After the voices finally calmed down in the girl's mind she stood up from the floor and stretched out her body. She let out a yawn as she felt emotionally drained from all the crying she's been doing for the past hour, her eyes red and swollen. She couldn't believe that Shawn was actually still dead. She couldn't believe that the Shawn she was just seeing was all in her head. But how could she make it stop? Seeing him. Talking with him. Kissing him. Every second she spent with him since he 'returned' was all not real. Knowing all of this now made her heart ache while also feeling crazy.

Violet walked over to her bed and picked up her giant white xl sweater. Ever since the girl was a teenager she always loved shopping for extra large sweaters. Buying it, washing it, and then wearing it by the fireplace when she's cold. It also made her feel some warmth and that was something she could use at this time.

Zipping up her sweater she put her hair into a messy bun and opened the top part of her dresser drawer; Pulling out a full pack of smokes that she bought a long time ago in case of emergencies. Not only did she keep them hidden in her drawer because she didn't want any of her friends or other co-workers knowing but she also kept them hidden so they were out of sight. Out of mind. Having them out of her sight and out of mind was a tool that she learned a long time ago. Whenever she was trying to quit something or not do something that was bad but had the urge to she would keep it out of her sight, that way it was out of her mind and it wouldn't give her the temptation to do something that can lead her down a bad path.

Violet stepped outside into her backyard and sat down on her sofa that she kept a few feet away from her underground swimming pool. While lighting her cigarette she stared at the pool and dove into her own mind. Looking at the clear blue water that sometimes looked shiny had brought back some memories of her and Shawn.

During the time Violet was filming the hit tv series 'The O.C.', she and Shawn had their first date night here. She was one of the main characters on the show while he would often appear in a few episodes here and there. They both had gotten off work at the end of the night and instead of going home they decided to order some pizza and spend time together by the pool. They first ate their food and did nothing but talk, but eventually, they pranked each other, tossing one another into the pool. After the show and after Violet bought this home from the creator of the show, Josh Schwartz, she had dates with Shawn every single night by the pool.

The girl has had a lot of memories by her pool. The good times and the bad times, and the ugly times. Sometimes there were moments where the girl felt completely at peace with how everything was going on in her life. She desperately wished she could go back in time and re-live every moment she had with Shawn. Knowing that those were the only moments where she actually felt and understood what true happiness and true love was like.

But with Shawn actually gone forever, Violet had lost all of her emotions when it came to the Shawn that she saw and for everyone that was around her. She no longer cared...

Continuing to sit on the sofa and have her cigarette she saw Jeffrey with the corner of her eye walking toward her. She didn't even wince at his presence as she continued to sit in her thoughts while puffing down her smoke.

"Can I sit with you?" Jeffrey asked her with a raised brow. With everything that has happened to the girl, Jeffrey wanted to make sure she was okay. He didn't care if she was still upset with him; he would rather prefer her not talking to him at all and okay rather than talking to him and suffering in pain on the inside. He needed answers and he needed them now. Not only for her sake but for his sake as well.

Violet nodded her head at the man and watched him take a seat next to her. When he sat down he let out a little breath and pulled out a pack of his own cigarettes. After lighting the smoke between his lips he folded his arms over his chest, slowly taking drags of his cigarette. "So," Jeffrey started to speak after taking a puff and holding the smoke in for a few seconds before blowing it out. "How long have you been smoking for?" It was a random question that had popped out of the blue, but the man was curious. He's seen her have a few cigarettes in the past, but he hasn't really had a full one with her. It made him wonder what her smoking story was like. Wondering what she must've gone through in order for to crave a cigarette.

Violet took a drag from her smoke and focused on her bare feet while blowing out the smoke, thinking of the first time she had a cigarette. "The reason why I first tried a cigarette was of my mother..." The girl began to tell the story and inhaled deeply, preparing to tell Jeffrey a little bit about her childhood. She has never told anyone about this besides Norman and Shawn, and she hoped he would be able to keep her story a secret; something that would only stay between them. "I was seven to eight years old and my younger siblings saw me play with a few cigarette butts in my parent's ashtray that was in their bedroom. My younger sisters saw me play with them and ran downstairs to my parents, telling them that I was smoking their butts,"

As Violet continued telling her story Jeffrey's eyes stared at Violet contently, showing the girl that she had all of his attention. Showing her that he cared, he was here to listen, and he wasn't going to judge her for the way she was raised. "My dad called me downstairs to the living room and when I got down there he pulled out a pack of smokes and told me to smoke the whole pack. I tried to get out of it but he didn't listen and the only way I was getting out of that chair was if I smoked the pack. I had two full cigarettes back-to-back before throwing up everywhere," Violet let out a little giggle as she explained, causing Jeffrey to shine his beautiful bright white smile at her, showing off the dimples that would appear on his cheeks whenever he smiled at somebody. A feature that Violet loved the most.

"From that moment forward though I was always off and on with my smoking habit. But I didn't actually become a full-on smoker until I was in grade ten, so when I was fifteen and turned sixteen at the ending of the school year," Violet said as she flicked her smoke away and blew out the last drag that was left of the cigarette before it turned into nothing but the filter.

A small smile had crept on the girl's face. Thinking about her high school and everything she experienced before she graduated. She thought about all the good, the bad, and the ugly things she had to deal with. Thinking of the good times made Violet reminisce on her past and as she thought about the bad and ugly times she found a little humor in her situations, wondering, what the hell was I thinking that made me decide to do those certain things?

While Jeffrey was finishing his cigarette he let out a sigh, preparing himself to bring up a topic that they needed to share with one another. "I still feel bad that I punched Steven..." He started out in a soft tone. Turning his head to gaze into Violet's eyes as he explained himself. "And I'm still sorry about it too," He gulped and bit down on his bottom lip. "When I walked into the room and the cameras started rolling it started to bug me. Seeing you two pretending to sleep with each other and act like you were enjoying it was upsetting to watch. And out of nowhere anger had consumed me. I tried to control it but it was too much to handle and my first instinct was to hit Steven. To protect you."

Violet stared into Jeffrey's eyes and scanned his face thoroughly, trying to see if he actually felt remorse. Looking into his brown chocolate eyes all the girl saw was pain. She could tell that he really did feel bad about the actions that he did and how much he wanted to get along with her again. Seeing that much pain in his eyes made her heart crumble into small pieces, especially with what she was about to say to him.

"Jeffrey..." She cleared her throat before she continued. "I'm glad that you actually told me why you felt the need to hit Steven and I'm happy that you were honest with me about it. But right now, I feel like we should just stay friends. You have a lot going on with Courtney and your son and I'm still trying to figure out whether or not I want to-" Violet cut herself off before she continued anymore, almost talking to Jeffrey about her mixed feelings toward Shawn. "Nothing, nevermind," She said, hoping the topic would soon change.

Violet knew that seeing Jeffrey as a friend would be something challenging for her but would be challenging for him also. From the moment that they first met each other they never talked to each other as if they were friends. They were talking because they were getting to know each other. Yes, she had mixed feelings toward 'Shawn,' even if he wasn't actually real, but he was still someone who had a special place in her heart. A someone who had impacted her life in so many positive ways. She couldn't give all that up, even if it meant sacrificing her chances with Jeffrey.

She was torn between choosing Shawn and Jeffrey. She had feelings for both but still couldn't help how she felt about Shawn. She and Shawn had a history and they were supposed to have a future together. It was hard for the girl with every thought that occurred in her mind based off of the situation and choices she had to deal with. But in the end, no matter what, it would still come to Shawn. She would change everything and give up on everyone in a heartbeat if it meant that she would be able to see Shawn and spend time with him, the real Shawn...

"So, we're just going to be friends?" Jeffrey asked Violet with a raised brow. He inhaled deeply as he waited for the girl's response, doing his best to hide his emotions. Hearing her say the word friends made his stomach turn. Hearing her say the word friends had crushed him in more ways than one. But he knew that he couldn't do anything about it. He knew that he couldn't force her into being with him. "When everything else is sorted out and when your feeling better you should give it some more thought. You shouldn't give up on me just yet. But it's okay, I understand... Take as much time as you need."

Violet didn't say a word back to Jeffrey as she found herself at a lost for words. Silence had filled the air and the two sat comfortably, enjoying the quiet and the cool wind that would often graze on their faces. Both finding the weather extremely refreshing right now. A small smile had peaked on Violet's lips, thinking of Jeffrey's words. She closed her eyes as she continued to think about giving him a chance more thought. He wasn't forcing her to do anything. He was being friendly, polite, and caring. He was something better than the Shawn that was in her mind. He was willing to put his feelings aside and will only want her if she wants him. It was nice for the girl...it was different.

The wind had blown Violet's hair backward and as the warm sun beamed on her face she lifted her head toward the sky, looking at the sun. Her smile grew bigger as the sun had reflected off her eyes, causing them to turn a shiny brown color. This moment right here...this conversation I had with Jeffrey... It's been the most relaxing and peaceful time I've had in a while. "Jeffrey..." She started, trying to find the urge in her stomach to say to the man. She knew that Jeffrey was real and that he was a kind, caring, and loving person. He was the man that was actually better than Shawn. She realized that Jeffrey was a man that only wanted her to be happy; she couldn't just give that up.

"Ye-" Violet started to speak but was thrown off by Shawn's presence. He made direct eye contact with the girl as he stood beside the closed door to the pool. He smirked at her while folding his arms over his chest, causing the girl to gulp down harshly. She chewed on her bottom lip as he started to take steps closer toward the girl.

Violet was stuck in her seat as fear kept her paralyzed. Her heart started to rise and a lump in her throat began with every step he took toward the girl. She was about to say yes and escape from Shawn's madness that would put her in a tornado full of emotions. She needed to get out and escape, to be free again. But she couldn't with him being here, she knew that...

"You can't leave me behind, Violet. I control you, I own you..." Shawn said as he took a seat on the couch, chuckling while looking at Jeffrey. "You think you can be happy with him? You love me, you care about me, you need me to stay so I can keep you in-line. To keep you happy. I love you, don't you love me?" He asked.

Violet looked at Shawn carefully, wanting to resist him and her feelings for him. But the moment her eyes fell into his gaze she had lot herself completely. She couldn't imagine waking up one morning and not being able to look at his face, again. She couldn't imagine not talking to him or him holding her at night to keep her safe and warm. She couldn't live without him again and she didn't plan on to. "Yes," The girl said under her breath.

"Good, now let's keep it that way," Shawn replied back.

While Violet dove into her thoughts and spoke to Shawn, Jeffrey remained in his seat. He lit another cigarette and felt a little happiness when he saw Violet stare directly into the sun. The way she was positioned, how her hair blew back, how she smiled, it made the man's heart melt. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. He couldn't believe how she had struggled this much. A beautiful face with a tortured soul, Jeffrey thought as he described the girl.

He let out a small breath as he continued to stare and admire Violet's beauty. Yes, she was a tortured soul, but that doesn't mean he was going to leave her to suffer. No, he was willing to stay by her side and help her go through everything. He wanted to remove her pain and fill her piece by piece of happiness, joy, and love. He was willing to go through everything with her, even if it meant sacrificing his life.

"Get out!" Violet stood from her chair. Her face red with anger as tears streamed down her face. "Get out!" She screamed again and again.

Jeffrey stood from his seat, his smile disappearing and a frown starting to rise. His eyes filling with worry, concern, and heartbreak. "Okay, I'll leave, just try to relax after, please," the man said as he left the house.

Jeffrey's POV

The man had exited the girl's backyard and into the parking lot. He got in his car and turned on the engine, driving to the hospital. On his way to his son, no longer caring about what Courtney says, he felt his heart crumble into thousands of pieces. He felt like he was going to cry, but refused to. He needed to be strong with her decision. If she didn't want to see him anymore, even just as friends, he had to be okay with it. He couldn't force someone to be in his life, so he had to stick with her choice and keep his distance.

Pulling into the hospital the man made his way to Gus's room. Standing in the middle of the doorway he saw his son's eyes flicker open while breathing slowly. Jeffrey's heart had sunk into the bottom of his stomach. He felt like he couldn't breathe while he dropped his phone, running over to his son with tears starting to form in his eyes.

He embraced Gus with a tight embrace as tears streamed down his face. He couldn't believe that his son was finally awake after days of not knowing he was going to be okay. Excited, happy, and grateful, he still couldn't stop crying. Tears of joy, officially understanding what it was like to almost lose a child. "I love you, Gus. Please know that." He cried more, continuing to hold him close.

"I don't want to live with mom," Gus spoke out.

Jeffrey stopped crying and he unwrapped his arms from Gus. He leaned away from his son and stared at his son with a confused face. "Why not?" He asked.

"The car crash was her fault. She's been angry lately and on the road, she went through a red light because she was screaming at me. That's how we crashed. Daddy, I want to be around happy people. I want to be with you," Gus explained, some words were not accurately pronounced because of his age, but Jeffrey still understood what he meant.

"How did you get in here?!" Jeffrey turned his head and saw Courtney standing at the door, holding a coffee from Starbucks. "This is it. I'm going to the police about this, I will inform the doctor's and I will make sure you never see your son again!"

Jeffrey ignored her words and looked at Gus, giving him a hug and a kiss on his forehead. "I have to go for now, but I'll be back soon, okay?"

"I love you, daddy!" Gus shouted as Jeffrey stood from the bed and walked toward Courtney.

Jeffrey stopped for a quick moment, turning around to face his son with teary eyes and a bright smile on his face. "I love you too, son."

The man now turned away from his son and stomped toward Courtney. He saved his anger and his words until he was close to her and away from Gus, not wanting to hear them argue. "Your son is awake and the first thing you do is yell at me and not comfort him, what kind of mom is that? You yell at me when he's right in front of us, what kind of mom is that? He told me everything about the car accident while telling me he wants to live with me. So try all you want Courtney but I am taking you to court and I will take you down." Jeffrey said clearly and sternly before exiting the hospital room.

When the man walked down the hospital hallway he couldn't but stop smiling. He finally stood up for himself, he stood up for his son, and he finally left Courtney speechless. It was a great moment for the man.

Now there was only one thing that he needed to fix...

Norman's POV

Norman stood on Violet's porch, knocking on the front door, feeling nothing but sorrow. He needed to fix things with his friendships, caring too much about Violet and Jeffrey that he couldn't let them down. He didn't want to waste years of fun memories, the bad memories, and the ugly memories, away over some silly mistake. He admitted that it was a dumb and risky idea, but he couldn't stand to see Violet in pain anymore and he couldn't stand to see Jeffrey always dealing with Courtney. He wanted his friends to be happy and he knew that they were perfect for each other.

When being in the same room as them Norman could see the attraction that they shared for one another in their eyes when they're looking at each other. He could see the loving, the caring, and the passion that they have for one another. He just wanted to prove that to them so they could both live their lives happily together.

After finally giving up on waiting outside and knocking on the door simultaneously, Norman twisted the knob, finding out that the door was unlocked. He walked inside, shouting her name. "Violet!" He called, walking into the living room and kitchen, finding empty rooms. "Violet!" He called even louder and checked her bedroom. "Violet!" He shouted a few times while eventually searching her whole house, and finding nothing but empty rooms.

"Vi!-" Norman was ready to shout again but soon stopped as he opened the basement door and found Violet sitting in the corner with tears streaming down her face. "What's going on?" He asked her while running toward her, placing a seat on the floor next to her.

"Violet, what happened?" He asked as he stared at the girl, scanning her face.

Violet was sitting alone, in the cold dark basement with tears running down her face as she appeared emotionless. She was crying, but couldn't feel anything. Happiness, sadness, joy, nothing. She was numb and it hurt.

"Violet?..." Norman spoke softly and slowly raised his hand to her arm. When his fingers touched her skin she jumped angrily from the floor.

"Don't touch me!" She screamed at the top of her lungs and started to throw things around the room. Throwing bookshelves, chairs, boxes, glass objects at the wall. Knocking over everything and ripping up some clothes as she screamed, no longer in control of herself.

"Violet, please, try to stay calm!" Norman shouted back to Violet and wrapped his arms around her, trying to keep her from shouting and throwing things. "It's okay," He said in a quiet and soothing tone while resting his face on the top of her head.

"No!" She yelled as her whole body shivered. She threw Norman off of her and continued to throw things, tearing everything apart.

Norman ran toward the basement door and turned to face Violet once more before leaving. There was nothing he could do but watch her turn berserk. He watched her for a brief moment before turning away and leaving her home, her pain too saddening to watch.

"You're all that I need! You can't be without me! You need me!" Shawn yelled over and over again, making the girl crazy.