(violet's outfit for this chapter)

The Fourth of July was usually a time of celebration, fireworks, and spending time with friends and family, and this year was no exception for Violet and Jackson. Despite the rocky start to their summer, Violet was determined to make the most of every moment, and the Fourth of July provided a perfect opportunity for a fresh start and some much-needed fun. Violet hadn't even gotten a text from her parents yet, but she assumed they will text her a 'Happy Fourth of July' later that night or maybe not, she's not counting on it. Violet's parents were too busy with work to spend the holiday with her, but Jackson's family was more than happy to have her over. They all loved having her over and enjoyed her company unlike her actual family. Violet had been looking forward to the Fourth of July celebrations, and she was excited to spend the holiday with the Fullers, Tanners, and Gibblers.

Violet had decorated her house for the holiday with red, white, and blue streamers, stars, and stripes creating a festive atmosphere. She even wore a Fourth of July themed outfit. A white tank top with the flag on it, denim ripped shorts with it being Fourth of July themed, and matching red sneakers Violet had been looking forward to spending the holiday with her friends and celebrating the holiday, but mostly she was looking forward to the fireworks. She was particularly excited about watching the fireworks with Jackson, snuggled up close to him and sharing sweet kisses under the stars.

"Happy Fourth of July, babe." Jackson calls out when he entered her house with the spare key he had. Violet was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the desserts she was making for the party. "Need any help?"

"I think everything is ready, I was just about to take this over to your house." Violet smiles as she finished arranging the desserts on a tray. "But if you want to help, you can carry this over for me. I was planning on bringing it over in a bit."

Jackson nods, taking the tray from her with a grin. "Got it. I'll see you over there in a few minutes." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before heading out the door with the desserts.

Violet finished up in the kitchen and made sure everything was in order before heading over to Jackson's house. She was excited about the day ahead and the chance to enjoy it with the people she cared about. As she arrived at Jackson's house, she was greeted by the lively atmosphere of the Fourth of July celebration. Decorations were scattered around the house and she smiled as DJ walked over to her.

"Violet, hey! Thanks so much for making some deserts for the barbecue."

"Oh, no problem, DJ." Violet replies cheerfully. "I was happy to help."

DJ smiles, giving her a friendly hug before guiding her to the kitchen where she can place her desserts down. "Well, thank you again. I'm sure everyone will love them."

"You're welcome, and thank you for letting me come to your family barbecue." Violet beams, feeling touched by the invitation. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course we did!" Kimmy interjects as she enters the kitchen. She wraps her arm around Violet, hugging her close. "We wouldn't have it any other way."

"Thank you, Kimmy." Violet smiles, returning the hug. She had always felt welcome at the Fullers' home, and Kimmy and the others had gone out of their way to make her feel included. "So, how can I help with the barbecue?"

"Don't worry about helping." Jackson replies, walking over to her and wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Just relax and enjoy yourself. We've got everything covered."

Violet smiles at him, leaning into his warm embrace and wrapping an arm around his waist. She hesitates, glancing over at DJ and Kimmy. "Are you sure? I just feel like I should do something other than bake some deserts." She felt like she should be contributing more, especially since they had been so welcoming.

DJ chuckles, shaking her head. "You've already done more than enough. Just enjoy the party and have a great time."

"Okay, if you're sure." Violet hesitantly murmured and before she could say anything else, Jackson had gently guided her out of the kitchen and to the living room.

"Hey, don't worry about it, babe." Jackson reassures her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Like they said, just relax and enjoy the party. You've already done enough by bringing over the delicious treats." He assures her, pulling away when they stopped walking and he places his hands on her shoulders. "You look amazing, by the way. I can't wait to watch the fireworks with you."

Violet smiles, her worries melting away as she looked into Jackson's eyes while her face flushed. "Thanks, Jackson. I'm really excited about tonight too." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, feeling reassured by his words.

The party continued to buzz with energy as friends and family mingled. Violet had excused herself to head to the bathroom and she was walking down the stairs when the doorbell suddenly rang. "It's always open!" She called out, thinking it was someone else who was coming to the party. Maybe CJ and Steve? Rose was dropped off earlier, she had spent some time with her too before Rose went to go hang out with Max. But she definitely didn't expect the people who walked inside. Her breath hitched, eyes widening in disbelief as she froze on the spot.

"It's not always open for you guys. What are you guys doing here?" She demanded, trying to hide her shock and confusion. Her heart pounding against her chest and she was starting to feel lightheaded. She couldn't believe it, she hadn't seen her parents for months, she was sure it was longer than that, and now they show up without a single warning? They hadn't even sent her a text or an email, hadn't called her or left a voicemail, nothing. They just show up like they didn't ignore her and neglect her all the time, acting like everything was okay and nothing was wrong.

Violet's surprise was palpable as she stood frozen at the bottom of the stairs. Her parents, who she hadn't seen in what felt like an eternity, were standing in the doorway, looking somewhat awkward but determined. Her mother cleared her throat, her eyes darting around nervously, while her father shifted uncomfortably, clearly out of his element in the festive environment.

"Surprise." Her mother said, forcing a smile.

Violet's heart raced as she tried to process the unexpected appearance of her parents. The excitement she had felt about the Fourth of July celebrations was now overshadowed by a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, confusion, and a hint of longing mingled within her. Her thoughts swirled in her mind, and she struggled to find the words to respond. Her breathing started to quicken as she stared at them in disbelief. She was trying not to panic, but the sudden arrival of her parents was overwhelming.

"What are you doing here?" She asked again, her voice wavering slightly as she tried to mask her emotions. She was still frozen in place, unable to move. She wanted to turn around and run back upstairs, lock herself in the bathroom until they were gone, but she couldn't move, she was frozen, paralyzed. She just wanted them to go away and leave her alone.

"We wanted to surprise you." Her father responded, taking a step forward, but stopping when he noticed her tense up. "We're sorry we haven't been around, things have just been so crazy and we wanted to make it up to you."

"Yeah, right." Violet scoffed, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms. She couldn't believe them, they never wanted to make anything up to her. They never apologized or showed any remorse. They never even acted like they cared, like they loved her, like they missed her. They never wanted her around, always pushing her away. They always put work first, like they were doing now, and didn't have time for her. She couldn't understand why they were here or what they were hoping to accomplish.

"You're not fooling anyone." Violet said, glaring at them. She could feel tears starting to form in her eyes and she hated it, she hated her parents. She hated how they could just waltz back into her life as if nothing had happened. The hurt and anger she felt were overwhelming, and she struggled to keep her composure. "You can't just show up after months of being absent and expect everything to be okay. Where have you been? Do you even understand what your absence has done to me?"

"We know we've been busy with work." Her mother started, trying to sound sympathetic. "But we're here now, and we want to spend the holiday with you."

"No." Violet spat out, shaking her head. "You're not welcome here."

"Violet, please-" Her father tried to plead with her, but she didn't want to hear it.

"Get out. Now." Violet demanded, her voice rising. She was starting to lose control of her emotions, and she couldn't take it anymore. She needed them to leave.

"You can't just kick us out!" Her mother exclaims, a look of outrage and shock crossing her face. "We're your parents!"

"That doesn't mean anything, and you know it. I know you're just here to ease your own guilt, not because you actually care. I don't want you here." Violet's voice shook with a mix of anger and pain. She was struggling to hold back tears as her parents' shocked and hurt expressions only intensified her emotions.

"You don't mean that." Her father argues, trying to sound calm and reassuring, but his own emotions were starting to slip through. He was getting upset, and he couldn't believe that his daughter would treat him like this. "We're your family."

"You're not my family!" Violet yells, her composure breaking. She couldn't take it anymore, she couldn't handle being near them. Her chest tightened as her breathing became erratic. "You're not! You haven't been in a long time. You don't care about me, you don't love me. All you care about is your stupid work and your stupid money. Well, guess what? I'm sick of it, I'm sick of you. I hate you!"

The room fell silent as Violet's words hung in the air. Her parents were shocked and speechless, unable to comprehend the outburst. Violet was stunned by her own words, tears streaming down her face. Her heart pounded and her body trembled as she struggled to regain control. The silence was deafening, and she felt suffocated. She needed to get away, she couldn't stand to be in the same room as them. She turned and ran up the stairs, ignoring their calls after her.

She locked herself in the bathroom, sobbing uncontrollably as her emotions finally took over. She was angry and hurt, but most of all, she felt abandoned and rejected. She held her face in her hands as she slid down the door and onto the floor, curling into a ball. Her thoughts swirled in her mind and her heart ached with the pain of years of neglect. She was alone, she always had been, and now it seemed she always would be.

Jackson was in the backyard enjoying the summer day and the Fourth of July celebrations when the front doorbell rings. He looks around to see if someone will get the door but no one else seems to notice so he heads back inside to answer the door. He's a little confused and surprised to see Violet's parents standing there and Violet not there. But then the anger and annoyance hit him like a wave, his eyes narrowing.

"What are you doing here?" He demands, his tone hard. His hands clenched into fists at his side. He wasn't happy to see them, not after how they had treated Violet and made her feel. He had heard her stories and seen her struggle with her parents. He wasn't going to let them hurt her or ruin her day. "What did you do to Violet?"

"What? We haven't done anything." Mrs. Sullivan says, feigning innocence. "We came here to see our daughter."

"What daughter?" Jackson's voice was cold, each word dripping with disdain. "You haven't been around for months, if not longer. Violet's talked about how you've been missing from her life, and now you show up out of nowhere like it's no big deal? She's clearly not your daughter, not anymore."

"Don't you dare talk to us like that, you have no idea what we've been through." Mr. Sullivan snaps, stepping forward. His face was red and his jaw clenched in anger. "This isn't your business. Just because you're our daughter's neighbor doesn't mean you have the right to interfere."

"You don't even know her well enough to know the fact that I'm her boyfriend. That before that I was her best friend. And I'm making it my business." Jackson's tone is unwavering as he stood his ground. He was determined to protect Violet and defend her from her parents. He wasn't going to let them treat her or talk to her like this. "I know how much you've hurt her, and I'm not going to let you do it again. I don't know what kind of sick game you're playing, but I'm not going to let you manipulate her. You need to leave."

"Who do you think you are? You can't tell us what to do." Mr. Sullivan growled, his anger growing. He was infuriated that a boy half his age was talking back to him. He was not used to being challenged, especially not by someone so young. His face was flushed with rage, but Jackson stood firm, his expression unwavering.

Jackson surprised himself with his confidence and assertiveness. He wasn't usually one to stand up to people, but he was willing to do anything to protect Violet. He was tired of seeing her hurting and he wasn't going to let her parents continue to cause her pain. "I can and I will. You've done enough damage, and I'm not going to let you hurt her again. So get out."

The tension in the room was palpable as the two faced off. Both were filled with anger and determination, neither willing to back down. Violet's parents were used to being in charge and having people obey their orders, but Jackson wasn't going to let that happen. He was ready to fight for Violet and make sure she was safe from her parents.

Mr. Sullivan glares at him, stepping forward. "How dare you talk to us like that. Who do you think you are, kid? We're her parents, we have a right to be here." He raised his hand, as if to strike Jackson.

Jackson's eyes widen, his heart skipping a beat. He braces himself, ready to defend himself if necessary. He didn't want to get physical with Violet's parents, but he was prepared to fight back if necessary. He didn't think it would come to this, but he was willing to do whatever was necessary to protect Violet. "Hey, get the heck away from my son!" DJ's angry voice is heard as she entered the living room, her eyes blazing with fury. She rushed forward, placing herself between Jackson and Violet's parents. She was furious, her protectiveness for her family kicking in. She wasn't going to let anyone hurt her son or her family. And that included Violet too. She had noticed Jackson had left and had heard the doorbell ring earlier so she went to check to make sure things were okay. She didn't expect to see Violet's parents in her living room and Violet's dad acting as if he was about to slap Jackson. And Violet...Where was Violet? 

"Where the heck is, Violet?" DJ demands, death glaring at Violet's parents. "Jackson, go find Violet. I'll deal with these two."

"I'm on it, mom." Jackson nodded, grateful for his mom's interference. He didn't know what he would have done if his mom hadn't shown up. He glared at Violet's parents when he walked by them and went up the stairs.

DJ turns to Violet's parents with an icy stare, her voice low and threatening. "You two have a lot of nerve to show up here after what you've done. What makes you think you have the right to show up here and act like everything is okay? And how dare you try and hurt my son!"

"I'm not the one who showed up and caused trouble." Mr. Sullivan sneers, his own temper rising. "He's the one who's interfering and trying to come between our relationship with our daughter. He has no right."

DJ's eyes narrow as she takes in Mr. Sullivan's words. Her anger is palpable, but she keeps her voice steady and cold. "You're the ones who have caused trouble. You've hurt Violet for years, and now you show up as if nothing happened. Don't think for a second that you can just walk in here and make everything right by pretending to care."

Mrs. Sullivan's face is red with a mix of shame and anger. "We came here to make amends, but it's clear you and your son have no intention of letting us fix things."

DJ shakes her head, her voice firm and resolute. "Fix things? You don't get to fix anything by barging in here and expecting forgiveness. You have to earn it. And from what I've seen and heard, you haven't made any effort to change."

"Everything okay in here?" Matt's concerned voice is heard while he walked into the living room. He and DJ had been out back before a pie eating contest was about to start. He had gotten concerned after seeing Jackson was gone and then DJ going to check. And he was even more concerned about Violet, he hadn't seen her since he got there earlier. His eyes widen at seeing Violet's parents there, his old friends. "What are you guys doing here? And where's Violet?"

"Matt, stay out of this. This doesn't concern you." Mrs. Sullivan's voice was tense as she addressed her former friend.

Mr. Sullivan sighs heavily. "Violet is probably fine, why is everyone suddenly so worked up? We just wanted to see our daughter and spend the Fourth of July with her."

"Of course this concerns me, this involves Violet." Matt replies, his concern for the young girl and her well-being apparent. "And I don't see her anywhere, no one's seen her for awhile. Violet's been through a lot because of you. She's hurting, and you showing up like this without any real effort to make things right is only making things worse."

"Why are you all making such a fuss?" Mrs. Sullivan snaps, her frustration evident. "We came here with good intentions, and now it seems we're being attacked for it."

"I'd say you're the ones who have been attacking. I mean, you literally were about to slap my son!" DJ shoots back, her eyes flashing with anger. "You've come here unannounced and have expected everything to be forgiven. You haven't apologized, you haven't shown any remorse or tried to make things right. You just expect us and Violet to welcome you with open arms. It's clear you don't care about Violet, and you're just here to ease your own guilty consciences."

"That's not true, we care about Violet." Mrs. Sullivan exclaims, her voice wavering. "We've just been busy with work, that's all. We've wanted to be here, but we've had responsibilities. We're her parents, and we're here now, that's what matters."

Matt and DJ exchange a look of disbelief and frustration. They were both frustrated and angered by Violet's parents' behavior. It was clear they weren't sorry for their actions, and they were only concerned about their own feelings and needs. "Violet should be your first priority," DJ says, her voice stern. "If you really cared about her, you would have made more effort to stay involved in her life, not just waltzed back in when it was convenient for you." 

"What, you were gonna slap Jackson?" Matt looks at Violet's parents with disbelief. During his time with being their friends, he knew Violet's parents as somewhat distant, but hearing about them threatening Jackson was a shock. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure as he looked between DJ, Jackson's fierce stance, and Violet's parents. "This is absolutely unacceptable," Matt said, his voice tinged with anger. "You need to leave. Right now."

"This is ridiculous, we're not going anywhere. We have a right to be here, and you can't make us leave." Mr. Sullivan scoffs, folding his arms across his chest. He was used to getting his way, and he wasn't about to let some people tell him what to do. "This is a free country, and we can come and go as we please."

"Actually, no. Not when you're causing a scene and harassing our family." DJ retorts, her patience wearing thin. "Violet made it clear that she doesn't want to see you, and we're not going to force her to be around people who don't care about her. You need to respect her wishes and leave."

Violet's parents' faces flush with anger and embarrassment. They weren't used to being told what to do, and it was clear that they were unhappy with the situation. "This is absurd, we're not leaving. You can't make us." Mr. Sullivan insists, his voice growing louder. He wasn't about to back down, not without a fight. "You don't get to dictate our lives or tell us what to do." He was clearly losing his composure and was becoming increasingly agitated. He didn't take kindly to being challenged, especially not by people he saw as beneath him. "Now, where is Violet?" He demanded, his gaze darting around the room as if looking for the young girl.  

"Like we're gonna tell you guys." Matt replies with a scoff even though he and DJ didn't know where she was. Even if they did, they wouldn't tell her parents. "Violet has suffered because of your neglect and mistreatment. I understand that showing up out of nowhere and trying to make amends isn't going to fix anything, especially not when you act like this."

"I'm sick of you all talking about us like we're the bad guys here. We're not the ones who have been meddling and causing trouble." Mr. Sullivan sighs heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose as someone else had entered the room. "You guys are. You guys clearly have done something to make our daughter not want us here. You probably filled her head with lies and nonsense, and she's probably too blind by all that crap to see reason. That's why she doesn't want to see us, she's not thinking rationally. We just want to help her and talk to her, and you guys are preventing that."

"You have got to be kidding me." Matt rolls his eyes and sighs. "You're unbelievable. You can't honestly believe that the reason Violet isn't here is because of us, not because of your own actions. I can't believe I was ever friends with you two. You're selfish and delusional. The only reason Violet isn't here is because you showed up. If she's hiding, it's because she doesn't want to see or talk to you. And can't blame her, considering what you did."

Mr. Sullivan glares at him, his jaw clenched. "I'm getting tired of this, Matt. I suggest you stay out of this, unless you want trouble."

"I'm not afraid of you, Raymond." Matt retorts, standing his ground. He was done with Violet's parents' excuses and their behavior. "You can't threaten me or intimidate me. I'm not going to stand by and let you hurt Violet or her friends. And I'm not going to let you walk in here and act like you're the victim. You need to leave."

"What's going on?" Kimmy's confused and slightly worried voice was heard as she entered the living room. She had heard some of the commotion from outside and came in to check.

"Violet's parents are here, and they're trying to cause trouble." Matt informed her, still keeping his harsh gaze on Violet's parents.

"And they're getting on my last nerve." DJ's angry tone was evident.

"Oh, really?" Kimmy raises an eyebrow, not impressed with the situation. She was aware of how Violet's parents had neglected her for years, and she wasn't going to let them ruin her and the rest of the family's fun day. She glances at them up and down with disdain. "Well, they're not welcome here. Not after what they've done to Violet. I'd appreciate it if they left."

"We all would." DJ added, crossing her arms and staring at the couple.

"Guys, we're waiting to start the cleanest ever pie eating contest, what's the hold up?" Danny questions while walking into the living room. "Oh." His eyes widened in disbelief and then he glares at Violet's parents, crossing his arms. "You."

"You, too." Helen, Mrs. Sullivan, scoffs. "Everyone seems to have a problem with us."

"Because everyone knows the truth about you. The real you." Danny says. "We all know how you've treated Violet, and we're not going to let you hurt her again."

"She's our daughter! We wouldn't hurt her!" Raymond exclaims, his frustration growing. "I can't believe this, no one is listening to us!"

"Because you're not listening to us. You're not listening to Violet. You're only thinking of yourselves." Matt says, shaking his head. "You can't just show up here and expect things to go your way."

"Where's Violet?" Ramona asked worriedly as she walked into the living room.

"Yeah, is everything okay? What's been taking so long?" Stephanie chimed in while she joined the others with Jimmy following her, causing him to grow confused at seeing the two adults across from them.

"Uh, who are the strangers who everyone seems to not like?" Jimmy questioned, looking between everyone and then over at the strangers.

"They're not strangers, Jimmy. They're Violet's parents, the ones who neglected her all these years." Kimmy answers, continuing to glare at them. "We don't like them."

Jimmy gasps, his eyes widening. "How could anyone do such a thing to someone like Violet? I don't like them either now." He copied his sister's stance, glaring at the two adults.

"How many people are in this freaking house?" Helen muttered in annoyance.

"Guys! I can't find Violet." Jackson's voice was heard from upstairs as he returned, his worry evident on his face.

"Ramona, go help him find her, we'll handle this." DJ assured her and Ramona nodded as she quickly went up the stairs to help Jackson find Violet as the adults continued to bicker.

"Wait a minute, how come Violet's not with you guys? Where is she?" Stephanie's voice was laced with concern, her mind filled with questions. She hadn't seen her friend yet and it was worrisome.

"She's probably somewhere in the house," Helen responds dismissively, her frustration evident. "She always liked hiding away when things got tough."

"That's because you made things tough," Stephanie shot back, her voice edged with anger. "You don't get to twist this around and act like you're concerned parents."

"We are concerned!" Raymond snapped, his anger growing.

"Then maybe you should actually act like it." Danny suggests, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I doubt that'll happen, considering the way you've acted for years."

"Don't tell me how to parent, Danny." Raymond says, his tone threatening. "This is none of your business, you don't know anything."

"I know enough." Danny replies, not backing down. "I know you two don't care about Violet and never have. I know you've been negligent and hurt her for years. We've been the ones there for her, not you. She doesn't need you. She has a family, a real family. And we're not going to let you hurt her, not anymore. Now, get out of my house."

Raymond clenches his jaw, his hands curling into fists. He glares at the group, his anger bubbling over. "I can't believe this," He hisses through gritted teeth. "You all are making us look like the villains when all we've ever wanted was what's best for her!" His voice rose, but it was clear his anger was masking something deeper — guilt, perhaps.

"We're not keeping you from her. You did that yourselves," DJ responds firmly. "Violet needed love, support, and understanding, and all you gave her was neglect and disappointment."

Helen eyes flashes with frustration, her voice trembling. "You don't understand. Our job is complicated. We've tried, we just—" Her voice faltered, unable to finish the sentence. She knew the truth, they both did. They were the ones who abandoned their daughter, not the other way around.

"You didn't try. Not hard enough. Violet deserved better than you two." Matt replies, his words cutting through the air. He knew Violet's parents had always been busy and that their jobs were important, but that didn't excuse their behavior. Violet should be more important to them than anything else. "And she deserves better than the both of you. She doesn't need you in her life. She has a real family, a family who loves and supports her. And that's not either of you." 

Helen and Raymond looked at him with mixed emotions, anger, guilt, and sadness. They had been reminded of the truth, of what they'd done. Of the pain they'd caused. "You need to leave, and not come back. Violet doesn't want you in her life, and neither do we. You can't just abandon someone emotionally and expect them to come out unscathed. You don't build strength by neglecting people." Matt's words hung in the air, a heavy weight settling on the two adults. They looked at him and the others, a mix of anger, sadness, and guilt etched on their faces. It was clear that the reality of the situation was finally hitting them.

Jimmy, who had been quiet for a moment, finally spoke up, his usual cheerful demeanor gone. "Violet doesn't need you to make excuses for why you weren't there for her. She needs people who care. Real care." The room fell silent for a beat, the tension growing as everyone stared at Violet's parents. Helen shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact while Raymond stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the floor. He was clearly struggling with the weight of the accusations and the realization of their own shortcomings. It had been a hard pill to swallow, that their own child didn't need or want them. 

Suddenly, Ramona and Jackson came rushing back downstairs, both looking concerned. "W-We checked the whole house. She's not here." Ramona announced worriedly.

"What do you mean Violet is gone?" Rose questioned in concern with a frown when she and Max joined the group since they didn't want to be left outside. Cosmo the dog had even followed them inside. Tommy had been out with them, but Matt Danny had put him up in his room for now.

"We checked everywhere she could be here." Jackson continues, heading down the stairs with Ramona. "I'll go check next door, but what if she's not-"

"Sweetheart, I'm sure she's there. We'll find her, don't worry." DJ reassured him, though she was also worried for her friend.

"We have to find her." Max frowned. He and Rose weren't sure what was going on or why Violet was gone, but they were worried.

"I'll go with you guys to help you look for her." Matt offers, walking past Violet's parents, but not before he purposefully bumped into Violet's dad, ignoring the annoyed look from him as he walks to the front door. "Come on, let's go." Jackson and Ramona quickly follow him out the door to help search for Violet.

"Hey, we'll be out back, we'll let you know if we see her out there." Stephanie suggested, heading out back with Jimmy, Max, and Rose along with Cosmo. DJ, Danny, and Kimmy stayed in the living room with Violet's parents, who were both looking uncomfortable and frustrated.

"This is unbelievable," Raymond mutters, shaking his head. "You're all overreacting, this is ridiculous."

"We're overacting because a teenager is missing? Who is someone we care about?" Kimmy stares at him with disbelief. "And you're not? I'd be freaking out so much if this was Ramona, and I am freaking out already 'cause I love Violet so much and I'm worried about her like the others are."

"Kimmy's right, you should be more worried than anyone, and yet you're not. And you have the nerve to say we're overreacting." Danny shook his head, his disappointment clear.

"Did you just agree with me?" Kimmy gasped, grinning at Danny.

Danny points at her. "Don't push it, Kimmy."

"We are worried." Helen insists. "We're just not freaking out about it like everyone else is. She's probably fine. She was always like this, running away when things got tough."

DJ's eyes narrow in frustration. "You know what, Helen? You don't get to downplay this. Violet has every right to be scared and upset, especially with you showing up out of nowhere after all these years. Your complete lack of concern is exactly why she's not here. And she clearly doesn't want to come back to you. You've given her every reason to stay away, and we're not going to let you sweep that under the rug."

"Maybe it's time you admit that you're part of the problem," Danny adds. "You can't just show up here and act like nothing happened. If you really cared about Violet, you'd listen to her needs and respect her choices. But you haven't done that, and you probably never will."

As the three continued to try to knock some sense into the neglectful parents, Ramona, Jackson, and Matt quickly head next door and search for Violet.