Twisted Strings [MONSTER EDITING - Read at your own risk]

In the Rain

''I do want to say sorry and make things right.'' He whispered, looking back at me, his eyes were fierce like a storm.

My mouth parted, ''You do?''

''I was wrong about you, and I do regret everything I did or say. But I can't help it alright? Your Mom had been nothing but cruel to me. She is the reason why my Uncle doesn't talk to me anymore. Because apparently, I stole the 'love of his life.' Do you know why I don't live here anymore? Why I got kicked out of my own house? Because of my 'juvenile' behavior and the fact that he can't deal with me anymore.''

Oliver was saying, and my eyes widened. I hadn't expected things to be this messed up for him. But now I suddenly felt guilty for my Mom's actions. She had ended the relationship, but because of her, Oliver's relation with his Uncle had ended as well.

''I didn-''

''Its messed up, I know. After my Mom, I had no one left Violet. My Dad was the only one and he abandoned me as well. He couldn't deal with me and sent me away to live with my Richard. And of course Richard decided I wasn't worth it and shipped me back to my Dad and his family.'' He added the last part bitterly.

I took in the entire information; each word was a pang that hit my heart. And here I was hoping that Mom would show up at our stage. Now, I regretted ever inviting her.

''I won't apologize for my Mom's actions.'' I told him quietly, my voice shook slightly. Around us the rain was pounding on with full force. Not holding back. I didn't want to hold back either.

''You don't have to...I just wanted you to know my side of the story too. I admit it, I shouldn't have treated you like shit. I have regretted it for a while now.''

My breath caught at the last part, ''Why?'' I whispered.

''It's your voice...it's the most beautiful voice I have heard. Every time I think about the say I sang with you for evaluations, I can't help but want to do it again. I want to sing with you Violet. I want to be near you. I want to kiss you.''

And then he did.

His lips came to mine softly, the touch hit me like a shockwave, and Oliver let go of the umbrella. With the rain falling on us, I kissed him back. My arms found a way around his neck and my eyes fluttered close, he pulled me close until we were touching all over. Our mouth moved in sync and his fingers dug into my waist, making me want more.

We kissed restlessly and then there was desperation. The kiss grew rougher and his hands were everywhere. He was everywhere. And I didn't want to stop.

''I'm sorry.'' He whispered in between the kiss, our noses touched, and we were both breathing heavily and despite the cold, every part of my body felt hot.

''Shut up.'' I said to him and pulled his lips back to mine.

* * *

It was only after we were back in Lakesville that the full gravity of what had happened occurred to me. I kissed Oliver Parker. Oliver freaking Parker. The guy who had treated me like shit. The guy I had been crushing on since day one. The guy who could have been a friend if my Mom hadn't been such a screw up.

I scratched the last thought from my mind since there was no chance of that ever happening now and decided to focus on the situation at hand. Oliver was not only an asshole, but he was enemy too. He was in the rival band! And we were competing in two days.

''Are you not hungry? Did your Mom feed you? She can't cook though, like at all.'' Dad asked me on the dinner table. He had cooked for us when we arrived back home, excited about trying a new duck recipe.

I had no appetite, not after everything. Not after Oliver.

I still couldn't believe that we kissed. It wasn't just a kiss either, but a full blown make out session that had lasted for eight minutes. I counted! And I wanted to do it again. In fact, it was all I could think about. I could still smell his lavender flavored soap and remembered the taste of his lips.

''I am not that hungry.'' I replied, which made Dad exchange a look with other occupants of the table.

''Can I steal your share too?'' Drew asked me, and I happily pushed my plate towards her.

''I made that specially for you. It took me two hours.'' Dad complained.

''Please don't pout, you are not a teenager anymore.'' I reminded him. ''I am tired.''

''You did nothing for the last two days.'' Elliot announced, and I glared at him.

''I was practicing, on video call.'' I clarified. Even on the bus, I had talked to the group on a voice call and we had chatted for an hour, discussing our progress.

We were supposed to practice tomorrow on the stage at the auditorium and then on Tuesday, Mr. Flynn was going to assess our final rehearsal. I also needed to try on my stage outfit to make sure the fittings were right.

And how was I supposed to focus when my mind was stuck somewhere else.

God, I hated Oliver. I hated us.

''Can I bail today?'' I asked Dad. ''I need to get up at six tomorrow. I promise I'll wash the dished for the rest of the week!''

Dad considered the offer for a while and then looked at Elliot. ''What do you say?''

''Well if she wants to wash them for the rest of the week, its fine by me.''

''Thanks Dad.'' I hugged him from the back tightly after I got up from my chair, realizing that I had missed him despite being away for only two days.

After that, I went upstairs to my room and decided to call Rhodes. I had missed him too. And I had to tell him about everything that had happened with Mom and Oliver.

I changed into my pajamas, climbed onto my bed and grabbed my phone. There was a message from Rhodes on the group chat, reminding everyone about the rehearsal tomorrow. And then there was a message from an unknown number. I opened it doubtfully and just from reading the content, I already knew who it was.

It was a mistake. It shouldn't have happened.

Those words left me cold.

* * * *

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