Different Type of Love

2

Cecilia.

September 30, 1945

Grady is 29, he is an actor. I am 26. Although I do love him, we have problems, many. Since he is much older than I, he uses that to his advantage. I wish the woman before me, Milly Chris, told me what he was like. Everyone knew something was wrong but never dared to ask. We saw her life crumble, she was lost in drugs. She had an overdose at only 23, a few years before Grady and I got together. The first time you get hit by your intended, it's because you shouted. You get hit and are unsure of what do to. You both stand there is shock. 

The second time, you disagree about having children. 

The third is expected, you know for a fact, you aren't the first one he's does this to. What caused it was an argument about the house work, so you get a maid. 

Then he beats you. It feels like it will never end but you have hope. You want to leave but you are deeply infatuated with the man and feel sorry if you ever left him. Or so you thought. 

We grow up being told boys will be boys will playfully hit and bully you when they like you. No, trust me when I say they don't especially if it is a grown man. When a man loves you, he treats you like gold. A diamond if you're lucky enough. I always throught Scott loved me like a diamond, in reality, I was just an agate.

"Cecilia, come on. We are leaving." He shouts.

"Grady, I'm trying, you woke me up late! I need to grab everything I need." I yell.

"Cecilia, hurry up!"He orders.

"Grady! Stop rushing me! You woke me up late, not-" I feel a hand hit me across the face. 

Let me tell you, when you get hit across the face, your face stings. It becomes hot and begins to throb. Your eyes water as your heart sinks. You are taken aback while you fight your tears, trying your best not seem pathetic. You feel stunned, ashamed, and cannot help but stare off. Block everything out but your embarrassment. 

I take a deep breath and compose myself, my voice surprisingly stays strong and assertive.

"Is it red?" I ask, placing my hand on my face but don't dare look at him.

"Yes, Cecilia." I hear guilt fill his voice but I ignore it.

"Please leave my apartment. I'll meet you in the car when I am ready." I say.

"I-" He begins.

"Get out!" I shout. He walks out as he grabs his stuff. My lips tremble as I cover my face and cry into my hands. I lay on my bed and curl up, hugging myself. I sob and sob until I realize it's been too long. I stand up, inhale, and stop my tears. I head to the bathroom, wash my face and do my makeup to hide the red spot. 

I place everything I need in a singular bag and head to his car. We don't speak to one another as he drives. He first drops me off at my hospital before leaving to go on set. "I am so sorry I am late." I say as I walk to behind the front counter of the hospital and set everything down. I see a friend of mine, Tegan, in a Christmas hat, waiting very patiently for me.

"Oh, baby, you look a mess." She whispered, grabbing my face and moving my head, all kinds of ways.

"I apologize, I guess the wind got ahold of my hair." I let out a nervous laugh before pulling my face away.

"You know that isn't want I meant." She narrows her eyes. "You tripped." She saidc not questioning me, she was telling me I had tripped. I knew she knew what had happened, but we choose not to speak upon it. I nod in agreement. It isn't shocking at the fact I was beat. Not at all. Almost every woman now is. Even if you are gorgeous, famous, a mother, that doesn't mean a thing.