See No Evil (Anthony Lockwood)

chapter 36

Violet was in a cheery mood that next day and none of the other Lockwood & Co members knew what to make of it. They had gotten used to her quiet and solemn personality these past weeks. But that morning she had made them breakfast, cleaned the dishes, and she had apparently also polished and cleaned all of their equipment. She was also speaking really fast though, which meant she was constantly stumbling over her words. But she didn't even seem to mind that today either.

Lucy didn't think she'd ever seen Violet this happy before. Of course she had seen her happy, but not like this. Violet looked like she was on top of the world and had just won the lottery.

"So, um, we've got another job tonight," Lockwood said testily, looking for any slight change in Violet's mood at the news.

Violet's smile widened as she took a seat, "Great. That's fantastic. What's the job this time?"

George, not thinking much of her attitude as he was nose-deep into a book, told her, "Some house in Cricklewood. Old man says he's been having weird feelings in the middle of the night. Apparently, he's been experiencing chills too. Probably just a Type One. Maybe a Grey Haze or a Lurker. Or maybe the man's going senile in his old age."

Violet actually let out a giggle. Like a high-pitched, super adorable, girly giggle. Her friends all stared at her, completely dumbfounded. It was like a sprinkle of sunshine had emitted from the girl and almost blinded them.

Lucy reached over and put the back of her hand to Violet's forehead.

Violet gave her an odd look, "What are you doing, Luce?"

"No fever. Are you feeling sick, Vi?"

"Um...no, i'm not. Why?"

"The doctor's did say that hypoxia can cause temporary changes in personality," Lockwood said.

"Maybe she's finally having a psychotic break," George suggested.

Violet felt her smiling mouth twitch as irritation built in her chest, ruining her good mood. But the three continued to talk on and on, making ridiculous theories as to why she was so chipper.

Violet finally snapped, "Shut up! Am I not allowed to be in a good mood?! You guys are such assholes!"

George blinked, "There she is."

Lockwood looked almost relieved, "I was worried you had finally gone mad."

Lucy smacked both of the boys lightly, "Stop that. Sorry, Vi. It's just...we've never seen you so...nice?"

Violet fought the urge to roll her eyes, "Well, I was just in a good mood. But now I'm not anymore. So you guys can suck my metaphorical dick. I'm going to the library to practice my reading."

Violet continued to mutter profanities and insults as she stalked out of the kitchen, stomping loudly up the steps. They could even hear the loud slam of the library door when she got in there.

Lockwood grinned, "Did you hear that laugh?"

"That wasn't a laugh. That was a giggle. She actually sounded like a cute girl for once," George commented as he went back to his reading.

Lockwood sat back in his seat, "What I wouldn't give to hear that again."

"You're so fucking whipped. Get a grip, Lockwood."

Lucy smiled, "Oh, come on, George, that's the happiest I've ever seen her. And the first time she's seemed genuinely happy since..."

George paused, his shoulders dropping, "Yeah...I know."

Violet flopped into her armchair with a huff and grabbed the book Lockwood had been helping her read off the table. She opened it up and began to read it aloud very slowly. She would still pause every once in a while as her mind unfocused, but she had been getting better. She could read whole pages now. And she had even read a whole chapter on her own the other day.