Happy (?) Valentine's Day

I'm sort of cheating here. This really ought to -- and probably will -- be posted in the workshop, but I wanted to share it today. A sort of anti-Valentine's Day card (and I do think the day has become a marketing tool and little else). To remind that love is not always easy or forever. It's a draft chapter from my WIP, about a guy who is part of a genetically-mandated group of men allowed (or is it condemned?) to live forever. He's reached a point in his relationship with a woman he loves, a point at which he feels he must make a difficult decision.

JUST AS LONG AS YOU'RE HERE

With nervous fingers I text that I’m downstairs. While waiting for the lock to click open, I distract myself by marveling at how things have changed. Once we knocked; then we rang a bell; then we pushed a button that sounded in the apartment; then we talked into an intercom. Now we text. What next? I’ll find out eventually, since all things come to those who wait. For those who have time. Which I do, in spades.

When I get upstairs she’s standing at the open door, smiling. “This is a surprise. What brings you here?” She steps aside and gestures me into a spotless and perfectly arranged room, white upholstery, black varnished tables, white carpet and a black grand piano. As always I feel awkward, like an extra on the wrong movie set. I remove my shoes and cross to my usual chair. She sits beside me and we exchange pleasantries. Those words run out and silence settles around us. Finally she looks at me through pale blue eyes, framed by black hair and that perfect face I’d never grow tired of, smooth soft skin accented by one perfect little mole. This is going to be so hard.

“What is it?”

“I have something to say, Cassie, something I don’t want to say, but I have to.”

She keeps smiling but now beneath a furrowed brow. “We promised no secrets..”

I take deep breath. I set aside my prepared speech, those gentle lies covering the fact that I’m leaving her now because I will lose her later. Because I’d rather remember who she is now than watch her grow old and die. Selfish or noble, I don’t know, but it’s what I must do.

“I’m afraid I do have a secret, one I cannot reveal.”

I see unshed tears in her eyes, but she is calm, though the smile is gone. She rests her hand on my arm. “And it means you must go far away forever.” Before I can reply she puts her finger to my lips. “I’ve seen this act before. Keep your secret. I don’t want to know it.”

I lean back and sigh. I want to convince her that this is no act, but I can’t break my oath, can’t mention immortality. All I can say is, “I love you Cassie, that’s the truth, and would have done so just as long as you’re here. But I can’t and I can’t say why.”

We stand. A few tears slip down her face. I would like to kiss them away, but I don’t dare. “Just as long as I am here,” she murmurs. “That’s an odd phrasing. Some hint I suppose, but I’m not going to work it out. Just go on your mysterious way, play your noble game. But you should know one thing.”

“What’s that?”

She brushes aside the tears, at least for now. “I would have loved you forever.”

She means it. But she doesn’t have forever. I do.