Violet's Pov:

Clem can see the fear and regret in my eyes and she reaches her hand out as she takes a step forward to offer me some kind of comfort. "Violet..."

But I back up. I don't want to hurt her, or anyone else for that matter. What if that had been her instead of Louis?

"Louis!"

My eyes shift back and forth between him and Clem and soon everyone's attention is moved from him to me and I start to feel overwhelmed. It's clear that I never meant to hurt Louis, at least to my friends it is. He had only scared me and I had reacted out of instinct, but that didn't stop the guilt from consuming me.

So I turn on my heel and rush out of there as tears start to overtake me. Louis calls out to try and stop me, but I don't hear him. I just want to be left alone. That way no one could be hurt by my irrational actions.

I'm not sure how long I've been gone, and I really don't care. As long as Ms. Martin was willing to let me stay, that's all I cared about. I want to say it's been at least a half-hour if not more because we were well into fourth hour.

After I unintentionally punched Louis in the face I ran out of the cafeteria and eventually made my way to the nurse's office. I didn't want to be around anyone right now, not when I might cause them harm. Not when I might cause her harm.

I can feel my eyes water at the thought of Clem. I hate that I just up and left her, but I need time to be alone for a bit. I didn't want to stick around and risk attacking her as well. Apparently I'm just a pistol waiting to go off at the slightest touch. I guess someone broke the safety, so the trigger was free to be pulled at any time, and now it was just a game of Russian roulette for when I'd go off.

I'm thankful that Ms. Martin is so chill when it comes to bending the rules. Plus I think she has a soft spot for me and my friends, so it's a relief when she doesn't question my being here and lets me lay on the couch in her office. She accepts that I need a break from everything for a bit, and it doesn't hurt that I've recently been in the hospital, adding to my credibility for being here. Not that I was hurting, or at least in that way. I'm also thankful that Ruby isn't acting as her assistant today.

I have no doubt that my friends have tried looking for me, and I'm sure Clem is worried sick, but I can't face them right now. Not yet. I don't want to be bombarded with a million questions, that I don't even fully know the answers to.

But I'm actually surprised that no one has checked here, not that I'm complaining. I like the quiet at the moment, though I kind of wish I had Woody with me. He's the only one that I don't have to worry about hurting and I really want to cuddle him right now. I want something to help make me feel better and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually want to go home. Despite my distaste for staying at my grandparent's house with all of the bad memories looming over me, I really just want to go home, throw on my pajamas and my favorite hoodie, and just cuddle Woody under the covers of my bed.

I sadly don't have that luxury and have to settle for sitting here as I stare up at a wall of inspirational medical posters and a table full of week-old magazines. But I suddenly feel uneasy as I stare at a poster that shows a picture of a brain with the different functions each part of it helps to perform in a different color. Especially the part about the Frontal Lobe as the words speaking and emotional traits reside under that category. Two things I seem to struggle with the most, and it doesn't help that the poster keeps reminding me of it. It makes me think about who I used to be and how I got to where I am now. The me who used to talk seems so distant now, like it was someone that I used to know.

I hate that I'm idly sitting here with nothing to do and I can't seem to take my eyes off the image. I can't talk, I can't write, and I can't leave the school at the moment. So I resort to an old habit and my last coping method available. I get up and I walk.

I wonder the school halls without any sort of destination in mind, and frankly, I don't care where I end up, just as long as I was moving. I watch as rows and rows of red lockers pass by, the black numbers at the top increasing as I move along until I cut through a short pathway to the other hallway and the numbers drop down another hundred.

I'm not concerned about getting caught wandering the halls as my gaze concentrates on the tiled floors that I walk across, my hands shoved in my pockets in an attempt to keep them warm. I don't think any of the teachers besides a few really give a damn about what students are doing in the hallway. I make sure to steer clear of Mr. Cruz's room though, because he was one of the teachers who cared about rules and because that's where I was supposed to be at the moment. Not to mention that's where Clem was as well.

We had English 1B together and I feel kind of bad for sticking her with that class all alone. Most people hated Mr. Cruz's way of doing things and they called him strict. I didn't mind him though and I liked to write so it wasn't a problem for me. I bet he's probably mad at me for skipping out on his class though, but I'm his favorite student in creative writing so I feel like I have some leeway.

I kept walking, however, not really paying attention to where I was going. But I eventually make my way back towards the lunchroom and head down the hall that leaves from it. I'm about to step out into the main hallway when I pick up the sound of voices from around the corner. I come to a stop because I don't want any confrontation. My friends weren't the only ones who saw me hook Louis in the jaw. But they're probably the only ones who know that I didn't mean it because they're also the only ones who know my full story. And I don't know who else laid witness to my poor choice of a reaction.

I'm about to turn around, but I pick up a familiar voice. Actually two familiar voices, but there's one that I love and one I hate. They're so similar, yet so different in personality. Sophie and Minerva.

At first, I'm too distracted by my racing heart to pick up on anything for fear of being caught by people I know. But that's when a thought hits me, I don't remember Sophie being present at our table during lunch. She completely missed that moment with Woody and the banana and she didn't see me punch Louis either. But never mind that, I can hear most of the conversation and it didn't sound that great.

Wait. Were they talking about me? And were they...arguing?

Third Person Pov:

"I don't see how your fucking falling for this."

"What? Minnie, you can't be serious right now!"

Both red-headed twins went at each other in the seemingly empty hallway. Neither of them seemed to care how loud they got as the conversation spiraled into an argument. Minerva casually leaning against the row of lockers on her right with her arms crossed while she somewhat listened to Sophie defending Violet's honor.

Minnie scoffed at Sophie's exclamation. "She's fucking playing you guys! You don't really believe this whole "Speechless" act do you."

Sophie narrowed her eyes at her sister, clearly hurt and angered that she thought Violet was faking her muteness. "Minnie she was fucking abused! You of all people know that her life at home was troubled. Did you not hear a thing that I told you!"

Minerva rolled her eyes at her twin's statement. "What, that she was in the hospital? She probably caused that herself. You know Violet and how reckless she is." Minnie unfolded her arms for a second and gestured towards the cafeteria at the end of the hall. "D'you hear, she fucking nailed Louis in the face. I knew she still had an edge to her."

"Violet's not like that Minnie, not anymore. And you know that." Sophie said sternly. "And what happened with Louis was an accident."

Minnie stood up from her slouched position against the lockers and straightened herself. "How do you accidentally punch someone, Soph?"

Sophie hadn't been there to see exactly what had happened, but she knew in her heart that Violet would never have intentionally hurt Louis like that. Especially when she was still recovering. But she could pretty much put the pieces together to understand why what had happened did. "She's scared Min. How would you feel if someone you've known all your life tried to kill you? It's no wonder she hit Louis when she had to defend herself from the last person who put their hands on her."

Minerva seemed to be lost in thought though, as Sophie's words washed over her and rolled right off her back. Not even caring to acknowledge her twin's explanation of the so-called 'fight' that took place. She smiled as a thought came over her. "You know what would of been awesome, is if she would have done it to Clementine instead. Now I would have paid to have seen that."

Sophie seemed a bit shocked at her sister's words. What happened to her once kind-hearted sibling who actually cared about other people? "What the fuck, Minnie!"

Minerva didn't seem bothered by Sophie's outburst and shrugged her shoulders. "What? All I'm saying is it would be funny. Jeeze, lighten up Soph." Minerva said as she put her arm around Sophie's shoulders.

"It's not funny. This is serious, and I'm tired of you fucking bullshit!" Sophie yelled as she shoved her sister off of her.

"You know what I always liked about you, Minnie? That you used to always stand up for the underdog. You used to be so fun to hang around and now you're just..." Sophie trailed off. She couldn't say that to her sister, could she? They were family, and deep down they really did care about each other. But, Violet was a part of her family too. All of her friends were. And Minnie had crossed the line one too many times.

Sophie felt her fists tighten in anger. "You know what Minnie, you're just a bitch. You don't care about anyone but your fucking self and I'm tired of it! You changed, and I hope you're happy with your self!"

Minerva scoffed at her artistic twin's accusation, but deep down she had to admit that it kind of hurt to hear Sophie say that. her sister had always stood by her side no matter how bad things had gotten. But she wasn't about to show that it had secretly gotten to her. "Yeah, well Violet changed too!"

"Violet changed for the better," Sophie said sternly before dropping her demeanor to one of pity for her sister. She shook her head in disappointment. "I only wish you had too."

And with that, she left without another word.

Violet's Pov:

I could hear footsteps approach after Sophie's last words and I assumed she had dropped the conversation having dealt with enough of Minnie's bullshit. I didn't want her to catch me though, for obvious reasons. And I also didn't want to risk a run-in with Minnie again. She was clearly pissed at me. I'm not sure why, though. Ever since we broke up she's hated me, but now it seemed like a fire had been relit and she hated me even more for some reason. Maybe it was because I was the talk of the school right now, though that's the last place I want to be. Despite Brody's scolding this morning, I know that there are still faint whispers that travel around.

Minnie always liked being the center of attention and when that was taken from her she lashed out. Everything was always about her. But she could have the school's attention, I didn't want it. In fact, I just want to disappear at the moment so I don't have to talk to anyone. Though I actually did need to disappear or else someone was going to catch me and I have a fifty-fifty chance of it being the devil or the angle.

There was a door off to my left and across the brass plating at the top in black letters read "Custodian". I twisted the doorknob and lucky for me it opened. I slipped inside and closed the door as quietly as I could, then a few seconds later I heard footsteps fade off into the distance. Followed by the words, "Yeah? Well, I don't fucking care!" Obviously coming from Minnie who was quite ticked off at the scolding she had gotten from Sophie.

I'm actually quite touched that Sophie had done that for me. I know Minnie talks a lot of shit about me. I've just learned to ignore it, and Sophie could have done the same, but it means a lot that she was willing to tell her off.

I wince however when I hear a loud bang as metal rattles and I realize that Minnie must have kicked one of the lockers in frustration. Honestly, I almost feel bad for her, because Sophie is right, Minnie used to be a good person. She used to be sweet like her sister and it was one of the things that caused me to fall for her. But now everything that used to make Minnie, Minnie was gone.

I'll never have feelings for her again, but I do wish that one day she'd come back to our group and hopefully be friends with everyone again. I have changed form the person that I used to be because I saw the errors of my ways, and I wish Minnie could see that too. Now she was the remains of someone that I used to know.

Someone I used to know, who ran herself in the ground. It's been a long time coming since I pulled myself out of my troubled past. I couldn't keep on running. I had to hit rock bottom to know that when you keep on losing with the path your choosing, then it's time to let go.

But I guess Minnie just wasn't there yet.

I sigh to myself. I thought maybe if anyone could get Minerva to change it would be Sophie, but maybe she was just to far gone. She's gone past saving but hasn't hit rock bottom just yet. I wish we could have saved her, like how my friends had saved me. Because I know from experience that reaching the lowest you can go isn't a good place to be in. I've found myself there multiple times before, but I always had my friends to pull me out of the shadows and now I have Clementine as well.

Minnie at least had Sophie, but I'm not so sure she even has that now.

I let out a slow and deep breath and I take in the scent of dirty mop water and chemicals. And I realize that I don't want to be stuck in the janitor's closet anymore. It's been quiet for a few minutes anyway, so I'm pretty sure both Sophie and Minnie have moved on.

I slowly open the door and the dim light from the hallway now seems blinding after being stuck in a cramped and dark space. I close the door behind me and go to turn the corner and head away from where the twins had previously been. But in my panic to get away, I fail to be vigilant in my surroundings. Everything still has a high brightness to it as well, for my eyes have not yet completely adjusted from their shift from darkness to light. But I make out a figure that's a couple of yards down the hall. Her back is to me, but I'm still freaking out at the thought of being caught.

So my escape is sloppy and I accidentally nick the side of a garbage can with my foot. It's not much, but the empty hallways amplify the sound. My heart starts to race and I'm terrified to turn around when I hear that yell from down the hall. "Stop right there, speechless!"

My fifty-fifty chance has just been cashed in and now I have to dance with the devil as Minerva approaches me. Something tells me to run, but I know Minnie will come after me if I take off. Plus I don't know if I can play "Don't get caught" with the injuries I've sustained. But I also don't think I can land a fight without some serious repercussions either. Minnie mostly just likes to threaten me, but I know she's not above throwing a punch.

I'm too busy thinking about the pros and cons of each option that I don't realize how close she really is to me. But it's too late as I'm thrown into another accidental fight. Minerva reaches out and grasps my shoulder quite harshly to pull me towards her, but it spikes my panic and I quickly turn around and shove her as hard as I can to get her hands off me.

I can tell she wasn't expecting it, but neither was I, and she falls back onto the floor. It takes a minute for both of us to register what just happened. I've never fought back before when Minnie's gone after me, and I can see it in her eyes that she's outraged at being shoved by me.

My heart is running a mile a minute and my eyes widen because I know if she didn't want to fight me before she does now. After her talk with Sophie, I know Minnie doesn't care that I was in the hospital. She will fight me, but I can't fight back. And if I take a hard enough hit to the right spot I may just end back up in the hospital.

I can't do this alone this time. And that's when it hits me, Sophie! She was just here. I pray to God that she's still out and about. And I do the only thing left that I can. I run.

I turn on my heel and take off in the direction that I know Sophie was last headed. But Minnie isn't opting out her chances of getting back at me as she jumps back to her feet. "VIOLET!" I don't dare turn around as I hear her yell out my name and it's hard to hear over the sound of my pounding heart, but I can hear the sound of her boots hitting the tiled floor in her pursuit after me.

I walk everywhere so running isn't a problem for me. But there's a pain in my chest with every labored breath I have to take. It hurts and I know I should not be doing this with the way my ribs are, but I know it'll be bad if she catches me. Though honestly, if I wasn't injured at the moment I feel like this would be kind of fun. I know I can outrun Minnie, but not like this.

I'm honestly surprised no one has come out to see what all the commotion is. We're literally running through the entire school and I know Minnie's shout was loud enough to be heard from inside the classrooms. What kind of school do we go to? I'm actually willing to bet that our security cameras don't even work. Probably why no one ever gets in trouble unless something breaks out in the middle of class.

I feel like this hallway is going on forever and my chest and feels like it's on fire, but I will myself to keep running. I think Minnie is getting closer as she continues to yell stuff at me and her footsteps seem to get louder, but I turn the corner sharply and down towards the end of the science hallway is the person I've been looking for. But I catch a glimpse of the short-haired twin and realize she's hot on my trail.

My shoes squeak as they push off of the shiny tiled floor. It's the only noise I make besides the hard breathing that I'm doing. Sophie's back is to me and I have no way to grab her attention because I'm without a voice. I feel like she should be hearing the profanities that her sister keeps shouting at me, but I realize that the artistic twin probably has her earbuds in.

I somewhat slow my pace as I approach her. I reach out and grasp her arm and Sophie is a bit startled by the sudden contact and the momentum of my running moves us forward a bit before coming to a halt.

I try and mouth out words frantically to try and get something across to explain that I'm in danger and in need of help. Sophie removes her music and I see worry take over her face. "Vi? What's wrong?"

I don't get a chance to explain though as I'm violently slammed into a set of lockers. My back hits the metal rectangles and I feel a sharp pain erupt from my side. I can feel tears flood my eyes and my vision is already disoriented from the sudden shove, but I can just make out the movement and I duck and roll to the side as a fist slams into the lockers right where my head used to be. I loud bang erupts from the metal cabinets and there's now a large dent in locker 225.

Though slamming her fist into a locker doesn't seem to phase her as she realizes that she missed. I want to run again to avoid Minnie's assault, but I don't have the time or energy to stand up. I can't escape her wraith and I know that's going to cost me if she lands a hit.

Minerva quickly rears back her fist to go in for another strike. I throw up my hands in front of me in a final attempt to stop whatever blow I might receive. But I feel like I'm reliving the fight with my father as once again a buffer is thrown between me and my attacker.

Sophie steps between us and catches Minnie's fist with her palm. She pushes her sister's hand away and I'm too stunned to do anything but continue to lie on the floor. "What the fuck, Minnie! Back off!"

I can tell that Minerva is troubled by this because I can see that she doesn't want to fight Sophie, but her desire to get to me fuels her with anger. "Stay out of this, Sophie! It doesn't fucking concern you! Now get out of the way!"

But Sophie stands her ground. She won't let Minnie pass and she makes sure to keep me behind her. I can tell she doesn't want this to escalate so she tries to talk her twin down. "I don't want to fight you Minnie, but I'm not going to let you hurt Violet."

Now I knew Minerva could pack a punch, but I've never seen Sophie fight in her life. I'm immediately overrun with guilt because this is exactly what I didn't want, another person getting hurt because of me. I already told myself that I wouldn't drag anyone down with me. And I'm conflicted about whether or not I should cast myself between the two and just take the hit in order to save Sophie.

But before I can make up my mind I'm pulled from my thoughts by some shuffling and I can see the twins locked in a stalemate as Sophie attempts to hold Minnie back. But Minerva having more experience brings a foot up and kicks Sophie's leg down causing her to fall to the ground with Minnie pinning her down. I feel scared as I watch it unfold, but both me and Minerva are shocked when Sophie brings her fist back and hooks her sister in the jaw. It stuns Minnie enough for Sophie to push her sister off of her and then Minerva receives a kick to the chest that sends her to the ground.

Sophie is on her feet in an instant and now it's her who towers over the other redhead. Minnie attempts to try and get up to rush her again, but Sophie prevents her from rising from the floor, but I can tell she's not happy with having to do this. "Minnie, don't make me do this. I don't want to fight you."

"F-fuck you!" Minerva pants from the floor out of breath. She clearly doesn't want to give up and I can tell that her sister sees that this isn't going to change.

I hear Sophie give a sigh before she says the words, "I'm sorry." And she does what I had to do. She finally lets go of someone that she used to know.

She turns around and offers a hand to me. I hesitantly take it, because I'm honestly still terrified that someone's going to hurt me. But Sophie helps me up with a smile.

"You're honestly going to choose her over family, over your sister?" Minerva coldly states as she rises to her feet once more. I'm worried that she's going to try and rush me again, but she stays where she is.

"Maybe when my sister comes back to me, I can forgive her. But until that time comes I won't have one." Sophie sternly replies.

I see hurt flash in Minerva's eyes for a second, but she's quick to hide any vulnerability. "W-whatever. Screw the both of you! The hell if I care!"

And I see Sophie shake her head in disproval as Minerva walks off, leaving us alone.

Then she turns to me with concern written across her face. "You okay Vi? I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. Fucking Minnie." She mumbles the last part under her breath.

I nervously tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and nod. I feel sore all over and my heart is still set on running a marathon, but it'll pass.

Sophie sends me a smile. "That's good. I'm glad you're okay."

I send her a shy smile back, but it quickly disappears as I notice the way she holds her right hand. Her eyes follow my gaze and she quickly returns it to her side. "I-I'm fine Vi. Really, it's okay."

I shake my head and I take a step back. Fuck. I knew this would happen. Someone got hurt again because of me.

Of course, she did, what was I thinking! Sophie's never been in a fight, she doesn't know how to punch without hurting her hand. And it was my fault. It was always my fault.

Guilt washes over me and I can feel the stinging sensation of tears appearing. Everyone around me only winds up hurt.

Sophie can see the fear and regret in my eyes and she goes to take a step towards me. She reaches out a hand. "Vi..."

But I don't let her touch me and I take off at a run before the tears can start to fall. I run to the last place that I can think of where no one could bother me. I don't care if it hurts, I don't care if I get in trouble. I just want to stop hurting the people that I care about.

Clem's Pov:

The bell rings signaling the end of fourth period and Mr. Cruz releases us. I hate that Violet wasn't there. I couldn't find her after she ran off and it worries me that she didn't come to class. So I pull out my phone to see if anyone has any news on her whereabouts, but all of my messages are empty.

I'm about to repocket my phone when I feel it buzz in my hand. I look and see that Sophie just sent me a text.

Sophie: "Clem, Violet needs you. NOW!"

I'm immediately panicked by her message. This can't be good and concern for my girlfriend fills me as I briskly walk to my history class. It's a bit of a struggle to type one-handed since my other one is busy holding Woody, but I manage to hold a conversation with the artistic twin.

Clem: "Why? What the hell happened?"

Sophie: "Okay, don't freak out but...Violet had another run-in with Minnie."

Clem: "Holy shit! What the hell happened! Is Vi okay!? Where is she!?"

A million thoughts run through my head of what could have gone wrong. "If Minerva fucking hurt her, I swear I'm..."

My thoughts are interrupted by a reply from the redhead.

Sophie: "I'm not sure what happened, but Minnie was running after Vi when she found me. She got in a good shove before I could step in, but Minnie never landed a punch. I took care of her though, Violet's fine."

I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Violet got out with minimal damage. "Thank god Sophie was there." But another text from Sophie has me worried again.

Sophie: "But I jacked up my hand when fighting Minnie. I think I might of I scared Vi. She took off afterward and I have no idea where she is now."

"Fuck," I say under my breath as I approach a door. I pocket my phone as I walk into the classroom. I'm thankful that this is my last class. History has always been my favorite class, especially now with the teacher I had.

"Hey, dad." I pause for a moment realizing my mistake, before resuming my walk towards his desk. "Er...um...Mr. Everett." Luckily no one is in here just yet and I save myself from embarrassment. Not that everyone didn't already know that Lee was my dad, but I'm not supposed to call him dad while he was at work.

Lee chuckles at my mistake from his desk, but it's quickly replaced with his serious dad look as he can tell that somethings up as I set Woody on his desk. "What's the matter, Clem?"

I bite my lip debating on how to explain this. "I...V-Violets in trouble." I semi blurt out. I feel anger build up as I relay the next words and I'm no longer worried about the words that tumble out of my mouth. "She got attacked by Minerva. She wasn't in class fourth hour and now no one knows where she is."

I've resorted to pacing next to Lee's desk as reveal all of the information that I know of, my anger slowly turning to worry for the blonde that I hold near and dear to my heart. "I'm worried about her, but I don't know what to do. I don't know where she is!"

I'm getting emotional as I can feel tears wanting to build up in my eyes. I'm trying to keep it together, but on the inside, I'm a fucking mess. I hate it whenever Violet is hurting and I'm not there to help her. But I can tell that Lee knows what's happening. I've had this problem before, an old habit of mine.

Now, I know that he's not supposed to do this because we were at school and everything is supposed to be formal. But Lee's teacher role drops for a minute since we're alone and dad mode comes out. "Hey, sweet pea, it's going to be all right." He rests a hand on my shoulder. "I'll take care of Minerva, this wouldn't be her first offense. You go and find Violet. Make sure she's okay."

I take a deep breath and nod just as students start filing into the classroom. I leave my stuff there along with Woody as I start my hunt for the blonde. But as I walk through the door someone else walks in. I send a piercing glare in her direction and I have to bite back my desire to go off at her right then and there. Minerva can see that I'm not happy with her as she catches my stare when we walk past each other. She better fucking watch herself because if I find out that anything is wrong with Violet there's going to be blood on my knuckles by the end of the day.

Out in the hall, I pull out my phone once more and I text Sophie back.

Clem: Alright, any idea where Violet was headed?"

I have to wait a few minutes for a reply. But I assume that Sophie is now back in class and probably had to wait for a moment where she could sneak me a text.

Sophie: "Not sure, but I think I know where she probably is..."

Violet's Pov:

I don't know why I didn't just come here, to begin with. She's about the only faculty member here who really understands me besides Mr. Everett.

Carley was the assistant principal at Ericson High, but honestly, she acted more like a counselor or even a therapist in a way. She always treated everyone with respect and actually saw us as human beings, not just delinquents who get into trouble every time someone was sent to the office. It's what I loved about her because she was one of the few people who understood my muteness. She never pressured me to talk if I didn't want to and she understood when I had a desire for wanting space from everyone when things got to be too much.

And I'd often stop by her office if I needed a break and things just got to be too much. She was cool with the slight rule-bending like Ms. Martin was. There were times when Carley would just let me sit in her office and write in my journal and I eventually found out that she enjoyed writing as well. Something we've bonded over after all this time.

If it were up to me I'd rather have her as our actual principal. She was a hundred times better than Ericson was. I doubt he even gives a shit about any of the students here. He didn't want to deal with everyone's problems so whenever someone actually got in trouble they were sent to Carley unless it was a big enough offense to require suspension.

I was lucky that I caught her when she was free. When I showed up at her door she didn't even question it and let me walk in. The moment the door was shut tears poured down my face. Carley had asked if I wanted to talk about it, but she didn't object when I shook my head no. Instead, she just let me sit in her backroom knowing that I just wanted time alone.

It's been about twenty minutes since I first arrived and the tears have slowed but every few minutes I can feel another one slowly fall down the side of my face. I just sit here curled up on one of her cushioned chairs by the window. It's a bit dark because I didn't want to turn the lights on, but the light from the window is good enough for me. Even if the outside weather seems to reflect my mood. Scattered hues of gray litter the sky as storm clouds roll in. It's not raining, but the cool shades of gray put a filter on the atmosphere and make the cold November day dark and depressing. At least in my eyes, it is.

I remove my glasses and wipe my sleeve across my eyes to remove the tears that have built up. Then placing them back on I stare out the window. My thoughts on today are so overwhelming and confusing that I can't tell what I feel anymore. My chest aches, my eyes sting, and my side is burning, but inside I feel nothing. My feelings have gone numb and I'm at one of my lows again where I hold on to that sensation of pain in order to feel something. I hate when it comes to that, but all I've done today is screw everything up.

Louis probably hates me, Sophie is probably frustrated with me now, I already know Minnie hates me, and then there was Clem. Whenever I think of her all I can see is how disappointed she probably is in me. I don't think I could face her at the moment, but at the same time, I really want her here.

This whole time I was worried about Minnie hitting rock bottom, but instead, I think I just did.

It's a few minutes later when I start to hear voices on the other side of the door. I can't tell what they're saying, but a few seconds later the door opens and the person I was just thinking about walks in.

She slowly closes the door and walks over without a sound. She sits next to me but doesn't say a word as I fail to fully meet her gaze. We just sit in silence in the dark room, but I can slowly feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I feel a single tear slide down my cheek and then there's a hand reaching up to brush it away. My eyes drift up for a second to meet the golden ones that I fell in love with. And her voice is soft and gentle when she speaks. "Hey...I love you."

Those words push me over the edge because all of my emotions come crashing down. I squeeze my eyes shut as I start to cry. I don't even have to do anything as Clem's protective side comes out and I find myself in her arms. I bury my face into her neck with my arms wrapped around her as I somewhat lay against her shoulder. My body trembles in her embrace as I can't stop crying. Tears drip down onto Clem's shirt and neck, but she doesn't care in the slightest as her main focus is to calm me down.

I feel terrible for everything and guilt consumes me, but it's like Clem can read my mind as her words reach my ears. "It wasn't your fault, babe. No one blames you for what happened. Louis isn't mad at you, we know it was an accident."

That's great and all, but I still caused a lot of damage today. Sophie still got hurt protecting me and I still keep lashing out whenever someone lays a hand on me. Clem's about the only one I can get close to and not completely panic. It's the only contact I feel any comfort in and I start to calm down as I feel her rub my back soothingly, but the tears still continue to fall. "It's okay. Sophie's not mad at you, Vi. It wasn't your fault. Everythings going to be okay."

The shaking comes to a halt as I just sit in Clem's embrace. I refuse to let go of her and my arms stay tightly wrapped around her as my head lays on her shoulder. A few tears slip out every now and then, but I think the worst is over for now. And I just listen to everything Clem has to say, enjoying the contact that I desperately need.

She brings a hand up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "God, I was so scared something had happened to you Vi." I enjoy the feeling of her running her fingers through my hair and it's helping me to relax, but I wince as a sudden wave of pain washes over me. My side is really sensitive at the moment and now that Clem's here I'm finally taking notice of how much it really hurts.

Clem's concerned by this and her relieved voice turns to one with a bit more agitation and panic as she almost jumps from her chair to turn and get a look at me. "A-are you okay? Did she hurt you?"

I don't know how to answer though, and even if I could, would I tell her not to worry about it or should I admit to getting slammed into a locker. Clem can read my face though and goes to explain her side of the story as she runs her hand through my hair again. "Sophie told me what happened...she said Minerva shoved you into the wall."

My gaze drifts to the floor because I feel guilty about all of that, and I can't help but think it's all my fault.

But again, Clem reads me like a book and I don't know whether to be thankful for it or not. "It's okay, babe. You don't have to tell me what happened, I know it wasn't your fault."

I simply nod to show that I acknowledge her words.

I feel Clem rest her chin on top of my head as I cuddle into her side more. "If she ever lays her hands on you again, she'll have to deal with more than just Sophie." I can feel her pull me closer in a protective manner. "I promise Violet, I'll never let anyone hurt you ever again. We'll get through this...together."

I know she means every word of it and it means the world to me with how much she cares. I don't know how I got so lucky with her, but I thank my lucky stars that she appeared in my life as she runs her fingers through my hair one last time. "I love you." She whispers to me.

I nod to show that I feel the same. But I wish that I could say "I love you" back right now.