Magnolia (p.t.v)

Chapter 14.

Vic was an emotional wreck. We switched seats and I drove him home. I learned that when Vic has breakdowns, it's after a long period of time, when he's bundled enough feelings. I really want to talk about that to him, though. I didn't know that one object could trigger so much to make him feel so weak. I felt so guilty. My heart yearned for him. I wanted to hug him tight.

We never continued on the subject of where he said that he 'wanted me too' because he was in a terrible mood. It was more important to get him home. I backed into the driveway, and turned off the engine. I hoped Mike was home since Vivian, my aunts', and Monica went to San Francisco to visit an old friend for the weekend. Frankie took the advantage to invite Alex over anyways, so I didn't need to worry about her.

Vic was quiet, he stared out the window, zoned out. I exited the truck, and proceeded to his side. Opening the door, I unbuckled his seatbelt gently, and gestured him to come out. I watched him begin to walk towards the front door, and quickly snatched the razor blade he had in the compartment, and shoved it in my back pocket. I needed to throw this away later.

I followed Vic, and sucked my teeth looking inside the window. The lights were off, which meant Mike wasn't home, probably banging some girl. "I'm sorry I don't have the keys," Vic murmured, sighing. Another thing Vic did was, well, apologize for everything he did, every single move he made, he apologized after everything I said. It made me upset, but frustrated because I know there was someone out there who must've scolded him, making him think whatever he did was wrong.

"Don't apologize," I reassured, "It's okay, I know where the spare key is." I went besides the flowers in Vivian's garden towards the familiar shiny rock and bent down. I pulled the rock up, revealing the tiny prescription bottle glued under. Twisting it open, I dumped the key in my hands, turning back at Vic. He looked at me in an impressed way, but stood quietly. I threw the key at him, and he caught it, then unlocked the door. Vic threw it back, and I put it back in the bottle. I twisted the cap shut, and shoved it in the ground.

"How are you feeling?" I asked as I rubbed my shoes on the mat before walking inside. Vic scratched the back of his head and shrugged. "I don't know."

I finally went up to him and wrapped my arms around him. I think since I've been through the same thing, I know how to comfort him. I know what he wants, because that's exactly what I wanted when I was in that position. I attempted to give him the comfort and warmth he deserves.I felt like he caught me by surprise because he flinched first, then stood still realizing what was happening.

I wish this wouldn't sound so creepy, but Vic smelled nice. A scent mixed of vanilla and cigarettes. My face was buried in his chest and I could hear his heartbeat. It was so loud that I thought he would explode. Vic's arms were idle for a while, until he held my waist. I felt his head rest on my shoulder while he sighed.

"I really needed this," Vic mumbled.

"I know," I replied, hugging him tighter.

"I like hugging you," He told me, and that made me smile. The corners of my lips curled, and I looked up.

"I'm glad," I remarked and pulled away. "But, I think you need rest."

"I just need to relax," He reassured, "We can hang out in my room, though."

I nodded, I guess it'd be fine. Mike wasn't home yet, and I definitely didn't want to leave Vic alone. I hope Mike's going to come home and not sleep over at whoever he's sleeping with's house. I sent him a text asking about his whereabouts.

When I followed Vic upstairs, I had realized something. I knew this house from front to back, and I knew where everything was and located like it was my own home, but I had never step foot in Vic's room.