Dead
It had been a hard couple of days without my redheaded friend. Taking away Cat Valentine was like taking away breathing, I was dead without her.
Tori started coming to my house instead. She updated me on all the events at school, brought me my homework, and most important of all- told me about Cat.
"She's awfully quiet without you there." Tori told me one day, "she misses you a lot."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. And to be honest, I didn't realize how much you meant to each other until this-" She motioned to my colored hair, "until this happened."
When I didn't respond, she continued to talk.
"I wish I had a person who cares for me as much as you care for Cat."
"What are you talking about? Andre is your best friend, isn't he?"
"Sure, he is but we're not in a romantic relationship like you and Cat."
"Excuse me?"
"Well you two are dating, aren't you?"
"No. We're just friends, Vega. Where would you get an idea like that?
"Well, the other day at school. You said all that nice stuff to her, which is so not your usual forte."
I shook my head, "I'm not a monster, Vega. I can be nice when I feel like it."
"Noted." Tori said, then got up.
"Going somewhere?"
"Yeah, home. My Mom'll be expecting me home soon. See you tomorrow?"
I shrugged in response. Tori smiled at me and hugged me a quick goodbye. I shoved her off the second she contacted me.
A strange warmness filled my body as I watched her leave. And out of the sudden, sparks shot out of my fingers and out the door. I heard a screech of pain and Tori ran inside. The tips of her hair were blackened, and her shoulders had turned a faint red.
"Owie…" She said, turning to face me.
"Sorry, Vega."
"It's cool." She said, "actually, it's hot." She touched her shoulder and winced. Tori walked to the side of my bed and bit her bottom lip, "you know what? On second thought, I think I'll stay the night."
"What?"
"Someone needs to keep you in check."
"I almost killed you, Vega. I don't think sleeping over would be the best idea."
"Hey, it's cool. Besides, I have this feeling that if I don't stay your house will be nothing but ashes and woodchips."
"But-"
"No, Jade. I'm staying." She said, dialing her Mom's number.
"You want to know something Vega? You are a Grade A idiot."
She held up a finger and started talking to her Mom. There wasn't even an argument, in fact, she was asking her Mom to bring over her pillow and sleeping bag. She hung up the call and smiled at me, "guess who's spending the night?"
"Um, by that idiotic grin on your face I'm guessing the answer, is you?"
Tori smiled wider and walked into my kitchen. She opened my fridge and grabbed two pints of Chocolate ice cream and handed one to me.
"What's this supposed to do? Is it like, going to subdue my powers or something?"
"Nah, I was just hungry."
"Like I said. Idiot."
She stuck her tongue out at me, "So Jadey." She said, using Cat's nickname for me. I glared at her through squinted eyes.
Tori laughed, "What do you usually do when Cat's here?"
"Watch horror movies while she watches shitty Disney movies on my tablet."
She raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?"
"Yeah." I shrugged, "It's a good way to kill time."
Tori shook her head in annoyance, and rubbed her temple, "Anyway…" She smiled at me again, "I have a few ideas how to keep you in check. But first, I'm going to hook up my tablet to your TV and... there!" She said happily, watching as Cat's face popped up on the screen.
"Jadey!" Cat squealed with delight, clapping her hands.
"Hey, Cat." I greeted casually, my eyes flickering to Tori, "How'd you get home? I was your ride."
"Andre. He didn't mind."
"So, you're doing good? Nothing bad happened?"
"Other than the other stuff?" She stared off into space. So long that I had to wave my hand in front of the TV, "Yo, Cat!" She called.
The redhead broke out of her trance, "Whattie?"
"You totally spaced out. What were you thinking about?"
"Seals wearing monocles. They look to sealy and British! Ha-ha-ha-ha!" She neared the camera and squinted her eyes, "Jadey, is that Tori?"
"Hey, Cat!" Tori greeted.
"Hiiiiii!" She waved, "Jadey, what's Tori doing at your house?"
"Vega has decided to stay at my house for some stupid reason."
"Aw, how cute!"
"No, not cute. It's stupid and unnecessary." I shot a glare Tori's way, but she didn't seem fazed. We stayed up until eight just talking, until Cat yawned and said she had to go to bed.
I usually stayed up much later, but Tori commanded that I go change into my pajamas (even though I usually just slept in the clothes I had worn that day). I tucked myself in and she turned the lights off, grabbing a blanket and sleeping on the floor.
Biting my lip, I turned the lights back on and shook her awake, "Vega." I whispered, "Vega!"
"What?!" She shouted, shocking me.
Grouchy when woken up. Noted.
"As much as I love seeing you in pain, why don't you sleep on my bed tonight."
"But...where will you sleep?"
"In the bed." I said, as if it was obvious. She blushed scarlet, but nodded and climbed in. I followed her, pulling my ratty mouth-eaten covers over me.
What am I doing?
I clicked off the light next to me and fell into a deep sleep.