Never Forgotten Part One: Tate and Violet
It had been just over two years to the day since she had said goodbye. Five families had come and gone in that time, all of them lasting less than twenty four hours in the house. Tate had watched from a distance as the Harmon's, along with Moira and a few of the other resident spirits, made sure that the new occupants were too terrified to stay. He had felt a little empathy for Marcy, she wasn't having the easiest time selling the house on and it had been empty for six months.
Of course, it was kept tidy enough by Moira and Vivien and was never quiet, there were too many spirits here for that to happen. Tate found he spent a lot of time with Nora and Travis in the basement, watching the strange little creature that was Thaddeus; he even became quite attached to the monster, rolling the red ball back and forth into the shadows for hours on end. He also spent time with his brother, Beau, in the attic, playing and talking to him. Mostly though, his time was spent with Nora. Nora was the mother that Tate had wanted his own mother to be, though he realised quickly it wasn't going to fill the emptiness inside him permanently.
Constance still came to the house occasionally to see Travis and to bring Michael, Tate's son, to see him. The thought of bonding with the result of something that had lost him Violet made him feel sick. Eventually, Constance gave up and let Michael think Travis was his father. There was something about him that didn't seem quite right though and his mother was always very cautious of what she told Travis or anyone about him. This, however, was the least of Tate's problems.
Hayden was still hanging around him like a bad smell. Whenever Tate was spending time watching Violet or the Harmon's, especially if Ben was around, Hayden was always there too. Complaining and expressing her hatred for Vivien got boring after a while, as did listening to her pine over Ben and claim that, whilst watching him and Vivien with Jeffrey, she should have been the one with him, that Jeffrey should be hers. Tate would have felt sorry for her, being so disillusioned, if he wasn't pining after Violet just as much.
Violet never acknowledged him if she knew he was there, not that he knew if she did, but he was around her most hours of the day, watching from afar. She had changed him so incredibly and he had connected with her on such a level that not being with her caused him physical pain, if that was possible. Most of the time, he just hovered in the darkest parts of her room whilst she listened to music and read through her books, oblivious to him. His heart ached constantly but he would rather have this forever than not be near her at all. This was now his biggest problem with being trapped in this house. He was so close to the love of his life but she wanted nothing to do with him. And how could he blame her? After what he'd done, he wouldn't blame her if she killed him over and over for the rest of time, he almost wished she would.
Another day passed and everything carried on as it had done for the last two years. Sitting comfortably in the plush armchair she claimed as hers, her knees pulled up with a book resting on them, she smiled softly to herself as she watched her father doze on the sofa, Jeffrey on his chest gurgling happily.
“You know we can't sleep, right?” She said with a smirk.
“You know I'm very aware of that, Violet.” Ben said gruffly, shifting on the couch a little as he stroked his son's back gently, eyes still closed. Violet snorted a laugh and shook her head, turning her eyes back to her book and letting them gaze over the words. Her heart was beating fast in her chest and she could feel him near her in the room but she wasn't going to acknowledge him. Chewing her lip, she breathed deeply to stop tears splashing down on her book and ran her fingers through her long, dirty blonde hair. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Ben looking past her, into the corner of the room sternly and the feeling instantly disappeared, leaving her feeling slightly deflated and disappointed.
For as long as she had been stuck in this house, she always knew when he was there. They were so intrinsically aware of each other it came as no surprise to her, it did hurt though. After what he had done to her family, the lies he had kept from her, she didn't want him around her at all but it didn't stop her loving him. He was apart of her now, the other half of her heart, and it was only by pure will power that she constantly reminded herself that he had raped her mother and impregnated her. It repulsed her to think that Tate, her Tate, was even capable of something like that. Violet understood it had happened before anything really happened between the two of them and before there were any proper feelings involved, but it was still so.. wrong. Even if she did want to forgive him and try again, she would never do that to her family, it was too selfish. Instead, she let herself be content with the befriending the other spirits in the house, though she made sure to avoid the basement. Knowing Hayden was still there made her feel suddenly violent.
She did, however, have to thank the psychotic, stalker bitch for one thing though. Because Hayden had the sick fantasy she and Ben would be together in death, she had only really succeeded in keeping her family together and stronger than ever. Her parents were more in love than she had ever seen them and they bother doted on her brother, as did she. Violet had been surprised to hear from her mom that Nora happily gave Jeffrey back when she realised she couldn't cope; she wasn't even aware that Nora had taken the baby.
Moira became a firm family friend, helping them with Jeffrey and generally just being involved in every day life; Violet viewed her like an aunt. It was only because of Moira she knew that Constance still visited the house with the child, Tate's.. son. The first time she had found out that he had been in the house, she had to swallow back sickness, though she was pleased to find out from Moira that Tate wanted nothing to do with his offspring.
The house hadn't been lived in by the living for around half a year by this point, which the majority of spirits in the house were pleased about, most of them having helped out in chasing away the occupants for their own safety. Chad, however, could be found skulking and loudly moving things around rooms, complaining constantly about how nothing in the house was right and that no-one had any taste at all.
Halloween was coming up quickly, Violet's favourite holiday, which meant she could finally go off the lot until sun up. The last couple of Halloween's she had just hung out at the arcade, watching and even chatting with some of the teens. It was nice to feel like a normal kid for once, though she was anything but. This year though she knew she was going to go somewhere different, somewhere that was special to her.
The house was buzzing with excitement on the morning of Halloween, Elizabeth, Nora and Vivien were all discussing what their plans were for the night. Hayden had told Tate, much to his disinterest, that she was going to bring back as many men as possible and kill them after seducing them; apparently she needed more attention as Ben clearly wasn't interested. Tate had no plans. What was the point when he couldn't spend it with Violet? They could have gone to the movies or to dinner but he had messed up any opportunity to do so. Sighing, he walked toward one of the basement pillars and rest his forehead against it, closing his eyes. He wanted this day to be over, he wanted his existence to be over if he couldn't be with her.
“Stop fucking pining over the silly little twat. Spend it with me instead.” Hayden's voice came from behind him as she wrapped her arms around his waist, her hands slowly moving toward his groin. Fury washed over him and pushed himself back, spinning round and wrapping his hands around her throat. Squeezing hard, he let all his anger, frustration and hurt swim through him, his eyes huge and furious as he grit his teeth.
“Do not. Call. Her. That.” He squeezed harder with every word. Hayden scratched at his hands and gasped for breath, struggling desperately. Suddenly, however, she stopped fighting and quirked a brow, a disappointed frown on her lips.
“Come on, Tate. How many times do you have to beat me, hurt me or kill me to realise it isn't going to work or make you feel better?” Smirking in triumph, she laughed cruelly as he dropped his hands and stalked away from her, rubbing her neck with her fingers as she shook her head.
Tate couldn't be bothered with her taunting, especially not today. Walking through the doorway, he threw himself down on the uncomfortable mattress on the only bed that was still in the basement, pressing the heel of palm into his eyes as he fought back tear. Feeling gentle fingers run through his hair, he exhaled a sigh and turned onto his side, nuzzling into Nora's familiar touch.
“I know it hurts, Tate, but it won't last forever.” She said soothingly, her fingers continuing to stroke his hair comfortingly. Screwing up his face, he closed his eyes tightly to stop the tears, but failed.
“How will it not?!” He retorted angrily. “She won't even look at me.” With a sympathetic tut, Nora knew there was nothing she could say to better the situation and instead embraced him as a mother would her child and he sobbed into her shoulder for a good while before the pain dulled.
Watching the sunset from her window, Violet's stomach was filled with nervous butterflies. It was good and bad, she didn't quite know how to think about this whole situation. She was excited at the prospect of seeing him but knew that her parents would be upset with her if she did. What a situation to be in! Sighing, she rest her head against the glass and continued to watch the sun sink below the houses in the distance. She had given Moira a note earlier for Tate, she couldn't help but worry the maid wouldn't hand it over. Running her hands through her hair, as she was prone to doing these day, she knew worrying about it wouldn't solve anything. The only way she would know is if he turned up.
Tying the laces of her converse, she pushed herself up from her perch in the window after an hour or so and brushed down her skirt. Checking herself over in the mirror once more, she took a deep breath and nodded in approval, smoothing down her hair, which she decided to leave loose, just how he liked it. Turning on her heel, she went to make her way to the door but was stopped short by her mom, who had appeared from no-where and made her jump.
“Jeez, mom!” Placing a hand over her chest, she felt her heart racing. “You almost gave me a heart attack!”
“Lucky you're already dead then, huh kid?” Winking to her, Vivien smiled lovingly to her daughter, gesturing to the bed. “Got a minute?”
Violet's stomach turned, panic rising a little. “Sure..” Nervously walking to the bed, she perched down, her mom sitting next to her and taking her hand gently. Violet was growing more anxious by the minute, her eyes flitting from her mom to the clock on her make-up table and back.
“I know you have to get off but this will only take a second.” Her mom smiled knowingly and Violet sighed.
“Moira told you, didn't she?” She knew what was coming and waited quietly, dreading what her mom was going to say. To her surprise, Vivien shook her head.
“No she didn't. Tate did.” Violet's eyes were huge by her mother's admission, though she wasn't able to comment as Vivien continued. “Moira gave him the note as requested and he came to find your father. He wanted permission, though he didn't have to. Now, neither of us have forgiven him for what he did but he did seem genuinely sorry, not that that means anything at all...” Vivien took a deep breath to control herself, feeling anger brewing.
“He is.. he's changed, mom.” She said quickly, whilst her mom was quiet. “I don't know what's going to happen or what I'm gonna say, I just need to..”
“I know.” Vivien squeezed her hands, her words firm and understanding. “Do what you feel is right. Your father and I will support you whatever your decision, though it might take time. What he did was wrong, no matter how sorry he is, but we love you too much to see you hurting, sweetheart.” Kissing Violet's forehead, Vivien smiled softly once more and left the room without another word, leaving her daughter with a lot of things to think about.
Tate's heart was hammering against his ribs so hard he thought they might break. Walking slowly down the sandy slope, the harsh wind hit his face hard, the sea air filling his nose. That was when he finally saw her, sitting around a small fire that was, unbelievably, still alight. His breath caught in his throat as he watched the wind sent her hair in every direction, it whipping around her face. Did she know he was here? Could she see him as clearly as he could see her? Tears pricked at his eyes as he stood there, watching her silently. A small smile curved his lips and he exhaled slowly. She was so beautiful, it never failed to take his breath away when he saw her. He'd give anything to wrap his arms around her and hold her tightly, never letting her go again. She'd passed the message on to him through the maid, telling him to meet her at the beach. He'd brought her here for their first date all those years ago. It had gone so well until the ghosts of victims past had turned up and tried to kill him.. not that it would have made a lot of difference, it would have just been an inconvenience. To be here with her now, to be alone with her finally, it was progress, or at least he hoped so.
Keeping her eyes on the flames, Violet felt him as soon as he reached the slope. She was keeping her breathing controlled, she wanted to make him wait a little while longer so she could get her thoughts together. It was finally occurring to her that she hadn't seen him for two years, not since the night she had helped Gabe flee from Tate and get away with him parents. What was she going to say? How would she ever start a conversation with him? There was so much they needed to talk about but, now the time was here, her brain was failing her. Silence rang around the sheltered little cove for about five or so minuted before she pushed her billowing hair away from her face and took a deep breath, finally speaking.
“I know you're here, Tate.”
His breath caught in his throat and his mind went blank. Within seconds though, he was beaming and began walking toward her slowly.
“You.. you do? You can see me?” His heart was racing as he grew nearer to her. She nodded and turned her head to him, her hazel eyes shining brightly as the flames illuminated her. The faintest glimmer of a smile threatened to break across her face, but he couldn't be sure. Finally closing the distance between them, he decided to play it safe and sit beside her next to the fire, despite his every fibre wanting to embrace her.
“I missed you so much, Violet.” Sighing happily, he brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, though she moved her head away from his touch and looked down, sending a jolt of panic through him.
“Why did you do it, Tate?” The wind roared so loudly around them that he almost didn't hear her. Unfortunately, he had heard and knew that this was inevitable. He could hear the anger, disgust and hurt in her voice as she had asked the question. She had only said six words but he didn't need anymore than that to know how deeply he had hurt her.
“I did it for Nora. I tried to tell her after.. after I fell in love with you that the deal was off. That I couldn't do that to your family. But then your mom died and..” Tears spilled from the corners of his eyes and he squeezed his eyes closed tight, his fingers gripping handfuls of his hair as he tried to control his emotions with great difficulty. Gulping down a lungful of air, he tried to compose himself before looking back to her, trying to use as much sincerity as he could. She needed to know he was telling the truth. “I'm so sorry, Violet. I never meant for this to happen.”
Instinctively, she reached for him and gripped his hands tightly, wanting to comfort him desperately. With a small sigh, she let herself lean toward him, resting her forehead on his. She felt him relax as she did before sniffing and taking back one of his hands to dry his eyes.
“I know, Tate..” The admission was hard but she was being honest with, not only him, but herself. She knew he hadn't meant for things to go this far; the two of them hadn't intended to fall for each other. Part of Violet wanted to be able to tell him that she sometimes wished they hadn't, it would make it easier to hate him but her feelings made her incapable of it. “I just want to know why.” She didn't know the logistics of his relationship with Nora and, if she was frank, she didn't want to know but knew she wouldn't understand fully if she didn't know the entire story. “What did Nora offer you in return for this?”
“Offer me?” Tate looked up at her, shocked and a little offended by her comment. “She didn't offer me anything. Nora has been here for nearly a century, Violet. She has seen so many families meet tragic ends here. She saw how my mot.. Constance treated me. Or should I say neglected me, just like she did with my brothers and sister.” Scowling, he shook his head. Violet stroked the backs of his hands with her thumbs to calm him down; he was shaking with rage. He breathed deeply again to compose himself and continued. “When I died, she was there for me, she helped me understand what was going on and why I could leave the house. She was the mother I always wants; kind, loving, nurturing, caring. She even loves Thaddeus still, after everything her husband did to him.. poor kid.” Tate shuddered a little before locking his eyes onto hers. “Nora was desperate for a child, she had never wanted one more because of what happened to Thaddeus. I told her I'd get her one, no matter the cost. What a cost it turned out to be.. She's basically my mom, Violet, I would have and still would do anything for her. Wouldn't you if your mom needed something?”
Her heart broke for him. He looked so deflated. Violet could tell that he really meant what he said; he loved Nora dearly and only did what a good son would have, even though he went about it the wrong way.
“I understand that.” Violet paused for a moment, an almost awkward silence between them as she thought had about how to phrase her next words. “You did still... rape.. my mom.” Tate squeezed her hands harder than usual as she said the word. “And your kid is still out there, next door to us.. I know your mom brings him round.” Her cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment as she admitted it. She needed confirmation of what Moira said, that Tate wasn't having anything to do with the child.. the monster that killed her mother. Her heart was pounding as she waited for his answer.
“Yes, she does.” Grimacing, his words were sour and filled with dislike, Violet letting out a small, hopefully quiet, sigh. “She tried to make me bond with the kid but I won't. It was created by something.. evil.” As his voice broke, she knew he was referring to himself rather than the act.
“No you're not! You're not evil, Tate. Hey, look at me!” Placing her hands on either side of his neck, she forced him to look at her, his eyes swimming with tears. “You are not evil. What you did was wrong, I know that and so do you, but you're not that person anymore. You've changed so much in the time we've known each other and.. well..” She had tried, she had tried desperately not to give into her emotions but she couldn't stop herself and she didn't care. As soon as her lips pressed against his, she melted into him as she had always done. She felt Tate stiffen momentarily from surprise but soon enough his arms enveloped her petite frame and her pulled her onto his lap, pressing them together so close that nothing could get between them, not even air. Their kisses started out soft and sweet but soon turned hot and passionate, the lost time evident. Both their cheeks were wet with tears but they didn't break apart for a second, Violet finally pushing him onto his back as the stars glimmered above them.
The sound of the waves ebbing back and forth and the whistle of the wind eventually woke Violet from her blissful trance. It was the first time she had wished she could sleep in the entire time she had been dead; lying with her head on Tate's chest, his arms wrapped around her tightly, protectively.
“Tate?” She lifted a brow, not sure if he was willing to talk yet. It turned out he wasn't, as he instead rubbed her upper arm in reply. Shivering slightly from the chill, Violet sat up and pulled her clothes back on whilst Tate did the same. After tying her laces, she turned to face him and crossed her legs, smiling contently as her brushed the hair from her face. “What time is it?” As she stretched her arms above her head, Tate checked her phone and his eyes widened in surprise.
“It's nearly five already. We've been here all night, though I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.” Grinning, he placed his index and middle fingers under her chin and pulled her toward him, kissing her in a way that made her body shudder with delight. She frowned slightly as he pulled away too quickly for her liking, his face clouded a little.
“What's wrong?” Violet's brow furrowed in worry.
“I..I need us to do something before we have to go back to that prison.” Sighing, Tate stood and brushed the sand from his clothes before holding out a hand to Violet, which she accepted willingly. He kissed her lips gently once and linked his fingers with her, leading her back to the main road to complete whatever task it was he needed to before the sun rose.
The sky was becoming a little less dark by the time they reached the cemetery. Violet had checked her phone once they finally got there and saw it was nearly six.
“We've got maybe an hour before we have to be back.” Tate sighed and squeezed her hand a little tighter, feeling apprehensive suddenly. He hadn't been here at all since he found out, he couldn't face it. They walked in silence, the only sound was the gravel under their feet crunching as they walked, for about five minutes until Tate stopped in front of a fairly new looking grave, though it did tell signs of being there for a while. The stone was becoming discoloured with moss growing up the sides. Reading the words etched into the headstone broke his heart, his legs giving way as he fell to his knees.
Adelaide Langdon.
Beloved daughter and sister.
A very pretty girl.
Tears poured from his eyes and he buried his head in his arms, sobbing unashamedly. Violet knelt beside him, knowing all she could do was comfort him as he needed her too, there was no way she could ease his pain. She felt tears pricking at the corners of her own eyes but sniffed them back. Addie had been a sweet kid, really. Sure, she came into the house when she shouldn't have but when she and Violet spent time alone together, Violet saw that all she wanted was to be accepted and be like everyone else. She just wanted to be a pretty girl. Taking a shaky breath, Tate swallowed hard and wiped his face with his sleeve. Violet was unnerved by the dark, furious look on his face.
“This shouldn't have happened. I'm so sorry, Addie! I should have protected you from her..!” His bottom lip trembled and he burst into tears once more, clinging to Violet like he might lose her too, again, if he didn't.
“There was nothing you could have done, Tate.” Violet said soothingly, stroking the back of his head in a steady rhythm. “It was an accident, the car came from..”
“No!” He cut her off, his shouting making her jump. “This is because of Constance. She always told Addie she wasn't a pretty girl.. it's no wonder Addie ran into the road toward those girls.” Shaking his head, he sighed and wiped his eyes once more. He clocked the confused look Violet gave him and stood, helping her up. “Moira told me what happened, she was leaving the house when it happened. Addie was wearing some stupid mask and couldn't see where she was going and then the car hit her..” He choked on his words a little at this point but controlled his emotions well, placing a hand on the top of the headstone. “Moira would have helped but she had to get to her mother. I would be angry at her but there's only one person to blame for this.” He glared into the distance for a long minute, Violet squeezing his hand bringing him back into the present. Exhaling another sigh, he turned to the grave and smiled sadly. “I'm sorry, little sister, but at least you can be happy now. You were always a pretty girl to me.” His eyes swam with tears but he sniffed hard, Violet leading him away from the cemetery. He was kind of glad he wouldn't have to visit for another year.
Violet had her arm around Tate's waist, his around her shoulders, as they walked happily up the street back to the house. She felt complete for the first time in a long time, though it was not becoming tinged with worry as she thought of getting back to the house and having to sit down with her parents and Tate to talk about everything. Gazing up at him, she grinned as she saw his lips curve into a smile, he knew she was looking. Reaching the gate, they spotted Constance leaving her house and spot them. The woman's eyes widened in surprise but then she smiled and waved, though her hand dropped quickly and Violet could only guess the way Tate was looking at his mother. Constance quickly made her way to her car and got in, backing out fast and driving down the road. Shaking her head, Violet dropped her arm and walked ahead of him, taking his hand as they walked up the path to the front door.
To her surprise, the door was ajar when they got there. She tried not to think too much into it as there were a lot of spirits coming in to the house this morning. Pushing it open, she lifted a brow and walked in.
“Mom?” She called, an unsettling feeling growing in her stomach. “Dad?”
Silence. She looked up at Tate, who was sharing the same worried look, and they ventured further into the house. They hadn't been looking long when they heard a woman scream and a baby cry from upstairs. Without thinking, Violet bolted up the stairs, Tate hot on her heels. Arguing voices grew louder as they reached her parents room. They entered the room at the same time and Violet gasped at the sight before her. Hayden was wrapped up in the bed sheets, her cheek painted red as blood trickled slowly down it; her mother's furious figure shaking, a stained kitchen knife held tightly in her hand whilst she glared at Ben; her father stood with his hands up in between the two women, only wearing jeans which looked like they had been pulled on quickly; Moira was rocking her brother back and forth, soothing him as best she could whilst trying to keep an eye on the situation.
Taking a step forward, Violet was shaking with shock and rage, her eyes locked onto her father's guilty looking face.
“What the hell is going on..?!”
To be continued...
Of course, it was kept tidy enough by Moira and Vivien and was never quiet, there were too many spirits here for that to happen. Tate found he spent a lot of time with Nora and Travis in the basement, watching the strange little creature that was Thaddeus; he even became quite attached to the monster, rolling the red ball back and forth into the shadows for hours on end. He also spent time with his brother, Beau, in the attic, playing and talking to him. Mostly though, his time was spent with Nora. Nora was the mother that Tate had wanted his own mother to be, though he realised quickly it wasn't going to fill the emptiness inside him permanently.
Constance still came to the house occasionally to see Travis and to bring Michael, Tate's son, to see him. The thought of bonding with the result of something that had lost him Violet made him feel sick. Eventually, Constance gave up and let Michael think Travis was his father. There was something about him that didn't seem quite right though and his mother was always very cautious of what she told Travis or anyone about him. This, however, was the least of Tate's problems.
Hayden was still hanging around him like a bad smell. Whenever Tate was spending time watching Violet or the Harmon's, especially if Ben was around, Hayden was always there too. Complaining and expressing her hatred for Vivien got boring after a while, as did listening to her pine over Ben and claim that, whilst watching him and Vivien with Jeffrey, she should have been the one with him, that Jeffrey should be hers. Tate would have felt sorry for her, being so disillusioned, if he wasn't pining after Violet just as much.
Violet never acknowledged him if she knew he was there, not that he knew if she did, but he was around her most hours of the day, watching from afar. She had changed him so incredibly and he had connected with her on such a level that not being with her caused him physical pain, if that was possible. Most of the time, he just hovered in the darkest parts of her room whilst she listened to music and read through her books, oblivious to him. His heart ached constantly but he would rather have this forever than not be near her at all. This was now his biggest problem with being trapped in this house. He was so close to the love of his life but she wanted nothing to do with him. And how could he blame her? After what he'd done, he wouldn't blame her if she killed him over and over for the rest of time, he almost wished she would.
Another day passed and everything carried on as it had done for the last two years. Sitting comfortably in the plush armchair she claimed as hers, her knees pulled up with a book resting on them, she smiled softly to herself as she watched her father doze on the sofa, Jeffrey on his chest gurgling happily.
“You know we can't sleep, right?” She said with a smirk.
“You know I'm very aware of that, Violet.” Ben said gruffly, shifting on the couch a little as he stroked his son's back gently, eyes still closed. Violet snorted a laugh and shook her head, turning her eyes back to her book and letting them gaze over the words. Her heart was beating fast in her chest and she could feel him near her in the room but she wasn't going to acknowledge him. Chewing her lip, she breathed deeply to stop tears splashing down on her book and ran her fingers through her long, dirty blonde hair. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Ben looking past her, into the corner of the room sternly and the feeling instantly disappeared, leaving her feeling slightly deflated and disappointed.
For as long as she had been stuck in this house, she always knew when he was there. They were so intrinsically aware of each other it came as no surprise to her, it did hurt though. After what he had done to her family, the lies he had kept from her, she didn't want him around her at all but it didn't stop her loving him. He was apart of her now, the other half of her heart, and it was only by pure will power that she constantly reminded herself that he had raped her mother and impregnated her. It repulsed her to think that Tate, her Tate, was even capable of something like that. Violet understood it had happened before anything really happened between the two of them and before there were any proper feelings involved, but it was still so.. wrong. Even if she did want to forgive him and try again, she would never do that to her family, it was too selfish. Instead, she let herself be content with the befriending the other spirits in the house, though she made sure to avoid the basement. Knowing Hayden was still there made her feel suddenly violent.
She did, however, have to thank the psychotic, stalker bitch for one thing though. Because Hayden had the sick fantasy she and Ben would be together in death, she had only really succeeded in keeping her family together and stronger than ever. Her parents were more in love than she had ever seen them and they bother doted on her brother, as did she. Violet had been surprised to hear from her mom that Nora happily gave Jeffrey back when she realised she couldn't cope; she wasn't even aware that Nora had taken the baby.
Moira became a firm family friend, helping them with Jeffrey and generally just being involved in every day life; Violet viewed her like an aunt. It was only because of Moira she knew that Constance still visited the house with the child, Tate's.. son. The first time she had found out that he had been in the house, she had to swallow back sickness, though she was pleased to find out from Moira that Tate wanted nothing to do with his offspring.
The house hadn't been lived in by the living for around half a year by this point, which the majority of spirits in the house were pleased about, most of them having helped out in chasing away the occupants for their own safety. Chad, however, could be found skulking and loudly moving things around rooms, complaining constantly about how nothing in the house was right and that no-one had any taste at all.
Halloween was coming up quickly, Violet's favourite holiday, which meant she could finally go off the lot until sun up. The last couple of Halloween's she had just hung out at the arcade, watching and even chatting with some of the teens. It was nice to feel like a normal kid for once, though she was anything but. This year though she knew she was going to go somewhere different, somewhere that was special to her.
The house was buzzing with excitement on the morning of Halloween, Elizabeth, Nora and Vivien were all discussing what their plans were for the night. Hayden had told Tate, much to his disinterest, that she was going to bring back as many men as possible and kill them after seducing them; apparently she needed more attention as Ben clearly wasn't interested. Tate had no plans. What was the point when he couldn't spend it with Violet? They could have gone to the movies or to dinner but he had messed up any opportunity to do so. Sighing, he walked toward one of the basement pillars and rest his forehead against it, closing his eyes. He wanted this day to be over, he wanted his existence to be over if he couldn't be with her.
“Stop fucking pining over the silly little twat. Spend it with me instead.” Hayden's voice came from behind him as she wrapped her arms around his waist, her hands slowly moving toward his groin. Fury washed over him and pushed himself back, spinning round and wrapping his hands around her throat. Squeezing hard, he let all his anger, frustration and hurt swim through him, his eyes huge and furious as he grit his teeth.
“Do not. Call. Her. That.” He squeezed harder with every word. Hayden scratched at his hands and gasped for breath, struggling desperately. Suddenly, however, she stopped fighting and quirked a brow, a disappointed frown on her lips.
“Come on, Tate. How many times do you have to beat me, hurt me or kill me to realise it isn't going to work or make you feel better?” Smirking in triumph, she laughed cruelly as he dropped his hands and stalked away from her, rubbing her neck with her fingers as she shook her head.
Tate couldn't be bothered with her taunting, especially not today. Walking through the doorway, he threw himself down on the uncomfortable mattress on the only bed that was still in the basement, pressing the heel of palm into his eyes as he fought back tear. Feeling gentle fingers run through his hair, he exhaled a sigh and turned onto his side, nuzzling into Nora's familiar touch.
“I know it hurts, Tate, but it won't last forever.” She said soothingly, her fingers continuing to stroke his hair comfortingly. Screwing up his face, he closed his eyes tightly to stop the tears, but failed.
“How will it not?!” He retorted angrily. “She won't even look at me.” With a sympathetic tut, Nora knew there was nothing she could say to better the situation and instead embraced him as a mother would her child and he sobbed into her shoulder for a good while before the pain dulled.
Watching the sunset from her window, Violet's stomach was filled with nervous butterflies. It was good and bad, she didn't quite know how to think about this whole situation. She was excited at the prospect of seeing him but knew that her parents would be upset with her if she did. What a situation to be in! Sighing, she rest her head against the glass and continued to watch the sun sink below the houses in the distance. She had given Moira a note earlier for Tate, she couldn't help but worry the maid wouldn't hand it over. Running her hands through her hair, as she was prone to doing these day, she knew worrying about it wouldn't solve anything. The only way she would know is if he turned up.
Tying the laces of her converse, she pushed herself up from her perch in the window after an hour or so and brushed down her skirt. Checking herself over in the mirror once more, she took a deep breath and nodded in approval, smoothing down her hair, which she decided to leave loose, just how he liked it. Turning on her heel, she went to make her way to the door but was stopped short by her mom, who had appeared from no-where and made her jump.
“Jeez, mom!” Placing a hand over her chest, she felt her heart racing. “You almost gave me a heart attack!”
“Lucky you're already dead then, huh kid?” Winking to her, Vivien smiled lovingly to her daughter, gesturing to the bed. “Got a minute?”
Violet's stomach turned, panic rising a little. “Sure..” Nervously walking to the bed, she perched down, her mom sitting next to her and taking her hand gently. Violet was growing more anxious by the minute, her eyes flitting from her mom to the clock on her make-up table and back.
“I know you have to get off but this will only take a second.” Her mom smiled knowingly and Violet sighed.
“Moira told you, didn't she?” She knew what was coming and waited quietly, dreading what her mom was going to say. To her surprise, Vivien shook her head.
“No she didn't. Tate did.” Violet's eyes were huge by her mother's admission, though she wasn't able to comment as Vivien continued. “Moira gave him the note as requested and he came to find your father. He wanted permission, though he didn't have to. Now, neither of us have forgiven him for what he did but he did seem genuinely sorry, not that that means anything at all...” Vivien took a deep breath to control herself, feeling anger brewing.
“He is.. he's changed, mom.” She said quickly, whilst her mom was quiet. “I don't know what's going to happen or what I'm gonna say, I just need to..”
“I know.” Vivien squeezed her hands, her words firm and understanding. “Do what you feel is right. Your father and I will support you whatever your decision, though it might take time. What he did was wrong, no matter how sorry he is, but we love you too much to see you hurting, sweetheart.” Kissing Violet's forehead, Vivien smiled softly once more and left the room without another word, leaving her daughter with a lot of things to think about.
Tate's heart was hammering against his ribs so hard he thought they might break. Walking slowly down the sandy slope, the harsh wind hit his face hard, the sea air filling his nose. That was when he finally saw her, sitting around a small fire that was, unbelievably, still alight. His breath caught in his throat as he watched the wind sent her hair in every direction, it whipping around her face. Did she know he was here? Could she see him as clearly as he could see her? Tears pricked at his eyes as he stood there, watching her silently. A small smile curved his lips and he exhaled slowly. She was so beautiful, it never failed to take his breath away when he saw her. He'd give anything to wrap his arms around her and hold her tightly, never letting her go again. She'd passed the message on to him through the maid, telling him to meet her at the beach. He'd brought her here for their first date all those years ago. It had gone so well until the ghosts of victims past had turned up and tried to kill him.. not that it would have made a lot of difference, it would have just been an inconvenience. To be here with her now, to be alone with her finally, it was progress, or at least he hoped so.
Keeping her eyes on the flames, Violet felt him as soon as he reached the slope. She was keeping her breathing controlled, she wanted to make him wait a little while longer so she could get her thoughts together. It was finally occurring to her that she hadn't seen him for two years, not since the night she had helped Gabe flee from Tate and get away with him parents. What was she going to say? How would she ever start a conversation with him? There was so much they needed to talk about but, now the time was here, her brain was failing her. Silence rang around the sheltered little cove for about five or so minuted before she pushed her billowing hair away from her face and took a deep breath, finally speaking.
“I know you're here, Tate.”
His breath caught in his throat and his mind went blank. Within seconds though, he was beaming and began walking toward her slowly.
“You.. you do? You can see me?” His heart was racing as he grew nearer to her. She nodded and turned her head to him, her hazel eyes shining brightly as the flames illuminated her. The faintest glimmer of a smile threatened to break across her face, but he couldn't be sure. Finally closing the distance between them, he decided to play it safe and sit beside her next to the fire, despite his every fibre wanting to embrace her.
“I missed you so much, Violet.” Sighing happily, he brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, though she moved her head away from his touch and looked down, sending a jolt of panic through him.
“Why did you do it, Tate?” The wind roared so loudly around them that he almost didn't hear her. Unfortunately, he had heard and knew that this was inevitable. He could hear the anger, disgust and hurt in her voice as she had asked the question. She had only said six words but he didn't need anymore than that to know how deeply he had hurt her.
“I did it for Nora. I tried to tell her after.. after I fell in love with you that the deal was off. That I couldn't do that to your family. But then your mom died and..” Tears spilled from the corners of his eyes and he squeezed his eyes closed tight, his fingers gripping handfuls of his hair as he tried to control his emotions with great difficulty. Gulping down a lungful of air, he tried to compose himself before looking back to her, trying to use as much sincerity as he could. She needed to know he was telling the truth. “I'm so sorry, Violet. I never meant for this to happen.”
Instinctively, she reached for him and gripped his hands tightly, wanting to comfort him desperately. With a small sigh, she let herself lean toward him, resting her forehead on his. She felt him relax as she did before sniffing and taking back one of his hands to dry his eyes.
“I know, Tate..” The admission was hard but she was being honest with, not only him, but herself. She knew he hadn't meant for things to go this far; the two of them hadn't intended to fall for each other. Part of Violet wanted to be able to tell him that she sometimes wished they hadn't, it would make it easier to hate him but her feelings made her incapable of it. “I just want to know why.” She didn't know the logistics of his relationship with Nora and, if she was frank, she didn't want to know but knew she wouldn't understand fully if she didn't know the entire story. “What did Nora offer you in return for this?”
“Offer me?” Tate looked up at her, shocked and a little offended by her comment. “She didn't offer me anything. Nora has been here for nearly a century, Violet. She has seen so many families meet tragic ends here. She saw how my mot.. Constance treated me. Or should I say neglected me, just like she did with my brothers and sister.” Scowling, he shook his head. Violet stroked the backs of his hands with her thumbs to calm him down; he was shaking with rage. He breathed deeply again to compose himself and continued. “When I died, she was there for me, she helped me understand what was going on and why I could leave the house. She was the mother I always wants; kind, loving, nurturing, caring. She even loves Thaddeus still, after everything her husband did to him.. poor kid.” Tate shuddered a little before locking his eyes onto hers. “Nora was desperate for a child, she had never wanted one more because of what happened to Thaddeus. I told her I'd get her one, no matter the cost. What a cost it turned out to be.. She's basically my mom, Violet, I would have and still would do anything for her. Wouldn't you if your mom needed something?”
Her heart broke for him. He looked so deflated. Violet could tell that he really meant what he said; he loved Nora dearly and only did what a good son would have, even though he went about it the wrong way.
“I understand that.” Violet paused for a moment, an almost awkward silence between them as she thought had about how to phrase her next words. “You did still... rape.. my mom.” Tate squeezed her hands harder than usual as she said the word. “And your kid is still out there, next door to us.. I know your mom brings him round.” Her cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment as she admitted it. She needed confirmation of what Moira said, that Tate wasn't having anything to do with the child.. the monster that killed her mother. Her heart was pounding as she waited for his answer.
“Yes, she does.” Grimacing, his words were sour and filled with dislike, Violet letting out a small, hopefully quiet, sigh. “She tried to make me bond with the kid but I won't. It was created by something.. evil.” As his voice broke, she knew he was referring to himself rather than the act.
“No you're not! You're not evil, Tate. Hey, look at me!” Placing her hands on either side of his neck, she forced him to look at her, his eyes swimming with tears. “You are not evil. What you did was wrong, I know that and so do you, but you're not that person anymore. You've changed so much in the time we've known each other and.. well..” She had tried, she had tried desperately not to give into her emotions but she couldn't stop herself and she didn't care. As soon as her lips pressed against his, she melted into him as she had always done. She felt Tate stiffen momentarily from surprise but soon enough his arms enveloped her petite frame and her pulled her onto his lap, pressing them together so close that nothing could get between them, not even air. Their kisses started out soft and sweet but soon turned hot and passionate, the lost time evident. Both their cheeks were wet with tears but they didn't break apart for a second, Violet finally pushing him onto his back as the stars glimmered above them.
The sound of the waves ebbing back and forth and the whistle of the wind eventually woke Violet from her blissful trance. It was the first time she had wished she could sleep in the entire time she had been dead; lying with her head on Tate's chest, his arms wrapped around her tightly, protectively.
“Tate?” She lifted a brow, not sure if he was willing to talk yet. It turned out he wasn't, as he instead rubbed her upper arm in reply. Shivering slightly from the chill, Violet sat up and pulled her clothes back on whilst Tate did the same. After tying her laces, she turned to face him and crossed her legs, smiling contently as her brushed the hair from her face. “What time is it?” As she stretched her arms above her head, Tate checked her phone and his eyes widened in surprise.
“It's nearly five already. We've been here all night, though I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.” Grinning, he placed his index and middle fingers under her chin and pulled her toward him, kissing her in a way that made her body shudder with delight. She frowned slightly as he pulled away too quickly for her liking, his face clouded a little.
“What's wrong?” Violet's brow furrowed in worry.
“I..I need us to do something before we have to go back to that prison.” Sighing, Tate stood and brushed the sand from his clothes before holding out a hand to Violet, which she accepted willingly. He kissed her lips gently once and linked his fingers with her, leading her back to the main road to complete whatever task it was he needed to before the sun rose.
The sky was becoming a little less dark by the time they reached the cemetery. Violet had checked her phone once they finally got there and saw it was nearly six.
“We've got maybe an hour before we have to be back.” Tate sighed and squeezed her hand a little tighter, feeling apprehensive suddenly. He hadn't been here at all since he found out, he couldn't face it. They walked in silence, the only sound was the gravel under their feet crunching as they walked, for about five minutes until Tate stopped in front of a fairly new looking grave, though it did tell signs of being there for a while. The stone was becoming discoloured with moss growing up the sides. Reading the words etched into the headstone broke his heart, his legs giving way as he fell to his knees.
Adelaide Langdon.
Beloved daughter and sister.
A very pretty girl.
Tears poured from his eyes and he buried his head in his arms, sobbing unashamedly. Violet knelt beside him, knowing all she could do was comfort him as he needed her too, there was no way she could ease his pain. She felt tears pricking at the corners of her own eyes but sniffed them back. Addie had been a sweet kid, really. Sure, she came into the house when she shouldn't have but when she and Violet spent time alone together, Violet saw that all she wanted was to be accepted and be like everyone else. She just wanted to be a pretty girl. Taking a shaky breath, Tate swallowed hard and wiped his face with his sleeve. Violet was unnerved by the dark, furious look on his face.
“This shouldn't have happened. I'm so sorry, Addie! I should have protected you from her..!” His bottom lip trembled and he burst into tears once more, clinging to Violet like he might lose her too, again, if he didn't.
“There was nothing you could have done, Tate.” Violet said soothingly, stroking the back of his head in a steady rhythm. “It was an accident, the car came from..”
“No!” He cut her off, his shouting making her jump. “This is because of Constance. She always told Addie she wasn't a pretty girl.. it's no wonder Addie ran into the road toward those girls.” Shaking his head, he sighed and wiped his eyes once more. He clocked the confused look Violet gave him and stood, helping her up. “Moira told me what happened, she was leaving the house when it happened. Addie was wearing some stupid mask and couldn't see where she was going and then the car hit her..” He choked on his words a little at this point but controlled his emotions well, placing a hand on the top of the headstone. “Moira would have helped but she had to get to her mother. I would be angry at her but there's only one person to blame for this.” He glared into the distance for a long minute, Violet squeezing his hand bringing him back into the present. Exhaling another sigh, he turned to the grave and smiled sadly. “I'm sorry, little sister, but at least you can be happy now. You were always a pretty girl to me.” His eyes swam with tears but he sniffed hard, Violet leading him away from the cemetery. He was kind of glad he wouldn't have to visit for another year.
Violet had her arm around Tate's waist, his around her shoulders, as they walked happily up the street back to the house. She felt complete for the first time in a long time, though it was not becoming tinged with worry as she thought of getting back to the house and having to sit down with her parents and Tate to talk about everything. Gazing up at him, she grinned as she saw his lips curve into a smile, he knew she was looking. Reaching the gate, they spotted Constance leaving her house and spot them. The woman's eyes widened in surprise but then she smiled and waved, though her hand dropped quickly and Violet could only guess the way Tate was looking at his mother. Constance quickly made her way to her car and got in, backing out fast and driving down the road. Shaking her head, Violet dropped her arm and walked ahead of him, taking his hand as they walked up the path to the front door.
To her surprise, the door was ajar when they got there. She tried not to think too much into it as there were a lot of spirits coming in to the house this morning. Pushing it open, she lifted a brow and walked in.
“Mom?” She called, an unsettling feeling growing in her stomach. “Dad?”
Silence. She looked up at Tate, who was sharing the same worried look, and they ventured further into the house. They hadn't been looking long when they heard a woman scream and a baby cry from upstairs. Without thinking, Violet bolted up the stairs, Tate hot on her heels. Arguing voices grew louder as they reached her parents room. They entered the room at the same time and Violet gasped at the sight before her. Hayden was wrapped up in the bed sheets, her cheek painted red as blood trickled slowly down it; her mother's furious figure shaking, a stained kitchen knife held tightly in her hand whilst she glared at Ben; her father stood with his hands up in between the two women, only wearing jeans which looked like they had been pulled on quickly; Moira was rocking her brother back and forth, soothing him as best she could whilst trying to keep an eye on the situation.
Taking a step forward, Violet was shaking with shock and rage, her eyes locked onto her father's guilty looking face.
“What the hell is going on..?!”
To be continued...