A new beginning... original story- fiction

Jenny stood at the corner of the road waiting for the light to turn green. She literally had all her belongings with her in a suitcase and she had all the money that she saved up for her new life, safely hidden away in one of the inside pockets of her jacket. 

It was colder than expected, and the ride on the subway made everything look so grey and dull. No one even looked friendly, and she felt lonelier than she had ever felt. Perhaps she was making a mistake but she remembered that last blow to her head and newfound strength welled up from somewhere and gave her the strength to continue. 

Thousands of diminutive snowmen ran up and down her spine as she took the first step across the road. She was freezing. It was not far to walk but she was tired and all she wished to do now was to curl up in a corner somewhere and sleep. 

The emotional baggage was heavier than the actual suitcase, but she knew that she just had to get to her destination so that she could rest. She had been traveling for two days now and didn't get any sleep on the way. She was too scared that Derrick had her followed, but started to relax when she took the subway into the city.  

Everything had been arranged for her. It took weeks of planning and a lot of motivation and determination but she finally got the courage two nights ago. Derrick passed out on the couch, after she added some sleeping tablets to his last drink. 

She met Miranda at the doctor's office more than a year ago. She tried to hide her arms but it was too late. They went for coffee afterwards and Miranda begged her to leave Derrick, but Jenny believed that she could change him. After many desperate attempts she knew it was in vain. 

She had to leave. She loved him so much, and the times when he didn't drink were wonderful, but when he drank he became possessive and accused her of the strangest things. At first it was only verbal abuse but then one night after they came back from a party she accused him of flirting with a girl and he lost it. 

The punishment never stopped after that. He treated her like dirt, and she withdrew herself from society. Her friends gave up on her. She stayed at home and tried to do everything right, but nothing was ever good enough. She thought that if they had a baby things would change, but before she could tell Derrick that she was pregnant she lost it after a blow to her stomach.   

For the next few weeks Jenny managed to stay out of Derrick's way, but she knew that she had to get out. Miranda gave her some sleeping tablets and she started to spike his drinks. She didn't want him to become suspicious and tried to play his little game. 

It all worked out perfectly and she stayed out of his way except for that one night....he came home totally sober. It felt like old times and when he climbed into bed with her she could feel the longing and she let him have his way with her. That was the only night when everything felt normal.  

After that night, he came home drunk every night, but she managed to stay out of his way until he fell asleep.  It became somewhat of a routine. It took her another eight weeks to finally build up the courage to leave him but when she was sure, she phoned Miranda to tell her that she was ready.  

Miranda arranged everything. When Derrick passed out two nights ago, Miranda was already waiting around the corner to come and fetch her. 

She wanted to get away as far as possible and decided to come to Chicago where she could find a proper job. She had been stealing little bits of money on a weekly basis so that Derrick wouldn't notice and she finally had enough to survive for a few months. He would never find her here.  

Jenny finally made it to the address that Miranda gave her and she knocked on the door feeling totally exhausted.  

A very friendly lady named Mary opened the door and invited her in. Jenny felt safe immediately, and when Mrs Dunkirk showed her to her room for the next few days, she thanked her and fell on the bed feeling both relieved and exhausted.  

She wanted to phone Miranda to thank her but they decided that it would be better if they did not have contact again. Jenny quickly unpacked her suitcase and then took a quick shower. 

When she came out of the bathroom she saw the glass of milk and the sandwich next to her bed. She ate hungrily and drank the milk. She knew she was eating for two now. 

Jenny felt more relaxed and fell asleep dreaming about the new life she was going to build for herself and her child. No one knew that she was pregnant, but she knew immediately...a mother just knows.