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Meet me by the Fountain

Chapter 3

Tifa's Choice

"Oh gods!" Julia exclaimed as she opened the front door. "Tifa, what happened?"

Just outside the house stood Tifa and Vincent, who were both soaking wet, "My umbrella has a large hole." Vincent said sounding very pathetic.

Julia stared at him, trying to figure out who he was and why was he with her daughter. And why would Tifa agree to watch home with a stranger. Appearing behind her was Laguna who looked at Tifa, then at Vincent and then back at Tifa.

"Holy hell!"

That was all he said before he started laughing. "I-," he gasped for air, "told you it was going to rain."

Tifa was furious. Not only did Cloud propose to her so called best friend, Aeris, in front of her but now she had to put up with Laguna laughing at her. Tifa clutched her fists tight; she felt her body tense up; if she did not get out of here now she was going to hurt someone.

She pushed her way passed her mother and Laguna, but not before she gave him a piece of her mind, "Fuck off!"

"Tifa?" Julia could only stand there and watch Tifa run up the stairs. The sound of a slamming door proved to everyone that she was in her room. Julia sighed then turned to face Laguna, who was now quiet. "What is wrong with you?" she asked slapping him on his arm.

Laguna looked at Julia, "I was just messing with her. I didn't think she would get upset." He rubbed his arm where she hit him. He noticed that Vincent was still standing outside in the rain, "You coming in or not, Valentine?"

Vincent's body stiffen up, "Yes sir." He stepped inside and removed his jacket.

"Here, dry yourself off before you catch a cold." Julia handed him a large towel which he gladly accepted. "I'm going to check on Tifa."

"Julia, give the girl time." Laguna said which caused her to stop at the foot of the stairs. "I'm guessing she saw them?" He asked Vincent.

Julia was confused, she saw Vincent nod, his wet bangs stuck to his face. The room was silent, far too silent for her liking. "What is going on?" Julia finally asked.

Laguna sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Julia it's best that you sit down for this."

Julia was crying. One of her daughters had been hurt and she felt powerless. To make matters worse, Laguna and Vincent knew what was going on. For all she knows, Zack is also in on this.

"Julia?" Laguna called out to her once she was no longer sobbing.

"Why, Laguna? I want to know why you didn't say anything."

"Well I-"

"And you!" She pointed at Vincent, who had changed into a pair of gray sweat pants and a white T-shirt that Laguna had let him borrow. He was standing against the wall with his arms crossed, looking at the floor. He knew what she was going to ask and he had prepared a speech for this moment, but he knew that it was not going to be enough. Julia was on protective mother mode now and come hell or high water she was going to stay that way until Tifa was happy again or until she ripped Cloud's balls off whichever came first.

Laguna sighed, "Leave the man alone."

"What? Leave him alone! Are you crazy?" Julia glared at Vincent. "He is no man! A real man would have the balls to say something! Not just stand there like a spectator and watch a poor girl get her heart ripped out of her chest! A man," she glared at Vincent, her anger was radiating from her brown eyes, "grow a pair first, and then maybe you can all yourself 'a man'."

Ouch. That hurts, but it's true. He just stood there and watched Tifa's world come to a complete stop. She was so fragile, she needed someone to help her and all he did was watch. Maybe he wanted her to see Cloud fuck up. Just maybe she would give him a chance to help heal her broken heart.

Vincent was so deep in thought that he did not notice Julia as standing in front of him until he felt her grab his chin and forced him to look at her. His body reacted to this and was about to rip her hand off of him when he saw Laguna stand up quickly, his eyes glaring at him, warning Vincent not to do anything stupid. Vincent knew that Laguna could kill him without remorse and make it look like an accident.

All Vincent could do was look at the woman in front of him as she studied his face. "I want you to tell me who you are. No lies. I only want the truth."

Vincent looked at Laguna for help. He was not prepared for this. "I-well you see- I am."

"He is my nephew." Laguna blurted out.

Nice save, you jackass.

Julia released Vincent's chin and turned to face Laguna, "Nephew?" She placed her hands on her hips, "What kind of fool do you take me for?"

Gods, help me. Vincent was getting desperate. Do anything so she would stop asking questions, please?

A young girl screamed, filling the house, causing everyone in the living room to run up the stairs. This is not what Vincent had in mind but who is he to complain with the gods. Standing in the middle of the hall was a young girl, who was about fifteen or sixteen years old. She looked like a younger version of Tifa. She looked pale, like she just seen a ghost.

"Garnet," Julia was the first to reach her, "what is wrong?" The girl did not answer her. She looked as if she was going to faint. Julia shook her gently bringing her back to reality. "Garnet what is wrong?" She asked again.

Garnet blinked several times, she was breathing very fast as if she had just run a marathon. Her eyes glued in the room in front of her. The only thing she did was raise her right arm and pointed into the room, saying one word, "Tifa."

Julia looked into the room and was in shock, all the color from her face disappeared. Vincent ran into the room but stopped dead in his tracks.

The bathroom? Why would-"Then he saw why the two women standing outside were staring into the room. There, sitting in front of the bathtub was Tifa, still wearing her gown. Her head hung low, her long hair covering her face.

No! Vincent saw what made the girl scream. Blood, Tifa's blood was soaking itself into her dress. Her wrists, her beautiful wrists; she had cut them with a piece of glass that came from a picture frame, lying next to her a photo of her and Cloud, standing in front of the diner holding hands, began to disappear in the puddle of blood. She looked so happy in that picture. Now…

This has to be a nightmare! A fucking nightmare!

Shit! Vincent grabbed Tifa's dress and began to rip it to make bandages. He then wrapped one piece tightly around each of her wrists, hoping that it would help stop the bleeding. "Laguna call 911! Julia, get her out of here!" He ordered. Garnet did not need to see this. She should not see her sister like this.

Vincent lifted Tifa's head and checked for a pulse, "Please, Tifa don't leave me." He felt her pulse but it was faint. He held her close to his chest, his heart was racing, "Tifa," he closed his eyes tight, kissed her wet hair, "why did you do this? He's not worth it. You deserve so much more." He felt tears slide down his face but he didn't care. They only thing that mattered now was the woman in is arms.

Julia was pacing back and forth in the hospital's waiting room, "What is taking so long?" She asked stopping in front of the large doors that kept her from Tifa.

Finally, a middle age doctor appeared from behind the door. He removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. Julia rushed the doctor right away; Laguna was at her side, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. "Doctor?" Julia said softly.

He looked at Julia. If he had good news or bad news, Vincent could not tell, but this doctor has on one hell of a poker face right now. Vincent was getting irritated.

"She is very lucky to be alive."

Julia clasped her hands in front of her chest, "Thank the gods."

The doctor continued, "She is being moved to the ICU at this time. The nurse will come get you when it is okay to see her."

Julia bowed low, "Thank you so much doctor."

The man blushed and cleared his throat, "If you'll excuse me." And like that he disappeared behind the large doors.

Julia turned to Laguna, "I have to call Rinoa; she needs to know what is going on."

Rinoa, if Vincent remembers correctly, was also Julia's daughter. A rebel by the way Laguna described her. She had just broken up with her boyfriend and was spending the night at a friend's house.

Laguna nodded, "Sure, it will be a while before we can see her anyways." He began to lead Julia away toward the Cafeteria. He looked over his shoulder at Vincent, "You coming?"

"No, I'm going to wait here."

Laguna shrugged his shoulders, "Suit yourself."

Vincent sat back down. He sighed, What am I going to do now? Why did I have to fall in love with her? I hardly know her. Vincent stood up and stretch. His body ached. I just arrived to Nibelheim two months ago. That's not enough time to fall in love with someone, is it?

She was always so happy. Her eyes sparkled when she saw him. He slammed his fist against the wall that he was leaning on, causing the nurses at the Nurse's Station to jump. They watched him for a moment, then they returned to their duties and talking to each other.

That asshole is going to pay for this.

Three days had pasted and Tifa still did not wake. Julia was starting to panic. If Laguna was not here with her, Vincent was sure she would have destroyed the entire hospital if it would wake Tifa up.

"Julia, let's get some coffee."

"But-"

"Let Vincent see her. He hasn't seen her since-"He stopped and scratched the back of his head, "Just let him spend some time with her"

She looked at Vincent. He could see that she still did not trust him but she was too tired to argue. "Fine." Julia agreed finally.

Vincent watched the couple disappear around the corner. He sighed, "See her; I don't even know what to say to her." He sat down on the sofa that was facing the windows.

"Excuse me." He heard a woman say behind him. He looked up and saw her reflection in the window. Aeris?

"Yes ma'am." A young nurse answered her.

"I'm looking for Tifa Lockhart."

"She is in room 313"

"Thank you."

Vincent did not move, at least not until Aeris entered Tifa's room. Once he was sure she was gone, he walked over to the window and began to scan the large parking lot below.

If she is here, then- BINGO!

Cloud was standing outside next to his black Camaro. Vincent walked over to the elevator and pressed the down button repeatedly, not stopping until the elevator doors opened.

Now Cloud was going to pay.

The beeping sounds were annoying. The stupid machines beeped every thirty seconds. Tifa rubbed her eyes. She has been awake for a while now almost an hour. Upon opening her eyes and hearing all the machines she knew where she was.

Tifa held up both her wrists and sighed. How could I have been so stupid? Damn it Tifa! Is he worth it?

She heard the room door open and close. The nurse is back to check on me. Tifa closed her eyes and listened as the footsteps stopped next to her bed. She was sure that the nurse was going to start checking the IV or draw blood. But nothing happened, not even the sound of pen writing on paper could be heard.

What is going on? Did she leave?

A sob answered her question. Guess not, but why is she crying? Do I look that bad? She had not looking in the mirror since she had woken up. I must look hideous.

"Oh Tifa."

Aeris! Tifa did not open her eyes, but she was tempted to. She wanted to drag Aeris across the hospital floor until all her hair was ripped out of her head.

"Tifa, I'm sorry. You found the note didn't you." Aeris said, "I'm sorry sweetie. It's just happened. I knew that you and Cloud dated but I-"She sighed. "Tifa the heart wants what the heart wants. I love him and he loves me. I begged him to tell you several times but he would not listen to me. I was going to tell you but that man, Vincent, was always watching and I was scared of him."

Tifa felt Aeris hand on hers, "He knew about Cloud and me. I think that's why he always went to the diner. He wanted to tell you. He just didn't know how."

Bastard! Tifa remembered that night. He was rough with her at first, but only because she was rude to him. And then the kiss that they shared. She felt her cheeks get hot. Shit! Please don't notice.

"I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us." She kissed Tifa's forehead, "I love you sweetie." She said and left the room.

Tifa opened her eyes and wiped her forehead, "No I will not forgive you or him."

"Sir! This is a hospital! If you don't calm down and release that man I will have no choice but to call security!" The tiny nurse cried as Vincent walked out of the elevator dragging Cloud by the collar of his shirt. Vincent had a busted lip and his right cheek was swelling up but at least he looked better then Cloud.

Cloud had a black eye, his cheeks were beginning to swell and his nose was bleeding heavily. Vincent may have broken it, but he did not care. Right now all that mattered was getting this asshole in that room to see what he caused.

Before he walked pasted the nurse he pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and slammed it in front of the nurse. "Look at it and give it back to me when I get back." He ordered and continued to walk to Tifa's room.

Standing in front of the room was Aeris, who was confused and frighten. "Move." Vincent ordered.

"What?"

Vincent glared at her, "Move now or I will move you!"

Behind him Cloud shouted, "Don't you touch her, asshole?"

"Or what Strife?" Vincent said and entered the room. He dragged him until Cloud was standing in front of Tifa. "I want you to take a long hard look at her." Vincent whispered in the blond man's ear.

"I want you to remember what she looks like now." Cloud turned his head to look away. Vincent grabbed him by his hair and turned his head back to Tifa, "Look at her!" he shouted.

"Do you see what you did? Because of you she ended up here."

"I'm sorry." Cloud whispered.

"What was that?"

"I said, I'm sorry okay. But what do you want me to do? I fall in love with Aeris. She was there for me when Tifa as to damn busy with that fucking diner!"

"Watch your mouth!" Vincent warned him. "She ended up like this because she loved you! And what did she get in return? " Vincent was pissed. "You have no idea how much she loves you!"

"Loves me? She never had time for me. She never even let me fuck her."

Vincent's blood was boiling. How dare this ingrate say that about Tifa? He turned Cloud around so that his back was toward Tifa. He did not have the right to look at her, not after hearing him say that. "That's all you wanted? A good fuck?"

Cloud smiled, his teeth covered in blood, "Isn't that what you want? That's why you are always watching her in the diner, right?"

"Don't bring me down to your level, fucker! I would never do that to her."

"Oh so you are in love with her."

Vincent was silent. Looking past Cloud's shoulder, he saw Tifa, with her eyes open, watching them. "So what if I am, what are you going to do about it?"

"You'll get tired of her before long, just watch."

Vincent had had enough of this scumbag. He dragged him to the door. "If I see you anywhere near her I'll-"

"You'll want? Kill me?"

Vincent smirked and thought of Laguna, "And make it look like an accident." He then opened the door and threw out the trash.

He sighed, and walked back to the bed. He ran his hand through his hair, "How long have you been awake?" He asked sounding nervous. How much did she hear?

"Before my so called best friend entered the room." Tifa tried to sit up, but was have problems moving. Vincent rushed over to help her but his hand slipped; his face was inches from hers. She was blushing. Gods, she looks beautiful. I just want to kiss her.

He was staring at her now dry lips, then looked into her eyes, "Tifa, I am going to do something to you right now. If you don't want me to then tell me."

"What are you going to do?" She asked, fear was in her voice.

"Trust me." He leaned in closer to her and brushed his lips against her dried lips. He watched her for a moment. He felt her place her hands on his chest. He waited for her to push him away, but she surprised him when she grabbed his shirt and slowly pulled him closer to her. He saw her eyes close as his lips were about to claim his reward…

"I don't think now is the right time for that."

Vincent quickly pulled away from Tifa and stood up off the bed. Standing by the door was the nurse who was shouting at him earlier. Tifa turned to face the other side of the room to hide her burning face.

"Well it's nice to see some color in your face, Miss Lockhart." She teased then turned to Vincent, "Here is your wallet sir." She bowed, "Please forgive me for my rudeness towards you earlier."

He put the wallet in his back pocket, "Don't worry about it, you were just doing your job."

"If you like, I can take care of those injures." She offered pointing at his face.

He looked at Tifa and smiled, "I'll be back. Wait for me?"

Tifa laughed, "Don't think I'll be going anywhere anytime soon."

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