Vince Pov
It was strange. During my recovery I'd been treated like a king; received extra portions of food, got to skip lessons and I was even visited by everyone including Mathias and his lot.
Something told me this was Hetty's doing.
I didn't know why but she was around me 24/7, ensuring that I had a speedy recovery. I don't know why she bothered when no one else did. I don't know why she insisted on staying by my bedside narrating stories of circuses and far away lands.
Or maybe I did.
She cared about me. More than anyone else in the world. And she was going to make sure that my last days in the hospital would not have been for nothing.
Hetty Pov
I didn't deny now. Whenever Harriet brought up the subject teasingly, my somber expression seemed to say it all.
I loved him.
Of course, I knew it was stupid. I was barely an adult and had no idea of how to control my emotions let alone define them. Yet the truth hit me hard.
All those times he messed with us. It was all for attention. Although he acted bigger, he was still just a child with feelings and emotions. And unlike the rest of us, he'd never received proper care.
At least I'd had my caring foster family. At least I'd had Jem write to me a few times. He had no one to give him that care. And until we left the hospital, I was going to make sure Vince had something worth remembering.
Mathias grudgingly made his way into the attic rubbing his eyes, as Harriet shot him a blinding glare. The two were not on good terms since Harriet had confessed her love and Mathias hadn't reciprocated.
"So what's all this about then Hetty?" Gideon asked attempting to ease the tension in the room.
"I want us to help Vince," I stated quietly, steeling myself for the reaction...
"What's Vince ever done for us?" Ned asked in protest.
"Yeah why should we help him?" Mathias added irritated.
"Because Hetty loves him unlike some people!" Harriet burst out, silencing their protests and making Mathias go very, very red.
This wasn't going too well.
"Listen, I understand that Vince has done some horrible things and I agree. But he deserves a second chance to put things right. He can't join the army because of his accident and if Matron ends up picking a placement for him, who knows what will happen? He might end up living like Blanche used to!" I exclaimed emotionally, "It doesn't matter what he's done. We're Foundling children and we look out for each other. So let's try and find him a good home, because he deserves to have something good for once.."
Everyone stared at me smiling before Mathias piped up, "So you do fancy him!" and they all started giggling.
"I'm with you Hetty, but what about you? It's possible Matron might have something planned for you.." Harriet inquired.
"I know. But I can deal with that later. Vince needs us to help him" I replied but I didn't sound too sure of myself.
"..he doesn't know about all this does he?" Gideon sighed, as I shook my head anxiously. I had to tell him what we were doing, but I wasn't sure how he'd react.
Vince Pov
She told me the next day, on our walk around the hospital grounds.
"No" I stated stubbornly, "I don't need help, I can get recruited into the army and it'll all be fine!"
"Vince, you're being unrealistic.."
"What and you are?" I fought back angrily. Is that all she saw me as? A pity case. I could prove to her that I was strong but she didn't believe in me at all.
"Listen I just want what best for you.." she tried again.
"What about what I want?! Just leave me alone!" I shouted ditching her and returning to the infirmary. Deep down, I knew she was right. But I was allowed to dream at least, try to impress a sergeant and if not I'd leave knowing that I had tried to make something of myself.
I tensed as a tear slid from my eyes. Men didn't cry. But then again, I wasn't really much of a man myself.
"Vince?" she called out warily, "Listen if you want us to stop then we will but..."
I wiped my eyes and turned to her. This was Hetty; she wasn't fooled.
Taking a couple of strides toward me she embraced me in a quick hug, that felt like it lasted forever. I inhaled sharply the scent of vanilla and fresh air and when she broke off the hug to look at me, her expression held such warmth that my heart thundered heavily against my chest.
Never had I ever felt such love from a single gesture. And the annoying thing was she was right.
I needed love more than anything. I needed a life with friends, not one carried out on no man's land amongst death and destruction.
"I'm sorry, Hetty. You've been so kind to me and I didn't appreciate it.."
"I care about you, Vince, and I want to help you" she stated earnestly, gazing up at me with those bluebell eyes. I could barely breathe.
"Then please help me find my future.." I asked gently as she allowed herself a small smile of victory.
Hetty Pov
We worked to find Vince a suitable family, after church, meet and greet periods with new families enquiring if they would be after a diligent houseboy that would cater to their every needs.
It was hard, trying to promote Vince seeing as he'd had his accident and there wasn't a lot he could be credited for. But unlike the others I managed to describe him attractively, eloquently emphasising how hard he'd worked to try and get a place in the army but had tragically fallen from his hard work and was now looking to pursue his dreams in a respectable household.
We'd had many interested families but since Vince himself wasn't able to meet them, they had dismissed our claims.
"But where is this Vincent? I can't trust your claims aren't biased," one fine gentleman had stated.
"Yet clearly, this girl seems to think so putting her reputation below his. You have been saying we could do with a houseboy.." his wife replied to my favour before turning to me, "You must really care for him.."
I blushed despite myself, "I can assure you my feelings are of no importance.."
"Hetty," a strong voice came from behind me as I fought the urge not to wrap my arms around Vince in relief. He'd been in hospital for more than a week now, and with every passing day I'd gotten more fearful for his health.
Luckily I had no reason to be so scared.
"Good afternoon Sir and Madam, I am the Vince she speaks of. How may I help?" he stated eloquently, addressing the family.
"Well, this young lady has been singing your praises. I wonder if you would agree with her elaborations?"
Vince turned towards me pensively, before coming before the gentleman.
"I believe Hetty to be a good and honest person, even if she may be creative sometimes. It is true that I fell ill during my military training, but that was mainly due to unfortunate timing and the recent food shortage here, although I am grateful for all that we receive. If you would be so kind as to offer me a modest position at your household thus securing my future happiness, I would be delighted to serve you, Sir."
My jaw dropped in awe at his fighting speech. Never had I ever witnessed such passion, such bravery from Vince.
He was pushing beyond the boundaries but his charm came across perfectly, his desire for a better future was strong enough to touch even the most unfeeling of characters. Vince didn't hold back. He was desperate for a chance, any chance to have a decent future.
And it inspired me. All this time I'd been fighting everyone's battle but my own. Was it so wrong of me to be a little selfish and think about my future?
The real destination ahead, not my fantasised dreams. My starting ground in the world.
The gentleman and his lady couldn't hold back smiles as they gave in and accepted Vince's speech. He still had a long way to go in terms of arranging a meeting with Matron to discuss the plans but he'd done it.
He had won over his right to a good future.
That night as I wrote in my beloved diary, I felt the atmosphere of the hospital change. The walls weren't so bleached and there appeared to be a certain glow around my sleeping friends.
Dreams didn't always come true, but every so often happiness would appear in various forms.
You may not have been able to predict who or what made you happy, but having hope and dignity allowed for one to dream a little. To relish that thought, that one day, the world wouldn't be so cruel.
Everyone had equal rights to their own happiness and could live peacefully amongst one another.
The thought lulled me gently into a deep, contented sleep. One in which I dreamed of my mother, Vince and everything that was so wonderfully glorious.
(A/N): To everyone who reviewed, thanks so much for the support; it's been really motivating and I hope to keep this storyline continuing for all of you. :)
