forty-nine

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by thirsttrapkingvinnie

by thirsttrapkingvinnie

Aaliyah had left the house. They spent at least 2 hours in the car just cuddling and Aaliyah, like the good girlfriend she had always been to Vinnie, let him cry to her. He talked about things he needed to get out about his past relationship with Emily, his heartbreak, how he knew he needed to cut his family off for awhile but was afraid of the outcome, how he was afraid to be a father again. He told her how he worried that Bear wouldn't ever accept the new baby and she made him feel better about all of it.

"I need to talk to you guys." Vinnie said through his rough voice.

He swallowed saliva that had built up in his cheeks but it felt like shattered glass in his throat. His head ached horribly and his eyes were bloodshot. Both Hacker parents knew whatever this was that he was going to tell them, came with great consequence.

"Go on." Nate said.

"I'm moving out." Vinnie said, nearly cracking at his mother's saddened expression.

She'll never understand

Was the only phrase that ran through his head. He forced himself to remain emotionless. He couldn't back out on his decision. His girlfriend needed him and his children needed and environment where they didn't have to witness there father in deep distress everytime he was around someone.

"Is that all?" Reggie asked from the stairs "That doesn't seem like the only thing that's on your mind."

"No, there's more. After I move out, I'm not coming back." Vinnie answered.

"To live here?" Maria asked.

"No, I'm not coming back. At all, for anything." Vinnie answered.

"So you're cutting us off? For good?" Reggie asked.

"Maybe not forever, but for awhile, yes." Vinnie answered.

"But Kaiser won't remember us! We won't be able to see our grandchildren. Vinnie, you can't do this! You won't!" Maria said, practically launching to edge of her seat.

"Maria, he can do what he wants. He's an adult and they're his children." Nate said.

"But what about the baby you're having with Aaliyah? We'll never be able to see him (or her)?" Maria asked as tears made there way to his eyes.

"Mom, I said for awhile. I never put an exact amount of time on how long. I just need a reset and I think my kids do too." Vinnie explained.

The room went silent again as Maria sank back down into her seat. Both of his parents had looked towards the floor as an attempt to hide there tears from him. Reggie gulped down the saliva in his cheeks and wiped tears from his cheeks.

"When are you leaving?" Reggie asked.

"Tomorrow. Aaliyah's family has a cabin we're gonna stay in until we find a house. Can I keep my furniture and stuff in the garage until I find a place? I'll pay you if you want." Vinnie asked.

"There's no need to pay us, we're your parents. You can keep it here." Nate answered but didn't look up.

"Thanks." Vinnie answered.

"I'm going to bed. Goodnight, I'll see you two tomorrow." Maria pointed at Reggie and Nate before walking up the stairs to her and Nate's bedroom.

"You aren't gonna say goodnight to Vin?" Reggie asked.

"Who's that?" Maria asked and continued up the stairs.

Tears swelled in Vinnie's eyes and he looked to the floor. Had he made the right decision?