Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. I've been overwhelmed with university work, and honestly, I feel like this chapter is a little rushed. Not my best… but still, please remember to review anyway and offer any feedback. Also, if you're in the mood for some angst, please go check out my latest story "Thin" and leave some reviews there too.
It had been two weeks since the Kick Back and the school was finally coming down from their high. Instead, attention was refocused on the upcoming talent show which was renowned for having an impressive attendance of top agents and music scouts
Though both Beck and Robbie had made it their personal mission to try and win over Jade's affection, their attempts were sorely thwarted by the fact that Jade was hardly around these days.
Only Cat and Andre seemed to have some idea about what was going on, but both kept silent on the issue.
Hence, it comes as a total surprise to Robbie when one early morning, before school had started, he had heard a low rumble of music coming from the auditorium. His mission to check his locker for some missing science notes (Jade swore she didn't steal them, but she had grinned rather evilly when she said this, so he wasn't too sure what to think) was quickly forgotten. As curiosity got the better of him, Robbie silently crept towards the enticing room.
The sight he was met with quite literally took his breath away (darn asthma).
Holy smoke, since when did the terrifying albeit graceful Jade West dance? There was no mistaking it. Only Jade had such porcelain, deity like skin. She seemed to be glowing luminously under the dim, blue stage lights overhead as she danced with an air of radiance across the stage. Each one of her outstretched fingers beckoned Robbie's attention closer to her spinning form. Her twisting back arched, leaving her neck vulnerable as her dark hair cascaded down behind her. She turned with grace and ease, gently humming along to the beat of the music which guided her movement. It had always been a well-known fact that Jade's level of skill and talent was phenomenal, but witnessing this private moment of complete, raw exposure as the girl before him let go of everything and succumbed to her passionate instincts, it was clear that Jade was on a whole other level to the rest of the school.
Robbie's eyes did not wander from her twirling form until the music finally came to a close and her movement ceased. That was the alarming moment when Robbie realised he was glued to the spot with a doped expression watching the blue eyed beauty. This realisation came a moment too late though for Jade's head had already turned, and with a look of pure shock, she took in his spying frame.
"WHAT THE HELL, SHAPIRO?"
Oh God, he was done for. This was the end. His mother should be proud. He had always been a well-behaved boy. Maybe she'll even hire a proper singer to perform at his funeral service. Surely Cat and Tori will stop Jade from digging up his grave and re-murdering him after she was finished this time round, right?
"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME, PUPPET MAN?" Jade screamed as she stomped towards him, fire glowing in her furious eyes.
"Oh God, Jade. Please don't hurt me." Robbie finally squealed pathetically, weakly quivering behind his arms held up in defence.
"HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING ME?" She fumed as she took three long strides to where he stood cowering, before grabbing him threateningly by the collar of his shirt – a bad habit she'd gotten into lately.
"Please, Jade, I didn't mean to. Well I mean at first I didn't mean to watch but… you're just… really good. I couldn't help it." Robbie spluttered in apology.
The look our pure outrage on her face dissolved in a flash as she took a step back in shock, letting go of his shirt as her mouth dropped open in surprise.
"You think I'm good?" she repeated slowly, staring him down sceptically but Robbie could detect the nervous anticipation masked behind her disbelieving exterior.
"More than good! You're pretty amazing. I never knew you took dance classes" he added, feeling more brave.
"Oh, I don't actually. I mean… I did… when I was eight… mum use to take me to this community hall and…okay, I'm going to shut up now." She babbled in a fluster.
Robbie too was at a loss for words and a thick silence filled the room. Finally, Robbie's mouth taking over before he could even filter his thoughts, blurted, "You're gorgeous, you know that?"
He was instantly surprised when instead of hurling a pair of scissors at his throat, Jade actually blushed in response to his sudden outburst.
"Thanks, Robbie." She finally muttered.
"So, wanna pretend this never happened." He offered after another second of awkward silence.
"Done. Later Shapiro." And with those words, she took off out of the room leaving Robbie to stand alone like the love struck fool he was.
Jade managed to avoid Robbie for the next few days. It helped that he was cooped up studying most days with the end of term exams fast approaching. Jade, who had always been "naturally gifted" was more focused on her dance. Her dad had muttered something about her wasting her talent when she explained this to him, but for the most part, he was attempting to be supportive. He promised that the family would attend her showcase, much to Samuel's delight. Though pleased, this probably added to Jade's nerves more so than anything else. She didn't even have time to deal with Beck who she suspected was responsible for the stash of dying roses, hazelnut chocolate, and a small black stuffed bunny that she found in her locker one morning.
She was quite exhausted (both mentally and physically) by the end of the week, and had to grit her teeth from snapping at Tori who had only just found out about the upcoming event.
Tori was fretting away at the lunch table, a flyer in her hands that was being waved around wildly as she dramatically threw her arms up.
"Why am I only hearing about this?" Tori squealed. Cat was looking quite alarmed and tried to reassure her friend.
"It's okay, Tori. Not everyone needs to participate."
"I know, I know. But it's so cute. The school's having a talent show. And Trina told me scouts might even come to watch." Tori gushed excitedly. "Andre, want to write a song together?"
Andre who was trying to ignore the whole commotion almost choked on his food. Swallowing thickly, he slowly responded, "Actually Tori I might sit this one out." He couldn't help but stare at Jade quickly from the corner of his eye, noticing her tense stance.
"Aw, why?" She whined, causing Jade to snarl in annoyance. Couldn't Vega stay out of everyone's business?
"Andre's helping Jade cut together some music for her performance." Cat innocently explained, ignoring Andre's face palm and Jade's yell of frustration.
"Cat! I said that was a secret." Jade fumed.
"Oopsies." Cat apologised, but the damage was already done. With eyes wide with curiosity Tori turned to Jade excitedly.
"What are you singing?" she quizzed. Beck walked up to the table at this point, and taking one look at Jade's angry expression and Tori's excited features, he quickly placed his own coffee in front of Jade in order to calm her before she exploded.
"Down girl. It's too early in the morning to kill anyone." He whispered to her as he pulled out his lunch.
"Beck, you'll tell me. What's Jade singing at the talent show?" Tori asked, ignoring Jade's growing scowl.
"I wouldn't know." he replied breezily.
"Silly, Jade's not singing. She's going to da-"
"CAT. SHUT. UP." Jade finally roared, causing the whole table to jump.
It was Beck's turn to look surprised.
"You're not singing?" He inquired, his face suddenly lighting up as he leaned in, "Wait, Jade, are you going to -"
"All of you, leave me alone." Jade snapped, effectively cutting Beck off. Unable to handle Beck's knowing grin, Tori's curious expression, Cat's apologetic pout and Andre's exasperated sighs, she promptly stalked off to find Robbie. Hopefully he could calm her down.
Angrily she stomped towards the library. Only a Geek like Shapiro would be studying at lunch time. Maybe she should have returned his science notes last week. Oh well.
"I hate Cat." She screamed, throwing herself into the seat beside Robbie the second she spotted him camped out at the back of the room with a pile of books surrounding him.
Robbie instantly hushed Jade, looking around nervously for the school librarian.
"What did she do?" He finally whispers sympathetically, knowing full well that Jade probably loved Cat more than anyone at the school.
"She has a big mouth."
Robbie nods in agreement. "Want me to get you some frozen yoghurt after school?" He suggests kindly.
"NO!" Jade screamed. "I'm obviously going to be busy practicing for this stupid talent show." And with that she stormed out the door she had just entered, leaving a flustered Robbie in her wake.
Jade knew she was acting a bit irrational. She had been snapping quite viciously for the last week, something that tended to happen whenever she was trying conceal her nerves. Beck had always ranted that she didn't need to hide her vulnerabilities by going on the defence. Beck was so stupid. If life had taught Jade West one thing, it's that as soon as the world knows your weakness, it will use them to try and destroy you.
Still, poor Robbie had copped a hurl of her abuse recently. She supposed she should go back and apologise (she really did want frozen yoghurt). Robbie was perhaps one of the few exceptions to Jade's pessimistic outlook. Robbie had seen Jade in some pretty vulnerable positions, and not one had tried to hurt or betray her. Even Beck who had known about Jade's insecurities when it came to him with other girls never tried to shut down their flirtatious advances. She was deeply suspicious that he just loved to see her get riled up. Jerk.
Just as Jade's was pondering these thoughts, her attention was caught by an all to familiar sight.
A hot, blonde cheerleader had approached Beck who was now standing at his locker getting his books for his next class. She was twirling her hair seductively as she giggled a hello.
Beck, however, didn't look as happy when he greeted her.
"Hey Beck, I don't know if you remember me but we were in the same acting class last year. Anyway, my parents are out of town tonight and I thought you might want to come hang out with me."
"Oh, no thanks Crystal." Beck quickly replies.
Jade straightens up in surprise. Perhaps this scene wasn't as familiar as she had originally thought.
"Wh-Why not? You're not dating anyone. Or is your crazy ex controlling your love life still?"
"If you're referring to Jade, then let me remind you that she is not crazy. And no, she does not control my love life," as an after thought he added, "She does have complete control of my heart though."
Crystal's face immediately broke into a scowl as she stomped away with a huff.
Jade smirked as she watched her stomp down the corridor. Once the cheerleader had disappeared, Jade stepped out of her hiding spot and approached Beck.
Beck straightened up in surprise as he watched Jade's approaching form and couldn't help but smile as she came to a stop directly in front of him.
"Not whoring around today, Oliver?" She quipped, lightly poking his chest.
Jade was expecting Beck to roll his eyes or make a snarky comment, instead, he chuckled and gently poked her back.
"Ah, Miss West, those days a long behind me." He assured her, grinning happily as Jade leaned against his locker.
"Whatever." Jade dismissed, before casually rummaging around in Beck's locker to find some gum.
Beck's smile only grew at the familiarity of the sight. He patiently waited for her to turn back around and face him.
"Anyway, I've been meaning to apologise to you. Sincerely apologise." Beck tells her when she was facing him again.
"Oh yeah, for what?" Jade asked in confusion. Beck seemed to be apologising to her an awful lot lately. It was a pleasant change.
"For everything. For treating you like shit when we were dating, for always making you jealous, for breaking up with you through a door, for insulting you the next day, for upsetting you nearly every day since. I seem to be constantly screwing up around you."
"That, Oliver, would be a sufficient understatement." She points out. Beck sighs dejectedly. Feeling slightly guilty, Jade admits, "I guess I'm not completely guilt free in our disaster of a relationship though. I know I'm possessive and short tempered and… a bit of a gank sometimes. "
"But you know Jade, that's some of the reasons why I fell for you in the first place."
Jade smiled weakly up at him. "What changed?" She asked gently.
"You know what, I don't know." Beck admitted. "But I sure as hell miss you." And with those words he pulled Jade into a tight, hugging embrace.
Jade stiffened in shock but was surprised by how natural it felt to be in Beck's arms. In fact, she could feel Beck about to release her when she threw her arms around him and pulled him close. Not caring if anyone could see, she buried her head in his chest. One of Beck's hands raised to stroke her hair.
"You okay, Jade?" He whispered gently in her ear.
"Yeah, I just. I don't know. I just…"
"Needed a hug?" He offered, squeezing her a bit more tightly.
"Something like that." She muttered, finalising releasing her tight grasp to grin up at him weakly.
Beck gazed fondly down at her. He wished Jade was ready to reconsider her relationship with him, and it was moments like this that made Beck especially mad at himself for letting her go in the first place. Still, he understood her hesitancy and respected her decision. Truthfully, Beck felt like he was growing up himself. He was admittedly ashamed of his behaviour when they were dating and almost resented the fact that people spent so much time admiring and idolising him for putting up with Jade and remaining so aloof. Really, he probably could have used a good kick up the ass for how he treated her at times. Who would have thought that nerdy Robbie Shapiro, one of his best friends who for so long had worshipped the ground Beck walked on, would be the one to make him realise his mistakes?
"Want a lift home this afternoon?" He asked, tugging lightly at one of Jade's curls. He smiled happily as he noticed a rose petal stuck to her boot.
"No loser. Shapiro has already offered. Besides, I might have told Sammy that you were a blood sucking alien rodent that walked around in human form to lure unsuspecting victims into your evil clutches."
"Awesome, thanks for that Jadey." Beck snorted.
"Call me that again, Becky, and it'll be the last word you ever mutter." She seethed, pushing Beck's hand away that was still twiddling with the strand of her hair.
As she spun on her heel and strutted away, ready to return to Robbie and apologise (and demand some ice-cream), she couldn't help but smirk slightly at the sound of Beck's warm chuckle the followed her down the hall.
Review, review, review.
RADE shippers... never fear. Bade shippers had to wait quite a while to get some scenes. Hope you're all still enjoying the story as it progresses.