---Violet Pov-----

I was knocking on the door, like how Tyson throws punches. I was ready to fight, I was ready for war. I wanted her head on a platter.

"What do you want little girl?" It was an old woman. She was rubbing her face. She had a blue robe on. With blue slippers.

I plastered fake concern on my face. "Good night. I need to talk to Mia."

She yawned without covering her mouth "Can't this wait till a reasonable hour? Who are you?"

I let my hair down from it's ponytail, and tucked my hair behind my ear. "My name is Violet. It is extremely important. Let me speak to her. I promise you, she is going to want to hear this."

The old lady hesitated, but did as I said. I turned around to look in the darkness of the town dimly lit by the stars. It was a beautifully horrible site. It represents my life. I feel like I am surrounded by darkness, but the only thing keeping me lit is my faith and my friend's blind optimism. Which represents my stars.



Hem

I turned around to come face to face with Mia.

Mia stood there with her arms crossed "What do you want? Do you know I'm blackmailing you? This is a horrible way to win my favor" I heard the smugness in her voice. Like how lions play with their prey.

Oh I couldn't wait to slap, it out of her voice. But I'm going, to play with this.

I still had my fake defeated tone of voice " I just came down here to ask you. Have you decided on your currency?" I put emphases on the last words. Because it was her words. I was throwing her words back in her face. I wonder if she would catch on.

There was a smug smile on her face. She stood there in some sleeping shorts and an oversized shirt

"I really haven't been able to sleep, this is pure torture. Just tell me what you want, so we can get this over with."

"Oh, you are begging for mercy huh?" She stepped closer to me, she was just a few inches from my face. " Good, you can beg as hard as you want. But I won't give it to you." I took a step back because I could feel lava dancing on her breath, she really was seething " You have burned everyone. Now it's your turn to ...suffer squirm and wonder what's next." she hissed, her voice low but venomous. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides

She ascended to the top of the stairs " get off my property and come back when I send it for you." She pointed into the distance. Trying to send me off like a dog. She tossed her hair, and turned around to close. The door

Just as she was about to slam the door shut in my face, I pressed play. My volume was on high





You look so beautiful today - Mr. fine cooed

Glad to see you appreciate how I look. I did all of this for you- Mia stated



Mwah Mwah Mwah Mwah

I paused the audio. Without breaking eye contact. She slowly turned around to meet my eyes

Her eyes were as wide as flying saucers. "That doesn't prove a thing. That could be anyone." She stated in a shaky tone of voice.

A smirk grew on my face, and I pressed play.

Oh Mia. you know exactly what to do- Mr. Fine moaned

Really you like that ..Fine- Mia teased



"Well does that prove anything?" I tilted my head to ask her





"You really thought you had me" I started to grind my teeth softly "you really think it would be that easy." A giggle escaped my mouth

"I know you heard the rumors about me. And my friends in this town. So why even bother." I stopped to control my voice " But if you dare mention me in your police interview, this is going to come out too. We are both going to go. Down in our glory." I paused for a moment. "Well Mr. Fine more than us."

I just watched her annoyed and her scared face "That was a private moment we shared in that classroom. You are a monster...how did you even?" I rolled my eyes at her as she rambled on.

I turned around under the starry night, the cold air biting at my skin. The stars above seemed to shimmer with quiet indifference

This is a long night. And a fantastic way to end a Friday night.

I pulled out my phone and quickly typed a message to Sydney.

It's done.

Buzz buzz.

That's quick. – Sydney

Without missing a beat, I fired back.

I know, I just wanted that girl off my back.

Buzz buzz.

So, see you Monday?

Buzz buzz.

We'll see. – Sydney



--------

It was a Saturday morning. I looked at the time. 5:40. I was lying in bed staring at the celling

The blue sky seems a lot darker. I want to get on a 1-way train and just never get off. I just pray for another friend like Sydney to light up my life. Because of her blind optimism. She reminds me that there is more to life than pure pain.

She deserves all the happiness, in the world, even if it's with Branson. She can live out her Fairy tale life. While I suffer. I guess that's what heroes do.

knock knock

I dragged myself out my bed. Who could be knocking on my door on a Saturday morning

I stood up to go check who it is "Branson." I gasped "What do you want?" I crossed my arms in front. Of my chest

He stood there disheveled. Right in front of me "I just wanted to see you were okay?" He placed his hands in his pocket

"Well You see me." I raised my brow



Then he added "now that I see you fine. I will get going" Than he turned around. Trying to walk away.

I open up the door all the way "That's all you got to say." A laugh escaped my mouth.



"Yeah, that's all I had to say." He furrowed his brows together, his jaw tightening as he pointed a finger for emphasis." Don't act like you were doing me a favor YOU WANT ME BACK AT Diggy's and I needed you as a look out." His gaze locked onto mine, unwavering and intense " yeah it went south" he admitted, his voice dropping to a growl." but you knew the risks "He gestured sharply, slicing the air as if trying to cut through any excuses.

I leaned on the frame of my door. I busted on him "Shut up when talking to me, nobody is acting like a victim. "

" That was a close call." He busted out running a hand through his hair, the tension evident in his every movement. "Now isn't the time for feelings. Don't worry, I will always protect you even if you don't think I am."

I leaned forward "I am talking about how you punked out." I kept looking at HIM. He had a confused look on his face "YOU and I used to crash out every day together. Now you scurry away like a rat."

"I am the captain of a football team." He growled " I can't be caught stealing. At the police station. Especially when I told you to stay in the car." He took in a breath "now you want to sit up here calling me a rat. When your dense head can't follow simple instructions."

His words were like bullets on skin.

He tilted his head, and the corners of his mouth turned up" I get that you mad at me? It' fine. But I never asked you to follow me into the police station"

" I want to throw you on the ground. and run you over." I rolled my eyes "I am going to pay you back. I just don't know when or how. All I know is it's going to sting" I narrowed my eyes "So why should I be mad?"

Branson stepped forward "there are no heroes and villains in our story. There are just a lot of people trying to survive." He looked me in my eyes. "You know it."

I shrugged my shoulders "That might be true. But it would be fun. To pretend there is."

I purse my lips together to cooed "Plus now you back to working for Diggy."



"I will never understand. Why you so loyal to him. Since your brother went to jail. Behind him." He just lowered his glare at me

"Just worry about yourself. And I will worry about Diggy and my brother" I took in a breath. "Did you find out? About why your sister was doing out there?"

Branson's face twisted in frustration, his jaw tightening as he exhaled sharply through his nose. "I got robbed," he said, his voice edged with disbelief and simmering anger. He hesitated for a moment, then spat out the rest: "The phone's gone."

I winced at his words. I looked up at Branson in disbelief" So we basically did all that. Just to do all that."

His expression closed off, his eyes dulling with regret. He raised his hand, cutting me off. "Please, don't start. I know I messed up. It happened last night Friday. The same night we stole it."

I bit my bottom lip and looked at him " So what know?"

He shrugged his shoulders "I will let the police handle it for now. If we see an opportunity. I will pounce."

I narrowed my eyes at him "pounce? What are you a cat?"

He gave a half-smile "Don't worry I'm a man of my word. You don't need to be involved. Yeah, you did your part."

"So, are you going to report it to the police?" I inquired. He pulled a face of disgust "And say what? The phone I stole from the police station, got stolen from my house?"

I nibbled on my bottom lip out of embarrassment.

"It's okay." He looked down at his watch "I got to head to the police station. The sheriff wants to see me."

My heart started to pound " For what?"

He shrugged his shoulders "There's only one way to find out."