Hey lovelies! I'm back with the promised sequel to Endless Love. I hope you all have had good spring breaks! i've been relaxing and slowly writing this so yeah. Hope everyone is good and please enjoy! read and review and if you need a refresher, go back and read my story endless love.
anyways, here goes!
Violet Rose Bluebury woke up to sunlight streaming through her window and the smell of outdoors and something sweet baking somewhere in her house. The maid must have opened the window, she thought drowsily. Her light colored room smelled of sugar and springtime. She rolled over onto her back and looked up at the towering ceiling. Suddenly, she remembered that today was not just any Friday.
"Today is my birthday." She whispered to herself happily. She couldn't believe it wasn't the first though that popped into her head.
Quickly, she sat up and jumped out of bed, throwing her white down comforter aside. It landed on her little dog, causing it to bark in annoyance.
"I'm sorry, baby!" Violet exclaimed, scooping up her little spaniel in her arms. The puppy, named Gigi, had been a Christmas gift from her godfather.
As she was wrestling her dog into her arms, her maid looked in.
"Oh good, you're awake." The maid said, readjusting the laundry in her arms.
"Of course I'm awake! It's my birthday!" Violet informed her, making the maid smile awkwardly. This maid was Britta and she was new so she was generally uncomfortable to be around.
"I know!" Britta replied with a forceful smile. "Your mother sent me up to wake up and tell you that there's breakfast in the garden." Violet could hear her parent's indistinct conversation from the garden through the open window.
"I'll get dressed." Violet told her, getting annoyed with Britta's awkwardness. She switched her silky nightgown for her newest purple dress and sat down to quickly brush her long golden hair. She felt like something was going to happen today. It was her birthday after all.
The Bluebury Mansion was beautiful on the outside and within. The front of the house was recognizable by it's big white pillars and big picture windows. A circle driveway that surrounded a flowing marble fountain lead to the front doors. To enter that way, was to experience all the grandeur in one view. To the right of the expansive front doors was the sunny sitting room, filled with fresh flowers, stylish couches and a large grand piano. To the left was the huge dining room with an expansive oak table and china dishes. Above the entry way was the giant chandelier that resembled the one at Tiffany's. Center was the grand marble staircase. Up those stairs and you would find the bedrooms. Violet and her parents had the biggest rooms in the south wing, overlooking the garden. Guest rooms were in the east wing and Gnomeo's office was in the west wing.
It was down these same stairs that Violet hurried down clutching her purple skirts on the day of her 17th birthday. Quickly, she dashed out the French doors and into the expansive garden. While some people's gardens had not yet bloomed in the early spring, this was not the case here. The air was fragrant of nature and colors splashed with greens were all Violet could see.
Suddenly, she heard her mother's voice. "Violet!"
She saw her parents in the center of the garden at a table. With the gentle breeze and sunlight, it was the perfect day for breakfast outside. The table was set with a multitude of foods and drinks and upon closer inspection, Violet noticed some of her favorites, like cinnamon rolls.
"Happy Birthday, darling." Her mother said, kissing her cheek lightly.
Juliet Bluebury was one of those people who had aged gracefully. Her face was still bright as ever and her trademark emerald gaze was just as endearing. In a green silk gown that flattered her curves and brought out her chestnut hair and red lips, Juliet was still considered very beautiful. Her years raising her daughter in London had suited her very much and the slight laughter lines at the corners of her eyes agreed.
"Thanks mum." Violet replied, hugging her mother, taking in the brief scent of roses and apples that was Juliet's perfume.
"How does it feel to be seventeen?" Her father asked with a signature grin. Gnomeo Bluebury appeared to have barely aged a day since he moved to London. He was still fit, chiseled, and still had his million dollar smile. The gray in his hair blended with the blonde, making it invisible to the naked eye. Today he looked particularly relaxed with his windblown blonde hair and light blue button down shirt and white pressed pants. London had been everything he had hoped for. The business had taken off and soon there had been plenty of cash. He and Juliet had raised Violet together and the past 16 years had been wonderful. There had been trips to Paris, Tuscany, and Milan. It was the life he had wanted
"It feels about the same." Violet said honestly, sitting down. "This food looks amazing." She added.
"It's nothing compared to what they're making for tonight." Juliet told her, sipping on fizzy orange juice. Tonight was Violet's 17th birthday party. It was a ball. The family did not host balls very often but when they did, people would talk about them for days after.
"I'm excited." Violet agreed. Just then, Britta arrived at the table.
"Mrs. Bluebury, the seamstress is here with Violet's dress to be fitted." She told them, setting down the mail she had collected on the table. Violet was getting a new dress for tonight.
"Violet, do you want to go try it on now?" Juliet asked.
"Alright." Violet agreed, scooting her chair back to get up from the table. "I'll be right back."
"She grew up so quickly." Gnomeo said, watching his daughter with pride.
"She did." Juliet agreed. "Remember when we only just moved here?"
"We lived in that little cottage until the house was finished." Gnomeo remembered.
"Of course I remember that cottage! It was so cold that we dragged the mattress next to the fireplace. So much has changed since then!" Juliet laughed. They had been just a tiny family in London, starting a whole new life.
"One thing hasn't changed." Gnomeo said, as Shroom laid by his feet. (A/N: that dog realisitically shouldn't be alive, but oh well. It's a freak of nature).
"What's that?" Juliet asked, beginning to sift through the mail.
"That you're still the love of my life." Juliet looked up at him a little surprised and she grinned. Almost twenty years had gone by since they fell in love, and they were still crazy about each other.
"I love you too." She replied, leaning over to kiss his cheek. Suddenly, her eyes caught something different in the pile of letters. She reached over and picked up the envelope. It was addressed to Gnomeo and Juliet Buebury and was postmarked from sometime last week. She flipped it over looking for a return address and found it in a familiar man's scrawl. Her stomach dropped when she read it. The letter had come from New York City, America and was stamped with the Redbrick family crest.
Violet stood in her dress as the seamstress pinned around her ankles. The dress was the color of orchids. Her long skirts were full of ruffles and flowers and shimmers. It was a very beautiful dress.
"Do you like it?" The seamstress asked.
"Yes. It's lovely, thank you." Violet told her, trying to imagine herself at the ball in the dress. The thought made her excited and happy.
"You're going to be the prettiest girl there." The seamstress told her. Violet smiled and then said,
"Okay now get this off. I'm going to miss all of breakfast."
The seamstress shook her head and smiled. "As you wish, Miss Bluebury."
As breakfast ended and Violet was scraping at her china plate, her godfather came bustling out to the garden, let in by a maid. He smiled jovially and called, "Hello all!"
Seeing Violet, his smile widened. "Happy birthday little goose." Violet grinned at the use of her childhood nickname.
"Thanks."
"Juliet, you look lovely, Gnomeo good to see you." He said in his usual rushed and excited manner.
"Featherstone, you really outdid yourself this year!" Her mother had exclaimed as there were many presents in his arms.
"Nonsense!" He had replied. "She's the closest thing I have to a daughter! It's never too much!"
"There's not another dog in there is there?" Gnomeo joked and Featherstone gave a wry smile.
"Not this time, but I think you'll like them just as much."
"I'll like it if it's from you." Violet told him, hugging him tightly. She loved her godfather very much. He was like the grandfather she had never had. Like usual, his gift was wonderful. This year was many things from his travels but her favorites were the new ballet slippers from France and a new set of watercolors that came with unique colors like salmon and periwinkle that she had never used before. She was very excited,
Eventually, her dad had checked his fancy watch and said he needed to head into the office for an hour or so and Featherstone agreed to go with him. She'd talked with her mother for a little bit and then Juliet had gone to her room to take a nap and Violet was left to her own devices. Taking the new ballet shoes, she changed into her dancewear and went into the expansive and not often used ballroom. As soon as the music faded in, she already felt amazing and freeer. Violet had been dancing since she was young and when she was twirling in the mirror, she felt completely beautiful and free.
Juliet had hastily decided to not mention the letter because at that moment Violet returned all smiles about her new dress and she had the perfect opportunity to slip it in her lap and out of sight.
And then, Gnomeo had brought up their friend who was running for mayor which lead to talking about politics. Juliet knew that well-bred women weren't expected to have any interest or knowledge of the men's business of politics but she disagreed with that idea. She tried to expose Violet to as much as possible. Then in the middle of that, Featherstone had stopped by with presents for his god daughter even though he was coming to the ball later. Featherstone and Adelia never had any children of course, so sometimes they treated Violet like the daughter they never had. The presents were wonderful and with Violet there, she certainly couldn't mention it. After that, Gnomeo had said he was going into the office for an hour with Featherstone and Violet had gone off to do something and Juliet could finally lie down and think. She was too nervous to see what the letter said, so she just starred at it.
Like she sometimes did when she was unhappy, she pulled a scrapbook out from under her fainting couch. She opened it and on the first page was a picture from her wedding. Juliet had decided to make the book when they arrived in London and she was now very glad that she had done that. Juliet felt her heart get happier just looking at the wedding photo. Hers and Gnomeo's expressions were something of happiness, exhilaration, true love, and disbelief. Taped to the page was a dried flower from Gnomeo's lapel and a piece of lace from her veil. Then she noticed a postcard of New York City. The image of the buildings against the skyline tugged at her heart just a little. She could practically hear the chaos of the streets and see the places she grew up in her mind like they were real. The memory faded quickly and Juliet picked up the letter once more. Slowly she turned the letter over in her hands before gently breaking the red wax seal. She began to reach for the folded parchment but just then the door opened and Violet peeked in.
"Mama are you sleeping?" She asked, cautiously. Juliet quickly shoved the letter in the book.
"I'm not." Juliet replied as she stuffed the book back under the couch. Violet came in and sat next to her.
"The dance shoes are amazing." Violet said dreamily.
"Was that you who had the music playing?" Juliet asked.
"Yes, sorry if it was bothering you." Violet replied.
"It wasn't." Juliet reassured her as Violet sat down next to her. "Anyways, how's your birthday so far?"
"Very good. I just have this feeling that tonight is going to be really special and I can't wait." Violet told her.
"It will be, just for you." Juliet told her daughter. "Everyone you love will be there."
"Yes, I guess so." Violet thought aloud.
"Even Joseph." Juliet said with a hint of tease in her voice.
"Mom!" Violet exclaimed. Joseph had been courting Violet for a while now and even though she knew Violet wasn't at all ready to be serious with a man, the idea of young love for her pretty daughter made her happy. And Joseph was very respectable at that.
"Oh honey, you don't have to tie yourself to any man if you don't want to." Juliet told her, as her daughter snuggled in her arms.
"I know." Violet replied. Juliet knew that Violet was more introverted and level-headed then she or Gnomeo had been but she also knew that Violet had a more firery streak that didn't come out very often.
"Come on." Juliet told her daughter. "Let's go make sure the florist got the order right." With that, they left the room, Juliet leaving all thoughts of the letter behind.
Evening came quickly and Violet found herself in her beautiful dress, accepting good wishes and dainty gifts from the guests. Music played in the background and champagne was served in tall-necked glasses that caught the light of many chandeliers. The outfits were elegant and perfectly coordinated.
"Violet!" Shrill voices called her from behind. Turning around she saw twins Priscilla and Penelope Damlich hurrying toward her.
"You made it!" Violet exclaimed.
"Of course we did!" Priscilla told her. "We wouldn't miss this party for the world."
Priscilla and Penelope were the closest thing Violet had to best friends. Violet was generally a private person, but she enjoyed the twins company and getting to hear about their crazy escapades.
"Did you see Amelia Cathrage? She looks like a grape." Priscilla began, her eyes bright.
"And Violet, is it true that dress was custom made?" Penelope interrupted.
Just then out of the corner of her eye, she saw Joseph come through the doors with his father and mother. She always watched when he came into a room because he would always look at himself first. Sure enough, he paused at the mirror on the wall. Smiling like a cad, he ran his fingers through his chestnut hair, his hazel eyes gleaming. He thinks he's very attractive, she thought. Quickly, she averted her eyes behind her fan so he wouldn't see her watching. He would find her soon enough. There was no need to initiate it.
"Come on," She said linking arms with her friends, "Let's go into the ballroom."
The girls came in just in time to hear Gnomeo welcoming all the guests.
"On behalf of my beautiful wife Juliet and myself, I would like to thank all of you for coming to our home tonight. Obviously, we have a lot to celebrate. First, I have to congratulate and publicly endorse one of my best friends, Mercutio on running for mayor. Maybe now, he will settle down and find a wife." This got some laughter and applause. "More importantly though, I would like to acknowledge my daughter, Miss Violet Rose on turning seventeen today. "
"That's you!" Priscilla whisper-exclaimed behind her periwinkle silken glove and Violet immediately straightened her spine.
"I remember when she was born and ever since she has brought nothing but happiness to me and the people she meets." The ballroom erupted in polite applause and Violet tried to enjoy it, smiling graciously.
"On that note, I propose a toast." Gnomeo declared, raising his champagne glass which prompted others to do the same.
"To good family and to good friends, and especially to Violet."
"To Violet." The guests echoed, before sipping their drinks.
"That was so cool." Penelope said, as the chatter commenced once more.
The orchestra struck up a lively waltz and couples began to gravitate to the dancefloor.
"Joseph's coming." Priscila hissed in Violet's ear.
"May I have this dance?" Joseph said, approaching her.
"Yes." Violet replied, letting him lead her into the crowd. She could feel the twins smiling with excitement behind her back.
"You look wonderful tonight." He told her as they began to dance, his hands on her waist and her hands on his shoulders.
"Thank you." Violet replied. As they danced, she couldn't help but notice his eyes wander all around the room watching others. Seeing if they were watching him. She wished they had more to talk about between the two of them.
"I nearly forgot, happy birthday." Joseph said, his breath was warm on her ear.
"Thank you, again." Violet said. Again, she wished the conversation would continue but she didn' t know if he even cared to hear about her dance shoes or the annoying new maid. Knowing him, he wouldn't really listen anyway. The last strands of music faded out and Violet slowly moved out of his grasp.
"I'm going to find my friends." She told him.
"Alright. We'll dance some more later." Joseph agreed. As he melted into the crowd, Violet remembered when they first met. She had liked him a lot more then. Luckily, Penelope and Priscilla were sitting with some other girls and Violet joined them and their glittering gossip.
As the chandelier sparkled overhead and the music whirled, Violet Bluebury blew out a tiny candle on a piece of lemon cake as the girls around her applauded. Somehow, she'd hoped she might feel different or older but so far that didn't seem to be the case.
As usual, Gnomeo and Juliet always danced a few dances at balls. Not many because they had to be social with other people but enough so that they got to spend some time together. Juliet's dress was a deep navy blue but completely covered in many little jewels of all colors. Colors from other women's dresses flashed by as she waltzed. She noticed a particularly red one and was reminded of her first ball and how she'd met her husband there. As the music turned slow, she leaned against his chest and looked up.
"Reminds you of the night we met, doesn't it?" She asked.
"I was thinking our engagement ball but I like that one too." Gnomeo replied with a faraway smile.
"Speaking of, have you heard from your mother lately?" Juliet asked, trying not to sound completely random.
"Not in a while." Gnomeo answered. "Why do you ask?"
"I was just wondering." She replied.
"Have you heard from your dad?" He inquired and Juliet decided now was her chance to get the ball rolling.
"Well, actually that's what I-"
Her statement was cut off by a man's voice. "Gnomeo! Could you come here for a moment? We need you to settle something!"
"Mercutio." Gnomeo shook his head. "'I'll go after this dance."
"Go ahead." Juliet told him sweetly. "I'll catch up with you in a bit." She kissed his cheek gently wishing that the happiness of this night could never end. Then she remembered the letter from her father. She hadn't opened it and right now she felt this urge to. Quickly, she excused herself and hurried up to her room. In a fearful hurry, she tore the letter from the envelope and opened it. Her green eyes darted across the page. Without realizing it, Juliet sank to her knees, her dress pooling around her. Her breath was shaky. She read the letter again and let her head fall into her hands. In the corner of her ear, she heard the music and knew she had a duty. Standing up, she put the letter on the bed and hurried down to the ball, determined not to show that anything was wrong.
As the last strands of music of the last song faded into the echoing ballroom, Violet felt happy. The ball had been a success and would be talked about for days after, according to the twins who hugged her tightly before leaving in their carriage.
"Thanks for the dances." Joseph said, as he was departing. They were the only ones on the marble stairs out front.
"You're welcome." Violet replied with a small smile.
He paused for a moment and took her hand. Violet was confused. Maybe he wants to say something, she thought. Or maybe he's going to try and kiss me. Her heart started to race.
"You looked lovely tonight, it was wonderful." Joseph said and with that, he hurried down the stairs to the awaiting carriage. Violet stood there and watched him go and very much felt like she had been robbed of what could have been a very magical moment. Soon it would be midnight and her birthday would be over. She had really thought something big would happen today but now she didn't think that at all.
Once all the guests had left and cleanup was underway, Juliet could finally trudge up to her room. First, she checked on Violet who appeared to be sleeping, all wrapped in covers. She lovingly brushed the hair off her daughter's forehead lightly before slipping out. As she put on her lacy nightgown, she realized how tired she was and how she still had to talk to Gnomeo about the letter. She grabbed it and crawled into the bed they had shared since the start of their marriage.
Gnomeo came in shortly after and right away noticed her expression.
"Is something wrong?" He asked, concerned.
"Not really. I just, I received a letter from New York this morning, that's what I wanted to tell you." Juliet told him.
"New York?" Gnomeo repeated. "Is everything okay?" Even though he was in the process of taking off his shirt he hurried over and sat next to her.
Juliet opened her mouth to say yes but she couldn't so she just shook her head.
"Jules, what's wrong?" Gnomeo asked, this time with more seriousness.
"It-it's my dad." Juliet stammered, trying to hold it together. She handed him the letter.
Dear Gnomeo and Juliet,
Where do I begin? I know this letter will come as a surprise to you so I apologize in advance.
I know that you have your reasons for staying away and I understand even though it has been difficult to accept. I also am sorry that those reasons exist. The sporadic letters I receive from either of you are hardly enough to suffice for nearly seventeen years of separation. However, I have been in declining health for some time and I fear that my days are numbered. I want to see you and my granddaughter one last time, but am not up for traveling overseas. I can't force you to come but I can sincerely implore you do. It is my final request. I know that I have not always been the most supportive father but you can't say I didn't love you and I still do and I want nothing more than to see my family one last time.
I've enclosed money for tickets, though I know you don't need it. I don't even know if you'll actually spend it on them. If you do come, please let me know in advance and please truly consider it.
I love you and Violet very dearly and look forward to hearing your response.
Sincerely,
Lord Redbrick.
P.S. Gnomeo, I know your mother feels similarly to me. She misses you too but has not tried writing in a while because it makes her sad.
"Oh Juliet." Gnomeo said, when he finished reading it.
"My dad might be dying." Juliet told him, and when she said it, tears fell even though she didn't want them to.
Gnomeo gathered her into his arms quickly. "Don't cry." He whispered.
"I can't stand to see you cry."
"What do we do?" She asked. "Do we go back? Gnomeo, I'm scared."
"It's been seventeen years." Gnomeo marveled. "It really has been a long time."
"And Violet doesn't even know." Juliet whispered.
Gnomeo looked away. "You could just go see him."
"No. I won't go without you. I'm not going back there to him by myself." She told him.
"Then Violet has to know. She has grandparents in America and she has no idea." Gnomeo frowned.
"We were trying to protect her, Gnomeo." Juliet reminded him. "It was every bit your decision as mine. If we hadn't who knows if our parents wouldn't have tried to take her away."
"That's true." Gnomeo sighed. "Moving here was to protect her, keeping them away was to protect her, all we've done is to protect her."
"She'll understand." Juliet said, trying to reason.
"So we're going back?' Gnomeo affirmed. "We are doing what we thought we'd never do and going back to see our parents?"
"I don't know, should we?" Juliet wavered and Gnomeo paused thoughtfully.
"They're our parents." Gnomeo said. "I know we'd regret it if they, you know, died and we didn't see them."
"You're right." Juliet agreed as he continued undressing. She wished things weren't this way.
"We'll try to explain this to Violet tomorrow, I suppose." Gnomeo muttered.
"I'll write Nanette too, maybe she can tell us more." Juliet said. Gnomeo crawled into bed next to her and they stared at the canopy above.
"No matter what, it's going to be okay. We have each other." He told her, gently stroking her hair.
"I know." Juliet replied, kissing his cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too." Gnomeo replied sleepily, nodding off. Juliet however stayed awake and tried to imagine what kind of issues she'd be facing in the weeks ahead.
hope you like it! tell me what you think and have an awesome spring! i should hopefully have a new story coming soon but we'll see if i get my ideas straight.
special thanks to all the wonderful writers here! the stories are amazing and i love going back to read them. Enjoy this one! xoxoxoxo- lorelibelle54