Gray’s expression melted. Maybe she didn’t want him coming along. Maybe him coming would make things worse.
But he still wanted to come along. If she got hurt…
“I’ll come with you, but I’ll keep my distance,” he said softly. “Just in case something goes wrong. But call me. Call me the second things go wrong. Okay? Please.”
I don't have your number, Violeta thought, but nodded hastily. Anything to just get out the door.
The next half hour was spent running like the wind between bus stops, silently wishing each one would move faster. Violeta didn't speak the whole time, too overcome with anxiety and nausea as a million memories crashed over her trembling form.
But finally, they arrived on her street—or at least, the street she lived on before she left for college. Without bothering to check if Gray was following, she practically flew to number 25, keys in hand, and unlocked the door.
"Stay there," she called to Gray over her shoulder (wherever he was), and pulled the door shut behind her.
She was met with a horrifying scene. Her father, towering over her sister, fists clenched. One of his hands was wrapped around his former wife's wrist, who was trying to push him away. Violeta rushed forward and forced herself between her family and the monster who dared to venture back into their home.
"Stay away," she growled, but her voice wobbled dangerously. Don't lose it now.
Arian stumbled backwards, a startled expression overtaking his face at the sight of his elder daughter. He looked so painfully familiar, from his pronounced features to the harsh, scarred slash of his mouth. His grey eyes still burned with anger.
Violeta's mother cried out, pulling her daughter against her chest in shock and horror that she was present at a time like this, but Violeta stood her ground. "Get out."
Arian scowled, taking a step closer. "That's no way to speak to your father, Violeta." She clenched her fists. "You're not my father. If you don't get the hell out, now, I'm calling the police." There was a shattered glass in the corner of the kitchen, likely an object Arian had smashed to vent his fury at not being accepted.
"Leave us alone."
[TIME SKIP: That Weekend]
Gray hadn’t seen Violeta after that. Whatever happened that day… it must have affected her. A lot. Gray knew he loved Violeta, but he didn’t know just how much until he didn’t see her for a week.
He was desperate. He wanted to know if she was all right, if she was okay. But he couldn’t see her—not unless he wanted her to hate him even more than she already did.
And then the weekend rolled by. Saturday night, the party. Laura forced Gray to attend so here he was, wearing a white shirt, light blue button up shirt which was undone, along with dark blue jeans and sneakers. He didn’t feel like going, but he felt like it was a perfect moment to get rid of his worries. A perfect distraction.
Which wasn’t a distraction at all, because throughout the entire time he was there, Gray kept thinking about her. Her chubby cheeks, her beautiful eyes, and her totally kissable lips. He was insane.
The whole week was a blur of long phone calls, legal documents, and constant fear. Arian made a run for it as soon as Violeta called the police, and he hadn’t turned up since. Violeta had been working with her mother to get her father a restraining order—they never wanted to see him again. And her sister…. her sister couldn’t sleep at night. Neither could Violeta, but it broke her heart to see her sister so afraid.
So, she hadn’t been to college all week. Six days of missed classes and projects. Six days away from her friends. Six days away from Gray… but there was nowhere in the world she’d rather be than by her family’s side.
And now, Saturday night rolled around. Her mother, hearing about a huge party, urged her to go. Diora Ahmeti knew how badly her daughter needed a break, a distraction. She know how much she needed to have the comfort of her friends.
So Violeta went. She donned a pair of nice black trousers with a black tank top (which she tucked loosely in) to match, slipped on a pair of flats, applied some eyeliner, and left. She ignored how sick the amount of skin she was showing made her feel. She ignored the paranoia that her father would turn up at the house while she was gone.
When she arrived, the first thing she saw was Gray.
Gray’s heart nearly stopped when his eyes caught Violeta. Both from relief and surprise. She was here. She was safe.
And beautiful.
His breath caught in his throat and before Gray knew it, he was already making his way towards her. However, he was beaten to it by a familiar boy with glasses. Josh.
Oh, how Gray hated him.
Violeta very nearly cried out and ran straight to him, the hopeless enigma of a man she had come to care for so much. But a hand on her shoulder stopped her, and when she turned around, she was met with the sight of Josh. But, strangely, no butterflies stirred in her stomach. Her heart didn’t jump.
“Violeta, where have you been?” he asked, clearly worried and relieved all at the same time. “Is everything okay??”
Violeta forced a smile onto her face. “Yeah. Just some family stuff.”
Shooting a murderous look at Josh—and if looks could kill, the latter would be dead already—, Gray balled his fists. He was about to storm off when a hand rested on his own shoulder.
“Jesus, what’s got your knickers in a twist?” Laura. Of course she always came at a time like this. Gray turned around to face her. Her hair, instead of being let down as usual, were tied up with a hair clip. Her lips were painted with red lipstick whereas her eyes had purple lenses. Gray furrowed his eyebrows. That was a new color. What did purple stand for in her dictionary? “You’re at a party. Loosen up. Play games, have fun.”
Gray sighed. Laura’s gaze went to where he was glaring at and sighed.
“Oh, no wonder you look so prissy,” she commented. “Well, if you want, I can distract Josh. You can have your beloved all to yourself.”
Josh frowned slightly, but accepted her answer. “I was really worried about you…” he said quietly, reaching for her hand. She pushed it into her pocket, pretending she hadn’t seen. “Your roommate wouldn’t tell me anything when I asked. I’m glad you’re back.”
Normally, Violeta would’ve been touched. But she was too emotionally drained (and pining after Gray) to feel much more than a vague sense of thankfulness.
Before Gray could answer, Laura was already walking towards them, a friendly smile on her features. Thank God she wasn’t wearing heels. He really didn’t want her tripping. It would have ruined her fleeting cool image. She would whine to him for days.
“Hey, guys!” She waved just as she reached them. “Violeta. I didn’t see you at all this whole week. Gray and I were very worried about you, but I’m glad you’re okay. So is he.”
Josh tensed up visibly at the mention of Gray, but Violeta, on the other hand, softened considerably. “Hey, Laura,” she greeted softly, trying for a smile. “Just family stuff. I’ll be back on Monday. How’re you?”
For a split second, her eyes flickered over Josh’s shoulder, meeting Gray’s.
Gray shifted on his feet, offering Violeta a small smile when their eyes made contact. It nearly stole his breath away, that look on her face.
“I’m a bit exhausted, but you know that is,” Laura shrugged. “Got my ears bitten off by complains and constant whining. I’m sure you know who and why. Anyway, we were about to play some games and I was wondering if you’d like to join us?”
Violeta could see Josh, about to speak up at agree, so she cut in. She was tired of the jealous rivalry between him and Gray…. “I’d love to, Laura,” she answered softly, “But I need to talk to Gray about something, first, if you’ll excuse me for a moment.” Her eyes slid to Josh. “Sorry. I’ll be right back.”
“Gray’s joining us in the games, if you wanted to know,” Laura said, her eyes shifting towards Josh. A seductive smile took over her lips, traces of innocence along with it. “So I guess I can take you to where we’re going to play while we wait for Violeta and Gray to talk?”
All of a sudden, Josh looked quite a bit like a helpless puppy, his eyes fixed to the sly smile on Laura’s lips. “Yeah..” he murmured, nodding rapidly. “That sounds good.”
Meanwhile, Violeta slipped away, weaving between drunk and dancing students to get to Gray. “Hi..” she greeted softly, coming to a stop in front of him.
Laura grinned, showing off her teeth. “Follow me, then,” she said, already turning around. Her eyes met Gray’s and she sent a bright smile towards him. He returned it with a nervous one of his own.
“Hey, Violeta,” he breathed, eyes trying to look at anywhere but her face. “You’re okay. I’m glad.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Hug me, she wanted to say, Please. I missed you. But she didn’t.
“Y-Yeah. Less than okay, but I’m…. I’m doing better than the rest of my family.” Violeta cleared her throat, glancing away. “Listen, I just wanted to thank you. For going back with me.”
“I’d do anything for you,” Gray said honestly. “I just wish I could have done more.”
And he really did. He knew if things had gone rough, he would have jumped in. He was glad it hadn’t.
Violeta’s heart squeezed painfully. “Gray?” she spoke again, and this time, her voice had undercurrents of vulnerability to it. “How much—How much did you see? We’ve got a big kitchen window…”
Gray hesitantly reached to cup her cheek, rubbing the skin softly.
“I saw what I needed to see,” he replied. “I don’t think of you any less. In fact, I think I’m falling for you a lot more. You’re so strong, Vy. You handled that perfectly. I felt proud of you.”
A tiny sound halfway between a whimper and a sigh of contentment escaped her mouth before she could stop it. Violeta leaned against his touch, heart aching, and gave a small nod. “They—They still haven’t found him..” she whispered after a beat of silence. “My dad. The police still can’t find him.”
Gray’s heart soared when she leaned into his touch instead of stepping away. Was he making progress? Was she slowly discarding her hate for him? And that noise that escaped her lips… Gray wanted her to make it again, this time the cause being him. His lips working on her, making her produce those sounds.
He immediately silenced his raging thoughts.
Damn his hormones.
“They will,” Gray said, rubbing her cheek with his thumb. “They’ll find him soon. And if he ever shows his face in front of you, I’m sure you’ll make it so he can never even think about getting out of prison.”
Violeta’s body began to tremble, whether with fear or need, she did not know. “I-I’m scared,” she admitted, closing her eyes when he began to rub her cheek. God, it felt so nice… “We thought he was gone…”
When she trembled beneath his touch, Gray began to hesitate. He almost removed his hand when she closed her eyes as if she was comfortable. It urged Gray to take a step forward.
“It’s okay to be scared,” he said softly, another step towards her, cupping her other cheek as well. “I would be surprised if you weren’t. But Vy, this fear… don’t let it consume you. You have to remain strong, but it’s okay if you’re scared. It’s okay to count on others. You don’t need to share the burden alone.”
His tender, genuine assurances found their way to Violeta’s heart. Touched beyond words, she opened her eyes once more, a subtle blush rising to her cheeks. “Thank you…” she murmured, heart thumping. He was so close, she could feel the heat radiating off his body and warming hers. “Thank you, Gray.. we should probably go join the others, now.”
“Yeah…” Gray murmured, his eyes dropping to her pink cheeks to her lips. He swallowed thickly. So close. If he bent down a little more, they would practically be touching… would she hate it if he kissed her at that point? Would she dislike it, or would she kiss him back?
Just as their lips were mere inches apart, they were interrupted
“Hey, you guys are joining us right?” Gray pulled away from Violeta immediately, eyes wide. God, why? Why couldn’t the universe just let him kiss her? The girl who talked to them didn’t look apologetic at all. “You should hurry up. We’re starting soon.”