"...I already miss Tucker :( I wish RP could make him a regular character. Wouldn't that be epic?R&R?..Spolier (the character Oliver is the spolier) for In Vino Veritas... Will most likely be a two-part story, even if both parts are pretty short..."

A Vow of Silence

Hank Lawson was starting to get worried. He hadn't seen Tucker, Libby, or Oliver in almost three days. He had asked around about the sudden disappearing act the three teens seemed to have pulled, but he ended up with more questions that answers.

"Oh, is it that time of year again? You won't see them for a few more days, then. Happens every year. Don't worry, they'll be back in action before you know it." Mrs. Newberg had answered. "Poor boy, but at least he has Libby to help him get through it."

"Yeah, it's not unusual. Every time this year in summer, he hides out in that big 'ol house of his with his girlfriend at his side. After a few days, they come out, but Tucker doesn't say a word for a few days. I don't know if anyone knows exactly why, though." Alan Ryder replied when Hank asked him about Tucker.

"Give him some time, Hank. Nothing's medically wrong with him." Jill answered vaguely.

Finally, it seemed like Hank had found someone who knew what was going on with Tucker. "I will, I just want to know what's going on. It seems the Hamptons residents are kind of split on knowing and not knowing, and I think I deserve to be on the knowing side."

"Every year, Tucker locks himself in his house for three days, and for the rest of the week he takes a vow of silence."

"Why? I mean, I don't mean to pride, but it seems kind of odd for a kid to take a vow of silence."

"You're right, it is odd. And yes, I know why." Jill sighed. "It's his mother, Hank. I don't know what he told you about her, but she died when he was really young...and in front of him."

"So it's like a grieving process. He stays home, doesn't talk, stays pretty secluded from the rest of the world." Hank said, filling in the blanks.

"Exactly." Jill replied., nodding her head all the while. "Unfortunately, that's all I know. He keeps a pretty low key to begin with, but to see him completely silent is pretty strange. It weirds me out every year, but I guess you get used to it, you know?"

"Yeah." Hank agreed, sounding a little fazed. "Uh, thanks Jill. I appreciate you telling me that. I'll catch up with you later."

"Of course." Jill said, putting on a fake smile for Hank's sake. Without another word, Hank left the room...

Tucker Bryant closed his eyes, pressing back the horrible memories from when he was just a little boy. Libby held his hand all the while, trying her best to support her boyfriend as the memories hit him like bricks. Every year, she would stand by his side, ready to be his support whenever he needed it. She helped him through the break downs and mental flashbacks- the nightmares and the cries for comfort. She didn't mind, though. Tucker needed her, and she knew how desperately he needed her. She couldn't imagine losing a parent- let alone seeing them die in front of her- and she knew what a mental toll it took on Tucker.

Suddenly, she felt his hand slip out of hers, his body leaving the floor next to her. Tucker wiped away a tear before pointing toward the hall bathroom. After a nod from Libby, he closed the bathroom door.

She understood that he wouldn't talk for a few days, even if just to say that he was going to the bathroom. Libby knew he was doing it to honor his mother, a woman he barely knew. Once Tucker shut the door, she leaned back against the hallway wall and waited.

A few minutes later, Libby was starting to get worried. It had been almost ten minutes, and he was still in the bathroom. Feeling that something was wrong, she stood up and knocked on the door.

"Tucker, are you okay?" she called. "Just...knock on the door once if you are." No response. "Okay Tucker, you're starting to scare me now." Still, there was no knock. "That's it; I'm coming in!" Libby forcefully pushed the door in, gasping when she opened it. Tucker was crouched on the floor, his leg bleeding. She watched as her boyfriend pointed toward the sink, where she saw the broken glass soap dispenser. Once she saw the pieces of glass and the soap itself laid across the floor, she realized what had happened. Tucker's shaking hands had dropped it on the floor and a piece had cut his leg.

"I'm calling Hank." she said before rushing to reach her cell phone from down the hall. Tucker gave her a nod that she barely recognized as she darted out of the bathroom. Tears pooled from his face- not from his leg, but from what had caused his hands to shake so violently. Every summer, the memories can flooding back, and he couldn't stop them. Squinting his eyes from the pain, Tucker titled his head back against the wall, waiting for Libby to return...

Libby dialed the too-familiar number, waiting impatiently for the 'good doctor' to answer.

"Hank here." he greeted.

"Hank, Tucker needs you." Libby said, pushing back her unshed tears.

"Is he bleeding?" Hank asked, concern oozing in his voice.

"Yeah." she choked out, her tears now visible.

"Alright, I'm on my way. You know what to do in the meantime." Hank replied. Libby could hear things moving around in the background, most likely Hank searching for his keys or medical bag, Libby guessed.

"Thanks, Hank. Just...just hurry."

"I know."

The line went blank on both ends.

Dropping her cell phone, Libby rushed back to Tucker's side, ready to support him as they waited for Hank to finally arrive...

"...Horrible ending spot, I know. And I know I should be updating my other stories, but I just have no inspiration for them! Honest! One more chap, I think, maybe two-but no more than that. R&R...?"