2nd Saving Emma

Sleep was as elusive as a creeping midnight Ninja on a moonless night. Jay was out drinking--again. Emma put the children to bed at nine and soaked in a steamy bath to ease her tension before crawling into bed. She lay awake waiting for the sound of the car that would warn of Jay's arrival. That's when the heart-lurching fear would become concrete. That's when the saliva would evaporate and she'd need to work at keeping the bile where it belonged.

Headlights fanned across the dark room as the crimson Buick pulled into the driveway. The car door opened. Before it could slam shut, Emma sprinted toward the front door to welcome Jay home. Maybe tonight will be different. Please, God let things go well.

Jay burst through the door. "How's my baby? Come here and give your husband a little kiss." His slurred words and half closed lids exposed his condition.

"Sh-h-h, Jay. Please don't wake the children. Here, let me help you to the couch."

"Don't shush me you fucking bitch! You don't forget those damn kids a minute, do you?" He attempted to push Emma against the wall, but missed and stumbled. "Always concerned about them, but what about me?" He grabbed his wife by the neck, jerking her to him. He slammed her against the door. "I don't need your damn help, you fucking whore!" He turned and staggered to the den. "Bring me a God damn drink and some food!" He collapsed onto the couch, the cushions whooshed in response.

Scrambling to obey, Emma poured sweetened tea and set it on the table. Jay slurped the drink. Then, hurled it in Emma's face. "I want Scotch, damn you. Not fucking tea!"

She wiped the tea-tear mixture from her eyes. "I'm going to fix you that nice meal now. Just rest a bit and I'll have it ready in no time."

"That's better. That's my little girl." Jay fumbled to get his tie off. He threw it on the floor and unbuttoned half his shirt buttons. He used the toes of each foot to remove the opposite shoe.

Emma scurried to get food together. A few minutes later she set a tray of hot roast beef sandwiches and French fries on the table. A semi-reclined Jay was asleep and snoring like a tornado coming through town. Emma covered him with her granny's crocheted afghan, and slowly tiptoed upstairs to bed. She sighed hoping that her ordeal was over. Not nearly as bad as it might have been. She burrowed into bed and cocooned the covers around her shoulders.

BAM! The bedroom door jarred off the wall; the bedroom light blazed on.

Emma sprang from the bed in confusion, shielding her eyes from the sudden onslaught.

"Who did you have in my bed tonight, you whore? You couldn't stay and entertain me while I ate? Had to get your lover out of the house?" Jay's face scrunched up like a newborn baby wailing his entry into the world. His eyes were bulging, his face a red hued purple.

"No, Jay, you know I didn't"...she was interrupted by a fast, hard backhand across the face knocking her back on the bed. "I thought you were asleep and didn't want..." he straddled Emma and began shake her like a macara.

"You're a damn liar. I know you had a man in here. You think you can fool old Jay, but there isn't a woman alive that can do that!" He slapped one way and then the other. Her face burned as her hearing faded. "Quit your damn crying. If there's anything I know, it's women." He grabbed her arms squeezing like a boa constrictor.

"Ouch, Jay, please don't do this," She attempted not to cry, but it was a lost battle. "I love you. You know I love..." He delivered another punishing jab.

"Sure as Hell better not spread your legs for someone else, because if," he delivered a stinging slap, "I find out for sure…Oh, you want to cover your face, do you? Okay, how about a fist in the stomach? He followed through with his threat.

"Daddy, Daddy! Stop, please, stop!" Eight-year-old Heather stood in the doorway. Jay looked from Emma to Heather and then back to his wife. Animation and color drained from his face. He climbed off Emma grunting with the effort and staggered from the room.

Heather scrambled to Emma throwing bird-like arms around her mother's reddened neck.

"Shush, Baby. It's okay." Emma stroked her daughter's face and held her close rocking to an unheard tune. "It's okay."

Heather caressed her mother's swelling face with a gentle forefinger. "Why is Daddy hurting you again, Momma? Sleep with me, please. I'm afraid Daddy'll come and hurt me too."

"All right, Sweetie, but let me check on your brother first." Emma walked into Zack's room and heard the car start up and drive away.

The next morning was a chore to move the children from bed to breakfast and to the school bus. The kids ate little and said nothing. Heather couldn't take her eyes off her mother and Zack refused to look at her. Finally alone, Emma trekked to the bathroom to survey the damage. She teared up as she tested the bruises on her face, neck, and arms. Her top lip was busted--again.

The phone rang, but Emma didn't answer. It would be Jay and she didn't want to talk with him. Unfortunately, if she didn't answer, he would accuse her of being with a lover. This was his method of choice to keep her where he wanted her. He decreed they only needed one car and refused to give Emma any money. Jay did all the shopping and took care of any errands that might give Emma an opportunity to go out in public. He wanted her at home.

House arrest is worese than prison. At least in prison I could have some social interaction with adults. The clock's ticking filled the the silence. The phone's ring joined the clock's song. Emma picked up the fifty-pound telephone.

"Emma, Baby, I love you so much. I am so sorry. Will you forgive me? You know I love you. Guess I had too much to drink last night." Jay attempted a half-hearted laugh. It didn't work.

Her muffled sobs broke through Emma's silence.

"Emmy, don't cry, Baby. Please don't. I'll make it up to you. I'll come home for dinner tonight. We'll put the kids to bed early. How about it, Emmy? Let me show you how sorry I am. We'll make love all night..."

She'd love to tell him how she really felt but she didn't want to get in trouble again. She managed a hum-m that he took as agreement. Does sex make everything okay She didn't want to be around him, but no other options were available.

"Gotta run, Em. See you tonight," Jay hung up.

Emma sank into the couch and began to cry. The doorbell rang… and rang again. Emma didn't answer. Go away and leave me alone. I don't want to see anybody and I don't want anyone to see me. Eventually, the noise stopped.

Thirty minutes later and the doorbell sounded again. Still, Emma did not answer.

"Emma, open up. I know you're in there." It was Karen. "Emma? Emma, open this door." At least I have a friend. Emma thought of their meeting. Karen heard one of Jay's rampages from her backyard right after moving in. When he slammed out the front door, Karen was knocking on the back door. They'd been friends ever since. Still, Emma made no move or sound. She stared at the clock over the mantel and watched a spider crawl from the seven toward the three.

"I'm going to get my key if you don't open the door right now."

The spider reached the three and turned toward north toward the two.

Maybe I should have let Karen walk the kids to the bus stop today. I hate sending them alone. I just couldn't call her again. This is my problem, not hers.

Emma heard the key scrape into the lock. Karen rustled into the room. She placed something on the table behind the couch and then sat down beside Emma pulling her in an embrace. 'It's okay. Cry it all out, Sweetheart." Karen edged a pillow behind her back and settled into the couch pulling Emma with her. "You've got to quit taking this abuse. Why don't you leave him?" She stroked a stray hair out of Emma's face. "You could go to one of the shelters. I'd help you."

"I can't. He'd find me and kill me--literally. He has told me that often enough. Besides he is the children's father, and they love him. He's not that bad to them."

"He's a damn control freak. He'll end up killing you and I can't see how that will be good for your children."

"I don't understand why I can't please him. I try really, really hard." Her sniffles turned to sobs.

"I know you do, Em. I'm not sure what you feel for him, but if you decide to stay or go, I am here for you. We'll think of a solution somehow, I promise."

"Thanks, Karen. Your friendship is all that sustains me."

"Being your friend is the easy part. Being civil to Jay is the hard part. Your usual peace offering's on the table. The florist brought it over earlier and thought you weren't home."

Emma turned to look at the huge Murano Venetian glass vase with several dozen red roses. It would have thrilled her if Jay had sent them for the right reason. Now they sickened her. "He seems to have outdone himself this time. Usually, I only get a dozen." A car back-fired outside and Emma dodged an imaginary blow. Karen held her tighter until the shaking subsided.

"I'll say he's outdone himself!" Karen lifted Emma's chin upward and examined her face. "Have you looked in the mirror, Emma?"

"Yes." She skimmed a hand over her busted lip.

"The bastard!" Karen slammed a fist on the arm of the couch. "Emma, for God's sake, you are a human being and he has no right to lay a hand on you! Sorry, I don't mean to be yelling at you. It's just that I pray to God every night to deliver you and take the Devil out of Jay. Your life really causes me to question God's existence and his so-called abiding love."

"Maybe the bruising won't last long. I'll have to pile on the make up for a while, but at least Jay will be a decent, loving husband for a while. He always is after the flowers come."

Karen shook her head in disgust and pity. She knew Emma was in an abysmal position: No where to go, no way to go, and no money to get there. Jay was an accomplished manipulator and wife abuser.

The next week and a half was good for Emma. Jay was sweet and caring and she began to hope--as she always did--that another brutal assault might not occur. If she could just be really, really good, Jay might not get mad at her again.

The ever-vigilant Karen saw Emma outside hanging clothes. She poured two ice teas and set off to join her friend. "Hey, Em, how's it going? Are you feeling better? I brought some tea."

"You know I love your tea, bless you my friend. I am doing much better, but I'm still plagued with migraines. When they started interfering with Jay's sex life, he insisted I make a doctor's appointment and get something done. So, on Saturday I'm off to Dr. Mills. I hope he can help me."

"I don't know much about migraines, but I bet your nerves and abuse cause them." Karen sipped the mint tea and set it on the arm of the Adirondack chair.

"Hm-m-m, maybe." Emma pushed hair behind her ear and crossed her legs at the knees. "I appreciate you so much. When Jay pushed me down the stairs and I broke my wrist, I don't know what I would have done without you. He certainly wouldn't take me to the hospital. He had to get to work."

"I am…."

"Wait, let me finish. Emma held up her hands as her right foot began to gyrate.

"You have been there for me always. The times you have walked the kids to and from the bus stop because my face was swollen, the times you ran errands for me because I couldn't leave the house, the times you have held me and consoled me…. I just can't think of all of it, but I will never forget what a blessing you are to me. Thank you is not enough, but it's all I have to offer. So, Thank you, Karen."

"I don't need thanks. We're friends. But, I would like to ask a question. When I hear and can tell things are…..going on next door that shouldn't be….what would you think if I called the police?" She finished off her tea.

"NO! You can't do that. Jay would know and make it difficult for me to see you anymore. He'd take it out on me. He'd think I put you up to it. Please, I beg you. Don't do it, ever. Promise me!" Emma face was etched with pain and uncertainty."

"Oh, Em, I had no idea. Don't worry. I will not call the police." Karen pinky-promised and the mood was lightened.

"Cheers!" they laughed in unison. Smiles restored, they got up, clicked their empty glasses, and hugged.

The next day Jay suggested having Karen and Brad over for lunch on Saturday. An astonished Emma was excited that people, especially Karen and Brad, were coming over.....just like in other homes. On Saturday she prepared lunch while Jay took the children to his mother's for a visit. When Karen and Brad arrived, Jay was friendly and convivial. He pulled Emma's chair out for her, and reminded her about the doctor's appointment that afternoon. Ordinarily, Emma was not allowed to venture out by herself, but Jay hated doctor's offices and since his mother had the children, he couldn't send one of them with his wife.

"I haven't forgotten." She smiled at Jay. He kissed her cheek before sitting down. I think you out did yourself on the lunch, Sweetheart. Looks great."

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It was a pleasant luncheon and Karen helped Emma clean up the kitchen afterward. "I really hate to eat and run, but I do need to be at Dr. Mills by three-thirty."

"Don't worry about it, Em. We need to get back home anyway." Karen picked her sweater off the chair and put it on.

"Anything I can do for you, Honey, while you're gone?" Jay helped Emma on with her jacket.

The creep, thought Karen. He's trying to look like the consummate husband.

"If you have time, you might clean the children's bathroom before they get home. Then, she remembered to be the perfect wife. "I'll still have time to do it when I get home. Don't worry about it if there's something else you'd rather do." Emma was having such a good day; she didn't want to spoil it.

"What would I rather do than help my beautiful wife?" Jay hugged her.

Oh, brother! I may throw up if this continues. Karen pulled her husband out the side patio door toward home. "Brad, I don't understand Jay at all. Why does he pretend to be such a good husband when he knows that we--of all people--know what he is?"

"Don't know, Babe. It's none of our business, so just leave it alone. Don't go getting mixed up in other's people lives." Brad opened the door and Karen walked into the kitchen. When the door was closed, Karen glanced back at the Thomas home. Looking at their house and willing Emma to be safe didn't work, but it was a habit Karen couldn't break.

"You're a lot of help." Sighing, Karen began putting dishes in the dishwasher. "Do you even care how Jay treats Emma?" Somebody sure needs to put Jay Thomas out of his misery!

"Would caring or worrying make it go away?" Brad came up behind her and nuzzled her neck. "I just know that nothing we do will solve anything. Emma's got to be the one to make a change. It's not your problem or mine. Hm-m-m, I hate to leave just when your neck tastes so good, but I promised to help Ron at the garage. He groaned and displayed his lop-sided grin. I'll get back to you about suppertime. Bye, Babe."

"Love you." Guess I better wash some clothes while I jog Karen carried the laundry basket into the utility room and began to sort the clothes. She looked askance at Brad's new pants. Wonder if bleach can get these grass stains out. Karen reached into the cabinet and pulled out the bleach. She turned the bottle over and read the label. Let's see. 'Directions. Laundry Use. Household Use. Ah, here it is, Removal of spots and stains. Dilute, mix, immerse fabric, soak 10 minutes.' Her eyes wandered to the precautionary statements. Wow, I can't imagine such a common cleanser having so many serious warnings. Hazards to domestic animals, keep out of eyes, do not mix with other household chemicals such as ammonia, rust remover, or bowl cleaners. To do so will release hazardous gasses. Use in well ventilated area. A niggle of an idea blossomed and grew.

She hurried to the computer and began a quick search for mixing ammonia and bleach. "...creates chlorine gas…used as a chemical weapon during World War I, World War II…gas tears into lungs, trachea, and nasal passages…causes massive cellular damage and death within a short amount of time."

She galloped up the stairs two at a time. In her bathroom she began rooting around under the sink. Eureka! She pulled out two rubber gloves and pulled them on.

Returning downstairs Karen carried the bleach into the kitchen and removed a bottle of ammonia from under the sink. She retrieved a quart jar and lid from the pantry where she kept her canning supplies. Next, she poured a cup of the bleach and a cup of the ammonia into the quart jar, hurrying to secure the lid while holding her breath. She shook the concoction and set it down on the counter as she went to call Jay.

"Hey, Jay. It's Karen. Have you cleaned the kids' bathroom yet?"

"No, but I was just about to gather up some cleaning supplies."

"Great! I have some stuff that's a real miracle cleanser. You can scrub that bathroom in no time with little effort. I thought you might like to try it." Karen's heart thudded against her chest wall so hard she just knew Jay could hear it over the phone.

"Hey, that'd be good. I'll run over and get it."

"No, that's all right. I'll drop it off. I'm on my way out to run."

"Sure, bring it on! If it is that good and saves me time, I'm all for it!"

Karen hung up slowly, considering. I can still back out. But, she didn't. She carried the lethal jar next door, never faltering. She knocked on the door and stuck her head inside. "Jay?"

"Yeah. Come on in. So, this is the miracle cleanser, huh?" With a beaming lady killer wink, Jay took the jar from her. "Where'd you get it?"

"Oh, it's just something my momma taught me. Secret family recipe and one of those I'd-have-to-kill-you-kind of things. You know the drill." Karen fought to control her voice. Her hands shook, her knees were weak, and then, she giggled.

Jay laughed back.

"Be sure to keep the bathroom door closed while you're using it. The stuff smells to high heaven and you don't want the whole house to stink. It's really vile, but only at first.You'll get used to it."

"Right, I will. Emma wouldn't like her house to smell. Thanks again, Karen. You're a real pal."

"Yeah, I know." Karen backed off and began her daily two mile jog around the neighborhood.

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Jay walked to the small bathroom, entered, and closed the door. His left knee creaked as he knelt to stopper the tub. He glanced at the door to make sure it was closed. He poured the jar's contents into the tub and swiped a rag through the mixture. He began coughing and minutes later fell to the floor. Had he been able to speak, he might have told us his lungs felt like the fires of Hell. But, he couldn't. And, he would be dead before anyone found him.

---------

Karen returned from her run and glanced at the Thomas home. Nothing going on there. She wasn't sure if she was glad or not. Maybe it hadn't worked. Maybe Jay was still his old abusive self. She straightened up the den and peered through the window once more. Still nothing. She went up to shower.

Stepping out of the shower, Karen heard the sirens. Glancing out the window, she saw Emma outside the house with Heather and Zack awaiting the emergency vehicles. She threw on her clothes, grabbed a blanket, and hurried to be with them.

"Karen, oh, thank God you're here. Something's happened to Jay." Tears ran down her face as she clutched the kids to her. She was as pale as an albino.

Karen put the blanket around them and waited as the vehicles screeched to a halt. The yard became a nest of activity. The paramedics donned gas masks before going inside.

"Something inside the house smells awful." Emma coughed several times. "I sent the kids outside and went to hunt Jay. He was in the bathroom. He wasn't moving. I called 911 and had to get out." She began to cough again.

The stretcher came out with Jay. Emma tried to run to him, but police personnel held her back. He still had fumes in his clothes. Karen saw the coroner shaking his head negatively. Emma coughed and cried louder. Jay's body was wrapped from head to toe and no one tried to resuscitate before loading him up.

Emma returned to her children and Karen. "Jay's gone." They want me to go to the hospital because of the fumes in the house. They said I would be there at least over night. Can you watch the kids for me? Can you call Jay's mother and tell her?"

"Sure, Emmy, I always watch over you and your kids. I'll take care of everything."

(Word Count: 3783)