Chapter Eleven: Making Plans Making Up

Violet loomed over Brody's now repaired grave with a conflicted, but mostly resentful stare. Rosie, Marlon's old dog, was sleeping on top of his grave again. She missed her previous owner, and as much as Violet hated Marlon, she wasn't cold-hearted enough to shoo the dog away. Over two weeks had passed since Minnie had come back to them, and things had mostly returned to normal once more, or as normal as things ever got anyway. She and Minnie still hadn't totally patched things up, but Violet was thinking maybe it was about time for that. At least for now there was a peace, and Minnie seemed to be distracting herself by spending an increased amount of time with Louis and her brother. As long as she wasn't spending her days being a bitter-heart towards her and Clementine, Violet was happy. What Violet wasn't happy about, however, was how the vote she had called went, to determine whether or not to keep the markers on Brody's and Marlon's graves. Despite her intense feelings, she wasn't able to convince enough people to side with her, and she had to live with the result.

But she didn't have to be happy about it.

Violet looked over to Sophie's grave, sitting there alone now that Minnie's had been removed for obvious reasons. A living girl didn't need a grave. Brody and Marlon's scheme had gotten Sophie killed and Minnie kidnapped for a year, not to mention horribly traumatized. Yet even Minnie, the victim of Brody's and Marlon's crime, had sided against her in the vote. The way Minnie saw it, she saw the ordeal as over, and just wanted everyone to get on with their lives. Let the dead have their peace. Violet didn't think they deserved peace. She wasn't sure if Minnie was just being too forgiving, or if she was just being too cold about it, too unable to let go of the past. Maybe, when enough time had passed, a day would come when Violet could forgive Marlon and Brody for what they did, but that day was not today. Or any day soon. For the time being, she still hated their backstabbing, friend-selling guts. Both of them.

"Violet?" came Clementine's voice as she approached, a worried look on her face. "You've been out here for a while, just sulking. People are getting worried you'll do the same thing again to Brody's grave."

"I'm not gonna do that," Violet said back, not turning to her. "I'm not gonna go against what everyone wanted, even if I do fucking hate it. I just can't stop thinking about it, and the more I think about it, the more it pisses me off."

Even though Clementine didn't share Violet's strong feelings, she knew how important the decision was to her, so she had sided with Violet, but it still wasn't enough. Violet appreciated Clementine's support, at least.

"Well, you're not gonna stop thinking about it by standing here staring at them like this," Clementine reasoned. "Violet, can you please come back inside? I hate it when you're like this, you just stand there. You're starting to worry me."

Violet took a deep breath, and decided Clementine was right. She had been sulking out her long enough. "Alright," she agreed, letting Clementine lead her away from the graveyard and back towards the school. "I'll be okay, Clementine. Sometimes I just get in these moods, and it takes a while for me to come out of them. It'll pass, eventually."

"Violet," Clementine started as they walked, trying to keep her frustration under control. "I know what you're like, and I know you don't like talking about what's going on in your head most of the time, but I'm your girlfriend Violet. You have to trust me. You gotta tell me what's going on sometimes."

Violet stopped now with a visible cringe, for Clementine had just made her feel more than a little guilty. Someone who cared about her deeply was worried sick about her, and she had been leaving her out in the cold. She knew this wasn't okay.

"Violet?" Clementine turned around to Violet with a worried stare, realizing she had stopped.

"Fuck, Clementine. I'm sorry. You're right. I shouldn't be doing this, not to you. It's not cool," she said, coming closer. "I do trust you, okay? I love you."

"Violet . . . " Clementine got out, a little stunned at Violet's apology. She wasn't sure how to respond.

"Let me make it up to you. I've been . . . wanting to talk to you about something. Let's sit down," Violet proposed, taking a seat on the steps of the school.

"Okay," Clementine said as she joined her, a little curious as to what this was about.

Before continuing, Violet made sure no one was in earshot.

"So, I'm just gonna throw this out there," Violet said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact for the time being. "I was hoping that tonight, or maybe the next night, you could stay over. You know, in my room?" Violet finished, quickly turning anxiously to see Clementine's reaction.

"Violet," was all Clementine said, more than a little caught off guard. "You mean like a sleepover?"

Violet made a sour face. "Well, when you say it like that it sounds fucking stupid. You're my girlfriend Clementine, it's gonna be a little more intimate than the slumber parties you had with all your dead friends when you were eight. I mean, I'm not saying we have to fuck or anything," Violet stumbled, finding herself blushing a bit. "But you know, we're usually both pretty busy trying to keep this place together, it'd be nice to have some time to ourselves for a night. We could at least just talk and shit, you know? About what's bothering us—."

Violet was cut off by Clementine, suddenly finding herself being kissed on the lips. Clementine kept it brief, because she knew public acts of affection made Violet uncomfortable, but she had to show her appreciation somehow. When Clementine leaned back, Violet was red in the face, but wearing an undeniable smile.

"I think that sounds like a great idea," Clementine nodded enthusiastically.

"You do?" Violet asked, a little surprised. "I mean, what about AJ? Do you think he'll be okay by himself for a night?'

"Yeah, I think he'll even like it. Or maybe he could stay with Tenn or something. I'll talk to him about it."

"Well, uh, okay, I guess we're doing this then," Violet said, suddenly very excited. "Cool."

"It's really cool," Clementine added with a smile.

After a few moments of rather comfortable silence, Violet finally spoke up again. "Well, not to kill the mood or anything, but do you have any idea where Minnie is? I want to talk to her."

"Where do you think she is?" Clementine asked, not very pleased the subject had changed to Minnie. Clementine hadn't forgiven her either yet, but she'd probably come around whenever Violet did.

"Louis?" Violet asked, already knowing the answer.

"Louis." Clementine nodded.

"Jeez, she's spending a lot of time with him," Violet said, "I mean, it's good that he can distract her from all her shit. If there's one thing Louis is good for, it's being a good distraction."

Clementine eyed Violet a bit, "Is that really all you think he's doing with her? Distracting her?"

"What do you mean?" Violet asked, turning to Clementine. "You think there's something else going on with them?"

"Well yeah," Clementine said as it was obvious. "I know he's into her, and I'm pretty sure she's into him too. I mean, it's none of our business, well, maybe it's your business. She's your friend," Clementine said, stumbling a bit.

"You think she's over me? Already?"

"Well, probably not. Not completely. I mean, do you think she's into him?"

"I don't know, maybe, she always had a soft spot for him," Violet admitted, thinking back. "And I know she's into dudes too, not just girls. But I mean, just the idea that someone I was into is into Louis, is just . . . weird."

"You say that like he's not your friend," Clementine grinned.

"Of course he's my fucking friend, but he's just so fucking lame sometimes. I mean, he's a funny guy, but . . ." Violet trailed off.

"I get what you mean," Clementine assured her with a smile. "Why do you want to talk to her?"

"Well, I want to tell her I'm not mad at her anymore. I want to move past this shit. I'm sick of looking at one of my best friends and feeling like I can't talk to her anymore," Violet said honestly, although she wasn't sure telling her that would necessarily cure that awkwardness, but she had to try.

Clementine sighed a bit. "Okay, but I'm not ready yet."

"That's fine, you take your time," Violet said as she rose up from the stairs, looking down on Clementine with a smile. "So uh, I'll see you tonight?"

"Yeah, definitely," Clementine smiled back.

"Cool," Violet said, walking up the steps into the school.

Violet went from feeling pretty pissed to pretty damn happy in not much time at all. She wasn't sure what Clementine would say to her proposal, but the fact that she said yes really got her excited, and she was definitely looking forward to going to sleep that night.

Violet turned right at the staircase, headed towards the music. Louis was never a hard person to find. She knew they were trying to find a way to play the piano together at the same time, and even though it sounded terrible at first, they'd definitely gotten better after some practice, even with Minnie's broken arm. If nothing else, it was keeping Minnie's mind occupied, so Violet was definitely thankful for that. She hated to have to interrupt them, but this was important. She walked through the doors into the studio, gaining the attention of both Minnie and Louis.

"Oh, hey Violet," Louis said with a smile, although Minnie stayed quiet, still a bit hesitant. "How's the weather in Drearyville?"

"Shut up Louis," Violet said with a cringe, although she noticed Minnie's giggle.

Minnie was always easily amused, and Louis had tons of jokes. Some good, but a lot that most people would consider amusingly horrid at best. Minnie seemed to love all of them. Thinking about it kind of made her sick.

"Well, last I heard you were spending your free time hanging around a cemetery. I mean, who the hell does that?" Louis asked back.

"Violet," Minnie finished his thought with a smile.

"Apparently," Louis shrugged.

Violet squinted, for now she was being teased.

"Minnie, I want to talk to you. Can we go somewhere private?"

Minnie flinched, but she wasn't unwilling either. "Uh, alright. Sure, my room, okay?" she said with a forced smile, more than a little nervous.

"If you've come to take her back after all this Violet, I swear to God, I will kill you in your sleep," Louis said half-jokingly.

"Yeah, you don't have to worry about that," Violet said, trying to ignore Minnie's laughter again.

Minnie led Violet to her room, neither one saying anything on the way there. Minnie was still was still pretty anxious what this was about, and Violet was Violet. This was her first time being alone with Minnie since her violent outburst, so she was feeling a little on edge herself. When they arrived at Minnie's new room, for AJ and Clementine had the old one, Minnie silently held the door open so Violet could step inside with her. Minnie's living space had always been neat and tidy, as opposed to Violet's, which was pretty much a total mess. That reminded her, she would have to try to clean up a bit if Clementine was really going to stay over. Mental notes for later.

"So . . . what's this about?" Minnie asked as she sat on her bed. "I'm not gonna lie, you've got me a little nervous here Vi."

"Can I sit next to you?" Violet asked.

Minnie hesitated a bit, but decided there was no real harm in it. "Sure," she replied, rather solemnly. Minnie was still very much ashamed by what she had done, so she wasn't comfortable being cheerful around Violet at the moment. She'd rather be honest.

Violet sat down next to her friend, taking a breath. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm not mad at you anymore, okay?" Violet announced, deciding to come right out with it.

Minnie gasped, now very into this conversation. "You forgive me?" she asked eagerly.

"Yes, I forgive you."

"Oh," Minnie sighed, holding her good hand to her chest as she laid down on her bed, feeling like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "Thank God."

"But Clementine still hasn't," Violet reminded her.

Minnie's smile lessened a bit, but didn't disappear. "Well, at the end of the day, she's my ex-girlfriend's new girlfriend. We don't have to be good friends."

Violet frowned. Minnie was right, they didn't have to be friends, but they would be seeing a lot of each other, considering how small the school was. They couldn't just ignore each other forever.

"I mean, I want her to forgive me, but you're what's most important," Minnie said while on her back.

"I guess that's fair," Violet agreed. "You guys have plenty of time to work it out. Eventually."

"Yeah . . ." Minnie said, looking aimlessly into the ceiling.

"So . . ." Violet continued, changing the subject. "You've been spending a lot of time with Louis I see."

"Oh, yeah!" Minnie replied, sitting up on the bed again. "He's been a lot of help. A lot," she said honestly.

"Yeah, he's a good guy. Cheesy as shit, but, a good guy," Violet said, trying to keep a smile.

"Yeah, he is, he's also . . ." Minnie trailed off, her cheeks turning red as she looked away.

Violet's smile dropped now, "What?" she asked.

Minnie looked to her friend again with a sheepish smile, ". . . Really cute?"

Violet's eyes widened. "Oh my God. . ." she sighed heavily as she shook her head, bringing her hand to her face. "You are into him. Jesus."

"What?" Minnie asked innocently. "What's wrong with Louis?"

"I mean, nothing. I'm glad you're getting over me, but Louis?" Violet playfully scowled as it was her turn to lean with her back on the bed. "Shit, if Louis ends up getting with my old girlfriend, he'll never ever fucking let me live it down."

"Neither will I," Minnie said with a smile.

Violet shot her a look, "If you start acting like him, I swear, I will kick your ass."

Minnie giggled as she switched to sitting in pretzel position, beyond ecstatic she was able to talk with Violet normally once more, only without the flirting. She didn't even care about Violet's cursing, she was just happy to have her back in some form. "So, um, do you think Louis is into me?"

Violet looked at her as if she had gone insane. "What the fuck? Minnie, of course he's into you. Look at you. I mean, he's a guy for shit's sake."

Minnie's smile dropped, "You mean you think he only likes me because I'm hot?" Minnie asked, feeling discouraged.

Violet recoiled, realizing that had come out horribly wrong. "No, I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry," Violet apologized, sitting up. "Any idiot can see you guys are great together, as much as it makes me sick to admit it. You should definitely talk to him, when you're ready. I mean, do you think you're over me already?"

Minnie looked away again, "I mean, no. Not entirely. But it's going a lot better than I thought. I thought I'd be crying for a week or two straight, and without Louis I would be, but he just makes it so much easier. And Tenn does too of course, but . . ."

"Tenn can't do it the same way," Violet finished her thought.

"Yeah."

"Well, I'm glad things are going good, but how're you feeling? You know, with the whole . . . acting like you're not you thing," Violet said, failing to find a better way to put it.

"Uhhh," Minnie looked away again, causing Violet to frown. "I mean, I haven't noticed it since I got really mad at you, but it only happens when I get really mad. If something makes me that angry, than that girl could come back," Minnie admitted, feeling a bit deflated now.

"Well, it's a good thing you're a hard person to get mad, but we'll keep an eye on it. We'll keep working through this, okay?"

"Okay," Minnie said with a rejuvenated nod.

Violet sighed in a comfortable relief, feeling glad she could finally be in Minnie's presence without being on edge again. "Well, this has been great Minnie, but I still have shit to do today."

"Yeah, you're the big leader now. That's different," Minnie shrugged.

"Yeah, really different," Violet agreed. "Good luck with Louis."

"Thanks!" Minnie said with a grateful smile.

"I mean, I guess it could have been worse. It could've been Mitch."

Minnie shrugged, "Mitch is kinda cute."

Violet looked repulsed. "Okay, that's it. You're dead to me," she said as she turned to leave, garnering another laugh from her friend.

Minnie got up with her, for she still had her plans with Louis to finish. They walked out of the room together, but split up right afterwards.

"Bye Vi, I'll see ya later," she said as they parted ways.

"Bye Minnie," Violet smiled to herself as she watched her go.

Things actually seemed to be working out. For once. Compared to right after Minnie exploded on her, when she thought she and Minnie would never be friends again, this was an amazing feeling. To top it all off, she even had her plans with Clementine to look forward to that night, although she'd have to wait the rest of the day. Never before had she just wanted to skip all the way to bed time.