When you're little, you're taught how to forgive. Using forgiveness to overcome revenge. Because by being rancorous, you'll only be hurting yourself. And, in my opinion, I think I stay true to that teaching. For years, I've been teased and tormented by Jade West. A girl who day-in and day-out makes it her life mission to cause me physical and emotional pain. From kicking my chair back while trying to sit down to impersonating me in order to get a spot on a game show. The list is endless, really.
But yesterday, for the first time in four years, Jade did not even acknowledge me in the halls or class. No menacing stares. Not even a snarl.
And to be honest, that scares me more than bush daisies.
I took a deep breath, scrambling to grab my bag and the cup of coffee in my car before jetting off to Sikowitz's class. I was late. They were filming another movie close to my house and the route I usually take to school was closed. Fortunately, this time, I had aced my driving test and am now I licensed driver. No need for random and unpleasant rides to H.A. Most importantly, no more having to shave Trina's legs while she drives.
The hall was empty. Which was great, cause I could freely run without having to run into anyone... or any-Sinjin.
"Here! I mean-" I coughed and tried to catch my breath, "I'm here. I'm here..."
"Well, nice of you to join us Miss Vega." Sikowitz said, setting a coconut on his desk, "Sit. Sit. You're just in time for a new acting exercise"
I smiled, raising a brow. Because I had a funny feeling about this exercise. I mean, Sikowitz had a big net, a potato sack and Gorrila Glue on his desk. Whatever he had in mind, I really did not want to be a part of it.
Before finding a seat way, way in the back, I scanned the room for a second. Someone's missing. "Robbie. Rex. Andre. Cat. Sinjin. Beck..."
Jade.
Why wasn't Jade here? She never missed a school day. Well, except for that time when she ditched school to go see the Director's-Cut of The Scissoring.
Was she sick? After all, she was acting all funny yesterday. I mean, she practically ignored me all day.
Something wasn't right.
I sat down, quickly taking my PearPhone from my bag and texted Beck.
SEND TEXT MESSAGE TO: (BECK)
-Hey, where's Jade?
Resting my phone on my lap, I waited anxiously for a reply. I saw Beck turning his head slightly at my direction, then turning his attention back to Sikowitz.
I sighed.
Apparently, he was upset or something. I doubt he and Jade broke up. Because the school and half the state would've known by now.
I threw my head back and grunted.
"Chica, did Trina put laxatives in the water again or is something going on?"
Shaking my head, I put my fork down and smiled at Andre. "Oh, me? I... uh... don't know."
"Why, Tor?"
I sighed once again. "I'm just... you know worried. Beck hasn't talked to me all day. And Jade. She... isn't here..."
Andre furrowed his brows and gave me a confused look.
"What? Is there something on my face?" I rubbed my cheeks, checking my hand if I had any of Festus' mystery-meat surprise tacos.
"Tori, didn't you hear?"
"Hear... what?"
Then Andre pushed his food tray to the side and leaned in closer to me, almost whispering, "Jade's dad passed away two days ago."
My heart stopped.
"J-Jade- her dad?!"
"Sh-shh! Don't yell." Andre almost put a hand over my mouth, "The only people that know are Beck, Cat, Robbie and me."
I looked down on my knees. I really had no idea what to think. Although I didn't know Jade's dad- after all I've only seen him twice- I still feel really upset about this. Losing a loved one is something tragic.
"Do you know how he died?"
"I'm not sure. Beck told me that Jade's dad's body was found in a hotel room. And that's it. He... really didnt want to talk about it."
"Wow." I looked back up at Andre, who was fiddling with his fork on his spaghetti.
We shared a few minutes of silence, until we were interrupted by a very cheerful Cat.
"HE-E-EY, YOU GUYS!"
"Hi, Cat." Andre and I said in unison.
"So, you know how I started a new babysitting job with Sam?"
I nodded
"Well, Sam and I made a thousand dollars this week while babysitting a kid!" Cat started jumping up and down and giggling, "That's more than we make in a month! I can finally get that new bra warmer from the SkyStore!"
Andre and I both looked at each other and tried to hold ourselves from laughing. I really didn't want to laugh. I still felt kind of sad about the whole situation Jade's going through. It just felt bad to laugh at a time like this.
"Cat," I interrupted her cheerful jumping, "I was talking to Andre. Talking about... you know..."
Cat's grin turned into a very big frown. She sat down next to me, "Yeah, I know."
"Well..." I cleared my throat, "Whe-When's the funeral?"
"Tonight." Cat rested her head on my shoulder and sighed.
The bell rang.
"Okay. Uh... will you guys text me the deets? I'll ask my parents if they would like to come. You know... for support."
We all stood up from the table. I grabbed my bag and food tray. I didn't even get to finish my meal. And I didn't want to.
As I walked out of school, I saw Beck unlocking his car. I walked even more quickly, practically running over to him.
"Beck! Beck!"
He turned around, startled to see me so eager. "Hey, Tor..." His smile was almost forced.
"Hey... hey. How are you? How-How's Jade?"
Beck scratched the back of his head, letting out a nervous laugh. He hesitated to answer, but after taking a deep breath, he opened his mouth.
"Yeah, she's... she's hanging in there. Despite all of, you know, this happening, she's not completely a wreck."
"I couldn't imagine being in her place. And even though she puts up a tough-girl act, I know she's probably hurting like any normal human being. Especially considering her... strained relationship with her dad." I crossed my armed and sighed. "But anyway, I'll be going to the funeral tonight. So, I'll probably see her there to give her a hug."
Beck chuckled, "Let's hope she doesn't tackle you to the ground for touching her."
I rolled my eyes and shook my head.
"So- I'll call you when I get to the funeral, okay? I might get lost, 'cause I'm still kind of learning how to get to places. And also, if you or Jade need anything, please let me know." I moved closer to Beck, giving him a tight hug. "Bye, Dude."
To be quite honest, I've never liked funerals. The last funeral I attended was my grandma's when I was thirteen. She was the person I loved most in the whole world. She took care of me when my parents were too busy at work. She took me to all my hambone tournaments. To all my science fairs. She even taught me how to play piano. Her death was something that impacted me for the longest time. And from time to time, just the thought of her makes me cry.
My loss was similar to losing a parent. And Jade, she's in a familiar place of mine. She needs all the support she can get. And although we aren't the best of friends. She's still somewhat of... a friend. And I should be there for her. And I will. Even if she wants me there or not.
A/N: I haven't written any Jori fanfiction in a while and I've literally been dying to write this. I hoped you liked the story. And don't worry, the next chapter will have all the Jori feels your heart desires. Just remember to review this story, because I would love to hear all of your opinions. Thank you.
