I was not expecting this. Not even a smidge. Gabe never even gave a hint as to what instruments she could play and now I find out that she's part of one of the most elite orchestra's in this part of the world? Color me impressed.

I don't remember how long I had been sitting there, I was transfixed by the incredible music that was filling the hall. How could a group of people make such a beautiful sound. I never wanted it to end.

Then came intermission, much too early if you ask me. I'd been watching Gabe in her uniform that matched the other members of the orchestra and it suited her so well. I found myself so engrossed listening for the cello in all the lovely currents of music that floated around, I failed to realize that just over an hour had already passed.

We got up from out seats and went to the refreshment stand for the twenty minute intermission. I knew I couldn't disturb all the performers during this time, but there would be nothing stopping me from heading backstage after the performance.

Every time I learn something new about Gabe, I become more and more impressed with the girl. Is there anything she can't do through her will power alone? She was practically homeless and still managed to be part of an elite orchestra for crying out loud. As well as whatever Alex used to have her doing.

I stopped my train of thought when I realized that I was becoming a fangirl over Gabe, like she was a celebrity.

We went back to our seats in preparation for the second half of the performance.

As if it was actually possible, the second half was even more beautiful than the first, even though I'm not a fan of Shakespeare, so sue me. I am however a fan of beautiful music and the performance here tonight was one of the best I'd ever been present to witness. So I stand corrected. So sue me again.

The performance finished, much to my dismay. After many bows, rounds of applause and many a bravo shouted, the musicians left the stage for the final time this evening.

I was out of my seat and moving towards the exits before anyone could stop me. Although I did have to be careful with my dress and my shoes slowed me down a bit. Have you ever tried running in heels? I don't recommend it.

There was a person who I'm assuming was a stagehand standing at the entrance to back stage. I went right up to him. "Excuse me." I asked politely. "Could you please tell me where Gabe is?"

The stage hand looked at me with a funny expression. I then realized that he probably had no idea who Gabe was because she probably didn't go by her nickname in this formal setting.

"Sorry, I meant Gabriel Everleigh, she's a Cellist." I corrected myself

Recognition spread over the guards face. "How do you know her?" He swept the look off his face and added "Only family and close friends are allowed backstage." He informed me.

"She's my house mate and good friend." It was a simple and true reply. I hoped it would be enough to get me backstage. I was pretty sure that Jamie could have also gotten us backstage without a problem, but I didn't want to rely on him for everything.

The guard nodded, apparently satisfied. "She'll be in the room marked thirteen, follow the corridor down to the end then it's your first right." As he stepped out of the way of the door letting me pass.

I followed the directions the nice stagehand gave me and sure enough, after a minute or so I found myself outside of a room that had a metal thirteen screwed into it.

I knocked, through my hearing I could already tell that there was only one person inside but I didn't want to barge in in case it wasn't actually Gabe.

"Come in, I'm decent." Came Gabe's voice from the other side.

I flung the door open and rushed over to tackle hug Gabe, luckily she was semi prepared for me so I didn't knock her over with the force of my embrace.

"You never told me you played the cello." I accused Gabe, still holding her.

I let her go and stepped back, making sure I was looking her full in the eyes before I said what I wanted to say next. "That was absolutely beautiful, you were amazing out there tonight and thank you for inviting me and sharing this with everyone. I know it means an awful lot to me."

Gabe did something that I've never seen her do before. She blushed, the level headed, in control Gabe actually blushed. It was a sight to see.

"Thank you for coming and sorry I was keeping rehearsals a secret from you all. But Rose agreed with me that it would better be left as a surprise.

I nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with her. As Gabe properly took a look at my outfit for the first time and became a bit transfixed.

"You look stunning Violet." Gabe said, I'd told her before that she could call me Vi but for some reason she still insists on using my full name. "You look like the sunrise after a long winter's night with your red hair offsetting the midnight starry dress." I could swear I detected a hint of longing in her voice, but I didn't get a chance to question her about it as Leah exploded into the room and enveloped Gabe in a massive hug, much the same as I had.

About ten seconds later, Audrey joined us. It seems these days that wherever Leah is, Audrey isn't far behind and vise versa.

We were all discussing how amazing Gabe was out there when Rose and Rhys also entered the dressing room supporting a large bouquet of flowers.

"For an amazing performance." Rose simply said before handing the beautiful arrangement to Gabe.

Gabe looked like she didn't know what to say anymore, like this was all too much for her. It made me wonder how long ago her parents accident was and how long she'd been alone for. But I filed that question away in my brain to ask later. It would completely spoil the sense of accomplishment Gabe must be feeling right now.

She accepted the bouquet from Rose with a huge hug, given to both Rose and Rhys. I'd noticed that much to my delight, Gabe and Rhys were getting along really well, much the same as she did with Rose.

A couple of minutes later we were ushered out from backstage by the stage manager. Gabe had to prepare for the after party which was for performers and members of production only.

We all left after Rose made Gabe promise to call her to come and get her after her party was done. Gabe was getting better at accepting the attention Rose gave to her, just like everyone else.

The limo was once again waiting to take all of us home. However Jamie instructed the driver to take us somewhere to eat. I realized that I hadn't eaten since lunch and my stomach agreed with Jamie's decision.

As we were all in formal dress we ended up going to a posh restaurant. That still didn't stop me from ordering the chicken parmigiana though. It was my favorite meal and most pubs did them really well. This one however, was simply god like. The chicken was HUGE and so moist you could wring the water out of it, the cheese was oozing all over the chips on the sides and the napoli sauce was thick and delicious.

The seven of us must have spent two hours there, eating and talking about the evening's performance. It was easily becoming one of my favorite evenings ever.

We got home not long before 11 pm and everyone went to their separate rooms to shower and remove the different layers of clothes we had sported for the event.

I decided to get dressed in a pair of jeans and a loose shirt to wait up for Gabe to get home so I could chew her ear off about her ability on the cello, instead of going to bed.

At about 11:30 Rose got the call from Gabe to go and pick her up.

After she departed, Leah, Audrey and Jamie all went to bed. The poor things were tired after a big day. So Rhys, Mia and I started playing the card game Uno.

I have no idea how Mia is so good at this stupid game but so far she's won five times, Rhys has won twice and I'm still yet to win a single game. At this point I was convinced that someone was cheating.

The doorbell rang, causing me to look up at the clock. It was now 2 am, way past the time that Rose should have been back with Gabe. Plus Rose would never ring the doorbell.

Rhys went to go answer the door and I took the opportunity to 'trade' a few cards with him so I could actually win for once.

I didn't get very far though before I heard "Violet, come here now!" Come from the doorway. I wasn't sure what was wrong, but Rhys never used my full name.

When I got to the front door Rhys was still holding it open, there was no one there but on the doormat was an envelope with my name on it.

Instantly I used my vampire hearing to try and track anyone on the property, but it appeared that whoever had left this letter was already long gone.

I didn't say anything to Rhys as I bent down and picked up the letter. It was sealed with wax at the back like they used to in the time of Kings and castles, except there was no crest pressed into the wax, it was just a dollop of gold pressed flat.

I broke the seal and took out the letter inside. I was seeing red before I'd even finished reading. Once I was done I handed the note to Rhys with a murderous expression on my face. I had no doubt that you could spot the glowing of my eyes from space currently.

Rhys read the letter out loud so Mia could hear it as well.

Dear Violet,

I told you to stay out of my business.

It's a shame you didn't listen, so

Now I have Gabe and your dear

Sister Rose.

If you ever want to see either of

Them again then you'll come

Alone to the address mentioned

At the bottom of this letter.

If you inform anyone of this,

Or you don't come alone then

Both your sister and Gabriel

Will never be seen again.

Yours truly

X

There was an address to a construction site at the bottom of the letter as well as a photo of a bound and gagged Rose and Gabe.

The mistake Rhys made that evening was taking his eyes off of Violet to read the letter. By the time he looked up, Violet was long gone.