Nothing to Lose

6

Viviana woke up to the smell of bacon sizzling. She lifted her head up, confused as it wasn't a Sunday. Her mom only made a big breakfast on that day because she had it off. Viv searched her brain for any big event she might've misplaced. Birthdays? A holiday? She came up blank. She looked at the clock. It was also only seven in the morning. Her suspicion grew even more intense.

She got up, her t-shirt falling sloppily above her knee, as she drifted down the stairs. She peeked around the corner and her gut dropped. She quickly turned her back toward the wall. She could hear them speak.

"Yessir", his voice was deep and smooth, "I haven't seen much of the area yet so I'd love to go along with you sometime."

"Yeah, kid. It's really not that bad here", her father answered.

"And the beach is just beautiful this time of year", her Mom spoke too, "Do you like white or wheat toast, sweetie?"

"Oh no, it's okay. I'm not that hungry", he said sweetly.

"Oh stop", her Mom pushed, "Here's a plate. You have a big flight to catch."

Viviana smiled at her Mom's pushing. It was an insult to not eat an Italian woman's food, even if you were full, in her Mom's eyes.

"Viv should be waking up soon", her Dad spoke and her gut dropped, "I'm sure you'll want to say goodbye."

"Of course", he answered, "I feel like she likes to sleep in late, huh?", he laughed.

"Well, yeah, it's probably because you been keeping her up at night knocking on that window of hers."

Viviana knew that was her cue. Those words from her Dad's mouth were enough to stir awkward tension.

She peeled around the corner and acted surprised to see him.

"Rafe", she smiled, "What are you doing here?"

He got up from his chair and stood up. "Hey you", he smiled, "I was just-"

"Looks like she does wake up early after all", her Dad cut him off, "Your friend decided to introduce himself after all", he smiled, "And to apologize for last night."

"Yeah", Rafe chuckled.

"Well", Viv nodded and pulled out a seat by him, "I was wondering what was so special for Ma to be cooking this early."

"Do you want some?", she turned with a smile, flashing her pretty smile, "Chocolate chip pancakes, just how you like."

"Yes, please", Viv smiled.

There was a moment of silence then and Rafe looked over at her. She gave him a small grin.

Her Dad cleared his throat, "Rafe tells us he's going back home for a few days."

"The flight leaves at nine", Rafe nodded.

"Here you go, hun", her Mom set the plate down in front of Viv, "And I made you white toast", she handed the plate to Rafe.

"Thanks Ma."

"Thank you Mrs. Taylor", Rafe smiled.

"Oh, please sweetie, you can call me Isabella", she turned to her husband just then, "Vinnie, can you help me grab some tools from the shed?", she grabbed his arm.

He gave her a hesitant look, not wanting to leave the two kids alone.

"Vincent", she snapped, "They're heavy and I haven't got all day."

He sighed and got up, "I'll be back", he looked to them.

Her mom looked back at them with a smile and then walked out of the kitchen with a wave.