Introduction:
"You aren't like the rest," Tate whispers while gazing into Violet's eyes.
"That's exactly why I'm here," Violet murmurs with a frown and tucks a piece of her long light ash brown hair behind her ear.
"No Rub, that's why they are there," Tate insists and points toward the main road, which earns a nose laugh from Violet- just what he was hoping for.
"Let's hang the jury
You sick judgmental fools
I'll bury you six feet deep
So tired of your rules
Fuck you and your opinion
How could you be so blind?
What goes around comes back around in time"
"You can't do this Mother!" Violet cries as her 'parents' load pre-packed suitcases into a taxi. "I'll be good. I swear!" she pleads but the adults don't pay her any mind. Ever since her mom's boyfriend, Luke, arrived Violet has been getting in trouble more often and Luke has been persuading her to punish Violet once and for all. After long, secret discussion they agreed to send Violet to Briarcliff Boarding School in Massachusetts, a whopping ten-hour drive from her quaint home in Virginia. The cabbie is becoming impatient and blowing the horn as Violet firmly plants herself on the couch promising she will not go.
However, since Luke is a retired body builder he only laughs and picks Violet up. "It shouldn't have to come to this Vi!" her mother shouts, as the bulky boyfriend slings Violet over his shoulder against her will.
"Get off of me! I'll go myself," she screams so Luke instantly drops her to the floor. Violet brushes off the imaginary dirt on her clothing, picks up her cross body purse, and walks to the yellow car waiting for her. "Sweetie, this is for your own good. You'll be back in June! You'll thank us later," her naive mother insists as Violet slides in the leather seat while Luke loads the trunk with six luggage's filled with all of her belongings. Funny how my entire life can be reduced to six square boxes, Violet thinks to herself as searches for her headphones. Before the creepy driver speeds off her mother taps on the window, begging her to roll it down for one last goodbye. "I love you sweetheart. Promise to call me as soon as you get there. Here's a debit card for your weekly allowance. Bye Violet," she says through tears. Her mother has always had a flair for the dramatic.
Instead of faking a caring response Violet draws her lanky hand up and drops all fingers except the middle, "Bye Viven." With her bold action she rolls the window up and yells to the cab driver to go. He does as she says and speeds away.
Violet studies her mother and laughs at her pathetic attempt to be upset. All three of them know this charade was an excuse to get the old couple alone time for nine months. Sure Violet has been quiet the wild child since her parents divorced last December, but what would a parent expect when an only child is forced to decide a side to pick between the two adults who gave her life.
Of course her selfish mother fed Violet lies that her father cheated, but in reality he simply didn't want to be with Viven. Violet shut her father out of her life for months until she discovered the truth and since that moment she has resented the woman who gave birth to her.
Some may wonder why Violet is so upset about moving to a place hours from her wacky mother and creepy step-father but little did anyone know Violet had planned to runaway the very next day with her, well she wasn't too sure what to call him since he hasn't asked her out but they have been having sex. Any who, she had all her essentials packed in a small bag and stole five hundred dollars from Luke. Luckily she still had her cell phone so she dials Gabe in hopes he can stop this madness.
"Gabe! Oh thank goodness! My psycho mom just shipped me to boarding school! Yeah! I'm in the taxi right now on Main Street! You have to do something!" she whisper-shouts into the phone so the driver won't hear. "What do you mean you already left! " Violet screams, not caring who is listening. "You fucking bastard! You said it would be us. You said we could have a life together! Well fuck you too Gabe!" she growls before hanging up on the asshole.
Now she's stuck in the back seat of a rusty car with a man she's never meet for ten hours until she arrives at a boarding school where they'll strip her of whom she is and make her conform to the stereotypical perfect teenager. Well that administration will meet its worse nightmare if they try to alter a thing about Violet.
Feeling helpless, Violet decides to befriend the cabbie in order to earn his trust and then escape when he least expects.
So upon arriving to the first rest stop Violet has learned that his name is Raul, he has two children who are under five, his wife works with her mother, and he's from Spain. She couldn't care less about his life or a word that leaves his mouth but in order to avoid boarding school she must act as if it's her entire life. When Raul runs to the bathroom, Violet figures it's her chance so she watches as he disappears into the crowd of men and then makes a run for it. As she approaches the truck area, hoping to hitch a ride, she wonders where she'll go and what she'll do. The scrawny, pale girl hasn't even thought of a plan and only has five hundred dollars, which will do nothing for her in anywhere interesting.
After pondering for a few more moments she drags herself back to the taxi and slides in. Luckily Raul hasn't returned from the restroom so she has no explaining to do. Instead, Violet looks up Briarcliff on her phone and silently thanks God, or whoever is watching her since she isn't exactly sure if she believes in organized religion. The boarding school doesn't seem too bad with the pictures and reviews she's read, but a lot of people speak of the strict dean.
Luckily, Violet is good at portraying herself as innocent. After all she had only recently turned into the bad apple that every parents nightmares about.
Finally the cabbie comes back and he's brought food. He hands her a bag of fries and nuggets from Wendy's, and although she dislikes fast food she eats it gladly because she has a feeling the food at Briarcliff is a lot worse than this.
Eventually the old car pulls up to the extravagant gates of her new school and they're immediately met with three young men the moment the car parks. The people don't speak but only remove her bags from the trunk and carry them into to the lobby.
Violet gives Raul a sincere goodbye wave and smiles before braving her new world.
When she walks through the automatic sliding doors she's hit by cold air and instantly knows this school cost a fortune. Violet can tell by expensive cooling system, real crystal chandelier, designer couches, and the detailed wallpaper that she saw on the television the other day. The only reason she even notices any of this is because art is her passion; and although she enjoys painting and drawing, her mother insisted she put her work into something with an actual job, so she has been looking into interior design.
Before she can study the gorgeous room any longer, a young female walks from behind a desk and over to Violet. "Hello! Welcome to Briarcliff! My name's Moira and I'll be showing you to your room and giving you a quick tour!" the woman cheers while forcing a wide smile.
"And here's your room!" Moira squeals.
Violet had been zoning out for most of the trip. She did take some information in, like where the library is and how late the paint studio is open. "Well, it's been wonderful ! I work Mondays through Thursdays 12 to 8, so I'm always around if you need me!"
"Okay," Violet utters while stretching. She hadn't got any sleep on the way and barely slept the night before.
"Bye!" the overly pep guide says before skipping away.
Violet sighs when she walks in the single bedroom and silently screams since she is lucky enough to be able to live alone. She hooks her gold key to her set with pendants like a miniature paintbrush, an Morrissey pendant, and some guitar picks from concerts she attended.
She stares at the room in awe and notices every detail. The walls are painted pale lavender and the all black bed is pushed to the corner of the room while a large white desk is propped against another wall opposite the mattress and is filled with school supply. Lastly she studies the small dresser and a large closet that has more than enough room for her clothing. However, Violet is most shocked to find an en suite since most dormitories don't include that in the bedroom. She slowly steps inside the huge bathroom and gawks at the claw-foot tub and shower that is nearly the size of the closet.
Once she finally relaxes and unpacks, Violet grabs her sketchbook and heads to the fields that she noticed earlier. She wants to draw as much as she can to decorate her plain walls and if she makes friends perhaps she can persuade her mother to buy her a Polaroid to post the pictures around the room. If anyone likes me, she thinks to herself.
Violet changes into her favorite sundress, covered in daisies with a yellow background, and slips on white vans. With a quick coat of mascara on each set of lashes, she admires her reflection and critiques herself for a few moments until she decides to slip on a slouchy black cardigan and grab her satchel.
Smiling at several people, she even makes conversation on the elevator. So far Violet is enjoying herself and really feeling change, but her luck will soon run. Nothing pleasant eve lasts her life.
An hour later she reaches her destination, after grabbing dinner in the cafeteria, which she discovered is better than she could have imagine, and exchanging numbers with a girl her age. Violet sits on the cold grass and shoves her headphones in her ear to enjoy the soothing sound of Shadow Moses by Bring Me The Horizon. She feels in the zone as she carefully sketches the beautiful lake and sunset in front of her, but suddenly feels an intense feeling of anxiety run through her veins. Tomorrow is the first day of classes and she has no idea how to navigate the large campus. She also hasn't even picked up her schedule or chose electives. How is it possible for someone to enroll this late anyways?
While digging through her leather bag, the young girl prays she stuffed her main stress reliever in her satchel. Luckily she finds the pack of Marlboro Menthols in the very bottom of her purse and a pink lighter shoved in the box. She immediately sticks one between her plump lips and lights it up with shaky hands. The terrible habit had begun her sophomore year but she never really stuck with it until her parents spilt up.
As she inhales the toxic smoke, she smiles and feels her nerves calm. Cancer sticks have done a wonder for her and she's sure she'll need to replenish her stock soon.
While lying on her back and closing her eyes Violet allows the sound of Love Buzz by Nirvana to blare through her and she even hums along. However, a nudge disturbs her from her blissful moment and when she opens her eyes there's a group of four girls leaning over her laughing. She instantly sits up and rips the ear buds out. "Can I help you?" Violet snarls while squinting at her classmates.
"We just wanted to suggest you close your legs," one of the girls, who she assumes is the leader, hisses.
As she notices that they're all quickly glancing to her legs, she realizes she's had them wide open so some people may have seen her underwear- great way to make a first impression. "Thanks," Violet mutters while crossing my legs. "Now if you're finish, you can leave."
"Aw what's wrong? Poor little freak girl got mad because everyone saw her granny panties?" the same girl says in a whiny voice.
"No, I'm just busy with meaningful things right now instead of attempting to provoke the new girl. Nice try though," Violet retorts and pops the headphones in her ear.
"Don't ignore me when I speak to you!" the girl, that Violet learned is named Leah by all her friends shouting her name and begging her to stop, growls after she yanks the wire from her ear.
Violet instantly jumps up to her feet and straightens the sundress. "Leave me alone," she demands and mentally prepares herself for a fight. This girl doesn't seem like the physically aggressive kind but she supposes the spoiled child is threatened by her mere existence.
"We know all about your crimes Violet!" Leah shoots a glare at her and then chuckles. "You're a thief, vandal, and drunk!" she shouts for the entire surrounding to hear.
"Well, I don't need to see your records to know you're a creep, bitch, and a complete waste of space. Your sins are no better than mine to God. Now, good bye," Violet mocks before bending down to pick her bag up. Unfortunately on the way down Leah grabs a handful of her thick caramel hair and yanks it. Instead of arguing with the bully, Violet grabs the bitch's hair back and shoves her. "Get away from me psycho!" Violet screams as the stupid girl stumbles backwards. But on Leah's way down to the floor she grabs Violet's cardigan to take her down as well, which causes it to bunch up and expose deep red lines on her wrist.
"Ha! You cut! You're such a moron! Why didn't you do a better job?" she says with a smirk but her friends think Violet has had enough of Leah's wrath and they beg her to stop but she's on a rampage and won't stop until Violet is gone.
However, Violet isn't afraid of Leah, or most things, so she steps closer with inches away from the bitch and responds, "You don't know shit about me. I'm going to say thins once more: fuck off."
As the brave new girl stomps away Leah knocks her to the ground and leans over her while attempting to punch her.
The two go at it for minutes until a strong grip latches on to Leah and throws her on the ground, far from Violet. Then another person hovers the innocent girl and extends a hand to help her up. When she wipes the small amount of blood from her nose she looks up at her savior and feels chills run up her spine. Standing before her is the most alluring man she has ever laid her whiskey-brown eyes on. The first thing Ruby notices is his perfectly swooped blonde hair. She's always had a thing for guys with nice hair. As she stands up she stares into his velvety black eyes and nearly melts when the stranger allows a slight smile to spread across his face to reveal shiny teeth and dimples.
"Are you okay?" he asks while holding her back. Being dazed and still on an adrenaline rush from the fight Violet just nods her head slowly and half smiles. "Let me take you inside to get a drink," he insists but gaining her self-control and common sense back she stands up and back ups.
"I'm fine," she responds while fixing her wild hair that was once neatly braided.
"And I'm Tate," he retorts with a smirk.
Immediately, Violet scoffs at his obvious cockiness and grabs her belongings that are scattered. "Nice meeting you Tate but I really must go," she murmurs before walking off.
As she grabs the handle to the door of the student center her savior grips her arm and spins her to face him. "I didn't catch your name."
"Violet," she states blandly as she walks in the air-conditioned room.
"Well, Violet, would you like a tour?" the beautiful man before her asks with a wide grin.
"No thanks. I've already had one," she replies with an eye roll. Just because she's attracted to him doesn't mean she'll give in. Violet isn't one to allow pleasures to take over her will power.
"Oh come on! I don't bite!" Tate pleads but she doesn't respond- only turns around to keep on her way.
"Bye Tate," she shouts over her shoulder and waves. She won't let these boys fool her- she's smarter than that.
The next morning Violet wakes up at seven am with time to spare since classes don't start until nine. She decides to take a shower and even curls her hair. But as she slips on skinny jeans and a black long sleeve crop top she criticizes herself more than usual, which is strange since she doesn't necessarily care what others think of her but she wants Leah to know she's not backing down and dressing in her best attire is the way to beat the bitch.
Before exiting her sanctuary Violet grabs her backpack, headphones, and cigarettes because she's sure she'll need them between classes with Leah and friends around.
On the way to breakfast Violet spots Tate sitting with a few friends and prays he doesn't see her sneaking to the waffle line. As the eager girl orders her food she believes the coast is clear until she turns around and is met with Tate's bulky chest. "Violet," Kit smiles.
"Hey," she says while pushing past him to top her waffle.
"Wanna sit with me?" he asks but it's more of a beg.
"Uh, thank you, but I'm good. I was just gonna... head outside."
"Oh! I'll come with!" he exclaims.
"Well, that would be really cool, but I'm going to draw so-"
"I won't disturb you!" Tate insists but Violet has really had enough of his facade.
"Listen Tate, this is all really nice but I'm fine. I don't need your pity, okay? Just leave me alone," she hisses before walking away. Regret instantly washes over her as she repeats the harsh words she spoke to him. She even wants to turn back to apologize but her pride won't allow it. She just prays Tate doesn't completely hate her now.
After her first three classes Violet is exhausted from introducing herself and dodging Leah and her crew.
Fortunately Violet had no trouble finding any of the class locations but now she has English and has no clue where that room could be. As she walks in a circle for the second time she feels a hand grip her shoulder. Instinctively, she whips her head around and prepares for a fight but when she meets creamy, pale skin and deep black eyes she realizes it's only Tate. "Need help?" he asks with a smirk. Violet sighs and nods her head. "Okay let's see your schedule. Oh! Our classes are next door to each other, but you have the better English professor."
"Lucky me," Violet mutters while following Tate.
Once they arrive to the secluded hall the enticing boy hands the new-girl-with-an-attitude her schedule. "Now, since I helped you, would you help me?" he asks with a pouty lip.
"What could I-"
"Study with me tonight," he demands.
"Oh I don't know. I'm not really..."
"Come on Violet! Don't be so careful with everything. I'm not a dick like the rest of them." The glimmer in his eyes tells her he's sincere but her instincts and past experiences remind her that all boys are the same.
However, looking to the ground and debating what to do, she insists that he's been extremely welcoming and trying really hard to speak with her so he deserves it. Plus, she was rude earlier so she has to make it up. "Alright," she sighs, "What time?"
"I'll meet you here after class to discuss. Have fun!" Tate shouts with a huge smile as he walks into the opposite room.
"I'll try," Violet mutters as she walks in and spots Leah sitting next to the only open seat.
