I got messaged by my ex recently. The one I was with when I made the post at the bottom. After years of silence. I wrote out all the things to try and process. I can share it here. First, the story of the relationship.
------After my marriage ended (story for another time), I ended up in a not so great relationship. Partially due to my inability to deal with being alone. Partially because my parents were encouraging me to leave.
So when I met someone who seemed good and welcoming I jumped at the chance.
I knew about her ex but I thought he was out of the picture entirely. After a couple weeks and one date we made plans for me to go stay there. When I arrived, I found out the ex was staying there because he was recently needed for transportation reasons and took that as an ok to stay. And my presence was described to him as "a friend with mental difficulties who needs a place to crash for a bit." She told me it was better than having everything out in the open and him being angry, because she has two kids there.
It took about two weeks of them fighting and such for him to finally leave. I was going through anxiety and panic attacks during because I didn't know what was going to happen or when. I just stayed on the couch most of the day.
After he left, I asked if I was going to moved into her room like we talked about, and she says let's wait a couple days for the kids and everything to feel calm and comfortable.
I had managed to get a job at Burger King by then. And one day after getting home from work, I saw there was a gym bag at the foot of her bed. I asked about it and she said a friend lost his apartment and need to crash for a week tops. And that to keep things simple he will crash in her room.
Reassured me he was just a friend and he will be gone soon. That week or so, turned into 3 months he was there. During that time, he was presented to others and family as "the boyfriend". Because her ex would sometimes come by to get some of his stuff and she said it was better to say the new guy was the boyfriend.
Also during this time, I noticed she was into certain things. Like taking her pain killers by crushing them up and sniffing them. She sent me on a shopping trip to go get supplies needed to take whip-hits.
And had me try them on occasion. And also one time she over did it and was unresponsive for almost a minute and I gave cpr to her and when she came to, she acted like everything was fine.
In an attempt to get all of her exes things out, she asked if I and Josh (the "boyfriend") if we could leave while he was there. This was in Maine in April. Still chilly. Turned into me staying out overnight on the street.
Then said that the ex won't leave. We can just crash in the basement. Which was unfinished. So dirt floor and my bed was a work bench. Was there for a week. She finally got him out, and applied for a protection from abuse from the court. She asked me to write a statement for it. I did.
And on the day of the hearing I find out minutes before I would have to go up and give verbal statement and be questioned by both parties. It was difficult. Putting it lightly. I had to lie, not mentioning why I lived there. Josh was publicly called her boyfriend.
The judge could tell I was having difficulty. And he actually believed me more than the other three people involved because he felt I had a perspective not based on a romantic connection. After that it got a little more quiet. But I was still this guy living on her couch. Who was convinced that I was love by her. Been with her intimately.
But all these signs say that she was with this other guy Josh. He slept in her room. He was convinced that they had a future together. My panic attacks were regular. I lost weight even working at Burger King and not doing anything all day.
Finally, after much help and direct assistance from an online friend, my dad came to get me. While taking my stuff out she came down and got loud. Saying it's not right. Things are ok. And as I was leaving she said "you can't understand because of your autism".
I got to my parents place. Got a job. On day two of my job I get a text from her. A picture of an ultrasound. Thankfully I had a moment of calm and I immediately sent it to two women friends of mine who are mothers. They could tell and told me that it wasn't current and not hers.
After that day, I had to set my own limit. No contact. Don't read or respond or message ever. She knew me too well and could manipulate information and hit all those spots in my head. ---------
Now for the first message. Came on Facebook.
I’m sure you’d rather not here from me, but I need to apologize for what happened between us. You’re a good person and a even better friend. I was not in a good place last time we spoke or hung out. For that I am sorry and can’t apologize enough. I’ve changed as a person and I never want to be that person again. So I hope you’ll forgive me. I’m not a horrible person.. I just made a series of bad choices. I’m a firm believer that in life we all have to strive to become better people. My Father passed away last January and it’s put life in prospective for me. That’s why I’m leaving Maine to break away from the sickness of my family. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I’d like to try being friends again. Nothing fancy or fast... just friends.... I still care about you and probably always will. Please let me know and I’ll respect anything decision you make. Take care and remember to smile. ------
I didn't read it for about a day. Then I read it. So she then could tell i read it. And I actually considered responding after waiting maybe 3 days. My thought was that if she was genuine, she wouldn't need my response in order to do better as a person. I didn't have to think about it 3 says. About a day or so after reading it, I got the other message. For context, Taran is her son. He was 8 years old about when we were together.
------ No response hun... I’ll respect your wishes if you really don’t want anything to do with me, but I thought more of you then holding on to grudges. When you needed support I was there and excepted you for you. Even after I found out about the embezzlement. I just thought that out of anyone in this world you’d be the one person that could forgive. You have to admit Matt that we did have some fun while we were together. How did it feel when others found out about what you did and snubbed you because of a mistake? I’m just asking for a shot.... yes my life will go on without you, but that’s not what I wanted. I guess I was truly hoping that maybe you’d grown up some and didn’t feel the need for approval from others to be friends with someone. Taran still asks about you from time to time and I’m truly shocked that you of all people wouldn’t even give me a condolence for my father or my cousin Zack. Who both passed away. Maybe I don’t know you as well as I thought. Such a shame, but you’ve obviously made up your mind. So I truly won’t contact you again. I know I’ve said this before. Unfortunately this time I mean it. I really did think more of you.
Good bye Matty and try not living with malice and hate in your heart. Take care...,,. --------
I want to be free of my anxiety. Doubt. Struggle. The stuff that she gave me.
*picture is a reminder I keep.