The Ineffable Ruth Rhodes

05 vincent alderage

vincent

Vincent jogged hastily, muttering 'shoot shoot shoot shoot,' under his breath as he rounded the corner towards Tim Hortons.

He entered the restaurant, eyes frantically searching for Liora. When they found her, he muttered another shoot at the look on his face before making his way to her.

She looked at him with a flat expression, full lips pressed into a thin line.

"You're late," she said.

"I know," he admitted, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry."

She studied him silently before running a hand through her braids. "Sit," she said quietly. "Let's start."

Vincent began to sit but stopped, looking to her. "Do you want anything?"

"Sure. A medium steeped tea with two creams and one sugar, please."

She murmured a thank you when he handed her her order and clapped.

"So, let's get down to business then." he grinned. "Any ideas?"

She brought out a standard sized piece of paper with bullet points, all written neatly and highlighted because of-fricking-course she did.

"I made a list, you can read over it."

"Of course you did," he murmured, amused.

His eyes scanned over each point.

1. Do not kiss Liora without asking first. His eyes lingered on the name 'Liora', as it had another name under it that was crossed out and erased.

2. No other sexual nor romantic relations during their relationship.

3. If anyone wants out for a good reason, the other party is obligated to oblige. Eyes gnawing at this rule, Vincent sort of wondered who would want out first if at all, and why.

He looked up to find her watching him.

"What's with 2?" he cocked his head curiously.

"It has nothing to do with jealousy," she clarified quickly, "It would simply be humiliating to be cheated on." she put air quotes around cheated. "You can add a few of your own, if you want."

He nodded and grabbed her pen off the table, scribbling some additions:

4. Liora must accompany Vincent to places within reason; family dinners, parties, hangouts, and football games. And vice versa.

5. Couple must leave and come to school together.

6. Neither party can tell anyone about the arrangement.

7. Both parties must be honest with each other [may rumors come up, etc.].

As soon as she had the paper in her hand again, her brows knitted.

"Six?"

"If we told people about it, they'd tell other people, who would tell other people."

"Huh..." she thought. "Can I tell my friend, at least? She won't tell anyone."

"No," he shook his head repeatedly, "We can't risk it."

He understood wanting to tell someone— it might've been hard on her if her friend thought she was with him. She'd no doubt known him before all this, after all, he was Vincent Alderage, the star player jock whose father left him. He wouldn't be surprised if she'd talked behind his back— everyone did. Her friend would be shocked for sure.