The Basement Door

Two.

Tate had been without Violet for so long, that he didn’t even know what to do. Should he comfort her, leave her be, or talk? He chose the talking method. “No, I didn’t touch your cheek.” He looked at the distressed girl blankly, he was obviously lying. It’s been 1 year without her, he didn’t know what to live for anymore. “And no…. you’re not dreaming.” A slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but slowly faded. 

“You told me to go away.” Tate bluntly said, as he sauntered slowly over to Violet. “You did….” He trailed off, and looked at the girl who was almost in tears, he tried to compose himself. He didn’t want Violet to know how much he missed and loved her. “I can’t date you Vi.” He referred back to her old nickname. “You’re parents hate me, how could I ever possibly date you again.” Tate said; looking for approval from the parents. “Violet, please don’t cry, you’re okay…please…” Tate didn’t know what to say to her, he was just so lost with words.

Tate spoke true words, and that’s what hit Violet right in the heart. She was never really good with truth, you know? She was able to face things head on, and adapt to conditions of the truth, but hearing the truth at a start was just entirely brutal. 

Violet got off her bed and walked up to Tate, slowly, hoping he’d stay in his same spot. She brought herself to stand right in front of him looking him right in the eye, without a flinch, or a hesitation, hoping that they still could maintain eye contact even after all they had been through.

She then proceeded to tell Tate, “You’re right. I told you to go away, and you did… but I think you did because you loved me. I remember the day you came to me and told me you loved me, and you said it. Not just some words written on the chalkboard? Well, I know I may have not said it back much, and I know what I’ve done, but I love you Tate. I’m looking at you right in the eye and saying it. Then, when you told me you loved me for the first time, I should’ve known, too, that I was just as madly in love with you. I didn’t realize how much I did, and still do, until after I told you to go away. We all hurt the ones we love the most, and I know you’re angry and upset. I know you don’t want to be here right now, I know you’re struggling talking to me right now, as I am. But, who knows, maybe you’ve moved onto something or someone else, someone who you may think truly understands you, down to the dirtiest bit of information they could obtain from you. However, you and I, Tate, that’s something no one could get rid of, no matter how hard they could try. I love my parents till the absolute end of me. I do. But, you’re just as important to me too, Tate. And I truly hope that somehow you feel that too.” 

Violet began to tear, looking at him straight in the eyes, holding onto the sight of them all she could. She wasn’t sure whether he would disappear or stay, and she was way too hesitant to find out. She gently put her arm out so her hand could meet his. Once she got a grasp of it, all types of emotion flew through her body like bullets that couldn’t penetrate. Crying violently, she whispered, “I love you.”

“Violet, please don’t cry.” Tate looked at her, and winced. He hated seeing Violet so upset, but he somehow just wanted to watch her cry. Like a little boy examining a fish out of water. It slowly gasping for air, only to eventually die. Tate wanted to see how far Violet could bend. 

He looked at her again, almost ready to cry. But he resisted, he just looked at her bluntly. He listened to everything she had to say, but he only had one thing to ask in response to her. 

“Violet, when I needed you, when I cried to have you back, you didn’t even pity me. You just kissed me, and said good bye. I never even had a  chance to explain, you left me alone…” He paused, to collect the tears that were falling. 

“Now, when you cry, and are upset, and try to explain to me…” He paused again. “Why is it fair that you get to have me back when you cry, when you never gave me a second thought….” He tried to not make it refusing. 

“It’s not fair.” He said bluntly.