[h3][color=82ca9d]Eli Redgrave[/color][/h3]
[color=82ca9d]"Guys, I think you'll find I [i]am[/i] the friendly one. Unlike the gossips and outright liars I find myself surrounded by![/color] Eli pointed at Violet and Ben respectively as he feigned mock outrage and rolled his eyes. He was only joking, but there was some truth to it in his eyes, especially in Violet's case. Repeating rumours of someone you hadn't even met yet? That was hardly friendly in Eli's eyes, he knew the destructive power that rumours held, especially in a small town like Westcliffe. He was still dealing with plenty of his own. 

The other things she said hurt as well, 'come out from that rock you live under', like Violet understood how someone like him lived. Miss Violet DeWinter, heir to the rich and powerful DeWinter dynasty, who had every want and need catered for since she was just a child. Immaculately dressed, expensive coffee in hand. In that moment he hated her. Hated everything her and the DeWinters stood for. Even though they were supposed to be 'friends'.

[i]Breathe.[/i]

He didn't want to make a scene, like he had he the early days when Alex had disappeared. He didn't want to let them know it got to him. He didn't want to seem weak. He was fine by himself, he was just fine.

There was an awkward lull in the conversation after Violet called the new girl, Denise over. Ben's chuckle died down, and Violet herself coughed and glanced at Eli. He caught her eye in return, and offered her something of a small, sad smile. When he spoke it was soft, but serious.

[color=82ca9d]"You shouldn't joke about that, Violet."[/color]

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