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?
"I want to write it on the cards for your family".
"That's so sweet", says Rúben, hugging me from behind while I keep on writing cards. "You are so sweet".
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**
For the Boxing Day match, my parents finally come to watch a match at the Etihad. My mum insisted on wearing a Rúben shirt and was annoyed I didn't want to wear one. The "I'll wear one at a final so it's more special" spiel didn't work for her. So I'm wearing a Rúben scarf instead. It's so extra. I can't wait to read all the mean comments about me today.
But the most important thing for me is seeing how our families are bonding. It was already like that at the Christmas Eve dinner. And I'm happy to see it continues at the match. To the point where I think they've forgotten about me. But that's ok, I got some company.
A last-minute addition to the match is Andy, who was very happy to be given another Rúben scarf to wear. His husband had to leave for work on Christmas Day and I really didn't want him to be alone. He's done so much for me, this is the least I can do. And he's family too.
"Why is your boyfriend doing that?", he asks, making me look at Rúben. But he's not even near the ball.
"What do you mean? He's not doing anything".
"He's pulling his shorts up all the time. Is he trying to make the opposition faint so he wins? It would work if he was playing against me".
It would work if he was playing against me too. "It's just something he does", I shrug, not truly understanding why he does it either.
