A/N: Uhh… please don't kill me for taking so long. Also, you may notice that my writing style has changed-even if slightly-and that's due to the amount of time I haven't been writing.
My chapters are written sometimes shorter or longer for effect. For example, if it was a depressing chapter, I would want to separate the scene after that into the following chapter so the readers can cry in peace after the depressing chapter.
XXX
"Vega! Let's go!" The front door slams open and I almost facepalm myself. Today is not a good day to randomly barge into my house. It's one of those rare days where my whole family is at home for breakfast.
"Jade, how nice of you to join us," my mom says with a friendly tone, though her face is anything but. She hates when her meals are interrupted, regardless by whom or what.
"Wicked Witch of the West," Trina greets, shoveling another forkful of pancakes down her throat.
I look to my father and our gazes meet. I silently dare him to betray my trust by telling Jade my secret. I wasn't concerned about anyone else spilling because my father is the only one who knows.
Impatient taps of Doc Marten boots sound. I smile almost immediately at the sight of Jade. "Want coffee?"
"Fine. Hurry up." I get up obediently to make her fix. Dad throws me questioning glance. I shrug in response, as if to say, "I can't control what I feel."
I hand her the cup containing black with two sugars, then head toward the infamous red couches. Reclining back, I sighed comfortably and arched my neck back in confusion. "Are you going to sit?"
Jade scowled impatiently at me. "The rabbit field."
My lips form a silent "O". I grimaced sheepishly, "Uh, the field's only open on Tuesdays, but we can still um-" I stop for a moment, noticing her expression.
She purses her pink lips in annoyance. Appearing to think deeply for a moment, she finally says, "Fine. You're taking me out today though."
"Like… a date?" I attempt to contain my giddiness and surprise. However, it was not difficult to when the she bursts my bubble.
"Gross."
And just like that, my giddiness has disappeared. I smile to cover up my disappointment, then exclaimed as cheerily as possible, "Well, okay. Where do you want to go?"
"Come." Jade exits in the same manner as her entrance, but not before throwing a wink over her shoulder at me. God, how many whiplashes do I have from that girl?
I hear my dad guffaw behind me and I snap my head around to glare at him.
"Did-did she j-just double entendre you?" he gasped.
My face grew hot in embarrassment and I rushed out the door with my clutch in hand. "Hate you, too!"
Jade was picking at her nails when I opened the car door. She gave me a pointed look then shifted her eyes to the dashboard clock. I smiled sheepishly then questioned again, "Where to?"
She said nothing in return and instead revved the engine out of the driveway, leaving scorch marks on the grey concrete. We rode in silence for a good fifteen minutes until I broke and reached for the radio settings. Jade must've not noticed the first movement because as soon as the sound emitted from the radio, she slapped away my hand. However, as soon she executed her abuse, a reckless driver decided to rush the stoplight.
I pressed down hard on my chest my clenched my eyes shut to will the images out of my head. My breaths grew more rapid and staccato with each yard we passed.
Everyone was screaming.
Everyone was pushing.
Save her.
Leave me.
Sirens.
Black.
"Vega? Vega! Tori!" At my first name, I fall back into reality, black and red dots still swimming in my vision.
"Good thing we didn't get hit, huh?" I manage weakly.
Having parked on the side, Jade turned to face me and squinted, "Are you okay?"
"You're just full of surprises aren't you?"
"Aren't I? Regardless, not that I care." She averted her gaze, but I knew better. She scowled, seeing my smug look. "What happened?"
Immediately, my mouth curved downward at the reminder. "Nothing. It was just a minor shock."
Jade eyes clashed in debate. Eventually they settled on her shield once more. "Fine, but we're walking from here."
I sighed with relief that she didn't close up completely. I just wasn't ready.
XXX
My legs dangled uselessly while Jade's used hers to kick off on the swing. My brain was holding yet another internal turmoil, though at least this time, it wasn't about you-know-who.
"Think any harder and your brain just might explode."
"Oh come on, Vega, isn't this what you wanted?"
"I thought this was our thing?"
"Okay, I'll just leave you to think."
I watched dejectedly as she walked off, her feet dragging slightly. A rueful smile appeared. I shook my head in disappointment. And you expect her to open up.
XXX
I shut my bedroom door silently and burrowed myself under the sheets.
I cried.
For Eliza.
For Jade.
