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: Now Maxine shall relief some of the truth of Laura's past…
Chapter 66Vincent roamed through the dark after hour hallways of DCF. He was certain that his mother was still there. He carried along a small suitcase and backpack as he managed to see her desk light on. He quietly waited and made his entrance.
Maxine almost immediately turned around feeling her son's presence.
She smiled and said, "Vincent! You're home early!"
Vincent just gave a weak smile as she gave him a hug he silently returned it.
Noticing his awkward behavior, Maxine backed away slowly and worriedly said, "Vincent, what's wrong?"
"We need to talk about Laura," Vincent said.
"I knew this would happen someday…" Maxine said hesitatingly. "Sit down," she told him as he took a seat across from her. "What is it that you'll like to know?"
"Everything. Including her relationship with her father."
"Vincent…"
"I saw him."
"Who?"
"Laura's father. I could help it. I knew he was in town and he was somewhat of a business tycoon there. I had to."
"Vincent…" Maxine said.
"Don't ask me why," Vincent said, "It just felt like my job like that's what I really needed to do."
Maxine nodded her head and looked up to him, "So, did you see this fellow?"
"Yes. Talk to him even."
"And…."
"Wasn't what I was expecting at all."
"Sounds like he hasn't changed one bit," Maxine said.
"How come you never told me how cruel her father was?"
"Her story is far too painful Vincent. She shouldn't have to suffer more. There's too much drama."
Vincent ran his hand through his hair and asked, "What happened for them to get to that point?"
Maxine nodded and said, "You are her closest friend Vincent. She doesn't have many so I will tell you. When Laura was younger, her and her father were the best of friends. They were so close. She wasn't very close to her mother but her father, that was something else."
"I can hardly imagine that."
"Me neither. But it's true. When she grew older, the more different she realized she was."
"How so?"
"She was nowhere near popular or what others considered pretty. She was an outcast. The other children at school would bully and abuse her to the living daylights. She was beaten by them, scarred, she had no one that really understand her. She entered depression at such an early age and that went into her young youth. She never had a true childhood. Laura would come home from school in tears everyday for a course of 9 years Vincent. She even got threatening letters. Her teachers adored her, she was always the top, well except for math but in arts, no one could beat her. Kind of like you."
"What happened?"
"Almost by magic, one day she changed. She was no longer silent, shy Laura. She found her inner voice and used it to her advantage. With it, she found her love for the arts and her new-found personality of being an opinionative person while still have minor symptoms of depression."
"I don't follow."
"Vincent, once one is depressed, there's a part of them that always be. You know that. She had a strange reverse effect where that happened but she was also able to change her view of life and see it in a new light. An epiphany if you will."
"What about her father?"
"Hated every aspect of the new her. She was good and she used this new trait for the good but many of her views and loves were not shared by her father. A few years back the business he was a member in failed but now a new business with him as one of the heads were rising and instead of being there for his daughter when she needed him the most, he chose business instead."
"That's so wrong."
"I know. But it's true. Soon he didn't know her. She was someone else and while she wanted to be with the old him she actually realized that he never would be the same again no matter how hard she tried."
"And her mother."
"She never told you?"
"How she died?"
"Yes."
"No."
"Vincent, she died of a brain tumor. It was cancer."
"Oh my gosh," Vincent said.
"Her mother was a strong woman. Not as strong as Laura of course but one who showed pride with dignity and respect and showed compassion and care for Laura. Despite things in the past where Laura was somewhat a difficult child because of her childhood, they were able to surpass that and become the best of friends. Sadly, it wasn't long after that she passed away."
"No. Laura didn't deserve it."
"No, she didn't. That girl would do the impossible to be by her mother's side in moments of dying. Her father was off who knows where closing off some deal and when he was around didn't show the slightest interest of care for her. She was so alone."
"And now?"
"Vincent, I don't know what to think. All I know is that she's a good person. Laura tried to confront her father many times once she was on her own to try to form a bond and yet he never did. He really doesn't care. He really doesn't deserve to be father. You met her for a reason. So did I. She's one of my success stories. She made it so far on her own despite neglect. Paying her own way through college, working long hours at the worst moments, she's somebody who has seen a lot and knows what life can be."
Vincent just nodded understanding.
"You love her. Don't you?" Maxine asked.
This time Vincent didn't hesitate and nodded his head in despair and defeat, "Yeah. I do."
"Vincent…"
"I wish I could tell her but there's so much going on. I don't want to cause her pain."
Maxine nodded understanding and said, "You'll have to tell her someday. She cares for you so much, you know?"
Vincent looked up to meet his mother's eyes.
"You've been there for her so much," Maxine said, "You two have been through so much. I can't help but wish you two a happy ending."
Vincent smiled.
"You look tired," Maxine said patting his head. "Go home and get some rest. You deserve it."
Vincent smiled and got up.
"Mom?" he asked.
"Yes?"
"Don't tell her, that I love her. Not yet. And thanks."
Maxine nodded with a smile as Vincent turned away and headed back home.