No One Will Ever Hurt You

NO ONE WILL HURT YOU

Where have you been? William barked as soon as his wife stepped inside the flat.

I was at work, she replied quietly.

Its Saturday! he shouted.

I have to work on Saturdays too.

You work, but theres never any money.

And you? You dont work at all

Mind your tongue, he threatened, moving towards her. Go to the shop now! Theres nothing to eat in the house.

William, weve only got forty pounds left, and theres still a week to go until payday. You could have at least tried for a job, or taken the car out for a bit of minicabbing.

You think Im some cab driver? Be grateful you even have a roof over your head in my flat! He opened the door. Off you go! To the shop!

Tears welled up in Charlottes eyes. How unfair this all was. Four years of marriage and somehow, everything had slipped downhill. At first, things seemed fine. Both their parents had chipped in, buying the two-bedroom place for them. Later, they saved for a car British, nothing fancy but oh, how excited they were. Everything got registered in Williams name, since he was the head of the family. Charlottes folks lived in a village, but they had contributed their share too.

William and his dad ran a small business; the profits werent great, but they managed. Then William decided he was meant for bigger things, and, in his arrogance, lost it all. Fell out with his father, stopped working, and for the last year, hes done absolutely nothing, just sits around waiting for who-knows-what.

He began to shout at Charlotte, then started hitting her too. She worked six days a week, but no matter what she brought home, it was never enough. William screamed as if it was all her fault. Sometimes she wondered whether she ought to go back to her parents place in the village, but her two younger sisters still lived with them. She couldnt just turn up and add to their burdens.

Charlotte wiped her tears and left the building, heading not to the nearest shop, but the one further away everything is a bit cheaper there, and she didn’t want to go home too soon anyway.

Outside a shop, she glanced sideways as a black Land Rover pulled up. A man got out, limping slightly.

Charlie! came the delighted call.

She turned sharply. Oliver!

It was her old schoolmate, Oliver. He had a disability since childhood; something wrong with his arms and legs. Theyd studied together from Year One right up through Sixth Form, and Charlotte remembered hed spent half his school days in hospital. Boys laughed at him, but Oliver never let it get to him top of their class, often the entire school. Every time he came back from hospital, he seemed stronger. When they were little, he could barely walk; by their last year, he was strolling a bit of a limp, but strong.

Now here he was, getting out of an expensive car and beaming at her.

Charlotte, is it really you? he asked, his tone steady and confident. No ones seen you for ages. We had a reunion two years back, remember? Emily said she told you, but you didnt come.

She shrugged, embarrassed. Things came up

You headed to the shop? he asked, changing the subject.

Yeah.

Me too, come on. He led her towards the posh supermarket. Charlotte hesitated, knowing it was out of her range. Oliver looked at her, understanding dawning at once as he took in her appearance and the uncertainty in her eyes.

Charlotte he started to say something.

No, Ollie, sorry, I cant go to this one, she mumbled, pulling her hand away and ducking into the cheaper shop next door.

She counted every penny as she paid for the shopping. Outside, Oliver was waiting next to his car. He walked over, took her shopping bag and opened the passenger door.

Get in, he insisted.

She did. He slid into the seat beside her. Right, tell me everything.

The words poured out, through sniffles and tears. She didnt hold back about William, his violence and laziness, their hopeless finances, how trapped and humiliated she felt.

Leave him, Charlotte. Just leave.

Ollie, where would I even go? Everythings in his name.

Im one of the best solicitors in town. Doesn’t matter whose name is on the paperwork half of it is yours. Now, give me your number. Oliver tossed her his phone. She called her own mobile so hed have her details.

Its Saturday on Monday youll file for divorce. Ill let you know exactly what to do. He started the car. Where do you live?

On Shakespeare Road, near the post office.

Ive just moved into that new block of flats, he said, nodding at the smart new building as they passed.

When they pulled up at her place, he opened the door for her. Its time to decide, Charlotte. Ill ring on Monday. And if anything happens before then, call me straight away.

She nodded, worry in her eyes. I’m frightened, Ollie.

He gave her an encouraging smile. Dont be.

Charlotte stepped inside, but William came storming into the hallway.

Who was that you were with, driving around like youre on a date?

It was a friend from school, William.

Husbands starving, and youre off having fun He started in with abuse, then lashed out.

Charlotte dropped the shopping, heart pounding from pain, fear, and humiliation. She ran, not stopping until she collided outside with Oliver.

Get in, he said, opening the car. She did as she was told, and they sped away.

Charlotte realised where they were when Oliver ushered her into a three-bedroom flat.

Ollie, where am I?

My flat. Youre safe here; I live alone. Her phone rang. Williams furious voice raged down the line.

Where are you?

A torrent of shouting followed. Oliver took the phone, his own voice suddenly cold and precise. Charlotte is filing for divorce. Your flat goes to her.

Who are you? William raged.

If you object, Ill see you spend the next two years in prison for domestic violence.

Oliver hung up and returned the phone. Charlotte burst into tears.

Thats enough now, Charlotte. Go and freshen up in the bathroom. Well have lunch shortly.

While she was in the bathroom, Oliver put the kettle on and made a phone call.

They sat over tea, neither really hungry, but Oliver eventually announced, Come on, lets put things right with your husband.

No Charlottes eyes filled with panic. Im scared.

He smiled. Everything will happen just as you want it, Charlotte.

Outside, a police Land Rover was waiting. A young officer hopped out and saluted. Mr Oliver Bailey, sir, were here at your request.

They all got in the car.

Soon, they knocked on the door to Charlottes flat.

What do you want? William sneered, throwing the door open.

William Stephens? the policeman said crisply.

Yeah.

Ive got a few questions for you.

William glared at Charlotte, but let them in. The policeman began taking a statement.

Charlotte, grab your documents, and anything else you need for the time being, Oliver instructed gently, but with authority. She felt a strange comfort in having someone on her side for the first time in months.

So she gathered her things, almost on autopilot, handing her papers to Oliver, who smiled at her with genuine warmth and pride.

The policeman finished up. Im done, sir.

Good. Let me have a word with Mr Stephens alone.

Oliver sat opposite William. Look, William, on Monday Charlotte will be submitting a petition for divorce. Youll need to file as well. No children, and the assets are to be split equally.

And if I dont agree to the divorce? All the assets are in my name, William sneered.

Then Charlotte will also make claims in court for the property, and more importantly, for assault. Im head of one of the regions leading legal chambers, William. The court will decide fairly.

Ill have a private word with my wife tonight, and shell come round, William smirked.

And who says your wife will be alone with you?

If shes still my wife, I have a right to keep her here.

Then Ill have you arrested this instant for assault, and youll wait in custody till Monday. Meanwhile, your wife will stay here safely. Does that suit you?

Fine, she can go wherever she wants, William muttered sullenly.

Good. On Monday, Ill pick you both up, and well go to the registrar to file the papers.

After they left, Charlottes phone rang. She smiled when she saw her mums name, though things had been frosty between them after the split her parents didnt approve of divorce, having managed over twenty-five years themselves.

Hi, Mum! Charlotte said cheerfully.

Hello, love, her mothers voice heavy and anxious.

Mum, whats wrong? You sound so down.

You seem happy, thats what Glad to be rid of your husband, are you?

Honestly, Mum, Charlotte said, her voice steady, I am glad.

Well, its your life to live.

Mum, why did you call?

Emily wants to get married. A town boy, but hes got nothing just dreams and love. His parents came here to talk. They live in a three-bed, but their other sons still at home. So weve agreed to help both buy a little flat in town for them. But your sisters glum about it all.

They can stay in mine for now, Charlotte said.

Charlotte, what are you saying? Where will you live?

Mum, Charlottes voice was brimming with joy, Im getting married.

You haven’t even finished the divorce

Promise, this ones for life. His names Oliver. I love him so much.Her mother was silent for a long moment. Then came a sigh, half disbelief, half reliefa tiny note of hope.

Oh, darling

Ive never felt safe like this before, Mum. Ollie he makes me feel brave. Hes been there through everything.

There was a teardrop on Charlottes thumb, but for the first time it wasnt from painit was a prism of something bright and new, a glimpse of happiness forming at the edge of her world.

Will you come for dinner? she asked. Meet him? All of you. Please.

Her mums voice softened. Well come, love. Well come.

She hung up and turned. Oliver stood in the kitchen doorway, two mugs in his hands and a smile that said yes to her whole uncertain future. She laughed, half crying, as he set the mugs down and took her hand gently in his.

From now on, Charlotte, he said quietly, no one will ever hurt you again.

She squeezed his strong, imperfect fingers, and understood: sometimes, happiness doesnt come with fireworks or fanfare. Sometimes, it arrives as a soft voice at your side, a hand that helps you gather your scattered things, a promise kept in the clear light of an ordinary afternoon.

Outside, the rain had finally stopped. Charlotte looked toward the window, unable to keep the small, sure smile from her lips. She breathed in, savoring the sharp, sweet new airand stepped forward into her own life, at last.