L'Arte dell'Amore (Not Edited)

XXXIV

It was the morning of their flight back to NY. Vincent was packing a few more things away. Lavender had been up before Vincent was. Her anxiety was getting worse thinking about going home.

Vincent watched as she sat down and looked away from him. Walking closer be enveloped his lips with hers.

She tasted so damn sweet. Vincent's lips moved on their own accord. Downwards on her jawline a line of kisses was planted and with that blooms of soft pink flowers nestled their way to Lavender's cheeks.

He loved making his girl blush.

"It will be a long flight." Vincent said as they began to board. Lavender sat down and closed her eyes. Trying her best to control her breathing.

Everything will be just fine.

So enough with Vincent rubbing her arm, Lavender fell asleep.

Vincent was reading as the plane shook a little, startling Lavender awake. Vincent cursed and closed his book. His eyes meeting her tired looking ones.

"I don't like when the plane gets turbulence. How much longer until we get home?" Lavender inquired and Vincent told her that they were about an hour away.

"That's good, that's good." Lavender tried to close her eyes again but it was no luck. Her mothers voice from that phone call laced her thoughts and consumed her with worry. What would happen when she got to her home?

Letting out a shaking breath, Vincent looked over and brushed a piece of hair out of her face.

"It is good, you're good." Vincent said softly but with much conviction.

"No matter what happens, I will always love you." Lavender said. Vincent nodded and said the same thing back. Though a tinge of worry planted itself in his mind, what did she mean by 'what happens'

The plane had landed and they made their way to his apartment. Lavender was so wrecked with nerves that when they both laid down to sleep. She laid there wide awake. It was so much to think about that. Lavender wiggled out of his grip.

Lavender didn't know how she'd make it to her house. An Uber would cost so much. She wondered if Vincent would forgive her if she borrowed some money. Lavender said borrow but if he didn't know it would be considered stealing no matter the means.

Tears formed in her eyes and fell down her cheeks. She spotted his wallet on the counter, and wonder if she should just look for a second. With shaky hands she opened the smooth leather wallet and pulled out a card and tucked behind it was cash.

More than enough to pay to get there and back home. Lavender hated herself in this moment. What a coward, the love of her life was in the other room. She was truly a terrible human. She put the money back, her eyes welled up with tears.

It was way colder than Italy, even for spring. Lavender began writing a note to Vincent.

Lavender was crying at the end of writing the letter her hands shaking as she left it on the counter. She grabbed her bag and went back to the wallet.

Her heart was breaking in her chest. She was betraying and lying to the one man who loved her like she was perfect. But Lavender wasn't perfect and this all but proved it. She pulled out only the cash she needed for the ride there and the ride back. Her anxiety at an all time high.

She went to the bathroom quickly. Lavender had not eaten but she spilled the remainder of what she had in her stomach.

Lavender figured that if she was going to spend less money she'd walk for as far as she could, then call an Uber.

She pulled the sleeves on her sweatshirt down and started her walk. The tears were dried to her flushed cheeks.

He's never going to forgive me.

Lavender walked for at least an hour. Blisters the size of quarters on the back of her feet. Bleeding and staining her white socks and shoes red. Yet she kept walking until she felt dizzy.

She pulled her phone out and got an Uber. Lavender finally got it and cringed at the amount it was going to cost. She swallowed the thick lump of fear that was logged in her throat.

The ride felt like forever until she had reached her hometown. Lavender took steady breaths, but nothing seemed to help her.

Vincent had woken up. The bed was colder and his heart immediately started beating faster. Where was his girl?

She was probably in the bathroom or kitchen.

"Baby?" Vincent said as he stood from the bed. There was no response.

He walked down the hallway and yelled for her again. Finally using her name.

"Lavender?"

Still no response and he began to worry. Vincent walked into the kitchen and there was nobody there. His eyes scanned the surroundings, the faint scent of warm vanilla lingered in the air. And his eyes caught vision of something.

A note.

Vincent stepped closer and read the note. His heart crumbling in his chest. What. The. Fuck.

Dear Vinnie,

I'm so sorry that I couldn't tell you. I really wanted to but I'm embarrassed. I'm embarrassed that I had to leave without telling you this. I'm embarrassed at how vulnerable I am right now. You will hate me, I promise I will pay you back. I'll work some extra hours with Ripley or get another job. He's going to hate me too. I have to go back home for a little bit. I don't know how to even tell you what is going on, because I don't know Vinnie. I'm scared and my mama kept making me send her money and I don't understand. So I'm going to find out, this makes no sense. I love you and I don't deserve you kindness. I'll go back to my apartment if you want me to whatever it is. I love you again and again forever and ever but I have to go...

Your stupid, stupid girl,
Lavy

Vincent's heart beating in tenfold as he called Lavender. Phone to ear, slipping on the closest shoes, and picking up his wallet, fuck the money.

He needed his girl.

Rushing to his car without a second thought, speeding away aimlessly. Lavender didn't pick his call.