Chapter Three: Plush

It was day four of what was quite possibly the most uncomfortable road trip I had ever endured. The day they had picked me up made for an extremely long, awkward ride. Ben had made the mistake of scolding Vivien about losing her temper, which was met with wrath of Violet and Vivien, hell even I got a few choice phrases in. The last two days had been better, but it was pretty obvious to see that their marriage had yet to make a full recovery. And Violet was right, we worked as buffers so they could carry on a conversation that wasn't painfully awkward...For them anyway.

The morning that we set out toward LA, I felt sick to my stomach, feeling bile rising up to my esophagus. I knew full well that I wouldn't be able to last the whole car ride without vomiting if I remained conscious. So I took the safe approach and downed one of my high dose pills of Seroquel, chasing it with a bottle of water. After showering, I dressed in a pair of a faded jeans, a blue tank top with a black zip up hooded sweatshirt and a pair of black ballet flats. I pulled my long dark brown waves into a chignon. I gazed at myself in the mirror, the scars that were on on my jawline, stretched down to my neck were still a furious scarlet shade. I didn't bother with makeup because it would only draw more attention to my healing scars. With an unhappy sigh, I walked out of the bathroom and got my tote all ready to go. Once finished I slumped on the bed as another wave of nausea hit me. I clutched my stomach and groaned right as Vivien walked in to see if we were getting ready yet.

She rushed over to me, petting my hair with concern etched into her features. "Oh Bry, are you alright? You're looking a little peaked."

I gazed up at her with a weak smile. "I'm alright auntie. I'm just a little queasy. It's probably from being in the car so much the past few days. You know me, I've never done well on extended car rides. I think I've ruined the interior of too many of your cars for you to forget."

She smiled warmly as she rested a hand on my cheek. "Oh that's right, I can certainly recall a few of those instances of that when you and Vi were little girls. Listen, I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for how difficult things have been for you lately, Briar-Rose. And I would like to apologize for what I said to your mother. That wasn't fair to you, I shouldn't have lost my temper."

She could be such a kind woman and for that reason I could never understand how she wound up with my uncle. Granted, I love Ben dearly, but I was certain that he had to be one of the most selfish human beings on the planet.

I gazed up at her with the best reassuring grin I could muster. "I've been fine auntie, really I have. You shouldn't apologize for things that are out of your control though. It's ridiculous to put that kind of unnecessary guilt on yourself. And as for what you said to my mother, I don't need nor do I want an apology. I know the kind of person she is and has always been, I don't try to defend her anymore. Your points were valid. All you did was tell the truth, so why would you be sorry for that?"

She let out an airy laugh as she hugged me. "I sometimes forget how philosophical you are, Bry. You've never seen things that way others do." She went to go check on Violet, who was currently out on the balcony smoking.

I shifted uncomfortably as her words hit me. I know she had meant it as a compliment that should have made me feel special but as I looked up at her, I could see Mr. Cromwell standing there before me; I would hardly say that I felt special. He wore a devious grin as his dark eyes met mine. He lifted his ornate cane and used it to motion towards Vivien. Since I had yet to take my medications this morning, his voice rang out loud and clear in my ears.

"My God! Have you ever heard such pretentious drivel before? She is clearly a dingbat and I cannot bear to hear another word. You know what to do, my dear girl, just do it. Take out your little letter opener of a knife and do it!"

I scrunched my eyes shut as tightly as I could and tried to will him away. I opened them quickly and grabbed all of my pill bottles and took out all of my pills for the day. As I was drinking my water to help ease the pills down, I chanced a glance up at Mr. Cromwell to see him fuming.

"How dare you! You filthy little nudnik! You simply must learn to get on the trolley!"

"I can't, please just leave me alone." I whispered in defeat.

He glowered at me and stood tall. "Oh Bushwa! You're only prolonging the inevitable."

I hadn't heard door to balcony slide open so it came as a mortifying shock to me when I heard Vivien and Violet ask me, "You can't what? Who are you talking to Bry?"

I felt my cheeks ignite with the heat of embarrassment as I saw Mr. Cromwell swell up with a pompous smug attitude. I quickly tried to dismiss them.

"What do you mean? I haven't said anything? Well I have everything ready, so I'm going to go down now and wait in the car."

I fled the room before they could respond. I climbed into the very backseat and laid down facing the seat. I could hear Mr. Cromwell scoff indignantly. He went to speak but my meds were finally taking hold as his voice became garbled once more. I peeked up to see his face contorted in rage but he words were indiscernible now. I pulled my knees up to my chest and willed myself to relax.

Violet climbed in shortly after me, sitting in the middle row of seats. She turned back toward me and asked, "You sure you're okay Bry?"

I sighed when I could hear the concern in her voice. "Yes Vi, I'm fine. My stomach is just churning right now. I took a pill so I can rest and hopefully not puke."

I could feel her gaze burning holes into my back, she was clearly unconvinced but let it go. "Alright Bry. I hope you feel better. Just text me when you want to talk okay?"

"Thanks Vi, I will." Was the last thing I said before sleep took hold of my body.


I woke up a few hours later to sound of talking. I was elated when I realized my stomach was no longer churning.

"The light is different out here. It's softer." Vivien commented.

Violet chimed in with her usual sarcasm. "It's called smog."

"You should be excited, Vi. You can stop sneaking cigarettes and just start taking deep breaths." Ben quipped with a smile in his voice.

I could almost feel Violet roll her eyes before she announced, "I need to go to the bathroom.

"We're almost there" Ben said.

Violet countered, "I need to go."

Ben sighed. "Vi, it's a freeway. Really, where do you want me to pull over? Maybe the Honda next to us has a bathroom or something." The amused tone his voice held made it obvious he thought he was being funny.

Violet sulked. "Bet if the baby had to shit, you'd find somewhere."

I took my cell phone out and typed a quick message. "Cheer up sassy pants!"

"Really, Violet? I hate that word, unless I'm saying." Vivien chided her playfully.

Violet snorted as she responded to my text. "Ha ha very funny…. Thank god you're up! They've been driving me bat shit crazy."

Ben chimed in with "I'm really glad we named you Violet, instead of our second choice."

Violet caved. "Which was?"

Laughter thickened Vivien's voice as she responded, "Sunshine" causing her and Ben to chuckle while Violet let out an irritated fake laugh.

"It's funny. Come on, you gotta admit it's funny." Ben teased.

I took this opportunity to sit up, stretch and rub my face. I stifled back a yawn as Ben perked up.

"Hey there sleepy head! Look who finally decided to join the land of the living."

I forced out a soft laugh and apologize. "I'm sorry for sleeping for so long. I just didn't think you'd appreciate it if I vomited in the car."

Vivien used the rear view mirror to look at me. "How are you feeling now, Briar-Rose? You don't look as pale as you did earlier.

"I feel much better! Thank you." I declared with a smile. "Well good."Vivien replied happily. Violet laid her head back on the seat to look at me before rolling her eyes. I grinned at her as I shrugged my shoulders.


We finally arrived at our destination. We made our way through yard, heading towards the door. It was a large brick home. I would go as for as to say that it was a mansion, it was far too grand of a place to simply be referred to as just a house.

I stayed back with Violet by the steps, standing beside her. We could still hear Ben gushing from a few feet away as he rang the doorbell.

"I love it! Don't you love it, hon? I mean it looks even better than it did online."

Vivien however, didn't seem as charmed by the home as her husband. "Yeah, it's interesting."

Violet scowled at her father as she grumbled, "Great. So we're the Addams Family now."

I broke out in a grin as I leaned in asked, "So, does that make me cousin It or Pugsley? I think we can agree that my mother is Uncle Fester."

Her eyes gleamed but she bit back a smile as she muttered, "You'd definitely be Pugsley, Bry. She totally is! "

I scoffed but tittered nonetheless, when Ben called us over.

"Hey! Crabby pants, tiny dancer, come here."

I furrowed my brow at his choice of nick name for me, he's a ridiculous man. Violet's usual frown appeared on her face as she linked arms with me a dragged me along with her. As we closed the space between us, Ben slung his arms around Violet and Vivien, pulling them in close to him. Since Violet had her arm locked with mine, I got pull into that awkward hug as well.

"Isn't this place amazing?" He asked in awe.

Before we could respond, the realtor opened the door. Her hair was cropped short and her side swept bangs brushed her aging face. She wore a blue blazer jacket with, with three-quarter sleeves and a silken flower pinned to it. Her skirt matched her jacket and her outfit was accented with a pair of modest heels.

"Welcome!" She greeted as she motioned for us to enter the home. She started the tour right away.

"It's a classic LA Victorian. Built around 1920 by the doctor to the stars at the time. It's just fabulous. These are real Tiffany fixtures. As you can see, the previous owners really loved this place like a child. They restored everything." She motioned toward different features of the house to emphasize her selling points.

Ben, Violet and I stayed a few paces back while Vivien stuck close by the realtor as she inquired, "Gay?"

The realtor turned her head with her eyebrows raised. "What do you think?"

Ben leaned in closer to us to whisper, "Tiffany. Wow." I gave him a tight smile and an appeasing nod, while Violet just ignored him.

We made our way into the huge kitchen as the agent asked Vivien, "Do you cook?"

Ben decided to answer for her. "Viv, is a great cook. I got her cooking lessons a few years ago, and she ended up teaching the teacher a few things."

The realtor softened her expression. "Cooking lessons… Romantic. Aren't you a psychologist?"

I saw a hint of irritation in Ben's eyes as he corrected her. "Psychiatrist. You said something on the phone about there being a study that I could use as a home office? I'm planning on seeing patients here, so I can spend more time with the family."

The real estate agent beamed. "How refreshing."

Hayley was getting restless, so Vivien set her down. Once her feet touched the ground, she bolted out of the kitchen barking away.

"Girls, would you go see where Hayley went? Thank you."

Violet and I followed the sounds of Hayley's woofing. We found her in front of an old rickety door, her fur raised up. We shared a puzzled look as Violet went over to the door.

"What are you yapping at?" She asked the dog as she opening the door. After several unsuccessful attempts, the door finally creaks open. She turns towards me with a mischievous grin.

"C'mon, let's go check it out." I narrowed my eyes at her as I scolded her. "Have you not seen any horror movies? They pretty much all start like this."

She guffawed at me before trying to reason with me. "Yes, of course I have. But it's always only one person going. There's two of us. So there's safety in numbers."

I supposed that she did have a valid point. I kept my mouth set in a deep frown as I gave in. "I guess so. Fine, I'll go down with you."

She wore a triumphant grin as she led me down the stairs. Everything was covered in a thick layer of dirt and dust. There were shelving units holding random objects and there was a strange note of decay underneath the musty scent that permeated the space. We gave each other unimpressed looks.

"It's filthy and disgusting down here. Not to mention that awful smell. I'm going back upstairs." I stated as I turned on my heel and started back up the stairs. Violet was at my heels in an instant. "Me too, this was lame."

We finally found them as Vivien was inspecting one of the walls. "This wallpaper is peeling over here. Looks like maybes there's a mural underneath it."

The realtor answered immediately. "The last owners probably covered it up. They were modernists. Speaking of the last owners, full disclosure requires that I tell you about what happened to them.

Ben and Vivien stiffened up as they both glanced at her. "Oh, God… They didn't die in her or anything, did they?" Vivien asked, the color draining from her face.

The realtor didn't miss a beat. "Yes, actually, both of them. Murder-suicide. I sold them the house, too. They were just the sweetest couple. You never know, I guess."

Ben clenched his jaw, trying to contain his irritation. "That explains why it's half the price of every other house in the neighborhood, I guess."

The realtor sighed before trying to convince him that this was the best option available. "I do have a very nice mid-century ranch, but it's in the Valley, and you're going to get a third of the house for twice the price."

Ben wasn't amused. "Right."

Violet chimed in. "Where did it happen?"

"The basement."

We shared a side glance at each other before Violet declared, "We'll take it."


Being that the previous owners had passed away and come to find out they were on the verge of being foreclosed, purchasing the house was easier than usual. Being a bank owned estate, Ben and Vivien were able to secure a home loan through one of the banks preferred loan companies. Unfortunately, they sunk their savings into the earnest money, closing costs and money down on the loan. However, we were able to start moving in the following day.

As the movers were carrying in the living room furniture, the realtor, Marcy stopped by to place a 'SOLD' sticker onto the realty sign. It took a few hours but we finally had everything moved into the house. We ordered take out from some hipster 'locally grown, organic' restaurant to appease Vivien, not that I was going to complain. I was happy with anything that wasn't hospital cafeteria food.

I had to bunk with Violet for the night because they hadn't gotten me a bed yet. I didn't really care either way, I had even offered to sleep on the floor of my bedroom but apparently that was out of the question. After I changed into my pajamas I brought all my stuff into Violet's room. She was busying herself with unpacking and I could hear the music blasting out of her headphones from across the room. I grabbed my pill bag and gathered up all of my clothes, I crossed the room and got her attention.

She pulled out her ear buds and looked at me. "I'm heading downstairs to do some of my laundry. Do you need anything washed?"

She scrambled over to her travel bag and handed it to me. "Thanks Bry!"

"Yeah, no problem. Do you need anything while, I'm downstairs?" I asked with a tired smile.

"Oh, um yeah can you get me something to drink?"

I arched a brow. "Such as?" Violet smirked, "Coffee." I shook my head. "Yeah, I'll be back in a few minutes"

"Thanks cousin!" She cheered as I left the room.

I tiptoed downstairs as quickly as I could without making too much noise. I threw our clothes into the washers and turned it on before heading into the kitchen. I flipped on the light and went over to the coffee maker. After opening the cupboard right above the coffeepot, I stood on the tip of my toes and stretched my arm up as far as it would go, I still couldn't reach it.

With an irritated sigh, I muttered, "Such bullshit" as I grabbed one of the chairs at the island and brought it over. I climbed up and stood on the chair and could finally reach the coffee. After starting the coffeepot, I replaced the coffee back into the cupboard setting on the bottom shelf this time. I put the chair back, got two cups down and took out some cream and sugar. As I was waiting for it to brew, I heard a floorboard squeak behind me like someone had stepped on it. I gulped and slowly turned around only to be met with nothing. I frowned but decided not to read into it too much.

As I was pouring the coffee, Vivien entered the kitchen. She jumped when she noticed me.

"Oh! Briar-Rose what are you doing down here?"

"Hey, Viv. I started a load of laundry and Violet wanted some coffee so here I am. Besides, coffee did sound pretty good so I decided to get myself a cup as well." I explained as I brought my cup of coffee to my lips and took a sip, enjoying the warmth of the liquid filling my body.

"You know, I generally don't like to consume caffeine so late, but that does sound pretty great right now." Vivien said as she made a cup of her own. She took a generous drink and let out a satisfied sigh. I smiled softly as she turned to face me.

"I couldn't help but notice that you only have one small bag of clothes." She mused at me. I could see her fighting back the urge to make a comment about my mother not bothering to bring my things when she came to say goodbye.

"This is true. But I'll be fine for now." I said shifting uncomfortably.

"I know that you will, but I am not fine with that, especially when Violet's clothes alone could take up an entire room. How about you and I go shopping sometime tomorrow?" Her eyes shined with a hopeful brightness.

I know she was trying to make me feel like I was part of their family nucleus and I appreciated that; but I also felt uncomfortable. I gazed up at her timidly.

"Well, if you want to that would be great. What about Violet though?" I was suddenly guilt stricken, feeling like I was some how overstepping boundaries. Vivien pursed her lips for a moment before answering.

"Well I would love to have a girls day but you know as well I as do, that that has never been Violet's idea of a good time. However, if anyone can talk her into it, it's going to be you. So if you can persuade her, we'll go later in the afternoon."

I stifled a laugh as I imagined the furious scowl plastered to her face in response to any outfit Vivien would suggest for her. "Well I will certainly try to convince but no promises. Either way, I would really enjoy that. Thanks Viv."

"Of course, Bry."

We heard loud footfalls descending the stairs, causing us both to look up. Violet entered the kitchen grumbling. "What the hell Briar-Rose? How long does it take to get a cup of coff—Oh. What's going on?" She shifted her eyes between Vivien and I with a suspicious expression.

I flipped around and poured her coffee, before handing it to her. "I am so sorry Vi! I was making coffee when Vivien came down, and got a cup too. Then we just started talking and lost track of time."

She seemed to relax somewhat. "It's fine. I just starting to wonder if you got lost or something. Thanks for the coffee."

The three of us stood around in the kitchen talking. It was nice to have conversation that wasn't strained and awkward. Vivien and I took the opportunity to ask Violet to go shopping the following day. Her first response was to snort and say 'hell no' but after we spent a long while pulling out all of our persuasive skills, she finally caved and agreed if it meant that we would shut up.

With the coffee pot empty, Vivien gave a disappointed sigh. "Well I guess I should get to bed now. I'll see you two in the morning. Good night girls."

She pulled each of us into a hug and kissed the tops of our heads as we both echoed "good night". She quietly crept back upstairs, obviously trying to avoid waking Ben.

"Wanna go back upstairs?" Violet asked as she was slowly inching out of the kitchen.

"Yeah that sounds good, let me switch over our laundry." I mumbled as I trudged toward the laundry room.


After switching over the laundry to the dryer, we made our way back up to Violet's room. I put my pill bag back into my tote and faced Violet. She was strangely quiet and fidgety but she didn't seem unhappy. She met my gaze and smiled.

"I'm fine Bry! Granted I was getting a little pissed and worried earlier but I understand. I am just getting jittery about tomorrow."

I crossed the room and sat down next to her, resting my back against the headboard. "Well I'm glad you understand that I wasn't just going to tell your mom to fuck off because you were expecting me back. That's very big of you, Violet." I tried to stay stoic but her shocked expression made it impossible, causing me bark out a laugh.

Seeing that I was joking, she scoffed and smacked my leg. "God, you're an asshole sometimes Briar-Rose."

"Oh come on, Vi! I was only teasing. Don't be mad at me!" I pleaded as I prodded her arm. I went the extra step and stuck out my bottom lip while making my eyes water.

Her hazel eyes widened as she starting to giggle. "There. Now we're even."

As our laughter faded, I became serious. "Why are you jittery?"

She looked me straight in the eyes and I could see her apprehension. "I dunno, Bry. I'm just not looking forward to being the new kid. I mean, I am thrilled that you're going to be there with me. I just don't want to be the weirdo outcast again." She bit her bottom lip and looked down. I felt horrible seeing her so worried and down on herself.

"Hey, it'll be alright. Maybe it's different here than it was back in Boston. I'm certain that you'll make friends, Vi. And honestly, how to you expect to be the weirdo outcast, when you've got me? I pretty much trump everyone when it comes to that." I finished with a goofy grin, hoping that my self deprecating humor would cheer her up, it did.

She chuckled lightly as she a looked up at me with a smile. "Thanks Briar-Rose, I hope you're right. And you are not a weirdo outcast."

I rolled my eyes, I knew she was lying and so did she. "You're welcome, Violet."

"Oh shit! It's already after one, we should try to go to sleep, huh?" Violet asked with a frown. I nodded in agreement and climbed under the blankets as got up to turn off the light. As she tried to navigate her way back to the bed in the darkness of the room, she must have stubbed her toe or tripped because all I could hear was her screaming in a whisper, "OW! Shit, shit! Fuck!"

She flung herself onto the bed as we both succumbed to a fit of giggles. As our laughter died down, we ended up talking until she fell asleep at just after three. I laid there and just stared into the darkness, trying to will myself to go to sleep. I don't know when I finally fell asleep but I woke up at 5:15 that morning. I scooted off of the bed as a quietly as possible and sneaked out of the room.


I ran downstairs and went to go make coffee. I reached up to grab it down from the shelf but didn't feel it. Furrowing my brow in confusion, I looked up and saw that it was on the high shelf again.

"What the hell?" I grumbled as I grabbed the chair yet again. After I turned the coffeemaker on, I just left the coffee on the counter. I ran into laundry room and grabbed an outfit from the dryer. Back up the stairs, I went and into the bathroom to shower.

After my shower, I dressed in a vivid blue fitted t-shirt, a pair of white jeans and blue ballet flats. I styled my hair in another chignon, my default style. I went back downstairs and got coffee for myself and Violet. I checked the time, it was six. Up the stairs once more, I went and woke Violet up with a cup of coffee.

She groaned and groggily opened her eyes. "Oh thanks Bry" she rasped out as she snatched the coffee from my hands. After a few minutes she got up and stumbled over to one of her bags, pulled out her clothes for the day and staggered to the bathroom. I took my pills and grabbed Violet's empty cup and went downstairs to put the cups in the sink.

At 6:30, Violet came down expressing her individuality through fashion. She wore a gray sweater under a red lacy dress, black oxford shoes and a black hat. A green messenger bag was slung over her shoulder. I smiled at her as she walked into the kitchen as she greeted me.

"Mornin'. Thanks for waking me up, Bry." She took a seat next to me with a nervous smile ingrained in her features.

I stifled back a yawn as I said, "you too. No problem, I figured you want the time to get ready without being rushed.

A few minutes later we could hear Ben and Vivien descend the staircase, their voice carrying through the house.

"Mmm, I smell coffee." Ben announced happily.

"I'll bet you, that you can thank Briar-Rose for that." Vivien mused.

"I have no doubt about that, that girl is a coffee fiend."

They entered the kitchen and looked surprised to see us sitting there, sipping coffee. "Well good morning girls." Ben greeted. We greeted him back and went back to our conversation.

"You're dressed awfully early aren't you, Bry?" Ben inquired looking curious. Violet and I shared a confused look.

"What do you mean? I'm dressed for school, like Violet is." I stated cautiously, eyeing him.

"Oh no..." Vivien and Ben said in unison. Violet narrowed her eyes. "What?" she snapped, getting angry.

Vivien spoke this time, trying to keep her tone sweet and soothing, "Oh Briar-Rose, I am so sorry. I thought Ben told you and I guess he thought I told you."

I scrunched my eyebrows together, getting frustrated. "Told me what? What is going on?"

Ben heaved a heavy sigh before explaining. "Bry, after talking extensively with Dr. Lane, we all agreed that it would be best to hold off on you returning to public school just yet. This move was really stressful and we don't want to stress you into another episode. So we're going to give you some time adjust before you can go to school. In the meantime, we have you setup to do online schooling, through this school so you don't fall behind."

I looked over at Violet and she looked crestfallen. Any excitement that had been in her eyes has been snuffed out. For the first time, I wasn't the sad one, I was the annoyed one.

"WE didn't agree on anything, so the whole "We all" bit is garbage. You couldn't have told me this at any point in time? Seriously, what the hell?" I rebuked.

They all looked at me wide eyed as I was not generally prone to angry outbursts. I saw a ghost of a smile on Violet's face but her entire being still radiated despondency, which intensified my irritation.

"Briar-Rose, I understand that you're feeling let down right now but-

"Don't you dare try to headshrink me like this is my fault, Ben. I have the right to be upset about this. And I am responding with irritation because it is a justifiable emotion in this circumstance. So, just don't." I chastised him before storming out of the kitchen and into the foyer. I went over and took a seat on the staircase and crossed my arms over my chest.

I could hear them in kitchen trying to figure out what to do. Violet told them to give me my space before she left them and came into the foyer. She came and sat down next to me, grabbing my hand in hers as she rested her head on my shoulder.

"Well this fucking sucks" She muttered apathetically. I squeezed her hand, "I know. I am so sorry about this. I hope you're not mad with me, Vi."

She lifted her head up to look at me. "Mad at you? Not at all, Bry! If anything, I am just impressed that you didn't let dad guilt you and turn it around on you. It's their fuck up not yours."

I smiled softly. "Thanks. I just wish I could be there with you. You'll tell me all about this afternoon, right?"

"Of course." She assured me.

Vivien walked in, with her car keys in hand, "Hey Vi, we've got to go now okay?"

We both stood up and walked over to the door. Violet gave me an apprehensive look, like she was silently pleading with me to get her out of this situation. I shook my head as I pulled her into a hug that she returned roughly.

I leaned down and whispered in her ear, "It will be alright, Violet. You're the strong one, remember? You can do this?"

She pulled away looking more confident. "Thanks Bry. I'll see you later" She called out as her and Vivien exited through the front door.


Ben walked in and began saying something to me, I responded by giving him the stink eye and storming upstairs into Violet's room. Once alone, I felt tears spilling from my eyes as I slunk down onto the ground, burying my face into my hands. I wasn't even given a chance to show how much I've grown. They just saw me as weak and mentally fragile. My frustration with myself overwhelmed my senses as I cried myself to sleep.

I was stirred awake a few hours later by a knock on the door, followed by Vivien's voice. "Briar-Rose, may I come in?"

"Yeah" I managed to croak out. I furrowed my brows in intense confusion as I realized that I was now laying on the bed. She entered the room with a meek smile, she must have thought that my vexed expression was directed at her. "I am so sorry about all this. I should have made sure that you already knew and not spring it on you the last minute.."

I softened my gaze. "It's alright, Vivien. I was really upset but I am better now. I am still pissed off at Ben for trying to make me feel guilty for being upset but that has nothing to do with you."

Her eyes hardened somewhat. "Yes, I am not particularly thrilled with him at the moment over that stunt. I am glad you are feeling better though. I do have a request."

I smirked, "I'm all ears, Viv."

"Well if you're feeling up to it, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind lending me a hand unpacking downstairs." She tried so hard to be diplomatic, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Of course, let me change into something more comfortable." I said getting up and heading downstairs to get more clothes out of the dryer.

She gave me an appreciative smile as she walked down with me. I ran into the laundry room and opted to change in there. I decided to keep my shirt and changed into a pair of cut off denim shorts.

I found Vivien and asked what she wanted me to do. She spun around and grinned. "Oh! Well you can either start unpacking boxes, or you can start peeling off this wallpaper. I am bound and determined to see what's hiding underneath of it.."

"I don't want to be responsible for accidentally ruining that so I will start unpacking." I said, opening a box and getting to work.

We worked for a good hour or so, making small talk here and there. I had already unpack six boxes when Vivien called me over.

"Come here Bry! I've almost got it all off." She beckoned as I ran to her side. I look up as the lack of wallpaper revealed a disturbing painting. The last piece of wallpaper came up as she let out a victorious squeal, "WHOOO!"

We stood there, staring at the painting in horror and amazement. There was something so strange about the painting, it felt as though it were a somber presage of things to come.

"Your going to die in here." A voice called out behind me.

"Oh, I have no doubt." I proclaimed in agreement.


Author's Note: I apologize for the long delay between posts. I made this chapter much longer to make up for it. I hope you enjoy it. I would like to thank the new people who have added this story to their Favorites and Alert lists.

I would once again like to thank CohanLove0106 once again for all the help and input she's given me. And for the amazing cover she made for this story!


AwesomeFangirlOtaku01: I am so glad that you're enjoying this story. I apologize that Tate has yet to make an appearance, but he will soon I promise!

vampangel25: Well I am certainly glad you're enjoying it. I hope you enjoy this installment as well. Hopefully it continues to exceed your expectations haha.

Heartless-Princess33: I'm glad you like it thus far!

VampWolf92: Well I'm glad you approve. Thanks for your feedback.

KilalaInara: She does indeed! Haha I'm pleased to know that someone else appreciates a well placed insult.