30 Days Read Online Free PDF Page A

inheritance is what we fight most about.
     
    I do everything I can think of to try and please him but nothing makes him happy. I try being extra good, loving and sweet. I try doing all the little things he likes. The only adjective he uses to describe anything is ‘tolerable’. Nothing is ever wonderful or amazing...just tolerable. He is a  miserable, angry, negative person. We fight frequently and although our arguments never resolved he goes on acting as if things are fine. It’s frustrating. I’m sensitive. I’m a feeler. I’m emotional. His way of life goes against every grain of my being. I want to talk things out. I want to feel things. It’s been years of this now.
     
    I live with a mean stranger who expects me to put out. It disgusts me but I give it to him without argument. If I’m lucky he’s quick and I can go to sleep. People wonder how it happens. How you can be an independent, bright young woman and wind up in an abusive relationship. My home life must have been poor or I’m mental and think I deserve his treatment. We slid and slipped into this relationship. I didn't see it coming until it was too late. I had wonderful parents who were loving and encouraging to both my sister and I. My parents are probably rolling over in their graves right now.

 
    PRESENT
    DAY 4
     
     
    I can hear knocking at the door but I’m in the shower. No one knocks at my door. I speed my shower along, hop out and wrap a towel around myself while shuffling towards the door. I open it and no one is there. Grumbling with irritation that I cut my morning shower short only to have missed whoever was at the door I notice a small rectangular box near my feet. I bring it inside and put it on the counter. I’m not sure I want to open it. But only Colin knows I’m here so who else could it be from. I pull the lid off the box. Two movie tickets and a note.
     
    Meet me tonight?
     
    The thoughtfulness of what he’s just done takes my breath away. He’s made it clear that he’s vulnerable, something I’m not sure I can do. I pick up one of the movie tickets. Searching for Sonny . I have no idea what it’s about but something tells me that he picked something he thought I would enjoy. I grab my prepaid cell which so far only has Joe Jowett’s number programmed in it and dial Colin’s number.
     
    “Hello?” He answers breathing heavily, out of breath.
    “Is this a bad time Colin?”
    “Elle?!”
    “Yes.” I answer.
    “No, I was just working out.”
    “Why’d you answer your phone in the middle of a workout?”
    “In case it was you calling.” I can hear his smile through the phone.
    “That sounds like a bad pickup line you know that right?” I tease.
    “Did it work?”
    “Well, I was calling to say that I’d like to see the movie, so I’ll be there. I guess, yeah, it worked.” I chuckle.
    “Excellent! So, what’s on your list today Elle?” Surprised that he remembers or wants to know I glance over at the list and scan down. “Start a conversation with a stranger.” I answer.
    “Hmm, so does ordering popcorn at the movies count?”
    “No.” I laugh. “More like, walk up to a random person and ask how their day is going or what they do for work. Something that would spark an actual conversation.” I explain.
    “What’s up with this list anyways?” He prods.
    “Maybe I’ll explain it later, you should finish your workout.”
    “Ok. I’ll see you tonight at seven then?”
    “I’ll be there.”  We both say goodbye at the same time making things awkward for a moment. Neither one of us wanting to hang up first. I end up hitting the off button on my phone just to stop the insanity.
     
    With that out of the way, I decide to head up to one of the little cafes that has outdoor seating and enjoy a coffee while picking out who to start a conversation with. It’s a gorgeous cloudless day out. I decide on a cute little coffee shop with some patio sets on the sidewalk called The Freaky Bean. I have