[ A/N: link to photos of the safe house on the right under 'external link'! ]
‘Wake up sweetie, we’re here.’ Juliet said calmly as she opened the passenger side door. Violet opened her eyes, stretching her arms above her head. ‘What time is it?’ She asked quietly. ‘Almost five.’ Juliet said, unloading two bags from the trunk. Violet took off her heels before stepping down from the car. Juliet placed the bags in front of the door to the house, taking out a key and unlocking the alarm panel. She pressed a few buttons and the alarm beeped twice as the door unlocked. Carrying her heels, Violet followed her into the house. The modern style cabin was on a small cliff, overlooking a lake. Gravel surrounded the area around the house and the woods provided a picturesque background. Entering the living room, Violet laid on one of the couches while Juliet put their bags in one of the bedrooms. They always had spare bags packed in case they had to make a quick getaway. The safe house had enough bedrooms to fit everyone comfortably, although they usually spend most of their time in the living room. The guards had their own houses; one closer to the road while the other was at the edge of the woods. Violet stared at the stone fireplace as the sun rose by the lake, visible through the floor to ceiling windows. All of the windows in the house were bulletproof and there was an advanced security system installed, including video cameras surrounding the house. Violet and Juliet were the only people who knew the security codes, other than the boys and the guards. ‘Have you heard from them?’ Violet asked as Juliet returned to the living room. ‘No, I’m sure they’ll be along soon.’ Juliet replied, sitting across from Violet and propping her feet on the coffee table. Juliet looked at Violet, worry on her face. They’d been in this situation numerous times, but Juliet always seemed to handle it better than Violet. It’s not that she wasn’t strong; she just hated feeling helpless and unable to contact Niall. ‘Do you want me to run you a bath? It might make you feel better.’ Juliet asked, her caring instincts taking over. ‘No.’ Violet said, her voice barely audible as she stared out the window. ‘C’mon babe, you know they’ll be fine.’ Juliet attempted to comfort her friend, knowing that she wouldn’t relax until they heard from Niall and the boys. Sitting up, Violet hugged her legs, resting her head on her knees. Despite her nap in the car, she was exhausted, probably from taking Juliet’s Valium. Violet attempted to stay awake, wanting to wait for Niall’s arrival, but found herself dozing off in a matter of minutes. ‘Vi, you should really get some sleep.’ Juliet suggested, lightly touching her shoulder. Violet didn’t respond, too exhausted to protest. She let Juliet take her hand and lead her to one of the bedrooms. Violet stood next to the bed as Juliet helped her out of her dress, the two of them were used to this routine. ‘Here you go.’ Juliet said, pulling back the plush covers as Violet climbed in. She spread her arms across the bed, hating Niall’s absence. ‘I’ll wake you up when I hear anything, okay?’ Juliet said, waiting for a response from Violet. She stayed silent, turning on her side and staring out the window, her expression blank. ‘I’ll be right outside if you need anything.’ Juliet said walking to the door. ‘Juliet?’ Violet called quietly, without turning to face her, ‘he’ll be okay, right?’ She asked, her voice sounding like a child’s. ‘Of course sweetie. He knows that they’re doing. They all do.’ Juliet replied before exiting the room, softly closing the door behind her.
Violet closed her eyes briefly, before hearing the alarm beep, signaling the front door opening. Sitting up, she listened, straining to hear the voices speaking. Her heart pounding, she quickly pulled back the covers, grabbing an oversized sweater from the closet before rushing out the door. Entering the living room she found Juliet talking with Harry, tears in his eyes. Louis was sitting on one of the couches, his head in his hands. ‘What happened?’ She asked quietly, her voice catching. Nobody responded, Juliet looking at her with tears in her eyes. Violet looked around the room, noticing Liam by the fireplace looking at the floor. ‘Zayn?’ She asked, walking to the window where he stood. His knuckles were bruised and bloody and he looked as disheveled as the other boys. His shirt was ripped and Violet could see a cut right below his collarbone. ‘Violet.’ he said slowly, turning to face her. He sighed, putting a hand on her shoulder. ‘No.’ She whispered, her head beginning to spin. ‘There was nothing we could do.’ Zayn said, his eyes beginning to water. ‘No!’ Violet yelled, turning to Juliet who was crying as Harry tried to comfort her. ‘No.’ Violet said again, looking around the room, waiting for someone to say it out loud. ‘I’m so sorry Violet.’ Zayn said, turning her to face him but she pushed him away. ‘How could you let this happen!?’ She cried, looking at the boys, her whole body shaking. ‘How could you!?’ She screamed, her voice shrill. ‘You told me he would be okay!’ She screamed at Juliet, who was unable to form words, her mouth agape. ‘No! Where is he!? He has to be okay!’ She sobbed, falling to her knees. Juliet began to cry harder, her friend’s pain ringing in her ears. ‘No!’ Was all Violet could say as she continued to sob, letting out agonizing cries that wracked her small body. Her fists pounded the floor as she kicked and screamed, Zayn and Juliet trying to calm her.
