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 it's time for another confrontation.
Chapter 68"What else, Uncle Vincey?" Ariadne said with glee as Vincent took out some of the things he had brought back from his trip to New York.
"This…" he said handing her a little Barbie set, "Is for you!"
"Thank you!" Ariadne said giving him a hug and then running up to Laura and Donna.
"See! Look what I got!"
"That's wonderful!" Laura exclaimed.
"C'mon, I'll help you open it," Donna said picking her up.
"Thanks, Uncle Vincent!"
Vincent just smiled and gave a quick wave as he then turned towards Laura who had a satisfied smile on her face.
"What?" he asked.
She went up to him and gently nudged his shoulder. "Nothing. I just keep thinking of what a great dad you could be. That's all. I mean you work so well with kids too aside from your writing."
"I dabble." he said playfully as Laura played along.
"Whatever you say, Mr. Gray."
Vincent just laughed before saying, "I got something for you too. It's not much mind you but it'll probably do for your taste."
"You didn't have to," Laura said in a more gentler tone.
"Nah. You deserved it plus I bet that you'll really like it." He handing her a small little box neatly gift wrapped.
Laura took it and pulled on the ribbon and opened the box as Vincent followed her wondrous gaze.
Laura nearly gasped when she saw what it was.
It was a white phantom mask with a rose beside it.
"Vincent…" she started.
"I saw this store with souvenirs of famous shows on Broadway and this captured my attention. I know how much that musical means to you."
Laura smiled to herself as she felt some tears form as memories of her past came back, "I remember being little and pretending I was playing Sarah Brightman's role of Christine. I even had the hair," she said with a laugh. "My mother then realized how much the arts meant to me and that's when I guess I realized where I felt my inner peace and home was. Through music."
Vincent smiled and stared knowingly.
"I'm dying to hear your voice," he said.
"Well, I'm sure you can survive to next week," Laura said, "The sales are coming up later this week."
"I'll be there," he assured. Then he realized that he needed to talk to her and there was no better time than now.
"Laura?"
"Yeah," she said looking up entranced by the gesture of the gift he had given her.
"There's something I need to talk to you about."
"You sound serious."
"It kinda is."
Laura nodded in understanding and sat on the edge of Vincent's bed where he followed her and sat beside her, "I'm listening."
"Well, as you know I was in New York and well…I can't lie to you. I looked up your father."
Laura just flinched in shock.
"What?" she asked to herself.
"I didn't mean to but I knew that he was in the area and that maybe after everything that has happened and all the two of you would finally fix up your differences or whatever the two of you had between one another."
Laura just stared down in silence.
"I'm sorry," Vincent confessed, "I didn't mean to get involved like this but I just wanted you to be happy and you were so sad, I…"
Without further hesitation, Laura just hugged Vincent and held him for a good while.
A little surprised at first, Vincent was soon able to return it.
"You're not mad at me?" Vincent asked once she let go and stared deep into his eyes.
"No," she said trying to regain her strength. "I just realized how true and good of a friend that you are."
Vincent just smiled and said, "You're a goof friend too."
"So," she said drying her tears, "How is he?"
"Your father?"
"Yes."
It nearly killed Vincent. Here was a father who clearly didn't get along but Laura still cared enough to ask how he was. Vincent knew that she had to be good.
"He seems to be…umm…doing well. His job and stuff. He seems to be making a lot of business deals…"
Laura looked away and Vincent could tell that she was still disturbed by knowing about her father in so long.
"Anything else?" she asked.
Vincent was about to say something when she interrupted again and asked "Does he know?"
Vincent gazed into her eyes and knew that there was no possible way that he could have lied to her so just nodded a yes.
Laura nodded in return and understanding.
"You are better off right now," Vincent assured.
Laura just smiled.
"It's okay Vincent," Laura said. "I'm just glad that he's okay and all."
"I care for you."
"I know you do."
Vincent looked down and Laura just gently stroke the top of his head.
"Thank you," she replied.
He smiled and she returned it.
From that moment, it was as if they had made a pact never to lie and a major trust was formed.