Catch me when I fall (Rúben Dias)

Chapter 1

Ever since I was a little kid, my dream was to work in fashion. I remember watching the 90s models on tv and wanting to be them. Then that changed into wanting to make the clothes they wore. But none of those ideas was truly me. What I really want to do, what I think I'm meant to do, is be a fashion journalist. Writing about the collections I see on the runway and helping create the images I adore from the magazines.

That's how I ended up studying journalism at university. And today, finally, I'm graduating.

"We are so proud of you, honey", says my mum.

"Thank you. Should we go celebrate?"

"Let's go".

My dad puts his arm on my shoulders and leads me towards the car. He's a journalist himself and has always hoped I'd change my mind about my future. Apparently writing about the economy isn't fun and glamorous, but pays the bills. When you want to work in a creative industry, there is a lot of talk about things like paying bills.

"Should we wait for Abel?", I say, looking around to find my boyfriend.

"Yes, I guess", says my dad in a tone that says it all. My parents don't like my boyfriend.

"Hey baby", Abel lifts me and spins me. "Congrats!"

"Thank you!", I say, kissing him. "Do you want to join me and my parents for lunch?"

I see him looking at them. He knows they don't like him but doesn't seem to really care. "Sure thing".

**

"To Grace", says my mum, raising her glass for a toast.

"To Grace!"

I blush and take a sip. "Thank you. I wouldn't have made it without you. Without all of you".

We continue eating until the desserts are served and it's in the middle of eating my chocolate mousse that my dad decides to bring up the big topic.

"So, what now? Are you staying in London?"

"Yes dad", I say, looking down. "Abel and I will stay in our apartment and just work it out from there".

"Doesn't sound like the most solid plan, does it?"

"Pete...", tries to interrupt my mum. "Maybe it's not the day for this".

"When is it then? She's now alone in the big adult world".

"You're not alone, Grace", says my mum quickly.

"She knows what I mean".

She's right here, I think.

"Dad, I'll keep on writing for the publications that have already published my articles before and try to find something in my field while doing that".

"Will that be enough?"

"I've been saving money my whole life to make this possible".

"Have you?", asks Abel. Maybe I have kept certain things, like that, from him. If he knew how much money I have, he'll insist on going on fancy holidays and buying a new car. But I don't need that. I need the money for my career.

"I hope you are doing the right thing. It's not as if Abel here can provide for you".

The fact that Abel chooses to ignore that comment says it all. He agrees with my dad so much he's willing to accept the insult.

"Well, if things don't work out there is always a plan b. So let's just enjoy today. Please".

"Yes, let's do that and leave Grace alone", says my mum, happy about the change of subject. I can only imagine how many times she's had to hear this at home.

**

"I'm finally free", I say when we get to the apartment, falling into our bed.

"Should we celebrate?", says Abel, taking his shirt off and coming closer to the bed.

I nod. There is a lot that should be celebrated today.