Chapter 2

Pearl loaded up the last of what she could fit into the small truck she rented. John and Janie, still in her life and still her friends, helped with the last few boxes. She had remained in touch with them over the years even though Paul didn't like them.

All she had were most of her clothes, a few dishes, some blankets, all of her books and journals and any photographs and important documents she wanted to keep. She left everything else. She was going to into this with nothing. Not only did she not want those things because of the tainted reminders they carried, but she had hoped it would incline Paul to be more agreeable to the divorce, when she filed.

"We need to stop by our place and grab the couch and table set we have in our basement for you. I know they aren't new but they are two less things you'll have to worry about getting." John said.

"You have no idea how grateful I am to you both for helping me through all of this. I love you guys so much." Pearl hugged them and closed the back of the rental truck.

She knew she had to do this. She knew it was what needed to happen. It didn't make it any less difficult or sad.

She was grateful she and Paul never had children. He always said he wanted them but she knew that was all for show. He was too selfish to love anything other than himself. Plus, their intimate life was almost non-existent. He barely ever touched her and when he did, it was fast and obligatory. They had maybe been intimate 5 times in the last 3 years. And that was overestimated. He was controlling. He tried to object to her having a car but he finally agreed to finance one for her, as long as it was in his name. So not only was she leaving her home, but she was leaving her car as well.

They loaded the items of furniture at John's house and headed to Pearl's new place. She was meeting the landlord there to sign the lease and get the key. It was very last minute and the only way she could pull it all off without Paul knowing. She made her way up the stairs and knocked on the door. It was a small building with 4 units. Hers was the top floor with a balcony. She was thrilled about the outdoor space. It was one bedroom with a small room off the living room with French doors that was perfect for a small office/library. The only thing she didn't like was that the only entrance was an entry into the kitchen, but she would find a way to deal with it. This landlord was being very kind to her, she had no rental references and very little credit, but she had saved enough for the deposit and three months rent in advance as well as having enough left over to buy a bed and a cheap car.

"Ok so that's your year lease copy and your receipt for the deposit and rent. Here's the key. Good luck to you." The landlord handed Pearl the key and smiled. He knew he was doing a good thing, she hadn't told him everything but he understood.

"Ok, let's get this stuff unloaded!" Pearl said to John and Janie, waving the key.