The lie
1396 Words
Julian wore a faded but neatly pressed navy-blue cotton T-shirt and a pair of khaki cargo shorts. His slicked-back brown hair gave him a confident appearance that clashed sharply with the unease in his brown eyes.
He was on his way to grab his usual early-morning snack at The Daily Anchor when he saw Vianne walking toward the café, adjusting the strap of her tote bag on her shoulder.
Julian slowed, taking a moment to admire her.
Her dark-wash skinny jeans fit her perfectly, paired with a cream-colored knit sweater that hugged her frame just enough. Her auburn hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, exposing the soft curve of her neck. He had always wanted to kiss her there.
She was beautiful.
She never needed makeup to stand out. Maybe that was why he loved her so deeply. Her simplicity. Her warmth.
“Oh, Julian,” she called, waving as she spotted him.
He jogged to meet her, and the moment she wrapped her arms around him, some of his nervousness faded.
“Here for your daily snack?” she teased.
“I was hoping I’d see you so we could go in together,” he replied with a smile.
“Someone’s clingy this morning,” she nudged his arm playfully as they walked inside.
The café welcomed them with the comforting aroma of dark-roast coffee and cinnamon, layered with the sweetness of freshly baked cookies and muffins.
“Good morning, Sienna,” Julian greeted.
Sienna’s golden-brown eyes flicked between him and Vianne with suspicion. “Did you two spend the night together?”
Vianne shot her a warning look.
“I’ll take that as a no,” Sienna muttered, returning to wiping the counter.
“What would you like?” Vianne asked Julian, glancing at the display case. “The usual?”
“A plain butter croissant and Greek yogurt,” he said, heading for a seat by the window.
“Coming right up.”
She turned toward Sienna, but her friend lifted both hands in surrender. “Your man, your orders.”
Vianne laughed. “Just know that when you finally get a man, I’ll be ten times worse.”
She prepared the order, placed it on a tray, and walked over to Julian. “Enjoy your meal, sir.”
He raised an eyebrow before laughing. “I can’t tell who’s weirder, you or Sienna.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said, turning to leave.
A hand caught hers.
She turned back, instantly noticing the tension in his face. The way his eyes twitched. The slight furrow of his brows.
“Stay with me for twenty minutes,” he said gently, pulling her toward the seat beside him.
“Sienna,” Vianne called out loudly, “will you be okay without me for twenty minutes?”
“Just twenty,” Sienna replied from the back room.
Vianne turned back to him. “What’s wrong?”
Julian forced a smile. “A friend invited me to a party. He thinks I’ve been locking myself away too much.”
“That’s not a bad thing,” she said. “I didn’t know you had a friend who liked parties.”
“I met him recently,” Julian replied lightly.
“So why do you look like this?” she asked, squeezing his hand.
He hesitated, then met her eyes. “Come with me.”
Her body stiffened. “No. No way.”
“Please,” he said softly. “Would you rather I go alone? Or with someone else?”
She studied him, conflicted. “When is it?”
“Tonight,” he answered, quickly looking away.
“Tonight?” she exclaimed. “That’s short notice.”
“I know. But you said I needed a break. And when was the last time you had fun, Vi?” he pressed gently. “When was the last time you did something just for you?”
She opened her mouth, then closed it.
“I can’t leave Granny alone,” she said quietly.
“Talk to her first,” Julian urged. “Don’t decide for her.”
“Time’s up,” Sienna appeared suddenly, looping an arm around Vianne’s shoulders. “Back to work.”
“I’ll pick you up tonight,” Julian said quickly.
“I didn’t say I was going,” Vianne replied, but Sienna was already dragging her away.
“You have to come,” Julian whispered before turning back to his food.
Four hours before closing, Vianne felt restless.
Not tired. Not drained. Just unsettled.
“Hey,” Sienna said gently, wrapping her arms around Vianne’s shoulders. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?”
The word talk felt heavy.
“Julian invited me to a party,” Vianne admitted.
“Well, that’s new,” Sienna said. “Talk to Granny. I’m sure she’ll agree.”
“But I don’t even have anything to wear.”
Sienna scoffed. “You have me.”
The café closed early that day, and soon they were walking home together, the city buzzing around them.
“Do you want to call Granny now?” Sienna asked softly.
“I should,” Vianne whispered, though her voice carried doubt.
She dialed the house line. It rang once. Twice.
“Anne?” Granny Beatrice’s voice finally came through. “Is everything alright, my child?”
Vianne swallowed. “Yes… I just…” Her words caught. She could already picture her grandmother sitting in her favorite chair, the one near the window, waiting for her return every evening. “Granny, I was wondering if…”
Her voice broke.
“Anne?” Granny Beatrice called again, worry creeping in. “Talk to me.”
Before Vianne could gather herself, Sienna gently took the phone. “Granny Beatrice, it’s Sienna. Anne wants to ask if she can go out tonight. She’s worried about leaving you alone.”
There was a pause on the line.
Then Granny Beatrice sighed.
“Oh, my sweet girl,” she said softly. “Is that what has you so scared?”
Sienna handed the phone back.
“Granny,” Vianne whispered, hugging her free arm around her waist like a child afraid of being scolded. “I don’t want you to feel lonely. Or unsafe. I can stay. I always stay.”
Granny Beatrice’s voice warmed, gentle but firm. “Anne, you’ve been staying your whole life.”
Tears burned behind Vianne’s eyes.
“You were just a child when you chose to become my caretaker,” Granny continued. “While other girls were laughing, going out, making mistakes… you were here. Cooking. Cleaning. Holding my hand when I cried. You gave up so much for me.”
“I wanted to,” Vianne said quickly. “You needed me.”
“And you still do,” Granny replied, “but not at the cost of your happiness.”
Vianne’s tears slipped free.
“I’m scared to leave you,” she admitted. “What if something happens and I’m not here?”
Granny chuckled softly. “Then I will scold you when you come back. I’m not leaving this world tonight, Anne. I still have too much to see.”
Vianne laughed weakly through her tears.
“You deserve joy,” Granny Beatrice continued. “You deserve laughter, love, mistakes, and memories that don’t revolve around my medicine schedule.”
“Granny…” Vianne pressed her knuckles to her lips.
“I did not raise you to shrink your life for me,” Granny said firmly. “Go. Enjoy yourself. Dress beautifully. Laugh loudly. And come home with stories.”
A tear rolled down Vianne’s cheek.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“And I love you more than words,” Granny replied. “Now go before I change my mind. And tell that boyfriend of yours I expect to meet him soon.”
Vianne smiled, her heart aching and full all at once. “I will. Be safe, Granny.”
“I always am,” Granny said warmly. “Goodnight, my girl.”
The call ended.
Vianne stood still for a moment, phone clutched to her chest, tears slipping freely now.
“Well?” Sienna asked softly.
Vianne exhaled shakily, then smiled. “She told me to live.”
Sienna pulled her into a hug. “Then let’s do exactly that.”
- Writer
