“Gray has his own issues, too. But the thing is, he wants you and your insecurities,” Laura ran a hand through her hair. “He wants all of you. He doesn’t want to leave any part of you unloved. So if you give him a chance, he’ll love all of you. He’ll put you up on a pedestal that you deserve. He’ll treat you like you deserve to be treated. Gray loves unconditionally, and his love for you is no different.”
Violeta fell silent for several minutes, her focus drifting to the unfinished painting… the one of him…
But eventually, she cleared her throat. "I just–I just need a little bit of time to sort out how I feel. I'll see what I can do.. Does he know you came to speak to me?"
“No, and he won’t find out,” Laura narrowed her eyes. “One more thing. If I find out you’re only playing with him, trying to make a fool out of him, I won’t forgive you. Gray’s been unhappy far too long. I want him to be happy for once. If you reject him properly, he’ll still have a chance to gain that happiness. I can tell you’re a kind person. Don’t prove me wrong. Thank you, Violeta.”
With a nod of her head, Laura walked away.
Violeta sat there for a long time, staring at the place Laura has been standing in mere minutes ago. Eventually, she sighed and grabbed her bag off the floor. I’ve got some time to think it over…
“Gray~!” Gray was waiting for Laura when he heard her voice from behind him, as well as feeling her fall against his back. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he stumbled to regain his balance. “Were you waiting for me?”
Gray rolled his eyes.
“Get off, you cow,” but he held her still, bending down so she could be comfortable on his back. “Jesus, don’t choke me!”
Laura laughed, pulling on his hair for his comment. “Jerk. Oh, look, there’s your girl! Are you going to talk to her? Clear things up?”
Gray tensed from under her.
[TIME SKIP - one week later]
Violeta was having a bad day.
She hadn't really slept all week, not with the constant guilt gnawing at her. And though it sounded terribly melodramatic, it did feel a bit like the rules of her world were being rewritten. For four years, Gray had been her enemy. The boy who she thought despised her. Everyone knew them as rivals, even here, though they'd only been in college for a little over a month. And all of a sudden, he was claiming to be in love with her. Not crushing. Not liking platonically. In. Love.
He was in love with her, the fat, ugly, insecure girl from Winston Grove High School who hadn't seen her father in six years. The damaged girl.
Violeta still couldn't really believe it.
Worse still…. she was developing feelings for him. Whenever she caught sight of him in the hallways, her heart would jump. Whenever they spoke (briefly and overly polite, as if they were strangers) about their project, her stomach twisted and a light pink hue rose to her cheeks. Whenever she painted, his beautiful features came to mind.
This morning, she'd woken up starving. Apparently, one full day of not eating did that to you. So she hadn't been able to resist breakfast… an enormous one… which had left her nauseous and in shame for the rest of the day. And now it was lunchtime, and somehow, he feet had carried her towards the nearest Subway.
Violeta was hyperaware of the way her thighs moved as she stepped up to the counter to order, breathing heavily. Why was she doing this? Why was she eating again? But the damage was already done; the coins were already in the cashier's hands.
Gray sighed heavily, feeling empty despite Laura trying her best to make him smile. And whenever he was upset, Gray had the tendency to eat. Even if he wasn’t hungry, he ate.
It had been a week since he properly talked to Violeta. At least, whatever proper was between them. Everything was brief. He avoided her as much as he could. He wished he hadn’t confessed. If he had just kept his mouth shut and pretended it wasn’t her he liked, they’d probably be friends.
“Your change, sir,” the cashier’s voice entered his ears and Gray snapped out of his thoughts. He gathered the money and took his sandwich and when he moved to sit at a table, he caught sight of Violeta.
His heart soared, and then fell.
With a far-too-large sandwich in hand, Violeta made her way towards an empty table, but the meal seemed to grow heavier and heaver with every step. I can't do this… she thought desperately, palms slick with sweat, and came to a halt.
That's when she saw him. Gray. With his beautiful dark eyes and soft m—She cut the thought off, heart pounding. Suddenly, she was hyperaware of the top she was wearing, loose and short-sleeved. Could he see how bloated she looked? How disgusting? Stomach twisting, she turned away.
But just as she was about to head straight for the nearest garbage can, snickering reached her ears. Violeta turned her head and was met with the sight of a trio of girls, all staring straight at her. She shrank back. "Is–Is there something I can do for you?"
The tallest one, a slim brunette, snorted. "Don't mind us," she drawled, looking Violeta up and down. "We just found it funny how you dress so nicely like you care about your appearance, but then have such a big sandwich for lunch. It's sort of counter-productive, isn't it? You're fat enough already."
Gray wasn’t that far away to not hear what those girls said. Why had he never noticed her bullying before? He was such an idiot.
Gray clenched his fists tightly, telling himself it wasn’t his business.. Violeta could handle herself. She could. Besides, she wasn’t even his girlfriend. Why should he step in?
But when they started badmouthing her, all reason flew out from Gray’s mind. Nobody talked about his girl like that. Nobody. So Gray found himself making his way towards those girls, his eyes cold, void of any emotions. He gripped his own sandwich tight in his hold, wanting to do nothing more than chuck it on them. And spill his drink, just for the heck of it.
“Wow, is that jealousy I hear in your voices?” Gray chimed in, a forced smile on his features, his voice cheerful yet harsh. It was always easy for him to hide his anger behind these smiles. It was easy to pretend he was a cool-headed person. This time, it wasn’t. Gray wanted nothing more than to strangle those girls until his fingerprints were engraved in their skin. Until they were crawling on their knees, begging for forgiveness. “Doesn’t really surprise me, to be honest. I didn’t think all those diets and starvation would exactly help you with your Barbie doll looks. You eat mere salads, yet you are nothing as compared to her. Of course you would be jealous, no?”
Violetta stiffened when she saw Gray approach them from the corner of her eye. And then—He was defending her? Insulting them? Standing so close she could almost feel his heart beating against her shoulder?
She shot him a wide-eyed look, swallowing hard. What are you doing?
The trio of girls, meanwhile, were staring at him in shock. The tallest one, the brunette who had spoken, recovered first, schooling her expression into one of disbelief. "Excuse me?"
Gray wrapped an arm around Violeta, the calm expression on his features hardened.
“I’m going to say it just once,” he started slowly, softly, an edge to his voice. “This girl you just insulted? It seems she’s incredibly important to me. And I don’t take kindly to others hurting or bothering the ones I care for.” He paused, the look on his face turning dangerous. “So here’s a little word of advice. You touch her, you even look at her and I’ll make sure you never have the guts to show your filthy face outside ever again. Every little secret you have, I’ll expose it to the world. Do not test me.”
Violeta didn't know whether to run or press herself against his side, didn't know whether to blush or flinch away from the harsh words the girls had thrown at her. Each one pierced her skin, ringing painfully true, stirring up a whole storm of nausea and hot, burning shame… But then there was Gray. Calling her important. Saying that he cared for her. Defending her. Violeta's heart swelled in her chest.
The girls all narrowed their eyes at him, but it was clear how nervous they were. "Fine," the lead one spat, standing up. "Have fun with your girlfriend."
“Good choice,” Gray hummed. “Now get lost. I really don’t have the patience to look at your faces any second longer.”
Without waiting for them, Gray turned towards Violeta and slowly caressed her cheek, thumb rubbing circles on the flesh tenderly.
“You are beautiful,” he told her softly, lips aching to claim hers. “More than anyone in this world. You are not fat. You are not even close to it. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And if anyone ever does so again, I’ll ruin them for you. I won’t let them badmouth you again.”
Violeta's whole body weakened. Somehow, she stayed standing, her hands finding his biceps and gripping them tightly so she wouldn't fall. Never in her life had she ben in such a position, with a boy's hand on her cheek and his mouth inches from hers. Her body was pressed against Gray's, and his touch was so soft, and so caring…
Her eyes flickered to his lips.
"Gray…" Violeta tried to speak, tried to thank him, but her tongue had gone numb in her mouth, heart pounding so loudly that it drowned her thoughts out. "I—"
Loud, shrill ringing erupted from her pocket, causing her to jump in surprise. Her phone—she fumbled to pull it out, cursing at herself for not leaving it on silent. The moment slipped away…
"Dana?" She shot Gay a flustered, apologetic look. "I can't really talk right now–"
Her mouth was so close. So painfully close. Gray almost closed the distance, especially when he caught her eyes flickering to his mouth. Or when her hold tightened on his arms.
But then a loud, ringing voice interrupted them and he pulled back, eyes wide in alarm. That nearly gave him a heart attack. It also ruined the perfect moment. He wanted to keep holding her like that.
“Is everything okay?” Gray asked softly when he noticed her freezing, abruptly cutting off whatever she was foing to say.
Her sister, her amazing little sister, sounded panicked and afraid. "Dana?" she breathed, brow furrowing. "Dana, what's wrong? What happened??"
"It's—It's Dad. Violeta—he came back—"
Violeta nearly dropped the phone. The blood drained from her face, utter terror flooding her body. "Shit," she cursed, though her voice trembled. "Shit. I'll be right there, how long ago did he—"
Loud voices from the other side of the phone interrupted her; Dana was putting the phone on speaker so her sister could hear.
"Am I not allowed to see my daughters??" A man's voice demanded, rough and painfully familiar. Violeta bit her lip so hard the skin broke. "Arian, stay away from us—We don't want you here anymore. Six years, Arian, six years without you here, and now you decided to show up?"
A heart-shattering crash followed.
"Dana? Dana, listen to me. Hide. I need you to hide, and don't make a sound. Dial 911 but don't press 'call' until something serious happens. I'll be over as soon as I can—Promise me you'll stay safe."
"I promise," her sister choked out. "I promise."
Violeta shoved her phone in her pocket and turned towards the door.
Gray stared after her in surprise, but grabbed her arm before she could get away.
“Vy? What’s wrong?” He asked worriedly. “Are you in trouble? Is there anything I can do to help?”
"I—I need to get home," Violeta stammered, flooded with adrenaline and anxiety. "Before something happens. Unless you have a car, there isn't anything you can do." She pulled her arms from his grip, just about ready to run all the way back to her mother's house.
Gray didn’t have a car. He cursed, running a hand through his hair.
“I can come with you,” he said urgently. “What if you get hurt?”
Violeta was breathing heavily by now, images flashing before her minds eye. All the horrible memories… they were all rushing back. "Do—Do what you want but I need to go, now." Her voice was saturated with urgency; clearly, she wanted to get on the road as soon as humanly possible.
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.