The Truth About Today: A Story.

This was it. Today was finally here. The day she had been dreading for what seemed an eternity. She had known this day would come despite constant denial and everyday she tried to tell herself it wasn’t true, it wouldn’t happen; no matter what she would not allow it. Only it was true and it was happening.

Her solution to the problem today posed was to treat it as any other. If nothing was different, nothing would change; this dread would fade away.

Gigi hadn’t slept in days. It seemed as if a ghost of a different kind followed her everywhere she went; a constant reminder of what was yet to come and held it no prisoners. With every passing day guilt crept upon her a little more and the closer it came to her heart the less she would eat, the less she would care, and the more concerned CC became.

CC was leaving; the dread and guilt was solely his fault. At least, that’s what she told herself.

That morning when she rose from bed after yet another sleepless night, she followed her normal routine; took a shower, combed her hair, the same as always. Then when all was said and done, Gigi went into her room and shut the door.

Her room was simple. Five olive green walls with a simple onyx black crown molding enclosing everything she called her own. Gigi scanned her eyes over the room. So many things were a reminder of the past; photo albums displayed on a plain mahogany bookshelf, random frames filled with pictures of the ‘happy couple’ covered all available space, elegant gowns retaining ironic truths lined the closest, beautiful dried flowers and herbs hung from the walls, all a reminder of a solemn truth; beauty and perfection are never perfect. Yet, from an outsider’s view, it looked happy.

As her eyes progressed around her prison Gigi began to realize that the task before her would be the most difficult thing she would ever do, but she was prepared. CC would be home soon and she needed to think. The window and its colorless wooden border dissimilar to the rest of the room looked incredibility inviting.

Making her way to the window, the view outside began to show its self. It was beautiful in every meaning of the word. It was early September and the trees around the house were beginning to change in color. The closer she came to the window the more there was to be seen. The sizeable and outdated stable that rested just on the edge of the property could be seen perfectly from the window. Although, despite the size, there was only one horse to ever be found residing in the stable and it belonged to CC.

Now sitting on the plain oak chest in front of her window, she stared blankly at the horizon to avoid looking at the lake CC and she had often visited. It could be seen clearly from here along with the ancient willows that rested on the banks besides random oak trees that were in the process of changing for fall. The Willow Lake was stunning in everyway and it was her favorite place in the world until recently. Gigi sat in this spot when her head became clouded. CC had called it hiding but what did he know.

Looking out that window made her realize today would change everything; nothing would remain as it once was anymore and she had to be willing to accept that. Then she heard a knock at the door. “Gigi, can I come in?” It was CC; she recognized that voice anywhere.

Gigi turned and faced the door desperately wanting to say ‘no’ if only to put of telling him the truth for a little while longer. Only she couldn’t do that; she couldn’t avoid him forever, even if she wanted to. So she responded with a simple ‘yes’ and waited for the door to open.

The door opened slowly and in walked CC; his long ebony-black hair pushed back from his face revealing a gentle smile she knew all too well. He was perfect in every single way and Gigi knew it.

“Hey, are you done packing yet?” CC asked with a smile as he took her in his arms and squeezed her gently.

The truth was Gigi hadn’t packed and she had no intention of doing so. CC was leaving for his real home and she wasn’t going with. So Gigi sat there unresponsive and waited for him to let go; but he didn’t.

She knew what came next and like a coward Gigi turned away. As his lips touch her cheek she felt part of the barrier she created for herself break away. She didn’t deserve him especially not now, not after what she was about to do. A little despair broke through the crack in her once whole armor in the form of a single tear that now ran down her face. Quickly she wiped the tear away not wanting him to see her cry. It would only make things worse.

CC pulled away but still didn’t take his arms or eyes away from her; this wasn’t the reaction he was used to. “Are you okay?” The concern was apparent in his eyes.

“Yes.” This was a stone-faced lie but, she didn’t care. Her despair was her own. CC didn’t need to know.

Yes? CC knew she was lying. Lying had never been one of Gigi’s strong points. “Are you sure?”

“CC, I’m fine… really…” she said with a awkward smile trying to be convincing.

He wasn’t buying it. CC had known Gigi for several years now and although she wasn’t the kind to show something was wrong, he knew her well enough to know that everything wasn’t fine. “You’re lying…”

The same concern she saw in his eyes once before was now showing itself in his voice. It was spreading like a disease and Gigi hated it; she didn’t need, want, or deserve his pity and concern. “CC. I’m fine.” Gigi stated almost defensively as she shrugged off his arm and walked across the room, “I am just fine.” Maybe if she said it enough times, it would be true.

“Gigi, I know you’re lying… Please…” CC began as he walked over to her, “Please, tell me what’s wrong.” CC then places his hand lightly on the side of Gigi’s face but she flinched and turned away.

They remained like this for what seemed a lifetime. Gigi refused to look at CC; she was going to hurt him and she didn’t want to see his face when she did. CC in turn refused to look away, something was wrong and he knew it.

The silence became increasingly emptier with every passing moment until Gigi couldn’t bear it anymore. “CC… I’m… I’m not going with you.” She admitted sadly as she turned her head hesitantly to look at him. The reaction she received was not what she was expecting.

Confusion slowly crept over CC’s face as he looked at her. What reason did she have for not coming? Had he done something?

“What... Of course you’re coming with… come on… let’s go…” CC offered her a weak smile, “Just get your suitcase and…” CC trailed off glancing around for a suitcase but none was to be found.

Gigi just shook her head at him. “CC, I’m not going. I’m staying here.” She repeated hoping this time he would understand.

“Then you’re coming later?” CC smiled naively still denying what he’d been told, “that’s fine. I’ll just…”

“No, CC.” She cut him off more sternly then she would have liked but there was no changing that now. Softening her voice she continued, “I’m not meeting you there later… I’m not going… Not now, not ever… I’m sorry.”

Their lives were so different that sometimes Gigi wondered how they had made it this far. CC was going back to live with his parents, the duke and duchess of Akanon. CC’s real name wasn’t even CC. It was Xavier and he was brought up in grandeur taught by some of the greatest minds of their time and trained to handle any situation.

Gigi’s life was quite different. To her knowledge she has no parents and no family. Gigi wasn’t even her real name; it was the name she gave herself in place of her forgotten birth name. The earliest memory she had was being lost in the forest, scared, confused, and alone as an eight year old little girl. After that she went to an orphanage where she was shunned and ridiculed because she was ‘different’. Gigi was unlike other people; the biggest indicator of this was her bright pink hair and despite what many people thought it was naturally that way. She also had uncanny bad luck around water. If water was present something would go wrong; the number of times she’d almost drowned in her past memorable eight years was beyond the realm of normal.

CC looked at her blankly still not believing her. “Why…” It was all he could bring himself to ask although he wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.

Why? It was a simple question and Gigi knew the answer but she was scared. Scared telling him would make it true. Yet every time before when she thought to ask herself the same question, she always came to the same conclusion. “You deserve better.” Three simple words yet they explained everything.

The words hit CC hard but it didn’t show. It wasn’t in his character. “No… What gives you that idea...” CC smiled at her as he spoke trying to make it seem like everything was okay. “I love you… don’t be foolish.” Every moment CC looked over her face searching for something, anything which would show him what she was thinking; but Gigi let nothing escape the stone-faced expression she now held.

“I’m not being foolish CC.” She started coldly then realizing her tone stopped. After a moment she continued sweetly, comfortingly, “You are wonderful and perfect and everything I’ve ever wanted but…” she started with a weak smile but it soon faded. “You are the duke’s son. Someday you’ll take his place and when you do, I don’t want to be the one holding you back.” She spoke as if these facts alone explained everything and in a way they did.

Now everything was starting to make sense to him. His sister had finally gotten to Gigi. He didn’t know why or how, but Allison was getting exactly what she wanted; CC back at the castle and Gigi no where in sight.

CC’s sister, Allison, had always held a grudge against her but the last time they spoke Allison had taken it too far and Gigi was sick of fighting back. CC’s father had always liked Gigi but his mother and sister had always been another story.

His mother, Elise, had always treated Gigi as kindly as she knew how although this wasn’t saying much. Elise was all too often wholly convinced no one was good enough for her ‘little boy’ especially someone such as Gigi and Elise never failed to show it.

Now Allison was another story. Allison hated Gigi for little to no fault of her own. It was true Allison had a dislike for ‘commoners’ but that wasn’t the problem here. When it came to Gigi the problem was her brother. The last time Gigi and Allison spoke, Allison had told her many things and she could remember them all too well.

‘Some day Xavier will be duke and when that day comes I will do everything within my power to ensure you will not be present. He will go on to do great things, magnificent things, and he doesn’t need you holding him back. Now leave us be. Let him get on with his life.’ Gigi did leave and that name and everything Allison said followed her.

CC looked at Gigi for a moment unable to speak but eventually he did. “Did Allison tell you that, Gigi, because it’s not true. I love you and I want you to come with me.”

Gigi searched his face in vain for any sign he was lying but he wasn’t. CC never lied and she knew it. “CC don’t say that. Please, just leave. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

CC was quick to answer her. “No. I’m not leaving without you.” CC was sincere when he said this only it wasn’t true but not through any fault of his own.

“You can and you will.” She trailed off closing her eyes. “Now please, go…” Gigi finished weakly as she began to shake. Things were simple; he had to leave and she had to stay.

The room was starting to grow dark as the sun outside began to set casting shadows on the wall but no one noticed. CC took a step towards Gigi as she began to shake in the dark and wrapped his arms around her. “Shh… it’s alright” he comforted her, “Everything will be okay.”

Gigi began to relax at the sound of his voice mixed with the rain that now pelted her window with terrifying force. Then she realized what was happening and shoved CC back away from her and made her way to the other side of the room now refusing to look at him. Gigi had let her guard down once and she wouldn’t do it again.

CC stumbled backwards and watched her walk away confused. “Gigi, I don’t understand.” He didn’t know what to tell her so he repeated himself like a broken record, “I love…” but she cut him off.

“Stop saying that!” Gigi yelled at him shaking more now then she was before. “Stop.” She repeated weakly shaking her head still not letting her eyes meet his.

“Gigi…” CC was cut off again.

“No. This is for the best. Just leave.”

“I don’t think you believe that and I know this isn’t what you want.” The rain outside was starting to relax into a barely audible patter on the side of the house.

As the rain settled to a whisper Gigi listened and it seemed as the rain relaxed so did she until finally minutes later she could answer him. “What I want? You know nothing of what I want.” Mild depressant laughter could be heard on the edge of her voice. “Please, I… I don’t want you here anymore.” This was a lie but Gigi could think of nothing else to say that might possibly make him leave without her.

‘I don’t want you here anymore.’ The words rang with a mad fury in his ears while denial crept over him. CC watched her for the longest time trying to think of what he should do but in the end he gave in. His father had always told him that sometimes what was right was not always easy and this was anything but easy. “Gigi” he began with a solemn expression, “If you truly don’t want me here anymore, I’ll leave; and if this is what you choose remember you always know how to find me.”

She looked at him cheerlessly, doubt and guilt written on her face. “I want for you to leave without me CC.”

He knew this had been a possibility but he was so certain it wouldn’t be her response. “Then… Then I’ll be leaving…” CC choked out hoping she would stop him but she didn’t.

Gigi just nodded at CC and watched him walk over and give her one final hug before wandering over to the door and pausing for a moment. “Good bye, Gigi.” Then he was gone.

She listened to his car pull out of the driveway and into the distance before sinking to the floor. Gigi then began to weep feeling as if everything she possessed inside her had been taken away.

The lesson Gigi learned today was doing the right thing wasn’t always easy. She really did love him, more so then she ever had anyone else and that’s why she had to let him go. Maybe some day they could be friends but right now he had to go do his thing. Allison was right, he was meant to do great things and Gigi wouldn’t stand in the way of that.

Looking back on everything, Gigi never did find out how long she sat in her cold dark prison listening to the rain before a sad truth can to face. Today was finally over and she could move on with her life. Better yet, he could move on with his. As if she never existed at all.

The truth of today was simple. Love was never easy.