Chapter Two
Janella Pierce
I never thought this was where I would be or who I would be. I had dreams and goals in my life when I was younger. I was going to be the next Broadway star. Then, I met a man in college who said all the right things at a time I wanted to be dazzled. I didn’t see the red flags until it was too late. I was too far gone by then. Now, I’m this bruised shell of a person, but I have three beautiful children I’m fighting to be better and stronger for. I pray I haven’t caused them any long-term issues from seeing what their father did to me. I would do it all over again just for the three angels for whom I thank God daily—my boys Abel and Dillion, and the princess herself, Chloe.
After a beating, I never left the house. Jack would take the kids to his mother’s house so they could still attend school. Jack loves playing the perfect role of the husband, the doting father, and dutiful son. His mom lives in our town most of the time so she can be there for the kids and turns a blind eye to what Jack does to me. I run the charities he chose for me and have always gone to business dinners for Jack. When he noticed the bruises were getting harder to cover, he made me stop going anywhere. The beatings were coming frequently enough that people noticed. One night it became too much for me and I guess my neighbor was concerned for me. The kids were home with me since his mom was out of town, and the next-door neighbor must’ve heard the commotion as she helps the paramedics and cops into the help after Jack left for the night. The cops took my children, and I headed to the hospital.
The nurse who helped me as sweet and very comforting. He told me about an organization that could help me escape Jack. They would protect me and the kids. I agreed and told him I needed to get out now because I was sure someone would call my husband. Now I’m sitting in this house feeling safe but scared of every sound and movement from outside. It’s a weird thing to be safe and scared.
I’m standing in the kitchen, drinking a cup of tea, and staring out the window into the front yard. For the past two weeks, everything has been so quiet. I think back to the day when a plan forms with the Wild Jesters.
A knock at the door makes me a little jumpy, but then I hear a voice on the other side, “Janelle, it’s Wolf from the Wild Jesters; you spoke to Mouthpiece about me.” Feeling more at ease with a name, I answer the door.
Wolf is nothing like what I imagined. She is this short woman with a booming presence and piercing blue eyes that seem to see into my soul. She is also wearing a Wild Jesters cut, which looks very intimidating. “Wolf, please come in.” I invite her into my home, knowing something big will happen. We go into the living room, and she sits and takes a deep breath.
“I just came from the court.” Then Wolf tells me, "Your ex-husband has been charged with threats and domestic abuse.”
“Oh, my God!” I exclaim in disbelief. I can’t believe it. “What do we do now?”
“Yes, his punishment was jail time, but because of his connections, you and your children are in grave danger until he is away for good. It’s a start, but there is more. He has skipped town and we can’t find him. The Wild Jesters and I will be here with you to provide protection and peace of mind until the danger has passed,” Wolf finishes. I sit here in silence, tears streaming down my face. The emotions and bewilderment overwhelm me as I feel my heart beating fast and fear of Jack or someone he knows coming after us sends shivers down my spine. I finally feel like someone cares about my safety and well-being and is here to look after us. I thank God for sending one of his angels.
I look at Wolf and say, “Thank you, Wolf, for your help. I feel so much safer knowing you’re here with us.”
Wolf takes my hand, looks me in the eyes, and says, “We won’t let anyone hurt you and will keep you and your children safe.” I suspect things are about to get a lot harder, but I know from now on I have allies I can count on.
All the questions she asks about my situation is getting frustrating because I sound like a broken record, but I watch as she takes in what I’m not telling her, the bruises on my face, arms, and his fingerprints on my neck. The fingerprints on the boys’ arms where Jack grabs are fading and Chloe’s lump on her head is finally going down. Her fierce eyes and bold demeanor are intriguing, but it’s her compassion that makes me trust her. Wolf’s determination to keep me and my kids safe and protect us from my ex-husband makes me feel safer.
We develop a plan after talking for what seems like hours. She gives me some options, but I’m too scared to think of one. Wolf offers to handle the details herself, giving me tremendous relief. I have faith she will keep us safe.
Wolf finds us a safe place to stay, and she even considers a few extras for the kids, for which I’m so grateful. I can't thank her enough, but she reassures me she’s just doing her job.
Brought out of my thoughts, I hear Chloe calling for me.
“Momma, where are you?” she asks sweetly.
I cannot help but chuckle. “Where am I? I’m in the kitchen deciding what to make for lunch.”
“Can we have grilled cheese and soup?”
“I think I can do that.” I poke her belly, making her giggle. I’m happy she can still smile through it all. “How about you get your brothers and let them know lunch will be ready soon?” Chloe smiles brightly and goes off to get the boys. I can’t help but feel so grateful to have this safe place for me and my children. I’m determined to keep us all safe, and I know that Wolf and the Wild Jesters will lead us in the right direction.
As I prepare lunch, I hear Chloe run in and let me know her brothers are coming soon. Then I listen to Chloe talk about her day. There is a new movie she wants to see about mermaids. I know I'm one of the luckiest moms in the world. Even after all the trials and tribulations I’ve been through, I am still here with my children, safe and sound, and that’s all that matters.