"Oh, I'm sleeping under strange strange skies, just another mad mad day on the road. My dreams is fading down the railway line. I'm just about a moonlight mile down the road." Moonlight Mile- The Rolling Stones
Beck&Jade Jade&Beck
It was meant to be a joyful day.
Beck Oliver stared at his girlfriend and couldn't help the smile that formed on his face or the soft sigh of contentment that escaped his lips to accompany his intense gaze.
After the last argument with his father; which consisted of raised voices, flaring nostrils, accusations and threats of abandonment over his relationship, his mother had wisely suggested that Jade deserved another chance before any drastic measures were taken.
Cheryl offered to organize a small get-together so they could all interact and get to know each other better. John Oliver had scoffed in indignation; flat out refusing to be pulled into a tirade of fake smiles and pretenses for the sake of a girl he detested. His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed when his wife glared at him, she refused to back down until he agreed to the farce she had prompted. He eventually turned his gaze away from Cheryl's and groaned before sighing in defeat.
Fine; he would play along for a night, but he didn't plan on changing his mind for a second.
Beck watched as Jade made conversation with his mother. He saw how the invisible strings her enigma created, wrapped around Cheryl and pulled her in.
His ears picked up their subject, which surrounded Jade's passion for writing and literature. The tall, dark-haired woman smiled at his girlfriend, and her eyes shined with acknowledgement that she might have been wrong all along. Beck thought that maybe if he squinted a little, he'd be able to catch a slight hint of pride and approval in his mother's eyes over his choice now.
There was something about Jade; something indescribable that captivated people and drew them to her like moths to a flame, making them wish to be around her always. It wasn't something you could easily identify or name.
It wasn't just how piercing her eyes were, how strong and beautiful her voice sounded, or how much attention her presence demanded. It didn't matter how many rude comments she made, or how sarcastic her tone got; people loved Jade; she could win anybody over before they even realized it.
He couldn't stop the smug grin that formed on his face over it. He always knew that if they gave her a chance, his parents (or rather his mother) would be able to see why he loved this difficult and infuriating girl as much as he did.
His aunt's voice captured his full attention when he heard her gush about how beautiful Jade would look in a pink dress because it would "compliment her creamy pale skin tone", and how much prettier she would look if she "added a little more color to her cheeks". He shook his head at his aunt's antics, before focusing his attention on the girl in question's reaction.
Jade dressed in pink. Sure, like that would ever happen.
Beck smirked at the slight flush that colored Jade's cheeks when she caught him staring at her. It was quickly replaced with an arched eyebrow and a small smile, before she returned her attention back to Cheryl and his aunt. He was actually quite proud that she had restrained herself from making sarcastic or rude comments to Aunt Jen over her persistent insistence.
When his own attention was demanded by his father and uncle, he gladly continued watching the end of the game with them, confident that his future would finally be more peaceful now that the two most important people in his life seemed to be getting along.
After having spent the entire last three years of her life loathing, along with her husband, the dark and mysterious girl her son had chosen as his girlfriend; Cheryl Oliver had to admit that she had never been so pleased to have been proven wrong. Before today, she couldn't understand how Beck could be so fixated on such a rude girl; despite her obvious beauty.
The first time he brought her home, she had been a tiny slip of a girl, dressed from head to toe in black and with a mind of her own. She could admit that she was biased since the beginning; having gained an instant dislike for the girl when the first impression she had of her was Jade yelling at her son. Her eyebrows had been arched in disbelief and questioning over their behavior, and not even Jade's apologetic smile or Beck's pacifying gaze and quick disregard over the incident could change her mind.
Even though Jade tried to play nice and made small-talk; the damage had been done. The first impression was the most important impression, and she certainly had made hers on the Olivers.
Soon after that, the fights began when both she and her husband prompted Beck to end his relationship. They had his best interest at heart, but he refused to listen to their advice.
He was such a handsome and nice boy; he deserved better than a girl like that, who had trouble written all over her. Why couldn't he date a nice and sweet girl? One who was a little more… normal.
The situation only worsened when she realized that Beck would often sneak out after curfew to spend the night with her. They both demanded that he stop; which he completely refused, claiming he was doing nothing wrong and that Jade needed him. John had seethed with fury over the denial, unable to understand how his fifteen year-old son was challenging him over a rule that was more than warranted.
An ultimatum was presented; he hadn't taken it, siding with his girlfriend over them instead.
The RV he currently lived in was a compromise, a last attempt to keep him home instead of out alone in the world with Jade.
Sure, they knew the girl nearly lived full-time with him in there lately, but nothing would get them to admit that. The Olivers would never admit to the countless times they saw the two teens leave together in morning, or how Jade always seemed to be around at all hours of the day.
Claiming ignorance was bliss.
It didn't stop the resentment from growing though. Scowls formed on both her and John's faces when they could hear the arguments coming from in there in the middle of the night. The sound of combat boots slamming against the metal door and the sound of objects crashing at odd hours of the night stopped surprising them after the first two weeks.
She wasn't blind though; as time passed by she realized and admitted to herself that as much as Beck and Jade argued, the girl genuinely made him happy. In fact, he was happier than she had ever seen him. His eyes had fire in them, there was life shining through. His smile wasn't forced and she didn't fear coming home to find a tragedy anymore.
Mother always knows.
She knew there was something dark inside of her son; something that was always simmering right underneath the surface.
It caused him to brood, and she had witnessed the way he blocked his feelings and went numb when he was placed in difficult situations or when he was hurt. She knew how easily he became wrapped in his own world, living in a haze his mind created.
This became evident to her after his brief breakup with Jade.
The behavior she witnessed from Beck had tormented her. He had never been colder, or more monotone. Her charismatic son was gone and replaced by an empty pod; a shell that didn't allow him to feel anything besides anger and resentment. His brown eyes had been empty except for the anger and denial that broke through the rest of his emotions.
When she had questioned him restlessly about it, he exploded. His face had formed into a sneer and anger escaped from his pores. His fist had clenched in pent up frustration and for the first time in his life, he had yelled at her. It took him a second to register his actions, and had been quick to apologize and lock everything down again.
Guilt stained his eyes now.
He was so much like his father that way, so afraid to show any feelings that gave off the appearance of being weak or out of control.
He was different with Jade though; she never gave him a chance to fall into that mindset for long.
The girl was his polar opposite in every sense of the word. They both had that darkness inside of them; but while Beck tried to keep it under lock and key, Jade embraced hers and flourished in it. She kept him on his toes at all times, always moving, changing.
She liked to think of Jade as the burst of electricity that short-circuited the robot that Beck could be, giving him life and allowing him to break free and be himself.
Of course, just because she finally understood and accepted the girl didn't mean her husband shared her views.
It hadn't helped matters when he was attacked by a dog she had brought into their home either.
The arguments had been escalating lately though. John had exploded when Beck informed him that he and Jade were both planning on skipping college and taking a year off to travel around the world, only returning to focus on their careers after. His nostrils flared as his face turned red with the anger that filled him. Beck could have sworn he saw the veins on his neck swell with fury.
His tone had been cool and decisive. Beck sounded like he had mapped out his entire life with Jade and wasn't asking them for permission; he was informing them of this plans. That seemed to upset his father more than him actually taking a year off.
John was convinced Jade influenced Beck into giving up his studies. He had set plans of his son finishing a law career, which was why he had given into Beck attending a performing arts school, in exchange for him attending a university after. Now, he came out of the blue that all those plans were gone and over with.
Fact was; he blamed Jade for just about every little thing Beck did that he disapproved of.
Cheryl knew better though.
She had always known it was only a matter of time before Beck admitted he didn't want to pursue a law degree. Acting was his passion; she has seen him performing enough times to know that no other career in the world would give him the same happiness that the Arts did. Jade had nothing to do in his decision, except for encouraging him to stand up and fight for his dreams.
She returned her attention back to the girl in question, and noticed all the little differences in her.
Jade seemed much happier now, peaceful. She had been given a new opportunity to redeem her image to them and make amends, and she had taken full advantage of it. Cheryl would admit that she had never taken the time to check if she was justified and her motives were personal.
Now she could see that she was a good girl that made her son happy, and Cheryl sincerely wished she hadn't been so blind, judging and harsh to pass judgment with her before.
It would have saved them all a great amount of arguments and misunderstandings.
She was still covered in black; her hair now had streaks of blue in it and piercings adorned her face, but she seemed liberated somehow. The anger and mistrust that had surrounded her when she was younger were now gone, replaced with love that made her glow just a little bit brighter every time she looked at Beck.
It was in that moment that Cheryl knew this girl was the one meant for her son.
Underneath her strict exterior, she was a hopeless romantic. She always believed in soul mates; and she knew deep inside of her that Beck and Jade were destined to be together. Her eyes softened on knowing that if something ever happened to her, Beck would have someone to love him almost as much as she did herself; Jade was that person.
She couldn't stand between them any longer without feeling as if she were breaking something beautiful and shattering it into millions of sharp, dangerous shards, and decided to do everything in her power to change her husband's mind towards the two teenagers.
The party continued, and soon it was time for everyone to go home. Even though John had scowled at the young lovers for the majority of the night, the get-together was considered a success. A new light had been shed upon Jade, and Beck's family stopped seeing her as a bratty girl, and began seeing her as an intelligent and independent young woman in a committed relationship with their little Beck (who really wasn't that little anymore).
"Hey babe, we should go now. I have to go drop off my aunt before I take you home," Beck informed Jade, dangling his car keys in his hand to prove his point. His eyes were drooping from exhaustion; it was already past midnight.
"Wait, Beck. I'll take her home," Cheryl volunteered. Both teenagers were taken aback by the offer, and stared at each other in confusion. Beck stepped discreetly in front of Jade, as if trying to protect her from an impending attack and Cheryl couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes at the two.
As warranted as the mistrust was, she truly wasn't planning on ambushing Jade on the car ride home. Jade had made a sincere effort, and now it was time for her to return the favor.
"Oh don't be silly, you two. I really don't mind, and it saves us all a lot of time. Remember it's a school night tomorrow," she added with a sincere smile. The edges around Cheryl's eyes crinkled softly as she exchanged a look with Jade. She knew her boyfriend's mother must have a special reason for her sudden change of heart. Unlike the other times, standing there, conversing with Cheryl was comfortable; there was no overbearing tension or biting remarks to deal with.
"It's ok, Beck. Your mom can take me home and I'll see you tomorrow."
Her fingers intertwined with his and she squeezed his hand reassuringly, before wrapping her arms around his neck as a goodbye. He tightened his grip on her waist and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Jade sighed softly and closed her eyes briefly in contentment, simply taking in the essence that Beck's embrace always gave her. He separated to press a kiss to her lips, before she untangled herself from his arms and followed his mother towards her car.
The first few minutes were awkward, to say the least.
Both women were too unsure of where they stood with the other to begin a conversation. The silence continued until Cheryl broke it, finally tired of feeling as if she were an insecure teenager. She stretched out her hand to lower the radio, and took a deep breath before beginning her discussion.
"Jade, I know that I haven't been the most supportive person I could when it comes to your relationship with my son," she started. She had considered starting the conversation differently, but decided against it. She knew from experience that it was better to get straight to the point with issues like this.
Plus, it was a short ride to Jade's house and she didn't doubt Beck would begin texting and calling her after the time he estimated it took her to get home.
Jade's head snapped up to look at Cheryl and a frown formed on her face as her eyes closed in sadness.
It was exhausting to have so much drama in her life, she was honestly tired of all the lack of support everyone had towards her and Beck. If she didn't love him as much as she did, she probably would have given up, just to avoid it all, a long time ago.
It was impossible to do so now; their lives were connected. Their unbreakable bond joined them forever.
She had thought that they were making progress today, but now she felt that maybe she was about to be subdued to a talk about how she was no good for Beck…again.
"Look, Mrs., Oliver, if you're about to tell me to break up with Beck-" Jade began in an exasperated tone, before she was quickly interrupted by Cheryl.
"It's not that Jade. In fact, I want to apologize to you and him for standing between you for the past three years," she confessed. Jade's eyes narrowed in shocked and her lips slightly parted, having never expected to hear those words leave her lips.
"You don't have to do that; I know I'm not exactly an easy person to like. I promise you, I love your son more than anything in the world," Jade professed. Her eyes were wide and sincere, almost as if she were pleading the older woman to believe her.
"I know you do. I also know he loves you and you make him happier than I've ever seen him before. It's time for us to let him make his own decisions, live his life- one where he wants you with him. I've realized now that if he has to choose between us and you, he's choosing you, Jade. I much rather gain a new daughter, then lose my son." Her voice was empathetic, and Jade couldn't detect any traces of insincerity in it.
Jade's smiled widened, her blue eyes sparkled with glee and she felt the waves of joy wash over her.
This was what she had always wanted.
As much as she denied it, it had always hurt her that his parents seemed to hate her. Now his mother was here, apologizing and telling her she was finally accepted by her. It was a dream come true. Now, if only his father would accept her…
"Thank you, Mrs. Oliver. I would really like us to be friends as well." Jade grabbed her bottle of water and began drinking from it to settle herself down.
Cheryl decided this would probably be the best time to cut the tension in the air, so she spilled out the first joke that she knew would rattle the nervous girl sitting beside her.
"Oh no dear, we need to be more than friends. We can't have my four grandchildren you're going to give me thinking that their mommy and granny don't get along now, can we?"
Her tone was light and teasing, but that didn't stop Jade from chocking on her drink as soon as she registered the words and began coughing frantically.
Had she really just heard that?
Beck's mom asking her for four grandkids?
When Cheryl noticed that Jade couldn't seem to regain her breath, she quickly began patting her on the back and graving for her tissues from the glove compartment.
"It was a joke, Jade. Don't choke on me, dear. Beck would never forgive me if something happened to you," she laughed softly. Jade turned to meet her gaze and forced a smile through her coughs to show her she knew she was joking and that there were no hard feelings.
A series of events happened in the next three seconds that would change their lives forever.
Cheryl Ann Oliver turned her head off the road to pat the girl's back.
Jade West's eyes widened when she noticed the bright headlights from the car approaching much too fast on the empty road while Cheryl was distracted. She had opened her mouth to warn her but she was too late.
The incoming vehicle collided against theirs before either one of the two could even blink.
An anguished scream was the last thing Jade West heard in the midst of the oncoming lights and impending impact.
She wasn't sure if it belonged to her to Cheryl.
And then it all turned black.
Beck&Jade Jade&Beck
AN: So, I'm back! After a month!
Ok, Hope you guys liked the first chapter! This is different for me, and hopefully it's different from other stories on here. Yes, it's a multi-chapter fic!
Thanks to my beta Kris, who very subtly suggested I claim how "OMG. KRIS IS DA COOLEST GURL I KNOW!" and "gush about how amazing I am and how meaningless your life would be without me!"
Review Dears, and you shall get an update soon ;)
-LeleD2010