𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 - 𝐀 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

chapter nine - herbal tea and honesty

Violet and Jenny were practically panting on the way back from Ms. Elora's dance lessons, their muscles aching worse than usual as they hobbled back to their dorm.

"Either we've underestimated how fit we are," said Jenny with a wince, "or this woman has become crazy."

"Not even just crazy," Violet replied, barely managing to grip onto her friend as she felt a sudden sharp pain in her ribs. "I think she's angry with her fiancé again and taking it out on us. Didn't you see she'd taken her ring off today?"

Her thoughts wandered briefly to another couple as she spoke, but she quickly chased it away, focusing entirely on Jenny - who cracked a smile at her words.

"Well, aren't you observant today, Vi?"

Violet snorted. "Would you believe me if I told you I've been keeping track of how often she takes it off? So far, it's been eleven times this semester, and last year, it was a lot less."

It might have sounded stupid, a little stalkerish even, but she was entirely serious. In her defence, though, the love life of their dance teacher was no secret, and Ms. Elora had gladly discussed it with them - well, up until this year at least.

"Remind me to hire you if I ever need a private investigator," she replied, her grey eyes widening in both admiration and mock horror. "But now I'm curious about what's happening if she's been taking it off that much."

"Oh, believe me," Violet said, sighing heavily. "And I'd volunteer to be her therapist myself if it means she doesn't torture us anymore."

They both barked a laugh at that, and Violet only stopped when something squeezed in her stomach.

"Amy's lucky she got to miss today," Jenny said wistfully. "I wish I was a nerd, and then I could skip class to go to competitions too."

"But then you'd have to study for the competitions," Violet reminded her, though she felt a little wistful herself.

"Ugh, you're right. There's really no winning." She ran a hand through her dark blonde hair, and Violet's eyes were laser-focused on the movement.

"When are we getting our hair done, by the way?" she asked suddenly, remembering a vague plan the two of them had made ages ago.

"You noticed my roots, didn't you?" Jenny replied, sadly. "But no clue. We keep putting it off, I know."

"No, yours aren't noticeable at all," Violet said hurriedly. "I just remembered that one time we agreed to dye our hair pink together."

She snorted. "Oh yeah, and Amy kept trying to talk us out of it."

"Good old Ames," said Violet, trying - and failing - to look sobre.

"We could do it today," Jenny suggested. "I mean, classes are over, so we have plenty of time, and Amy isn't back yet, so we won't be getting bullied by her. It's a sign!"

Violet was just about to open her mouth to agree when a frown made its way to her face. "I can't."

"How come?"

"You know that group project we were set a few weeks ago? The one where we need to think of a potion that helps a magical creature in the community?"

"Yeah. Don't tell me you haven't started it yet, Vi!" Jenny exclaimed, looking genuinely surprised.

"No, no, we actually have a lot done. It's just that someone in our group forgot one of the main ingredients, and apparently I'm the only one free to try and find it this afternoon," she clarified, the tight expression on her face making it clear she did not believe that one bit.