Here's another chapter. Just showing the group dynamic and a couple of other things. If I get some reviews before jumping off the computer, I'll put up the first chapter of the party. ;)

Posted by Jade West, Monday at 9:04pm:

I'm having a party this friday night. If I don't like you, you're not invited.

It's Tuesday morning and Robbie has dragged me to school early again. He stayed at my house last night. I asked him if he'd get in trouble, he just told me it won't be a problem as long as Sikowitz knows. So here we are, sitting at Hollywood Arts an hour before class starts. I have no idea why Robbie insists on being so early, but he bought me the fancy coffee so I'll tolerate it. Until the coffee runs out at least.

At least nobody is early this morning so I can just sit and talk with a semi functional human being. The fact that Robbie has almost completely ditched Rex since friday makes things easier too. I think the fact that I scream "NO" at him whenever he pulls Rex out is assisting that transition. The fact that nobody is around is probably when I keep creeping closer to him. It's probably also the reason my hand keeps creeping over to Robbie's.

"Hey guys!" I knew it was too good to be true. Good morning Vega. I pull my hand from Robbie's slowly, hoping Vega's stupid enough not to notice.

"New hand thing?" She asks, taking a seat to next to Robbie. I don't know what annoys me more, Vega herself, or the fact that she's sitting next to Robbie.

"No." I reply, rolling my eyes. I'm so not in the mood to come up with some kind of lie. I wish I could just keep my hands to myself. Casting a quick glare at Robbie I mentally inform him that I'll be blaming him for this. Why? Just because, that's why.

"What were you doing then?" Vega asks. I wonder if maybe I should have just let her have Beck. They're both the same, they just can't leave something alone once the thought has entered their brain.

"Nothing" I snap. Vega rolls her eyes this time, finally leaving me alone. I can only hope that my peace will last. Only seconds later I see Vegas open her mouth again. I hate my life.

"Can I come to your party on friday Jade? Please, Jade, please?" The annoying brunette begins to beg. The sound of her begging may or may not cause me to growl audibly. Under the table, I feel Robbie's hand gently caressing my thigh. I feel somewhat calmer.

"No." I answer simply.

"Please?" Vega asks again.

"No." I repeat.

"Please?"

"Fine." I huff, bored of this game. I had been hoping that she'd be the one who would give in first. But no, Vega wins the battle of wills. This kind of thing only happens before 9am. Honestly.

"Yay!" She comments happily, doing some kind of ridiculous happy dance in her seat. If she gets any closer to Robbie I'm going to throw my coffee on her again.

"Robbie, can I get a ride with you?" She asks, puppy dog face in fully effect. I wonder how often that look has gotten her something she's wanted? I probably has almost as good of a strike rate as my death glare. Breaking from my thoughts, I look over at Robbie, interested in how he's going to cover up the fact that he's already going to be at my house. Yup, parents are away so I've moved him in for the rest of the week.

"Oh I don't think I can Tori." Robbie replies, looking as sorry as possible. He isn't actually a bad actor I muse. His sorrow actually looks genuine if you don't look too closely into his eyes.

"Why not?" She pouts, looking slightly upset he's not going to be doing her bidding.

"I have to get to Jade's really early. I'm helping her organize the lighting and set design for a play she's directing." He fibs. Technically I am writing and directing a new play and he's helping me out. We're not that far alone though.

"Oh. Fair enough." She replies, I swear I saw a smile flicker over her features for a second. There's no way she knows anything though, Vega is not that smart. Why would she smile about Robbie and I being together anyway?

"Hey girl" Andre greets Tori first, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he greets us. "Robbie, Jade. Sup guys?"

We all offer a token greeting to the smiling boy. He seems to be in a good mood too, usually he's a lot more quiet in the morning. I narrow my eyes and look over to him. "Why are you so peppy this morning?"

"The party! I love parties!" He replies quickly, looking way too excited in my opinion. Robbie is just watching Andre's reaction, smiling lightly. It's then that I remember he and Andre go way back. I'm assuming Andre suspects something. He'd have noticed Robbie not sleeping at Hollywood Arts by now I'm guessing. Ugh. I can't wait until friday. I'm sick of wondering if people know or if they don't. So far Cat, Tori and now Andre have done something to raise my suspicion.

The whole thing is making my brain hurt and I wonder why I'm going to such lengths to spare Beck's feelings. I think I'm going to stick with blaming Robbie again. It's all of these feelings that he's been bringing out in me, it's got me all out of whack.

Speak of the devil.

"Morning." Beck mutters as he takes a seat, looking uncharacteristically run down. I wonder what his problem is, even his hair looks duller then usual. Once he's seated, he slumps over, using the table as his own personal metal pillow. If he's like this only one day after our break up, I don't know if I want to see him in a week.

"You look like crap." I reply, cutting off any greetings from the rest of the group. I'm pretty sure Vega is staring daggers into me right now, probably Andre too. Beck just sits up slightly and sends me a wry smile.

"Thanks Jade." He replies, not looking the least bit put out. "I haven't been to sleep yet."

"Why not?" Vega interjects, looking concerned. Robbie and Andre are both eying Beck suspiciously too, wondering what reason he'd have for missing a night of sleep on a school night. I wonder if maybe he's found a girl already. Strangely, the thought of beck and another girl doesn't raise any sort of emotion in me other than curiosity. It's almost sad.

"I was out. Then I got locked out of my RV. Long story." He replies, yawning three times before he's able to finish his sentence. I don't know why he even bothered showing up in such a state.

"Why don't you go home?" Robbie asks, earning a nod of agreement from the rest of us. Before a familiar shrill voice cuts through the air.

"Hi!" And now the full gang is here. Surely the bell can't be too far away...

"Wow Beck, you look like my brother this one time after he came back from the desert after three days..." Cat begins to ramble. I've know her from before she even dyed her hair and yet, I'm still no closer to figuring her out.

"Cat, I love you dearly, but please not now." Beck comments, slumping to the table again before she can even pout. I could really get used to this new and tired Beck. Other then the matter of looking like crap, which doesn't effect me anymore, he's so much more into his quiet time. This I like.

"So Jade, the party?" Andre asks, steering the conversation toward something a little less random. I'd be grateful if it didn't involve me having to speak.

"A party? I love parties!" Cat interjects gleefully, giggling afterward.

"Uh, it's at my house, I'm getting the guy across the road to get us a keg, come whenever?" I reply, fidgeting with a pair of scissors. I haven't planned anything other than that, but honestly, what else do we need?

"Party?" Beck perks up slightly. I roll my eyes and smirk. Of course Beck is up for a party. Glancing at Robbie I notice he looks slightly jealous that I'm talking to Beck. Wanting to avoid any sort of incident, I casually reach under the table and take his hand. It's a loose enough grip for either of us to move at any time, but it's a gesture that relaxes us both.

"Yup. Check your slap." I reply, Beck has again slumped over. I wonder if he heard me. He's even snoring slightly this time. I hope he doesn't start drooling on the table. We have to eat here.