Should I call you a cab?

Chapter six

Did you know that it's been scientifically proven that the "Monday morning depression" exists? On Monday mornings we feel sad about going back to the working routine, we feel tired because of all the weekend emotions and activities, and we even feel less attractive! So that morning was no change for Vienna. Got up early, fuzzy and sleepy. Got into the shower, again, had her morning coffee and left the apartment straight to the office. On her way on the subway, she checked her phone. She had an audio message from Gaston recived 30 minutes ago. 

"Hey Vienna, good mornin'... emm so, I wanted to say  -sigh- I'm sorry, okey? If you really think it's a bad idea I go, I'll get it... I mean, I'd hate to be a bother... Please don't get mad at me. I know you said you had to think 'bout it but I don't wanna be of any... you know."

He really seemed frustrated with the idea of Vienna being angry at him. That made her feel sad, but a the same time kind of special. Her brother in law was begging her not to get mad with him, because he cared. Gaston was a dancer. He had been since he could stand on both his feet. Everyday after school he would go to this very little but very acclaimed dancing academy in town, where he got a full scholarship. That's how good of a dancer he was. Turned out Gaston got a casting call to dance on one of this famous pop music videos, and the casting was the following weekend, on Republic City. So he asked, no, he begged Vienna to let him stay with her just for two nights to be able to participate on the first casting and, maybe, even get the second call. Problem was he didn't told his dad about the casting. He said he didn't wanted to get his hopes up, because he was afraid his father would be disappointed if he didn't get in. That or, maybe, because his dad would not be happy if he knew his son was auditioning for a video shooting that would get him out of school for a few weeks. Vienna was surprised by the plan -happy for him- but a bit surprised. She was clearly not too keen on the idea of having him there, on the apartment, a full weekend. That meant two things, no bar, no sex. Was that so bad? She hadn't had a weekend alone for months. Less to say she hadn't been anywhere else than the bar and the office, and sometimes the supermarket, for approximately half a year.

But on the other hand, Gaston had always been such a good little brother to her. He showed to be legitimately concerned about Vienna's health and happiness. Even though he was the one who outlived his elder brother. This thought pinched Vienna's heart, Gaston lost his only brother when he was only fourteen years old, and still managed to be actively supporting her. Anyways, the apartment was Vienna's as much as it was Bruno's, so she kind of owed him this favor to his little brother. So Vienna answered Gaston's audio.

"Hey pretty boy, please do not apologize, you did nothing wrong. -sigh- We are a family Gaston, I expect you to count on me as much as I've always counted on you. So If you need a place to stay, be welcomed. Mi casa es su casa. If you need me to talk to your dad about this, I could call him tonight. And do not worry about the bus tickets, I got your back, 'key? Gotta go to work now. Christ I hate Monday mornings. Bye" 

This interactions she had with Gaston, this one phone call and two texts was the most human interaction Vienna had had in the last ten days. This is what I mean when I say she shut everyone out. Leticia called on Vienna's lunchtime, but she rejected the call. Maybe because she couldn't get out of her head the images of the nightmare she had the day before. Or maybe one phone call with another human being every 24 hours was enough. Whatever it was, she was enclosed on her own world, not even sharing with her coworkers. That's the perk of working with words all day, you don't really have to use them that much. So when the tragic Monday was over and Vienna got home she only had a text from Gaston.

"You're the best fake sister in the whole world. Do not talk with my dad, I'll manage him, THANK YOU <3"

The week passed without great achievements. Vienna's work was boring as usual and her week nights consisted on watching TV and maybe crying a bit in bed before sleeping. You know, the usual routine. So she was not surprised when she caught herself being excited about picking up Gaston from the bus station on Friday afternoon. She was not the chatty type of girl but she really liked him, and, although she wouldn't admit it, she missed him. So on Friday Vienna took an Uber to the bus station on the outsides of Republican City, close to the docks. Gaston's bus got there right on time and they hugged laughing on the station hall. This was the first time she laughed in months. 

-O-m-g Vienna, you put down so much weight! -he chuckled while wrapping her arms around her waist- I'm so excited, the city is so big, so full of culture and fun -Gaston was walking, and dancing a bit too, euphoric to leave their little plain hometown. Vienna just limited herself to smiling while dragging, with much effort, his suitcase.

-Gaston you know we only talked about a weekend, right? It seems like you packed for a month, maybe two.

-I already have lots of plans of going out, and places we can visit - he was over the moon, jumping around her like a little kid.

-Visit? Gaston, are you having like a sugar overdose right now? -Vienna mocked and Gaston gave he a bad look but then returned to the excitement.

-Oh believe me I'm not, I'm on a strict diet honey, no carbs, no gluten. -He made a gesture with both hands like pinching his "belly fat", which he clearly didn't had.

-As if you needed it - Vienna rolled her eyes to him but he didn't even noticed. He got into the Uber that stayed waiting for them and Vienna put the suitcase in the trunk.

On their way to the apartment Gaston talked the whole time. He insisted on his plans and many places to visit as if he was going to stay for a month. He defended himself trying to make Vienna understand that those weren't things they could do back in their hometown, that he wanted to make the most of his visit in this "cultured and exhilarating city". When Vienna laughed of his activity list he complaint she would never understand because she forgot how it felt to be a big fish in a small pond, and that made her laugh even harder.

-Oh shut up you woman, you should be happy I'm here. Your weekend has been saved from boredom and dullness. 

-I am - Vienna smiled nodding to him, and then rolled her eyes again- I am happy, and you mister are breaking that ridiculous diet of yours, today.