A/N: HEY! LONG TIME NO SEE! Sad that "vicTORIous©" is over, but hopefully it will live on through FanFiction, DVDs, iTunes, and Nickelodeon.

About this fic, it's part non-fiction BUT mostly fiction. I did some research and put real life events in it and put a little of my odd brain in it. When I say parts of my "odd brain" I mean there will be some truths to be told, but with a little bending…or a lot of bending. In this fic, Tori is not Hispanic, she'll be an American Indian, and well…let's just say she has another eye color. I myself am part American Indian. I'm not as educated about that part of my culture like I should be, but I thought it'd be fun to write this story and share what goes on in this noggin.

Hope after this chapter you'll stay interested. Also, I like to have a soundtrack (like I make frickin' movies), so I'll list songs at the end of chapters and kind of mention what scenes I imagined them to be playing at. Yeah, I'm a dork like that lol. And if there are any foreign words I'll be happy to give a pronunciation note, too.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own "vicTORIous©" or any of its characters. I just own the plot.

Tuesday, April 16, 1886

Dear Diary,

I've had just about enough of these uneventful days here at my father's inn. All I ever do is cook, clean, tend to the guests, and occasionally go outside to play with my brother. Don't get me wrong, I love my brother but he's still that twelve-year-old nuisance that constantly harasses me. When I have some time to myself, I draw, paint, and write anything that comes to mind. My dream is to get out of Prescott and travel the world and capture any and everything that captivates me. But my parents have other plans. They would like for my brother and me to take over the family business if anything were to happen to them. I am sixteen after all, and I've learned enough from my father on how to maintain the place. There's also the land my father owns to take care of. My mother usually cares for the crops and often seeks my assistance.

If I'm not at the inn, I'm in the classroom with my friends. Unfortunately, we're at the mercy of our crazy teacher, Sikowitz. The "Siko" part really makes sense.

I rarely ever get the chance to go out and explore. I crave something new and exciting and unpredictable, but let's face it—I live in squeaky-clean Prescott, Arizona; it'd be a miracle if I make out of here.

Will something amazing ever come 'round my way?

I finish my journal entry and set my most private thoughts into the loose floorboard at the head of my bed. It was funny actually, my father cared more about the rooms of our guests rather than our own, not that I'm complaining.

It was around three in the afternoon that I realized my mother would need help in the kitchen, so reluctantly I made my way down the stairs and trotted through the kitchen doors and quickly threw on my apron. Upon entrance I smelled the chili she was cooking up and my mouth watered almost immediately.

"Well it's about time you showed up, Jade. Hurry, I need help with this chili and the corn bread, too. When we're through, it's to go on up to room 17, got it?"

"Sure. I hope by the end of the night there's enough for the rest of us." I can't tell you how many times these greedy guests had my mother slave in the kitchen, only for her to have to cook some more food for her own family afterwards. Rebecca West—she can't seem to say "no" after all.

I start up another batch of chili like I was told and set to make the corn bread, sneaking in a few bites as I go along. Some would argue that my cooking rivals my mother's; I'd say they were right! It tastes amazing! I'll for sure get in trouble if I keep shoveling it down my throat. And that's when I see my kid brother, Jonathan. He looks devious; that expression he's wearing is the one he always has when he's done something bad. Well whatever he's gotten himself into it doesn't beat my eating the guests' food. So, I purposely raise my voice to get Mother's attention, "Jonathan, you look as though something just happened." His smirk disappears as Mother turns around and places a hand on her hip.

"Did something happen, Jonathan?" He sweeps his short blonde bangs from his sweaty forehead and clears his throat. "Well no, Mother. I was just passing through." It was evident in his voice that he was lying. No one was as good a liar as I was. Amateur.

"Don't feed me that lie you no-good-boy. What'd you do this time?" Just then, we hear our neighbor, Mrs. Lawrence, scream up an opera next door. We both turn to my brother, me smirking at him evilly, and Mother scowling at him. "You've got till the count of ten…one, two, three, four…"

"Alright! I put a harmless little lizard in Mrs. Lawrence's bedroom."

"And how in hell did you accomplish that? And more importantly, why?!"

"She left her bedroom window open. And I was just having a bit of fun," he said, crossing his arms. I chuckle at his stupidity. Everyone knows he's guilty; he's got a reputation around here. "I saw Jade eating food for the guests!" My eyes go wide and my mouth is gaping like a fish as I look from him to Mother. As soon as I get the chance I'm hanging him on the nearest pole by his trousers!

"Jade, do NOT eat what's not yours little lady. And Jonathan, don't think for one second that this averts any attention from you. Come here." She grabs him by the elbow and heads for the door. "Jade, continue stirring the chili. And check on the bread." Well I guess that means she's taking him to apologize to that overbearing woman, and I'm in no trouble whatsoever. Good.

As they're out the door, in comes my bubbly friend, Caterina Valentine. Only her friends call her Cat for short. "Hi, Jade!" She then wraps her arms around my neck after damn near jumping on me. How else would I describe Cat? She has medium brown hair with a bit of bright red strands. Her eyes are a deep chocolate brown (speaking of chocolate, that's a rare delicacy and now I want some!), sports deep dimples, is a bit on the short side, and can sing like no other. I can sing as well, but it's not my favorite thing in the world. And did I mention that she's hyper? I told her to calm down; there's a chance the townspeople will demand that she be put into a mental asylum. I'm surprised it hasn't happened yet.

"What have we talked about, Kitten?" She steps back and looks away shyly while twirling a lock of her hair around her finger. She speaks at the same time as me, "No getting overly excited after having just seeing your friends in the classroom."

"Right, got it."

"Do you?" I deadpan. She just shrugs and picks her smile back up. "What are you over here for anyway?"

"Oh no particular reason. I just felt like coming 'round. Can we play any games?"

"Well I can't right now. I'm making today's special for the guests. But it shouldn't be too long, Kitten." Cat squealed in delight; in deciding that she wanted Jade to hurry up, she offered to help.

"I hope you don't mind, I invited Robbie and Beck over." She then leaned closer and whispered in my ear, "We found a place to play so André can come, too." André was the son of a man who worked on the railroad not too far from here. His daddy's a free man, but the townspeople still aren't too thrilled about colored people associating with white folks. That's another reason why I want to get out of here; I can't stand the hate. What difference does it make if we befriend each other? There has to be some place where they're more accepting.

"That's great. When should we be expecting them?"

"Maybe about now." My friends have impeccable timing. In comes tall, dark, and handsome Beckett Oliver. His father is an American that traveled to India to help with the underwater cables. There, he met and fell in love with Krishna Dubashi. He took her back here where they married and started their little family. Robert Shapiro—lanky, awkward, prude, yet funny young man with wire-y spectacles. He has a big time crush on Cat. She's oblivious though. "Guys, if we help Jade then she'll be done faster so we can all play."

"You know we're not very good in the kitchen," Robbie says while rubbing his arm.

"No worries," Beck piped up. "My mother is an excellent cook and I've watched her plenty of times. Just tell me what you want to add into the food." Well at least Beckett here is of use when it comes to the male species and cooking. "So, I saw your brother being dragged off my your mom. What was that about?"

"Oh just him being a menace to society. He doesn't know how to get away with anything. I don't know how we're even related."

"He's just like you!" Robbie exclaimed. "You like to do sneaky, underhanded things, too."

"I do not," I say as I flick some flour in his direction. My mother then returns with that little devil. He has a deep frown on his face; she must've smacked him around a little bit. Oh well, that's nothing compared to what Father will do to him. Mother sends Jonathan to his room upstairs to await his punishment. She's pleased that my friends are helping me with dinner, but insists that they go play outside until I'm finished; the boys go but Cat stays. My father walks into the kitchen just to check on us. James West, that man never wears a smile I tell you.

"Smells wonderful in here, ladies. Are we almost through?" he asks as he walks up to my mother and plants a kiss on her cheek.

"Just about finished, James."

"Good. Jade, I meant to ask you earlier how class was going?" I always do well in class, he knows this. I guess this is him trying to strike up some type of conversation to let me know he doesn't forget about me. I wish he'd stop. It's pathetic.

"Very well, Father. Anything else you'd like to know?" He opened his mouth as if to add on to that, but decided against it.

"James, you need to talk with your son," Mother said. He just sighed and ran a hand through his light brown hair. You could tell he was tired of having to deal with my brother.

"What did he do this time, Rebecca?"

"Slipped a lizard in Mrs. Lawrence's bedroom. There was no denying it when that boy has a reputation. She knows it was him, I know it was him, and I know you know it, too."

"Is he in his room?" She then nodded. "Alright, well I'll deal with him momentarily. I swear that boy wants word to get around so no one will want to stay here," he grumbled as he made his way out of the kitchen.

"Aw…your dad never says hi to me," Cat randomly complained, to which I rolled my eyes at. We finally finish with dinner for the guests; I scraped up whatever else was left over and hurriedly packed my mouth so I could get out of this inn. They say I act somewhat of a grouch, but I really do cherish the time I spend with my friends. By the time we reach our destination (which is a lake that's rarely ever visited), André is already there waiting for us.

"Hey, how's it going y'all?"

"Just fine!" Cat screams as she jumps at him. I swear that girl wants to forcefully be whisked away to the loon house. Beck pats him on the back and Robbie gives him a small wave. "What're we playing today?"

"Well I got a bat and this here ball. How about a game of Knurr and Spell?" André suggested.

"Sounds fun," Beck replied. Knurr and Spell was something most boys liked to play. I'm no boy but I do enjoy playing it. Cat on the other hand is something else. The idea of the game is to hit the ball as far as possible to a certain target. I was usually good at this.

"I'm going first," I declared. After Beck set up the target I threw the ball up in the air and swung with all my might. I was fairly pleased with how far it went, smiling smugly at my friends in a silent dare for them to surpass me. We each took turns and continued doing this for a while, eventually settling on tossing the ball to each other instead. Once the sun started to set we headed back home, with André first taking off. By the time I made it back to the inn Jonathan was nowhere to be seen. That meant he was holed up in his room, thinking about his actions. He can be such a brat. Before I'd head to my room I stopped by the kitchen to see if Mother had made her famous apple pie, to my delight she did. I cut a piece and scarfed it down like I do with any other food I eat. Mother hates when I do that, she says it's un-lady like. And speaking of Mother, here she comes now.

"Jade," she sighed. "Did you eat that like a damn heathen again? What do I always tell you?"

"I see no problem with it."

"That's the problem," she jokes. She's silent for a moment or two before she decides to speak again. "Listen, I know you kids work hard, or you I should say. I convinced your father to take us up to his sister's in Chino Valley on Saturday. You all don't ever get out much and I know that's not good for you. You're young, vibrant, and you'll want to do things; I get it. So what do you say?"

"I say you didn't even have to ask!" I yell as I throw my arms around her. I'm turning into Cat now. I haven't visited my aunt and cousins in what feels like ages. Chino Valley isn't that far from here. I swear my father takes the fun out of everything.

She chuckles and rubs my back. "Alright, now head up to your room and get your things ready for class tomorrow. Goodnight," she says as she kisses my forehead.

"Goodnight, Mother." I quickly clean the dishes I just used and walk upstairs to my room. I search through one of my drawers to find my sketchbook and take out a piece of charcoal and begin doodling away. I found myself drawing a priceless, glass china doll with long curly hair, thick eyelashes, rosy cheeks, and plump lips. I never really cared much for dolls but I liked to draw them. My father used to buy them for me when I was young, but I never played with them. He soon realized this and stopped. I ended up giving them to Cat; of course she nearly fainted at the sight of them. Her words were, "Good Heavens, Jade! They're beautiful!" I couldn't help but laugh. What kid says "Good Heavens"? I drew a few more pictures before growing bored, and then I gathered my things for class. After that, I slipped out of my skirt and blouse and undergarments, changing into my very comfortable sleep gown. I couldn't wait till Saturday came; I needed the break. That was my last thought before drifting off to sleep.

Saturday, April 20, 1886

Dear Diary,

We're heading up to Chino Valley finally to see my relatives. It's about damn time! This week has been agonizing. In our absence my Granddad and Grandma will take over. Even my father trusts them and they're not real kin. We're taking our damn near rundown stagecoach there; like I said before Chino Valley ain't too far from here, so that termite bucket should be able to get us to and fro. Horses are real strong though; worst case scenario we'll ride them back to the inn. That's my cheap Father for you; he's got enough from business to buy us a new one and to purchase those rarities I was talking about, like chocolate.

Cat cried once I told her of our departure. It's not like it was permanent, we'd only be gone for about a week. Oh well, she's got Beck, Robbie, and André to keep her company. Of course, they wouldn't be too keen on playing dolls with her. I have a feeling the boys are going to incorporate cowboys and a damsel in distress into their games.

Guess that's all I have for today.

We reach my aunt's house and I for one could not be happier. I jump out of the stagecoach, hike up my long skirt, and envelop my Aunt Josie in a tight hug. My cousins Michael, Daniel, and William soon follow their mother outside and we all just have one big hug festival. Uncle Phillip just stands in the doorway with a beer in hand and smiles and waves at us.

"How's everybody this lovely day?" Aunt Josie asks. She playfully ruffles Jonathan's hair and he tries to bite back a laugh, but fails. My cousins also tend to be a little playful by shoving him around, not that it's bad or anything. They're actually more in my age group. Michael is nineteen, Daniel is seventeen, and William is sixteen.

"We're all good, Josie. How long has it been now? Maybe three years?" My mother asks. She gets along exceptionally well with my aunt, unlike my dad. They've never been too close growing up.

"About that much." She then looks over at her brother with a slight sneer. "Couldn't visit more often than that, James?" He had just reappeared after having storing the horses in the stable with the rest of them.

"We're here aren't we? I don't want to hear any complaining. If you want us to visit more often, fine. Right now I just want to drink a nice cold beer. I'n't that right, Phil?"

"You got it!" He responds with a raise of the bottle. I love my Uncle Phillip but I feel like he cares too much what my father thinks. My mother shakes her head in disbelief at him, but then quickly dismisses it as we all head into the house. My aunt's place was spacious; she's big on family so she put Uncle Phil's carpenter skills to good use. He added on to their house and it's amazing. I get to have my own room, and it's not just because I'm a girl either.

After playing games with my cousins and catching up with my aunt and eating dinner as a family, I practically plead with my mother for me to take a horse and go out and explore. I'm old enough and I've been around forests before; we live close by one and so does my aunt. She eventually gives in and reminds me that I'm to return before it gets dark. Jonathan usually likes to tag along if he knows that I'm going out in the wilderness, but the other boys of the house keep him occupied.

I find my favorite horse, Precious (because that's what she is to me), and gently lead her out of the stable. I'm happy that she remembers me since I've been gone for three years. I stroke her brilliantly groomed, dark mane and scratch along near her ear, earning an adorable neigh from her. She has such a beautiful shiny golden-brown coat that my aunt prides herself in keeping healthy all this time. After admiring the horse I climb up on the saddle, give her a light kick, and take off in the direction of Willow Creek Reservoir. I arrive in almost no time; tying Precious up to a branch and I make my way slowly to the water. I love the outdoors. Smelling nature just soothes me. I glance at my reflection in the water—light blue eyes, long light brown hair, red heart-shaped lips, and porcelain skin. I run my fingers through my hair and can't help but wish that I could color it. How would one even do that? If I could, I'd color it black. I can see myself with black hair; I'd stand out even more so than I do now.

I take my eyes off of my reflection and pick up a stone and toss it across the lake. It skips to a good distance and I decide I want to keep throwing more. As I turn to my left to grab another, something catches my eye. There's a young woman sitting about ten feet away from me. I've no idea when she got here, but her stealth could've killed me if she so pleased. I'm mesmerized. I've NEVER seen anyone like this before. I hope I'm not dreaming, because this young woman has the most eerie, yet breathtaking eyes imaginable. They're a sky blue, but VERY much unlike mine. They have a glow to them, and it's almost as if her pupils aren't black, those appear to be blue as well. She has long wavy brown hair with streaks of white and a cloth folded and tied to the side of her head, warm tan skin, prominent cheekbones, a cream colored blouse, and a long layered skirt; brown boots adorned her feet. She was wearing a necklace I wasn't used to seeing; it was turquoise and clung very closely to her neck. Who was she?

Just then, she slowly rises from her spot on the ground near the water and starts walking towards me. I'm nervous. I don't know if she wants to hurt me or befriend me, but how would you feel if someone who looked otherworldly was coming towards you?

"Yá'át'ééh." She says to me. I squint in confusion and hesitantly respond in a shaky voice, "What?" She says the same thing again and I just stare; she looks at me expectantly. "Wait…you must be Navajo. Yeah…I know of a Navajo from my town and he works on the railroad. So anyway, can I get your name?" She doesn't answer me, only continues to look at me amusedly. "Right, you probably don't know a word of English. Perfect." I scratch my head and focus my attention on the ground, suddenly finding it more interesting since she keeps giving me this intense gaze. And then I think. "You know what? Since I don't know your name and you're unable to tell me, I think I'll give you one of my own. Since I find Victorian-styled houses and jewelry absolutely beautiful…I'll call you Victoria. Or Tori for short; most of my friends shorten their names anyway," I finish with a shrug. "Tori" still stands there unmoving, a small smile on her face. Without warning she takes off in the opposite direction at an unbelievable speed.

"Hey wait!" I call after her. I begin to chase her but I realize it's futile when I see that she's completely vanished. I don't know how she did it, but the trees' whip-like branches were enough to almost blind me and get caught in my hair. How in the world did she run through them with such ease? Not to mention with the long skirt she was wearing. I sigh in defeat and turn back to where I left Precious. She looked as though she were ready to get out of here, so I untied her and made the trek back to the house. I was in a daze as I walked past everyone and went to my room. I laid down on my bed momentarily; staring at the ceiling, and then took out my diary and began writing away.

Saturday, April 20, 1886

Dear Diary,

I don't think this was a figment of my imagination, but I saw the most gorgeous human being to walk this Earth. I don't need to travel the world to see different people; she wins hands down. NOTHING can compare to her. She had these eyes that could calm the wildest of bulls, a smile to melt away anyone's hate, and a voice that sent chills down your spine on the hottest of summer's days. I can't stop thinking about her. I've nicknamed her Tori—short for Victoria and for the most sought after Victorian-styled homes and jewelry.

I wonder if I'll ever see her again. I'd hope so. The first chance I get tomorrow I'm taking Precious and going back out to Willow Creek Reservoir; that's where I met her, and I hope that's where I'll get to know her, too.

A/N: Okay, I have been sick since Saturday. It's KILLING me. But I've managed to get this out there. BUT, since I'm sick it may take time for me to get homework done (annoying, especially since I don't like this class) and to come up with something for the second chapter.

Here is a translation and pronunciation for the Navajo word Tori used: "yah-ah-t-ay". It translates as to something being good, but can also be used for "hello". See? Tori was being friendly! Although a bit sneaky and mysterious lol.

About the André thing, yeah you know how it was back in the day. I don't like it; I'm also African American. Needless to say those were sad times.

So, review?