A/N: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG yes you are allowed to kill me. I am sooo sorry that I have not updated. But I had a serious writers block, plus in the middle somewhere I had a serious inspiration for an original story and I have like 35 pages typed up.
Also, I don't know how many of you attend high school and are in gr. 10 but believe me when I say that June was the most intense homework-filled month of my life. I had like five projects, exams, b-day parties, filming etc…
So, I really am sorry and I promise to update the next chapter really soon.
Someone complained to me that I should have explained the reason why Kori didn't have the baby and give it up for adoption, and how abortion is a touchy topic. First of all, Kori didn't have the baby because Roy told her he wasn't going to support her or the baby. He broke Kori's heart and sent her into shock and she didn't know what else to do. She aborted the baby because if she had it she knew she would want to keep it but it would remind her too much of Roy. It would tear her apart and she thought she was making the best decision. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't.
Plus plenty of people have abortions for no reason at all; this is my story and I chose for Kori to have an abortion. I personally think abortion should be up to the woman since she's having the baby. I mean, I think it's wrong to abort your baby because it's a girl and you wanted a boy but I think it's okay if you got rapped or something. If anybody has anything about this they want to say, put it in the review and I'll get back to you.
Chapter dedication: This chapter is dedicated to my wonderful bestest (not a word but really what child hasn't used it in their vocabulary at least once?) friend in the whole wide world, Suzanne. Thanks for always being there for me in my times of happiness, and especially in my times of need.
Disclaimer: Well, in my dreams I am a famous and rich person who owns the Teen Titans, but, well that's just in my dreams. In reality I own nothing in this story except for my O.C. Violet! Oh and I do not own Stefanie Cimini because yes she actually is a person (and is not insane although scientists have questioned her motives ;) )
Chapter Four: La vie en Rose
I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.
- Emma Goldman
Where flowers bloom so does hope.
- Lady Bird Johnson
The world is a rose; smell it and pass it to your friends.
- Persian Proverb
From last time…
Despite Kori's earlier conversation with Violet and Julia, she was still feeling happy and light when she went to bed. She hadn't even thought about going near the washroom—except to do the normal stuff—that night.
But it wasn't until she woke up in a cold sweat with tears on her face from a nightmare of what had happened only months ago, that Kori remembered. She was reminded of her break-up and painful operation. And she fell back into depression.
Richard had been able to blind her—but only for a day.
Richard whistled happily as he strode into room seven. He sat down in his usual chair, preparing to wait for Kori.
Kori had really enjoyed their cookie episode. He could see how much fun she was having, and he felt that he was making a difference and that maybe this job wasn't so hard after all.
'Kori seemed so happy when I left her last time, I'm sure I'm doing the right thing.' Remembering how much she had smiled, he gave himself a pat on the back. 'I should do this for a living!' A part of him told himself not to be so cocky. He ignored the voice.
There was a knock on the door and it opened to revealed Kori. She slowly trudged in, appearing much like she did the first day—her head down, sad, confused, but not scared— except that something was a little different.
She still had her head down when she sat across from Richard but before Richard could say anything, she let out a big sigh and then started fiddling with her hands.
"What shall we do today?" She sighed again.
Richard was really confused. Why was she sad still? Hadn't he helped her so much last time? Why was she suddenly acting the way she had on the first day.
"What's wrong?" Richard asked.
Kori sighed. "Nothing." She looked around the room a couple of times, "I just feel…as though I wish to, I don't know"-she paused, her voice turning to a whisper-"do something."
Richard all of a sudden looked happy again. "Well then if you want to do something, you're in luck! We're going to do something fun and stimulating today."
Kori immediately looked up and smiled. Her sudden change of mood was so noticeable, even Richard picked it up. "Oh finally! I have been feeling quite restive these days."
Richard smiled. 'Wow, I must be doing great here! She's smiled already and it's hardly been five minutes!' There was nothing to worry about. She just wanted to do something. It was probably his theory on teaching her to live again, at work.
"We need to go outside for this one," Richard said, getting up and opening the door.
"No cooking today?" Kori asked, following him out of the room.
"No, something better."
He led her to the outside of the building, towards the back.
There stood in front of Kori, a beautiful lot.
Karen had truly done a wonderful job of creating the image of peace and harmony that existed in the world. Even though it was October, the landscaping looked like a magical place. There were many different trees everywhere—Oak, Evergreen, Maple, and Kori's two favourites Willow and Japanese Maple trees.
There was also a part in the middle of the property that displayed a huge and lavishing fountain surrounded by flowers—that were not yet dead—that looked too beautiful to be true.
There was a dirt path that ran along the outside of the property, circulating it and then running straight across the property. When Richard took Kori on a grand tour, she saw that the dirt path that ran across the property led you to a bridge right in the middle.
It was the called the Bridge of Dreams and when Kori asked Richard about this title he answered, "Because it's a tradition that every time someone comes to this program, they will cross the bridge at the beginning—when they are far from their dreams but showing that they have crossed a bridge in the right direction. Then, again at the end of their time here, to show that they have crossed over and have achieved or are close to achieving their dreams."
Kori clasped her hands together. "It sounds beautiful."'
Richard smiled. "Karen decided it would be a tradition when she built this place. The bridge was already here and she thought it would be appropriate since building this place and successfully opening it was one of her dreams come true."
Continuing the tour, Richard showed Kori the far end of the property, where it faced the ocean.
"It is a beautiful property," Kori breathed. She felt like she was in a fairy tale. She shook her head. "Beautiful can not even describe it. It must be even more breath-taking in the summer."
Richard nodded. "Yeah. Karen has a real green thumb."
"So where will we plant my garden?" Kori asked curiously.
"I'll show you right now."
Five minutes later the two arrived at a secluded part of the property. It was a circular area. Willow trees surrounded the outside and there was a cobbled stone walk. In the middle stood a small white fountain where water sprouted out from a rosy red heart on top. All around the area there was fresh soil, ready to be planted in.
"Okay, Kori. We're going to be planting in this soil here; it will be your personal garden. Decide what kind of plants you want to get, okay? We're going to go to a nursery close to here to get them." He paused. "But here's the thing."
"Yes?"
"This won't be a regular garden; it's special. In this garden you will plant a flower or bush according to all the special and most important people in your life that you believe deserve a place in your sacred garden. The plant you give them will show how much they mean to you.
Like if you were planting something for your mom, you could give her a rosebush and then if you were planting something for a friend you met, you'd give them a tulip. Understand?"
Kori nodded, but looked oddly bewildered. "Yes, I believe I comprehend."
"Great."
An hour later Kori had picked out all the plants she was going to grow in her sacred garden, which she had decided to call La vie en Rose.
"Why'd you pick that name?" Richard asked her as he wrote the title on a piece of wood while Kori painted it. They were going to hang it at the opening into the garden.
"Hmm?" Kori seemed distracted. "What were we talking about?"
"I said how come you picked 'La vie en Rose' as a name for your garden?"
Kori looked confused, as though she hadn't remembered what she had named her garden, but then she nodded. "Right. La vie en Rose. I have selected this name because what I know is that these plants shall be a reflection of my thoughts of my friends and family. To me everyone is a plant in the world. Many are delicate and fragile like flowers while others are bushes and trees—sturdy on the outside and strong on the inside.
This garden shall be my life in flowers. The big bushes will represent my family, where the roots lie deep in the ground. The roots of my heritage. The small ones will be my friends."
Richard laughed. "Wow, I didn't know you were so wise."
Kori shrugged. "I do not think I am wise. If I was then I would not be here."
Richard put down the sign he was painting. He sighed. "Kori, just because you're here, doesn't mean you aren't wise. Even the wise mess up. Everyone messes up. 'Messing up' is different for everyone you know," he smiled at her.
She returned the smile. "Now that is wise."
When they had finished panting the sign, they began planting. Kori had chosen the following plants for the following people.
Mom – Japanese maple
Dad – Evergreen tree
"Because I remember that he was always there for me, strong and sturdy," Kori explained. "Nor wind nor cold could stop him from protecting me," she looked down, "only a car."
Saffron – blue spruce
"Who's that?" Richard asked.
"My sister," Kori replied.
"Isn't her name an expensive spice or something?"
"I believe so."
Thyme – Pendula
"Let me guess," Richard rubbed his chin. "You brother?"
Kori smiled. "Yes."
Rachel – Rosebush
Kori explained, "Because she is beautiful with thorns attached—thorns only Gar can manage to get through."
Gar -Star fruit
Flashback
Mrs. Sytnyk walked in the classroom.
"Mrs.! Mrs.!"
"Yes Garfield?"
The entire class was looking at Gar but he didn't mind. Not this time. "Please give Kori a star! She deserves one, especially since today is her birthday."
Mrs. Sytnyk smiled warmly down at the young boy and then at Kori who was blushing furiously.
The teacher walked over to her desk and produced two golden stars. She placed one on Kori's shirt. "This is for Kori, not only because it's her birthday but because she is a star in helping people and being so friendly all the time." She placed the other star on Gar's shirt. "This is for being such a good friend."
From that day on, Kori was often referred to as a "Star". And Gar always made sure she was.
End of Flashback
"Since Star fruit needs warm weather and stuff all the time, we'll plant it in the Greenhouse and then transfer it outside in the spring," Richard explained.
Violet – Violets and a strawberry plant
Kori giggled. "Violet is so sweet and full of life."
Julia – a pink tulip
"I think it will be most appropriate," Kori said.
"Why's that?" Richard asked.
Kori grinned, "It corresponds with her hair."
Roy – dandelion
"Roy?" Richard asked in disbelief. "Why is he a special person in your life?"
Kori shook her head. "If you must ask me that Richard, you do not understand love."
Richard frowned. "Right, sorry." He paused. "We'll plant it in the greenhouse," he said without looking at her.
Kori nodded.
Nine plants took about half of the planting area, especially since some of the things Kori had decided to plant, were trees.
As the were cleaning up Kori asked Richard, "But will they all not die next year?"
Richard shook his head. "No. You were smart in making sure to get plants that will come back next year—and every year after that. I made sure that you got these kinds of plants since it would be a shame for one of your friends or family to be gone when spring comes around."
Kori smiled. "Indeed a shame."
"Although," Richard added, "you may have to replace the dandelion."
"All right Julia, you may go now," Ms. Polly droned in her monotonous voice that was ten times more emotionless than Raven's and incredibly annoying.
'Finally!'
Julia couldn't wait to get out of the grocery store. She was already late in picking Violet up from school, since she had worked some extra hours. The rent was going up and she needed more cash.
She hurriedly exited the store—not even bothering to take off her uniform—and quickly drove to Violet's school.
Arriving there, she saw Violet waiting outside with a quite attractive young man.
Julia drove up and got out of the car. She crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows. "What's going on Violet?" She turned to the man, "Is she in trouble?"
The man chuckled. "No, no don't worry. You're daughter is far from trouble. In fact she's one of my favourite students."
"Then why are you out here with her?"
The man smiled. "Two reasons. Your daughter won the science fair—and story contest I should add—and she is going to the nationals. The school needs you permission since the deadline is today."
Julia's mouth had dropped so far she had trouble speaking, "Violet w-won the science fair?" She asked in disbelief.
"I did Auntie Julia!" Violet smiled brightly. "My experiment won!"
"Wow," Julia said bewildered. "I always hated science. Failed it too. What was your experiment on?"
"A better way for engineers to build houses!"
"She built quite a nice model," the man added. "Better than many architectures and engineers could do."
"That's great Vi!" Julia exclaimed. "Of course she can go," she told the man. She added in a dramatic whisper, "Always knew she was a genius!"
Violet giggled. "Thanks auntie. I just have to go get my experiment since I left it in the classroom." She took off towards the building.
Suddenly Julia felt a little weird standing there alone with this man. She cleared her throat and in a rough tone she said, "So um, what was the other reason you're out here with her?"
"To make sure she would be safe…I know what kind of neighbourhood this is."
Julia nodded. "I'll agree with that any day."
"And I wanted to meet her adopted mom."
Julia sent him a questioning look. "How'd you know I'm her adopted mom?" She asked suspiciously.
The man looked embarrassed. "My friend told me about you."
Julia rolled her eyes. Typical Victor. "And did this 'friend' also tell you, to come and meet me?"
"No, he only told me about you. Violet showed me a picture of you when the class did a project on their family. Yes, that's right she put you as her mom and even told me she had another mom but thought you were more loving than anyone she's ever known."
"Thanks for all the details," Julia said sarcastically.
"You seem like the type who wants them all. Besides," he added, "I thought you looked like a real beauty"-Julia blushed-"and I'm right," he said softly.
He was close to her now and Julia thought he might hear her heart beat.
Too emotional.
"What's your name," she asked sharply, backing away.
"They call me Wally."
Somehow Julia thought this was the start of something really new.
"So Richard, how are things with you and Kori going?"
It was six o'clock. Everyone had left the building but Richard was helping Karen organize her office since it looked like a tornado hit.
"Before I answer that, let me ask you a question. Why is your office such a mess?"
Karen blushed, "I don't think you need to know that answer." She threw a bunch of old documents and rough copy material in the recycling bin.
"Oh, I think I do," Richard crossed his arms. "I should know the reason why I'm helping you."
Karen eyed him. "Out of the goodness of your heart?" She asked hopefully.
Richard raised his eyebrows.
"Right," Karen shook her head. "You're too selfish to do anything for other people unless it benefits you." Under her breath she added, "Maybe Kori can change that."
"What was that you said?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all." When Karen saw that Richard was still waiting for an answer to his first question, she sighed. "Fine. This office is a mess because Victor was supposed to clean in for the past month but I'm assuming his idea of cleaning is throwing everything in the closest."
Richard smirked. "Yep. That's his idea alright."
Karen straightened some files and then put them into a drawer. "Now your turn." She faced Richard, who was sorting through documents of the patients and documents of the helpers. "How are things with you and Kori going?"
Richard smiled proudly. "Oh very good! I think I'm really making progress. She was happy when we were making cookies and then today when we were planting that garden…she was really into it."
"Into it?"
"Yeah," Richard put someone called 'Stefanie Cimini'—who had come for unknown insanity—in the patients pile, "she was kind of distracted—which I take as a good sign that she's really having fun and is forgetting the past."
Karen sighed. "Richard, the idea is for her to accept and move on from the past, not forget it."
"Karen, look. I know what I'm doing." He put 'Julie Kramreither' in the helper pile.
"Are you sure Richard?"
Richard put the papers down. "Yes! I am Karen, okay? You know, she came in today and said she was restless, and wanted something to do. That means that she is actually wanting to live again."
Karen looked worried. "Richard, are you positively sure? These things aren't that easy you know. She was suffering from depression and who knows what else when she came. I find it hard that after only your first session of baking cookies she's suddenly just snapped back into place."
Richard stood up angrily. "So you think I'm not doing a good job, eh?" he snapped.
"No I don—"
"Well I AM!" Richard said loudly. "Karen, you never have faith in me, but for once I know I am accomplishing something. I am solving something!"
"It's not a math equation Richard!" Karen yelled, also standing up. "It's a complex person. She's a complex person and as soon as you realise that, you can accomplish something." She paused, trying to calm down. "And don't tell me I've never had faith in you." She glared at him angrily. "Why do you think you're in this program anyway?" she demanded.
"W-What do you mean?" Richard asked confused.
"You're here," Karen explained, "because I had faith in you. I didn't have to accept your portfolio that Bruce gave me, but I did."
Richard narrowed his eyes. "Want to know something Karen? I. Don't. Need. Your. Help. I'm NOT a charity case." With that Richard stormed out of the room.
Karen shook her head. "He really doesn't get it, does he?"
A/N: If any of you can read between the lines in the last thing Richard said to Kori, I'll dedicate the next chapter to you. There's also a lot of other symbolism in this chapter that I don't know if any of you caught. If you noticed anything a little weird with Kori well…you're on to something!
Yes, sorry for not updating in so, long. I hope you can forgive me! Next chappie will be coming in hopefully a week or two's time. It depends because next week I'm being given an overload of piano theory.
Oh, for all you who never took French in school (no exception people from Canada!), La vie en Rose means Life in Pink.
Another disclaimer that I forgot to mention: I do not own La vie en Rose either.
Violet