My Neighbour Got Hit By Ex. :(
By AussieGal13
@AussieGal13 (377)
Australia
April 3, 2013 9:47pm CST
Last night my dad and I came home. ( We live in a unit so directly across us there are my neighbours Leanne and her 8 year old daughter Kate. )
When I got out of the car I saw Kate standing at her door and for the first time ever she was hesitant on coming out to hug me. She always comes out to hug me even if her mum says no. She's at that age right now where she doesn't listen to her mum and back answers. Although sometimes I don't think it is an age thing. Her mum and I sometimes think its because Kate's mum and dad are separated.
So I walk over to Kate and I looked at her face and could see she had been crying. I've heard her cry many times from either being hurt or not getting her own way but this time I could just tell it was from something else. So I walk in and Leanne told me that her and her ex ( Keith ) had an argument and Kate was sticking up for Leanne and Keith yelled at Kate as well. So this made Kate upset so Kate walked over to mine for a bit to play with our dog and it cheered her up a bit. I felt like crying when I saw Kate crying. Tried to get her to talk about it and she did say some things but I feel so bad for the little thing. I told her I knew what it was like to watch parents fight so she knows she can talk to me about it.
But in the meantime I saw Keith pull up and I heard Leanne yell something out and then Keith left. Kate and I went back outside and while Kate was looking down at my iPad, Leanne whispered to me that Keith had hit her on the face. I don't know whether she meant slap or punch but the left side of her cheek was puffy and she had been crying. I gave her a hug. I didn't know what else to do and plus we couldn't talk about it while Kate was there but man I am so upset for my neighbour and annoyed that Keith would do this. I have met him and said hello when he is there to see Kate.
A police car did come by last night so I'm guessing Leanne is either pressing chargers or getting a restraining order against him.
I was going to buy flowers or something for Leanne because I don't know what else to do. Is there anything else I can do that might cheer her up a bit? I was also thinking of buying her a massage voucher or something and say I will look after Kate for a day while she goes out and relax.
Happy MyLotting.
~AussieGal~
1 person likes this
2 responses
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
4 Apr 13
That is horrible especially for Kate. Kids are so delicate at that age and to witness fighting between her parents is just not good. It stays with the child forever. I think that would be very nice of you to give her something where she can have some time to herself. However, I think I would invite Leanne and Kate for dinner. Where you and Leanne can talk because she seems to really need someone at this time to talk. I'm so glad I'm with a man who wouldn't dare put his hands on me. I think men who hit women are nothing but cowards. They are insecure with themselves and don't know how to be a real man.
@Kementari (138)
• Canada
4 Apr 13
It sounds like Keith and Leanne do not get along at all, so I think Leanne needs to think about what is best for Kate. In situations like these it is definitely not good for the child to witness fighting between parents. Strife is always remembered and as the child grows there will be questions asked. I think it would be a splendid idea to either invite them over for dinner as lelin has suggested, or buy her flowers to cheer her up.
Leanne sounds like she needs someone to talk to, or at least give her some company, and Kate should be in the company of people who are happy. Life is about being happy and that's what children need the most.
@AussieGal13 (377)
• Australia
9 Apr 13
Hello lelin!
I know exactly what you mean there. I'm 22 years old now and still having trouble getting over some terrible fights my mum and dad had. It's been hard trying to talk to Leanne lately because Kate has been around but I would like to get the chance to talk to Leanne soon so she has someone to talk to. Leanne and Kate did come over a few nights ago. Kate knows that her dad hit Leanne. I'm guessing Leanne was being honest since you can clearly see a bruise on her cheek.
Leanne does not know whether she wants to press chargers or what yet. She told me the police went to Keith's house to question him and he denied it. -_-
Kate said the most strangest thing though. Kate said to her mum "if you out dad in jail then I will put you in jail." Leanne said that it wasn't right for him to hit her and then Kate said "we'll you shouldn't yell at him." I know Kate is only 8 but even then, how can she not know hitting someone in the face is wrong?
I have a feeling that Keith has been talking to her anout it and saying it was all Leanne's fault. I'm not totally sure though but Kate seems to be more on her dads side.
Thank you so very much for answering!
@AussieGal13 (377)
• Australia
13 Apr 13
Hello Kementari!
I agree. Leanne was trying to remain friends with Keith so Kate could be happy they keep in contact that way but now it seems it would be best to not even be in the same room together.
I have seen her a lot lately and I'm taking her out to go have a massage soon. Can't wait
Thank you so very much for answering :)
@AussieGal13 (377)
• Australia
13 Apr 13
Hello AidanKay!
I was really angry and sad for them too. Things have calmed down a bit but Leanne doesn't want anything to do with him. She was trying to keep peace with him to make Kate happy that her parents can get along but it looks like it can't be that way. So if Keith was to pick Kate up from Leanne's, Kate is just going to walk outside and get picked up so Keith won't come in the house anymore.
Thank you very much for you answer. :)
