Welcome back one and all. I finally got round to writing another chapter. Yay! I'm back on track a bit more now so the updates should be a bit more regular, plus I sort of know a bit better where I'm going with this story. Enjoy.

Chapter Four: Never Let Go

Victoria's POV – Victoria's Room - Sat 9:25 a.m.

I pace up and down my room, as I have done for the last thirty minutes or so, debating whether to go see Kate or not.

Come on Victoria. Just go see her. You can do what you want. You are the Queen. Queens don't get scared. Why can't I just go and talk to her? It's not hard. She is literally next door. It's been a week since you talked to her. She'll think you're ignoring her.

My resolve strengthened, I stride over to the door before I have the chance to chance my mind. I reach out, my hand hovering just inches from the door handle as more self-conscious thoughts shoot to the forefront of my mind.

What if she doesn't actually want to see me? I know she said she did, but what if she's changed her mind? Should I turn up unannounced? What if she is busy?

I shake my head violently to rid myself of these ridiculous thoughts.

Quit making excuses and just go.

I confidently open the door and walk over to Kate's room next door. Just as I go to knock, I hear the sound of a violin coming from behind the door. It catches me off guard since I haven't heard it in a while.

Kate always used to play her violin every day until…

I exhale deeply, knowing that I am at least partially to blame for her stopping.

I'm glad she has started playing again. I… missed it. I remember waking up every morning to the sound. I would often just lay there, allowing the music to engulf me. You don't quite realize how much you enjoy something until it stops.

The song she is playing is so melancholy, yet beautiful. It's beguiling. Since I don't want to interrupt her playing, I decide to come back later. I go to head back to my room, but stop mid-step. The music entices me back.

I guess I could wait outside until she is done. Then I can tell when she is finished.

I sit down outside Kate's door, leaning against the wall beside the door as I listen to her play.

How after everything can she still play with such gentleness? How can someone not let something like that poison their playing? She never ceases to amaze me.

The sound is soothing, all my troubles melting away in an instant. I could sit here forever and listen. If I had the chance, I would quite happily lose myself here. My eyes begin to close as the music washes over me.

"Victoria?" my eyes open abruptly and look up to see Kate staring down at me with a confused expression. I was so entranced that I didn't realize she had stopped playing.

I scramble to my feet and straighten out my clothes as she gives me a curious look, "I came here to see you, but I didn't want to interrupt you playing. I thought I'd wait out here."

Kate giggles softly, "You could have just knocked. I wouldn't have minded. How long have you been out there anyway?"

That is a good question.

"I'm… not sure," I reluctantly admit.

This causes Kate to beam at me before she steps aside and beckons me into her room, "Come on."

After a moment's hesitation, I step over the threshold to Kate's room. Once inside, Kate motions towards her couch for me to take a seat, an offer I take her up on.

What am I even doing here?

"Do you want some tea?" she asks as she grabs a kettle from the side.

"Sure."

She makes her way over to the door, kettle in hand, "I'll just go fill this up. Wait here. If you're not here when I come back, I'll track you down," she offers up a cheeky grin before she exits, "I'm serious."

I can't even begin to explain how Kate's smile makes me feel. My world becomes brighter in its presence. I shake my head vigorously.

What is going on with me?

Kate's POV

I make my way down the hallway and enter the shower room. Once there, I approach one of the sinks and turn the tap on. Cold water cascades from the faucet, slowly filling the kettle when I place it underneath.

Hopefully Victoria won't run away this time. I really want to have a chat with her. I'd like to get to know the 'real' Victoria Chase more. The one behind all the disgusted looks and snarky comments.

With the kettle sufficiently filled, I switch the tap off. The door creaks open behind me and a soft voice calls out to me, "Hey, Kate."

I turn around to find Max standing there just a foot or so behind me, "Max."

She comes closer to me with her usual gentle expression, "How are you holding up? It's been a busy few days, huh?"

I smile at that, "You could say that."

She leans slightly against one of the sinks, "Has Alice tried anymore escape attempts?"

"Surprisingly, no. Maybe one was enough to satisfy her."

Max's smile becomes more mischievous, "Or maybe she is biding her time, lulling you into a false sense of security."

"You do come up with some crazy theories, Max," I chuckle heartily.

"That's why I'm here," her eyes hold a question as they catch mine, "Hey, if you're not busy later, do you want to catch a film with me a Chloe?"

I nod appreciatively at the offer, "A film sounds great. I could do with a chance to relax after everything that's happened. Are you sure Chloe doesn't mind?"

I really wouldn't want to become a third wheel. They deserve some alone time. Max has confided in me about their relationship, in fact she told me pretty much the moment they got together. She was embarrassed about it and obviously worried about how I would react to it all. Even now, there are still insensitive and unaccepting people, especially some of my fellow church goers. I've experienced that first-hand. Still, it shouldn't matter to anyone else who you love. If anything, I'm honored that Max trusted me enough to tell me. I'm really happy for her. It's hard these days to find people worth caring about, so when you do find them you have to hold on tight and ignore the criticism. By now, most students at Blackwell have figured it out. Gossip spreads quickly and Chloe isn't the subtlest of people. I personally find it sweet, as do most I think.

Max shakes her head at my concern, "She's cool with it."

I wonder…

"Is it ok if I invite Victoria?" I tentatively ask. It would be nice to see her get involved with other people more and I'd like to spend more time with her too.

She contemplates this for a moment, "Will she even want to?"

I'm not even sure of that myself, "It's worth asking, just in case."

After a bit more thought Max shrugs, "Why not? I'm sure Chloe won't object to more teasing opportunities."

I shake my head, smiling at the mental image, "I bet."

Max looks down at her phone, "We'll start at 8 pm. So, that gives you… an hour. Is that good for you?"

I nod to show it's good with me and she gives me a quick hug, "Great. Now, I have to get a shower. I've been out with Chloe all day. She certainly choses her hang out spots well. Junkyards and forests are not the cleanest of places."

"I can imagine."

"Just once would it be too much to go somewhere like a restaurant or a cinema. Anywhere with a solid floor" she mutters quietly.

As much as Max complains, I know she would literally go anywhere with Chloe, "Oh, come on Max. You love it really."

"As long as I get to spend time with Chloe, then it doesn't matter where we go. Still, it would be nice to not have to spend three hours washing dirt out of my clothes," she sighs over-exaggeratedly, "Maybe one day. A girl can dream."

I giggle at her almost theatrical monologue, "Oh, we are being melodramatic today."

Max nudges me playfully, "Hey, I resent that remark. Next time you can go with Chloe. Then you can tell me I'm being melodramatic."

I hold my hands up in defeat, "Ok, you win. I'll leave you to your shower."

"See ya," Max waves and enters one of the shower stalls. I walk back out of the room, down the hallway and enter my room. When I open the door, I notice that Victoria is standing by my bookcase.

I wonder what she is doing. I could announce myself, but…

Deciding to sneak up behind her instead, I stealthily creep up on her and lightly tap her shoulder. The unexpected contact makes her jump and swivel around, "What…? Oh, Kate it's you. You scared me."

"Who else could it be?"

She opens her mouth to answer, but no words come out. Instead she sighs at her lack of an answer, "That… is a good point."

My eyebrows raise curiously as I try to figure out what she was looking at before I came in, "What were you doing?"

Victoria looks as if she is about to make a scathing comment, but stops herself at the last moment, "I… was looking at your bible."

Well, I didn't expect that.

"My bible?" Victoria nods sheepishly, not meeting my eyes, "Why were you looking at it?"

She shrugs as she closes it and sits back down on the couch, "I was just curious."

Deciding to overlook the fact that she is blatantly hiding something, I get the kettle going and join her on my couch, "So, what did you want to talk about?"

Victoria's brow furrows defiantly, "Nothing in particular. I just, wanted to come talk to you, that's all. Is that a problem?" I flinch at the increased volume in her voice. Victoria's face softens on seeing my reaction as clears her throat and looks at me apologetically, "Sorry, old habits die hard. I… really wanted to see you. Is that ok?"

This statement catches me by surprise. Victoria is the last person I ever expected to hear those words from. It's a pleasant surprise. It makes me feel happy and… something else I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it will come to me later, "Sure. Whenever you want."

Victoria smiles at me, but not her usual sneer of derision. This time feels genuine. It suits her. I wonder how many people have seen this smile before. Not many I imagine.

After pouring out the tea, I hand Victoria a steaming cup. She accepts it gratefully and takes a sip, "So, how is Alice after her attempted escape?"

I motion over to the cage sat atop a chest of drawers by my bed, "She seems to be absolutely fine. I swear she looks proud of herself."

Victoria laughs as her eyes follow my hand over to Alice's cage, "Well, she nearly succeeded."

"It's a good thing you and Max were there to stop her," I point out as I bring the cup to my lips.

Victoria's brow furrows in confusion, "Max was the one who caught her. I have no idea how she did it. It kind of looked like she teleported at one point."

"Really?"

She nods, "It was so strange. It must be my mind tricking me."

I seem to recall a similar situation. When I was… on the roof, I could swear that Max was on the ground. All of a sudden she was behind me. Come to think of it, there have been a few incidences like this recently too. Maybe I'll have to ask her about it later.

"I've noticed something like that a few times too. Weird."

"Well, Max is weird," Victoria's expression softens a fraction, "and maybe cool, but you didn't hear that from me."

I smile before sipping my tea once more, "My lips are sealed."

I never thought in a million years that I would be having tea with Victoria Chase. It's such a weird concept. I do like spending time with her like this. It gives me a chance to see the person underneath all the defenses she puts up.

"What's got you smiling?" Victoria asks as she narrows her eyes suspiciously.

Way to make a fool of yourself, Kate.

I shyly look down at my tea, "I was just thinking that it was nice to be able to talk to you like this."

Victoria's expression turns on a dime, becoming much more relaxed and content, "Me too," her brow furrows with worry, "Are you ok?"

"Yes, why?" even though I say this, I'm not sure myself. I feel weird… in a good way I think.

She examines her nails absentmindedly, "You just looked a bit confused."

"I'm fine," I say to assure her. Victoria drops the topic and takes another sip of her tea. It's then I remember my conversation with Max from earlier, "Oh, by the way, Max asked if I wanted to watch a film later with her and Chloe. I was wondering if you wanted to come along too."

She seems surprised by this, "You… want me to go?"

"Yes."

A small smile creeps onto her face, "Are those two ok with that?"

"Max said it was fine and that Chloe wouldn't mind," I clarify for her, "What do you say?"

She looks shocked by this, but happy, "Yeah, sure."

"Great, they're going to start at 8. Is that ok?" Victoria nods as I drain the remains of my tea, "I'm going to get some more water. Do you think you'll want more tea?"

"Yeah, please."

I grab the kettle once more and head on out of my room to fill it up again. This time I don't make it that far before a taunting voice calls out behind me, "Hey Kate."

It sends shivers down my spine as I turn to see Nathan Prescott stood there with a smug leer on his face.

No. Nathan is the last person I want to see right now. What is he doing here? Boys aren't supposed to come here…

He walks up to me, a sneer plastered on his face, "Did you enjoy your first Vortex party? You should come to more of them. You seemed like you had a good time if the video is anything to judge by."

I need to get out of here.

As a last ditch attempt I try to dodge out of his way, but he slowly backs me up against the wall, "Please, leave me alone."

"Oh, I don't think so."

Please…

Victoria's POV – Kate's Room

I tap my fingers lightly on the cup as my eyes wander over to the door.

Kate sure is taking her time. I wonder if she's talking to Max.

This thought makes me feel… strange. Just picturing them chatting away makes my blood boil. I've had a feeling similar to this before, but not as intense.

Victoria, are you jealous of Caulfield?

She and Kate seem really close. I want to be able to be like that with Kate. I guess I just have to keep working at it. That is when I hear a familiar voice from the hallway, "…anything to judge by."

What is Nathan doing here?

"Please, leave me alone," an uncertain and scared voice filters through the door.

Wait, that's Kate. Oh shit. I have to do something.

Without any hesitation, I stand up and exit the room. Nathan has Kate backed up against a wall halfway down, "I don't think so."

"Nathan?"

He turns around with a twisted grin, "Ah, Victoria, good timing. I was just asking dear Kate here how she enjoyed the Vortex."

Suddenly filled with rage, I stride over to Nathan with a cold expression and clenched jaw, "Get away from her, Nathan."

He looks totally confused by my uncharacteristic behavior, "Why?"

"Because I said so," the venom injected into my voice makes Nathan do a double take.

His eyebrows knit together, "What's wrong with you? I thought you'd be all over this."

I straighten up to my fullest height, "I said, Get. Away. From. Her."

Nathan moves away from Kate and approaches me, getting all up in my face, "Don't you dare tell me what to do. I don't take orders from anyone, especially not a stuck up bitch like you. You should know better than that."

Any restraint I had left immediately fades, "No, you should know better Nathan. We almost killed Kate," my stomach drops as the words leave my mouth.

Saying this makes me feel ill.

Nathan scoffs dismissively at my accusation, "It's not my fault she got wasted and started making out with a load of random people."

I move closer to him, an intimidating expression on my face as I jab my finger towards him, "Don't you dare blame her for what happened."

"Or what?" he growls, bored with my lecture. My hand seems to move of its own accord to Nathan's cheek. A loud slapping sound fills the air as my palm connects, leaving a red mark. His icy blue eyes widen in shock as he reaches up to his cheek. Once the initial shock has passed, his teeth grit and his fists clench, "Oh, now you've done it…"

I ignore his threats and press on, "It's our fault, Nathan! Can't you see that?"

He snarls at me, "You don't know anything."

Nathan has been acting so weird lately. What is wrong with him? Why won't he tell me things anymore?'

"Tell me then."

Nathan shakes his head solemnly. He doesn't even look angry anymore, just exhausted and defeated, "You can't help me," he skulks off with his tail between his legs. I kind of feel bad for slapping him now, but I couldn't let him tear into Kate like that.

You can only feign ignorance for so long. Actions have consequences and you have to take responsibility for them. I need to go have a chat with Nathan later and try figure out what is wrong.

I finally turn to Kate, who looks understandably flustered by all this, "I'm… sorry about that."

She walks up to me and hugs me without warning, "What are you apologizing for? You helped me. Thank you," I tentatively put my arms around her as she whispers in my ear, "But now Nathan is after you."

"He's not as tough as he likes to make out," I weakly add. I've known Nathan a long time and he's never acted like this before. Sure, he can be a bit of an idiot sometimes, but deep down he's a decent enough guy. Something bad must have happened to make him snap like this.

Kate bites her lip as her brow furrows in concern, "Still, it makes me worried."

She's… worried about me?

I put a hand on her head and rub reassuringly, her bun wobbling a bit as I do, "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

"Come on, let's get some more tea on," she offers me an appreciative smile before grabbing hold of my hand and leading me back into her room. Her hand is warm in mine and I can feel a few calluses on her fingers, no doubt from her playing the violin. I idly wonder how long she has been playing for. It must have been a few years given how beautifully she plays. You don't become that good overnight. Her hand slightly tightens around mine as we approach closer to her room and I feel a very subtle shaking. I never want to let go.

Things are moving along quite nicely now. I think we can see the start of some feelings developing even if they are oblivious to it, which is exciting. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I shall see you next time.