Chapter three, I need some more coffee…anyway, I introduced Cat! Hear me out, okay? You got your listening ears on? *Deep breath* What would you say…to this being CaTorAde? I know, I know, I said this was gonna be Jori. BUT! I haven't done a multiship for this fandom like I have for others but if that's not the direction the majority want this to go then I'll keep it Jori with CaTorAde friendship. This is the branch off point so that's why I stopped where I did. Anyway, read this chapter and let me know, please?

Jade POV

During the same time Mateo is sick

"You've been going to the office a lot this week. Is everything okay?" Cat asks me as we sit in the library for our free period, not quite in her own world yet.

I mark my page and close my book, nodding at her. "Yeah, just helping out. Felt generous, I guess."

She nods slowly, not quite believing me but she doesn't press the issue. "Taking Tori her homework, right?"

I nearly choke on my spit, clearing my throat. "Yeah…how'd you know?"

"You of all people should know I'm smarter than I act, Jade. I know she's hiding something but she can tell me when she's ready. I'll always be there for her."

I smile a rare smile at my best friend since kindergarten, putting my hand over hers and lightly squeezing. "She'll appreciate it."

She smiles a wide smile at me before opening up her own book and reading again, not letting go of my hand.

-Page Break-

Tori POV

Two weeks later

The sound of my phone vibrating pulls me from dreamland, my mind disoriented for a few seconds. I turn my body, trying not to move so I don't wake up Mateo, and slide the green button without looking at the caller.

I'm sure my voice sounds groggy and thick with sleep. "Hello?"

I hear a sniffle and I'm immediately more awake. "Hey, Tori. Sorry for calling so early."

"Cat? Are you okay? Are you crying?" I untangle myself from Mateo as gently as possible, standing up when I'm eventually free.

"I'm fine. I was just wondering if I could go over for a while? If not, I totally understand…"

I look over at the clock on my nightstand, seeing the bright 3:41 shining in the dark. Just when I'm about to ask why she's calling so early in the morning, I hear it. Yelling and loud crashes being muffled by her door and possibly her blankets. My heart drops and I have to force myself to form an answer.

"Yeah, of course. The door will be unlocked, just let yourself in. I'll make some hot chocolate, whipped cream with a peppermint stick like you like it."

Cat quietly says her "okay" and I can hear her whimper at a particularly loud bang, sounding like a body connecting with a wall. Unfortunately, I know that sound all too well…

I slip downstairs and start making the hot chocolate, thinking about the past two weeks. The boys have been completely oblivious, not even asking why I was absent for almost a week. Cat though…she's been nothing but kind. She made sure I was okay when I got back and didn't demand an explanation for why I was gone for so long. She just said I could trust her and she'll be there for me through anything. I can trust her just like I can trust Jade.

The door opens while I'm putting the whipped cream, Cat walking through in her light blue pajamas with black kittens on them; clutching Mr. Purple tightly to her chest. I slide in the peppermint sticks and take our drinks to the living room, setting them on the table before I sit down on the couch and pat the spot next to me. Cat doesn't think twice before practically flying into my arms. Her face is buried in my neck and tears wet my shirt…I feel so helpless. My motherly instincts must kick in because my arms immediately wrap around her, one hand rubbing her back while the other cradles the back of her head like I do with Mateo when he cries.

We sit there for a while, Cat letting everything out while I silently comfort her as much as I can; both of us taking occasional sips of our hot chocolate when she's calmed down. It's not until I hear quiet shuffling coming down the stairs that I pull away and see Mateo sleepily rubbing his eyes. "Mama? What's going on?"

Cat sniffles and rubs the tears from her eyes, giving me a weak smile. "I honestly expected Trina to have a kid first."

Mateo turns to Cat, looking confused. "Is she your friend, mama?" He must also notice Cat's puffy red eyes because the confusion turns to concern. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

He climbs onto my lap and puts a hand on Cat's, trying to offer her comfort like me. "Her name is Cat and she's my friend. She's Jade's friend too, you know that?"

He turns to face me and his eyes light up when I mention Jade. He turns to Cat with a big smile on his face. He really likes Jade and I think he'll really like Cat too. "You know Jade? We can all play Monopoly Junior now! Auntie Trina doesn't like to play games with us and before Jade, it was only me and Mama. But now all of us can play!"

"Inside voice, baby. Papa and Auntie Trina are sleeping, remember?"

He looks at me sheepishly. "Sorry, Mama."

Cat giggles and the sound makes me smile, especially after seeing her so broken earlier. "I'd really like to play Monopoly Junior with you, little guy. If your mama says yes, we could all go out together later on since it's the weekend. I know Jade will do anything to get out of the house."

The puppy dog eyes I get from both Cat and Mateo could literally give me a heart attack with their cuteness. I stood zero chance. "We have to get some sleep first though. Come on, the bed's big enough for all of us."

Mateo shoots up and grabs Cat's hand, leading her to our room while I'm stuck putting the cups in the sink. By the time I make it to my room, I see Mateo cuddled up to Cat – both already sleeping – with just enough room on his other side for me. I'm out the second my head hits the pillow.

The outing is where things spark so…yeah, it ended here for this chapter. Let me know, CaTorAde or straight up Jori.

Hugs and kisses for those who want them and love to those who need it xxx