Hard Decisions by Elaine © 2020

Hard Decisions by Elaine © 2020

No one in this story is based on anyone alive or dead. It is a work of fiction and should not be read by minors. I appreciate the kind efforts of many of my friends who cast a welcoming glance over the initial writings. I owe you all a big debt of thanks.

Prologue

I think I’m in love and this is the story of that love affair. Some would say it’s quite an unusual love affair, but in many ways it’s just quite different. There will be some sadness, but tenderness and love too.

It's the story of how I came to make some hard decisions, had the heartbreak afterwards and then began to adjust to my new existence. My name is Julie by the way and so I hope you'll stay and read my little story.

Author’s note – I couldn’t resist giving most of the characters a name starting with the letter J.

Chapter 1 - Bumping into one another

I first met Jamie several months ago quite by accident at the local supermarket. He was sweet when he helped me with an embarrassing problem that suddenly developed. I was walking out of the store when I suddenly slipped on the wet surface by the exit. As I did, my two shopping bags fell and burst wide open. There were apples, oranges, vegetables and tins of cat food all around entrance of the store, before Jamie my white knight kindly arrived to help me.

He didn’t ask to help, he just did. As I picked myself up and surveyed my torn tights and felt my throbbing ankle he was at my side with a look of concern.

"Are you, all right?" He asked checking me over.

"I think so. Whoever designed this store didn’t think about slippery surfaces and stiletto heels," I said trying to see the funny side.

"Ah I see you like cats," he said putting the tins into a sturdy cardboard box he had suddenly conjured up.

"Yes, I have three," I replied concerned that my shopping would be spoiled and that no-one else was helping me gather up the loose items of food.

"My dad always took great delight in torturing cats that entered his garden, but I would always let them go, I couldn’t abide what he did to them," he replied picking up the box now brimming full of food.