At Sunrise

Chapter 17: Is that a promise?

"I've just been cleaning around the house, what about you?"

"Um, just laying around."

I chuckled at his response. "You don't sound too enthusiastic."

"Yeah." Ookay. Something is wrong. Vinny never just sits still all day.

"Are you okay? If you don't want to talk, just tell me."

"It's fine. I'm fine." He's just saying everything with no emotion. Almost like he was convincing himself instead of me. I heard him release a deep sigh. Now I'm starting to get worried. I quickly put on my shoes and grab my keys.

"Alright thats it, I'm coming over." I was already out the door by the time I announced it.

"No no I'm fine, just stay home."

I buckle my seatbelt and head off. I know something is up and I want to make sure he's ok.

"Please. I'm just not feeling well that's all."

I sigh, "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

After saying goodbye I quickly hung up. I hope he knows I wasn't going to listen to him. And if he didn't well, he was about to. I get out of the car and head straight to the front door. I knock and expect Vinny to answer but it's actually his step mom.

"Hey Caroline, is Vinny here?"

She sighs and looks back at the staircase. "It's not the best time."

"Oh. Well is he oka-"

"Honey the car is ready outside I'm heading off!" I look over and see Mr.Cooper walking our way in a suit. "Ben are you sure you wanna go to work?"

He took a deep breath and rubbed his temples. "I need the distraction. Please check on Vin while I'm gone."

They both kissed each other goodbye. He gave me a pat on the back and a forced smile before walking out the door. I guess Vinny isn't the only one in a bad mood. "Is everything okay?"

"Follow me." Caroline leads me to a table up against a usually empty wall. The table is filled with candles and pictures. I look closely at a picture and can't help but smile. It's a woman I've never seen, but she's beautiful. I look at more photos and notice some similar features as someone. "Is this Vinny's mother?"

Caroline just nodded.

"So today must be the day she..?"I let my words trail off because I really didn't know much about the situation. I figured she knew what I meant. Caroline looked at the table before nodding again.

Now it all makes sense. Vinny must be hurting. "Do you think it would be alright if I just go to talk to him?"

She pauses to think it over and I see her look back towards the table before meeting my eyes, "I think he needs you right now."

I walk up the stairs and straight to his room. Without knocking I barge in. What? Gotta make a grand entrance.

Vinny, whose on his bed looks up startled. Aw he really thought I would listen to his wishes and stay home. That's cute. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you." I couldn't help but look at him like a wounded animal. I don't know why I didn't just play it off but the more I looked at him the more I felt pain in my heart. His eyes were red as if he hadn't slept in days. His nose was a deep pink and I could see how his eyes glistened with tears.