Grace's dream was a career in the fashion industry. But while she's finally pursuing that dream, her personal life remains a nightmare. Will she be able to escape an abusive relationship? And will she be able to find happiness and maybe true love?
The thing about breakups is that no matter how much you think you need one, it still hurts. The longer I stay away from Abel, the more I notice the damage being with him left in me. But still, I miss him.
I don't miss the fights, the humiliations, the never feeling good enough. I miss having someone by my side. I miss the idea of him. I need to learn how to be alone again when I've never really been alone before.
Andy has been trying to get me to go out with him now we are both in Manchester for our new jobs. And I've joined the people from the office a couple of times for drinks. But then I come back to an empty apartment and I don't really know what to do.
I don't really have friends outside of work. I never had many and when I started dating Abel, my old ones were left behind. And his friends were never my friends so...I keep on trying to learn how to be by myself. Every day. And some days are easier than others.
Whenever the weather is nice enough, I walk home to and from work. It helps me empty my mind. Today is one of those days. It's so lovely, I stop to close my eyes and take a deep breath but then I notice something touching my leg. When I look down, I see a kitten.
"Hi", I say, crouching down to touch it. "Are you hungry? Do you want some food?"
"Luna!! Luna!!", I hear a child scream, and when she sees me, she runs towards me. "You found Luna!"
"Oh, is this your cat?"
"Not really. Do you want her?"
"What?", I can't help but laugh. "What do you mean?"
"This is my cat's kitten. My mum is trying to find a new house for all of her kittens so if you want her, you can have her. She's so pretty".
I haven't had a pet since I was a little girl but it doesn't sound like the worst idea. And the little girls is right, Luna is really pretty.
"Where is your mum? She'll be worried about you".
"It'll take you to her", she says, grabbing the kitten with one hand and me with the other.
We walk for only a couple of minutes before I see a woman looking around, probably looking for her daughter and the kitten.
"Oh, Alba, there you are. You can't run away like that! And you found Luna".
"Yes, and a new mum for Luna, right?"
She's now looking at me. "Hi, I'm Grace. The kitten was with me when your daughter found her and she told me you are giving them away".
"I am, yes. I'm Laura", she tells me, offering her hand for me to shake it. "If you want Luna, I'd be happy to give her to you but I need some information about you first. I can't just give my kitten to a random woman. No offence".
"I totally understand. How about we go to that café and have a drink while we chat? My treat!"
Twenty minutes later, I have a sleepy kitten on my lap.
"I have only been here for three months but without my family, it feels a bit lonely. And I had a bad breakup before the move so...yeah. It's not been the easiest time".
"It sounds like you could use the company", says Laura pointing at Luna, "I got Luna's mum after my husband passed and I don't know what Alba and I would have done without her. I'm glad Luna will do something similar for you".
"So, can I keep her?"
"You can, Grace. We can meet in a couple of days when I have all of her vet's paperwork with me. And it'd give you time to get your place ready. But she's yours if you want her".
And that's how I ended up becoming a cat mum. Too much of a break-up cliché?
**
"Are you going to turn into a crazy cat lady now?", asks Andy while he plays with little Luna. I love the name so much that I won't be changing it.
"It's just one cat. And even if...", I shrug.
"I'm kidding, Grace. I love that you're moving on. Coming to Manchester was already a great step. And work is great, isn't it?"
"It is", I agree.
I feared moving to a new job, but it has been fantastic. Non-stop work, but that was never an issue for me. And the environment in the office is a lot healthier than it was in London. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I feel my creative flow has been better than ever too.
"And now you get a pet to further decorate this gorgeous apartment. You can't ask for more".
"Really?", I ask surprised.
"Really", answers Andy, frowning.
"I'm shocked you haven't mentioned meeting a hot man that will make me have the best sex of my life".
"I keep mentioning that and you ignore me", he rolls his eyes. "But you'll find him at the right time. I'm sure. I mean, you could have a new guy every day if you wanted to".
"So you keep saying".
"Because I know it's true. But I also know you don't want that and I respect it. You...you don't have to tell me about your ex, Grace. But I can put two and two together. I know he hurt you and you need to heal. You're doing so well so far. And you'll take as long as you need to heal fully. And I'll be there every step of the way".
"I don't", I start, trying to say the right words, "I don't know how to talk to a friend, Andy. That's the problem. He made sure I didn't have any and I just don't know how to tell you or what to tell you. And you are older than me, and a married man. I don't want to sound like a teenager being stupid and lose your friendship because of that".
"Grace", by his tone I can notice how serious he is right now, "it's fine. Friends don't judge. Friends are here to listen to anything. I don't want you to feel like you need to explain anything to me but I do want you to know if you need to just talk or something, I'll listen".
"Thank you", I tell him, embracing him and allowing myself to let someone else help me heal. Because I could do it alone but why choose that when I don't have to?
**
"I hear there are cat photos you are gatekeeping from me, Grace Katherine, and I want them", says Bella, when I get to the office.
"How do you know my middle name?"
"Cat photos. Now!"
Bella has been the person who's helped me the most since I started this new job. My friend group used to be formed by only girls but I haven't really had a proper friendship with a woman in a long time. It's really nice, actually. I missed this kind of connection without even knowing I was missing it. It seems like all people care about is romance. But having good friends is the real foundation towards happiness. Also, I feel like a friend like Bella would never allow me to make the mistake of dating another "Abel".
"Oh my God, she's adorable. When can I meet her?"
But that step still needs to be taken. Her coming to my apartment. Us hanging out the way real friends do.
"Whenever you're free", I offer.
"How about tonight? I can bring some food and we can have a girls' night".
"Sounds fun".
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