Warning: Contains all around dark themes, bereavement/grief and gun violence, please be careful and stay safe :)
Beck's POV
I had decided to come into class today, I didn't want to, so soon after Jade's death, this whole school held memories of her. But Cat said she had a surprise for me so I had to come to Sikowitz' class at least.
Sikowitz picked up a purple felt hat, pulling several notes out "no, no, no." He sighed, exasperated as he threw a bunch of screwed up pieces of paper around the stage "I thought you kids were supposed to be creative, all these ideas stink!" He groaned, throwing the hat to the side.
Cat got up from her chair and handed Sikowitz a folded up piece of paper. He unfolded it and read it quickly.
"You want to do a showcase?" He asked, looking shocked but also pleased, so that's why she wanted me in class today.
"Yeah, like a kick back style," Who I imagine to be Hailey started, standing up with Cat.
"Y'know with live music, and a performance, and partying, Jade loved those." Cat listed excitedly.
"Girls, that's a lovely idea, but these kinds of things take a lot of planning."
"You don't have to do any of the work, we've already started working on a song with André." Hailey said, gesturing her hand to André as he smiled, holding his hand up briefly.
"Oh really?" Sikowitz smiled "what song?"
I was smiling too, Cat was too adorable for words, I can't believe they had planned all this overnight.
"One of Jade's, Beck found it in one of her songbooks." Cat turned around, gesturing to me.
I already had an idea that's the song she had chosen when she first mentioned a showcase. Although, I never imagined Cat wanting to do something as extravagant as a showcase when I gave her that song, thought she'd just sing it in class or assembly or something. Guess I should always expect the unexpected when it comes to Cat.
"Oh, lovely." He smiled, clapping his hands together.
"So?" Hailey asked, looking hopeful.
"Girls, you may have the song but it's still a lot of work..." Sikowitz started.
"I know," Cat nodded hopefully, stopping him before he could change his mind, we could already tell he was all for it, he was just trying to be a 'responsible' adult "just say yes and we'll handle the rest." Cat begged.
"Okay," Sikowitz shrugged as Cat jumped up and down excitedly "if anyone would like to help then please talk to Cat, Hailey and Andre." Sikowitz announced, turning around to write something about stage cues on the board.
Victorious
"Hey guys," Cat came to the mic "I'd just like to take a moment to remind you why we're all here and to perform a song for you." The band started playing the music André had written to go with Jade's lyrics "okay, this a song by Jade West and it's called "Are you just sleeping?" She originally wrote it for her Mom but now it's being sung for her, I miss you, Jade." I heard Cat say quietly into the mic as everyone's attention was held by her. (A/N Are you just sleeping by Sheridan Smith if you want to know what it actually sounds like just type it into google and it should come up)
The music swelled and Cat started to sing as Hailey and a guy danced contemporary in front of her.
I'll bring the whiskey,
I'll meet you there, in the kitchen
And through cigarette smoke,
You'll tell a joke, and I'll listen
Cat finished the first verse and I could already tell she was getting emotional.
Put the world to rights,
God, how I loved every one of those nights
She started the pre chorus and I could see her visibly shaking, I wanted to go up there and tell her to stop but I know she'll be mad at me if I don't let her do this for Jade, she'll think she's let her down so I have to just watch. God, Jade would kill me for letting Cat do this.
She started the chorus, seeming to calm down a little.
But are you just sleeping, will you wake up?
We've still got plenty of things, to talk about,
Are you just sleeping, is this a dream?
I've still got far too many problems, to figure out
So don't go to bed, cause I am not ready,
To say goodnight yet,
The instrumental came and I could see as Cat recomposed herself, learning how to keep her emotions in check from her therapist and love of acting.
You bring the music, I'll bring the songs
And we'll sing them,
Cause we're the real stars, no one knows who we are,
But we'll show them
That verse in particular always felt like Jade more than any other of the lyrics, Jade found her love of music through her Mom and I remember how she'd always felt like a huge part of her was missing when her Mom died, especially since her father was so cold to the arts as well.
The next chorus came and Cat lead it strongly, giving a powerful affect to the audience as they all cheered quietly, trying not to disturb the music too much.
And put the world to rights,
God, how I loved every one of those nights
But are you just sleeping, will you wake up?
We've still got plenty of things to talk about,
Are you just sleeping, is this a dream?
'Cause I've still got far too many problems to figure out,
So don't go to bed, 'cause I am not ready,
To say goodnight...
Didn't you tell me hundreds of times that I'd be okay, I'd survive,
And didn't you say, you would always be there,
Now you're just a voice in my mind
Now are you just sleeping, I wish you'd wake up,
'Cause I've still got plenty of things I need to talk about,
Are you just sleeping, is this a dream?
I've still got far too many problems I need you to figure out,
So don't go to bed, don't rest your head,
Don't go to bed, 'cause I am not ready,
To say goodnight yet
I watched as Cat tearfully finished her last line. Poor Cat.
As the melody came to an end and the dancing came to a close, everyone applauded and cheered. I decided to make my way to the side of the stage to congratulate the girls when they came down.
Hailey was the first to come down the steps as Cat was busy talking to Tori who had come up to the stage to comfort her "Thank you so much," I said gratefully, hugging her "that was beautiful, Hailey."
"It was my pleasure," she smiled, throwing her jacket over her short backless black dress "I'm glad I could be there for Cat, she looked like she was struggling tonight." She added.
"Yeah, I know," I said, scratching my chin as I watched her and Tori talking to Andre on the piano "I'm gonna go see her in a minute."
I didn't realise Hailey had walked away and someone else was standing next to me until I heard his voice. How dare he show up here!
"Quite the turn out, isn't it, didn't realise my daughter was so popular."
"What are you doing here, you should be in jail." I glared intensely at him
"I told you, I'm untouchable, you did come closer than most, mind," he sneered "I mean did you really think your little ..." He shut up suddenly as Cat came hopping down the stairs, clearly recognising her. "Cat, great performance." He addressed her as I watched him shift uncomfortably before swiftly walking away.
"Oh," she looked confused "thank you!" She called back "That was weird, he didn't even give me a chance to say hi." Cat said, disappointed as she watched Jade's dad walk away, she'd always expected the best out of Jade's dad, I didn't have the heart to tell her who he really is.
"You were great, kiddo." I hugged her tightly.
"I hope so," she said sadly, her head down as I rubbed her shoulders "I'm sorry for getting all emotional up there, I thought I could handle my emotions, y'know like you can." I sighed, thinking if only she knew, haven't really done a good job of keeping my emotions in check lately.
"Are you kidding, you were amazing." I smiled "Jade would have been so proud of you."
"Thanks, Beck, that means a lot." She said but her attention didn't seem to be on our conversation anymore "anyway, I'm gonna go and catch up with Jade's dad, I'll see you later, okay."
"Have fun," I fake smiled, frowning as soon as I was sure she was no longer looking at me.
Victorious
"You want some punch?" Tori appeared next to me, handing me a red plastic cup.
"Sure," I smiled "thanks."
"What's up?" She asked, clearly sensing something off about me.
"Nothing, just Jade's Dad." I raised my voice over the music.
"What about him? Don't you think Jade would be happy he was here, she never thought he cared, remember?"
"Because he doesn't." I fired back.
"What?" She raised her voice, looking confused.
"Look, I'm gonna tell you something, but you've gotta promise not to tell anyone, especially Cat,"
"Beck I, I'm not sure."
"Tori, you have to promise me."
"Okay, fine," She said, blasé "I promise." She shrugged.
"Okay, I know it's gonna sound crazy but Sinjin didn't kill Jade, her Dad did."
"Beck, what are you talking about, we all saw it, Sinjin shot her."
"Yes, I know he shot her, but Jade's dad set it up, okay?"
"Okay, even if you were telling the truth, why would he be here then if he killed her, huh?"
"I don't know, he's a complete psychopath." I exclaimed.
"Beck," Tori laughed.
"So you don't believe me?"
"Sorry, no," she shrugged, swaying to the music.
"Fine, I'll prove it to you," I grabbed my phone from my pocket and showed her the video.
"Oh my God, he really did kill her," she placed her hand to her mouth, shocked "and he's just talking to Cat like nothing ever happened, oh my god!" She exclaimed.
"Come on, we've gotta get her away from him, I can't go by myself, he'll just make me seem bad to her."
"Oh, but I promised I'd dance with André." She groaned.
"You can dance with him after," I rolled my eyes "come on," I dragged her along with me.
"Fine," she pouted.
Victorious
"There, see, she walked away from him of her own accord, now I'm gonna dance with André like I promised." Tori said happily.
"Have fun." I called to her, smiling.
"I will." She smiled back.
"What's up?" I asked Cat, noticing her stare at something in particular, or should I say someone, I followed her gaze and saw Sinjin stood in the corner. Looks like he accepted my invitation after all.
"Beck, what is HE doing here?" She glared, breathing heavily.
"I invited him." I shrugged, drinking some of my punch before Cat swiftly thwacked it out of my grasp, the sticky orange beverage running down the parking lot.
"He killed Jade! How can you just forgive him like that?" She asked angrily. I could understand her anger, she still believed he did it, I guess I had to tell her the truth, at least a portion of it, better than nothing I guess.
"Because he didn't." Cat gave a confused look "Look, just trust me, okay, it's complicated. All you need to know is he's out on bail until his trial, he won't hurt you I promise, okay?"
"Yeah, well I don't trust you!" Cat yelled "not anymore!" She started crying, running away.
"Cat!" I called.
Victorious
"What's up with Cat?" Tori came up to me.
"What happened to that dance, that was fast?"
"Ugh, don't talk to me about it, André found someone else to have fun with." She glared at Meredith dancing with André.
"Don't worry about it," I chuckled "he'll get bored of her soon, trust me." Meredith was not the right girl for André, like, at all.
"So, what's up with Cat?" She asked again.
I pointed over to Sinjin "Oh," she frowned "you've still not told her then?"
"How do I tell her that her best friends dad is a murderer?"
"You can't protect her forever, Beck."
"I know." I sighed, spotting Jade's dad talking to Cat again "Come on," I grabbed Tori's hand, pulling her over to Cat and Mr West as she groaned over dramatically.
Victorious
"Uh oh," she said quietly, spotting what I saw, how dare he comfort Cat, it's his fault.
"How dare you talk to Cat." I shoved Jade's dad hard, pushing my hands into his chest as Cat just stared, looking very confused.
"Beck." Tori warned.
"I'm fine, Tori," I acknowledged her.
"She was my daughter's best friend, how can I not comfort her, I don't see any of you here for her." He said, trying to sound innocent.
"Oh, you really wanna go there, do you?"
"Shut up, boy." He warned, his tone severe.
"You see that, Cat, that little moment right there, that's who Jade's dad really is." I glared at him.
"I'm confused."
"Oh, you're confused, well, let me enlighten you." I started "That man, that man right there, he killed Jade!" I yelled, hearing everyone gasp as a circle around the four of us formed.
"No, he, he loved Jade. Why would you say something like that?!" Cat yelled at me.
"Because it's the truth, Cat. I'm so, so sorry, he killed the best thing that ever happened to the both of us."
"No, you're lying." She shook her head, starting to panic.
"Cat, he's telling the truth." Tori stepped in.
"Tori?" She looked to the Latina, a very deer in the headlights look on the poor little red heads face.
"Oh please, you're really gonna believe the word of your friends over your family, I'm like a father to you, Cat."
"YOU, shut your fucking mouth!"
"And what are you gonna do, Beck, you're just a scared little child." He commented.
"Oh, you want a fucking bet, come at me, old man, come on," I shoved him, barely making him move "come on, let's see what you've got." I squared off against him, being pulled back by André as he made his way into the middle of the teens that now had practically everyone at the event gathered around.
"You think you can talk to me like that?!" Mr West yelled, reaching for something in his suit jacket lining, I furrowed my brows, confused as Mr West's face turned to an expression of confusion also.
"Looking for this?" Sinjin suddenly pulled a hand gun out his pocket, making everyone scream "I wasn't gonna come here at first, Beck, I thought it was a bad idea, but on my release this morning I heard a couple of dodgy guards talking," I looked at him. "Mr West was planning to kill you tonight, Beck, I couldn't let that happen, I had to stop him."
"Chu need to calm down, Sinjin." André started walking towards him.
"Let him talk, André." My best friend looked at me, confused, "trust me," I told him.
In all the stress of everything I'd completely forgotten to tell HIM the truth about Sinjin, he still thought Sinjin was the bad guy, he trusted me though and backed off.
"Mr West was planning to kill you tonight, Beck, I couldn't let that happen, I had to stop him."
"Okay, that's good, thank you," I stepped closer to Sinjin "but you don't have to kill him."
"You'd seriously protect the man who killed her?!" He yelled "then you're no better than he is!" André looked across to me, more confused than ever, I gave him an 'I'll tell you later look'.
"No," I shook my head calmly "I'm trying to protect you , you're not a killer, Sinjin, but you will be if you pull that trigger, your entire life will be ruined."
"I'm sorry, Beck," he turned to me, Jade's dad was for once in his life completely silent "but my life's already ruined."
Bang!
I stared at Sinjin, a mutual understanding between the two of us, we both knew what was going to happen now as we heard the sirens in the background. He'd saved my life but destroyed his own in the process.
"It's okay," he mouthed, an accepting smile as everyone but the five of us ran around screaming and panicking. Little did they know the real killer had been stopped.
Victorious
"Sinjin, why did you do that?!" I raised my voice as the police handcuffed him and read him his rights. I wasn't mad at him, heck, I wanted to do exactly the same, I was just shocked. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised, it appears Sinjin was way more intelligent than we thought.
"He was gonna kill you, Beck, I couldn't let that happen, not when you were the only person who believed in me."
"But now you're gonna go to jail."
"I was going back to jail anyway, Beck, come on, did you actually believe we could get him? At least this way I got Jade some justice, my conscience is clear." He smiled, being shoved not very kindly into the back of the police car.
"Thank you." I called to him.
"Don't thank me yet, he might live." He called back as they slammed the door in front of his face.
"No," I looked over at his body on the concrete, his head blown through "seriously doubt it."
The End
Author Note: And so, the finale happened, I told you it would go off with a bang lol ;)
I love that song so much, it's so gorgeous and weirdly enough fit into the context of this story so well, I just had to use it, thank you Sheridan Smith!
You satisfied about what happened to Jade's Dad? Kinda sad though when you think about it, that practically the whole family died from getting shot, just Jade's brother left, let that sink in and then ask if Sinjin did the right thing? Hmm, moral questioning, huh? What's your opinion on Sinjin shooting Mr West in the face?
Also, did you like Hailey, I felt chemistry between those two, not gonna lie but I know you Bade shippers would be mad at me if I put them together lol so they're just friends. Side note, I know Robbie wasn't in this chapter but he just didn't feel placed right if you know what I mean, like there were already so many active characters, I didn't wanna overload it.
Anyway, don't forget to favourite and review, and I'll see you awesome people soon. Not too soon though lol
I haven't finished a story in SO long that's not a one shot, yay!
See you later...
BubbleB98
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