Archive of Our Own

Vi hates Caitlyn Kiramman. And she knows what you're thinking. Hate is a particularly strong word but Vi has justifications. Caitlyn can't seem to leave her alone. Not when she flunked English so Caitlyn had to tutor her vigorously. Not when Caitlyn keeps volunteering to be her science partner. Not when Caitlyn keeps interrupting her peaceful high school life. Her reasoning?

"You and your sister are under the Kiramman Scholars Foundation. It is detrimental that you uphold such a reputation." Caitlyn said curtly.

Vi could only scowl at the memory and curse everyone who landed her in this God-centered private school. Stupid Vander pulling strings. Stupid Kirammans for seeing potential in Powder. Stupid Powder for wanting to go here. Then she stopped and sighed. She could never hate her sister. Powder wanted to get in the Apprenticeship for Robotics Program so badly and despite their financial situation, Vander managed to contact his pal Grayson, the Principal of Piltover Academy and arrange this whole scholarship crap. The only problem was Powder can't go alone, she skipped a few grades and even in Zaun she needed protection from bullying. Lucky for Vi, she's Zaun Public School's Boxing Champion, so securing a sports scholarship for her was easy for the adults. So Vi left Zaun, left Milo and Claggor and her other gang that follows her, to attend this Catholic Private School with her sister. Unfortunately for both Vi and Powder, the two of them stuck out like a sore thumb and not in a good way. Nobody dared to bully them both with Vi's reputation for being jacked and for being the Kiramman's charity case but not a lot of them made friends either.

Vi didn't want to fit in too. Refusing to wear the uniform properly, always rolling up the sleeves to expose her arms. Refusing to wear the standard black school shoes and opting for sneakers to play basketball on the courts. Refusing to keep her hair long as stated in the mandatory rule books and cutting them with normal scissors whenever it gets past her shoulders.

Every teacher tried and failed to get her to comply that even Grayson gave up. Unfortunately, they have other means of torturing Vi. One example is the yearly Senior's Recollection Retreat.

An all expense paid camp to hell. Or what the pastors call haven. No, to Vi it was her literal hell. Three days and two nights spent in an old Retreat House. 72 hours trapped in a facility with people she doesn't like, doing bible study, writing journals and letters, praying to a God she doesn't believe in, and reflecting on her actions. The worst part is Powder doesn't get to go cause she's still a Junior. Vi already determined that it is going to be the worst three days of her life.

But she spoke too soon because as soon as the bus stopped, Professor Heimerdinger announced the bloke she'll be stuck rooming with for 3 days. "Violet Lane and Caitlyn Kiramman."

"Wait, what?" Vi stared at him, baffled.

"Your room number is 516, please grab the keys in the front desk." Prof. Heimerdinger ignored her. "If you lose the keys there will be a fine and no switching is allowed."

"No." Vi snapped.

"I beg your pardon?" Heimer looked at her in shock at her tone.

"I'm not rooming with her." Vi protested.

Heimer shrugged unphased and pointed to the door of the bus. "Please exit the bus and grab your room key at the front desk."

Before Vi could say something, Caitlyn stood up from the front of the bus and gracefully exited the bus. Vi couldn't see her reaction from where she was seated but she could take a guess from how fast Caitlyn moved that she was displeased as well.

"Come along now, Ms. Lane. Your partner is waiting for you." Heimer didn't even look at her as he checked his list. "Now, next up is Jace Talis and Viktor Herald."

Standing up, Vi grumbled disapprovingly, shoving her hands in the pocket of her red jacket and exiting the bus. Caitlyn waits for her with her arms crossed and an unreadable expression. Vi ignored her and walked straight through the double doors of the lobby.

Vi wrinkled her nose at the smell of incense and looked around. The venue was an old mansion in the middle of the mountains converted into a retreat house. The lobby walls were lined with shelves filled with Catholic paraphernalias from statues of saints and angels to carvings of Jesus Christ and Mary. In the middle of the lobby was a nun behind a counter organizing keys and reading off a list.

Vi hated it but before she could turn back around and hitchhike her way home. Caitlyn entered the lobby behind her.

"Miss Kiramman, welcome back." The nun looked up and smiled when she saw Caitlyn.

"Just Caitlyn, Miss Gertrude." Caitlyn smiled sheepishly and approached the desk.

Vi rolled her eyes. She should've known Caitlyn had already been here before. She shouldn't be even shocked if she found out that the Kiramman's owned this place. It wasn't even a surprise to know that the Kirammans own most of Piltover Academy shares.

"All right, Caitlyn." Gertrude winked then turned to Vi. "And you must be..." She looked down at the list. "Violet Lanes."

"Vi." Vi nodded politely. Vi hated the institution but wasn't a monster. Vander taught her some manners and she never had any bad experiences with nuns.

"Well, here are your keys. Don't lose them." Getrude handed them both a set. "Your luggage will be up after general assembly which will be in 30 minutes so you have time to check out your room and pick beds. You'll find your schedule in your rooms. Now go on and freshen up a bit."

"Thanks, Miss Gertrude." Caitlyn smiled politely.

Vi resisted the urge to roll her eyes and followed Caitlyn upstairs which was tiring since their room was on the 5th floor and no elevator was in sight. Caitlyn unlocked the door and revealed a small room barely big enough for two people. Inside was a desk, a sink, a bed, and a white closet.

One bed.

"It's a pullout." Caitlyn answered her before she could even question it. "Which one do you prefer?"

"Whatever." Vi answered curtly.

As usual Caitlyn didn't question her and just sat on the top bed. Vi inspects the sink and turns on the water. She shivered as she touched the water.

"Seems like they haven't fixed the heating." Caitlyn comments. "Hopefully the showers are warmer."

Vi scoffed.

They both turned as they heard a knock at the door. Caitlyn immediately stood up and opened it. The hall was bustling with their classmates now and Maddie Nolan stood in front of their door.

"Hi, Cait." Maddie smiled.

"Do you need anything?" Caitlyn asked.

"Not from you, no." Maddie giggled then she turned to Vi. "Wanna switch? I've got Mel Medarda."

Vi's eyes went wide. Mel Medarda was another big name. A conglomerate heir of Noxian Inc. she never interacted with Vi much but they were civil towards one another. Mel was easily one of the most attractive people in their batch. But what confuses her was that Maddie was offering her the switch not the other way around. Caitlyn easily gets along with Mel so it'd make so much more sense if Caitlyn was offered the switch.

Before Vi could ask or answer, Caitlyn slammed her hand on the door frame and said. "No switching."

"What? But Cait—" Maddie looked shocked.

"If Heimer finds out, I'll be reprimanded and word gets out to my parents..." Caitlyn quickly said.

Maddie pouts. "But—"

"It's time for the General Assembly. I'll see you downstairs, Vi." Caitlyn tugged Maddie away before she could protest, leaving Vi alone in the room wondering what just happened.

~~~~

The General Assembly was boring to Vi. It was all about ground rules and regulations. No switching rooms or partners. No overcrowding rooms. Lights out at specific times. Get up at 5AM for daily mass. No wasting food. No horseplaying. No lollygagging. No phones or gadgets. Boy's Dorms are not accessible to girls and Girl's Dorms are not accessible to boys. Heimerdinger and the staff went on and on and Vi could feel her eyelids drooping with every word.

Noon came time for lunch where they had a designated seating arrangement with Viktor, Jace, Mel, and Maddie. Vi finished her meal quickly so she left the table early. Not that anybody noticed, except Caitlyn who looked up from her dessert pie and asked where she was going.

"Why do you care?" Vi asked in a sarcastic tone.

"Because you're my partner and my responsibility. If Heimer asks where you are—"

"Tell him I took a shit." Vi rolled her eyes.

The whole group laughed and Caitlyn blushed. "Violet!"

Vi just turned around and headed to the nearest door she could find. Which was the door to the garden and in the middle of the garden was huge hedges. Vi ignores the dirt path and trudges on the grass to the hedges. There was an opening in the middle of the hedges with a sign that said "Hedge Maze".

She was about to enter when an aggravating voice stopped her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Caitlyn came up from behind her.

Vi sighed. "Or what? Gonna tattle?"

"No," Caitlyn smiled. "Guess you never heard about the legend."

"What stupid legend is attached to this maze?" Vi turned to her in annoyance. "You get lost inside forever?"

"It's a maze, you get lost automatically in a maze." Caitlyn said in a sarcastic tone. "No, the legend is that when you find the center, you find a portal to hell where they take your soul."

"That sounds better than staying here." Vi mumbled.

"What was that?" Caitlyn asked.

"Nothing," Vi trudges off to another direction, leaving Caitlyn in front of the maze.

~~~~

Caitlyn likes Violet Lane. Caitlyn likes Vi a little too much and everybody knows it. Everybody except Vi herself. Caitlyn tends to fall for that, girls who can make her or break her. Vi is just Caitlyn's type. Strong, smart but wholesomely an idiot, protective (of Powder), laid-back, and doesn't care about the rules. Vi is certainly the type of girl that her parents warn her about. That's why it took a lot of convincing her parents to offer her the scholarship as well. On the agreement that Caitlyn would look after her, her parents relented, much to Caitlyn's glee.

But Caitlyn never understood why Vi held such animosity towards her. At first it felt painful that the only girl that Caitlyn would take interest in, hates her guts. But as time went on, Caitlyn grew accustomed to it. She found it amusing that Vi hates her. At least Vi found her interesting enough to hate. Unlike her other classmates who grovel at her feet once they heard her last name. And it made her like Vi more.

But lately it's been harder and harder for her to hide that she likes Vi. It shows in all of her attempts to get close to the girl. When Caitlyn volunteered to tutor Vi when she flunked English. When Caitlyn insists on being her science partner everytime they have an experiment. When Caitlyn watches Vi's every move and anticipates what she would need. Caitlyn doesn't like using her status as leverage for what she wants in life but when the Retreat Camp announcement came she practically wanted to beg Heimerdinger to be Vi's roommate. So when Maddie came along and suggested a room switch she lost her cool a bit.

"Cait, what's the problem? Don't you want to room with me?" Maddie asks as she gets towed by Caitlyn to the lobby.

Caitlyn dropped her sleeve and crossed her arms. "No I don't."

Maddie pouts and rubs Caitlyn's arm. "But we could stay up all night and—"

"It's a Recollection Retreat, Maddie." Caitlyn stepped back. "I'm here to pray."

Maddie looks unconvinced but before she could say something else, Jace and Viktor entered the lobby with Mel behind them which was a relief to Caitlyn since that meant the conversation was over. Aside from her friends, Maddie is the only one who knows Cait is a lesbian. It happened before Vi. She was lonely and bored so she flirted with Maddie for a while but Maddie never really got over her and Caitlyn never clearly ended things between them on the count that there was practically nothing between them except flirting.

"So how is Lanes?" Jace smirked at Caitlyn.

"Shut up," Caitlyn rolled her eyes.

"I can't believe you got her as a roommate. What a stroke of luck," Viktor said.

"Yeah, luck." Caitlyn lied and nodded.

Mel looked at her suspiciously but shrugged.

As if being summoned, Vi emerged from the top of the stairs, hands in her pockets looking all broody. Caitlyn can help but stare because Vi took off her jacket revealing a fitted short sleeved shirt clinging around her biceps. Caitlyn could feel her face turning red so she turned away taking an interest in her shoes.

Caitlyn hardly paid any attention to Heimerdinger and the staff, occasionally glancing at Vi trying not to fall asleep during the orientation. Holding back a smile trying to play on her lips every time Vi's head would nod off.

After lunch Caitlyn followed Vi to the garden where she found the maze. She told Vi all about the legend but she never mentioned that the legend was made by her to hide her special spot in the middle of the maze. Every year her parents insist on bringing Caitlyn to their own retreat and every year Caitlyn would sneak off to the maze and hide there until dinner time. She hated the Retreat. She hated the activities. She hated waking up early just to attend a mass. But this year it would be different because Vi was here.

~~~~

Vi hates the pastor. He was strict, making sure she was paying attention at all times while discussing the life of Jesus. After the discussion the pastor made them pray and gathered them around in a circle to write letters to their parents. An hour into the session everyone was crying as they poured their heart out into their letters. Everyone, except Caitlyn and Vi.

Vi wondered about that a bit. Why wasn't Caitlyn crying? Does she have a wonderful relationship with her parents that she has nothing to hide from them? That there's nothing she regrets or is guilty of? She was so deep in thought that she didn't notice Caitlyn was staring back at her with a raised eyebrow as if to ask, "why are you staring?"

Vi looked around at the pathetic circle of crying teenagers then back at Caitlyn. Caitlyn shrugged as if she'd done it a million times for the activity to be trivial for her. Then she smirked as if to ask about Vi. Vi looked away and looked down at her letter.

There was no letter to her parents. Her parents are long gone so her letter was for Vander. And it only contained one sentence.

Thank you for raising me and Powder.

After that they folded their paper and put it in an envelope to be given to their parents at the next parent-teacher meeting.

After dinner they took a break to roam around and Vi kept coming back to the garden. Since it was dark she didn't have the courage to venture in the maze. She has to admit that after hearing what Caitlyn said about the entrance to hell, she was scared. She was never one to be a fan of the paranormal. It was Powder who always liked that stuff. Ever since they were kids, Powder would always tell her that she sees ghosts and Vi's blood would turn cold.

So Vi decided no haunted maze for tonight, instead she ventured to the east of the garden where it was a clearing and laid down on the grass. The stars were all out tonight. Vi loved that about the mountain province. You could always see the stars at night. She wished Powder was there so she could point out constellations.

"Orion's belt is out." Caitlyn plopped down beside Vi. "See the three dots."

"Didn't ask." Vi said.

Caitlyn chuckled. "Okay."

"Are you here to keep me from running away?" Vi asked in annoyance.

"No, just to keep you company." Caitlyn hugged her legs as a cool breeze passed through them. "Haunted place that's all."

Vi felt cold run down her spine. "Everything here is haunted for you."

Caitlyn took off her jacket and wrapped it around Vi casually. "Because this whole place is haunted. I don't like it here."

"Then why are you here?" Vi asked, confused with the gesture.

"I might as well be with somebody who hates it here as well." Caitlyn shrugged and picked a leaf from the ground, examining it between her fingers.

Vi didn't answer anything to that.

They sat there for a while, relaxing and enjoying the quietness around them. The rest of their classmates are playing tag in the parking lot while the others are up in their rooms.

Vi glanced at Caitlyn who was now staring at the distance towards the building. Her expression was unreadable but her eyes were filled with fear. Another cool breeze passes through them.

Caitlyn sneezed.

Vi stood up and took off Caitlyn's jacket, tossing it onto her lap before turning to the building and walking inside feeling awkward. It was weird. Was that considered hanging out with Caitlyn? For the first time Caitlyn's presence felt positive to Vi. Just on the grass saying nothing was a pleasant experience for Vi.

~~~

Lights out time was peaceful. Everybody was settling down and getting ready for bed. Vi was brushing her teeth when Caitlyn started undressing in front of the small closet.

Vi couldn't help but stare as she shrug off her button down shirt and hang it in the closet. Of course she has flawlessly smooth skin, Vi wouldn't expect anything else. But Vi could stop staring. It was the first time a girl had been undressing in the same room as her and the thought made her heart race. Vi swallowed as Caitlyn started unbuttoning her pants then she stopped.

"Can you uhhh... turn around for a bit?" Caitlyn whispered.

Vi's eyes went wide and she immediately turned to the sink, muttering, "sorry" and trying to finish brushing her teeth.

She didn't turn back around until she heard Caitlyn closed the closet door. She didn't expect Caitlyn to wear a spaghetti strapped nightgown with a plunging neckline. Vi could feel her face heat-up as she tried not to stare at Caitlyn's chest.

Caitlyn helped her pull out the bottom bed and tossed her a pillow. Vi caught it and plopped down the bed.

"Goodnight, Vi." Caitlyn said as she turned off the lights and headed to bed.

"Nyt." Vi grunted.

They both laid on their bed quietly and listened to the clock ticking.

"Vi?"

"Go to sleep."

"Why didn't you cry?"

"I said go to sleep."

Vi could hear Caitlyn rustling in bed. "I mean, I cried when I was younger but why didn't you?"

Vi sighed in the darkness, wishing she didn't have to deal with this conversation. "I don't cry."

"Come on, you expect me to believe that?" Vi could hear the smile on Caitlyn's voice.

"What do you expect me to say?"

"The truth?"

"Are you entitled to it?"

"No."

"Then shut it." Vi said firmly.

That seemed to do the trick and Vi could hear the clock ticking again. Vi pulled up her covers and turned away from Caitlyn.

"Vi."

"For the love of all things holy, go to sleep Caitlyn." Vi hissed.

"I can't." Caitlyn said.

"Why the fuck not?"

After a beat, Caitlyn softly asked. "Why do you hate me so much?"

Vi gets up exasperated. "I don't know Cait, why are you such a pain in my ass?"

"I'm not trying to be." Caitlyn said.

"Caitlyn Kiramman, you go out of your way to make my life as uncomfortable as possible—"

There was a thud at the door and they both froze. Vi quickly turned on the desk light as Caitlyn called out. "Who is it?"

No answer.

Vi was about to close the lights and head back to bed when there was another thud at the door. Vi's palms began to sweat.

"Who is it?" Caitlyn asked more firmly but with a shaky voice.

Vi muttered. "Who the fuck is it? This isn't funny."

No answer.

Caitlyn looked at Vi with fear in her eyes. "Vi, come here."

Normally Vi would second guess any command or request made by Caitlyn but she was too scared to do so. Caitlyn made room in her bed and Vi willingly climbed into the covers with her.

"Do you think it's someone pulling a prank?" Caitlyn asked as she wrapped her hands around Vi's arm pulling it close to her chest.

Vi could feel her biceps pressed on Caitlyn's breast. She could feel Caitlyn's heart race against her arm. She could feel her own heart race as well. From fear or from Caitlyn, Vi wasn't sure.

"If this is a fucking prank I'm gonna kill somebody." Vi muttered.

Then both of the girls froze as the door of their closet slowly opened, revealing nothing inside but clothes. It was enough for them to be terrified out of their wits.

Caitlyn swallowed and stuttered. "W-what if they—they're already dead?"

Vi couldn't keep her bravado. "Then I don't know."

They waited and waited for something to happen again. The clock ticks louder and louder as they hold their breaths in anticipation. But nothing came. No noise. No actions. None.

So they both sighed in partial relief. Caitlyn muttered while clutching Vi's arm. "I hate ghosts."

"Don't let them fucking hear you." Vi hissed.

"You actually believe in them?" Caitlyn was a bit surprised.

"And you don't?" Vi said sarcastically while pointing at her hands.

Caitlyn lets go of her arms apologetically. "Someone needs to close the closet."

"Why does it have to be me?" Vi protested.

Caitlyn looked at her with fear in her blue eyes more intense than before. Somehow Vi couldn't say no. She grunted. "Fine."

"Thank you." Caitlyn looked extremely relieved.

Vi gingerly approached the closet, flipping the lights on and opening the door further. There was nothing inside but their clothes. Vi securely closed the closet door making sure it won't open again before running to bed.

"Vi?"

"Yes?"

"C-can we keep the lights on?"

"Yup."

"Thanks."

"No prob."

Caitlyn didn't lay back down and just stared down at Vi in her own bed. "Vi?"

"Yes?" Vi looked at her.

"Can you sleep on my bed with me tonight?" Caitlyn blushed.

Vi blinked. "Huh?"

"I—I just. I need someone next to me... I think." Caitlyn looked away in embarrassment. "I can't calm down."

Vi stared at her incredulously. Why was she asking me this? But Vi looked at her hands and they're still shaking. Vi hasn't spent a night in a haunted house before. What if she wakes up in the middle of the night and there was a ghost in bed with her?

So without a second thought, Vi tossed her pillow and blanket over to Caitlyn. She tucked her bed under Caitlyn's bed and climbed next to Caitlyn. "Just for tonight."

"Just for tonight." Caitlyn agreed.

Vi laid down on her back awkwardly while Caitlyn laid on her side facing Vi.

"Goodnight." Caitlyn said.

"Nyt." Vi nodded and closed her eyes.

They could hear the ticking of the clock again. They weren't close but Vi could smell Caitlyn's shampoo from where she was. She couldn't pin-point what it smelled like. Citrus? No. Vanilla? Similar but no. The more she tried to think about it the more confused she got.

"I'm sorry if I did something to make you hate me." Caitlyn said in an almost teasing tone.

Vi sighed, opening her eyes. "When you apologize it makes it difficult to hate you."

"Good." Caitlyn smiled.

"Do you ever feel like I don't want to be here? In this school?" Vi asked.

"All the time." Caitlyn answered.

"Then why the fuck do you keep trying to keep me here?" Vi turned to her. Then she froze as their faces were inches away from each other's.

Caitlyn stared at her in surprise. Her blue eyes scanned her face for something. Vi moved back a bit.

Caitlyn smiled softly. "You may not want to be here but you do need to be here."

Vi hated the way Caitlyn was right. Powder needed her here and she sometimes forgets why.

"Don't worry. After this year you'll be out of this prison." Caitlyn said. "Unless you're planning to repeat then I can help with that—"

"Nope," Vi turned her back to her. "Go to sleep."

"Sure," Caitlyn chuckled.

After a few minutes, Vi said. "The reason I didn't cry... I've already cried enough for my parents. They aren't coming back."

Caitlyn was quiet and Vi figured just like everyone else she had nothing to respond with. What do you expect people to say when you tell them your parents are dead? I'm sorry? What a generic answer so Vi just ended the conversation by saying goodnight one last time.

"Goodnight, Violet." Caitlyn responded.

For once Vi didn't mind being called that.

~~~~

Caitlyn didn't sleep much. How could she when Vi was so near her? She hoped Vi couldn't feel her heartbeat through the bed.

As Vi slept soundly she couldn't help but stare at Vi's back. Vi has a nice back. She wanted to touch it, to feel Vi's muscles on her palms. But she respects Vi's space enough not to do that. She however occasionally sniffs Vi's hair.

She smelled like watermelon which was funny considering her red hair. But Caitlyn couldn't get enough of it.

Vi muttered something about ghosts and Caitlyn froze. Vi tossed and turned around to face Caitlyn. Caitlyn's eyes went wide as she came face to face with sleeping Vi.

Vi was close. Too close but not close enough. Close enough that Caitlyn can feel Vi's breath on her lips but not close enough that she could feel them touching. Caitlyn was so close, so close enough to graze their lips together but Caitlyn had dignity. If she wanted to kiss Vi, she wanted both of them to want it and be awake for it so she moved back and just watched Vi's sleeping face for hours.

Before she knew it, it was 5AM and she had to wake up Vi for morning mass. Vi didn't look too happy about that and all throughout the mass Caitlyn and Vi had to nudge each other awake so they wouldn't fall asleep. Their meal group certainly took notice of their sleepy demeanor.

"Didn't get much sleep?" Jace asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Did any of you knock on our door last night?" Caitlyn yawned.

Mel and Maddie looked confused. Viktor and Jace shook their heads. Vi groaned and slammed her head on the table gently. "Stupid haunted retreat house."

"The ghost visited you?" Mel asked wide-eyed.

"Of course, nobody cared to tell me that this place is haunted." Vi groaned, not bothering to lift her head up.

"I heard that they made a horror movie inspired by this house." Maddie giggled.

"No, that bit is true." Caitlyn shrugged.

"Should've brought Powder's holy necklace charm." Vi joked, lifting her head up.

Viktor pulled out a necklace. "You mean Saint Benedict necklace?"

Vi squinted. "How the fuck do you have the same necklace?"

Maddie, Mel, and Jace all pull out their necklace. Vi looked at Caitlyn in disbelief. "Don't tell me."

"I forgot mine." Caitlyn shrugged.

The staff put down dessert which were small tarts of fruits. Caitlyn grabbed a yellow one and put it on Vi's plate. Vi looked at her like she's crazy.

"It's the best one, trust me." Caitlyn said while grabbing her own tart.

Vi took a bite of her tart and immediately her eyes lit up. "Damn."

"Never had one?" Maddie asked.

"No, we normally don't do desserts." Vi said casually while eating.

Suddenly, Caitlyn didn't want her dessert so she put it on Vi's plate. "I'm not hungry."

Jace, Viktor, and Mel looked at each other before pushing the whole plate of dessert in Vi's direction. "Us too."

"Hmm?" Vi looked confused but shrugged as she continued eating.

They all watch with smiles on their faces as Vi savors the tarts.

~~~~~

For the second day, they had to go around the circle and share what they like about God. Caitlyn kept her answer brief and exactly the same as her last year's answer. She thanked God for the blessings that her family comes upon and thanked God that she had the means to spread her blessings.

But when it came to Vi, she didn't expect that Vi would retaliate.

"I don't have anything to say to God." Vi said quickly. "We can move on to the next one."

"What do you mean?" Pastor Marcus held out his hand to stop the others from continuing. "Surely you have something to say to God? Anything?"

"I don't believe in God." Vi said firmly.

"Now now, Vi. We're all believers here." The pastor said insistently. "Even non-believers have something to say to God."

"Okay, how about..." Vi made a show of thinking. "'God, you can suck my ass.'"

The pastor's lips formed a thin line of disapproval. "Violet, I know you have a reputation of bending the rules but here in this house, God is the center. You cannot avoid him."

Vi scowled. "I'm not avoiding him. He doesn't exist."

"That's not true and you know it. You feel him all around you." Pastor Marcus gestured everywhere. "In nature, in your parents, in your peers, he exists as we do—"

"God didn't exist when my parents needed him so he doesn't exist now." Vi was fuming. She stood up and walked out of the circle.

"Miss Lanes—" The pastor called out to her.

"Sir, I think she needs a break." Caitlyn stood up. "I'll bring her back."

"Thank you, Miss Kiramman." The pastor sighed then he went back to addressing the group.

"Vi, wait." Caitlyn called out to her as they got out of the activity hall.

"Back off, Kiramman." Vi spat. "I'm not going back in there."

"Who says you are?" Caitlyn grabbed her sleeved and steered her to the direction of the garden. "Come with me."

Confused, Vi could only follow. Caitlyn dragged her to the entrance of the maze before Vi planted her feet to stop. "Wait, the legend."

"It's a lie." Caitlyn chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Come on."

~~~~

Vi followed Caitlyn through the maze. With every turn she gets more disoriented, which means that Caitlyn really knows her way around the hedges. After a few seconds Caitlyn stopped as they entered a small clearing with a tree and a swing in the middle.

"This doesn't look like hell." Vi muttered.

"No, I made that up years ago." Caitlyn took a seat on the swing and started swinging. "We can rest here but tell anyone about this place and I will kill you."

Vi huffed and sat down on the base of the tree a few feet from where Caitlyn is swinging. They stayed there quietly for a good 5 minutes before Caitlyn asked if Vi felt better.

"Why do you do this, Kiramman?" Vi asked.

Caitlyn stopped swinging. "Do what?"

"Concern yourself with me." Vi said, standing up and facing her. "I get that your family is my sponsor but there's got to be a line that you draw. I'm more trouble than I'm worth."

"I don't believe that." Caitlyn said seriously.

"Why?" Vi asked.

Caitlyn bit her lip and avoided Vi's gaze. "Isn't it obvious?"

"What is?" Vi was now frustrated.

"You really are obtuse." Caitlyn chuckled.

Vi grabbed the ropes of the swing and pulled Caitlyn close to her threateningly. "Don't play with me, Kiramman."

Caitlyn looked surprised and shook her head. "Dear God Violet, I like you."

"What?" Vi was stunned.

Caitlyn stood up straighter and matched Vi's gaze. "I like like you."

Vi blinked in confusion. "Why?"

"You really need to work on figuring that out because I can't be the only one who sees how great you are of a person." Caitlyn smiled.

Vi blushed and stumbled back. "So all this time..."

"Yep."

"The tutoring."

"Uh-huh."

"Being my science partner..."

"Yes."

"Keeping me here."

"That and I do believe you need to be here." Caitlyn shrugged.

"Wait..." Then it dawned on Vi. "The room assignment?"

Caitlyn blushed. "I swear I had no ill intent."

Vi couldn't look at Caitlyn because she was afraid of what she was going to see. She was afraid to see Caitlyn smile. She was afraid to see Caitlyn blush. Because now all of Caitlyn's actions have meaning to it. She wasn't purposely making Vi's highschool life a living hell. She just wanted to be part of it.

"I won't rush you on giving me an answer." Caitlyn said quietly then she grabbed Vi's jacket sleeve. "I'm content with just being your friend. And maybe...just maybe somewhere along the line we could be something more."

Vi could feel her heart race from the sight of Caitlyn's hand on her arm. This is bad. She looked up and saw Caitlyn's expression was soft. This is so bad. Vi couldn't speak, she felt like there's a huge lump stuck in her throat. This girl will be the death of me.

"Cait!" A voice heard from a distance shouted.

"We need to go." Caitlyn grabbed her hand and towed Vi to exit the maze.

Vi stared at their hands thinking Caitlyn might be the most confusing thing that has ever happened to her.

~~~~~~

Vi was quiet the whole day. Caitlyn thinks she's still in shock. Vi didn't talk to anyone or Caitlyn for the rest of the day. She just became obedient. She submitted her papers on time and correctly. She ate all her meals quietly. She cleaned up her messes. She even apologized to the pastor about what she said. It's like she turned a new leaf.

She started occasionally glancing at Caitlyn. She minded where Caitlyn walked. She even apologized to Caitlyn for troubling her. Caitlyn was confused. She never thought that her confession would make a sudden change to Vi's behavior. She wondered if she should've done it earlier or not at all. It's not that she didn't like this version of Vi but it's like her Vi never existed. The Vi that didn't give a damn what people thought, what Caitlyn thought.

When they were preparing for lights out Maddie suddenly came into their room. "Cait."

"Maddie, you shouldn't be here." Caitlyn frowned.

"But I want to sit and chat with you." Maddie sat down on Caitlyn's bed and pats the mattress next to her. She turned to Vi and asked. "You don't mind, do you?"

Vi addressed Caitlyn for the very first time after the confession. "Do you want me to leave?"

Caitlyn's eyes went wide at Vi's serious expression but shook her head.

"Do you want me to make her leave?" Vi pointed at Maddie.

"Uh...sure?" Caitlyn answered.

Vi opened the door and stared at Maddie firmly. "Nolan, please leave. We need to get ready for bed."

Maddie stared at the both of them in disbelief before huffing disapprovingly and walking out the door. Vi immediately closed and locked it.

"Uh thank you." Caitlyn said awkwardly

Vi nodded but didn't say anything back.

"Okay you need to stop." Caitlyn had enough. "Why are you acting so weird?"

"I don't know how to act." Vi admitted. "I never had someone like me before and I spent all that time hating you that I feel..."

Caitlyn waited.

"Stupid." Vi scratched her head.

"I never meant to make you feel that." Caitlyn pursed her lips.

"No, I know." Vi looks frustrated. "It's just all these feelings feel complicated."

"Do you want me to room with Mel?" Caitlyn offered.

"No, no, I don't want you to leave." Vi shook her head. "Which is funny cause that's like the first time I'm saying that to you."

Caitlyn's heart skipped a beat and she turned away blushing. "I think I need some fresh air."

Vi watched as Caitlyn grabbed her coat from the closet and shrugged it on. "Care to join me?"

Vi nodded and grabbed her jacket. They sneaked past Girl's Dorm Hallway, down the stairs, and past the lobby to the back garden. They both sat on the grass and watched the night sky, feeling the cool breeze on their skin.

Caitlyn looked over to Vi who looked away having got caught, she started pulling out tall tufts of grass. Caitlyn giggled and stared back at the stars. "You're conscious of me now."

"Yes." Vi answered

"Good." Caitlyn blushed.

"Since when did you know?" Vi asked.

"That I like you?"

Vi shook her head. "That you like girls."

"I can't remember but I knew I've always liked girls." Caitlyn answered.

"Does your parents know?" Vi hesitated a bit.

"No." Caitlyn laid on the grass. "For their own good, I don't think I'll tell them yet."

Vi nodded in understanding.

"What about you? Don't you know?" Caitlyn looked at her anticipatingly.

Vi shook her head. Caitlyn sat up again and scooted next to Vi. Hugging her legs and resting her head on her arms, Caitlyn smiled softly. With all the courage she could muster, she stared deep into Vi's eyes and asked. "Care to find out?"

Vi looked confused and asked. "How?"

Caitlyn glanced at Vi's lips which the other girl noticed. Vi was so red it was visible under the moonlight. Vi stuttered to speak. "I uh...um..."

Caitlyn smiled. "Can't say it's the first time I've thought about kissing you."

"It comes so easily to you." Vi tries to look away but fails. "Saying those things."

Caitlyn shrugged as if it's not a big deal. "Only because it's true."

They stare at each other for a brief moment before Vi nodded. "Okay. Close your eyes."

Caitlyn's eyes went wide in surprise but she nodded understanding that Vi needed some control in the situation. She faced Vi sitting cross-legged and leaning forward. Caitlyn took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Whenever you're ready."

~~~~~

Vi wasn't exactly sure what she was doing. She wanted to know if she likes girls? Who is she kidding, she already knew that. She likes girls. She always has but telling that to Caitlyn was like admitting defeat. That Caitlyn had read her like an open book.

But what was she doing now? Taking up an offer to kiss the girl she had hated for the earlier part of her senior year. Hated? Does she admit that she doesn't hate this girl anymore?

Apparently so since she's willing to kiss her. Vi never kissed anybody before so she was unsure how it goes. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to do it. Why did she? What was to gain from the experience?

As Vi stared at Caitlyn she realized what she wanted out of it. It was never about testing to see if Vi likes girls. It was about testing to see if Vi likes Caitlyn. Caitlyn who she thought was always against her was actually the only one who supported her. Caitlyn who's hair smelled really good right now. Caitlyn who would fill her thoughts constantly whether they were loathing or...

Vi leaned towards Caitlyn grazing their lips together softly. The other girl was tense but relaxed as soon as Vi held her hand. Vi could hear her heart pounding in her chest. She felt like it was going to burst out at any moment. Then Caitlyn made a move. Lightly sucking her bottom lip and kissing her gently.

Vi could hardly think or breathe. And Caitlyn seemed to notice because in between kissing her she whispered. "Breathe, Violet."

Vi took a deep breath which elicited a mild chuckle from Caitlyn. Then Vi became braver, moving on her own, cupping Caitlyn's face and kissing her a bit firmer.

Kissing Caitlyn, Vi felt everything more livelier. It was like seeing clear colors for the first time. It wasn't anything like Vi anticipated. All the fear was gone. All that's left was thoughts of Caitlyn.

As they pulled away, that's when Vi realized. She had liked this girl all along.

Caitlyn opened her eyes. Her blue irises looked intensely at Vi. Her whole face flushed as she said. "Thank you."

Vi didn't make a sound. She just leaned forward and planted a kiss on Caitlyn's cheek which elicited a gasp from Caitlyn.

Ignoring the heat from her face, Vi stood up. She offers Caitlyn a hand but refuses to look at her. "We should go back."

"Okay." Caitlyn said with a small voice and accepted the gesture.

But instead of letting go once Caitlyn stood up, Vi kept her hold and towed Caitlyn back to their room.

Which was easier said than done because almost all the lights in the building were out and they had to blindly make their way up to their room.

"Is this the 5th floor?" Vi asked, whispering.

"Yes. Didn't you count the stairs?" Caitlyn whispered back.

"How would I count the stairs when it's literally dark!" Vi countered.

Caitlyn covered her mouth. "Shhhh, we can't get caught."

"Who can't get caught?" A voice behind them asked.

Both girls screamed and clung to each other for dear life. Someone flipped the light switch and they turned around to see Professor Heimerdinger looking annoyed at them.

"Care to explain why you two are out of your room during lights out?" Heimerdinger crossed his arms.

Vi stuttered trying to think of an explanation. They looked at each other and blushed thinking back to what they were doing outside. Caitlyn stepped forward and said, "We apologize, Professor. It's just that I was nauseous and needed some fresh air. Vi just happened to accompany me. If there's any punishment, only I deserve them."

Heimerdinger looked between the two of them. "Go to your room, girls. Before I change my mind."

"Yes, sir." Both of them said and complied.

As soon as they got to their room, they both looked at each other and started laughing.

"I've never heard you scream like that," Caitlyn simmered down to a giggle.

"Ditto," Vi chuckles. "Never knew you were a good liar."

Caitlyn shrugged her coat off. "Being gay in a very God-centered household, you get to practice a lot."

"Okay, Cupcake. I think I had enough excitement for one night. I'm gonna hit the hay," Vi said as she slumped forward on her bed.

"Cupcake?" Caitlyn wrinkled her nose but blushed at the term.

"Goodnight," Vi buried herself in the sheets.

"Goodnight, Vi." Caitlyn said as she closed the lights and climbed in her own bed.

They lay in bed quietly, listening to the clock tick. Vi couldn't sleep. How could she when Caitlyn is a few feet away laying on her bed. Vi kept thinking of wanting to touch her to finally get it in her head that she exists. That everything that's happened between them wasn't a dream.

"Cait?" Vi said.

"Yes?"

"Are you asleep?"

Caitlyn laughed a laugh that made Vi felt her heart rate quicken. "I wouldn't be answering you if I was."

"Right," Vi nodded.

"What's wrong, Vi?" Caitlyn asked.

"I can't sleep."

"Me too."

Vi could hear Caitlyn turn in bed.

"What are you thinking of?" Caitlyn asked.

Vi hesitated for a moment before answering. "You."

"I'm glad you're thinking about me." Caitlyn's smile could be heard from her voice. "But what about me are you thinking of?"

"Everything...how—does anyone know you like me?" Vi asked.

Caitlyn giggled. "Vi, everyone knows. Except you."

"Oh."

"Is that a good oh or a bad oh?" Caitlyn asked.

"I... don't know." Vi admitted. "I never had someone like me before."

"I don't believe that." Caitlyn said. "A lot of people find you attractive, they're just scared of you."

"And you're not?" Vi asked.

"No, not really."

Vi sat up. "You don't think I'm intimidating?"

"No," Caitlyn answered. "Tough, yes. Intimidating, no."

"Huh." Vi huffed.

"I think you have a soft-side." Caitlyn added.

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do."

"Nope."

"Remember when I accidentally poured chemicals on my finger?" Caitlyn said. "You pushed me to the sink and told Heimerdinger."

"So?"

"You could've ignored me but you didn't." Caitlyn pointed out. "Even though you hate me. You've got a good heart, Vi."

Vi felt annoyed at how she could feel the heat on her face so she didn't answer, afraid she might stutter.

After a while, Vi said quietly. "I don't hate you."

"That's a relief." Caitlyn jokes. "I don't hate you too."

Vi smiled and reached out on Caitlyn's bed. Caitlyn reached out as well until they felt each other's fingers. She heard Caitlyn yawn.

Vi whispered. "Good night, Cait."

"Good night, Violet." Cait whispered.

~~~~

Vi woke up with a numb feeling in her arm. She couldn't feel her left hand but she could move it. She opened her eyes to see Caitlyn resting soundly and using her left arm as a pillow.

Vi froze. Caitlyn's hair was everywhere but her face was peaceful. Vi figured she fell from her bed to wind up in Vi's bed. Caitlyn stirred and muttered something about guns, her hair falling on her face.

It was rare to see Caitlyn disheveled. Her perfect hair is now a mess and her nightgown slipping off her shoulders. Vi swallowed as she glanced at Caitlyn's smooth skin then shook her head thinking it's inappropriate to ogle at a sleeping girl.

Tentatively, Vi reached over and tucked a few strands of hair away from Caitlyn's face. Caitlyn stirred again. "Vi?"

"Yes?" Vi whispered.

"What time is it?" Cait muttered.

Vi looked around. There were a few rays of sunlight seeping through the window and the clock read "5:54"

Caitlyn's eyes opened immediately and she shot up. "The mass!"

Vi cursed as she got up. "Shit."

They were late. They frantically put on clothes and brush their hair, ignoring that they're changing in front of each other and immediately leave the room, running to the chapel.

Everyone was there and the mass was ending. Heimerdinger was upset at them and they both got a stern scolding plus punishment that they need to pray the whole rosary for an hour before they get to breakfast.

As soon as Heimerdinger left them to their own devices, they both burst out laughing.

"God, I'm in so much trouble if my parents found out." Caitlyn giggles.

"You could use some trouble, it'll help you not to be so uptight all the time." Vi joked.

"Are you offering?" Cait raised an eyebrow.

Vi stopped laughing and blushed. "Offering what?"

"To get me in trouble." Caitlyn dared.

Vi was silent for a while thinking about it. She didn't know what to say to Caitlyn. Is she asking me out or asking me to hangout or more? She hated this. She hated beating around the bush.

"Do you have plans this weekend?" Vi finally said.

Caitlyn's eyes went wide and she blushed. She didn't expect Vi to be direct and she was only half joking when she dared.

Vi backpedaled. "I mean if you have that's fine—"

"No, I don't have plans." Cait said quickly. "I mean I do but I can cancel."

"Oh cool," Vi said awkwardly. "I'll pick you up at lunch?"

Caitlyn nods. "Sure."

"Cool."

"Quite."

They both finished their prayers in silence after that.

After breakfast they filled in the bus one by one. Vi sat on her usual seat alone and gazed out the window. She sees Caitlyn talking to Mel and thinks about what happened in the garden. She never knew that this whole trip could flip her perspective on the girl she hated. She wondered what Caitlyn's friends would think about them being friends or more. She wondered what her parents would do if they found out.

As Caitlyn entered the bus, they locked eyes. Caitlyn gave her a warm smile that made Vi's chest squeeze. "Hey."

"Hey." Vi nods.

"This seat taken?" Caitlyn asked.

Vi shook her head and scooted over to make room. Caitlyn's smile grew wider and she plops down next to Vi. As the bus rumbles to life, she could feel Caitlyn's hand next to her. Vi faced the window and opened her hand.

As the bus pulled away from the parking spot, Caitlyn intertwined her hand to Vi. Vi couldn't help but smile and thought maybe being flipped is a good thing after all.