Author: Sparkling-Diva
Rating: PG-13 (possibly more later)
Genre: Drama/Romance
Feedback: Yes! Please! But be nice!
Summary: Vincent Gray, now 33, is at a depressing stage of his life. When he meets a young girl, his life will change forever.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the show Judging Amy whatsoever and in no way am I affiliated with it.
Author's Note: To Time Square they go!
Chapter 37
"It's so beautiful," Laura said as she was walking down the streets she wished and dreamed of going to since she was just a little girl.
"I thought you'd like it," he said.
"Vincent, why did you bring me here anyways?" Laura asked.
"What do you mean? I thought I already explained."
"You did but you could choose anyone including someone from your family but you choose me."
"Because you're special."
"How can I possibly be special?"
Vincent stopped for a moment to try to find his words, "I have problems. Life problems. You're there. Unlike the others, you don't criticize me or judge me based on the looks of things. It's like you knew me all my life and instead of saying something wrong you say something right and encouraging."
"Vincent. You're a good friend."
"Despite what accidentally happened yesterday?"
"Yeah," Laura said. She had been trying hard to erase that memory but sometimes memories just can't be replaced no matter what you try to do.
"You're a great friend too," Vincent confessed, "Possibly one of the best I've ever had."
Laura just smiled and kept walking and then stopped dead in her tracks and glanced ahead.
"Laura?" Vincent said following his gaze.
In almost a trance, Laura walked up to the building that held a sign of a Broadway stage.
"Broadway…" she whispered.
"Laura…" Vincent said again.
"Since I was little, I always wanted to be working here. I always wanted to be on that very stage where so many of the greatest performing legends in history once performed. It was my dream. My mom had always encouraged me and it was partly her dream too. I wanted it so badly," she said in tears. "She was the only one who believed in me despite everything. I auditioned for this once you know and I was rejected. I felt like I could've died. They said I could sing and act. But I couldn't dance."
"I'm sorry…"
Laura just nodded her head and continued, "It might sound silly but I never gave up. Even after my mom left in peace. I umm…I never got an opportunity like that again, you know. Music and the arts was all I felt I had. All that I ever had."
Suddenly, she realized that Vincent was still staring at her, "I'm so sorry." She wiped her tears and tried to shrug herself off. "It just brings up memories."
"You can still work to achieve your dreams," Vincent suggested.
"I know but now doesn't really cut it for me. I like my job. I'm happy. Maybe it's better this way."
"I have yet to hear you sing."
"When the time comes you will. I just need to be comfortable again."
"I know what that feels like," Vincent said offering condolence, "When I was younger and I had my chance to live my dreams, I carelessly threw it away. It wasn't until years later I had the guts to turn around and face back at what I have left behind and realize what I had lost was so precious and had been such a major beautiful part of my life. I had to go back."
"Did it scare you?" she asked.
"Yeah. But it also was a wake up call. Not only did I discover my true gift but other important things."
"Like what?"
"Like who really cared about what I did. Who my real friends were."
Laura kept silent.
Vincent then walked forward and lifted her chin, "Don't be scared about the past. Think of the now. Think of the people who care like me. I'll always be there."
Laura stared in awe.
"Vincent. Nobody ever told me anything like that before."
"Really?" Vincent said. "I don't think I've ever said anything like that either."
They stared at each other for a moment before he broke the silence, "We have an early plane to catch. Do you think that maybe its time we go get some rest back at the hotel?"
"Yeah," she said with a smile, "We can't just be like zombies tomorrow."
"No that definitely wouldn't be good," he said with a laugh putting an arm around her, "C'mon let's go."