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 tossed her school bag onto her bed and, without pause, darted down the steps and across the yard toward her grandma's flat. The moment she cracked open the door, the smell of rosemary and garlic wrapped around her like a hug.
"I smell something cooking!" she sang out, a grin lighting her face.
Celeste looked up from the stove, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "It's your favorite," she said knowingly.
"Yes!" Violet pumped her fist, then skipped over to Phoenix, who was hunched at the table over his homework. She ruffled his hair, dropping a quick kiss on Celeste's cheek.
"He's upset," Celeste murmured softly as Violet straightened.
Violet frowned. "Why?"
Her grandmother shrugged, stirring the pot. "Won't tell me."
Violet crouched down beside Phoenix, tilting her head. "What'd you do today, buddy?"
He gave a heavy sigh. "Went to school."
"Yeah? And what did you do at school?" she pressed gently.
He fiddled with his pencil before whispering, "I just played by myself. Not many people wanna be my friend."
Violet's heart pinched. "That's okay," she said softly. "Sometimes you don't need a bunch of friends. Family matters more."
Phoenix chewed his lip, then muttered, "I just don't think I know how to talk to people."
Violet reached for his hand, squeezing it lightly. "That's completely fine. You'll figure it out. And hey — you already have friends. Wanna know who?"
His eyes lifted, curious. "Who?"
"Me. Grandma. Daisy. Mom. Parker and Benny. Isaac, Lee, Alex, Nathan, Jordan, Danny, Will..." Violet counted on her fingers, grinning wider with each name. "And today I met someone new. Her name's Jackie, and she's so nice. You'll love her."
Phoenix hesitated before blurting the question that hit her square in the chest. "Is Cole still my friend? He was my best friend. But I don't see him much anymore."
Violet's smile faltered for just a second, but she smoothed it over quickly. "How about this?" she said brightly. "After school tomorrow, I'll take you over to the Walters'. You can see Cole, meet Jackie, hang out with everyone. They miss you too — Isaac's been saying how much he does."
That earned her a tiny smile. "Okay!"
"High five?" she held her hand up.
Phoenix smacked it with surprising force, then bolted to the door. "Mom! I get to go to the Walters' tomorrow!" he shouted as he disappeared inside.
