What is the matter with you, Darrel! ” Shouted Drazella as she raced across the room fleeing from her boyfriend’s rage. Darrel was in one of his jealous phases and whenever that happened Drazella always ended up with a black eye or worst. But today was different. She wasn’t about to give Darrel the satisfaction of beating her up. Not today, not ever. She rushes to the living room. “ Back off, Darrel or I’ll… I’ll…” “ Or you’ll what?” He sneered Drazella grabbed hold of a nearby ashtray and lifted it to her head. “ Or I’ll nock the s…sshit out of you!” “ Excuse me?” “ you heard me, I’ll nock you out!” she shouted as she tightens her grip on her weapon. Realizing she wasn’t joking he took a step back and cooled his temper. Drazella new for the moment she had the upper hand and should seize that opportunity before it was retaken. “ I’m through having to deal with your stupid attitude. I’m through being your damn punching bag every time something, or someone gets you pissed.” Darrel said nothing. She made her way to the door, ashtray still at hand. She took one last look back at Darrel and said “ I love you, Darrel. But I can’t stay with you if things are going to be like this.” “ Why, Drazella, what a surprise it is to see you!…” “ Mrs. Georges!” The moment Drazella turned to leave, she bumped into Darrel’s mother. Mrs. Georges was a wonderful, thirty year old, who never failed to make her presence known. She wore heavy fragrance that always seemed to choke anyone who dare inhale it, and she wasn’t too afraid to show off what she had. “ I was just about to leave, Mrs. Georges.” “ Well… ok, hon. Say hello to your mother for me.” On her way home Drazella smiled to herself for having the strength and courage to stand up to Darrel. And when she gazed down and saw the ashtray at hand she Laughed. She had finally taken a stand.