The airways were buzzing with the latest updates in the Tori Vega vs. Her Fans controversy. It seems that a video has gone viral of close friend and accredited journalist imploring her fans from turning against her. That she was not at fault from the legal action against Hailey Lemmings. In fact, stipulations in her contract forbid her from aiding the young girl in any way.

The same grizzly man who called out a boycott of Tori Vega had this to say most recently.

"It is disturbing that in a nation of poster boys and spokespersons and mascots that corporations also need artificially created patsies for their immoral crimes. As I have stated, Miss Vega's music isn't my taste but I admired her pluck and personality. I heard rumors that she succumbed to a depressive period during these proceedings. I sincerely hope these are unfounded. It has come to pass that Tori Vega is an innocent. Despite her fame, she is still one of us – she has a conscience. All she wanted to do was in her words, 'make it shine' and instead has been paraded around like a villain."

Another pundit, a mid-thirties redhead, commented "Now, the question is did Tori Vega violate her gag order?"

An older woman with thick glasses leans forward in her chair to take the floor. "Absolutely not. Miss West had acted under her own volition. I actually Skyped with her during that long pilgrimage in South Africa. She is the prototype of journalistic integrity. She is not one to use hyperbole or outright lies. And she especially is not the type to be coerced by anyone. I remind the viewers about her expose on a mafia-backed prostitution ring between the Northeast and Virginia. She got death threats. She faced real thug organizations. The RIAA are small potatoes."

The red-haired woman says, "Well, there you have it. I am Jeri Holstein and this was My Two Cents. Feel free to use it to by yourself a clue."

Tori turns off the TV and leans back on the couch. This was the first time that something on the news (close enough) made her smile. She takes another peek at her Pearphone and it has been blowing up with heartfelt tweets from people saying how either sorry they were or how they knew all along she wasn't like that.

Jade walks into the bedroom. And shocked to find Tori with an open suitcase.

"We've you been?" Tori asked.

"Smoke break." Jade replies.

"You smoke?"

Jade sighs. "Used to. Trying to quit for like nine weeks. Lately, I've been lighting one and letting it smolder on the balcony."

"Well, I'm proud of you."

"And just what are we doing?"

"Leaving." Tori smiles, returning to her mission.

"What, now?"

"Well, no. I need to make arrangements and all. I'm just…tired of the same walls. The other night was literally the first time I set foot outside of here. It made me realize that I need to get myself out of purgatory here."

Jade looks around, "Too bad. I'm sort of gonna miss it. It's the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at."

A knock on the door makes the girls both stops in their tracks. Tori opens it and reveals the knocker as Walter.

"Oh my God, Walt!" The manager and client hug. He notices Jade.

"And you must be Jade," he smiles.

"Promise you won't hug me."

Gator holds up his hands, "I can't make any promises. You really saved your friend, you know."

Jade smiles and shakes the man's hand.

"Well anyway," Walter turns to Tori. "We're back in the saddle. I was thinking maybe day after tomorrow in the studio. I still have your notes from before we got to New York…"

Tori grabs his hand to make him stop talking. "Walt, that's great and I can't wait but…I must."

"Must what? Wait? Why?"

Tori looks at Jade and then back at Walter. "There's something very important that I need to do first."

His eyes crinkled at this.

"Please, Walt. It would mean a lot to me."

"How long will you need?"

Tori mulls it over. "A few days at least."

Walter nods. "I suppose I can send for Jillian. We could see the sights, catch a show" he smirks. "Probably that second honeymoon we've been talking about. I wanted to do it earlier but my mind was…elsewhere."

Tori nods.

"Okay then. I'll be seeing you. Give me a ring when you know when you'll be back in L.A." He gives her a final hug and walks away only to double back. "Oh, I almost forgot." He gives Tori a business card. "We're with Maverick now."

Tori's eyes widened. "Madonna's company?"

"Yup. She really wanted to have you. I just figured you would say yes."

"Of course, yes!"

"Wait, isn't Alanis on Maverick, too" Jade chimes in.

Walter nods.

"Vega, I expect you to arrange a meeting."

"How about an interview?"

"Don't tease me, girl."

Tori turns to Walter. "She's serious when it comes to her Canadians."

A/N: One more chapter to go. I hope you liked everything so far and I am making sure that we end #12 just PERFECT. By the way, I don't care what anyone says it felt so good to end a chapter on a funny note. Just for once.