Trapped In A Nightmare - Part 1

"Babe? Babe."

His voice makes my eyes fly open in terror, jolts me from the dream I was having of a simpler time. Back when I was free. When I had a family. When I wasn't living with-

"Lady, come here now!"

I untangle myself from the sheets as fast as I can, like my life depends on it. And maybe it does. You never know with Austin. I do my best to walk normally, to make my eyes look unfatigued, which isn't hard now that adrenaline is pumping through my veins.

I made a mental checklist of things I was supposed to have done. *Entertain* the friends of his that stopped by? Done. Clean the house spotless? Done. Laundry? Oh, no. That's what I forgot.

Not a single solution has popped into my head and now I'm in the same room as him. I stiffen my body, prepare for the blows that have been coming more and more often these days.

But now that I look at him, he doesn't look angry. I know how quickly that can change, but from the grin, the evil, stupid smirk on his face, and I know what he wants.

If I had the choice, I would take the beatings.

But Austin is already unbuckling his belt, and looks at me impatiently.

I brace myself for what I now must do.