(violet's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Violet couldn't believe it. It was time to start thinking about college. At least college counseling that would help decide on a college and what degree she would want to go for. She knew she wanted to be a musician, she was currently working at that and building her skills. But the thought of college was both exciting and overwhelming. She had always been passionate about music, and even though she was gaining experience, the idea of formal education in the arts intrigued her. Maybe she'd look into programs that could further her abilities or even help her understand the business side of the industry. 

This morning she was working on her academic achievements list Violet sat at the kitchen table, a notebook open in front of her as she made a list of her academic achievements. She had always been a hard worker, but now the pressure of deciding what to do with her future was starting to feel heavier. As she jotted down her accomplishments, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Music was her passion, and she'd been working so hard at it, but college felt like a whole new world she had to prepare for.

She considered the programs she'd been researching: degrees in music production, performance, and music business management. Each choice felt like a potential path to success, but also a big leap into the unknown. There was so much to think about—the schools, the applications, the possible scholarships. Violet paused and thought back to the past few months, where she had been balancing her music career with the friendships and relationships that had made this time in her life so special. She knew that whatever decision she made, it would shape her future. And then she got to thinking, does she even want to go to college? 

She knows she probably can't afford it, she's not sure her parents would do anything to help her, and she wonders if the traditional college path is even the best choice for her. Violet had always been passionate about her music and had already been gaining real-world experience in the industry. But then, there was the part of her that worried about what others might think. Would people judge her for not going to college? Would she regret not having that formal education? It was a lot to consider, and the weight of the decision was beginning to feel overwhelming.

Violet sighed, running a hand through her hair as she stared at the list in front of her. Music was her heart and soul, and she knew she couldn't turn away from it, but college was supposed to be the next big step, wasn't it? She groaned, leaning her head on her crossed arms on the table. She was only a freshmen in high school, but the pressure of college was already getting to her. She shouldn't even be worrying about this now. But then she wondered if she was ready to move forward and what the next chapter of her life would bring.

"Hey, babe. Ready for school?"

She looks over at the sound of her boyfriend's voice to see him entering the house, closing the front door behind him. He had a spare key to her place like she did with his. He had a comforting presence that immediately put her mind at ease. She managed a small smile, sitting up and setting her notebook aside. "Yeah, just...Trying to figure out what the future might look like," She admits, gesturing at the list of her achievements and half-finished ideas. "It's a bit overwhelming, you know?"

He walksed over and wraps an arm around her shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "You've got time, Vi. You're only a freshman—it's way too early to have everything figured out. And honestly, you've already done so much. Your music is amazing."

She leans into him, grateful for his support. "Thanks. I just feel like I should know where I'm headed, even if it's years away."

He chuckles, gently nudging her. "Well, maybe instead of worrying about college or what people might think, you could focus on what you *want.* I mean, music is your thing, right?"

Violet nods, smiling a bit more. "Yeah, it is. I guess I'm just scared of taking the wrong path."

He tilts her chin up to meet his gaze. "Whatever path you take, I know you'll make it work. And I'll be here for you, no matter what. College or no college—you're gonna do amazing things."

Violet felt a renewed sense of determination. College was one path, but it wasn't the only one. For now, she could let herself dream without pressure and just focus on enjoying high school and her music.

"You're the best." She mumbled, reaching up to cup his face before pulling him into a kiss. He smiled into the kiss, his hand moving to cup the back of her neck. She melted against him, letting his warmth and reassurance wash over her. When they broke apart, she rested her forehead against his, a content sigh escaping her.

"Now I'm ready for school." She admitted with a small giggle, her face flushing.

He grins at her. "Let's get going, then." He pulls away, waiting for her to gather her things before walking her out of the house with her and her locking the door. "And besides at least you have a thing. I don't." He shrugged, trying to sct like it didn't upset him when it really did.

Violet's hand finds his and squeezes. "Jax, you're still young, and there's plenty of time to figure out what you want. Plus, you're so talented—you could do anything you put your mind to. You're amazing."

"Thanks, Vi. That means a lot. You're amazing too." He says softly. "C'mon, let's get to school."

They walk side-by-side, hands clasped together as they make their way to the bus stop. The pressure of the future is still there, but knowing that he's by her side makes it a little easier to bear. Whatever comes next, they'll face it together. And that's all she needs to know right now.

****

School went by quickly, the usual hustle and bustle of classes and hallways feeling lighter with Jackson at her side. Violet found herself smiling more, the weight of her earlier worries fading with each laugh they shared and each supportive glance he gave her. The day was a blur of classes, friends, and occasional moments where Jackson would catch her eye from across the room, giving her a subtle thumbs-up or a goofy smile, making her laugh despite herself. By lunchtime, they met up with their friends at their usual spot under a big oak tree in the courtyard. Violet found herself talking animatedly about a new song she was working on, and her friends listened, nodding along with genuine interest. Jackson gave her an encouraging nod as she described the melody and the lyrics she was still fine-tuning.

Later, after the final bell, Violet and Jackson walked together, still hand in hand. The sky had turned a soft pink with hints of gold as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. They talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing easily between them. Violet felt grateful for Jackson's steady presence. He didn't pressure her to make any decisions about her future, just listened and encouraged her to follow her heart. She did her best to do the same thing for him, knowing he was struggling wtih finding something that was his thing. He kept worrying that it seemed like everyone their age knew what they wanted and he didn't. He felt left behind, even though he tried not to let it show too much. Violet could see the doubt in his eyes as he spoke, even though he tried to keep his tone casual. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, pausing their walk to face him.

"Hey, it's okay," She said softly, searching his gaze. "You don't have to have everything figured out right now. Nobody really does, even if it looks like they do."

Jackson sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It just feels like I should, you know? Like I'm supposed to have a 'thing'—a talent or a passion or... something."

Violet shakes her head, smiling warmly. "You'll find it. You're thoughtful, sweet, funny, and loyal—things that mean so much more than any one talent. And whatever you end up loving, you'll be amazing at it."

"I hope you're right." He muttered.

"Trust me, I am." Violet replies with a chuckle. "And if all else fails, we can become a duo and you can play the tambourine." She grinned, making him laugh and the tension to fade away.

"That can be Plan B, babe."

Violet leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing a quick kiss to his lips. They held the kiss for a few moments before breaking apart, both of them grinning like idiots. "You still coming over for dinner tonight?" He asked, his hands resting on her hips.

"What else would I do? Not spend time with my amazing boyfriend and his amazing family?" She teases, raising an eyebrow. "Of course I'm coming over. Your mom's cooking is way too good to pass up."

Jackson laughs, his eyes lighting up. "You're just here for the food, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Violet replies playfully." But the company isn't so bad either."

They continued walking, a comfortable silence settling between them. As they neared their houses, Violet felt a sense of warmth and belonging wash over her. Being with Jackson made everything feel a little less overwhelming, a little more manageable. He grounded her, and she hoped she did the same for him. Whatever the future held, they'd face it together.

****

Before dinner, Violet and Jackson hung out at her place, watching some reruns of Phineas and Ferb (a show they both loved) and cuddling on the couch before heading over next door for dinner. This evening dinner was out in the back yard, the two of them hanging out in the back yard waiting as everything was being brought out. Jackson leaned against a table while Violet sat on the table by him, his hand on her leg and her head on his shoulder while they chatted.

"Hey, guys, dinner's ready!" DJ calls out while walking out back, carrying a dish out with her. She pauses when she noticed the solemn look on her son's face. "You okay?"

Jackson had still been down about not finding his thing yet despite appreciating Violet's effort. He just couldn't stop the nagging thought that he should've found his 'thing' by now. "I'm fifteen. How could I not discovered one thing that I'm good at?"

DJ smiles fondly at him. "You're good at plenty of things."

"Yeah," Max chimes in, who had been hanging out out back as well. "You're a...Pretty decent brother." Jackson rolled his eyes at his younger brother.

Violet giggles and shakes her head. She reaches down to intertwine his ahnd with hers, squeezing his hand. "You're an amazing boyfriend." Jackson's face softened as he looked over at her, his smile growing.

"You're a wonderful son." DJ continues. "And you're kind and thoughtful."

"I can't put that on my form, mom." Jackson pointed out with a heavy sigh.

"But those things matter, Jackson. You'll have plenty of time to discover all the other thinigs that make you special." DJ assured him.

Jackson gets upout of frusturation, continuing to rant. Violet watches him with concern, a frown on her face. "But everyone else seems to know what they're good at and where they're going. Why don't I?" Out of frusturation and anger, he kicked a football that was set up in the backyard. Violet's eyes widened, her jaw dropping as she watched her boyfriend. DJ and Max were equally shocked and in disbelief that he just kicked that football so far.

"Oh, my Atlanta Falcons!" DJ gasped.

"Wow!" Max gaped.

"Uh, Jax?" Violet started, staring at him with wide eyes.

"What?" Jackson glanced over at her, furowing his eyebrows.

Violet continues to watch as the football landed on a car parked down the block, making the alarm blare. "I'd say you just discovered one of your hidden talents." DJ pointed out.

"Really?" Jackson's face brightens. "What?"

Violet sighs heavily and smiles at him. "It's a good thing you're so adorable."

"Awe." Jackson smiles and reaches over, kissing the side of her head. He looks back at his mom. "But really, what is it?"

"The football!" Max told him.

"I'll get it later." Jackson replies dissmively. "Now stop interrupting so mom can tell me about my hidden talent. "

"Jackson, that was an amazing kick." DJ complimented.

Jackson's eyes widen. "Really?" His face brghtens more. "You think it was good enough to get me on the football team?"

DJ grimaces. "Oh, yeah, you know how I feel about you playing football."

"Yeah, you-you don't want me to get hurt, but the kicker never gets tackled." Jakson tries to convince her, his eyes pleading. He glances over at his girlfriend for help. "Babe, help me out here?"

Violet chuckles, giving DJ a playful look. "He's got a point, you know. The kicker rarely gets hurt."

DJ gives her a mock glare. "Oh, now you're ganging up on me?"

Violet raises her hands in defefnse. "Hey, I'm just the supportive girlfriend here. But really, I think Jackson should give it a shot. I think he has potential to be a great asset to the team." She added, smiling fondly at Jackson and getting up to kiss his cheek.

"See?" Jackson ignores the fact his face is flushing and the butterflies swarming in his stomach at the sudden affection. He puts his hands together in a pleading motion, looking back at his mom. "Come on, mom."

DJ hesitates before finally answering, "Fine. If you make the team, you can play." Jackson's face lit up and he grins. "Now go get your ball."

"Yes!" Jackson cheered, turning to Violet to hug her, spinning her around.

Violet giggles, huging him back. "I'm sure you're gonna be a great kicker, baby."

Jackson beams, his excitement contagious. "Thanks, babe, that means a lot." He gently set her back down, kissing her cheek beore he went to go get the football.

"You really think he'll be fine if hemakes the team?" DJ asked Violet worriedly after Jackson left.

Violet nods, her face softening. "I really do. He has the potential and determination. I'm worried too, but I believe he will be fine. We just need to be there to support him."

DJ sighs, nodding her head. "Yeah, I know." She wraps her arm around Violet's shoulder and kisses her forehead. "Thanks for helping with this."

"I didn't really do anything though." She chuckled, her face flushing out of embarassment as she wrapped her arm around DJ.

"You're always helping, whether you realize it or not," DJ said, smiling softly as she held Violet close. "You make things feel easier for him by just being there. You make him feel supported, cared for, and understood, and that's more than enough."

Violet smiles, her heart warming at DJ's words. "I just want to make sure he knows he's not alone. He's one of the most important people in my life, and I want him to feel that, no matter what." She glanced at Jackson, who was now tossing the football up and down as he jogged back, his excitement clearly bubbling over.

DJ nods, her arms tightening around Violet in a hug. "You're doing a great job. He really looks up to you. I can see it in the way he lights up when you're around. And honestly, I think he needs someone like you in his life."

"I need him too," Violet admitts quietly. "I don't know where I'd be without him."

DJ smiles, a knowing glint in her eyes. "I think you'd be just fine, but having each other definitely helps. Just remember, no matter what happens, you'll always have a home with us."

Violet's eyes welled with tears, and she quickly blinked them away, not wanting Jackson to see. But she felt overwhelmed by DJ's words, knowing that she truly meant them. Jackson had already brought so much joy into her life, and she was thankful for every moment they spent together. And the same went for DJ and everyone. She never really had a close-knit family like theirs, but they always welcomed her with open arms. With her parents never being around, Violet had grown used to being independent, learning to rely on herself for everything. But she could always count on Jackson, DJ, and the rest of their family. They had shown her a love and support she never knew was possible.

As he got closer, Violet took a deep breath and wiped her eyes, composing herself and wiping her eyes, before walking towards her boyfriend. Concern fills his eyes after seeing the tears. "Hey, you okay?" He asks, setting the football aside and wiping the tears away with his thumbs. "What happened? What's wrong?"

Violet sniffles, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tight. "Nothing's wrong, I'm okay. I just got a little emotional, that's all."

"Awe, babe." Jackson pulls her close, his arms wrapping around her and his chin resting on her head. He holds her, his eyes closing and a content sigh escaping him. Violet melts against him, the tension and emotions of the day fading away as they hold each other. After a few moments, they pull away, their eyes meeting. "You know I'm here for you, right? Whatever you need."

Violet nods, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I know. And the same goes for you, Jax." She leaned up to kiss him, leaning into his touch more as her eyes closed, feeling the comfort and security of his presence wrap around her like a warm blanket. The kiss was soft, tender, and full of the unspoken understanding between them. They didn't need words to express how much they cared for each other; it was all in the way they held each other, in the way their hearts beat in sync. They only pulled apart when they heard loud commotion behind them from everyone coming out side while bringing dinner out and to gather around the table.

"Guess we should go eat." Jackson whispered, not moving away from her and instead kissing her again.

"Mmm-hmm," Violet murmurs, her arms draped over his shoulders and her fingers threading through his hair. "But maybe another kiss wouldn't hurt..."

He smirked and happily complied, his hands resting on her waist as he pressed his lips to hers once more. Violet could feel her heart fluttering, her skin tingling as his touch. They were lost in each other, the world melting away around them. It was as if nothing else mattered but the two of them. When they finally pulled apart, both were slightly flushed, their eyes shining with adoration.

"Okay, we really should go over to the others before they start dinner without us." Violet suggested, reluctantly pulling away and gigging when he tried chasing her lips for another kiss.

He pouts, his arms still wrapped around her. "Fine, but after dinner, you're all mine."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Violet replied, grinning at him. She leaned into his side as they walked over to join the others. They sat down by each other while Danny, of course, said a speech before they all ate.

"Well, aside from one very uncomfortable thirty-second conversation in the kitchen, um, I had a pretty amazing day. I mean, it was like Becky and I didn't miss a beat. I really bring out the best in her." Violet smiled and chuckled. She remembered hearing about how Danny finally got his job back. The thing was, he and Becky lost their jobs on a talk show, though Becky had gotten a part for this girl talk show which became popular though Danny refused to audition again. Then Becky went back to 'Wake Up San Francisco' and recently Danny got his job back as a co host with her after the last guy that waas her co host had been inapproipate and arrogant and just not right for the job. Violet was happy that Danny got his job back. She heard from Stephanie, who had ranted to her earlier about how her dad had been obessive with going to Costco all the time. She figured they all were relieved he got his job back too since he had been around the house all the time.

"You know, seeing you two together again was like reliving my entire childhood." Stephanie admitted.

"I know. Becky hasn't changed a bit." Kimmy commented and Stephanie nodded in agreement.

"What about me?" Danny asked hopefully, glancing at her expectantly, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

Kimmy shrugs. "Your voice is very similiar."

Danny sighs. "Thank you, Kimmy." Kimmy smiles and nods. Violet giggles, leaning over to pat his shoudler to comfort him and gaining a thankful smile in response. "Alright, I have an announcement to make." He admits as he stands. "Don't try to talk me out of it, but I rented a duplex nearby and at the end of the month, I'm moving out."

Everyone quickly acted as if they were all sad with him leaving. Violet chuckes at the dramatics, not buying the act one bit. Danny clearly knew too, he shakes his head at them all. "Oh, thank you all for faking so sincrely." He sarcastically thanked them. He then went around the table to hug everyone and say he'll miss them. Violet smiled as Danny made his way around the table, giving each person a warm embrace. She could see how much this family meant to him and how much he meant to everyone here. When he finally reached her, he pulled her into a big hug, and she felt a surge of warmth and gratitude.

"Take care of Jackson, alright?" Danny whispered jokingly, though there was a hint of sincerity in his eyes.

"Someone has to." She replied with a playful smile, giving him a wink. "But I'll make sure he stays out of trouble."

Danny chuckled, squeezing her shoulder. "Good. I know he's in good hands."

Violet felt her cheeks warm at his words, and as Danny moved on, she looked over at Jackson, who was watching her with a soft smile. She knew how much family meant to Jackson and how deeply he cherished every moment with them. Being part of this close-knit group had changed her life, making her feel like she truly belonged. As dinner continued, the room was filled with stories, laughter, and the comforting sounds of family. Violet felt Jackson's hand slip back into hers under the table, and she glanced over to find him smiling at her, his eyes full of warmth.

"Thanks for sticking with me through everything." Jackson whispered, his thumb brushing over her hand.

"Always." She replied softly, squeezing his hand. In this moment, surrounded by love and laughter, Violet knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.

After the goodbyes and a few more heartfelt exchanges, everyone settled back into their seats as dinner began. Violet felt Jackson's hand reach for hers under the table, and she squeezed it, feeling a sense of peace and belonging. As the evening unfolded with laughter and shared stories, Violet glanced around the table, feeling incredibly grateful. She had found a place where she was truly loved and accepted, a place she could finally call home. And sitting beside Jackson, with his family embracing her as one of their own, she realized just how lucky she was to have all of them in her life.

A/N jackson & violet <3