The beginning of a chapter and end of an era

One day about seven years ago, a beautiful and smart young English women set out for America. She moved to the city where I live, but I only met her a little over a year ago. Her mom, step dad and brother came too, but the parents went home to the life they were used to.

That's when the young women struck out on her own and launched a new era in this neighborhood where I now live. It's also where she lived until today.

She's someone who could do just about anything she decides to do. She tried a few career paths and ended up managing the pub where we hang out often. She left there and now bar tends somewhere else. That's one way so many people know - or know of - her. Even though I didn't know her then, every few months, a friend from way back pops up. They adore her, and I always know they're good people because she only picks the good ones. And those who aren't the good ones, don't exist to her.

I'm not sure if it was her upbringing, bar tending or something else that made her so wise. I learn from her often - from health stuff and how to solve problems to fashion and fun sex games. And I only wish I had a fraction of her sassy attitude. What you see is it. No games.

Over the last few weeks, I watched the boxes pile up and the apartment get more sparse. The walls became bare as she packed the photos of friends and the Big Ben and Union Jack pictures. Then today it was empty. She, her boyfriend and his friend who came down to help with the move slept on the floor since the furniture was already loaded. Then they all drove away in their trucks.

Dropping her keys in the office was heartbreaking. Even though she'll be back often and I'll visit her, she doesn't live here anymore. When she did, I didn't see her every day, but I knew she was in the next building just a text or three-minute walk away. I watched her pup and she took care of Lucy when we were away. We made sure each other got home safely at night and had long talks about our problems, fears and dreams.

This move will force me to think smarter on my own so I stay out of unpleasant or dangerous situations. I'll ask myself - especially when it comes to guys, "What would she do?"

This move is one of her dreams - the beginning of a new chapter. She and her boyfriend are starting a life together. For the first time, they'll be under the same roof, seven days a week. At times, it may seem like falling into a dark tunnel like in this fun house at the state fair, but I know she can handle it. Over the weekend, they both said how excited they were about living together. And that makes it all okay. Someday, I hope to dance at their wedding to help begin the next chapter.

Love to the single girls,
Addison