Disclaimer= I do not own Victorious.
A/N= The Hollywood Arts 7 consists of the following people: Tori, Andre, Robbie, Cat, Jade, Beck, and Trina. I gave them a label because I felt that it would be easier to understand if at any point in my story, I'm referencing them all at once. I will incorporate some of the lyrics of select songs by Victoria Justice. Tori's conversation with Andre's prom date will be abridged.
The Hollywood Arts 7 were all seated comfortably in a limo. Robbie and Cat, and Beck and Jade were on the sides where the snacks and drinks were. Andre and his prom date were on the east end of the limo, while Tori was all by her lonesome on the west end. She just wanted to get this limo and formal dinner thing over with so she can go find someone to hang out with during the festivities of prom, before the actual dancing begun.
Here I am
Once again
Feeling lost but now and then
I breathe it in
To let it go…
Tori felt similar feelings as to when she started her first day at Hollywood Arts. She feels really lost right now and is in much pain from having to go solo to prom. She'll get to sing a song, yes, but she is increasingly feeling that she will not have as much fun as the others will during the winding moments of prom. Whom will she share that special dance with? They take even more pictures at prom with stuff associated with the theme- whom will she take those pictures with since she does not have a date? All she can do to lessen the inevitable is take deep breaths as she looked out the window.
feeling low
I'm holding on and letting go
I like to shine I'll shine for you…
What could Tori's friends say to cheer her up? They could do or say nothing because they were busy tending to their prom agendas. Beck and Jade were in their own little world, as was Robbie and Cat. Trina was riding shotgun, so she could not see what was going on behind her. Andre and his date were just chilling, her head resting on his shoulder.
"You never told me that you played ping pong Andre, are you good?" The type of cooing that she was doing was melting away Andre's defenses, making Tori feel increasingly uncomfortable. For 45 minutes, she wish that she was deaf because she did not want to hear any sounds whatsoever. Then out of nowhere, Andre gets a peck on the cheek, stunning everyone. Tori acted like she was being aloof, not hearing what was being discussed and stuff, but she heard every single word spoken. She also heard the sound of those lips caressing Andre's cheek, seemingly making it flush with red.
"Anything interesting going on outside Tori?" Robbie was smart to diffuse the increasing awkwardness by getting the jilted Vega to say something. Tori merely nodded, saying in few words that there were people riding their bikes in the opposite direction of traffic.
"It's a good thing that they are on a sidewalk."
"Yea…"
"I appreciate the effort Robbie, but you don't need to cheer me up; I need to do this by myself. Do not let my attitude affect the awesome time you will have at prom with Cat." Robbie merely smiled in gratitude, and then went back to conversing with Cat, who looked really concerned with Tori's decreasing esteem. She could not just leave Robbie planted, so she had to grin and bear it. Meanwhile, Jade and Beck were playing with their cell phones.
"Tori feels terrible I bet, say something Jade,"
"She won't believe my words Beck; I'm always insulting to her."
"Ughhhh, okay then." They were exchanging text messages to each other, baiting each other as to who should sit with Tori and talk to her because she was really hurting on the inside. She did not show it, but seeing everyone happy was absolutely crushing her insides, completely pulverizing them. Andre kept looking at his date and blinking his eyes wildly, pleading with his date to say something or to have him say something comforting. She merely glared at him, pretty much saying that he shall stay put. Andre took the hint, folding his arms in protest. Some time later they reach the restaurant for their dinner, which to everyone's surprise, is Maestro's.
"No bowls of caviar this time Robbie, okay?" Tori had a pseudo-stern look on her face, waggling a finger in her direction.
"That will not happen again Tori."
xxx
Maestro's food always made the stomachs of the 7 happy and very full. They ate light for obvious reasons. Tori merely played with her shrimp salad, while Andre was growing more uncomfortable with his date's actions. She was happy to be with Andre for this special day, and Andre was cool with it at first; however, he got the sense that she was treating this as a "be all, end all" kind of thing- the girl was going all out to make sure that she and her date, Andre, were to have the best prom night out of any HA student. When she went to the bathroom, Andre glanced at Tori as much as he could, trying to get her attention. Just as Tori managed a polite smile in his direction, a pianist started to play "Tell Me That You Love Me," which drew a "that's it!" from Tori.
The situations turns around enough to figure out
That someone else has let you down
So many times I don't know why
Tori ran out of Maestro's and went inside of the limo, waiting until everyone was finished with their dinners. She so desperately wanted to cry, but kept it in check, amazed that she had enough strength to keep the emotions bottled up. It wasn't before long when loud knocking could be heard, demanding that Tori open the door.
"Sorry about locking it Jade, didn't mean it,"
"Whatever, just let me in." Jade went in and sat in her spot in the limo, staring at a confused Tori. Her eyes narrowed and… twinkled?
"Are you crying Jade? Your makeup is going to trickle,"
"I'm not crying Tori… Look, I know I always insult you and I want to apologize for it. I'm so sorry for sabotaging your role in Steamboat Suzy, I was just jealous that a performer of your talent level made acting so effortless." Jade looked away, not wanting to show Tori any more vulnerability. Tori felt better, not because Jade was feeling down, but because she could relate to her; to her good friend.
"No need to apologize, it happened, so no need to get sad over it."
"Okay, but the big question is why aren't you bawling your eyes out from seeing Andre and his date all lovey-dovey."
"Eh, what can I do? They are going to prom together, so I suppose you have to respect that? I don't know…"
Jade wanted to grab Tori's shoulders and shake them for being so strong, but she restrained herself. They let some silence engulf them for a few minutes before resuming speaking.
"I think Andre's date is taking prom a little too serious,"
"I haven't paid attention, what do you mean?" Jade noted that when they were back at Tori's house watching Fast Five, the girl would make weird observations about the scenery and the cars, observations that bordered on creepy. A nerve was apparently touched on, as Tori looked out the window once again.
" I realize that by me asking your friend Andre out, things will get very weird and awkward."
" No kidding." Tori was in no mood to talk with her look a like, but she could not just kick her out of her house, so she had to put up with her for the time being.
"We are going to be stuck with each other and your other friends for the entire prom night. I don't want to sound bitchy, but it is very obvious that you are not taking my being Andre's date to prom well. Unfortunately, you are going to have to deal with it. We don't always get what we want."
"You of all people should know that."
*Powerful words told to Tori, who is suffering as the big night is upon her and the rest of the 7. The Red Carpet and stage await next chapter.*
A/N= Whew, four chapters posted! The way I'm pacing it, I expect 2-3 more chapters for Dreams and Experiences. The final few chapters will describe what is happening during the prom itself. I hope you enjoyed reading the story thus far, please review to let me know what your opinion is of Dreams and Experiences.
