Okay, so I got this idea when I was listening to Mz. Hyde by Halestorm (If you get the time listen to that band, do it, its awesome! It seems like something Jade would listen to but that's my opinion). For anyone who knows me this is completely new territory for me. I just recently fell back into the Victorious bandwagon thanks to the many awesome writers here. I realized that I pretty much write multiple stories on the same topics so I decided to try and step out of my element. Whether I pull it off or just wazz off some poor reader, I am happy to have readers in the first place! Enjoy!
Update: Changed things just a little. Going back and reading this made me realize just how much my writing has changed.
I really needed to get out of my house before I was driven to violence. Lucky for me, just getting out of the house was enough to pull me out of the heated thoughts running through my head that concerned my overbearing father. I wouldn't let him bring me down though, so I left. I walked with my hands tucked in the pockets of my black hoodie. I briefly considered dropping by to see Cat, just to hear the bubbly redhead ramble without end. If anything it could kill some time even though I never liked her nonsense. But, it would get my mind off my anger, which Beck always reminded me to get a grip on. I scoffed and shook my head. Beck…I was still listening to him even when we broke up. He had broken up with me for reasons I was still unclear about. He only told me we would continue to be friends and gave me the stupid advice to keep my eyes open for that special someone. I guess listening to him was the next best thing to accepting his choice to let me go.
It had hurt but I didn't allow myself to think too much about it. What's done was done. He had his reasons and I respected them. Emotion in general though, whether it was expressing it or dealing with it in any way, was not my strong point in the first place so I left it alone. It didn't matter. I had other sources of support from Andre, Cat, and…Vega of all people. Even when I was mean to her she was still there for me. Good days, bad days, sick days, none of that mattered when it came to Vega. She was always there for her friends. My initial hate for her was because she had kissed Beck, but afterwards, I still had no idea why I didn't like her. Honestly, I didn't really mind the half Latina. I thought about that often; the fact that Vega no longer bothered me as much. Her presence was sometimes welcome now. Wind nipped at my exposed face suddenly and I sighed, my breath visible in the air as I pressed my arms closer to my body in an attempt to warm up.
I raised my head from staring at my feet to see a small, old building come into view. I had seen the poor excuse for a shop many times on my way to school but I never stopped to check it out. To be honest, its dank exterior drew me in and the dark atmosphere inside piqued my interest. I didn't doubt that there could be a whole plethora of gruesome things to collect in a place like that. I dug in my back pocket to make sure I had my card on me before making my way to the dingy glass entrance. Heck, maybe getting another strange object to add to my already vastly morbid collection in my room would boost my mood into tolerable. A small bell sounded as I pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit shop. A quick scan of my surroundings turned up half dusty shelves full of various knick-knacks, glass sculptures, tomes bound in leather, old dolls, jewelry, and toys among other things. I took no more than three steps forward before a wheezing voice made me almost jump, a curse muttered from my scowling lips.
"Have your eye on something Miss?" the insubstantial tone questioned from the shadows. A stooped old man shuffled out from behind a high shelf to stop in front of me. He watched me with beady eyes while his hands slightly shook as he set down an elegant clock on a nearby table. A frown worked its way on my face. It figures he would be in charge of a shop like this. I cleared my throat to make sure I got his attention and stood with my arms crossed before answering him.
"What have you got in the way of skulls?" I questioned, hopeful he had a few lying around. His thick, bushy white eyebrows rose before he nodded and hobbled to the other side of the shop. I followed him at a distance as we wound through shelves and tables to stop at a glass display case housing various animal skulls and one very deformed skull that looked slightly human but definitely wasn't. Its teeth were strangely sharp and pointed like a shark's; the kind that weren't wide and serrated but just as deadly.
"Take your pick," he told me as his rheumatic hand gestured to the remains in a slow wave over the case. I took a few steps closer to see better and my eyes automatically fell on a skull that resembled a cat's. The slender, smooth, off white drew me in. It was almost perfectly intact and elegant. I raised my hand to point it out when something else caught my eye. In the neighboring display case sat a ring resting on black velvet. The band was made up of wings that resembled a dragon's curving up and around to shape the accessory. Red streaks made of some jewel ran throughout the metallic dark gray wings. I must have been staring a long time at it because the storekeeper took notice and leaned a little to the side so he could look at me when he began to explain.
"Ah, I see you found the ancient Demon's Bane. It is said to have belonged to a man who sold his soul for the power of invincibility and wealth. He received this power in full from a very strong demonic being who granted him his wish through the use of that ring. It came to be here by the man's brother who didn't want anything to do with it. You see, he told me his brother died of suicide shortly after he started wearing the ring. It seems the ring did not work in that way for him," the old man laughed, the hacking sound cut short by a cough. I tilted my head curiously, not believing one word the old geezer said, yet it still interested me. It was a brilliantly cut ring and the shimmering red seemed to call to me.
"How much for it?" I asked, my gaze still focused on the ring. The man gave me a calculating, studious narrowing of his eyes before he finally shrugged, his face relaxed.
"Only sixty; I see no worth in it besides its back story. Truthfully, the jewel it contains doesn't seem to be of any I've seen and looks to be plastic to me. Its story is quite a remarkable one but I'm sure it was only a lie to get it to sell," he grumbled as he pulled out keys to unlock the case. I mentally noted how the merchant had told the story. He didn't seem uninterested in it then. On the contrary, he seemed uneasy and a little in awe. It was possible he just wanted it off his hands, but why?
"Whatever, here," I stated as I flipped out my card between two fingers. I wasn't in the mood to question anything no matter how weird he was being. He took it and shuffled over to the cash register. After he rung up my purchase, he dug under the counter, sounds of boxes colliding with one another as he searched for the right one.
"Don't bother, I'll wear it," I told him to save him the trouble. That was what the ring was for anyway. Something registered in his gaze that I wasn't able to discern it. He hesitated in handing over the accessory for only a second before he nodded and held the ring out to me delicately. I took it from his shaking hand and slipped it on my left middle finger. It fit perfectly, snug and sleek.
"There are no returns," the old man wheezed warily, slapping my card on the counter. I looked up to question him but he was already scuffling through a door behind the counter, going as fast as he was able. My eyebrows furrowed as I glanced down at the glinting wings encircling my finger. I pocketed my card and shrugged before I turned on my heel and exited the shop to begin my walk to Cat's house. I was still very much unwilling to return home. I was glad Cat didn't live too far from here. It was great when my father was in a bad mood and all I wanted to do was escape. I rounded the corner into the cul-de-sac that Cat lived in and walked up to her door. Two knocks later and it swung open to reveal my hyper, redheaded friend I had known since elementary school. She hadn't changed at all since then. It was so simple and easy to spend time with Cat. Just like her name, all anyone had to do was be around her to be happy. She needed no special attention and just opted to find something to do on her own. Hanging out with her was the complete opposite of being at home. It was the reason I put up with her more than energetic personality. Her addiction for sweets didn't help things but Cat was Cat and I was glad I had her.
"Jade! I didn't know you were coming! How exciting!" she practically squealed, hopping up and down and clapping before opening her arms for a hug.
"Yeah, don't make me rethink my decision either. Andre's was my next choice but he lives farther away and I'm not too fond of the idea of walking that far," I replied, ignoring her request for a hug and making my way past her to stand inside. Andre's house was relaxing and laid back up until his grandma flipped her lid, then it was just plain annoying. Harder to tolerate then Cat bouncing off the walls in my opinion. At least Cat could be distracted into doing something else while Andre's grandma just kept going without restraint or sign of stopping. Not even Cat's brother was that crazy.
"Why don't you get a ride?" Cat wondered, a finger going to her chin in thought after closing the door behind us.
"Because my car is in the repair shop for a busted light and I'm not asking my jerk-wad of a dad for any favors, that's why," I snapped back, pulling my hands from my hoodie pockets to cross my arms in irritation. Cat gasped with a hand over her mouth.
"You had another fight?" she questioned in concern.
"Yes, what gave it away?" I retorted sarcastically, sighing when I saw Cat's sad face turn into a pout.
"Look, I don't want to talk about it," I rephrased as I looked away. Cat nodded and wrung her hands until I stopped her, smacking them away from each other.
"I'm fine, ok? I just need to stop thinking about it. How about we watch a movie or something to kill time?" I offered. Cat immediately cheered up, knowing if she didn't jump on the opportunities I gave her I would leave. I always put her on a natural time limit or else we would be standing around all day wondering what to do instead of actually doing anything.
"Ok! Let's watch Enchanted and sing along with the songs!" she exclaimed happily as she dragged me to her room, laughing all the way. I rolled my eyes but allowed her to plop me on the bed before rushing around to find the movie. I held back any and all biting comments at the disliked selection. After all, I did want to take my mind off my frustrated anger; even if it involved a Cat look alike running around New York. I sat and watched the movie but I was in no mood to sing once the songs came along, which didn't take long. I was just too preoccupied with the ring that seemed warm on my skin. I had taken a break to use the restroom and took the ring off to wash my hands.
The second the ring was back on my hand, it seemed to be slightly tighter than before. I had stared at it for a long time, wondering if I was nuts, before dropping the idea and returning to Cat. Through the movie I ran a finger over the ring's intricate design, still wondering if its story was real or not. After the movie was over, Cat offered me lunch which I agreed to. By the time we finished I couldn't put off going home anymore. Cat grabbed me in a hug before I could say anything. She giggled at my frown and waved, then I reluctantly trudged back home. I was on my way to my personal hell hole. At least I had some time away from it, but that didn't change the fact that I didn't want to go back.
I entered my home on quiet feet. My dad seemed to be out so I walked straight for my room. Tomorrow would be a school day and I was actually looking forward to going. My friends were goofballs and dorks but I knew they would make me feel better even if I didn't show that they did. The next few hours were spent finishing any homework I had and listening to music to get it done faster. Once I was finished, I got into my pajamas, which consisted of gray sweats and a black tank top, then I hopped in bed and tried to get comfortable. My patterned dark red walls stared back at me. I glanced around the room at the various objects I had collected, thinking about the ring that now sat on my desk. The light of the moon seemed to focus on it in a surreal way. Eventually, my thoughts finally dulled and I was able to fall asleep.
I woke up with a start and glanced at the clock. Damn, I woke up thirty minutes before my alarm was set; again. I groaned in irritation, pushed my dark hair out of my face, and then reached over to hit the button before it could go off. I was awake now so I decided to get up and hop in the shower. After I was dressed, I searched for my phone and pocketed it. I grabbed my ring on the way out and slipped it on my finger as I went downstairs. I walked into the kitchen to see my dad getting his daily morning coffee. I offered no greeting and he did the same. I made some coffee for myself; black with two scoops of sugar. My dad only glanced at me before I walked out and back to my room. I scooped up my bag and sat on my bed until it was time to face him. When that time finally came, he stuck his head in, told me he was leaving, and I followed him out. The ride to school was silent and I offered no parting words when I opened the door to get out. As I walked up to the school I caught a glance of Beck talking to some girl in the parking lot. It had been a month since our break up but I was still possessive of him; if only because I still cared. I frowned and pushed open the door to Hollywood Arts, entering a bright and loud atmosphere.
"Hi! How are you feeling?" Cat asked as she ran up to me. I only spared her a glance before walking past her, a silent command to follow.
"I'm fine Cat. Better than yesterday actually," I answered in a monotone. I busied myself with putting my book in my locker as I talked.
"That's good! I was so bummed yesterday because you were sad and my brother was sad too now that I think about it. He accidentally-" she began but I cut her off.
"Cat, I don't want to hear about your brother," I told her bluntly.
"Oh, ok," she replied reservedly. I reassured Cat that I was fine one last time before walking off to my first class of the day. By the time lunch rolled around I was ready to go home and sit in my dark room. My mood was starting to take a downturn and I knew just the person who was sure to get most of it. I sat at our usual bench out at the Asphalt Café. Vega was already there, eating her salad with her stupidly bright smile that almost rivaled Cat's hyper one. She looked up hesitantly and the smile faltered when I approached but I didn't say a word once I was seated. Her brown eyes occasionally searched for my blue-green ones. I knew it was her silent way of understanding when I was in a bad mood.
"Vega, keep your eyes on your food and not on me will you?" I snapped at her.
"You ok?" she asked, ignoring my comment completely. I finally looked up at her, slightly surprised she was unfazed. Usually she frowned at my retorts, but this time she didn't.
"I'm fine I guess," I replied, playing with my own salad. Her gaze transformed into concern.
"Something's off today. I don't exactly know what it is but…hey is that a new ring?" she asked, pointing to it, clearly distracted. I lifted my hand to look at it, the metal glinting in the sun and the red weaving through it glistening like blood.
"Yeah, I got it yesterday," I replied before going back to my food, my hand falling to my lap. Vega tilted her head curiously and opened her mouth to ask something else when the rest of our friends showed up, minus Rex, to which I was grateful. Beck glanced at me uneasily before taking a seat by Andre who sat next to Vega. Cat sat on my other side, effectively cutting me off from being next to Beck.
"So chica, how's your day going?" Andre asked Vega.
"Oh, besides trying to learn how to play another instrument I completely fail at, I'm great," she replied. If I didn't know any better I would say Vega's sarcasm skills were getting better.
"Sucks for you," I commented blandly to make up for my semi complimentary thoughts.
"And I suppose you know how to play an instrument?" she retorted, her eyebrow rising.
"Yes, in fact I do. I know how to play the piano and a little bit of guitar," I informed her, slightly insulted my musical talent was being called into question.
"I know how to play a blade of grass!" Cat piped in. Everyone looked at her.
"Cat, a blade of grass isn't an instrument," I told her.
"Oh, well, I also play a little violin," she supplied with a shrug, mimicking the movements of playing the instrument.
"No, you don't know how to play that," I scoffed with a shake of my head.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she exclaimed, a look of intense hurt on her face. I sighed and looked away. Vega gave me a frown before speaking up.
"Being able to play a blade of grass takes a lot of talent, Cat," Vega told the sad redhead. Cat immediately brightened.
"Yay!" she cheered. Beck and Andre shook their heads before starting to eat. Vega smiled but I sent her a sideways glare.
"You always seem to ruin the fun, Vega," I said under my breath.
"Only for you," she responded just as quietly, not even looking at me. I looked up at her. She was now in a conversation with Andre about some project. What was that supposed to mean? Great, now I sounded like Cat. I rolled my eyes and looked back down at my salad. I tried to concentrate on eating and ignoring the way I was feeling over the comment. After school was over Vega caught up to me and stopped me at my locker.
"Hey Jade, I heard you didn't have a ride home…or you just don't want to take it; wait, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was-" she babbled, her hands gesticulating as she attempted a sentence. I frowned and leaned on the lockers with crossed arms.
"Spit it out," I demanded. She halted in her rant and nodded hastily.
"Right, well, I was wondering if you needed a ride," she finally said, her fingers clasped in front of her, a signal she was nervous but hopeful.
"I'm not taking offers from Trina. I don't want to have to pay back that no talent sister of yours. I'd rather walk home," I responded.
"No, I mean, I have my license now. I'll give you a ride," she offered again. I looked up into the smiling face of Tori Vega and frowned.
"Why?" I questioned simply.
"Well, I know you aren't feeling too good and, um…I don't know. I guess I want to help?" she replied uncertainly. Her hands began to fiddle as I took time to process my answer. I never did like Vega but she was always nice to me. Sure she fought back when it was needed but I was always the one who started it. I glanced down and my ring was the first thing I saw. A strange feeling came over me and then I nodded without really putting much thought into why I took the offer.
"Sure," I finally responded. Vega smiled brightly.
"Ok then, whenever you're ready," she said, gesturing to me. I slammed my locker and followed the youngest Vega out of school, all the while wondering if it wouldn't hurt to be nice to her once in a while.