by J E Mueller
It didn’t take long for Vincent to finish dinner. In less than fifteen minutes he sat down on the sofa next to me and handed me a bowl. I stared at the chilli a little surprised by the choice. A delicious idea, but why did it take so long?
“It’s a dish I made a lot when I was in school. So, up until last year.” He laughed, stabbing his fork into the bowl. “Spaghetti covered in chili. Easy, warm, and very filling comfort food.”
That did sound pretty good. “How did you go from just being in school to touring schools?” I asked, digging into the meal.
He shrugged. “It’s complicated and a rather boring story on top of that.”
“So, boring as in you don’t want to explain or you don’t think I want to listen?” I asked, taking another big bite. It was really good.
Vincent took a bite as he considered my question. “I don’t feel like explaining it. The short of it is, my mom found this great opportunity and had me take it. I didn’t really have a valid reason not to, and it hasn’t been all bad but ugh. I’m so done traveling.”
I could see the tired look in his eyes. “Then why come back in a few weeks? Couldn’t you use that time to go home instead?”
Vincent smiled at me. “Yes, but that’ll ruin all the fun.”
“What fun?” That wasn’t even close to an answer I was expecting.
“Your school does an end of the year dance,” he said.
“Yeah, one that most of the school does not attend.” I chuckled lightly. It was terrible, done on a dime budget, and had a CD player for a DJ. I had no idea where they got half the CDs from either. So many were well out of date.
“Since I know you have had zero cares about current school events, I’ll fill you in.” Vincent laughed. “So, somehow the Prince got roped into agreeing to crown a king and queen of the ball, so it’s turned into a big thing.”
“Damn, poor guy. This might be the first worthwhile event this town has had in a while.” I found it far too funny. “But what does this have to do with you coming back?”
“I thought a dance could be fun. Would you like to go with me?” He smiled.
Yes, yes I would, but I could already see all the trouble that would cause. I glanced down at my cast.
“I won’t let them hurt you again,” I heard Vincent say softly. Glancing over, I saw how serious he was.
“I’ll be okay.” I tried to smile, but I knew it faltered.
Vincent leaned over and gave me a half hug. “I’m sure you will. Just a little more good luck and things will be fine.”
We continued to eat in silence for a few moments.
“I think it would be fun to go with you. I’m sure you get my hesitation though,” I finally said.
“Of course. Your family is nuts. But, I think things will work out,” Vincent said confidently. “Finished with your dinner?”
Nodding, I handed him the empty bowl. “How can you be so sure?” I didn't feel nearly as positive.
“Now that one, I will keep a secret for now,” he replied as he took the dishes to the sink.
I groaned loudly. “For someone I talk to a lot, there sure seems to be some crazy secrets going on.”
“It’s all just one secret.” He chuckled, cleaning up the dishes.
Just one, that everything ties to. Uh huh. Perfect. I grumbled to myself before deciding to put on a new movie. Shortly after, Vincent joined me again.
“I’m guessing you’re not really up for any lessons, are you?” He asked.
I shook my head. “Nah, I thought I was, but I am starting to feel really tired.”
“I’ll let you get some sleep then,” Vincent said, getting up.
Without thinking, I grabbed onto his arm, not letting him get up all the way. I quickly let go, not sure what to say next. What was even going on with my brain? I blushed in response instead.
“Want to watch a movie then?” Vincent smiled, not bothered at all.
“Sure. I think that sounds perfect,” I agreed.
The movie played on without us saying anything. I didn’t know when it happened, but I ended up falling asleep. I woke up with a slight start when Vincent got up again.
“Sorry.” I yawned the apology.
“No worries. You’re tired. The movie’s over; you should go to bed.” I was glad he didn’t seem bothered at all.
“K… you’re probably ri-” My yawn cut me off. He got the idea.
Vincent laughed lightly as he scooped me up and carried me over to my bed. “Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“But, I’ve got to let you out,” I protested.
“As much as I’d normally agree, your backdoor is a push-bar that automatically locks so I think I’ll be fine to walk myself around.” He smirked.
“I’ve got to get up and turn things off anyway.” I glanced around my flat.
Vincent sighed and shook his head. He went and turned off the tv, grabbed my new rabbit and handed it to me. “I can get the lights on my way out. Get some rest.”
“Okay,” I replied, giving up and laying down. My eyes shut against my will. Everything from last night through today had caught up to me. I heard him head out and I was quickly asleep soon after that.
8
Wednesday morning went quickly. Just mentioning the dance and Callie had me up to speed on everything. Of course it was Friday just after all finals had ended. That week was going to be a mess. People trying to study and prep for probably the only big social event this town would see for the next several decades.
The theme was ‘Hidden Love’ and the event was supposed to be a masquerade. It made me want to laugh and gag all at the same time. At least there was no ‘ring before spring’ nonsense floating around this year. Or was there? I hadn’t actually been paying attention and with the more recent events, I really didn’t care.
Callie was already listing out the various thrift and craft stores in a reasonable driving radius and which ones we’d have to hit for the best sales. Vincent joined us just as Callie was jotting down more locations. His expression as he looked over the mini map Callie drew and the scattered lists of facts and sale dates said it all. He clearly should have waited to join us.
“So, um, looks like you’re excited for the dance.” He gave a cautious chuckle.
“I may not be the best at potions, but when it comes to thrifting and sewing, I’ve got this. I had so many pins saved online, I just know I’ll find something that’ll work for this dance,” Callie replied, hardly looking up from her laptop as she continued to scroll, write something down, and scroll again.
“What she means is, she has enough ideas and things saved that she could probably make eight dresses, and still find something for someone that just happens to be lying around.” I grinned at her, not trying to hide my amusement.
Callie was in the zone. Not only did fabric bend to her will, but she had a good eye for clothes. She’d see the world's ugliest outfit and instantly know exactly how to make it work in a way that would make the best Pinterest queen jealous. Callie had three new offers for different fashion schools for next year, on top of the two from last year that she declined. It was no surprise the declined ones re-sent offers. Callie didn’t feel ready to leave last year. This year, it was only a matter of choosing.
“Callie, you’ve got class in ten,” I reminded her.
“Hm? Oh.” She glanced at the clock on her laptop. “Guess I should pack up then.”
“So, you’re both going to the dance then?” Vincent asked.
I guess I hadn’t given him a straight yes or no. Callie jumped in before I could say anything though. “Of course, and we’ll have some killer dresses, even if I have to design both of them myself.”
“You really will.” I laughed. “That is not my area of expertise.”
“I never noticed.” She finished shoving everything into her bag, winked at me, and slung it over her shoulder. “Laters.”
“Wait, what’s that supposed to mean.” I glared at her retreating fo
rm.
“Darling, I’ll make you look fabulous.” She said dramatically, not even bothering to stop.
“Ugh.” Was I that badly dressed or just constantly plain?
“So, you’ve decided to go then?” Vincent asked, pulling my attention his way.
“Yes. I’ve no idea why you think things will work out, but I’d rather have some fun then stay home. Though, I can’t promise I can dance well.”
Well, at least he had a clear answer now. I knew there was no turning back once I brought it up with Callie. I did really want to go, I just hoped things could actually work out, knowing Di and her gaggle would be there. Thankfully, it was limited to students and staff, so the step monster wouldn’t be lurking as well, but that didn’t ease my concern by much.
“You’ll see. It’ll be fun,” Vincent reassured me.
“I don’t know if I can share in your confidence.” I hated to admit it, but there was no denying it.
To my surprise, Vincent grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes. “So, there’s several things I can’t explain just this moment, but I promise I will when I get back before the dance. I hope you can just trust me on this. Even just a little.” The passion in which he said those words made me want to believe him.
Could I though? “I’ll try.” He hadn’t been dishonest or anything. It couldn’t hurt to believe him a little. Too many little family ‘accidents’ came to mind, making it hard to really believe.
Vincent gave my hands a reassuring squeeze. “You’ll see. Anyway, I’ve got to get going. Think you’ll be up to lessons tonight?”
“Yes. I will actually be up for lessons tonight.” I smiled. At least that much I could agree to.
Lessons went about the same as before. As did Thursday’s. There was an odd tension building and I wasn’t sure who was contributing to it more. Unsaid words, odd promises, feelings... At least I knew I had some feelings for him. Complicated as the whole mess of a situation was, I liked him. I really really liked him. I wasn’t about to admit it though.
Neither of us were clearly into the lesson concept, Friday.
“Want to just watch a movie?” I finally suggested. “You’re leaving in the morning, right?”
“Basically.” He shrugged. “It’s weird, I’ve kind of gotten used to the area, and now it’s off to somewhere else.”
“You can’t say you’ll miss it, though.” I gave a half hearted laugh and went to put on a movie.
“Yeah, you’re right on that. There’s not much here.” He gave a small agreeing chuckle in return. “But there’s some people here I will miss, so it does make leaving hard.”
I wasn’t sure how to reply to that. I thought for the second I had while I put in a movie. “Glad not all of us are completely terrible.” Well, that was lame. I retook my seat next to him on the sofa.
He chuckled and gave me a tight hug. “No, you’re not terrible at all.”
I blushed. “Sure I am. Terrible at dancing, terrible at removing glamor illusions, terrible at… finding better replies to things.”
Vincent released me from the hug. Shaking his head, he just smiled. “You’re not terrible at dancing, you’re getting better with illusion magic, but yes, some replies are terrible. Terribly adorable.”
I had no counter. He knew I had no counter and grinned victoriously at me.
“I’m going to ignore you now.” I crossed my arms and stared firmly at the tv screen.
Vincent chuckled for a moment. “Aw, come on. There’s nothing wrong with being adorable.”
Yeah, maybe? It really made it harder to reply. I could feel my cheeks get hotter and I was certain there was no way he didn’t notice me blushing. Magic was useless to hide it at this point.
“Come on, don’t ignore me,” Vincent pleaded, hugging me tightly again.
The change in tone, the desperate plea, and him suddenly being so close made me give in. “Fine.” I turned to look at him.
“You are adorable, you know,” he stated with such honesty and I was once more lost for words. I was winning so hard tonight on the replies.
I just shrugged, turning back to the tv.
“It’s true.” His lips turned up in a smile making me blush hard as my eyes met his.
“You’re really cute too.” Oh shoot that wasn’t inner dialogue. Um? How does one abort a social situation while in a hug?
Oh yes, by hugging more. I buried my face into his chest. Yes. Excellent plan.
After a moment Vincent hugged me tighter. “For someone who is normally not shy at all, this is extra adorable.”
“You’re not helping,” I said into his chest.
“I can’t hear you.” Vincent chuckled.
“Good,” I said a bit louder.
“Come on, it’s hard to talk to you this way.”
“Good.” I gave a weak laugh. Talking did not seem to be my thing tonight. At all. Ever.
He moved back some, but I hugged tighter.
“Well that plan didn’t work.” He gave a defeated sigh.
My arm hurt in this position so I did have to move back. “Stupid arm,” I grumbled.
“Aww…” Vincent looked down at the cast. “I hope you feel better soon.”
“Soon… It’ll thankfully be off before the dance, but it’s so annoying.” I grumbled. It couldn’t come off soon enough.
“Like someone hiding from you while using a hug as a shield?” He raised an eyebrow, making light of the situation.
“No, that’s not very annoying.” Was I ever going to get away from this blushing? Maybe tomato red cheeks were the new in thing.
“True, but it does make it harder to talk,” Vincent pointed out.
“What’s there to talk about?” Why did I ask that? What can of worms did my lack of brain to mouth filter open.
“Well we can talk about the movie neither of us are watching or maybe the fact there seems to be some attraction here.” Vincent gave a coy smile.
“I think I liked the awkward hugging better.” Why didn’t I just talk about the movie? Brain, work with me.
“I don’t think there was anything awkward about it.” Vincent laughed.
“My cast made it fairly awkward.” Well, that seemed to be a safe enough comment. Half a point for you, brain.
“Hmm… Okay I can see that.” Vincent nodded. “What would make it less awkward? Maybe the position? Maybe a one sided hug? If it’s just me hugging then your wrist can’t be bothered right?”
Well two points to Vincent for keeping his conversation on track. Minus one to my brain for fueling it.
“Um… maybe?”
To my surprise, he pulled me onto his lap and hugged me tight. “There. No awkward arm problems. Better?”
Better? In many ways yes. In many other ways no. I really hoped I was reading this flirtatious behavior correctly. This crush was not going to get any better after this. He did mention something about attraction so I had to be reading into this right. Right?
“Sure,” I finally replied as I stared at the tv, not taking any of this movie in.
“That doesn’t sound confident. Do you want me to move?” He sounded sad.
“No, no this is fine.” This cuddliness was more than fine. “It sucks you’re leaving.”
He gave me a squeeze. “It really does.”
For a few moments we sat in silence. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. I hardly knew what I thought. He was leaving tomorrow and it sucked. I had no idea how we got so close.
I was going to miss him.
A lot.
“I’ll come back,” he said after a moment.
“I hope so.” I leaned my head back against him.
“I promise.” He rested his head against mine. “You can expect several texts. Maybe a few calls.”
“I don’t mind that.” I smiled.
“Good.” He turned to look at me. “Hopefully, it won’t annoy you.”
“Why would you annoy me?”
He held me tighter. “Never know
. You might get tired of me.”
“Haven’t yet. Don’t think I just suddenly will.” I laughed lightly. Why were his eyes so dreamy? I could stare at them for hours.
For a moment we did just that. I wish I knew how to read him better. I wish I knew exactly what he was thinking. What he was feeling. Could I like someone so much so fast?
Vincent leaned his face in close to mine. “I think you’re amazing,” he whispered.
“You’re the amazing one,” My voice was as soft as his.
He moved his face even closer, and I met him for a kiss. It was exactly what I wanted, but I was so unsure. It had been so long since I had been close to anyone. Vincent didn’t seem to mind. He was more than happy to take the kissing slow at first. My uncertainty quickly melted away as I felt his arms wrap reassuringly around me, allowing the kiss to build into something more.
When we finally pulled away, I wasn’t sure what to say.
“This might be the wrong order of events,” Vincent finally said, “But, will you go out with me?”
I couldn’t help but laugh, more like giggle at his statement. “Yes, I will.”
“Okay. Good. That would have been terribly awkward if it was a no.” He blushed.
“Yes, it really would have.”
He chuckled as he hugged me tightly. “I need to work on my timing. Leaving tomorrow is going to suck.”
“Yeah…” It already did suck, and this just added to it.
“You’ll still get to talk to me, though.” Vincent offered a smile.
“That part is nice.” I smiled back. “Though it still really sucks.”
“I’ll come back and make it up to you.” He beamed. “It’ll be fun.”
“But how long will you be back for?” I hadn’t bothered to ask yet, but this did change a few things.
“Long enough.” He winked.
“That’s not an answer.” I glared at him.
“It’s part of that small secret I can’t explain just yet.” He shook his head.
“And why not? Magic got your tongue?” I continued to glare.
“Actually yes.” He looked relieved.
“Oh…” I wasn’t expecting that. “Magic promise not to say something?”
