Disclaimer: I own neither Victorious or any of it's characters. I make no profit.

:}

Jade drove into the Hollywood Hills, as ready as she could be to face Trina and win the right to talk to Tori. The Pizza's she'd gotten were carefully selected based upon an old slap file she'd found. Tori and her sister used to both like the same things on their pizza. The second pie was easier. The man at the store told her just to get cheese. He'd said most little kids would love the cheese, and not to risk any specific toppings yet. As a result the second pie looked barren compared to the first. 'I hope an extra large and a large cheese buys me access past the door.' She worried. She never had the best relationship with Trina.

The address was in a nice neighborhood in the Studio City part of the Hollywood hills. Jade let herself marvel at the large house Trina lived in for a few moments. 'Someone is doing well.' She thought. She had parked on the street, and walked to the gate that enclosed the front yard of the house. With a moments hesitation, she opened the gate and walked past the fire pit to the left and the small grassy area to her right until she stood at the front door. A sign stating "No soliciting" proudly hung by the door bell, matching the one that hung on the gate.

Jade rang the bell, and waited. A minute later, the door swung open, leaving her face to face with Trina. The elder Vega sister stood there, the moment stretching into eternity, only to be broken by Trina calling out "Cameron, stop jumping on the couch. You're setting a bad example for Chan." Then back to her guest. "Jade, my god, it's been ages. And you brought Pizza. Please, come in."

Not sure what to do, and certainly not expecting that kind of reaction from the usually self centered Trina, Jade walked into the home. 'Maybe she wants something from me. I'm famous, so it tracks she might be trying for something. Lets see how I can use this.' Jade looked at the elder Vega sister, preparing to ask her questions.

"Cami, Chan, the nice lady brought Pizza. Lets go to the kitchen." The mother seemed to be trying to herd her kids towards one of the back rooms. "Everyone to the kitchen. We're having Pizza." Then back to Jade "Those are for us, right?"

"Yes, I brought pizza. A cheese one for the kids, and your favorite for the adults." Jade said as she followed them into the kitchen. "You like the same stuff as your sister, right?"

"Love it." Trina replied. "Could you put them on the table over there while I get some plates."

"Sure." Jade wasn't sure how to proceed. Trina was a mother. And the house, while not the mansion she lived in, it was huge. "Love your home."

"Thanks." Trina replied. "Thomas and I got lucky in this one. Five bedrooms, two full and four partial baths. That's not counting the guest sweet, with it's own full bathroom." Trina was full of pride in her home. "But you didn't come here just to talk about my home, did you?"

"I was hoping to talk to Tori." Jade admitted.

"Cat said as much." The older girl commented. "What? I take care of her sometimes when she's been out late partying. Of course, she has to follow my rules, cause of my children. But yea, she gave me the heads up. Said you made her cry, and that she was happy about it."

"I don't know how, but I got her to admit the truth about her life." Jade replied, trying to get past this part.

"And you asked her if she's happy." Trina continued. "You were thinking of asking Tori?"

"How much did she tell you?" The writer asked.

"Why don't you fill me in on the why's, so we don't have any confusion." Trina proposed.

"Whats to say." The actress said. "You know about the Oscars, right?"

"Yea." Trina said, motioning for her to go on. "Cami, we don't smear pizza on our brother!"

"Maybe I should come back." The writer offered.

"Nope." Trina said. "Kids are a fact of life. And Cameron is four, while Channing is two, so they're gonna act out. Now you, you're going to talk to me now, so I can see if it's okay for you to talk to Tori."

"Okay, Oscars." Jade said, finding her place. "Yea, that's the thing. It wasn't enough. It's like I'd worked my ass off for that moment, to be a star, to win the approval of the world, to have somebody love me. And when I got there, two awards in three years, it just wasn't enough. Standing up there, on the stage, with everyone cheering for me, it just wasn't enough. It didn't fill the void in my heart. I gave my speech, and all I could think of was what happened to the old gang? Where was everybody? And were they happy?"

"Okay, I get that." Trina replied. "For the record, I'm happy. I'm a stay at home mother who dabbles in various work from home projects. I've learned what does and does not produce income on line. Since my time is limited, I've had to learn how to budget that too. But it's not about the money so much as, well, about the money." Trina smiled. "It's about feeling like I have some control over my income, so that if I were to lose my husband, we'd be okay."

"So how'd you meet your husband, Thomas I think?" Jade asked. 'In for a penny, in for a pound.'

"Tom? Thomas Flores worked, work's at the studio where that filmed that show I was on." Trina said casually. "Technically, he was one of the actors on the second show they'd put me on, but he wasn't any higher profile then I was." She told Jade. "We went out, slept together, and I got pregnant. So I did the honorable thing and married him. Turns out they knew that kind of show has a very limited life span. He got a job working with production, coming up with the next big short term show. So when the last joke died on one show, they'd be ready with it's replacement. He even gets credit as a show creator, as part of the team. We make a nice living, enough to be comfortable and have this place. And I love him"

"Nice how that came last." Jade said sardonically.

"Yea, well, I may love him, but I'm still about the bottom line." Trina said proudly. "And with two kids, you kinda have to be. I'm just waiting for the studio to get into reality programming. We're a bilingual household, so we could make a reality show based on that."

"You want to do reality TV?" Jade almost spat out.

"Hey, I may have changed my priorities, but being famous, especially with a bit of anonymity, that would rule." The older girl said. "But it's not the focus of my life any more. My kids are. Chan, come back here this instant. We eat at the table. Cami, set a better example for your brother."

"First, thanks." Jade said. "I wasn't after your life story, but it was nice to hear. Second," Jade's voice rose, becoming far more commanding, "Cami, Chan, you will listen to your mother and get back here."

Both kids stopped, looked at the stranger, then at their mother. Neither moved. "Five." Jade started. Cameron had dragged her brother back by one.

"He's little. He doesn't listen when you threaten him." Cameron said in her high, child's voice. She was half hiding behind her mother. Channing was also hiding behind his mother, but was not sure what to make of the beautiful stranger.

"Third." Jade said, ignoring the children. "Just to be clear, your saying that financial stability is what made you happy?"

"I'm happy as a mother and housewife. The financial stability just takes some of the pressure off." Trina said. "I'm loved by my family, and it's almost enough. There is that part that wants to be adored by the masses, but it's kinda in the background." Trina seemed lost for a second, then came back. "If you stick around, or come back after six, you can meet my husband. Just be careful, he's a charmer. But whatever you do, just don't let the almost flirting get to you. He doesn't cheat."

"I'll remember that." Jade said. "When's Tori due back."

"After five. She's a teacher." Trina informed the writer.

"What does she teach?" Jade asked.

"English. And voice, and acting. But her primary degree is in English." The older girl told her.

"Voice" Jade paused for effect, "and acting?" The goth asked.

"Her school still has it's music program, and she loves to help 'her' kids learn the joys of acting. I think she's channeling Sikowitz when she teaches. She was teaching in Frisco before..." For a moment, Trina's voice drifted off, only to return a moment later. "Well, that's her story to tell."

"I'm looking forward to hearing it." Jade said, smiling. "Just one more thing..." The writer composed herself, trying to decide if she really wanted to ask this question. "Cameron and Channing?"

"Cameron Diaz is a major force in acting, an a role model for Hispanic women." The older woman defended her choices. "And Channing is a unique name, not to mention that Channing Tatum is both gorgeous and successful."

"And not nearly as funny in person as he thinks he is." The writer added.

"I keep forgetting, you're in a position to meet these people." Trina gushed. "Cani, Chan, when you've washed your faces, you can go play. Chan, come her so I can wash your face"

The two children were out of the room in a blur of motion, one running and the other toddling after.

"I thought you told them to wash their faces?" Jade asked.

"Yea, well, their young. Chan forgets while Cami sometimes just doesn't want to." The mother said. "You sticking around?"

"I think I'll be back." Jade told her. "I'm supposed to be taking this time to recharge, so maybe I'll go to some discreet coffee shop, have a drink, and relax. Or I could visit Sikowitz." Jade perked up at the thought of seeing her old acting teacher.

"You showing up at Hollywood Arts?" Trina's voice said 'Bad idea.' When Jade looked back, the mother of two continued. "A well known writer and director, a Hollywood power player, walking into a school for the performing arts. How do you think the students would react?"

"Class gets out by three thirty, I could go after." Jade suggested, not sure why she needed anyone approval.

"And how empty do those halls get after school?" Trina asked. "If my memory is correct, there is always someone there, using the music rooms, or dancing, or after hour dance classes, or plays, or other performances that have to be rehearsed. Jade, you'd need a far better disguise to enter that building and not be recognized. One of the people my husband works with, who's only a celebrity in South America, tried going there to talk to Tori and was swarmed by people asking advice."

"Tori works at Hollywood Arts?!" Jade said, her head snapping back to stare at Trina.

"Oh god, I wasn't supposed to say that." Trina lamented. "Pretend you didn't hear that, and promise you won't show up at Hollywood Arts. Not without getting permission first. Tori's only just started this year, and I don't want to make it any harder for her then it already is..."

"Okay, okay, I promise." Jade said. "But only because I believe your the type to make a general announcement to everyone at the school and bury me in wannabe's."

"Good. Now, be back around sixish so you can meet Thomas and talk to Tori." Trina told the thespian.

Jade reluctantly exited from Trina's home. It was a beautiful house, with plenty of room for the family to grow. 'I've got to find a place like this for Robbie.' She told herself. "Trina, before I go, I've been meaning to ask, do you know someone who could help me find a place like this? I've got a friend who wants to move to LA, and they can't afford too much, but I'm hoping to find them a home."

"I'll have the name and contact deets of the realtor Thomas and I used ready by the time you get back. Sixish, so my husband can meet you before you start interrogating Tori." Trina said.

"No one expects the Spanish Inquisition." Jade said as she walked towards her car.

"If you're going to quote Monty Python, try 'I'm not Dead yet.' it's a classic." Trina called after her. Jade just laughed.

The writer decided to write. She drove home, grabbed her laptop, and headed into her room. She walked out onto the balcony overlooking the pool, opened her laptop, and opened the story she felt the most like writing. Jade spent the first ten minutes or so re-familiarizing herself with the plot and checking her outline. Then she allowed herself to get lost in the lives of these characters.

Hours past as Jade tried to follow the plot as it unwind before her. Sometimes the characters would veer off track, and she'd have to pull them back, but for the most part Jade was the observer, seeing everything as it happened in her imagination. It was her style of writing, and as freeing as it was, it could be very frustrating, cause she often didn't know what was coming next.

Cory called up to her, breaking her out of her thoughts. "Boss, you wanted me to let you know when it was fiveish. It's about as ish as it's going to get."

"Thanks." She called back, saving her work and closing her laptop. Then, after putting it away, she took the time to check her makeup and make sure she was still clean enough for the evening. Jade then went to her SUV and drove towards Trina's home. 'What to eat, what to eat?' She wondered. 'Had BF Wangs yesterday, so maybe inside out burger? Nah, something more food like.' She quickly dialed a restaurant that did takeout and curb delivery.

After getting her meal, she drove as quickly as she could to Trina's home, arriving just a few minutes before six. The goth then sat and finished her meal. 'No sense in rushing thing.' She told herself.

A few minutes later, just after Six, Jade was done eating and moved from her car towards the Trina's front door. 'Tori's the last one.' She told herself. 'Lets see what she's been up to.'

Jade had rung the bell and waited only a short time before the door opened and a man she didn't recognize stood there. He was on the short side, maybe her height, but in good shape. He had a pleasant enough face with brown hair and eyes. The suit was name brand, but not designer, speaking of his station in life. "Miss West?" He said, sounding surprised.

"You must be Thomas. Trina told me so much about you." Jade smiled and poured on as much charm as she could muster. "I'm an old friend of Tori's, and I feel just awful that I've allowed myself to lose contact with her over the last couple of years." Her best smile, and the man had yet to move. "Are you going to invite me in?"

"Sorry, I just wasn't... Please come in. So, you know Tori?" Thomas asked.

"We went to High School together. That's where I met Trina too." Jade decided not to tell him the nature of her, and the rest of her friends, relationship with Trina. 'Best not to make waves when I'm hoping for his help.' She told herself.

"Trina, look, it's Jade West." Mister Flores called though the house. Jade walked just in front of him as they entered the living room. Trina was sitting on the couch, watching her children playing. Tori was also there, walking out of the kitchen.

"I know, she came by this afternoon, looking for Tori." Trina told her husband. "We talked, a lot."

"Yea." Jade said. "Look, I hope I'm not interrupting dinner..."

"We just ate." Trina interrupted her. "Tom here got home early, and brought BF Wangs."

"That's good." The writer continued. "I was hoping to talk to Tori."

"No." The younger Vega sister said. She'd remained standing, stopping next to the couch.

"I just..." Jade tried.

"You just wanted to rub my face in how successful you've become?" Tori sounded angry. "Cause I don't need that right now. Everyone knows you're the one who made it. Just cause you feel like it isn't a reason to show off." The former singer moved towards Jade, getting in her face.

"I was trying to reconnect with my high school friends." Jade tried.

"Like hell you were." Tori shot back. "When have you ever dome anything that wasn't about yourself. Name one time you've gone out of your way to help any one of us. Andre? Beck? Cat?" Tori looked Jade in the eye.

"I helped Cat, back when she needed a place to live." Jade defended herself.

"Once, for your best friend. My god, I must be totally wrong about you." Sarcasm dripping from her voice, Tori looked around the room for a second then was back in the writers face. "Maybe your not the most selfish bitch that ever came out of Hollywood Arts. But you're up there, and the last thing I need is to take a trip down memory lane with you. You tormented me through high school, and then expected me to just welcome you with open arms?"

"Tori..." Jade said.

"Get out." Tori pointed towards the door.

"Tori.." Trina tried.

"Don't defend her." Tori whipped around to look at her sister. The rage was still there, but none of it was being directed at Trina. "You know what kind of monster she was, she is. Did you know she didn't bother to stay in contact with any of us? Not even Cat, her closest friend. No, whatever you hope to gain from knowing her, there are better ways. Ways that don't cost your soul."

"Tori." Tom's voice was a warning.

"No," Jade stopped him. "It's all right. What I wanted from her, I think I got it." She gave the children a warm smile, then walked towards the door. "I really do like your home." Then she opened the door and walked out, closing it behind her.

She heard Tori's voice saying "You should know better then to invite a vampire into your home." She just ignored the comment and started walking out of the yard.

"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid." Jade chanted the whole walk to her car. 'I treated her like garbage the whole time in school, so why would she want to talk to me.' The actress opened the door to her SUV, only to slam it shut once she was in. Tears started to marshal behind her eyes, but Jade was no stranger to holding them back. 'I'm amazed she was able to hold back. I really am a monster.'

:}

Well, meeting with Tori could have gone better. I guess Tori still holds some resentment. But Trina was open, helpful even. And I the house seemed beautiful. I'd seen that in an on line add. Anyways, what did you think of Jade's meetings with Trina and Tori? Do you think the Pizza helped? And what will Jade do now?

As always, review. It's what lets us know you have questions.