Unbeknownst to their parents, Violet and Cole had a clandestine 9-month relationship before parting ways following Cole's injury, courtesy of Paige. Despite the messy breakup, Violet managed to maintain a positive connection with the Walters, except...
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Violet's chest lifted with relief when she finally spotted the Walters' car pulling into the lot. She hurried forward, weaving between students to greet a few of the boys with quick smiles. But today wasn't about them — today, her focus was Jackie. A new town, a new school, and a house full of Walters boys was overwhelming enough. Violet knew what it felt like to feel swallowed whole by Silver Falls. Jackie wasn't going to go through that alone.
She reached the car before the others could swarm. Jackie was still inside, her hands folded tightly in her lap. The boys hovered nearby, puzzled, but Violet shooed them back with a quick shake of her head. Leaning in, she opened the passenger door softly.
"Jackie?" she said gently.
Jackie looked up, her nervous smile a brittle mask.
"You okay?" Violet asked.
Jackie let out a shaky breath. "I'm not sure."
Violet crouched so they were eye-level. "You'll be fine. I'll walk you to every class today, sit with you at lunch. My car's in the shop, but Grace is driving me home — you're welcome to come with us if you want an escape from those pests." She tilted her head toward the cluster of Walters boys lingering nearby.
Jackie's smile softened, her shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you."
"Come on." Violet straightened, tugging her out of the car.
They had barely stepped onto the pavement when Erin's shrill voice cut across the lot.
"Cole!"
Violet froze as Erin launched herself into Cole's arms, kissing him squarely on the mouth. For a heartbeat, the world blurred at the edges — her chest hollowing, her stomach plunging. She swore she could feel every ounce of blood drain from her face.
Beside her, Isaac immediately noticed. Without hesitation, he reached for her hand, squeezing it tight. His grip was solid, grounding — a wordless I've got you.
"Come on," Erin said smugly, looping her arm through Cole's and throwing a quick, deliberate glare at Violet.
Jackie frowned, confusion knitting her brow.
Cole allowed Erin to tug him forward, but halfway across the lot he hesitated, glancing back. His gaze locked on Violet.
"Good luck today, New York," he called to Jackie, his eyes still lingering on Violet as if the words were meant for her instead. His chest tightened, every part of him aching to turn around, to close the distance between them. But he didn't. He couldn't. She had hurt him, and in his mind, this was only retaliation — even if it meant hurting himself too.
"Violet... are you—" Nathan began, stepping forward cautiously.
But Violet swallowed hard, pulling her hand from Isaac's and forcing brightness into her voice. "Okay, Jackie! Ready?" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together and looping her arm through Jackie's before marching them toward the building.
