Rain || Vinny Mauro

Come Find Me

Within a few minutes, there was a knock at my door. I stood from the couch, going to the door and opening it, being greeted by Vinny's eyes on mine. "Hey there, Mauro," I joked earning a laugh from him. "Morrow" he replied and stepped inside once I had moved to allow him inside. "I have a few movies we can pick from, or anything you suggest?" I offered until he stood back up "I almost forgot, I need to grab something," he ran back out to his car, coming back in with a big teddy bear and a weighted blanket. "I got these for you. I figured they would help you feel better after.... all that" he looked to me and I couldn't help but to smile. 

"Vinny, you didn't have to do this," I looked up to him, taking the items from him and set them on the couch. "I know I didn't, but I wanted to" he sat back down on the couch then pat the spot next to him. I hesitated for a moment but sat beside him, just before he wrapped the blanket around the both of us. I grabbed the remote and flipped through the movie selections on the TV before he pointed to Saw, "That, let's watch that," he suggested and I nodded, pressing play and sitting back as the movie started. 

After about half-way through the movie, I got up grabbing some snacks, sitting them on the coffee table in front of us. Reluctantly, I looked up to Vinny again, before leaning myself against him. When I did, he looked down at me with a soft smile, wrapping his arm around me. He pulled me closer to him and I couldn't help but to feel safe and secure with him. "I hope you know, I'll make sure he never hurts you like that again," Vinny finally spoke up. "Hm?" I asked looking to him, then nodded "Thank you, Vinny...I know he didn't mean it, but it does hinder my trust with him" "I understand that, but between me and Justin at least, and I'm sure the others, we'll see to it that you don't have to deal with that again," Listening to him, I nodded again, burying my head in his shoulder as I watched the film before us. 

I woke up the next morning unsure really of how I had got there. I yawned, turning to the side where a note and a gift box was on the nightstand. I raised a brow, before opening the envelope to read the note that was inside. 

My dearest Eden, 

I can't express in person how much I feel for you. We both know I'm not one for talking much, but with you, it's different. I want to be the one to hold you. I want to be the one to protect you. To love you. I want nothing more than to hold your hand in mine. I know you're wondering how you ended up in your bed. You fell asleep on me again during the movie. I wanted to make sure you were comfortable, so I carried you up to your room. I tucked you in, and I left, not wanting to invade your space. Before I did that, though, I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday. Inside the box in front of you is clues to a scavenger hunt. The clues will lead you to me. Follow your heart. 

                                                                                                            See you tonight, 

                                                                                                                      Vincenzo Mauro

I read the note and felt butterflies in my stomach with each word. I called Justin to ask if he knew anything as I held the letter in my hand. "Wait, Vinny did that?" he asked, and I hummed. "Yeah, he and I were watching movies last night and he was comforting me about everything that happened with Ricky then I woke up to this." I explained. "Well, I know Ricky was planning on taking you out, but with everything that happened, I'm not sure if he still wants to" he shrugged "I'm not sure, but he's not texted me, so I guess we'll see" "Just be safe, okay?" "Will, do. Love you, Justin" I grinned before ending the call. 

I quickly got dressed and opened the box. A rose and a note with an address was inside. Taking the note in my pocket, I got into my car and went to the destination. It was my favorite park. I remember talking to him about this place when we first met but was shocked he remembered. I wondered where the next clue would be until I spotted another box by the swing set. This one contained a jacket and another address. The jacket was beautiful, and very helpful since it was a little chilly. I put it on, looking to the wrist of the jacket, seeing a small V embroidered into it. I couldn't help but smile as I looked to the note, following the next address. 

I continued this for about an hour, until I had finally made it to the last destination. A concert venue? Odd. I looked around, until the lights of the venue suddenly came on, and Vinny stepped out from inside the building holding his hand out to me, the words "Happy Birthday Eden" shining where the venue would tell who was playing. I smiled looking at it and then met his eyes. "Vinny...this is so much" I looked at him, taking his hand, being led inside the empty venue. 

There was a blanket laid in the middle of the floor with lights around it, and music softly playing. He led me to the floor and turned me closer to him. "Dance with me?" he asked and I obliged, feeling my heart begin to race as his hand lightly squeezed mine. "Vinny I-" "You don't have to say anything else, Eden. I just wanted you to have a good birthday," he shook his head. I leaned my head against his chest as we danced, my fears melting away and in that moment, I felt right at home.