My Two Husbands

by Yari Martinez

  “Thank you,” I tell him. Looking at Julie, I wonder if she heard anything other than the fact that I’m pregnant and that the police were coming. That’s all I remember hearing.

  The doctor walks away. Even though Julie is here, and there is a new life inside me, I feel lost and alone.

  “Do you want me to call Dominic?” asks Julie.

  Do I?

  I have no idea.

  Not long ago, all I wanted to do was fight for my daughter. Now I have a pending court date, have been beaten by my ex-husband, found out I’m pregnant by my fiancé, and have a lot of explaining to do.

  I guess I can’t disappear off the face of the earth without an explanation. The right thing to do is call him.

  “Yes, but can you do me a favor?” I ask.

  “Of course. Anything.”

  “Please don’t tell him about the baby.”

  Chapter 10

  Keeping the news about the baby to myself is extremely selfish, but the shock has to wear off before I can share it with Dominic. The engagement was shocking enough. And now a baby. Well, I don’t know what impact that news will have.

  Having to deal with Hunter, the assault, the custody battle for Kaylee, my job, and the engagement is enough for me right now without having to deal with Dominic and his feelings about an unexpected pregnancy.

  I should have been careful when the doctor asked if I wanted to talk in front of Julie. I didn’t think anything I didn’t already know would be discussed. So much for knowing it all. I don’t mind her knowing, but I would have preferred to hear the news on my own, without an audience. Now this pregnancy is a secret we share.

  “How are you feeling?” asks Julie.

  “As good as possible, I guess. A little in pain, shocked and nervous, but it could’ve been worse, right?” I say, attempting a laugh. Julie laughs with me. It feels good to have her here. Maybe being alone would not be such a good idea.

  “All this must be overwhelming for you,” she says. “The truth is, these things aren’t going to be over any time soon, but they will get better, regardless of what happens.” She is trying to reassure me.

  She is right. But the light at the end of the tunnel is difficult to see. There’s no point sharing my thoughts with her.

  “Once your police report is complete, I want to file for an emergency hearing at the family court. Kaylee cannot be around someone who loses his temper the way Hunter did. It’s not safe for her. Are you comfortable with me requesting an emergency hearing? Before you decide, remember this situation will work in your favor, as unfortunate as it might be,” she says.

  Julie is right. I can’t dispute the truth, but the idea of Kaylee becoming aware of her father’s behavior saddens me. She really loves Hunter, and I never wanted her to know about the abuse.

  I have kept his true nature to myself long enough, assuming I would be the only person to suffer his abuse. I never imagined how this could affect everyone around me.

  “This is really nerve racking, but I guess it’s something that has to be done. Do you think we’ll have to wait long for a court date?” I ask.

  “I don’t think so. I’ll file the petition for you to receive an order of protection after your complaint is made. Also, I’m sure he’ll be placed under arrest soon after. We should have enough probable cause to request an emergency hearing without objections,” she explains, looking relieved that I have agreed.

  “Do I have to be there for any of this? I’d rather not.”

  “Actually you don’t have to. You only have to appear on the actual court date. As your lawyer, I can handle the preliminary stuff. All I want you to do is stay strong and take good care of yourself. Be prepared for what is to come, because it will not be easy. But you’ll have me all the way. I can stay until the police arrive to take your complaint. However, I have to leave soon after. Is there anyone who can come to keep you company for the time being? I don’t want to leave you alone.”

  “I can call my friend Diane. She should be able to sit with me for a while.”

  “Great, have her come by. I’ll return as soon as I take care of a few things. If you feel comfortable, I’ll stay at your house when you get released from here. I’m not trying to overstep any boundaries, but being alone at a time like this can take an unnecessary toll on anyone,” she says.

  “Julie, can I ask you something without making this weird?”

  “Of course.”

  “Before anything, thank you for all you are doing for me. I wouldn’t know what to do without you. I wouldn’t know who to turn to. When we met, you said your former employer raped you. Now you are taking on most of my problems. How do you deal with all of this?” I stop talking to see if I have broached a sensitive topic. I know that it’s none of my business, but she doesn’t react, so I continue. “Are you nervous about going into a court room? Have you taken any steps to counter what happened to you, just as you’re helping me make mine? I ask because you gave me the impression you haven’t, and I can’t let you do that. And I want to be there with you as you do,” I say.

  I continue to face her but focus on a clipboard behind her. I can’t imagine surviving a rape and moving on in life as she has. I admire her for the simple act of breathing. My problems do not measure up to anything she has faced or will face, yet here she is being brave for herself and me. Ignoring her past is not something I am prepared to do. I can’t allow her to sweep her troubles under a rug of oblivion.

  Her face is blank. I don’t know if it is because she has mastered hiding her emotions or because I don’t know her well enough. But she looks straight into my eyes with a youthful, beautiful smile and says, “How about you let me stay over your house when you get released, and we talk about it then?”

  Without giving me a chance to respond, the doctor walks in. “Ms. York, the police are here. Are you ready to speak with them or do you need more time?”

  “I’m ready, but before you let them in, what’s your name?” This man has my life on a pad and now knows one of my secrets, yet I don’t know his name.

  “Nicolas Brady.”

  “Can you do me a favor before you leave?” I ask.

  “Yes.”

  "My fiancé should be showing up at one point or another. Will you please not tell him about my pregnancy? I’m not ready to share the news with him yet.”

  Such a request must be unusual, but why I don’t want to share this news with my fiancé is not his business.

  “Absolutely Ms. York,” he promptly replies and makes his way out of the room.

  Two men in suits walk into my hospital room. It strikes me that the secret I have held on to for so many years will now be made public and will no longer belong to me. It will be another story to add to the many others in the world of domestic violence.

  I tell them everything I have endured. It’s as if I am telling the story of a stranger who I feel obligated to protect. It is liberating. I no longer have to be a prisoner. They explain to me how domestic violence is very common and provide me with information to assist me through the coming process.

  They also inform me about the process of arrest and arraignment that Hunter’s going to go through. They appear to believe apprehending Hunter will be easy and without incident. I can’t say whether that’s going to be the case, but I pray it is, especially when Kaylee is in his care.

  They hand me their business cards and say that when the arrest is made, I will be the first person to know. And just like that, they are gone with one of my many secrets.

  Julie sat like a shadow by my side, not interrupting the conversation, but she put light pressure on my hand whenever it became difficult to speak. “I’m going to get going. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. Is your friend on her way?” she asks once the police have left.

  “She’s on her way, but go ahead. I’m sure she won’t be much longer.” She gathers all her things and leaves.

  Finally I can close my eyes and get some rest.

  “Where is she
? Brook York?” She couldn’t have been any more dramatic if she tried. A nap seems out of the question.

  Diane walks into my room and has the look of death on her face.

  “My God what has he done to you?”

  “He went crazy because I filed for custody of the baby,” I say.

  “That bastard! You have to report him this time. He can’t keep doing this to you! You left him, you shouldn’t be dealing with this anymore!” she cries.

  Diane has been my shoulder to lean on for years, but always via telephone. I have never allowed her to see me after a beating because I know she wouldn’t be able to handle it. Seeing her reaction now, I realize I was right to never subject her to this pain.

  “I made a report already. It’s hospital policy to report any signs of abuse.” I have no idea why, but I start crying uncontrollably. The look on Diane’s face is a clear sign that I should have never allowed this to go on for as long as I did.

  “The police are going to arrest him...” I blubber.

  “What?” she asks.

  She can’t understand what I’m saying through my sobs. “The police are going to arrest him and Kaylee might hate me for it,” I articulate, still weeping.

  “No, no, no, you do not feel sorry for him after what he’s done to you. Kaylee is not going to hate you. She’s going to learn to be strong like her mom.”

  “I don’t feel sorry for him, I feel sorry for Kaylee and for myself, for having waited this long to say something."

  I cannot keep my secret from Diane, and I have to tell her. She is my backbone and family. “There’s something else… I got some tests done, and the doctor discovered I’m pregnant. Please don’t say anything to Dominic,” I say.

  “What do you mean you’re pregnant?” I wish the question came from Diane, but she didn’t have time to react to the news because, without out us realizing it, Dominic has walked into the room and has heard the news for himself.

  Another secret out.

  Chapter 11

  “What do you mean you’re pregnant?”

  “Pregnant!” he repeats, his voice breaking.

  “Why didn’t you tell me? Why do want to keep this a secret from me? Tell me Brook! Are you really that selfish?”

  I understand the anger in his voice. If I were him, I would feel betrayed too. But I’m not him—he doesn’t seem to understand everything I am going through. It would be nice not to be forced to have this conversation right now.

  I’m sure I am not the first woman on this earth who has needed a moment before announcing her pregnancy. My life is being altered as we speak, while his won’t be for a few months at least. He really needs to calm down.

  “I was going to tell you soon enough,” I say.

  “Diane, give us a moment,” commands Dominic, not looking away from me.

  “I’ll be right outside,” says Diane as she leaves the room without her belongings.

  What I wouldn’t give for a pair of red shoes to click together and disappear from this room!

  “Soon enough? So on top of being selfish, you also convince your friend to keep your secret? I am not Hunter. You have no right to keep me from knowing that I’ve a kid on the way! Women always complain about men who don’t take responsibility for their children, but then they forget that women like you exist. I thought you were different. Clearly you’re not.” He is almost shouting now.

  He sounds angry, and I wonder if anyone will come in to tell him to quiet down. But no one does, and I have no choice but to face his rant.

  The room seems to be growing hotter, and I slowly pull off the covers. But I realize it’s not the room, but the desire to grab Dominic by the throat. Who the hell does he think he is to talk about Hunter? I know Hunter has been an animal to me, but that doesn’t give Dominic the right to bring him up as a contrast! Never once have I mentioned Amanda in any one of our arguments unless we are arguing about her. What gives him the right to talk about my ex-husband?

  “What does this have to do with Hunter?” I say coldly.

  “It has everything to do with Hunter! You’re clearly behaving irrationally. Now I see why your marriage ended. It makes me wonder if Hunter was to blame.” He walks up to the window and slams his fist onto the frame. He looks at me as if he doesn’t know me at all.

  Anyone who hears him would think I have known for months I was pregnant. He’s being ridiculous.

  “No, you don’t get to bring up my ex-husband or my marriage. If you’re simply trying to hurt me because you can’t handle that I am pregnant, get the hell out of here! Go be a coward somewhere else! But spare me the theatrics. And since you’re so eager to be involved and not be left in the dark, let me tell you that I’m having this baby with or without your support,” I shout.

  I have never seen him react this way before. It is definitely unattractive. I don’t have the energy to deal with Dominic’s nonsense or his pathetic reaction to this news.

  He lowers his eyes, “You’re my fiancée, Brook, and that baby is mine. If there’s anyone you should have shared this information with, it should have been with me, not Diane. I’m not saying I don’t want this baby. What I don’t appreciate is your belief that your opinion or feelings matter more than mine in this situation that affects us both,” says Dominic.

  I continue to stare at him, even though he refuses to look in my direction. “That’s not my what I intended, and I think you know that. I needed a moment to put things into perspective. This pregnancy is as much of a surprise to me as it is to you. It’s the last thing I thought we’d have to deal with right now. But to talk about Hunter is a low blow. I don’t give a damn about what you think about my past life! If you’re going to let your anger cloud what’s really going on here, I think it’s best you leave,” I remind him.

  As he wipes his face I realize that he is crying through his anger. I wonder if I did come across as the woman he made me out to be.

  I can’t begin to imagine what Hunter will do to me if he finds out that I am pregnant. Will this affect my custody battle? I will never pick between my children, but I feel if Hunter finds out about my pregnancy it will kill the chances of me getting Kaylee back.

  Dominic comes close and sits down next to me on the bed. “I’m not leaving,” he says quietly. “And I was out of line talking about Hunter or blaming you for your divorce. Forgive me, please. How are you feeling?” He is attempting to conceal his anger.

  I can see what it is costing him to drop the subject. I know his sudden concern for me is fake, but I can’t tell him to drop his attitude and expect him to be genuine.

  Getting him to leave would be ideal, but the truth is, I now share a life with him and need to accept that there will be many things he will say that will upset me. I can’t force him out of my sight because I don’t like what he has to say, regardless of whether what he says is valid or not.

  “I wish better,” I reply.

  “Julie called me and basically told me everything. I’m sorry I wasn’t there and that this happened. Is the baby okay?”

  “They believe the baby’s fine. But they’re going to keep me overnight and monitor me to make sure. If all’s well, I’ll be discharged tomorrow. If not… well, I’m sure they’ll come up with a plan for whatever they find.” I discreetly look down at my stomach wondering if Hunter has already decided my baby’s fate. I want to place my hands on my stomach to check if I feel anything, but it might seem like an invitation to Dominic to feel for himself, so I refrain and cringe at the idea of not being able to protect either one of my children.

  “What’s going to happen with Hunter? I hope you don’t plan to protect him.”

  “I reported him and I plan to press charges. Julie, the woman who called you, is my lawyer. She’s handling all my paperwork at court as we speak. She should be back here in a few hours. Diane is here to keep me company until she gets back.”

  “Do you want me to stay with you and Diane?” he asks.

  After our conversation, I f
eel particularly annoyed at him. I know his concern for me is not genuine, and I’d rather not spend the rest of my night entertaining him.

  “If you don’t mind, just Diane is enough. I’ll call you if anything changes with the baby. I don’t want you to take time off from work now, not while I have people here with me. I rather you be able to take time off when I really need it,” I say.

  “Alright, but keep me posted. I do have a lot of work back at the office. I’ll take care of it while you’re here, in case you do need me to take a few days off later. I’m happy you and the baby are doing well, and it’s pretty exciting, even though I wish we’d found out another way.”

  He gets up and kisses me on the top of my head. I feel bad for him. The truth is Hunter almost killed our baby, and there is nothing anyone could have done about it.

  “I love you, and I’m sorry for how I reacted. I’ll be expecting your call,” he says and leaves. For a moment, I wish he would have reacted with more concern or love, but under the circumstances, it doesn’t really matter.

  Diane walks back in. She isn’t happy. I wonder if she said bye to Dominic. Personally, I wouldn’t have. He was a prick to her.

  “I don’t know how you deal with men like your ex and now this buffoon. Why did he leave?” she asks, even though I know she doesn’t care for his company.

  “I told him to leave. I might need him later on, when I get discharged.” I say.

  “He left because you told him to? Brook, I hate to say this, but he doesn’t care about you. He didn’t seem at all concerned about the ass-whooping you got! And his reaction to your pregnancy was not of a man who is excited to have a baby. Sounds to me that he would’ve been happier if you’d miscarried,” she says, waiting for a reaction.

  “He was surprised, that’s all. It’s not as if we’ve been planning on having a baby. We shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” I say.