Oliva Crep's Story | Alexandra Winder

Dear Mom,
Today I write with a heavy heart. I thought it was just a phase he was going through, but it’s not. He hit me again. The first time I thought it was because he was stressed at work, and he acted truly repentant, he made it up to me in so many ways, I had almost wished he’d hit me all the time so he’d do that much to help around the house, but the second time it happened it took two days for him to bring flowers and say sorry, but that was all. Today I have a black eye, split cheekbone, and I think I have a few broken ribs.
I never thought I’d fall into that "abusive relationship" category. I’m not the type of woman that would let her husband get away with beating, but I’m letting him. It’s tearing me apart. I love him so much, still! Then there’s Maggie… He hasn’t done anything to her, and I couldn’t leave him and still get custody of her. I have no skills. I regret every moment now that I dropped out of high school! I’ve talked to Stephen repeatedly about getting my GED and taking college classes at night, but he won’t let me. He swears he’ll always be around to take care of me and our children. What would people think of me if I left?
I need to go, I think he’s home…