Snow's expression turned cold. "Forgive her? You think I can just forgive her for everything she's done?"
Minnie nodded. "I think you can try, Snow. For your own sake, if not for your mom's."
Minnie shook her head, laughing. "I pray you get a daughter who acts just like you, Snow."
Snow grinned, confidence radiating from her. "I'm the best, Minnie. I wouldn't dare think of getting married and divorce a million times. Some peeps marry, divorce, repeat- They made marriage their personal merry-go-round."
Minnie chuckled. "I'm sure your future husband is in for a treat."
Snow's eyes sparkled. "Oh, he'd better be ready. I'm not going to be like my mom, getting married and divorced like it's a revolving door. I'm going to find one man, and I'm going to make it work."
Minnie raised an eyebrow. "You're a package deal, huh?"
Snow nodded, a sassy grin spreading across her face. "I'm a full package, Minnie. I'm controlling, sassy, and I was born with attitude. My husband is going to have to be ready for all that and more."
Minnie burst out laughing. "I have no doubt you'll keep him on his toes."
Before Minnie could ask what Snow wanted for lunch, Snow jumped in. "I want chicken nuggets, Minnie. And maybe some alcohol to go with it."
Snow stood up, her eyes blazing. "I need something to cool off my head," she muttered, pacing back and forth.
Minnie raised an eyebrow. "You want to get drunk? Snow, it's hot outside. Getting drunk in this weather isn't a good idea."
Snow cut her off. "I don't care, Minnie. Just get me something to drink."
Minnie sighed. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you."
Minnie left the room, leaving Snow to her thoughts.
Violet walked in.
Snow walked into the room, looking around for Violet. "Hey, V! How was your day? Where have you been?"
Violet smiled, holding up a shopping bag. "Hey, Snow! I went shopping. I actually got something for us."
Snow's eyes lit up. "Wait, for us?"
Violet nodded, rummaging through the bag. "Yeah, I got something I think you'll love."
Snow's curiosity was piqued. "What is it? Tell me!"
Violet teased, holding the bag just out of Snow's reach. "Not yet, not yet. You have to wait."
Snow pouted, trying to grab the bag. "Come on, V! I hate waiting."
Violet laughed, holding the bag closer to her chest. "Patience, Snow. It's worth the wait."
Snow crossed her arms, looking sulky. "Fine. But if it's not something amazing, I'm blaming you."
Violet grinned. "Don't worry, Snow. You'll love it. I promise."
Snow raised an eyebrow. "You better be right."
Violet chuckled, pulling out a small box from the bag. "Okay, okay. I think it's time for the big reveal."
Snow's eyes widened as Viola opened the box, revealing a beautiful silver necklace. "Oh my gosh, V! It's gorgeous!"
Snow's eyes narrowed as she looked at Violet. "V, are you okay? You seem a bit off."
Violet forced a bright smile. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine."
Snow raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You seem sweaty. Did something happen at the mall?"
Violet shook her head. "What do you think could happen? Nothing happened. Everything went fine."
Snow looked unconvinced. "Okay, it's okay. I believe you. But why are you sweating this much?"
Violet glanced around the room before answering. "It's just hot outside, that's all."
Snow nodded slowly. "Okay, if you say so."
Violet stood up, brushing off her pants. "I think I'm going to go freshen up now. I have class at three, and I don't want to be late."
Snow nodded. "Okay, go ahead. I'll see you later."
Violet hurried out of the room, leaving Snow looking behind her.
"Just say you kissed Leo, I won't get you murdered. I stopped finding Leo attractive the moment we started dating." Snow scoffed and sank on the sofa.
>>>
Snow had been sipping her coffee at the small café on Main Street, her eyes scanning the crowded sidewalk outside.
She had been lost in thought, replaying the events of the past few weeks, when she spotted Leo walking down the street.
At first, she thought it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. But as he drew closer, his familiar stride and messy brown hair unmistakable, Snow's heart skipped a beat.
She watched, detached, as Leo stopped outside the café, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on her.
A small smile played on his lips as he pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Snow raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. What was Leo doing here? And why did he look so...smug?
Snow leaned back in her chair, a sassy glint in her eye. "So, Leo, I think it's time we called it quits."
Leo raised an eyebrow, but a small smile played on his lips. "Took you long enough," he said, his voice laced with amusement.
Snow snorted. "Hey, I'm just being realistic. We've been on borrowed time for months."
Leo shrugged. "I know. I've been expecting this conversation."
Snow's gaze locked onto his. "Expecting it? Or hoping for it?"
Leo's smile grew wider. "Maybe a little of both."
Snow laughed, a throaty sound. "I knew it. You've been checking out that new girl, haven't you?"
Leo's eyes flickered, but he didn't deny it. "Snow, you're not exactly the jealous type."
Snow waved her hand dismissively. "I'm not jealous. I'm just stating facts. You've been distant, and I know you've got someone else on your radar."
Leo leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with interest. "You're really okay with this, aren't you?"
Snow nodded, her expression serene. "Totally. I'm just ready to move on."
Leo grinned, a look of admiration on his face. "You're something else, Snow."
Snow smiled back, a sassy glint in her eye. "That's why you're going to miss me."
Snow leaned in, her voice taking on a serious tone. "Look, Leo, I don't care what you do with your life, but don't hurt anyone, okay? Don't take advantage of people or situations just because you can."
Leo's smile faltered, and he looked taken aback by Snow's words. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice tinged with defensiveness.
Snow's eyes flashed. "Don't play dumb, Leo. I know you. You're charming and charismatic, and you know exactly how to get what you want. But that doesn't mean you should use those gifts to manipulate people."
Leo's face darkened, and he opened his mouth to respond, but Snow cut him off.
"No, Leo, listen. I'm not trying to lecture you or tell you what to do. I'm just saying that if you're going to do whatever it is you're doing, do it with the little f*cked integrity you manage to have. Don't hurt anyone. Don't lie or cheat or manipulate. Just don't seem like a hit and run."
Leo's expression softened slightly, and he looked at Snow with a hint of surprise. "You know, Snow, you're really something," he said, his voice tinged with admiration.
Snow rolled her eyes. "Save it, Leo. I'm not looking for compliments. I just want you to do the right thing."
"I wonder when you started caring about doing the right thing." Leo managed to say.
With that, Snow stood up, grabbed her bag, and walked out of the café, leaving Leo looking thoughtful and slightly chastened.
Oliver stormed into the room, slamming the door behind him. Williams, looked up from the kitchen, where he was cooking up a storm. "Whoa, why are you so upset, man?" Williams asked, concern etched on his face.
Oliver didn't respond, but instead, flopped down onto the couch, running his hands through his hair.
Williams could tell something was bothering him, so he decided to probe a bit deeper. "Come on, tell me. Did you loose a fight to someone?" Williams urged, putting down the spatula he was using to stir the pot.
"Yeah, and you know who it was." Oliver stated with his slowing down.
William wiggled his head slowly trying to deny his thoughts. "Don't tell me. It's snow again?"
Oliver sighed heavily and began to explain. "I ran into Snow today. She came up to me and told me she was bored. I didn't care, I was on my way to class. But she followed me to class and told everyone I was her boyfriend. She even came into the class and distracted me the whole time."
Williams' eyes widened in surprise. "No way, she did that? That's crazy!"
Oliver nodded, his expression grim. "I know, right? And the worst part is, I didn't even give her the time of day. I just wanted to get to class and learn something for once."
Williams chuckled. "I guess you and Snow are fated mates or something."
Oliver rolled his eyes. "It's not funny, man. I don't like girls like her. She's just so... dramatic and attention-seeking."
William said as if his mind suddenly clicked on something. "Speaking of dating?? Are you and Violet still on your break?"
Oliver gave a slight nod to affirm his words.
Williams' grin faded, and he became serious. "You know, Oliver, you're making this break with Violet longer than it needs to be. You should ask her why she wanted a break and try to make her feel relevant in the relationship again."
Oliver thought about Williams' words and realized he was right. "You know what, I think I'll do that," Oliver said, determination in his voice.
Williams smiled. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get some food. I'm starving!" He gestured to the pot on the stove. "I am making Mac and cheese with bacon."
Oliver's stomach growled at the mention of food. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it."
As they sat down to eat, Williams couldn't help but tease Oliver a bit more. "So, are you going to tell Violet about Snow's little stunt today?"
Oliver shook his head. "No way, man. That's just going to make things worse. I'll just stick to apologizing and trying to make things right between us."
Williams nodded in agreement. "That's probably for the best. Just take things slow and see where they go, okay?"
____________
Violet was in her room, lying on her bed, when her phone suddenly lit up with two new messages. She picked it up, curiosity getting the better of her.
As she scrolled through the notifications, she saw that one message was from Oliver, and the other was from Leo. Her eyes widened slightly as she read the messages.
Oliver's message was simple: "Let's talk, I want to see you." Violet's heart skipped a beat as she read the words.
Leo's message, on the other hand, was more casual: "Wanna go out on a date with me?" Violet's lips curled into a slight smile as she read the message.
She looked at the two messages, her mind racing with thoughts. She didn't respond to either message, instead, she just kept staring at the screen, unsure of what to do next.
****
Violet stood outside the door, her hand hesitating for a moment before she knocked. The door swung open, revealing Oliver's expectant face.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside to let her in.
Violet walked into the room, her eyes scanning the space. She was invited to his suite.
Oliver gestured for her to sit down, and Violet complied, her hands clutching a glass of juice. She took a sip, her eyes never leaving Oliver's face.
"Why did you need to see me?" Violet asked, her voice neutral.
Oliver's face broke into a charming smile. "Babe, come on. I missed you."
Violet's expression didn't change. "What do you mean, you missed me?"
Oliver leaned in, his voice taking on a romantic tone. "I mean, I miss us. I miss being with you, talking to you, laughing with you."
Violet's eyes narrowed, her voice rising. "Save it, Oliver. We're on a break, remember?"
Oliver's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "I know, I know. But I was thinking, maybe we could call off the break. Work through our issues."
Violet's expression turned cold. "You think it's that easy? You think you can just charm your way back into my heart?"
Oliver sighed, running his hands through his hair. "Violet, I'm not trying to charm you. I'm trying to be honest with you. I miss you, and I want to make things right between us."
Violet raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I want to make things right between us?"
Oliver's eyes locked onto hers. "Because I know you, Violet. I know you care about me, and I care about you. We can work through this."
Violet shook her head, her voice firm. "No, Oliver. We can't just 'work through this.' You need to understand why I needed a break in the first place."
Oliver's face fell, but he nodded. "Okay, fine. Tell me. What did I do wrong?"
Violet's eyes flashed with anger. "You didn't do anything wrong, Oliver. That's the problem. You did nothing. You didn't cheat nor lie to me. I wish I had a more reasonable reason for this break."
Oliver's face went pale, and he looked taken aback. "Violet, that's not fair."
Violet stood up, her voice rising. "Fair? Yes you are right. it's not. That's why I don't want to be the one to call the shots as you might feel cheated. You call it when you are ready but for now we are still on our break."
Her heart sank with great fright as she said those words to Oliver. She really doesn't want to hurt him either.
Oliver was in great pains but managed to hide it from her. "I still don't understand."
Violet stood up from her seat, "Don't you see Oliver, it ain't working between us anymore. We are long dead."
"You weren't to me! I might had been to you but you were always in my heart." He held up his emotions toiling within him.
"That's the point. I don't wanna hurt you anymore by pretending." She nodded her head and then picked up her bag and started heading for the door.
"Calling the shots! No problem." Was all Violet managed to hear before she came out and shut the door behind her.
She stood there for some minutes trying to stop her tears from coming out before she walked away.