I stare down at my lunch and grimace, asking myself again why I ordered chicken salad from the grub truck. The last guy who ate Festus's chicken surprise didn't come to school for a week after. They say he got mono. I walk over to the garbage can and chuck the black plastic container in. I'm not hungry anyway. Just as I'm sitting back down, none other than Vega sits down on the other side of the table with a grumpy look on her face. I smirk.
"Well someone's not happy," I joke. Tori just ignores me and eats her burrito. Enjoying this, I walk over to her side and plop down. Suddenly I notice something dripping into her food. I'm puzzled for a minute before I realize she's crying. Tori's crying? As prissy as she might be, I've never actually seen her cry.
"Tori?" I ask cautiously. I don't know what to expect. Will she lash out at me or something? Instead of yelling at me she just continues crying, sobbing louder, and the weirdest thing happens. I all of a sudden feel the need to comfort her. I've never wanted to help her before (or anyone for that matter) but now she just looks so sad and helpless. Usually I think it's funny because she's such a drama queen and makes things seem a thousand times worse than they are. But I know it's different this time.
I sigh, knowing what I'm about to do could ruin my reputation forever, and go for it, grabbing Tori's wrist and dragging her through the halls as people stare at the tears streaming down her face. We come to a stop in front of the janitor's closet (of course) and just as I open the door Vega rips her arm out of my grasp and takes off. Something, I don't know what, makes me follow her. All I can think is those three years in track really paid off, because I easily catch up with her. She collapses onto the lockers, giving up.
"Look Jade, I don't know what you're trying to do, but I'm not in the mood for any of your shit right now, okay? Go away!" she sobs. I stare at her with wide eyes. I'm sure Andre or Cat or someone has heard her cry, but I know for a fact no one has heard her swear. I don't even swear. We just aren't that kind of group.
"Tori, come on. I'm not gonna do anything. I just… wanna talk. Kay?" Kay? Why did I say kay? That's Cat's word. Ew. I hope no one heard that.
"No Jade. Why should I trust you?" I sigh.
"Because I'm not giving you a choice."