Vince LaSalle

“Being memorable is definitely a perk. Just cross your fingers that whatever gets broken isn’t a priceless artifact or someone’s final assignment for ceramics class. That last one actually happened to me at my old school back home. Lets just say, from that day on, I never dared to dribble a basketball in the hallway again. And alright, good, because I’ll definitely hold you to that promise.” Listening to the song, Vince sang along. “Got me lifted higher than the ceiling. Ooh baby, it’s the ultimate feeling. You got me lifted feeling so gifted. Sugar how you get so fly.” Reaching the parking of Steak and Shake, he pulled into a spot and put the car on park. “Alright madam, the festivities await.” 

Vince enjoyed Caroline’s company, and he couldn't help the big grin on his face at her enthusiasm. He thought of her as joyous person, so full of light, who enjoyed even the little things, and it definitely was contagious. “Ayy, congrats, but you got this. All you have to do is just enjoy the moment and you’ll forget that dropping anything or even tripping is an option. But, just so you know, there’s nothing wrong with being clumsy.” He laughed at her calling him crazy, but nodded at her idea, agreeing. “Hey, I’m down for it. Sounds like a lot of fun. We should definitely plan this. We can get a big group and it’ll be a blast.” Noticing the low hum of the radio, Vince raised the volume up a little, just enough for the song to be heard without it being too loud to interrupt their conversation. “

Climbing into the driver seat, Vince buckled his seat belt and started the car, turning his head to look at her, checking to see if she was settled in. Thinking back to her wobbling earlier, he smiled lightly. “You know, the more we spend time together, the more I realize you really are like a deer. Who knows, by the end of the night, they might turn out to be my new favorite,” he stated half-jokingly, turning to keep his eyes forward as he began to pull the car out of the parking lot. “And no need to thank me with cupcakes, although I have to admit, they’re great. If you’re happy and end up having a good day, that’s a thank you in itself. And nope, never, but I’ll take your word for it. I’ve always wanted to do it though. You know, with a tent and roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. The whole shebang. I might plan to do it in the summer, once school is over.”

“Well then, that means I’m doing my job correctly. And aww, Carol-Farrow, you’re concerned for my health? I’m actually quite touched,” he said, putting a mock hand on his chest, giving her a smirk.“Definitely a nice sugar rush. Kept me from falling asleep in math.” Reaching the car, Vince pulled out his keys and unlocked the car, opening the passenger door for her. “Sneaking out, huh? Looks like we got ourselves a rebel here. That honestly sounds nice though. Both spending it with parents and camping out in the forest. I’ve actually never been camping,” he admitted, walking to the drivers seat and climbing in.

“Large fries, Birthday Cake milkshake, you got it. Whatever your heart desires. That all actually sounds good. And hey, don’t hate on the shakes as a breakfast option. Was it the healthiest of choices? No, but it was definitely delicious.” He said with a smirk, leading the way towards the parking lot. “Did you have any birthday traditions back home? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”

“Awesome. Off to steak and shake we go. Birthday Cake is actually my favorite one. Well, that and the Froot Loops shake. I used to get those for breakfast on my way to school sometimes back home. They’ve saved me from being marked tardy,” he said, laughing lightly. “So, ready to start on your birthday celebrations? We can go in my car if you want.” 

Reaching out to grab a cupcake of his own, he took a bite and nodded. “I mean, I agree of course it is, but you shouldn’t miss out on celebrating your birthday ‘cause of it either. And honestly, I’d love to celebrate it with you. And if you don’t think it’s such a bad thing then, even more so.” He chuckled. “Milkshake and hike, you got it. You have your eyes set on a particular spot for the milkshake?”

Vince smiled lightly, watching her with amusement. “I was going to say cute, actually, but you know what? Let’s go with clumsy,” he teased once more, giving her a wink. His brow immediately furrowed once she admitted to having no plans. “I mean, yeah sure, everyone’s busy I guess, but not too busy to celebrate with you if you ask. It’s your birthday, it only comes once a year. You need to celebrate each one to the fullest. I’m not allowing you to just let it fly by. Even if it means you’re stuck celebrating it with me. So come on, there has to be at least one thing you want to do today.”

“I like it, actually. It suits you.” His eyes widened slightly, not expecting the frosting on his cheek, before laughing and wiping it off with his own finger. “Alright, I deserve that. And well, if you’re offering. It’d be an honor to enjoy a cupcake with the birthday princess. Got any plans, by the way?” he asked.

@caroline-farroww

Happy Birthday Carol-Farrow ! Let me start off by saying that I’m not the best gift giver, but I do try my best to give gifts that I feel have some meaning to it. So here are a set of water color paints because you’re insanely talented at art (seriously, you rock), some flower scented candles so your dorm can smell like a garden, and these pair of earrings I spotted on my way out of a store that just screamed out ‘Caroline’ to me. Hope you enjoy your day, you deserve it :)

“I might just keep going just to see how you’d be like with a big ego. I honestly can’t imagine it, but I’d bet it’d be pretty funny. And boring? I don’t believe it,” Vince chuckled. “I’m glad, because that’s gonna be your contact name on my phone,” he stated with a smile, handing her phone back to her. “And I completely agree. More than any other reason, I play basketball because I have the best time doing it. And when I miss a shot or totally eat the floor or something, you bet I’m laughing or cracking a joke about it. And yeah, of course. Lead the way and I shall follow. And you seriously should. Maybe you can even host your own art show and auction off your paintings and have all the proceeds go to a wildlife foundation or a shelter or something,” he suggested.

“Now you know I ain’t gonna deny an offer like that,” he said, hopping on the unicorn and making it spin. “This is fire yo! I gotta get me one of these babies so we can ride down the pier together with them. Make everyone jealous and wishing they can be this fly.”

Impressed, Vince looked up at her and grinned. “Wow, so you’re like the Mother Teresa of wildlife and a possible Monet when it comes to art. Is there anything not interesting about you, Care-bear?” he asked, adding the nickname. Taking in the fact that she was kind and had a genuine love for animals, he found it fitting. Taking her phone in his hands, he dialed in his number. “Hey, as long as you play for the fun of it, that’s all that matters. And sounds cool, I’d be more than happy to see them. You just let me know when. You ever thought about entering them in an art show or something?”

“I sure hope so bro. I got some important stuff in there that I can’t afford to lose. And you’re right about that. You majoring in music by any chance?” 

“Yeah, but it’s alright if you sometimes get stuck on the bad. It can be overwhelming. We just can’t let it blind us from all the good we got going on.” Vince stood up from his spot on the grass. He thought Anya was a nice girl, and he liked talking with her, but he was sure that she was probably dealing with a lot more than she let out. He just hoped she meant it when she said she’d come to him if she ever needed to talk. “I was actually going to get a bite to eat. You wanna join?”