The song that changed my heart

That Is Not Good

Vincent cracked his back as he got out of his car. Walking around and grabbing his cello He wished he had rather gone to work than show up and stay for practice for the cello section. He was rather annoyed with the many members who were complaining. "Maybe if you read the sheet music when you got it, and practiced you wouldn't have any problems." Vincent muttered to himself. As he walked inside the building. Of course just as he was leaving he happened to run into an all too familiar elderly woman. Vincent quickly ignored her as he rushed inside. "Excuse me sir." Vincent ignored her gruff voice as he quickly pressed the elevator button rushing inside as soon as the doors opened. "Don't ignore me!" She shouted as Vincent pressed the button to his floor. The door shutting behind him as the elderly lady just looked back at him menacingly. Vincent stared back. The same way he would when cooks messed up as the door shut. His face relaxed as the elevator rose up. Stopping a short while after. Vincent walked down the hall before arriving at his apartment. Walking inside it felt a little more bland. Then it should be. Especially without Rody inside. Vincent brought his case over and placed it on the ground. Unlatching it and opening it up and grabbing his cello. Placing it back on the stand where it belonged. He smiled to himself. He wondered how Rody was doing at work. He could picture Rody counting the number of floor tiles if they weren't particularly busy. He thought back to when Rody would always try to stop to talk to him. No matter how busy it seemed he always found time to do so. It was rather affectionate. Vincent could feel a warmth showing on his face. Vincent reached in his pocket. Remembering he left his cigarettes in his room. His face slumped a bit as he walked to his bedroom. Finding his box of cigarettes on his desk. He pulled one out and grabbed his lighter. Bringing it to his cigarette and igniting it. The room already smelled of tobacco. He unlocked the window and opened it. Letting the smoke drift out into the world. He looked out. Able to see Richard's restaurant from where he sat. Part of him wanted to go visit. Then again he feared he would be a distraction for Rody. Alongside the fact that he couldn't taste anything there. It wouldn't be the best thing to do. He looked behind him. Rody had left his suitcase open. Through parts of his clothes he could see a familiar binder. Curiosity was getting the better of him. He moved over and gently removed it from the pile of clothes. He knew he shouldn't be doing this. Yet he was curious. What had Rody been hiding? Vincent took a deep breath as he opened it. Inside where stacks upon stacks of notes and letters. Reading through the first one he quickly recognized it as a love poem. The more of the poem he read the more he realized it was about him. He felt a flush appear on his cheeks. Vincent couldn't remember when someone had written a poem for him. Let alone was as touching as Rody did. It made his heart feel like the flame of his cigarette. Looking through a few of the others it was apparent that Rody had feelings for other men and different points in time, and it was all documented. Hidden away where Rody would barely even know they existed. It was sickeningly sweet. Vincent's smile faltered as he exhaled some smoke. He wished Rody wouldn't have to hide something like this. He knew why it had to be done. But maybe one day they wouldn't have to hide it. Maybe one day they could be free to fully be with each other. Vincent lovingly placed the poem back into the suitcase. Making sure it looked almost exactly like he found it. That's when he heard it. In the distance sirens blazing. Vincent's face became more neutral. He approached his window. He wondered what on earth the fuss could be about. Once he got to the window he froze. Nearly dropping the cigarette clean out of his mouth. The all too familiar flashing reds and blues parked in front of the one place he didn't want them to be. Vincent doused his cigarette against the window frame. Using his free hand to shut it. He dashed out of his room down the hall and into the living room just as the phone began to ring. As much as Vincent wished to ignore it, something in his gut told him to answer. "What?" He asked sharply. Not even making any attempt to hide his rushed attitude. "Chef Vincent?" It was a waiter from Richard's restaurant. One that he knew was always too scared to approach him. Let alone do anything to purposely annoy him. "Yes it's me. What is going on I can see the flashing lights from my apartment." Vincent shouted. "Well sir, the police were called because some customers were angry with Rody. When a staff member went to get him he was having some sort of heart attack, and passed out." The waiter explained. Vincent nearly dropped the phone. He knew by now Rody did not have a heart attack. Then an emotion he hadn't let into his life in a long while began to seep back in. "The paramedics were called. They just got here and they are taking him to the hospital. Richard said you two are close and..." "Which hospital?" Vincent asked quickly. "Central town..." "Heading there now." Without waiting for another response Vincent slammed the phone back onto the hook before grabbing his keys and rushing out of his apartment building. He didn't have much of an imagination so it was hard to picture what had happened exactly. Though there was one thought that was likely over the others. One thought he dreaded. Especially after how stressed Rody had been because of it. His parents. Vincent got into his car. Almost immediately putting it into reverse. He quickly flipped it back into drive and started his way down the hospital.

The hospital wasn't that far. He pulled into the first spot he could before rushing inside. Nearly bumping into a young woman as he entered. He walked straight to the reception desk. "May I..." "Is there a Rody Lamoree here?" The woman seemed a little confused. "Give me one second." She said as she grabbed the phone and dialed in a string of numbers. Vincent began to rapidly tap his fingers against his arms. His patience wasn't at its highest. This call wasn't helping. Eventually the lady turned back to face him. "Yes he is in room 301. Though I do not think he is..." "Thank you." Vincnet muttered before quick;y walking over to the elevator. Pressing the button waiting for the elevator for several minutes. A mother and a kid in crutches were on. He waited for them to get off before rushing in and immediately pressing the button to the third floor. The doors seemed to shut a bit to slow before reopening on his desired floor. Vincent rushed into the halls. Eventually landing on room 301. Just as he approached a nurse walked out. "Oh pardon me." She said, "Is Rody Lamoree there?" She seemed stunned. The information didn't take long to process though. "Yes. Though there are other doctors running some final examinations before he is ready for visitors. If you want to take a seat on this bench, I will come get you when he's ready." Vincent reluctantly took a seat. He bit the inside of his cheek. He could really go for a cigarette by now. Yet he was in a hospital, and he left that home again. The nurse he had previously ran into came back with a fresh set of needles before walking back into the room. Every few minutes other nurses left the room. Until one finally came back out. Alongside a doctor who made her way over to the reception area of that floor. "You may come in, and see him. But do keep in mind he is resting, and we would prefer he woke on his own terms." Vincent nodded. "Thank you," he muttered before entering the room. Naturally the privacy curtain had been drawn. Alongside the curtain to the outside window. Rody laid in the hospital bed. A small bandage from where Vincent could only assume they had stuck some needles remained on his arms. His chest was rising and falling slowly. With his heart monitor showing his heart rate had decreased significantly form what Vincent could imagine it was previously. He noticed Rody's hand laid out next to him. Vincent took it and held it in his own. Gently rubbing his thumb over Rody's knuckles. He would be lying if he didn't say he was scared what may happen to Rody. But for now he could just pretend they weren't there. For now all he needed to do was be there for him. He wouldn't move until Rody woke up. Even though he knew it may not take much longer. It still would feel like a long while. Yet he would wait. For as long as it was needed.