Should I call you a cab?

Chapter fifteen

The going back to Vienna's house was very quiet. As soon as Gaston got out of the elevator Vienna knew he had bad news. She hugged him tight and held his hand the whole time, but since he didn't even say a word, she thought, maybe the best thing was letting him process it quietly. When they got to the apartment Vienna focused on preparing lunch and Gaston took the second shower of the day. Under the hot steamy stream he hoped water could wash out failure. Vienna made pasta, thinking Gaston would need a delicious comfort meal, but he barely touched his bowl.

-You know I can not let you feel pity for yourself like this anymore, right? You're going home tonight, I can't let you get on that bus with that sad long face -Vienna finally interrupted the long silence policy, shifting her weight on the high stool to face him, while eating a big bite of spaghetti. Then talked with her mouth full, trying to make him laugh- It's not the end of your career, Broadway boy...

But he didn't laugh. He just smiled from the side, that sad and compromised smile Vienna was starting to dislike. She could see the sadness in his eyes, so she sighed, swallowing the big chunk of pasta, wiped her mouth with the napkin, and then had a sip of water. 

-I know, it's not the end -Gaston pushed his pasta away a bit on the sly with the back of his hand, but Vienna noticed- It's not the end 'cause I really thought it would be the beginning -Gaston eyes were locked on the counter, glossy. Vienna grabbed his hand, squeezing a bit. He sighed, pressing his lips together- I'll be fine, don't worry. I just had so much expectations about this call, I really thought I had it - his shoulders shrunk-  Guess it will be next time -He smiled again, but this time looking at her eyes. He was disappointed, really disappointed,  but at the same time, Vienna could also see he wouldn't give up. His eyes still had that passionate fire she saw the day before, when he got the second call. He just needed time. Vienna smiled back, relieved. She admired him so much. Her little brother. The idea made her chuckle, having a brother turn out to be fun. She could picture him growing up, even more. Getting his first big role, maybe even having kids. She felt really happy knowing that she could share all those things with him. Although those where the things she someday had planned for herself. Vienna quickly pushed that thought aside and changed the subject.

-Okey, wanna watch a movie? We still have time, we got to be on the bus terminal by seven, so, I can book an Uber for half past six, what do you think? -Vienna stoop up, pretending to act casual, and checked her phone while Gaston picked up the plates. There it was, a text notification from Gale. Vienna's stomach churned a bit but she tried not to show it. Quickly booked the Uber, carefully not to open his chat, and putting her phone back in her back pocket, rushed to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Gaston helped as he thought of a movie stupid enough to distract him, but not that stupid, so he wouldn't get bored and start thinking. They decided on watching Alice in wonderland. Burton's approach. They had both seen it before, in fact, it was one of Vienna's favorites. She was an Alice fan, the movies, the books, the aesthetics. Bruno was more of a Harry Potter guy, so he could understand her obsession. Another hurtful memory. She nodded pushing it away. Under the evening sunlight they sat on the couch and watched silently. Vienna left her mobile on the coffee table, and although she promised herself not to open the chat, at least not yet, she couldn't stop glancing at it from time to time. And if Gaston's mobile wasn't right next to hers for reference, she would've sworn her phone was getting bigger and bigger as minutes passed. Calling her attention. Asking her to pick it up.

After the movie, the packing up, and an Uber ride, they were on the bus terminal, just silently waiting for the passengers call. Gaston sighed, letting himself fall into one of the waiting hall chairs, with a frustrated expression.

-Hey kid, promise you'll hug your dad for me. -she sat next to him pulling his luggage closer.

-I'm afraid I'll hug him and he'll never let me go -he chuckled looking at nothing in the distance.

-What do you mean? 

-You know how dad is with me Vienna, after mum, and Bruno, he's so attached. Like, I feel sometimes I'm the adult and his the kid. Begging me not to go, to stay, to live my life back home. I don't want that for my future -he shrugged his shoulders- that's why I didn't tell him about the audition. The idea of me leaving home it's impossible to process for him. And now... well, I'm not saying he will be happy I failed but... -he left the idea inconclusive. Vienna nodded, she didn't like that at all.

-That's not fair, that's not fair at all! -She snapped, and he looked at her confused- How can you even think of your dad like that? He loves you Gaston, so much. He's not afraid of you thriving, he's afraid of you getting hurt. -She stood up, a bit exasperated, arms crossed on her chest, walking the few steps from where Gaston was sitting to the next line of chairs. He looked around, hoping no one would notice his sister's tantrum - Your dad, Gaston, he's one of the kindest and most gentle person I've ever met. He raised you two, alone for the most part, and look! Your brother studying and working on what he loved. And you -she stopped, and gestured at him with one open hand- you young man are having casting calls across the country, dancing in the same floor with people who double your age! -Gaston rolled his eyes at her and she snorted loudly- Don't you dare, you know I'm right. You're sixteen for Christ sake. You'll get thousands of this calls, you'll fail half of them before you even get a steady job. -she breathed in and out once and sat next to him again- You have been focusing in everyone around you for so long Gaston. Worrying for your dad...-she doubted, but knew it was right- ... for me. Well, no more. No more Gaston, you're young, and talented, and have everything to give. -The young kid smiled from the side, blushing a bit- And don't even tell me otherwise, you know I'm right. -She gestured with both hands, palms together, to mark her point and he just stood there, eyes locked on the floor. Vienna sighed, pulled his shoulders closer to her and hugged him- come here you stupid. 

Gaston reached for her too and hugged her tight with both arms, hiding his face on her golden hair. They just stood there for a few minutes, both conscious that departure was getting closer, and either of them were good at Goodbyes. Eventually they just sat back down, smiling and holding hands.

-Thank you -Gaston said, in a very tiny voice- thank you for choosing me. Bruno couldn't avoid me even if he tried -he joked chuckling- but you... you don't owe me anything... and still..

-Shut up -she scoffed- don't even say it. We're family. -The words lingered in the air for a few seconds as they both smiled at each other, confidently. The speakers interrupted, calling for Gaston's bus passengers to gather in deck number three, in that classic saturated noisy way station speakers sound like. Vienna winked at her brother and they both got up. Once luggage was up the bus, Gaston hugged Vienna one last time on the dock.

-Bye sister, please love yourself as much as you love me -he muttered into her ear softly, and then got into the bus. Vienna just dropped her empty arms on her sides, smiling. That kind of smile where you eyes look sad although your lips are curved. The bus moved back out of the parking dock and then out of the terminal lot. Vienna just stood there, watching it drive down the avenue, waving goodbye as if a little part of her was leaving with him. She then sat on the hall chairs for a minute, picking up her phone to get a Uber back home. And there it was, Gale's text. Vienna took a deep breath in, pushed herself to be brave, and opened the chat. One single message.

"The closure, 8.00pm. Don't be late blondie"

Vienna's phone marked 7.30. 

Fuck -she rushed out of the terminal, pushing people on the process.