The Cycle of Abuse - Chapter 4

Natalie continued as best as she could - her 'conditioning' for want of a better term, afforded the most complete resilience achievable. In the face of abject humiliation at the hands of her own personal 'Jekyll & Hyde' 'partner' (the term is derisory, given his actions), Natalie dug-in and did her best to maintain her household. The rented accommodation was in her name, so she had that much security, but this meant being at the mercy of the Benefits system, as Fred rarely worked, if ever, and when he did the money was squandered on alcohol. In short, he was little more than an unwelcome, nonpaying lodger. She managed to gain some domicilliary work from friends, which provided 'pocket-money' for the kids, but it wasn't until she took her first real job that things changed significantly. Firstly, his reign of terror increased, because he became the paranoid partner, accusing her of sleeping with men that she came into contact with at work. His grip had been loosened; he was no longer lord-&-master of a kitchen-bound housewife and mother - she had freed herself slightly from his clutches - AND IT FELT GOOD!
Then something unexpected happened. Natalie met somebody. Not just anybody, but a real Knight-in-shining-armour. She knew, as soon as she laid eyes on him, that she wanted him. He made her feel SO GOOD about herself. None of the harshness, the violence, the demeaning put-downs - just pure, unadulterated kindness - AND SHE WANTED MORE.

By a miracle, this chance meeting changed her self-belief so much, that she found the strength to leave Fred - something she had tried so many times before, but in vain, due to his conniving ways. But this time she was staying away - this time she had a protector, a way out. refuge, sanctuary, kindness, and, for the first time in her life, LOVE.

At last, Natalie had escaped Fred's tyranny for good. All she had to do was get him removed from her home and continue to live the good life that she had sorely craved and finally embraced...