This is tentative at best. I don't know how often it will be updated but I'm going to try and get it done eventually. This is basically my attempt at making the Victorious episodes, really the whole show, Jori based. I thought, what better day to start than the anniversary of the ending of the show? Sad but true.
~Tori~
It was strange, but suddenly and without warning, I was dragged into a series of events that might possibly change my life forever. It all started the day I was working with my partner on a school project. We were busy cataloging mold on a mold bush for our science class when Trina - my older, and according to her, 'more talented' sister - came barging in. She complained about her big showcase for the millionth time. Her partner Andre, who she kept calling Andrew, had come over soon after and I was roped into helping them rehearse every day since. By the time the big showcase actually came around, Trina was unable to do it.
She had used a Chinese herb gargle she found on the internet in hopes of making her sing better. It failed like most things Trina tried, resulting in an allergic reaction that engorged her tongue and made it throb erratically. Andre was determined to keep the show going and volunteered me against my will to fill in for my sister's part. I had fought, literally, to get away but there were just too many people fighting back and soon I was dressed for the part and pushed on stage. Yeah, I was scared at first, but a strange confidence quickly fell over me as I let myself get lost in the music. It was at that moment in time when I knew I had what it takes to be a student in Hollywood Arts. I was enrolled after everyone encouraged me that it was the right choice.
My 1st day at
Hollywood Arts. EPIC!
Mood = Freaking
Here I was, entering the school along with my sister. We walked into a bright and colorful hallway that I began to study immediately. Students surrounded the place, dancing, playing music, and talking among other things. Trina turned and raised her arms.
"See, it's just a high school," she said nonchalantly. I looked around in awe.
"Uhh, this is not just a high school. These kids are all artsy, and creative, and talented and I'm just…normal," I disagreed, my hands gesturing at everything before dropping to my sides.
"It's ok. There's nothing wrong with being average," Trina assured me. She held onto my arm in what she believed to be comforting. I only nodded.
"Anyway, you're not alone. I gotcha back," she continued with a smile. Relief flooded my features.
"Ok, so-" I began, but at that moment a girl ran up and called to her.
"Trina, Eric Carlson got his hair straightened!" she shared.
"Shut up!" Trina exclaimed, both girls getting excited. She ran off immediately, leaving me to feebly try calling her back.
"I'm alone!" I shouted at her retreating form. I knew my sister wouldn't really have stayed with me. I could hope but it just wasn't happening. I pulled out my schedule and notes the room numbers. It took a while, but I managed to find my way around on my own. The day seemed to progress at a snail's pace, but it was progressing. Every new class I had to introduce myself in different and creative ways. The next class I had to get to was a bit hard to find. I stood awkwardly in the middle of the hall, trying to figure out what to do when a girl with a shock of red hair came down the steps. I was pretty sure it wasn't her natural hair color.
"Hey, um, can you tell me-" I began when the redhead jumped into action upon seeing me.
"Oh my gosh, you're Tori right?" she exclaimed happily.
"Uh huh," I replied with a smile.
"You were so awesome in the big showcase," the little redhead complemented energetically.
"Aww thanks," I replied.
"My name's Cat," she introduced herself.
"Oh, like the animal," I realized.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cat asked, her face turning into one that was deeply offended. She even took a few steps away. I was immediately taken aback at her behavior.
"Nothing, I-I love cats," I tried to amend with a wave of my hand. Cat was instantly happy again.
"Me too, they're so cute," she agreed, abruptly turning to walk away. My smile slowly slid from my face, wondering what to do now. I was lucky to see someone I recognized at the big showcase. It was the strange curly haired boy with the puppet.
"Hey, um, uh," I tried to say.
"Hi," he replied, but his eyes suddenly got big when he realized who he was talking to.
"Hey, hello, female, yes?" he began to babble. He shared a look with the puppet he held. I was a little hesitant now, but I needed someone to show me where to go so he would have to do.
"Can you tell me where Mr. Sikowitz's classroom is?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowing at the weird name.
"Ok, um, if you head due north for about thirty paces and-" he began nervously. He was silenced when the puppet in his hands began to speak up.
"Paces? Man the girl's not a pirate," it said in a tone that told the boy he wasn't helping. Why did it have an urban accent? I looked on in puzzled worry. What had I gotten myself into?
"This is none of your business," the boy protested, but the puppet ignored him.
"Sikowitz, down the hall, swing a left at the water fountain, second door on your right," the puppet told me. The boy reservedly let the puppet talk for him. I gave him a strange look.
"Thank you," I said uncertainly, moving around him to get to class.
"Whatever it takes cupcake," I heard the puppet say. I swung back around to lift an eyebrow at the boy. He shook his head and pointed at the puppet like it was the doll's fault. I had nothing more to say to that so I left.
Can't find classroom! This
school LOOKS SO COOL,
but still…NERVOUS.
Mood = Anxious
I finally found the classroom I was looking for and pushed open the door. I checked to make sure I had the right room by looking at the matching room number on my schedule. I looked around carefully and let out a breath before moving to an open chair. I shoved my schedule into my bag and set it down by a chair. I was too busy looking at the floor to know someone was right behind me until it was too late. I swung around, knocking a coffee cup out of a pale hand. The beverage spilled all over the place. I backed up hastily but it was a futile effort.
"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed, fidgeting where I stood. The other person had yet to say a thing. I finally got the guts to look up and see who I had stumbled into, vivid blue-green eyes staring back at me. Boy, did she look wazzed. The piercings and shadowy make-up were not helping me feel any better about my chances of living.
"I'm sorry, I spilled coffee on your-here let me-" I stuttered, rushing to try and fix the damage. I pulled on my sleeve and hurriedly began to rub off the coffee running down the other girl's clothes. She remained stone still, eyeing me with cold hatred that made me inwardly cringe.
"Hold on, I think it's all off," I commented, working to right the wrong.
"You're making it worse," the girl growled. Her tone made me look up worriedly. The door opened behind us and a lithe tanned boy with fluffy black hair walked in. He paused at the site before him, a small smile tugging at his easy going features.
"You seem to be having fun, Jade," he commented to the girl. Meanwhile, I had frozen in mid-wipe. The girl, I now knew was named Jade, smacked my arm away.
"Oh, I-I just spilled coffee-" I struggled to explain to him.
"I see that," the guy spoke softly, his lips thinning into a knowing smile. He was almost teasing with the way he looked at Jade. He shared another look with her before she frowned and walked over to him.
"Don't start, Beck. I know what you're thinking," Jade told him sternly. He glanced at me quickly before moving to take a seat. Jade watched him go before taking the seat next to him and shot me one last look. Beck shrugged and looked away, acting unaffected by the interaction between Jade and I. They were over it so I decided to move on too. God, I hoped I didn't get myself into too much trouble on my first day here.
~Jade~
Yes, I hadn't murdered the girl for her mistake, yet. But it didn't mean anything. To Beck it probably did. If I didn't hate someone it obviously meant I must like them. Or so he thought. I knew when he was subtly trying to coax me into making friends, but I didn't want to. Not with the new girl at least. I stupidly confided to him that I found her attractive ever since seeing her in the big showcase. Even though I told him it was nothing he still didn't want to let it go. I knew he wouldn't. We knew each other since elementary school and became good friends but it still shocked Beck to later find out in freshman year of high school that he didn't quite know everything about me. I had only found out myself the previous year. It took me some time but I eventually told Beck who apparently had a crush on me since we met. Knowing that he had to work harder for my attention seemed to make our relationship…interesting to say the least. He accepted that I didn't hold the same feelings for him because I was admittedly still coming to terms with myself so he offered to 'date' me as a safe cover up until I was ready. He was such a gentleman he even told me that he would happily let me go should I choose someone else over him. Needless to say, he became my best friend and confidant.
It was also really fun to play a couple. I loved tormenting people with my 'jealously'. I smirked at the thought. That day at the showcase might have been a mistake on my part. I agreed to go check it out with him because Andre would be performing and he was Beck's friend. But the moment Victoria Vega graced the stage I knew I was hooked. I hated to admit the, unknown at the time, girl would be a pretty good singer. Interest in anything was more work for Beck who took every opportunity to make me happy whether it was with him or not. He had an annoying knack of playing matchmaker or teasing me. He was a bit obsessive but his constant work in being the calm and collected hero in everyone else's eyes kept him under the radar. I just dealt with him. Beck was Beck and I wasn't looking to change him. Neither did I have the heart to tell him it would never work with us but I think he already came to that conclusion. It was safe to say I loved Beck, just not in the way I should. I came to the present just as Beck slung an arm over my shoulder. Before I could shoot another glare at Vega, if not to remind myself to stay away, the door at the front of the room flew open and Sikowitz burst in.
~Tori~
I forced myself to ignore the tension that had taken over the room when Jade came into contact with me. I was just glad Beck rescued me. I honestly felt like she would murder me where I stood. Was it weird that all I could think about when I looked up at her was overwhelming fear as well as admiration? She was beautiful too. The thought made me blush slightly but my attention went elsewhere when the door burst open and our teacher swept in.
"Oh my God there's a huge fire!" he shouted, pointing out at the hall behind him. I looked on with wide eyes and jumped to my feet. The classroom erupted into chaos which he tried to calm down.
"Kidding! Kidding! Kidding!" he yelled over the mayhem, waving his arms to get everyone's attention.
"Just wanted to get your blood pumping, which I did. Ha!" he explained, pumping his fist in triumph. I looked at the crazy teacher, wondering how anyone that joked about such a serious situation was even a teacher, before taking my seat.
"Alright, now let's get started. Rumps in chairs," he stated, taking off his bag to throw it aside.
"This is our teacher?" I questioned Andre who sat down next to me. We had taken the front seats. I was just glad to have someone I knew and was comfortable with. Especially after already wazzing someone off.
"First I would like to introduce our new student. I'd like to thank Tori for her generous gift of two dollars which she handed to me this morning. Not necessary, but much appreciated," he began. At the mention of that I stiffened in embarrassment.
"Why'd you give him two dollars?" Andre asked, generally curious.
"I thought he was homeless," I defended myself. I gave my attention to our teacher, intent on dropping the subject. Andre finally looked away.
"Now today we are going to continue our study in group improv. Tori, I assume you're familiar with improv," he said, pointing to me. I sat up straight at the sound of my name.
"Uh, well, yes and no," I responded hesitantly, feeling like an idiot. By now I was aware of all the stares I was getting.
"What does that mean?" Sikowitz asked me. I hoped he wouldn't ask, but he did, so I relented.
"No," I corrected.
"Ok, crash course! Improv, acting without a script. Which means the actors must make up their own actions and dialog as they perform the scene. Understood?" he explained, walking around and mimicking what he talked about. I tried to ask him something further on the topic but he cut me off.
"Excellent! Jade, you will captain the first group of the day. Choose your actors," he continued in his booming voice. I was surprised to see none other than the girl I had bumped into earlier walk up to the front of the room. She stood on the mini stage, her stance stern and commanding while looking bored and at ease at the same time. She sighed and began, pointing out each person as she spoke.
"Cat, Eli, Beck…and Tori," she said, her gaze landing on me. She smirked in a way that I knew meant this was payback for what happened earlier. My eyes widened and I looked at Andre for help. He only gestured for me to do as the scary girl said so I reluctantly stood to join the others on the stage.
"Ok, let's give them a place," Sikowitz said with a hand on his chin.
"Home!" the curly haired puppet boy shouted from the side of the room.
"Home," Sikowitz repeated, moving to write it down on the board.
"Oh, really creative," the puppet mocked.
"You be quiet," the boy replied, pointing a finger at the puppet on his lap. With a flick of his hand, the puppet smacked the boy across the face and he flinched.
"Ow!" he cried out, holding his face. I watched him, still at a loss whether I should call him crazy or unique. I caught Andre smiling though so he must not be all that weird.
"Ok, and now we need a situation," Sikowitz continued.
"Big news," Andre supplied.
"Andre, nobody wants to see big nudes," our teacher replied with a disapproving expression. Everyone looked at him questioningly.
"Big news," Andre repeated clearly.
"Ah, well that's different. Big news," he exclaimed, rushing to add that to the board. I was beginning to think our teacher may be pretty entertaining when Jade walked over to me. I was instantly uncomfortable again for two different reasons. Was it at all possible to feel afraid and awed of someone at the same time?
"Why don't you wait in the hall?" she suggested, pointing me in the right direction.
"Um, ok," I relented, not knowing what the girl was up to but new to the situation so I just went with it. Everyone here already had a place and knew what to do, so even though I wasn't completely comfortable with the idea, I gave Jade the benefit of the doubt. I was never one to judge a book by its cover after all so I walked out the door as I was told to do.
"Ok, at home, big news, and action!" Sikowitz yelled, rushing past me as I left. As soon as we started, I felt uneasy. I was trying to follow what was happening but my thoughts took hold and I could only barely understand what was going on. Whatever Jade had planned, it didn't feel right. She seemed a little intimidating and daunting, and her features were distracting, but I had to show these people I belonged here just as much as they did. Wait, distracting? In what way? I was about to delve deeper into what that thought could possibly mean when Jade stomped over. I snapped to attention just as she grabbed me by the arm and towed me into the room.
~Jade~
I pulled Vega back up on stage, eager to see how long she would last. Yes, I thought she was attractive and had talent, but she had to show me if she had the will to fight back. No one got anywhere around here by being a doormat. Did she really belong here or was she just like her annoyingly talentless sister?
"I went to the animal shelter and got us…a dog," I stated, letting her go. I had a reputation to keep up as well as keeping this newbie from gaining ground on me. I flashed a sly smirk at her before standing by Beck. Vega looked around anxiously. I knew she was probably having a hard time figuring out what to do about the situation.
"Uh, yep. I'm the new family dog…woof," she said uncertainly. Andre scrutinized her from where he sat, making me raise a brow in amusement. This was going to be good, I could tell.
"Sikowitz, can you please tell this amateur that dogs can't talk and that they don't walk on two legs," I demanded, glancing at Vega superiorly. When I didn't get an answer I frowned.
"Sikowitz!" I yelled, forcing him to answer. I saw Vega jump at my tone. Most people probably hadn't heard anyone talk to a teacher that way, but I wasn't just anyone. Sikowitz stood and held up his coconut.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was sucking the milk out of this coconut," he responded. I glared and waved away the excuse. No one even reacted to his comment. We all were used to his eccentricities.
"But it's true, Tori. If you're gonna play a dog, be a dog," Sikowitz finally answered. Vega looked at him with a raised eyebrow but I knew he was completely serious. I glanced over at her with my smirk in place. She sighed but reluctantly got down on her hands and knees. It must have felt belittling. It was exactly what I was going for. She strained to replace her smile and added a happy 'woof'. Not bad, Vega.
"And action!" Sikowitz said with a dramatic point of his finger.
"I went to the animal shelter and got us a dog," I said, picking up where we left off with ease. Cat and Eli rushed to crowd her, petting her happily like any child would. Now she must feel more than degraded at this point.
"Can the dog sleep in our room?" Beck asked; a tone to his voice that I knew to be taunting and not innocent like he made it seem. My eyes widened at the statement before narrowing at him.
"No honey, it can't," I shot back. Beck swayed away from me with a nonchalant expression while Andre grinned. I gave Beck one last warning look before standing by Vega.
"Uh oh, looks like this dog has bugs in her fur," I stated, reaching out to pluck at a strand of her hair. Vega looked uncertain but forced out another 'woof'. Cat and Eli whined as they backed away from her. I didn't look at all worried though. Beck watched with a calculating gaze. He might be putting things together but I let him. He couldn't stop me. I messed with everyone before deeming them worth my time because that was just how I did things. Beck knew this and sometimes tried to stop me. But not this time.
"Oh, it's ok. I read on the internet that coffee is great for getting rid of fur bugs," I said matter-of-factly, walking off stage to snag a cup of iced coffee from a nearby classmate before returning. I was working on taking off the top when Beck held out a hand.
"Maybe you shouldn't…umm," he disagreed haltingly. And there it was.
"Jade," Andre called to me, but I ignored him. Vega sat hunched over, possibly wondering what in the world I was going to do to her, when I dumped the coffee. The cold, sticky, beverage ran down her face and clothes before a few ice cubes followed. She stood slowly and turned to look at me, clearly appalled. I smirked and held the now empty cup.
"What's the prob…dog?" I inquired, a faux innocent tone smearing into one that held hatred. I couldn't let her get too close. This was the only way. Beck stood back, giving me a look of disappointment mixed with something else. I ignored him, turning away to see Vega's face crumple in confusion.
~Tori~
I stood, at a loss for words, a low whine escaping me, before I ran for the door. To think I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. Someone who looked the way she did wasn't necessarily a mean person, but it seemed I guessed wrong. Jade was a very mean person. What did I even do to her to get this treatment? I rushed back out into the hall, wiping my coffee soaked hair out of my face as I went. I sat myself down on the stairs and pulled out my phone, ready to go home. A slam next to me made me turn and come face to face with someone's red clad butt. I screamed in shock and scurried away. The dancers who caused the outburst gave me a look. It was then when Andre came around the corner looking for me.
"Hey, what are you doin'?" he questioned.
"Calling my mom to tell her I want to go back to my old school," I replied, my voice indicating I was close to tears even when I tried to keep them back. I approached Andre who stood strong.
"Why?" he questioned.
"Because I don't like having coffee in my hair!" I replied in obvious frustration.
"Then I'll get you some doughnuts and everything will be chill," he replied calmly. I gave him a look that told him now was not the time to joke. I found my mom's number and called.
"Hey mom, I need to-" I began, but Andre snatched the phone away.
"Nah uh, nope," he said as he crammed the device in his pocket.
"Gimme back my mom!" I demanded, my voice getting a little stronger but my eyes remaining put out.
"You're going to quit this school on your first day just because of one mean girl?" he commented unbelievably. I threw up my hands.
"It's not only her, it's just I don't fit in here with all this," I corrected, waving my arms at the hall around us.
"Oh come on. This place isn't that different from other schools," Andre disagreed.
"Oh, yeah, like regular schools have improv classes with-with barefoot teachers and nerds with puppets and bipolar cats and mean girls that make you bark like a dog!" I ranted, my arms waving animatedly to prove my point. Who was he to say any differently? Andre didn't have time to answer because at that moment the nerd with the puppet showed up.
"Uh guys-" he started, only to be finished by the puppet.
"Sikowitz wants you both back in class," it cut in.
"He wanted me to tell them!" the boy exclaimed. I was not amused.
"See, this doesn't happen at my old school," I pointed out, gesturing to the boy but looking at Andre. He looked at the boy too.
"Will you guys be cool?" he asked.
"Him, be cool?" the puppet asked before laughing. I put a hand on my hip and rolled my eyes. I really wasn't in the mood for this.
"You're a demon!" the nerd yelled at the puppet. Cat came skidding around the corner suddenly.
"You guys, Sikowitz really wants everybody back in class," she told us, her hands swinging down to emphasis it.
"And you really wanted a date to the prom last year, but you didn't get one did ya?" the rude puppet countered. Cat deflated a little and I glanced at Andre who closed his eyes at the insanity of it all before looking back at me.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cat shouted, highly offended.
"Rex!" the nerd reprimanded. So that was the horrible thing's name. I was unsure whether any of this was healthy for the kid.
"Tell your puppet to quit being me to me!" Cat demanded.
"Don't call him a puppet! That's an offensive term!" he replied angrily.
"Yeah, this school's pretty normal," I interjected, patting Andre on the back before throwing in the towel and walking away. Andre had enough too, but he wasn't giving up.
"Just please go back to class and tell Sikowitz we'll be there in a minute?"" he pleaded.
"You better hurry," Cat said before taking off.
"Yeah," Rex added. The boy gave him a glare.
"I was gonna say 'yeah'!" he yelled, turning to leave as well. Andre and I listened to them bicker down the hall before it was just us again. I crossed my arms, giving Andre my best peeved off expression.
"Ok, this school's not normal," he admitted.
"Really?" I replied with an exaggerated roll of my eyes.
"You're not normal either. I've seen what you can do on stage. You're special. You're fantastic. You belong at this school," he said with certainty. I looked him in the eyes as he spoke, wanting to believe what he said but finding it hard to. He stepped away with a sigh, heading back to class, but stopping at the end of the hall to turn around.
"Normal's boring," he told me. He clasped his hands hopefully and then finally turned to leave. I stood there, contemplating what he said, when Cat bounded back up to me.
"It's true," she stated, slightly sad.
"That normal's boring?" I asked, confused.
"No, that no one asked me to the prom!" she exclaimed before running off. I was officially frustrated with the whole situation. I sighed and headed back to get my stuff and leave.
Worst day ever.
GOING HOME
Mood = Wrecked
I eventually got my wish of going home. I got a hold of my mom when I returned to class to collect my things. I was picked up promptly after that. I poured out everything that happened to me on the way home while my mom comforted me. She left for work after that, leaving me alone to think about the day. Later, I pulled out my laptop to lounge on the couch with some popcorn. I logged onto The Slap and began watching the video of me performing at the big showcase. All the while, Andre's words rang in my head. Trina walked over and plopped next to me, taking out her ear buds as she did. I hit the volume down and turned to her.
"You know, you're actually not terrible," Trina told me softly. I only nodded with a sad sigh. I hit stop on the video while Trina shook her head.
"You're really going to quit Hollywood Arts?" she asked, actually concerned.
"What do you think I should do?" I responded heavily.
"I think you should come back," Trina replied incredulously.
"Why?" I questioned.
"So I won't be known as the girl with the lame little sister who quit on her first day," she replied, giving me a light shove. The comment was so Trina I couldn't help but crack a grin. She smiled too and got up to leave but stopped and turned around at the stairs.
"And…I think you were really good in the big showcase," she added sincerely. I smiled, always touched when Trina said things like that and meant it.
"Thanks Treen," I replied softly. Trina nodded and smiled brightly again.
"But I would have been amazing," she sing-songed with a pose before she climbed the stairs. I shook my head, glad to have Trina lighten the mood a little. I turned back to the computer and leaned my head on my hand in thought. Going back would mean having to face everything again. My insecurities, the weird activities, and that mean chick. Although, going back would show everyone I was a fighter, that I didn't back down. I had to go back. There was no other choice.
Tori Vega is feeling…conflicted.
Mood = Lost
The next day I got ready to attend Hollywood Arts. I decided I wasn't a quitter. No one and nothing would scare me away from what I wanted. I walked down the almost empty halls, slightly late but still showing up. I walked into the classroom, worried but determined. My eyes landed immediately on Jade who sat in the back like before. She looked like she was wazzed off. Probably because I had the nerve to come back. I had a feeling Jade was probably used to getting what she wanted. I stared back at her, letting her know I wasn't running away.
"Tori, you're back. You ever thought about coming through the window?" Sikowitz addressed me. I felt confused but I answered anyway.
"No," I said, my eyebrows still furrowed.
"Think about it. Now sit, sit," he told me, gesturing to an empty chair. I complied and got comfortable. Beck shot me what looked to be a reassuring smile and then glanced back at Jade who was busy looking at me with a calculating, emotionless, gaze. I would show her I was just as capable as her.
~Jade~
I had been watching Vega since she stepped in the room. I was only a little surprised she showed up. I mean, this was what I was testing her for and she passed. She was a fighter. If she wasn't she would have ran home crying and never come back. I gave up trying to understand what made her return to look back at Sikowitz.
"Now today we're going to do some alphabetical improv. What is alphabetical improve, you ask? So I answer. It's when we give a letter for the first actor who speaks in the scene. If we use the letter 'A' as an example then the actor must make his first word start with the letter 'A' which might go something like…" Sikowitz lectured, stopping to point to Beck as he paced around the room.
"Apples are falling out of my butt," Beck supplied, pointing back at our teacher. Sikowitz gave him a look.
"Lovely. Now the next actor who speaks must start his line with the next letter in the alphabet. In this case 'B', so he might say…" he stated, clapping his hands on Andre's shoulders.
"Bring those apples so that we may all enjoy the fresh fruit from Beck's butt," he supplied. Sikowitz nodded and slapped his shoulders once before moving on.
"Charming. Now who wants to lead the first group?" he asked the class. Vega's attention kicked into gear as she raised her hand quickly.
"I do," she said confidently. Everyone turned to look at her. I raised a curious brow while Beck tilted his head, just as curious.
"Alright Tori; choose your actors," Sikowitz agreed. I let my eyes burn into her as she waltzed up on the stage.
"Ok, Andre, Cat, Beck…and Jade," she decided with an inclination of her head and a smirk. I raised an eyebrow at her, interested to see what she was up to. I hardly thought she was capable of payback if she crumbled so easy the other day but she continued to impress me. Hell no, not that. She just wasn't the usual weakling. Damn, that was a compliment too. To cover my conflict I just glared at her stubbornly.
"Yeah, you," she shot at me to show she wasn't mistaken. Maybe she did have a backbone. I stood and joined the others, my interest in the matter increasing. I brushed past her, close enough to hide what I planned to do next. I wouldn't say it was cheating, because our mini battle wasn't apparent to others. Maybe besides Beck who knew me enough, but if asked I would be happy to say I was just seeing how well she stayed on her toes. With this thought, I let my hand skim over Vega's backside as I took my place next to Beck. She jumped slightly at the contact but remained impassive. A slight blush colored her cheeks but her tan complexion did a good job of covering it. I grinned and pulled Beck into a kiss before she could see my expression. She looked away at the sign of affection between us just as I had thought she would do.
"Jade, kiss your boyfriend on your own time," Sikowitz chided, arms crossed and face scrunched as he walked away. I rolled my eyes at the somewhat questioning look on Beck's face when he pulled away. Vega glanced over at us once in a while, her eyes analyzing the situation. I didn't care about what happened while Beck did. I knew he was scrambling to figure out what I was trying to hide this time seeing as that was my go-to cover up. I waited with crossed arms, my eyes flicking to Vega only once.
"Ok, if you start your line with the wrong letter you're out," Sikowitz began. He slammed his foot on an empty chair.
"Robbie, give us a letter," he demanded of the boy with the puppet. God I hated that thing since I first met him. Cat was the one to befriend him. Figures she would find another weirdo. I didn't mind him so much because as much as Cat denied it, I could see she liked Robbie.
"'P'!" Rex shouted before Robbie could.
"'P'!" Sikowitz repeated.
"Oh, I was going to say 'P'!" Robbie exclaimed. He frowned at the puppet and then returned his attention to the stage.
"Ok, the scene can be about anything you want. The first letter of the first line is 'P'. Tori, action," he said, pointing to her. She immediately rounded on me. Now was the time to get even but I didn't think she would throw herself head long into it. I was seriously not impressed. I couldn't dwell on my questionable thoughts because she had begun the exercise.
"Please take a shower," she stated evenly, pointing at me. I let my harsh reply snap back at her. I was in my element now.
"Quit telling me what to do," I responded, hands on my hips.
"Relax girls, let's all try to get along," Beck said next, placing a hand on my arm. I glared at him for trying to ease the tension and turned back around to crank it up. Beck never agreed with how I did things but he knew he couldn't stop me. This was why he usually gave in with a sigh.
"Totally!" Cat yelled, Sikowitz making a buzzer sound at her.
"Cat, your line had to start with an 'S'," he told her.
"Salami!" she cried out. I shook my head while Vega watched in more confusion. Cat was just…how I became her friend I just didn't know. Maybe because she was a constant source of entertainment.
"It's too late, Cat," he replied.
"Aww my life's the worst!" she cried out.
"Here's a piece of candy," Sikowitz amended calmly, holding it up.
"Yay, I love candy!" Cat cheered, rushing to obtain the treat before sitting down.
"Alright Andre, letter 'S' to you," Sikowitz said, turning back to us.
"Something just bit my toe," Andre stated, gesturing to his foot.
"Turtle, that turtle just bit his toe!" Vega yelled, running over to point at his foot.
"Unbelievable that you're even here," I cuttingly added, stepping forward.
"Very immature of you to say that," Beck told me, walking over to face me disapprovingly. There he goes trying to stop me again. I looked away from him, keeping my attention on Vega. Our disagreements did do a good job at making us look like a bickering couple, something that completed the effect of us being together.
"Uhh," Andre struggled, bringing our three way staring to an end.
"Come on Andre, 'W'!" Sikowitz encouraged.
"What if the turtle bite broke my toe bone?" he finally asked with some trouble.
"X-rays are the only way to find out," Vega answered, quick to carry on.
"You should shut up," I snapped, trying to throw her off her game.
"Zap! I just healed your toe with my magic finger," Beck continued.
"Thanks," Andre replied. Sikowitz made the buzzer sound again.
"Andre, your line had to start with an 'A'. Sit down," he told him, pointing at the chairs.
"Aww and I just got my toe bone fixed," he pouted, going to his seat. Vega and Beck patted his back as he went.
"Tori, letter 'A' to you," Sikowitz said with an arm motion.
"Aliens are the only ones who could heal toes with finger zapping," she supplied.
"By the way…" I said next, followed by a rude noise at her. She rolled her eyes and Beck's frown returned. Childish, yes, but I was starting to have a little fun. It seemed the meaner I was the more Beck was uncomfortable. I would explain my intentions later, but for now he had to wait.
"Correct, I am an alien," Beck admitted, staying on topic. Vega gasped, adding to the acting. I rolled my eyes. She was actually getting into this.
"Oh, a twist!" Sikowitz said, excitement in his eyes.
"Don't hurt me, please," Vega begged, stepping towards Beck. His attention went to her quickly. I glanced between them, silently wondering what was going on with him only using my eyes.
"Even though she's extremely annoying," I pointed out, finally getting him to look at me to see the question in my eyes. He shrugged imperceptibly before going back to the scene.
"Fainting, because I can't breathe, your Earth air," he gasped, closing his eyes and slowly falling to the floor. Vega grabbed for his arm, concern in her gaze. I found that my teeth were grinding against each other. Why did her fake concern bug me? Beck finally fell to the floor, effectively taking him out of the scene. It was just me and Vega now.
"Gosh, it fainted," she continued.
"Hey, why don't you go jump off that cliff over there?" I told her, a big, fake smile on my face. I was not backing down. On the contrary I was going to try harder now that Beck was out of the way. I know he meant well and was constantly trying to tell me I could make friends without this convoluted game I played, but the fact was, this way was just too much fun. Whoever couldn't handle it couldn't be a friend of mine.
"I think you should," she retorted, a similar smile on her own face. She clasped her hands in front of her calmly. Fiery, wasn't she? But she had to try harder than that.
"Just where did you come from?" I demanded, a hand on my hip.
"Kangaroos," she replied easily.
"Lousy animals, kangaroos. They're awkward and dirty," I informed her, sauntering across the stage. She turned to keep me in her sight. I smirked, knowing she didn't trust me.
"Maybe they learned from you," she retorted, a confident smile slowly appearing on her face. The class 'oohhed' at the jab but I kept going.
"No one talks to me like that," I ground out, unable to repress my irritation. She was bending not long ago and now she was completely in control. I wanted to hate her and admire her at the same time then hate her some more for admiring her.
"Obviously someone should," she snapped, crossing her arms.
"Please run in front of a bus!" I commanded, my anger and irritation mounting.
"Quite obnoxious of you to say," she commented, still unwavering.
"Really?" I asked, my hands on my hips. I didn't like that this new girl was slinging everything back at me when just yesterday she ran out at the first sign of trouble. When the hell did she get a backbone? I kind of liked it even though her standing up to me wazzed me off.
"Sure was," she responded snippily.
"Thanks," I replied sarcastically, dragging out the word.
"Up your nose I see boogers," she stated, her arms uncrossing so that she stood straight.
"Very clever," I seethed.
"Wish you thought of it?" she questioned with a tilt of her head. She was surprisingly at ease and I was slowly losing it. I was aware of it but I couldn't stop it. I wasn't known for my patience or losing, after all.
"X marks the spot I'd like to punch," I yelled, jabbing a finger in her face.
"Your finger smells weird," she stuttered, slightly thrown off at the violence of my words but continuing. I dropped my hand to clench both into fists.
"Zero is what you are on a scale from one to ten," I replied, walking past her again.
"And back to the letter 'A'," Sikowitz instructed but we ignored him, lost in the heated exchange. We were already into the activity as far as we could go. I about faced to maintain eye contact, inwardly thrilling at the thought of a worthy opponent. Vega was looking to be a major pain in the neck, among other things.
"As if I care what you think!" she shouted.
"Better watch yourself," I warned.
"Can't take it?" she shot back. The utter calm on her face while I grew angry just pushed me more. When had anyone ever made me feel this threatened?
"Don't push me!" I demanded forcefully, but my voice held slight worry. I was losing my edge and we both knew it.
"Eat your pants!" she exclaimed with a smile of triumph. She saw the chink in my armor and fought harder. She knew she had me. My next response proved it. I wasn't thinking and couldn't stop the burst of anger, my famous temper.
"You eat your pants! Wait!" I yelled, no longer in control and trying to backpedal. I flung out an arm but I knew it was too late. Sikowitz made the buzzer noise.
"Sorry Jade, the next letter was…" he began.
"'F', I know!" I shouted, in utter distress. I lost a perfectly good opportunity to cuss Vega out. A situation Sikowitz was probably glad was averted. I shot a heated glare full of hate at Vega before stomping back to my seat. She won and I lost. I didn't know what to think.
"Hey, the alien's moving," Andre spoke up, clearly entertained by what was happening. I kept my steady but fuming gaze on the stage, wondering where the end would go.
"Keep the scene going. Letter 'G'," Sikowitz told the last two actors.
"Get up alien," Vega told Beck, helping him from the floor.
"Head, feels dizzy," he sighed, blinking his eyes and shaking his head. It was then I noticed her smile. If I didn't know any better I would have thought it was mischievous.
"I know what would make you feel better," she told him. I looked on with wide eyes, waiting to see why she had such a confident smile.
"Jumping jacks?" Beck guessed, unsure of the situation.
"Kiss me," she told him, her smile getting bigger. My hands tightened on my chair as my eyes widened further. Anger and shock struck me, preventing me from yelling or taking action. Beck wasn't really my boyfriend, but hell, Vega sure did have guts to mess with me like that. Tori Vega had guts, and I was grudgingly impressed yet again. She is definitely going to be a pain but that just made my interest in her go up a notch. Everything was out of my control for once.
"Little weird, but let's do it," Beck responded, also taken aback by the suggestion. They leaned forward and kissed, a little longer than I felt was necessary. I didn't allow my thoughts to acknowledge the impending jealousy in the pit of my stomach. Jealousy for who, I wasn't sure, but I didn't want to know. It was making me sick just thinking about it. The class hooted and cheered while Sikowitz clapped, impressed by the turn of events. She thought we were a couple, and to get back at me she kissed him. It worked even though I wasn't sure it was for the reasons she intended. They finally parted, Vega happy and delirious. Two could play at that game Vega. No matter how interesting she was, she was now on my personal 'People to Torment' list. We'll see how well she can keep up with Jade West. Let the tormenting begin.
~Tori~
"Man I love this school," I stated with a blown away smile. I never expected things to go this way when I sat sulking at home. The only thing I had to worry about at this point was Jade. I really didn't want to die yet. I wouldn't have done anything that bold if Jade hadn't started the war in the first place, but she did, so I had no choice but to defend myself. I wouldn't make the mistake of running away or showing weakness again. Beck stepped away, only glancing once at Jade. He was looking at her in a way I didn't understand. Jade however was glaring daggers back at him. If looks could kill he would have hit the floor and not gotten up no matter how many kisses he got. I met her gaze next and saw her smirk when I flinched slightly. Oh fudge, where did my confidence go? I might have lost it now that I was being picked apart, but she would see who she was messing with. She had mistakenly taken me for a doormat, but I was perfectly capable of fighting back when the situation struck me. I, Tori Vega, will not let her get the best of me if it's the last thing I do.