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?
New year, new me. Or same me, but so much busier than I've ever been. So much so, that I feel myself reaching the point of burnout. And that can't happen the month before fashion month.
"Where are you two going, then?", asks Bella during our break.
"A little town outside of Manchester. He just wants me to go away from the madness of the city for a couple of days. I don't know what I would do without someone like him stopping me from working too much".
"Hey. What about me?"
"You do that too, but it's not the same. And we work together".
But she doesn't seem to be too pleased with that response. Rúben and her have a little competition to prove who treats me best. It's both ridiculous and adorable.
"How about we have dinner together tomorrow? Before Rúben and I leave".
"Are you cooking?"
"Ok", I shrug, not really caring whether we eat homemade food or have to order something.
"Fine. I'll be your best friend again".
I end up convincing Bella to cook with me instead. She's always complaining about not knowing how to do the simplest things, but then doesn't want me to teach her. Until today. Today, she's learning.
"I'm going to burn everything", she says, before we have even started.
"You won't because I'm here and I won't let that happen".
"I don't know, Grace. We could just order something...".
"No, Bells", I sometimes need to use a mothering tone with her. "You wanted to help me with my stress as Rúben does, right? Well, cooking helps me. But cooking with a friend helps me ten times more".
"Do you and Rúben cook together?", she asks, making me laugh about this silly rivalry.
"Yes. All the time".
Luna comes to the kitchen and starts meowing at us.
"I think she's telling me you are a liar".
"She's asking for her dinner. Can you prepare that for her without burning it?"
**
Rúben has refused to let me know where exactly we are going. The only thing I see as he drives is forest, followed by forest and then some more forest. And a lot of snow.
"Are you going to murder me here? Because everyone knows I'm going away with you".
"You need to stop watching so many true crime shows", he says, shaking his head.
"You like them too".
Then he does a final turn with the car and I'm facing the most beautiful country house I've ever seen in my life.
"Are we staying here?", I say.
He nods and I run out of the car to get a better look.
"You like it?", he asks.
"Impossible not to like it", I say before turning to kiss him. "Thank you. I needed this. Being as far away from the city and from work as possible".
"We barely even get a wifi signal here. You'll be able to rest, my love".
**
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"Remember when you met me?", I say when we are cuddling near the fireplace.
"Of course".
"Am I super different from who I was before? I feel different".
"I guess. You were more timid but apart from that, you are still the same".
I frown and Rúben uses his thumb to remove the frown from my face.
"Why is that there now then?"
"I don't want to be the same I was then. That was me at my lowest. I was sad, weak, ...I don't know. I like to think I've grown".
"And you have. So much. But that doesn't mean you are a different person. You are just you but at your fullest potential".
"Like a better version of myself?", I suggest. I quite like the sound of that.
"Not really. Because that would mean the previous version was bad and let me remind you, I fell in love with that Grace and I have fantastic taste so you couldn't be that bad".
I laugh. "I think I understand what you mean. And I think you're the main reason why I'm a better me now. I just...I feel better when you are with me".
"I appreciate that but don't give me all the credit. It was you who fought to get to this point. Even before meeting me".
I guess he's right. But it's still hard for me sometimes to believe this new me. But I like her. I like this Grace a lot.
"Don't over analyse it. Those of us who love you are just glad to see you are happy. And we don't need a superwoman. Seeing you smile and do so well in life is more than enough".
