A/N: I only own the plot, not Victorious.

Miss me? I'm back! This time with the first story I've written in almost a year. It's going to be different, heavier, and a lot more tragic. It's the longest story I've written. I inked the final chapter in the early hours this morning and like I always do, will post about 5 chapters a week. There are several subplots and it's not all going to end well. Though I hope I do justice with each story line. There isn't much that has to do with my personal life, just two or three things, but it's subtle. The number of chapters didn't match the number of songs that inspired me, but like in my other fic "Story of Us" I'll publish the song list near the end of the story. Pardon my lack of creative writing, it's been so long since I've done this. But as promised... enjoy!

P.S. Happy Birthday PickleDough :) yup I remembered and planned on finishing the entire story by today.


"So when do you start your residency?" he asked sipping his coffee.

"Monday, but I'm meeting the group later today, you coming?" she replied before taking a bite of her strudel.

"Yeah, I got nothing better to do."

"Do you ever have anything to do?" she smirked.

"Ouch, that hurt kid," he playfully said.

Cat Valentine was a medical resident in Los Angeles. Her final apprenticeship was to work at the Memorial Hospital in Beverly Hills. Originally from Chicago, Cat moved to Los Angeles with her mother after a brutal divorce when she was five. Shortly after, her mother met and married a widower named David Oliver and gained a stepbrother three years her senior named Beck. For 10 happy years, the family resided in the outskirts of Los Angeles, the Santa Monica area, until one tragic day Cat and Beck's parents were celebrating their 10-year anniversary and died on impact from a car accident. Beck, who had just turned 18, became Cat's primary guardian because she was 15 when they passed away. Beck took care of Cat and never left her side, making many sacrifices such as declining a full football scholarship to any school of his choice, not finishing college in general, and turning down nights to go out with friends so he can work extra hours. But never once did he regret doing anything for his little sister.

Beck and Cat were having coffee near the park downtown, a typical weekend ritual for the siblings. After their meal, they headed over to the park to meet up with Sikowitz, an old man who had a horse and carriage business at the park. He knew Beck's father even before Beck was born, even provided the horse and Carriage for both of his weddings (with his first wife and Cat's mom). Cat and Beck saw Sikowitz as a grandparent/parent figure to them, always giving them advice and watching over the two as children when they'd play at the park. When their parents passed away, Sikowitz was more than ever a huge part of their life.

"Hi Sikowitz!" Cat excitedly greeted him.

"What's up man," Beck coolly said.

"Ah children, it's such a beautiful afternoon ain't that right?"

"It sure is," Cat said while she and Beck climbed into the carriage.

"Once around the park?"

"Yes please," she sing-songed.

While Sikowitz led his horse around the park, he always whistled to himself and said hi to anyone that passed by. He was the friendliest man they knew.

Beck and Cat continued their conversation from earlier.

"So, do you know the rest of the residents in your group?"

"Nope, they all came from different places. I'm the only one from LA."

"How long is this one? I thought you were done?"

"Yeah but remember my professors at the old hospital recommended me for a final case right before my last quarter. I guess they're trying some new technology and asked four medical schools for their best students. Three other people needed 4 months left of their residency to finish just like me. Plus, the program allows for transfer so long as we complete at least a quarter at the same hospital. So we're just a lucky group of four who get to work at one of the best hospitals in Los Angeles."

"Well hey there's your chance to make new friends, sport."

"Or enemies. You know we're fighting for jobs after this. And the fact that we were recommended by doctors, that's a lot of pressure."

"Well there's nothing wrong with some healthy competition," Beck winked.

"Oh gosh, is this your way of a cheesy pun?" Cat rolled her eyes.

"Duh, get it, healthy because you're a doctor?" he chuckled.

Cat smiled. She looked at the pond they were now passing and saw a family of four- a mother, father a son and daughter. Every time she saw a family like that, she would become quiet. She still scarred from their parents accident.

"Cat? You ok?" Beck touched her arm.

"Yeah," she sighed. "I just wish they were here. Sometimes I'm scared, you know? That I've worked so hard to get to where I am right now, but anything can mess it up. And then it would have all been a waste."

"Hey kid, don't say that. They would be proud of you for getting this far. You didn't mope around for like 15 years after they died. No. You went to medical school to become a doctor. You're so lucky, you know that?"

"Well don't sell yourself short, Beck."

"Cat, I don't do anything on a daily basis. I'm a bum."

"Yes but you're a rich bum," She added.

"I guess but I didn't invent the cure for cancer. Is my contribution to society really life changing?"

"Uh hello? You invented the chopstick helper! Now anyone can use chopsticks!" she giggled.

"So I get a royalty check every month. Big deal. I don't feel like I'm earning it."

"Beck, that's the life of an inventor. You find a gap and you fill it, no matter how small it is. You're a genius for someone who didn't finish college. You're not a bum for sure. And besides, don't think that you aren't doing anything. You help out at the youth center every week. And those boys you mentor, they look up to you. I look up to you."

"I guess you're right. Thanks kid," Beck smiled.

Even though Beck took over responsibility since he was the oldest, he always had the free spirit between the two. Cat had a motherly personality but also had a youthful soul when she wanted to show it, which was rarely.

"I'm really sorry that you had to give up so much for me," Cat quietly said.

"Hey hey hey. Cat listen to me," Beck got her attention. This time they switched roles, now he was the grown up and she was the child.

"Yeah?" Cat's naive innocence sounded in her voice.

"I gave up those things because I wanted to, ok? You're more important to me than some scholarship. I mean yeah I should have at least finished community college, but I know all I need to know and you're all I need for family. You and old man Sikowitz," He playfully chucked her chin. "So don't be sorry for anything. You're my baby sister and I'm here to protect you."

"Thanks, Beck" Cat hugged him.

"Oh you children," Sikowitz butted in. By this time, they made it around the park and Sikowitz was listening in on their conversation. "If your parents were here, they would be proud of the both of you. I'm proud of you kids too. So don't think you're wasting your time. Beck, you are most certainly not a bum, and Cat, I mean, Dr. Valentine, you WILL complete your program with flying colors," he winked at the two.

"Thanks Sikowitz," Cat gave him a hug as she stepped down from the carriage.

"Yeah thanks man. See you later!" Beck added.

"You know where to find me," Sikowitz sent the off happily whistling while his next customers hopped into his carriage.

"What time is it?"

"About a half past 1. When do you have to meet them?"

"I still have an hour. Want to head over anyways?"

"Sure, let's take my car."

Cat and Beck made their way across town to meet the rest of Cat's classmates, or at least the group that she'd be working with. She was both nervous and excited to meet these people, hoping they'll get along real well. After all, their apprenticeship will be four months and who knows after that if they get jobs after.