Secrets Behind The REPUTATION

CHAPTER TWO

The black Buick SUV lazily came down the driveway near Alma street and pulled it up in front of Vincent's sweet home. Immediately, Michael leapt out from the front seat, wearing a blue check suit, and a black file bag has securely held in his right hands. The way he holds the file bag gives the impression that he has stuffed it with something important. Vincent turned the engine off; and glanced at the phone screen, which revealed the directions. 

'Welcome home, Vincent.' A sweet woman's voice rose from the phone, almost caressing the ears softly.

'Thanks, Darlin'.' He responded to the voice with a tired smile before grabbing it in his hands and turning it off.

Vincent pulled the keys out of the ignition point and got out of the car. He slackened his red tie tightly wrapped around his neck to lessen the burning forming around it and opened the back door of the car, hunched over the seat to take his grey suit and his case, which was lying on the back seat, lazily. Michael stood beside Vincent, waiting for him to pick up the suit and hand over the bye for today. Vincent stood straight, closed the door behind him, throwing the suit over the shoulder and holding it on, and looked at Michael.

'Well, see you around!' said Michael.

'Why so rush?' Vincent asked while adjusting the grey suit on the left shoulder. 'You are living next to my window. Just come with me and have some tea.'

Michael looked at his house and then at Vincent, shrugged. 'Yeah, sure. But first, I need to take a long deep bath. '

'Jeez... You're good at finding excuses.' Vincent shook his head, laughing.

'See you around.' Michael waved his hand at Vincent and sauntered to his home, which was located two houses after Vincent's.

Intimacy is the name of the string which tied the family of Michael and Vincent. No matter what happens, the one hand will hold the slipping one. And Michael has proven it to Vincent many times, several uncountable incidents. Now, it's time for Vincent to show how much he cared about his buddy. On the other hand, Michael needs that support from Vincent even though he is not showing it in his face. Vincent knew it without any notice from his friend.

'Mike!'

A sudden shout from behind halted Michael's movements. He turned around to find Vincent still pausing there putting one foot on the cement curb.

'Yeah?' Michael asked, even though he knew where it was going. He suppressed his innermost emotions and stood there as if he knew nothing.

'How do you feel, Mike?' Asked Vincent. 'I mean...' He shrugged and continued. 'I know you must be really tired of people asking about how you feel. But- '

'I am okay, Vin.' Michael cut him off.

The question which was put to Michael was slightly more difficult than he thought, but he managed to say he was okay. Vincent looked at him sceptically when he heard the answer. He did not convince by the reply that flowed from his friend's mouth for sure. But Vincent didn't say anything and just stood there, giving him a look. A look that reveals that his answer was only full of lies.

Realizing that he could not win over by that response, Michael came forward, decided to say the truth, and continued. 'It's just...' He sighed. 'I felt like I am alone.'

'You are not alone, Mike.'

'I know... but it's... It's different. You have something I cannot buy.' Michael glanced at the front door of Vincent's home, which was located on his left side where he stood. 'You have a wife and son to hold, quarrel with, cry and love.' His eyes ran back to Vincent's face, and he could see the dullness just turned upon his eyes. 'Who do I have?... No one.'