Julia finally went to bed just before eleven. She lay there with her insecure thoughts. Her children were grown and had their own lives, she had no husband, so what on earth is she going to do with herself?
She finally fell asleep and dreamed of the ocean and sunny skies and when she woke up the next morning, she knew exactly what she was going to do.
She was going on a trip, and for the first time in weeks, she started to feel excited. She had no one to tie her down, so she could literally just lock up and go. She will ask the neighbors to water her plants, but other than that, there was not much else to do.
She took a quick shower and as she was drying her hair, she suddenly felt like a change. She dialed the number of her hair stylist, and he was available immediately. Within minutes she was in her car on the way to the salon. The change was remarkable!
She looked ten years younger when she walked out of the salon three hours later. The new red hair suited her perfectly and heads turned as she walked to her car. She could have sworn she heard someone whistle from above and when she looked up, she saw a few construction workers sitting on top of a wall they were repairing. She waved back and felt great when she drove to the mall.
She needed new clothes, and as she took the elevator to the third floor, but she noticed a travel agency on the second level, and immediately changed her mind.
If she didn’t do the booking now, she might never. It took two hours, but Julia booked herself the trip of a lifetime, and it was going to be so worth it. She has saved up for this trip for twenty-five years, and she was going to make it count.
Every month when Peter gave her money for food, she put away a little for them so they could go on a trip for their anniversary. Now there were no more anniversaries, it was only her. She waited long enough, and she had no regrets.
She bought an arm full of clothes, and then realized she was hungry. She locked everything in the car and made her way to a restaurant nearby. She wasn’t used to eating alone, but she will have to get used to it, so she might as well start now.
She ordered her food and a glass of wine, and as she was sipping on her wine she nearly choked when she saw the couple at the door. It was Holly and Peter.
She wanted to disappear but decided to just ignore them. Holly walked right past her to go to the restroom and didn't recognize her. Julia felt like laughing. Once Peter even stared right at her and he didn't recognize her. It made her feel extremely good about herself.
She watched Peter sit alone at the table, and he seemed absolutely miserable. She could see him change his attitude as soon as Holly came back.
When she finished her lunch, she made a point of walking past their table, and paused for a moment to greet them. They were both extremely surprised and Julia felt as if she won the lottery when she walked out of there.
For the first time in the last three months, she felt completely free. She looked and felt wonderful. Her children were fine, and she had a life to live. She was grateful for all the opportunities that lay right in front of her.
That afternoon while she relaxed in her living room with a glass of wine, her phone rang. It was Peter. She didn't know whether she should answer or not but decided that she was tired of playing the second fiddle. She answered the phone sounding confident and strong.
"Julia, I'm sorry.... I’m going through a phase.... I made a mistake..."
She couldn't believe what she just heard.
"You look great Julia...I hardly recognized you...I miss you."
She let him talk, and past feelings rushed back, but she held her pose.
"You should have thought of that when you left Peter."
"I want to come home." Peter said, and she nearly dropped the phone.
"I've moved on Peter. It’s my house now and it is no longer your home. I am alone, I am independent, and I am free to do as I please.”
"Holly left me...I have no place to go..."
She didn't know whether she should feel sorry for him, but all she felt was pity. He sounded pathetic as he begged her to come back.
I guess you will just have to find a new place to stay, or perhaps beg Holly to take you back. I am done Peter. You made the bed, now sleep in it. Goodbye."
She downed her glass of wine. She was alone, but it felt great.... she had her independence back, and she would never ever become dependent on anyone ever again.
She went to bed feeling exhilarated and had the best night’s sleep. She was busy making herself breakfast when her phone rang. It was her lawyer telling her that Peter had signed the agreement.
Another weight fell off her shoulders, and she was as happy as can be when the airport shuttle arrived a few hours later.
-The End-
