CHAPTER THREE.

Jade knew of the abuse confined to the Vega household. She became aware a few months ago when a broken Tori ended up at her front door. Jade didn't ask any questions, she just tended to the wounds on her ribs and arms the best she could whilst trying to avoid any added pain on the Latina's bruised body.

This became a regular occurrence once or twice a week since that cool evening. A month ago Tori spoke about the pain.

"He didn't mean to at first, so he claims. He just had a bad day at work and our arguing annoyed him so he thought it was best to hit some sense into us. He apologised profusely at first, promising to never lay a finger on us again. I think that is the first promise he has ever broke… why does it hurt so much Jade? I try so hard to be the daughter he can be proud of, we both do. Why can't it all just stop?" She sobbed into the crook of the raven teen's neck for what turned out to be an hour while the actress whispered words of love and comfort to her friend. She knew it would take more than a few words from her to heel the psychological wounds caused by her Father but it was a start. Jade insisted on Tori having the spare key to her house, neither her parents would care – the few times they'd met Tori they warmed to her, and it gave Jade an excuse to not see Beck. Tori reluctantly agreed to the key and timidly thanked her friend for the support and calming words. They meant more to the Latina than Jade realised, but she'd never know that. However from that night onwards, whenever her home life got to difficult or painful, it was just a 5 minute walk to the West residence where she was more than welcome to share a bed with Jade.

Despite the harsh words and physical pain she endured at home, Tori had never gone to school the next day looking as bad as what she was seeing today. She could see the fear in the brown eyes of her friend, she noticed the lack of sparkle in her eyes, and she saw the flinches of her body when someone who looked similar to who was described on the news walked past.

Everyone tried to be sympathetic towards the brunette except the raven haired actress; she could see that comfort wasn't what her friend wanted.

During lunch, everybody was stepping on egg shells, making awkward conversation, driving both girls crazy. After a few seconds of unwelcomed silence, Jade took her phone out and typed a quick message and abruptly left their table without a word. Seconds later, Tori's phone beeped.
Janitors closet now. – Jade xo
Tori knew Jade wanted an explanation, she didn't put x's and o's unless it was important. But she couldn't tell her, not in there, not in school. She needed the time to compose herself and figure it all out for herself. She knew Jade would listen when she was ready but she didn't want to lie to the actress. They haven't had a good friendship in the past but they have never lied to each other. With that, Tori got up without a word to her friends and went towards the janitor's closet where she knew Jade was already waiting, and she knew better than to keep Jade West waiting.

"Look Jade I know you want-"
"I know you're not going to tell me, at least not right now. I just want to know one thing?"
"Anything…"
"Will you come to mine around 6ish so I can speak to you properly about… stuff?"
"Um sure of course."

A few days prior to Jade and Becks break up they had an argument in the theatre about Beck thinking Jade had feelings for someone else which she admitted. And what made it worse in Becks eyes was he thought it was another girl. "People are gonna love that. Thinking I turned you gay!" He knew that was too far when he said it but his ego was bruised enough with the constant switch of Jades feelings. He'd had enough. A few gossips in many of Jades classes overhead this and spread the word of Becks talent of "turning girls gay". Firstly he kissed Tori which she rejected and then she came out and now Jade. It is an understatement to say that Beck Oliver wasn't happy with all this homo when he tried dating a girl. You could see Becks type; naturally brown hair, medium height, liked makeup and dressing nice, and more often than not recently, they preferred other girls.

School went usually slow and was the usual boring happenings … Write this down, copy that paragraph, read that chapter, tell me who… it was like the teachers memorised the same monotonous script when they became a teacher. Needless to say Jade was happy to be leaving when the final bell rang. She knew there was a tension in the air, half the girls in the school had naturally brunette hair… including her, and they were all scared.

But Tori wasn't scared, she was petrified.

The knowledge that that man could come back at any moment and finish what he started knowing she'd be more than willing to stand and cry in silence while he forced himself into her, forced her to feel dirty. All because she'd want to see Jade just one more time. She wouldn't risk doing something stupid like fighting back because she'd do anything to see her pale friend, even if she felt broken… even if she was broken. Tori knew all the possibilities of that night, she wasn't stupid.

Tori rode home with her sister in the same awkward silence that was lurking when they drove to school. She had managed to keep the bruises on her wrists covered as it was a dull and cool day around Hollywood. Trina had kept her singing to a minimum recently, much to the appreciation of Tori and those around them. Trina had become a part of Tori's group of friends, taking a liking to Cat almost instantly. No one knows if they're dating, no one cares… they'd be happy for the giddy redhead and the older Vega. Jade has grown accustomed to Trina and her bubbly personality, being at the Vega house often just to keep Tori occupied and thinking about anything other than her father's nearing homecoming. She knew that it was both Vega sisters that felt the wrath of their angry father, Jade didn't mind comforting either. She knew Trina didn't get it as bad but she still felt sorry for her. Jades parents didn't care about her, but at least she got an empty house and $2500 a month to keep her happy.