A/N: Hey all. I'm going to be trying to write more chapters as I'm starting the next semester next week as well as studying to take the ASVAB. After this weekend, the updates will be slower for both stories. Anyway, R&R!
Enjoy!
Tori POV
I don't know how long we were asleep, but the knocking at the door woke me. I raised my head just in time to see Trina stick her head through.
"Hey!" she said in an excited whisper as she crossed the room to sit in the chair nearest to me. "I'm glad you're awake. You had me worried, little sis."
"Yeah. Seems to be the general theme. How have you been though? I know that this keeps happening and you get overlooked." I replied as I settled back down.
"I've been alright. Stress isn't good for me, but hopefully, now that this is all over, we'll both be able to start relaxing again."
"Yeah. I know what you mean. It's going to feel great once I get out of here and not have to look over my shoulder every time I step outside of our front door."
"Yeah." she said as she looked over at Jade who was cuddled into me, clutching my gown. "She's probably had it worse than any of us."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's sat here everyday since you've been here. Never really talking to anyone but your nurse or doctor. Reading those letters, talking to you about any and everything, singing to you. That's honestly the first time I've seen her sleep."
"Oh. Trish said something like that earlier. I'm going to make her go home when she wakes up. Get some sleep in her own bed and just breath away from here."
Trina laughed and shook her head before countering, "Good luck with that."
I sighed because I knew the chances of getting Jade to agree to that weren't good.
"Have you talked to Mom and Dad?" Trina asked pulling me from my thoughts.
"Mom was here when I woke up. Haven't talked to her since I kicked her out and Dad hasn't even come by." I replied.
"Do you think you're being too hard on them?"
"What?! No! Actually I don't. Did you agree to them doing that?"
"No! I told them it would go over badly with Jade and with you if/when you ever found out. I just mean, they were doing what they thought was best. I'm sure Mom takes some comfort in knowing you're awake and all, but they've missed you. You're the good one. The one they can count on. So it's like to be banished from seeing you, it has to be hard on them."
"You said it. They were doing what THEY thought was best, not thinking about whether or not it was something I'D want to be apart of. As my parents, they should've known that I wouldn't have done that. Not even to end all of it. There's always another way unless it was done to my life versus her's. They just willingly gave me to her, even if they thought they had the situation handled, anything could have gone wrong and then what?
"We wouldn't be having this conversation. I'd never get to hold the woman I love. I'd never get to go back to school, to sing again, to have random fights with you over who's using the last of the hairspray. I wouldn't be going to physical therapy tomorrow. I'd be in the hospital morgue awaiting my autopsy before heading to some funeral home and awaiting the moment I'm lowered into the ground. I'm 17 years old, Trin. I have my entire life ahead of me and instead of them thinking about all I could've missed out on by ONE thing going wrong, they did what THEY thought was best."
A silence fell between us and the only sound filling the room was Jade's light snoring. Looking back down at her, I couldn't imagine never getting the chance to do this. Even if my chest was killing me and I had an IV in my arm. It was still one of the best feelings I've ever had.
"I get where you're coming from, Tor and I won't bring it up again. I should give you the heads up on a few things though."
"Okay. What's up?"
"Cat and Andre were helping Fawn."
"What? Who the hell is Fawn? And what are you talking about?"
"Yeah, that's Ponnie's real name. Cat is her twin sister. She was the one keeping tabs on you, with the help of Andre, and letting Fawn know so that she could plan another attack."
My breathing became shallow as I tried to relax. I couldn't believe this was happening. I'd been telling Cat and Andre everything because I thought they were my best friends and to know that they were the ones helping her hurt me, it makes all of this so much worse.
"There's more." Trina said interrupting my thoughts.
"More? What else could there be?"
"Well, Fawn is the person who killed Jade's brother and Dad needs Jade to talk to Cat in order to get information on other murders Fawn's committed."
"Oh my God! Does she know that?"
Trina nodded and then continued, "Dad's been talking to Jade about all of this for the last couple days and he just asked her to talk to Cat earlier. She said she was going to do it, but that was before you woke up. I don't know what she's going to do now."
I looked back at Jade and replied, "I wish I was going to be able to go with her. I know the way Jason's death affected her. Over the last couple weeks, she'd been more open to me than before. She talked about him a lot."
"Yeah, I knew him. He was a good guy and he really loved her. Jade was a sweet person when he was alive, but his death hit her harder than it hit anyone."
"Yeah. I've been trying to break through that wall she has up. Hopefully, we'll be able to really be open now that we know how we feel about one another."
"I hope you do. I only ever see her smile when she's with you now and although we may not be the best of friends, I care about her in my own weird way because frankly, the chick scares me."
I laughed louder than I meant to and tried to contain it before I woke Jade up.
"You should be afraid of me, Older Vega." the sleepy voice said from beside me.
Trina laughed and said, "Thank you for that, Jade. Nonetheless, I still think you're an awesome person."
"Being that you're my girlfriend's sister, I'll make an effort to like you." Jade said as she snuggled deeper into me.
"Girlfriend?" Trina and I said at the same time.
"Yes. Unless you've changed your mind about me since I've been asleep." Jade said as she pushed up to look at me.
"No! No, I haven't changed my mind. I just didn't think we were there yet." I said as I wrapped my arms around her.
"Good." Jade said as she tilted her head up and kissed my chin.
I was a little caught off guard, but I leaned down and captured her lips in mine. She kissed me back automatically and it deepened on its own. We were so wrapped up in each other that I don't know how much time passed.
After awhile, Trina cleared her throat to get our attention. Breaking apart, we both turned to look at her.
She waved and said, "Hi."
Jade and I both chuckled and waved back.
"Sorry about that, Trin. Kind of new territory for us." I said as I kissed Jade's forehead.
"Trust me, it's totally cool. It would've been hot if one of you weren't my sister." Trina said as she waved her hand dismissively.
Jade laughed and then sat up.
"Where are you going?" I asked and grabbed her wrist.
"Food. We both need it and you should try and rest." Jade said as she kissed me briefly and moved to put on her shoes.
"Are you bringing me food too?" Trina asked.
"Sure. Tacos okay with you?" Jade asked as she made it to the door.
Trina nodded and Jade turned and left.
I sighed and looked at Trina.
"You look really happy right now." she said as she moved to sit next to me on the bed.
"I am, yes."
"I'm really glad you two have finally gotten together, Tor."
"Me too."
We fell into a comfortable silence. I think we'd have stayed that way if not for the door opening and revealed the two people I wanted to see the least.
Jade POV
I'd just walked down the hallway towards the elevator with a smile on my face. Tori was my girlfriend. Tori Vega. I couldn't believe it. I'm on cloud 9 right now.
"How is she?" a voice asked from behind me.
I turned and came face to face with the Vega parents.
"She's fine. Hungry, but in a really good mood. Having fun with the Older Vega." I said as I crossed my arms.
"I'm glad." Mr. Vega said.
"Yeah. You and me both, sir."
"Are we really back to this?"
"Yes, sir, we are. If it comes down to protecting her or maintaining the relationship we were building, I'm going to pick her."
"Good to know." Mrs. Vega answered for him.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to go get something for her to eat." I said as I began to walk away without giving either of them a chance to reply.
"Jade!" Mr. Vega called behind me.
"Yes?" I said as I turned to face him.
"Are you still going to go and see Cat?"
"I told you that I would, sir and I keep my word. So yes, I will be going to see her, but it will be after Tori has settled in and I have the chance to talk to her. Is there anything else?"
"No. That's all I needed to know."
I nodded and then turned and left.
Tori POV
"What are you doing here?" I asked through clenched teeth.
"We wanted to see how you were doing." My mom answered as they came into the room further.
"I'm fine. You can leave now." I replied.
"Victoria, please. Hear us out." My dad pleaded.
"No! I have nothing to say. Especially to you. Apparently, it was your idea. So no. LEAVE! NOW!" I yelled.
Before they could reply, one of the monitors in my room started to beep rapidly. Trish rushed in to check on me.
"Tori! What's going on?" Trish asked as she moved to my bedside.
I couldn't reply because it felt like I was hyperventilating.
"Jesus Christ, woman! Relax! Breathe, please. Jade will kill the both of us if she comes back and you're not okay." She continued to instruct me until I had relaxed.
"Thank you." I said.
"No problem. Want to tell me why you spiked?" she asked.
"Arguing with them. I'd like them to leave, but they're refusing." I said as I nodded my head towards my parents.
"Okay." she replied before turning to my parents and said, "I think everyone should leave. She needs to get some rest."
My parents looked like they were about to object, but Trina stood and ushered them out.
"You guys really need to respect her decision here. You made a choice. This is the consequence. You can't bully her into submission. We all know Tori better than that. One person could get her to even consider talking to you and she's not on your side either. So let's go." Trina looked back at me and said, "I'll be back when Jade's back with the food."
I nodded and mouthed 'thank you'. She returned the nod and left Trish and I alone.
"She's right, you know? Jade's the only one who could maybe talk some sense into you on the issue and the way she yelled at them yesterday and earlier, I doubt that'll happen." Trish said as she sat down.
"I do know that. You don't have to stay, Trish." I said.
"I know that, but Jade never lets you be alone. If I'm not here or your sister, she is, regardless of who else is in the room."
"The woman is so overprotective." I sighed and shook my head.
"You're the love of her life. How would you like her to be?" She asked.
Before I could answer, a voice said, "I'd like to know that as well. I'd hate to be doing something wrong."
I turned my head and smiled when I saw Jade standing just inside the door with a smile of her own and her arms crossed.
"I'd love for you to stay exactly the way you are, my love." I said as I held my hand out for her to hold.
As she crossed the room and took my hand. As she settled in, Trina came in behind her.
"Can you sing to me?" I asked her.
"Sure, baby. Do you want me to before or after we eat?" Jade asked as moved to grab her guitar.
"Which would you prefer?"
"It doesn't matter to me. There's a song I wanted to sing to you for awhile now. An apology of sorts for our past and a promise going forward."
"Well, now I'm intrigued. Let's hear it, love."
She nodded and started to play,
"Oh Florida, please be still tonight
Don't disturb this love of mine
Look how she's so serene
You've gotta help me out
And count the stars to form in lines
And find the words we'll sing in time
I want to keep her dreaming
It's my one wish, I won't forget this
I'm outdated, overrated
Morning seems so far way
So I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right
If luck is on my side tonight
My clumsy tongue will make it right
And wrists that touch
It isn't much, but it's enough
To form imaginary lines
Forget your scars, we'll forget mine
The hours change so fast
Oh God, please make this last
'Cause I'm outdated, overrated
Morning seems so far way
So I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right
Could get it right
You could crush me
Please don't crush me
'Cause baby I'm a dreamer for sure
And I won't let you down
I swear this time I mean it
And I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right"
As the last chord faded, I had tears in my eyes. I'd never loved this girl more than I have right now. Looking at her, her eyes had unshed tears in them as well.
"Come here, love." I said as I shifted in bed.
She laid down next to me and I captured her lips and put all the emotions I was feeling into it. The rest of the world faded and it was just the two of us.
Trina POV
Watching my sister make out with her girlfriend for the second time in one night. Most people would be weirded out, but I'm proud. Proud that the two of them aren't going to let the attempts of other people keep them from loving one another.
"You know, this is super hot." Trish said.
I laughed and shook my head, before replying, "I'd agree with you if it weren't for the fact that one of them is my baby sister. Where Jade's hands are, I really shouldn't be seeing."
Trish laughed and grabbed one of the bags of food and came to sit beside me.
"How about I distract you from the action taking place on the bed?" she suggested.
"How exactly do you plan on doing that? They're very distracting." I countered.
"Oh, I think I can find a way." She replied as she handed me one of tacos,
I've never really been into women, I mean, I get the attraction, but I'm more of a personality person versus gender. Trish is the first girl I've actually seen the potential as something more with.
Sitting back, we started getting to know one another. The activities on the bed completely forgotten. I absorbed myself in Trish and began to think about the appeal of being with someone who understands you.
A/N: The song is this chapter is Mayday Parade - I Swear This Time I Mean It. Great band I heard the song earlier and knew I had to incorporate it in the chapter somehow. So there you have it. Until next time.
-Sammy