and reservations were made weeks in advance. Yes, he was very proud of himself.

The only regret that he had is that Vicky had left him. She said she needed more out of life than he could give her. So he went from girl to girl. Never wanting to get serious about anyone, it was just safer that way. He often thought about Janet. He would wonder if she was happy. He hoped she was happy. After Phillip found out about them meeting in secret Janet told him it was better that they talk on the phone. About six months later the calls stopped and he found out that she had moved away. The last place she moved was Chicago. Jack hated to think of Janet in such a cold place. That was one of the reason she had left Indiana. She hated being cold. She loved the warmth and sunshine of California.

His thoughts returned to the restaurant. Terri and her kids were coming for dinner tonight. He always left an extra table open for friends who decided at the last minute to show up. Terri had called that morning and asked if she could bring the kids in. Jack immediately said yes. He loved Terri's kids. The kids are 5, 4 and almost 2. Terri's marriage to their father broke up almost as soon as the youngest was born. They still got along though, for the sake of the kids. Terri and her kids arrived and Jack greeted them. He took the baby from Terri.

"Hey guys. How's it going?"

"Great Uncle Jack!"

"Guess what Uncle Jack? I lost my first tooth today! Mommy says the tooth fairy is gonna bring me money!"

"Hi Uncle Jack."

"Hi Jack, are you sure you are up to my crew tonight? They are full of energy tonight. It seems like the school decided that sugar cookies were a good treat for them today."

Jack laughed and assured Terri that they were fine. He led them to their table and sat the baby in a booster seat.

"So, what would you like to drink? Will it be milk, juice or water?"

All three wanted milk. So Jack went to the kitchen to get the drinks. Terri asked for a glass of white wine. After delivering the drinks Jack took a moment to sit with Terri.

"So, I don't suppose that you have heard anything from Janet lately?"

"No, I haven't heard from her since she moved to Chicago. The phone number that I had for her was changed shortly after she called me the first time."

"Yeah, same here, I just wish I knew that she was ok. I really miss her."

"Me too, we just have to have faith that everything will be ok. She is strong and brave. She will be fine."

Jack heard the bell from the back ringing. He got up to answer it. He walked to the door and opened it. He was stunned to see a battered and bruised Janet on the other side of the door.

"Hi Jack, I hope it is ok that I came here. I had nowhere else to go." With that Janet broke into tears.

Jack reached out to comfort her. When he did she flinched, almost like she was afraid he was going to hit her.

"What is wrong Janet? Who did this to you?"

Thru her tears Janet managed one word "P-P-Phillip."

Jack felt a rage like he had never felt before. How could Phillip treat Janet like this? He knew if he ever saw Phillip again he would have to control the urge to beat the crap out of him.

"Janet you did the right thing by coming here. Hold on, let me get Terri."

"Terri is here?"

"Yes, she and the kids are eating in the dining room. Let me get her."

At the mention of the words kids, Janet started crying even harder. Jack had no idea what to do to calm her down. All he knew was that she was crying like her heart was broke and he needed Terri at the moment.

He walked over to the table where Terri was sitting and whispered into her ear. "Janet just walked in the back door. She really needs you. I will sit with the kids."

Terri looked stunned but quickly got up and walked into the kitchen. She saw Janet standing with her back to her. She quietly walked over to her and placed her hand gently on her back. Janet flinched and turned around quickly. Terri was stunned at the bruises on Janet's face and arms. She wanted to cry for her friend, but she knew that Janet needed her to be strong right now. The thing Janet needed most was a friend to talk to. Terri simply hugged her until Janet's tears let up. They walked up the flight of steps to the tiny room above the restaurant. There they sat and talked.

"Boy, what a sight I am. I must look terrible. I know I feel terrible. I don't even know why I came here. I guess I just felt safe here. I needed somewhere safe to go. I couldn't take anymore of the way my life had become."

"Janet, you did the right thing by coming here. Jack and I both love you so much. We have missed you all these years. How long has he been doing this to you?"

"About 6 ½ years, it started shortly after we got back from our honeymoon."

"God, Janet why didn't you tell us? We would have helped you."

"I was embarrassed and ashamed. I felt like I was somehow to blame."

Terri just held Janet and let her cry some more.

Janet wiped her tears and smiled. "Well, I am here now. I feel better just talking to you. Jack said you were her with the kids. How many kids do you have?"

Terri brightened at the mention of the children. "Three, 2 girls and a boy, they definitely keep me busy."

"I am so happy for you and Jack."

"What? You think Jack and I are married?" Terri started laughing at the thought of her being married to Jack.

"Well, Jack said you were here with the kids."

"Jack always talks about them like that. He thinks of them as his nieces and nephews. He is a big pushover when it comes to them."

Janet smiled and thought about her baby. She needed a safe place to stay for a few days, then, she would disappear. She couldn’t stay here. This is one of the first places that Phillip would look.

“How about we get you something to eat and then I can take you to my house? I would love to talk some more. I need to rescue Jack though. He is good with the kids, but if I don’t rescue him he would let them eat ice cream for dinner. He really is a big softie.”

Terri walked out of the room. Janet laid on the bed. She closed her eyes for a few minutes. She hadn’t slept since leaving Chicago.

Jack stood in the doorway watching Janet sleep. He hated to wake her, but he knew she needed to eat. God, she looked so fragile. Her lip was swollen and her face was bruised. If he ever saw Phillip again he would give him a good beating.

“Janet honey, I brought you some food.”

She awoke with a start and looked frightened. “Thanks. I am a little hungry.”

Jack just smiled and sat on a small chair next to the bed. He watched her eat and wondered what she had been thru the past few years. When she was done eating, she smiled at Jack. She looked so very tired.

“Janet, Terri and the kids will probably be awhile. If you would like to rest I can wake you up when they are done.”

“Thanks Jack. I really would like to rest.” She smiled at him and closed her eyes.

Jack walked out of the room. He hated seeing her like this. It was almost as if the life had been beaten out of her. He didn’t know this Janet. He would do everything he could to get the old Janet back. He smiled as he walked into the dining room. Terri’s kids were making the usual noise and mess, but he loved every minute of it. He hoped some day that he would have children of his own. That was a hopeless wish though. Kids were something he would probably never have the joy of having.

[Tibbs]

Poor Janet! I'm glad she left that Phillip! Good story, I'm a sucker for Jack and Janet cuteness.

[LuckyM]

Great chapter!

[Moonlight Lady]

Oh wow... Poor Janet, I'm glad she left Philip too. I hope he gets what he deserves. Great story