Story Starters

Cinderella

Hi, my name is Cindy Cecelia Tanner, but you can call me CC. I have a twin brother named Danny Gregory Tanner. I know, pretty original names, huh?

When we were ten years old our father, and best friend, went on a business trip. While he was away, our mom was diagnosed with stage four cancer. When she called our father to tell him, he sounded sad, but when he never came home? I think we figured out what really happened.

After Mom passed, we had to go live with our father. What we didn't expect was to be living in the basement of a mansion my father had bought with a second wife. Our new life, if it could even be called that, came with a step mom and twin sisters. Our step mother's name being Toni, and her daughters are Sammi and Donna.

One day, Toni gave me a bottle of sauce she had made that I could put on the sides of the dinner I would make. She said it was exclusively my fathers special sauce.

I put it on his plate and as we were eating he said it was delicious and asked my brother and I if we wanted to try it. I turned it down, but Danny tried it.

Today I turn 17. Today I visit Danny and our father. I got in my 1965 Ford Mustang and drove into the city to a hospital. I checked into the visitors' log and went up in the elevator to his room. Before I walked in I took a deep breath to stop the tears and walked in.

He's still there. Not moving. Only machines hooked up to him keep him alive. Although this really isn't living. I wish I could wake him up. I wish I could have my twin back.

I sat down in a chair and started telling him about my day at school today, and before I left I kissed his forehead, squeezed his hand, and told him happy birthday as a tear hit his cheek.

I quickly walked out of the room and took a last glance at him before the door closed. I went back downstairs and checked out of the visitors' log and went back to my car.

I drove back into the more rural part of town and parked outside a graveyard. I walked to a tall head stone on which stood a large stone angel. I got down on my knees and rubbed the grassy patch in front of me lovingly.

"Dad? I'm sorry I gave you that sauce. Toni said it was just a special sauce and that you would love it," I choked down a sob," I can't believe she was shallow enough to kill you. I forgive you for cheating on Mom, but why did you have to marry Toni? Why did she kill you? Why didn't you put Danny and I on a will? I hate having so many questions that can never be answered." I let out a frustrated sigh as a tear slid down my face.

I started to hear a slight pitter patter and felt wetness on my face as I looked up at the stone angel in front of me. It was raining. I put my hood up and stood up. I kissed my hand and pressed it to my father's epitaph. I walked to the far corner of the graveyard and sat at a bench under a willow tree. This is where I grieve. This is where I'm free. This is where I get to be me. Because everywhere else I'm being watched by my step sisters and step mom. I can't do anything without them knowing.

"Hey, um, I'm sorry if this is rude, but I overheard your conversation," I looked up only to be met with sparkling hazel eyes and an awkward smile. Giles.

"Sounds rough. Really... rough, actually. Did your step mom really.....?" He asked sounded slightly scared but also apologetic.

I simply nodded.

He sat next to me and smiled holding out his hand, "Giles. It's nice to meet you,....."

I shook his hand," Stranger. I go to school with you, but knowing the type of people you hang out with.... Id rather not have you matching up my name with my story. It's not something I want the whole school knowing."

He nodded," I can understand that."