L'Arte dell'Amore (Not Edited)

VIII

Vincent turned towards his father who was watching Lavender and Victoria leave the large lecture room.

"She is a sweetheart. You're are lucky to have such a student, it's a shame she is so shy." His dad spoke.

Vincent nodded in agreement.

"Does she have any family close by?" His father questioned. Vincent thought about the question, he didn't think she did. She lived alone.

"I don't think she does, why do you ask?" Vincent asked his dad as he sat down in a chair. Vincent's dad chuckled.

"You should tell Victoria to invite her to the Christmas party." His dad said, seriously.

Vincent nodded, tightly, "I will think about it."

————-

Lavender woke up earlier, she had to pay her rent today. It had only gone up by a little, but that little mattered.

Lavender's fingers fluffed out the blanket as she made her bed. Lavender's head was a little bit heavier today, she wasn't sure as to why. Maybe she was getting a cold. She shook her head, she hated being sick.

Winter break was starting today, she had been so caught up in everything she had almost forgotten. Making her way to the little bookstore she blew out a breath.

"Hey Lavender! Aren't you so excited that we don't have school. For two whole weeks." Victoria greeted her as she made her way inside the small store.

Lavender nodded.

Victoria continued to talk about all of the exciting things happening for the holiday season.

Lavender was happy for the break from school, it gave her more time to work. She wanted to start saving, in case of any emergency that was to happen.

After Victoria left, Lavender worked extremely hard. She cleaned all the bookshelves and the tables. She swept up and organized new donations.

Her headache seemed to get worse, Lavender let out a small sneeze. She hoped it was because of the dust.

Vincent had many assignments to grade, ideas to go over with certain students, and plenty more. Thinking back to what his father had said. He decided on sending a text to his cousin.

If you would like, invite Lavender to the Christmas party my mom is having.

After a few minutes her reply came back.

How did you know I was going to ask??

Vincent rolled his eyes, but continued working. His eyes grazed over the large window in his office. It had yet to snow, but the temperature was still harsh.

His thoughts rushed back to the virtuous angel, she was absolutely innocent in every aspect.

Shaking his head, he needed to stop thinking of her in that way.

—————

The day went on and Lavender knew she was ill. She had gone home, her eyes were watering as she gripped her head.

Maybe she needed something to eat. Fixing something easy and light, Lavender began to eat in silence.

Groaning and mumbling something about being tired. She had to do her rent.

Finally she was done for the day, it was only three in the afternoon, but Lavender felt absolutely exhausted. She snuggled and wrapped up with her blankets as her nose was snuffy and her cheeks flushed from the small fever.

Her phone ringing pulled her out of sleepy state. Victoria!

"Hey Lavender! I have an important question, but you can't say no." Victoria had gotten straight to the point.

Lavender hummed in response, as asking her to continue.

"My aunt is having a big Christmas dinner in about a week. You are welcome to come, I thought about having another sleep over?" Victoria explained and waited for Lavs response.

Lavender smiled, she wondered if her Mama wanted her to come home for the holidays.

"I think I can do that." She whispered back as an answer.

"Ah yes! This is going to be so much fun." Victoria voiced in an excited tone.

After her phone call Lavender physically dragged herself out of bed. She wanted nothing more than to sleep, but her health was already bad and she didn't want to make it any worse.

Fixing a cup of steaming hot green tea, she ran a bubble bath. Wrapping her hair into a claw clip, she soaked in the vanilla scented water.

She was greatly thankful for the check, her water bill was paid for now. The warm water caressed her milky skin. Sighing, she sunk further into the small tub.

A yawn escaped her mouth, and then a sneeze. The bath had made her feel cleaner, and relaxed her sore muscles. Though her fever and stuffy nose was prompt.

Wrapping up with fuzzy pajama pants that were scattered with small flowers, she tugged on a sweatshirt.

Her fingers grazed the soft sheets as she laid in her bed. She sneezed again, more violently this time.

She had fallen asleep quickly with the swan lake requiem dancing through her phone speaker.

Though when she awoke in a fit of coughs, her eyes were tearing up and her throat felt scratchy, her fingers instantly clawed at the base of her throat. It was so sore.

After her coughing died down, she grabbed her phone.

Let's try this again.

She dialed her Mama's phone number and waited.

"Mama I know you said not to call." She was caught off by a cough that wasn't herself. She instantly became worried.

"Mama, is dad okay?! Is he sick? Please tell me!" Lavender exclaimed as her Mama didn't answer. It wasn't the first time she had heard her dad coughing over the phone.

"Lavender. Why did you call again, didn't I tell you-" Lavender cut her mom off with a small sniffle. Her nose was running so much it was a bit raw.

"Mama, can I come home for Christmas? I w-want to see you and dad again." The line went silent after Lavender asked.

"No I don't think it's worth the travel. Please don't bother yourself." Her Mama said less harshly than last time, but she still hung up.

Lavender tried to keep her tears at bay, she couldn't breathe because of her stuffy nose. She coughed loudly as she stood up. Her heart was in more pain than she was physically. Was her father hurt? Was Lavender's Mama not proud of her?

She took a deep breath. Breathe, Lavender.

Breathe.

She let out a wobbly sound. Wiping her face with hands she grabbed her stuffed bunny and plopped onto her small bed.

"It's okay, i-it's okay." She said as her voice creaked.

Lavender pulled the soft rabbit closer to herself until the fabric was touching her wet cheeks.

"I'm n-not okay." She bit her finger as another sob racked through her frail body. The night was long. Lavender tried hard to be a strong girl, but it was hard. Why did she have to get sick? Lavender thought.

She kicked off the blankets that were making her even hotter. The fever felt like it was coming back full force. Lavender kicked her feet more violently, trying her hardest to get comfortable. Tossing and turning most of the night. Her head was pounding.

Soon exhaustion took over her restless body. She wished someone was there for her at times like these.