-James-

I woke up actually excited to go to work today.

After the day I spent with Violet on Tuesday, everything just felt...right. Everything with Violet was right and I couldn't explain it.

I showered, dressed, fed Chaos, and left for work.

When I got there, first I went up to check in with my dad to see if he needed help with anything right away. The only thing he told me was that he'd need me in an hour.

So I used that hour to go down to the tenth floor to search for Violet.

I walked through the tenth floor and to my mom's office. Her doors were open and the first place I looked was to Violet's desk. It looks like it hasn't even been touched this morning. Every time I've been in here, her desk has been scattered with papers.

But it was empty.

"Hey, have you seen Violet around? More computer problems."

Mom only glanced at me before going back to her computer work. "She actually resigned this morning."

Resigned? Why would she do that? "That's strange." I stuffed my hands in my pockets, "Did she say why?"

She shook her head. "Nope. Just said that she's very sorry and she had to quit. I tried talking to her, but she just kept saying sorry. Then she hung up."

Please don't tell me she quit because of me.

But it's her last day here and we talked about that. She wouldn't do that without talking to me first, I know Violet. There's something wrong.

Something really wrong.

My heart lodged itself in my throat and my breath stopped for a second.

I left my mom's office without saying another word. Leaving right now is probably a stupid idea. But as I entered the elevator, I pulled out my phone and dialed her house number.

No answer.

Then I tried to call her mom's phone.

No answer.

What I'm doing is completely idiotic, but I didn't care. I felt it in my chest. Something wasn't right, which means something is obviously wrong.

Or maybe I'm just jumping to conclusions. I'm just too worried to even think straight and I need to know she's okay. So I left instead.

Yeah, real logical.

I did my best not to speed. Key words being I did my best not to. But with the panic fluttering in my chest, I think I did fine. When I got to Violet's house, there weren't any cars in the driveway. That doesn't mean she's not here though.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I hurried to pull it out.

Hoping to see Violet's number, I saw my dad's. I sent it to voicemail without hesitation then climbed out of my car. I continued my trek up the driveway, and down the small path to the front door.

My heart was beating too hard again and I wish it would slow down. But it only picked up speed when I rang the doorbell. While I waited, I put a hand over my chest to cover the small ache. Why was this happening? I'm sure she's fine and I'm just overreacting as always.

So I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Then the front door opened, but it wasn't Violet.

Or anyone from the Bowen family.

She was younger, maybe fifteen. Blonde hair to her shoulders and a perplexed expression. "We don't want any."

"What?" I blurted.

"Whatever you're selling. We don't want any."

"Oh, no." I said quickly, "I'm looking for Violet. I'm her b—friend. Is she around?"

She eyed me and pursed her lips. "What's your name?"

"James. She works with me. She knows who I am. Can you just tell her to come to the door—"

She held her hand up to stop me. "No can do, James."

"Why not?"

"Because she's not here." She sighed and rubbed her forehead.

This suit was very constricting. "Well can you tell me where she is please?"

She leaned against the doorframe and scanned me again with pursed lips. "And how do I know I can trust you, Sir James?"

I fought the urge to glare at her and answered. "Is anyone else from her family home?"

She reluctantly leaned up from the doorframe and looked behind her. "Hey, Blue," She said softly, "Come here."

A few seconds later, Blue appeared at her side. "Do you know him?"

Blue nodded. "It's Vi's friend. She really likes him. So does our mom." He gave me a grin and looked back up at the girl, "Can I go now?"

"You can go." And after Blue rushed off, she looked at me, "Come in. I have a lot to tell you."

The pressure released from beneath my chest and I stepped over the threshold. She closed the door behind her and I followed her into the kitchen. Blue was sitting in the living room; completely engrossed in something he was watching on TV.

She leaned a hip on the counter and crossed her arms over her chest. "First, my name is Kayla. I'm the babysitter. Ms. Bowen called me yesterday morning, needing me to come over first thing because something happened."

"Is everything okay?" I rushed and my pulse jumped.

Kayla started to nod, but shrugged instead. "I can trust you, right?"

"Of course. Why do you keep asking me that?"

"Because someone else was already here looking for Violet." She rushed in a whisper, "But I didn't trust him and Blue didn't know him either. It was weird because he knew Blue."

Could it have been Reese? "Did he tell you his name?"

"I just remember it reminded me of candy—wait—Reese. That was his name. Reese something-something." She rolled her eyes, "Doesn't matter, I didn't let him in and I didn't tell him anything."

So she was right about him being back. Just had the worst timing ever. "Where is she? Will she be back tonight?"

Kayla shook her head. "She won't be back for a couple of days. She went to Savannah with her mom and brothers."

"Savannah?"

She bobbed her head once. "For a funeral. She didn't tell you? I thought she worked for you. I figured—"

"What?" I interrupted, "For who?"

The sadness etched into Kayla's face was visible. "Her dad."

My blood ran cold and chills enveloped me. "Her dad died? When?" I barely choked out the words.

"Tuesday morning Ms. Bowen said. Something to do with his heart, I believe. She didn't go into detail and I didn't ask too many questions. I was worried just as much as you are. Still am pretty worried."

"This is really bad." I swallowed the lump in my throat and leaned a hand on the counter. I had to take another deep breath because the ache in my chest returned. "Was Violet okay when you saw her?"

Again, Kayla shrugged. "She wasn't talking. She looked okay, but that doesn't mean anything. Ms. Bowen didn't look good at all. She was crying when I arrived yesterday morning."

"I could understand why." I whispered and rubbed the side of my jaw, "And you said they'll be back in a couple of days?"

"Yeah, give or take. I'm just watching Blue while Mark's working." She glanced at Blue over the bar and he was still deep in his cartoons. "If there was something I could do to help you reach her, I would." She smiled sadly, "I can tell you're really worried about her."

"Very." I murmured, "Do you have paper and a pen? I want to give you my number in case you need anything."

She pulled open a drawer at the end of the counter and took out a notepad with a pen. After she handed it to me, I quickly scribbled my number down and slid it back to her. "Let Mark know too. I'll be around."

Kayla gave me another sad smile. "I'll tell her you stopped by when Ms. Bowen calls in a few hours."

"Thank you so much." I looked over at Blue but spoke to Kayla, "Does he know?"

"He does."

I looked back to her.

"He hasn't talked about it." She informed me, "He's never met him so he probably doesn't think it's much of a loss. How can you lose something you never had, right?"

I nodded in agreement.

Kayla walked me back to the front door and programmed her number into my phone before I left.

I didn't know where to go.

Work. I needed to get back to work.

And that's where I ended up before my dad called me again.

* * *

When I got home, I checked my phone again.

No missed calls or new messages.

I started to undress when I stepped into my room, my fingers sliding over the buttons of my shirt to undo them. But even taking my shirt off was a difficult task. Eventually, I let the fabric fall from my arms and I threw it on the bed.

Chaos came trotting in the room, but stopped a foot away and sat on his butt. He looked up at me, his blue eyes pleading for attention. I bent at the waist and lightly pet the top of his head before walking in the bathroom to shower.

After my shower, I dried off and dressed in a pair of black sweatpants.

My phone came to life on my bed, echoing loudly.

I dropped the towel and rushed to the phone. Caroline's number popped up and I quickly answered. "Violet?"

"No," Gray spoke deeply, "But don't hang up."

"Is she okay at least?"

He sighed and then paused for a moment. "I have no idea." He answered honestly, "She just exploded on our mom and left."

"Where is she?"

"I was hoping she was with you." His voice held agitation, "Shit!"

"So you have no idea where she is?" I asked slowly.

"No." He hissed, "Do you have any idea where she could be?"

"Well how long ago did she leave, Gray?"

Another sigh. "This morning, but I thought she'd be back by now. And I've already called the cops and they won't do anything for forty-eight hours because she's eighteen."

"Okay," I breathed and rubbed the space between my brows, "And you've talked to Mark too?"

"Yeah, he hasn't seen or heard from her either."

"I'll look for her. Just call me if you hear anything."

"You too." He mumbled and hung up.

The second he hung up, I threw on a shirt.

Why the hell would she do this? I'd never know Violet to erupt on anyone but Cristin. Except Cristin actually deserved it. I'd never think Violet would actually get angry with her mother. For whatever the reason, I know it probably wasn't worth it.

But right now, I just needed to find her.

God, I knew something was wrong. That was this morning. She's been missing since this morning.

Well, there's a difference between missing and hiding. I should know.

But which one is she doing?

It didn't matter, I just needed to find her.

A loud ringing buzzed through my apartment. The phone next to my front door kept ringing.

I groaned and jogged out of my room to answer it. I pulled it from the hook, "Hello?" I rushed.

"Mr. Roedan, there's a guest here for you—"

"He knows who I am!" Violet's clearly annoyed voice rang through.

"I'll be right down." I hung the phone back on the hook and ran out of my apartment. Instead of taking the elevator, I didn't have time to wait so I took the stairs to the front lobby.

I slowed down my pace when I reached the last set of stairs and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. As I stepped out of the stairwell, I walked down the hall until I emerged into the lobby.

Violet's voice was heard before I saw her standing at the front desk.

She was arguing with the lady again.

I walked across the lobby and Violet finally saw me. "What's wrong?" I glanced back at the woman at the front desk and to Violet.

"This crazy lady won't let me see you!" She flailed an arm in her direction and glared at her. "I kept telling her who I was and that I needed to see you—"

"It's okay." I said softly and looked to the woman, "She's fine. I'll take her up."

Violet looked at her and grinned sarcastically. "I told you so, Lady."

"Violet." I warned and took her by the arm, "Come on."

She looked like she just dived in a pool and walked inside. She just came in from the rain and I felt her shiver under my hand.

When we reached the elevator, she jerked her arm from my grip. "I'm not a child. Stop treating me like one."

"Violet—"

The elevator doors opened and Violet walked on without another word. There was another couple that joined behind us and I was biting my tongue. The couple got off before us and I felt like I could finally breathe when the doors closed after them.

It opened up on my floor and Violet was the first to step off.

We walked down the hall back to my apartment. I opened the door before she could and let her in first.

Once the door slammed behind us, I spoke. "What the hell has gotten into you?" I tried to keep a calm tone, but it was difficult. "You came here, Violet."

"I thought I'd be able to come here without being questioned."

"What? Are you serious? Your brother just called me looking for you. They don't even know where you are. Of course I'm going to question it."

Violet threw her hands up. "Fine. I'll leave."

As she started to leave, I caught her wrist. "Don't you dare." I grounded.

Again, she jerked her wrist from my grip and pushed me back. "Don't touch me."

"What is wrong with you? I'm trying to help you—"

"Help me? You're trying to help me? Why? Is there something wrong with me, James?" I watched her bottom lip start to quiver and she sucked in a breath, "I didn't know where else to go." She bit out.

"Violet, there's nothing wrong with you. But you're acting crazy right now. Calm down and talk to me."

Her fists clenched at her sides. "I didn't come here to talk. That's the last thing I want to do."

"Okay, fine. No talking. At least let me get you something dry so you don't get sick."

With a tad of reluctance, she nodded and hugged herself.

She followed me into my room and I found her a t-shirt and gave her a pair of my sweatpants. I waited on my bed while she changed in my bathroom.

This was not Violet.

I don't know what happened or why she's acting like this, but it's not her.

My chest constricted and I placed a hand over my heart to rub the spot with my fingertips.

My bathroom door opened and Violet stepped out. I didn't move from my spot of the side of the bed.

She walked over to me, stopping a foot away. "I'm sorry." She whispered and looked down at her hands, "I shouldn't have acted that way towards you. None of this is your fault." She raised her head and caught my gaze, "I...I came here because you—you don't look at me like..." She trailed off and her breath hitched. "You don't look at me like I'm broken." Her bottom lip started to shake again and her eyes filled with tears.

Then she nodded. "But I am. And I need help, James. I need help."

One of the strings holding my heart snapped and it felt like a sharp jab to my chest. "Violet," I reached up and timidly cupped the side of her face, "Listen to me, okay?" I used my thumb to brush away a tear from her cheek, "In no way are you broken. You've been through a lot and you've kept it all in for so long." I searched her eyes that searched my own, "Just let me be here, Vi. Let me be here for you." Then I took her hand into my free one. "It'll be okay. You don't have to talk to me about it, but know that I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."

She nodded vigorously. "Thank...you."

I pulled her close and she wrapped her arms around my neck. One of my arms snaked around her waist, my other hand braced against the back of her neck as I held onto her.

She jerked and started shaking.

I felt her tears seep into my shirt and I squeezed my eyes shut. "It's going to be okay. You'll be okay." I spoke gently into her ear.

She tightened her hold and so did I.

Violet cried and I held onto her while she let it out. This time I knew what to do. Just hold her, comfort her in anyway that I can, and just be there. And I meant what I said. I'm not going anywhere and I hope she knows that. When I told her that I'm all in, I meant that too. I'll hold onto that for as long as I can.

My fingers weaved into her hair as her sobs subsided. I kissed her temple and pressed my cheek against hers. "I'm glad you came here." I murmured.

She nodded again and slipped her fingers into my hair. "I knew I could."

I leaned my head back and looked into her eyes that were now puffy and red from crying. "You can always come here. No matter what."

She hiccupped and nodded once more. "Thank you."

I caressed her face again, letting my thumbs brush over her tear stained cheeks. "Let me call Gray and let him know you're here and you're safe."

"Okay." She breathed and stepped back.

I stood to retrieve my phone and I called Gray. When I told him Violet was here, he said they'd be home in the morning to just let her stay there. You could hear the hardness in Gray's tone though. He did not want Violet to be here with me. But he knew she was safe and well taken care of. I'd never let anything bad happen to Violet while she was here or anywhere.

After I ended the call, I walked up to Violet. She looked up at me with worried eyes and it broke my heart. "Will you let me hold you until sunrise?"

"Please do."

Just like Monday night, we shared the middle of the bed. I didn't hesitate to bring her into my arms and hold her like I wouldn't get another chance. She nudged her face into the crook of my neck and held onto me. Her breath creeped across my neck, creating a set of chills in its wake.

Violet was secured in my arms where I knew she was safe.

Where I couldn't imagine her being anywhere else.

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I still think this is the best chapter I've written lol. It's a bit emotional, and the next chapter will be on the emotional side too. But I hope you guys liked this chapter! Also updated will be slow because it's nano month! :)

Please vote and comment and let me know what you think? :)

Song: Drown by Bring Me The Horizon