Chapter Seven

He rapped on the flaking door determined, this time, that the visit would be brief. At least, he told himself, he actually had a legitimate reason for being here. Business, a kind of mission, a job to do.

Violet opened the door with a look of excitement that could not altogether disguise the fear she was also feeling.

"So…?"

"It's a no, Violet." He'd got it over with quickly; so why didn't he feel relieved? Jule stepped away from the door with finality, and the girl's face turned white.

"Is this a joke? It's not a particularly funny-"

"Why would it be a joke? Marton said he'd ask Jared; Jared told him no. It's that simple. I did tell you. And now I'd better-"

He tailed off, aware both of the fact that he was jabbering and of Violet's deeply hurt expression. He watched in astonishment as a tear leaked out of her left eye and her chin creased, quivering.

"oh, come on, Violet, don't-"

She pointed an accusatory finger at Jule. "I bet you didn't say how important it be to me! You pretended you couldn't care whether they let me back in or not! And I thought you'd care at least a little bit, like you used to…"

All the while she talked – shouted – her face grew wetter and her cheeks shone brighter and brighter with tears. Eventually, Juke couldn't stand it and his business-like front fell away.

"Hey, look, Violet. I promise I didn't do any of that."

"Oh, no?"

"No! Jared's just following the rules. We all have to."

"But he made the damn rules! Surely he could break them?"

"I don't think so," Jule sighed. "I suppose your dad isn't home."

"No…How'd you guess?" Violet suddenly realised how much noise she must have been making. "Actually – don't answer that."

"So can I come in, then? We can talk this over."

"Sure."

Inside, Jule poured Violet a drink and found a packet of CheeseThings in a cupboard – they reminded him fleetingly of Ember, but he cut them open nonetheless, almost defiantly. The kitchen was amazingly familiar to him and he found his way around without a single hitch.

"Thanks." Violet sniffed as Jule sat down beside her on a knobbly couch and handed her the packet and cup.

"I can still keep you up-to-date with Coalition matters," Jule offered, and Violet nodded. He had the feeling he'd just unknowingly committed himself to some kind of commitment. He was puzzling over this when he felt a warm weight on his shoulder. Violet's head was there, as it once had been, months ago.

She's upset, Jule told himself. I'm comforting her. It's the natural thing to do.

As if to convince himself further, Jule placed an arm around the girl and lightly patted her shoulder. Comforting…just-

Yet all thoughts of comforting slipped from Jule's mind and spun away into open space when Violet slowly lifted her head to kiss his cheek. And somehow, he must have jumped and moved slightly because…somehow…somehow, he found his lips on Violet's. For several seconds. Or could it have been more?

In any case, Violet's remorse had evidently cleared. "So, who's Ember?" she asked casually.

"W-what?"

"You mentioned someone called Ember a couple of times. I just wondered…"

"She's…ah…she's my…nobody. She's an ex-girlfriend, I guess." He grinned stupidly.

"Oh."

"Well, maybe I should go now, Vi. There's probably some other Coalition business I have go and…do."

"Probably." She stood and led Jule to the door. Opening it, she reminded him of something.

"You said you'd keep me up-to-date?"

Jule could only reply with a nod as he left.

Message from: Ember Wood
Message received: 6;55pm.
Hey Jule, it's me. How come I haven't seen you in – what – 4 days? I swear I'm not angry with you…and if you're angry with me will you tell-