She hated herself.

She hated herself more than she hated Beck, more than she even hated even Tori. She hated that she was weak and spineless, despite the black clothes and makeup and biting words. She was fake, faker than Tori.

She was fake and weak; In short, everything she hated.

Jade had kissed Cat, gave her one lat hug, and then left without another word. She wasn't going to sit there and let Tori remind her of everything she did wrong.

But if only Jade was strong enough to call Beck…

Jade sat outside the hospital for the second consecutive day, with only her purse which held a water bottle, her wallet, her phone, and a note from Cat.

Jade took the note out and unfolded it, with her shaking from cold fingers. Cat had made her the note in seventh grade. It was a picture of two girls, one with maroon colored hair and the other all in black. Jade understood it to be the two of them. They were sitting underneath a tree and the words "Will you be my friend?" was spelled out in the sky.

A tear slipped from Jade's face to her lap as she remembered the note she sent back. Just two simple words, but the two most meaningful words Jade had ever said.

The words were: I promise.

The two little words were so much more to Jade than just a simple saying. She meant it. She promised Cat wouldn't ever be bullied again, that she could stop feeling lonely, that she could take down her walls and trust at least one person. She promised to be a friend.

Even though Jade thought it was childish of Cat to color a picture, nobody had ever made that much effort for her. Her parents were two of the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood, and didn't have time for her. She had no other friends since the kids were too scared to approach her.

But Cat had had the nerve to send the gothy, unapproachable seventh grader a rainbow colored note? This was one of the reasons Jade had replied the way she had. Besides, Cat had been bullied since the start of middle school by nearly everyone except for Jade.

And there was something about the admiring stare that radiated from Cat's open brown eyes…

Jade had never been looked at like that before. Like an idol, a role model, an inspiration. And even though she wouldn't admit it, she was lonely. She liked to have Cat around to make her smile.

As much as she tried to get herself wrapped in memories like this one of Cat, she couldn't shake off two little words. I promise. Why had she chosen those words? More importantly, why couldn't she shake them off now?

It was like fate had known that she'd be sitting here, that she'd need to stay with Cat no matter what. Those words would be the friendship's lifeline. Something was hidden deeper that twelve year old Jade hadn't seen.

"Stupid," Jade muttered. She had been sitting outside the hospital for the better part of forty-eight hours, going home only twice to shower, eat and sleep. But every second she was away she couldn't stop thinking of Cat.

She was being an idiot, really. Cat had only seventeen days left, if she was lucky. And Jade had already wasted time. Should she go back in?

But of course, Cat was fine with Vega. Stupid, perfect Vega was probably painting Cat's toenails and giggling happily as they watched Ellen and ate popcorn. All the things Jade thought were stupid, but missed so very much. She'd give the world to be in there with Cat now, no strings attached. Just her and Cat, like seventh grade.

Jade's phone buzzed, her ringtone the Itsy Bitsy Spider. Something to amuse Cat in happier times. Only two little words, texted by Cat.

You promised.

Jade gasped aloud, and dropped her phone onto the pavement. Cat remembered. She couldn't stay out here now, could she? Not now that Cat had played the guilt card. Jade stood up slowly, her knees shaking, and made her way back into the hospital.

The front desk attendants didn't speak, just buzzed her in. Weather it was out of recognition or fright, Jade wasn't sure. She had been in and out often, but she must look a mess. The whole world seemed to be mourning Cat's sickness, and it had been unnaturally cold, windy and rainy.

Jade's hair was stringy and unkempt, her eyes bloodshot and her clothes windblown. But she didn't care. All she wanted to do was fulfill her promise. Her and Cat's promise. The promise from way back in seventh grade.

The promise of friendship.

(OOO)

Tori had gone on an errand to get frozen yogurt. She figured Cat would be fine, even better than usual. She seemed to be almost healing, sleeping a little less.

But of course, she'd never get better. Tor wouldn't allow herself to hope for the best, because unless doctors found some way to paralyze the poison in Cat's body, she was dying. And medical technicians had been working on a cure to Cyanide for the last four and a half decades, no such luck.

Tori strolled along the rainbow colored aisle feeling happier than she had in a long time, despite the rain. She liked to be with Cat alone, without Jade. Jade was negative and bad for Cat's health.

She'd never, ever admit it out loud, but she preferred it like this. Cat had been a little sad when Jade left, but nothing compared to what Tori expected. David and Jade, leaving Cat alone.

Of course she would never do that. Everybody thought Tori was a goody two shoes, perfect. And the truth was…she sort of was. The greatest friend Cat would ever have.

These thoughts filling her perfect head, Tori skipped happily to the register and bought her yogurt. Then she made her way back out into the storm, smiling peacefully.

Who wouldn't want to be friends with Tori?

(OOO)

Jade and Cat were hugging as Tori walked in, a shopping bag filled with God-knows-what. Jade had been surprised to see that Cat was alone when she went up to se her. But she was okay with it.

Jade apologized to frail and tiny looking Cat, who accepted it at once. They had made up and been talking it over just as Tori opened the door.

"What are you doing here?" Tori asked, dropping her bag onto the floor. "Jade, leave."

"Excuse me?" Jade stood up, but stopped at Cat's gentle touch. She sank back down onto the hospital bed, her narrowed eyes never leaving Tori's face.

"Tori," Cat implored. "Jade came back."

Note: Hey, sorry it took so long to upload! Review and don't be scared to criticize, please…And take my poll? 143!