Page 11 of Kali

Epilogue

Kali

It’s taken three years.

Three years of his endless kindness and patience and goodness. I fell in love with him a little bit more at every show of compassion, respect and understanding.

But now I know.

I know deep down inside of me that I am the safest I can ever be when I’m with Noah.

It helps that the sex is mind-blowing.

But mostly it’s how comfortable he is with me calling the shots. He never accuses me of making him feel like less of a man because I want to be in control in the bedroom or because I want to earn my own living. He supports every life choice I make and then has my back. He didn’t fall out with me because I didn’t want to immediately move in with him, instead choosing to save up for my own place on the island, the flat above my gallery.

My gallery has been open for two years now and I needed this time to prove to myself that I could be independent. That I could get over my past and become the person that Noah deserves, even if he would have you believe I was already that person. I knew I wasn’t.

I go to the mainland twice a week for self-defence classes which have also helped to bolster my confidence. As my confidence increased so did my willingness to let Noah take a little more control.

That’s why I said yes when he asked me to move in with him this morning. Though he made it clear I could say no, and nothing would change. I know I want to be his partner in every way, and this is a step closer to that. I’ve already found someone to rent my flat and Lora is helping me to move despite being heavily pregnant.

Life is good. I never thought I’d be able to say that in the thick of the abuse from Gary, but I can because I got out. I survived. And with Noah, I’ve never felt so free.

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