As Victoria Mendez sat in her rocking chair, she took a deep breath, and tried to relax. She was nervous. She was jumpy. More than anything she was scared. And she was in mourning.

Five days ago she'd been in the hospital where she suffered a devastating miscarriage. Just thinking about it made her cry again. In fact she sobbed. Intense sobs racked her body, and she almost fell to the floor. She tried to pull herself toguether, but she couldn't. She didn't have to anyway. She made a decision, and she was determined to stick to that decision no matter what.

Of course that was easier said than done. But she was determined. She was determined to leave the man who caused her miscarriage: her husband Michael Mendez. He'd beat her that night until she was on the floor screaming. Blood had flowed down her legs, and she'd been in so much pain. Her horrible husband, who she had loved so much six years ago when she married him. In fact she had loved him most of her life. Her family had known his family, and the kids grew up together.

Michael Mendez was only three years older than she, and he'd been the boy next door. The boy across the street. The boy she developed a major crush on though she was hardly the only one who did that. He was the the most gorgeous guy in their middle class neighborhood, the one every girl swooned over. Victoria never dreamed she had a chance with him. His attention was always on the far more developed girls, the buxom ones, the ones who shamelessly passed him on the street wearing short shorts, that exposed quite a bit to the eye.

Victoria was pretty in her own right, but she was not as fully developed as those girls. Worse than that she was shy, as she was demure. She preferred to stay in the shadows just watching...always on the outside looking in.

Michael was so attractive. He had it going on in every sexy way possible. His long wavy hair curled up at the bottom, and it bounced when he walked. His boyish smile had always melted Victoria, but his brooding looks did too. His pout had always turned her on. Everything else did too including the way he walked. Yes, her Michael had everything at least in looks. Little did Victoria know, but that was all he really had going. Good looks. He lacked more important things maturity being one of them. He also lacked love, but he may have lacked that all along. He didn't love Victoria and the realization of that had broke her heart for she had always loved him.

“What the hell are you doing?” Michael hissed the moment he walked inside their living room. “What the fuck are you crying about?”

Victoria gasped. She was hoping to avoid her husband tonight for he didn't always come home. More often than not he stayed away all night, especially on those evenings when he beat on her.

“I'm talking to you Vicky. Look at me.”

Michael was one of the very few people who called her Vicky. She used to love that. It made her feel so special. What a fool she'd been.

She stared at her husband. The stench of alcohol poured out of him, making her nearly gag. It wasn't the first time he came home this way. Not only was he pissy drunk again, he had lipstick on his face. Vicky had also seen that before, but it never failed to hurt her. It hurt her again now, so not only did she stare at her husband, she glared at him.

“What's with the look Victoria?” he asked stalking towards her. “You know better than to look at me that way.”

“What do you want?” Vicky asked already feeling that old anxiety. She knew what was coming. She looked around for a weapon, hating herself for not having one ready.

Michael laughed. “What do I want? This is my house Victoria. My house I don't need a reason to come in here!” He staggered forward, and had to balance himself with red shot eyes. Vicky hugged herself knowing what was coming. She had already decided to leave this man, but she couldn't tell him not like this.

“Where's Sabrina?” he asked. Sabrina was their five year old daughter who was about to turn six next month.

“She's asleep,” Vicky answered. “Please don't wake her up.”

Michael punched the wall which made Vicky jump. “You don't tell me what to do Vicky! Like I told you this is my house. And you're my wife Victoria. You're my woman, and you belong to me.”

Vicky couldn't respond to that. It was as if he knew what she was planning. And maybe he did.

Michael drilled his blue eyes on her which made her even more nervous. She grit her teeth however for she was damn if she was going to allow herself to be his punching back again. Somehow she would fight back this time even without the weapon she had neglected to have ready.

“John saw you with that Shane Martin again,” Michael informed her dryly.

Vicky swallowed. Shane was a friend she had met only a month ago. He found her in tears at the same gym he'd been attending, and he'd been so concerned for her, so caring. He had led Vicky away, and took a little time to listen to her while she found herself confiding so much to him. Eventually, Michael came to learn about the fast growing friendship, and he didn't like it.

He made that clear with a slap that sent Vicky reeling. She landed on her back where she cried out from the pain. Undaunted, Michael kicked her viciously which made her scream even louder.

From there Michael grabbed her by the back of her blouse, and forced her on her feet. He carried her to their bedroom which wasn't far from the living room he just slapped her in.

Vicky tried to resist, but Michael had that drunken rage which gave him more strength than usual. “Michael, what are you doing?” she cried. She didn't want to scream, and wake up Sabrina who would be frightened by her screams for sure. But she didn't know what her husband was up to for he never carried her to their room during any of their fights. “Michael put me down! Now!”

Michael carried her over his shoulder, but now he threw her on their bed. He tossed his jacket, then turned to lock their door.

Vicky tried to get up, only for Michael to push her on the bed again.

“You're mine Victoria,” he said while grabbing her arms. “You belong to me. You forced me to marry you. My parents did, your parents did. Remember? You all ganged up on me calling me a pig, and a disgusting person just for getting you pregnant when you were the one who got yourself pregnant! Now we're consuming our union again. You hear me Victoria? You must be reminded that you belong to me, since you want to go, and cast your slutty eyes on that Shane Martin. Well, I don't think so you little slut.”

“Michael stop! Please stop!” He didn't stop. He held Vicky's arms next to her, but then quickly released them so he could rip her clothes off. Vicky tried to squirm away, to no avail. By this time Michael was ripping off her pants. Oh my God! Vicky's mind screamed. What the hell was going on here? She didn't want to have sex now much less like this.

“Michael stop it!” she cried again. “I don't want to do anything now. Get off me!”

“Yeah, yeah whatever,” he said while yanking off her panties. “You know you want this. Or do you want that Shane Martin? Is that it Victoria? You want that Shane Martin right?”

“No!” Vicky cried louder that time. “Get off me!” Michael had her completely naked, and he was rough. He nibbled her breasts to the point of biting them. Vicky sobbed realizing that she was being raped here, raped by her own husband! He managed to remove his own pants, and Vicky tried to use that moment to slip out from under him, but he was too quick for her. Michael grabbed her by the hair, and pulled it so hard she had to cry out. She was really sobbing now, but she still tried to fight him off even so.

Michael pulled out a pair of handcuffs he kept in his dresser drawer while still pulling his wife by her hair. Vicky tried to pull away, but that was a mistake. All she managed to do was have every hair in her head pulled so she was in more pain. Michael grabbed her by the throat, and back to the bed he threw her. He handcuffed her arms behind her back, which made Vicky panic. She screamed and kicked until Michael slapped her. He slapped her so hard she nearly blacked out.

“Shut the fuck up before you wake Sabrina you fucking bitch. Why the hell are you screaming for anyway? You used to love when I handcuffed you especially when we first got married remember? You used to love when I'd go down on you, and you'd come, and really go crazy. Now you want Shane Martin to go down on you don't you? Sorry Victoria, we can't have everything we want can we?”

Vicky was weakened by that slap, and she could barely move. Meanwhile, Michael forcefully entered her, and the pain was so great Vicky had to scream again. He never entered her so brutally. She was dry, which made it hurt that much more, and more so in handcuffs. Michael ignored her screams as he continued his thrusts. He was drunk which made it so much worse. Vicky never enjoyed sex with him when he was drunk It took him too long to do anything, and now was no different.

He took his time while she could only sob. The handcuffs cut into her wrists, and she felt so helpless with them on. They trapped her so she could do nothing but endure.

Vicky couldn't believe this was happening. Michael forcefully kissed her lips, but all she tasted was the alcohol which was awful. Worse still was the way he continued to thrust. On and on it went while Vicky hoped she would mercifully pass out.

By the time he finally finished Vicky was nearly unconcious. Her head was jerked back while her eyes were painfully shut. Her sobs had lessened, but they were still coming. She moaned when Michael finally got off her. He quietly got dressed, and then uncuffed her.

“You're lucky Sabrina is here,” he spat at her. “Otherwise I would leave you handcuffed until I got home. With that he left, and Vicky was sure he was gone for the night.

Vicky struggled to sit up. Her entire body hurt, and she could barely move her arms. She broke down in sobs curling up on the bed as she did so.

What had just happened? Vicky's eyes widened. She began to tremble, and then she screamed. She screamed and screamed until she couldn't anymore. Thankfully, Sabrina didn't hear, so Vicky rolled over practically drowning in her tears.

Hours passed into the night. Still in tremendous pain Vicky finally rolled out of bed, and let herself fall to the carpeted floor. Her screams and sobs had exhausted her, but she had to find strength somewhere. She refused to spend another minute in that house with Michael. She couldn't do that.

She pulled a suitcase from under the bed, before breaking down again. Her own husband had raped her! He did! She covered her mouth trying not to scream again. Moving was a real effort, and her arms were so sore she could barely lift them.

But she grabbed the phone, and managed to dial a familiar number.

The phone rang three times before Shane Martin answered.

“Hello?”

Vicky burst into tears. “Shane,” she moaned.

“Victoria? Vicky? What's wrong?” Shane asked very alarmed. Vicky sounded bad, and he sensed she was near hysterics. He knew Michael Mendez beat her from the little she told him. He was more than anxious to hear what happened now. “Vicky what's wrong?”he repeated very worried.

Vicky sobbed but she managed to squeeze out that she'd been raped by her husband Michael.

“He was drunk Shane,” she wailed. “He was angry at our friendship. He was so pissed but...”

Shane was furious. “He raped you?” he asked incredulously. “He fucking raped you? Vicky what the hell? Oh my God.”

“I'm leaving,” she whispered “and I'm taking Sabrina with me. But I need your help. I need to move fast before he comes back.”

Shane pulled in his breath becoming more furious by the minute. “Fine. But you're going to the police that's what you're going to do! You haven't showered yet have you?”

“No I haven't, but I can't go to the police Shane. Michael is Sabrina's father. I can't send him to jail. I couldn't. Just help me get out of here at least please!”

Shane strongly disagreed. “Victoria, you need to go to the police. This man had no right to rape you even if he is your husband! He deserves to be locked up. It's bad enough he hits you, but this? We're going to the police!”

Vicky burst into more tears. Where were they still coming from? She put the phone down for every sound in the house frightened her. Michael usually stayed out all night, but there were rare times he came home early. Vicky looked around feeling very tensed, and more nervous. Michael could return any moment. She needed to hurry and get out now! That was her gut feeling right then.

“Shane we'll talk once I'm out of here okay? I'm packing,, and I still need to get Sabrina up and ready. Can you please help me? I mean come get me? Michael went out, and I need to get out before he comes back!” She was nervous about trusting this man she didn't know that well, but she had no choice. She was too ashamed to call her family. She couldn't call her family at least not yet.

Shane agreed immediately that yes it was better to get her out of that house first, before they could talk. Vicky was going to press charges against her rapist husband, Shane vowed. He was determined to convince her.

Shane drove quickly. He was worried about his friend, but more than anything he was livid. He thought of his first meeting with Vicky in that gym one month ago. She'd been on the sidelines crying while people pretended not to notice. Shane had however, and couldn't help, but go to her. She was so pretty despite her distressed appearance. And the black eye, that was terrible. It angered him, and he would have pounded Michael Mendez right then and there.

He was surprised that Vicky even talked to him, much less confide in him. After hearing her story he wondered what made her trust him. After all Michael had been the first real man she'd fell in love with, and for him to treat her the way he did, would have made any woman distrust men maybe even hate them.

Whatever the reason Shane found himself very attracted to the battered woman. Even with the black eye he thought she was prettier than most of the women at the gym.. That dark hair, that blue – black hair and those hazel eyes...that perfect nose. She was a little overweight, but that didn't detract from her good looks at all. She was still lovely too lovely to be some asshole's punching bag.

He found Vicky waiting on her porch. She was totally shaken. She trembled while Sabrina stood sleepily next to her. She was leaning on Vicky practically asleep while still dressed in her pajamas.

“Victoria,” Shane cried the moment he saw her. She not only looked shaken, she looked worn. Beaten down even. Shane noticed the bruises on her arms. The bruise on her face from that awful slap. He gasped, before taking Vicky in his arms. “Oh my God,” he cried. “Are you okay?” He felt stupid asking that question knowing fully well that she wasn't. She shook her head, and started to cry again. Shane looked down at Sabrina, and wasted no time. “Get in the car Victoria,” he commanded. “Take Sabrina, and I'll get your suitcase.”

As much as Shane wanted to confront Michael, there wasn't any time for that. Vicky needed help, and she needed it now. He could tell she was hurting by the way she carefully placed herself in the car. He watched her hazel eyes tear up, and he noticed some red welts, and red prints on her neck.

He quickly got behind the wheel, but sat for a minute or two considering. Meanwhile Vicky already paranoid wanted to get out of there. Shane turned to her.

“Get me out of here Shane please,” she moaned.

Shane hesitated, but he drove. With a determined look he drove for at least twenty minutes. Vicky stared out the window, but gasped when Shane suddenly stopped the car.

She panicked. “Shane, what are you doing?” she cried. “I already told you no police!” Shane had stopped his car right in front of the police station not far from her home.

“Vicky you have to press charges,” Shane insisted. “Look at you. He bruised your face, you can't stop shaking. Please tell me you didn't shower yet.”

Vicky shook her head frantically. “Shane please! I can't do this. Michael's my husband, and these cops won't believe he raped me. I don't think anyone would believe that. Besides he's Sabrina's father. I can't have him arrested. It would hurt her. Let's just get out of here please.”

“Mommy what's going on?” Sabrina asked from the back seat. “Where are we going? Where's Daddy? Mommy, I'm scared.”

“Vicky threw Shane a panicked look before she reached out to touch Sabrina's hand.

“It's okay honey. Calm down. We're only going away for a little while. You know Daddy, and I are having a few problems. I just need a little vacation from him. We both do.” Sabrina knew about Michael's abuse. She witnessed more than any child should have. Vicky blamed herself for that.

Sabrina burst into tears. She still loved Michael despite all she saw. “I don't want no vacation Mommy! I don't want to leave Daddy!”

“Oh honey I know. I know. But you know what's been going on.”

“He hit you again? Mommy, he doesn't mean to do that! He doesn't. He told me he doesn't!”

Shane frowned deeply. “You see this?” he whispered while Sabrina sobbed on. “Even your daughter is starting to accept this as something normal. You can't allow that Victoria. You need to go in there, and report what happened. Press charges against that bastard husband. If you don't, I may go after him.”

Vicky stared at Shane looking lost while feeling so helpless. What could she do? She glanced, at her daughter, and then at the precinct. Could she actually press charges against her own husband? Did she dare do that? Shane was right. Sabrina couldn't accept this as normal behavior. It was frightening that she would. Vicky never noticed, but then again she had accepted it too at least until tonight.

However she still wasn't sure what to do. She stared at the precinct. Could she do it?