Deana had a good life, a great career, two beautiful teenagers, and an ideal marriage. At least she thought so, but unfortunately, life often throws us a curve ball. Her marriage began to disintegrate after they celebrated their 20th anniversary. She struggled for a couple more years
to repair the marriage, but finally realized it could not be salvaged. She just turned 45; her children were now in college. She knew if she left things the way they were, her life would soon be over.
She decided to go back to college and get her nursing degree, that way she could live on her own. During this time, she bought a computer for her schoolwork. Not only would it help her with college, but also she could use it to communicate with her children. Never in her wildest dreams did she think it would change her life.
Deana used the computer for her studies, and soon found other ways to utilize it. The internet was a virtual walking encyclopedia, with websites and chatrooms. She found the chatrooms unique,a place where people could communicate from anywhere on the globe. Most of the people she met were friendly. They gave her the understanding and emotional support she needed in her life.
One of her favorite areas of the chat was the romance rooms. It was in one of these rooms she met a man named Wes. They were almost the same age, had similar dislikes and desires and soon became close friends. After a while, their online relationship turned intimate. They also agreed that no matter what happened in their lives, they would not let it mess up their friendship.
Wes’s cheerful-loving characteristics drew her to him like a moth to a flame. One night, Wes asked her if they could exchange phone numbers. He wanted to make sure they had a way to communicate if they could not get online. She agreed giving him her home and cell phone numbers, and he gave her his.
Deana was studying when the phone rang. When checked the caller ID, she was overwhelmed to see Wes’s name. She had not expected him to call her so soon. She picked up the phone and said, “Hello Wes, how are you?”
Wes replied saying, “I’m fine, but I was beginning to worry about you. I have not seen you online for two days and called to see if you were OK.”
She assured him she was safe, but was so involved with midterm exams that she had forgotten to drop him an email. She was so unhappy in her marriage.
She tried showing her husband a good time by making love in the usual manner. In addition, she even tried a few things Wes had suggested, all to no avail. No matter how she tried to please her husband nothing seemed to satisfy him.
She felt the blunt of all his anger now, not just his verbal attacks and temper tantrums, but emotional--physical abuse. She knew she should leave him, but was too afraid of him right now.
Wes spoke with alarm in his voice, into the phone saying, “Oh my god, Deana, you should not have to endure abuse of any kind! Honey, you know I am just a phone call away, please do not hesitate to cal if you need me. I love you very much baby, and I do not want him to harm you.”
Wes paused for a moment then continued saying,
“Deana you need some time away from all that stress so you can relax and think clearly. May I suggest we spent a night together--no strings attached. It will do you a world of good honey.”
Deana hesitated for a moment then said, “Let me think about it for awhile. I do love you Wes, but this will be a big step for me. For now, I need to go focus on my upcoming exams. I wish you were holding me, but then again if you were--I would not be studying--good-bye.”
Wes uttered, “Good-bye love,” and made a kissing noise on the phone before he hung up.
Later on that week when they were chatting, Wes asked, “Deana, what would happen if we spent one night alone, just the two of us?”
Deana thought for a moment then said, “I am not sure, but I probably would not even meet you. Oh Wes, you know I love you, but that’s not a good idea I am still married.”
Around 10 pm one evening, Deana’s husband was again yelling at her and telling her she stupid and worthless she was. Then stepped forward and began to slap her across the face several times. Even though she was afraid of him, she knew she had to do something now.
Deana stepped back grabbed the phone, dialed 911. She yelled, “My address is 1445 W. Omaha drive, before she could finish he grabbed the phone and hung it up. Then drew back his fist and hit her so hard it knocked her off her feet.
Then her straddled her and continued beating her saying, “You god dam bitch, why in the hell did you do that? You think they will come and help you. I hate to tell you, but they won’t believe your words--Deana you’re so fucking stupid!”
Deana cringed, he drew his hand back and was about to hit her one more time when the doorbell rang. Oh God, let it be the police please! He hit her hard in her arm then quickly got off her saying, “Answer the door bitch and don’t say a fucking word, YOU-HEAR-ME, if you do, you’ll be sorry!”
She shook so bad she could barely open the door when she looked their stood a police officer.
“Hello, did someone here call for help,” he said.
Deana blinked and swallowed hard and with a quivering voice said, “Y-e-s, I called, come in.” Then she pointed at her husband then told the police officer, “He’s beating me up, a-a-and I’m tired of it,” then fainted.
When she came, too the officer asked her, “Are you alright mam? “
She sat up and looked at her husband; the cop’s partner was talking to her husband. She sat up shakily and said, “No, I’m not alright I want him arrested for beating me! I’m pressing charges,
p-l-e-a-s-e take him away!”
After some discussion, one officer put the handcuff on her husband and led him to the squad car. The other officer got her a cup of water and asks her if she had someone that could come over and stay with her.
Deana replied, “Yes, “then picked up the phone and called her friend Jeanne to come over and stay with her.
