As much as I wanted Jade to take Tori's place for the stunt they don't look similar and it wouldn't work for the episode name. Also, it's much funnier to put Beck in a dress.
~Tori~
Acting was a big part of Hollywood Arts. The students were talented and could improvise any scene no matter what role they had to play. And yet, I still couldn't comprehend Cat roughing up Beck, even if it was for a scene. Cat's character was currently interrogating Beck's character and Andre's character stood impassively off to the side. I heard a chuckle and knew without looking that Jade was getting a kick out of seeing Cat slap Beck around. I rolled my eyes but couldn't keep the smile from my lips. Beck's acting was so good too. He just broke down crying. I was seriously absorbed in the scene.
"Boring," Sikowitz booed from his seat at the back of the classroom. We all looked to him.
"That was boring?" Andre questioned, disbelieving.
"Yeah. It was all too predictable. There was no 'ahhh' surprises," our teacher explained, walking to the front.
"I enjoyed the slapping," Jade commented. Yep. I was sure she did.
"The entertainment is so much more entertaining when the characters do things the audience doesn't expect," Sikowitz clarified.
"I don't get what you're trying to say here," Robbie spoke up.
"You bewildered everybody," Rex added. The class mumbled their agreement.
"Ok, ok. Maybe I'm wrong. Let's move on to something else," Sikowitz said with a clap. Andre, Beck, and Cat left the stage to sit down. Sikowitz took their place.
"Let's talk about our hopes and dreams. Tori!" he yelled, pointing at me.
"Sikowitz," I answered, copying him and pointing back.
"What's your biggest hope and/or dream?" he asked me, settling down in front of me on the steps of the stage. I thought about it a moment before answering.
"Probably to be a popstar. A really successful singer," I told him. He stared at me and then burst out laughing. I chuckled hesitantly, wondering what was so funny.
"What?" I finally asked.
"Well, maybe you could sing at weddings…" he began. I frowned.
"For the hearing impaired!" he finished, laughing again. Ouch. Everyone gaped at him.
"Ok, this is the most fun class ever," Jade remarked. I shot her a glare over my shoulder. Why wasn't she taking this seriously? I mean, I get that she wasn't going to act any differently since we became a bit closer, but come on. He just insulted me. And he was still laughing! I turned back to Sikowitz.
"You really don't think I could make it as a singer?" I inquired, hurt.
"Nope," he answered with a shake of his head. Ok, so maybe he did mean it.
"Ha!" he suddenly shouted, pointing at us.
"Ya see? You're all staring at me with rapt attention. Why? Because as a teacher you expect me to encourage my students, not puke on their dreams. Right?" he explained. We all readily agreed. Oh what a relief. He didn't mean it after all.
"This was what I was trying to explain. When characters do the unexpected-" he lectured, falling to the floor in pain. I sat up straight in my seat, worried.
"Audiences pay attention," he finished, getting up and snapping his fingers in a weird dance of triumph. I groaned.
"I have a headache," I bemoaned. The bell rang and I gratefully got ready to leave.
"That's lunch time. Get out," Sikowitz dismissed. Everyone stood and gathered their things to leave.
"Hey, Jade. That's a nice new sweater," Rex complimented. I glanced over while grabbing my bag to see Jade's reaction.
"Thanks. It's made out of puppet hair," she responded, walking away.
"Dang, woman," Rex said. I stood up, ready to follow them out when they passed, but Sikowitz asked me to stay.
"No. I'm scared," I told him, suspicious after his last lesson.
"Just listen. How would you like to do something…exciting?" he questioned, smiling.
"Uh, could I have more details?" I replied, still not trusting him just yet. That was far too vague, and knowing Sikowitz it could be anything. He stepped down from the stage.
"My friend Jenny is a casting director. She's working on a new movie," he began to explain. Instantly, I perked up.
"Movie?" I repeated, highly interested.
"They need a spunky teenage girl to play the best friend of the lead," he continued, moving around putting away chairs before stopping in front of me with his arms crossed. I grinned.
"Would you…like to…audition?" he offered. What an opportunity! Yet a bit daunting.
"Wow. I mean, I've never auditioned for a real movie before," I confessed.
"And I've never done a standing backflip, but watch this," he responded, stepping back. Um, I didn't like where this was going. Sikowitz attempted the backflip and fell flat on his face. I gasped.
"Are you ok?" I asked him, concerned.
"Not really," he replied, voice muffled by the floor. I sighed. Maybe I should get the nurse.
"Don't get the nurse. I've been in there twice already today just trying to prove a point," he mumbled. I raised a brow, questioning, but helped him up. One of these days he was really going to hurt himself. I left his classroom after he assured me he would be fine and that he would call his friend as soon as possible. I thanked him and then headed out to make one last stop before going to lunch.
~Jade~
I headed right for Festus' Grub Truck as soon as I got out to the Asphalt Café. Today's music came courtesy of Vega's performance for the Full Moon Jam. Like I needed a reminder of that night. Vega hadn't brought it up, which was good, but that didn't stop me from thinking about it. I wound through the crowd of students and cut in front of Robbie to insure I got what I came for. He opened his mouth to protest but I only had to glare at him and he stopped himself. It was a good choice. I got my food and headed to our table. Robbie followed close behind, greeting Andre, Beck, and Cat in that nerd way of his.
"I'm not with him," I stated, breezing past him to sit down next to Beck.
"Hey, Robbie. Want me to tell you what size your pants are?" Cat asked him before he could sit down. I looked up to see that she was dressed in a Little Bo Peep costume. She must be getting the hang of making costumes already.
"I already know. They're a size four," he answered. Cat giggled.
"Size four?" I questioned. Robbie nodded.
"That's how they measure girl's pants," Cat informed him.
"What? Rex, you promised me these were boy jeans," he said, looking to the puppet who laughed.
"You've been Rex'd," he responded. I still don't get why Robbie did this to himself. I knew I should have pushed harder for Rex to kick the bucket. But no. Vega had to have it her way. Speaking of her, here she comes now.
"Hey. Will you guys take a look at my headshot and resume?" she asked, passing them out to each of us. I took one look at the headshot and wanted to make fun of her. Not because it was a bad picture, but because it was an old one. She had to be around twelve or something. I didn't like the word cute, so I wasn't going to use it, but geez. And for that I wanted to make fun of her.
"What for?" Andre asked her, picking up a copy while Vega sat down next to me.
"Sikowitz got me an audition for a movie," she shared, bright smile in place. Everyone congratulated her.
"I don't care," I spoke up, shaking my head.
"You look twelve in this pic," Andre told her. Funny how I guessed right on that.
"Well, that was the last time I was shot by a professional photographer," she replied.
"My brother got shot by a clown," Cat piped up factually. We stared at her, but frankly, the strange and unusual things she said were becoming routine.
"Why?" Andre questioned.
"Because my brother kept poking him and saying, 'Whatcha gonna do about it, clown? Huh?' It happened on a bus," she explained. I should just stop her there.
"Cat, color the tiger," I commanded, pulling out a coloring book and crayons I tended to carry around for moments such as these. It did a good job of keeping her quiet and distracted which kept me from getting irritated. Vega gave me a sidelong stare but I ignored her.
"Yay! Crayons!" Cat shouted, opening the box.
"Well, now I have to find a professional photographer," Vega mentioned.
"Did someone say she needs a professional photographer?" Sinjin questioned out of nowhere, leaning in between Vega and I.
"Yeah. Do you know one?" Vega asked him.
"Nope," he answered, walking away. Useless weirdo. Vega's brows furrowed.
"Yeah, I don't seem so weird anymore, do I?" Robbie pointed out. I actually had to agree with him. Sinjin was weirder by far.
"What did you say, girl pants?" Rex mocked. Girl pants or no, he still wasn't as weird.
"All right, you gotta work on this resume," Andre stated, looking up from it.
"Why? What's wrong with it?" Vega questioned, picking up a copy to go over it.
"You only have one play on here," Robbie said.
"Well that's all I've been in," Vega responded.
"So?" Robbie deflected.
"Just say you've acted in more stuff," Andre suggested. Vega paused and I looked to her. It wasn't bad advice.
"Lie?" she inquired.
"Yes," I confirmed.
"It's not really lying," Beck amended.
"It's exaggerating," Rex corrected. Beck gestured to him in agreement.
"Did I mention the clown was my cousin Jesse?" Cat mentioned.
"Color the pretty tiger," I told her, voice terse. A bit of worry creased her brows at my tone and she sighed but she did as she was told.
"So, back to my resume," Vega redirected.
"You got to add more things under special skills," Andre said. I nodded.
"Yeah, you put bike riding as a special skill. Who can't ride a bike?" I remarked.
"Take a guess," Rex hinted. Robbie quickly covered his mouth.
"Can you keep any secret?" he said, mortified. Rex tried to talk through his hand but everything came out muffled.
"So what 'special skills' should I add?" Vega asked us, air quoting.
"Gymnastics," Andre answered.
"Martial arts," Beck supplied.
"Sky diving," Robbie added. Oh, I got a good one.
"Flirtatious hair flipping," I stated, smirking at her. I would know. She couldn't deny that.
"Ok, I do not flip my hair flirtatiously," Vega denied, as expected.
"Oh, really? This doesn't look familiar?" I began, easily switching into an accent I knew would do nothing but irritate her.
"Oh hello boys. My name is Tori Vega. Buy me some licorice and I'll give you a kiss," I teased, flipping my hair while I was at it. Vega wasn't amused.
"I talk nothing like that. Seriously, do I talk anything like that?" she asked everyone. I waited for them to side with me, knowing it would just be more fun that way. I smirked when they each did their own versions of her. I grinned when she frowned at me accusingly before covering her face with her headshot. I might like her but it was way too fun to ever stop teasing her.
~Tori~
The days leading up to my audition were nerve-wracking. I kept hoping I wouldn't mess up since I would be handed the script on the spot. The gang did a good job of encouraging me and helping me edit my resume, despite all the teasing. I knew they meant well. Even Jade. Speaking of which, we finally got around to that sushi lesson. She came over one day with everything we would need. She seemed so serious and it made me cautious that she wasn't in a good mood or that she was forcing herself to go through with it. In the end she admitted that it was a front to make me uncomfortable. I got her back though. Sticky rice was not easy to remove from one's shirt. After she pelted me with sushi rolls as revenge we cleaned up and ate what was left. It was nice. I definitely felt less stressed about the audition I was going into the next day.
Yikes! I'm about to AUDITION
for a REAL MOVIE! Ahhhh!
Feeling: Terrified
Surprisingly, but not really, Jade drove me to my audition. Cat tagged along, eager to hang out. As much as I would have wanted to spend more time alone with Jade I liked that Cat came too. She was a good balance to Jade's temper and it was fun to see her motherly side when applied to Cat, even if she agitated her more often than not. When it was my turn to go in they waited outside for me. They were quite a pair. Cat in a superhero costume she crafted herself and Jade in head to toe black. One smiling without a care in the world and the other frowning with her arms crossed. They were the exact opposite of each other. Some time ago Jade made Cat color again while she gave me what she thought was a pep talk. So much for that. I entered the room and introduced myself before I was given the script. I began to work through it but I had to stop when the door opened and Cat peeked in.
"How's your audition going?" she loudly whispered. What was she doing here?
"I'm in the middle of it," I told her, tone strained.
"That's so exciting!" Cat replied, awed. I was just about to tell her to get out when Jade beat me to it.
"Cat, get over here," I heard her order in a strict tone.
"But…" Cat began.
"Now," Jade practically growled. Cat wilted and made a sad whoosh sound, mimicking flying off. I shut the door behind her. I caught a bit of Jade lecturing her followed by something to do with the coloring book she used to keep Cat entertained before it was quiet again. I smiled hesitantly, embarrassed.
"I'm so sorry. Where were we?" I asked, looking through the script.
"I really don't need to see anymore," the director told me. Aw man.
"Oh, you don't?" I repeated, at a loss for words.
"You're a fantastic actor," he said. I instantly felt elated.
"Really?" I made sure. He nodded.
"So I got the part?" I checked next.
"No," he declined.
"Oh," I said, my smile all but obliterated.
"But only because you look too much like the star," he explained. That wasn't so bad. At least it wasn't because I didn't do well. Still, I wish I got the part.
"Ok. That's…I totally get it," I accepted, nodding.
"But…" he began, picking up my resume.
"But? But what?" I shouted, hopeful. I realized how desperate I sounded and scaled it back.
"I'm sorry. I seem too eager, don't I? But what?" I revised, toning it down.
"How would you like to be a stunt double?" he offered.
"A st-stunt…a stunt double?" I stuttered. He nodded. It was like my brain couldn't contemplate what he was asking. I wanted to be a part of the movie, but as a stunt double? I couldn't do that! Well…maybe it wouldn't be so hard? I really wish I hadn't listened to the advice to 'exaggerate' my resume. It really was lying. The door opened again and Cat came in carrying the coloring book. She giggled as she presented it.
"Look! I made my tiger purple," she announced, pointing at it. I exchanged a hesitant glance with the director, hoping this didn't affect my eligibility. I might actually be considering the whole stunt double thing.
"That doesn't happen in nature," Cat continued when she didn't get a reaction from us. Jade stomped in at that moment, slender eyebrows at a sharp slant down over her nose. She looked murderous.
"Cat, if you aren't out this door by the time I count to three you'll be purple," she threatened. Cat gasped, freezing on the spot. The director raised a brow at the scene unfolding in front of him.
"One. Two…" Jade started. Cat squeaked and ran out the door.
"I take my eyes off her for ten seconds and she disappears," Jade grumbled to herself, shutting the door. I smiled uncertainly and shrugged my shoulders, unable to explain the wacky situations my friends and I often found ourselves in. Granted, we ended up putting ourselves in those situations, but that wasn't the point. Thankfully, it didn't make them rethink their offer. When they ran it by me again I hesitated only a second before agreeing.
~Jade~
I had to constantly reassure Vega that everything would be fine the whole way to her house. I dropped off Cat first before booting Vega out of the car. She seemed to want more reassurance but I didn't have any tolerance to spare after dealing with Cat during the audition. I had no clue how she kept sneaking off as soon as my eyes weren't on her. She was such a kid sometimes. The next day I didn't see Vega anywhere and had a feeling she was somewhere bugging about the whole thing. I saw that I was right when I entered Sikowitz's class. She couldn't seem to concentrate on the lesson.
Vega, Beck, Andre, and I stayed for lunch, hanging around while Vega explained to Sikowitz how the audition went. He listened while drilling holes in coconuts, harvesting the juice or milk or whatever into jars. I really didn't care. I sat next to Beck and leaned back in my seat with my feet propped up on Vega's chair. She looked like she wanted to push them off, since they did take up most of the room, but instead she shifted them so that they rested on her lap. While she talked she fiddled with the laces of my boots and I snipped at the ends of my hair.
"So I said ok," Vega finished the story tenuously. Yep. She was still worried.
"Really? I had no idea you did stunt work," Sikowitz commented.
"I don't! I'm not a stunt double," Vega replied, lifting a hand only to let it fall hard on my boot. I looked up with a frown but her eyes were on our teacher.
"Then why did you accept the job?" he asked.
"I don't know. Because I'm stupid," she concluded with a sigh.
"I've been telling you people she's stupid, but did anyone believe me?" I remarked offhandedly. Beck nudged me. Vega shot me a look before dumping my feet on the floor and standing up. I probably deserved that. I couldn't quite get rid of my negative creative comments when it came to her, but it was a natural reaction I was trying to at least lessen as much as I could. I had to start somewhere.
"All right, wait. Why did they even offer you a job as a stunt double?" Andre questioned. Vega turned to him.
"Because of my resume. Under special skills I put gymnastics and karate and that made them think I could do stunts," she answered.
"See? You should never lie on your resume," I told her, eyes never leaving the strand of hair getting snipped off between the sharp scissor blades. I didn't see it but I knew her face was all scrunched up with irritation. I glanced at Beck to see him trying to hold back a smile. I couldn't help but look up when Vega remained quiet only to see the exact expression I knew would be there. I smirked, amused.
"Well that's not a pretty face," I observed, making it sound playfully teasing. I wasn't trying to be mean that time. I also wasn't lying. It wasn't pretty. It was endearing. Vega sighed loudly and turned to Sikowitz.
"Will you please just call your casting director friend and get me out of this?" she pleaded.
"Mmm, you might not want to do that," Beck spoke up.
"Why not?" she responded, turning to him.
"You wanna get blackballed in Hollywood?" I questioned, glancing at her before going back to my hair.
"What do you mean blackballed?" she wondered. How did she not know these things?
"In this town everybody knows everybody," Andre started to explain.
"You make people mad…word gets around," Sikowitz added.
"And then no one will hire you," Beck finished.
"Great, so what do I do? Get black balled or do a stunt and get my face smashed?" she pondered hopelessly. I sat forward, leaning on my crossed legs.
"I think…you should do both," I suggested, smirking when her eyes flashed.
"You know…" she started to say, a fierce expression pushing at her features. I really wanted to know what she was going to say but Sikowitz cut in.
"Stunt doubles rarely get injured," he said.
"Yeah, but-" Vega stammered, the angry flare gone.
"And you told them you'd do it," Andre pointed out.
"Which is a commitment. And making a commitment is like…well take this coconut for example. Brown. Spherical. Covered with short, fibrous hairs that…" he rambled, suddenly lost in thought. I flicked my gaze to him. Where was he going with all this?
"What were we talking about?" he asked. I rolled my eyes. Vega pushed her hair back and moved to take her seat again. I promptly replaced my feet on her lap. She looked agitated to see them there but left them alone, resting her hands on them and raising a brow at me. I only smiled innocently, comfortable.
"So. What's the stunt you're supposed to do anyway?" Beck asked her. She sighed like she was tasked with something life threatening.
"Fall off a chair," she finally stated. That was it? That was what she was scared to do?
"Fall off a chair?" Andre repeated, incredulous.
"That's the big stunt you're buggin' about?" I inquired.
"Ha. Ya big baby," Sikowitz scoffed. Vega's brows creased in that way I became fond of again. How was I supposed to curb my insults and teasing when that was the reaction I would get every time?
"Well, it could be dangerous and I'm not a professional stunt girl. I don't know how to fall off a chair and make it look real. And what if-" she babbled, lifting her hands as she spoke. I took the opportunity to shove her off her seat with a boot to her side. She screamed in shock and hit the ground, hands out to soften the fall. See, she would do fine.
"Looked good to me," I said with a shrug. She propped herself up with another glare directed at me.
"Don't you ever get tired of picking on me?" she demanded. I shook my head with a smile.
"Not at all," I replied. The bell rang and I stood up after putting away my scissors. I then strode over to hold out a hand to Vega. She eyed it suspiciously so I shook it at her.
"Take it or leave it. I'm not gonna stand here all day," I told her. She reached up and slipped her hand in mine, gripping it tight. I yanked her off the floor in one fluid pull. She stumbled once she was on her feet and I steadied her before she could fall on me. That wouldn't be good. She smoothed out her shirt and I dusted off her shoulder. I could see the small smile she was holding back and felt I did enough to keep her from getting too upset with me so I turned away to get my bag. I rested the strap over my shoulder and left the room, not bothering to wait for anyone. We each had separate classes after lunch anyway.
~Tori~
Well, I now have a BOOT PRINT
on MY RIGHT KIDNEY.
Thank you, Jade
Feeling: Sore
I groaned as I walked toward the exit, rubbing at my side. I wasn't too happy that school was over. That just meant that I had to perform my stunt. I barely posted my recent update when it chimed with a notification that someone left a comment on it. I checked it to see that it was from Jade.
"'You're ever so welcome.'" I read, wondering why she worded it in such a weird way. I mean, I knew why she said it, but that wasn't how she talked. It took me a second, but when I understood I stopped mid step.
"I don't talk like that!" I shouted at the device in my hand, as if it was my phone's fault.
"Oh I know. By the way, do you regularly yell at your phone like that?" Jade's voice questioned. I jumped at how close it sounded and spun around to see she wasn't there. A breath hit my neck and chills flew down my back. I spun around again, quickly so she couldn't trick me again.
"Will you quit it?" I snapped at her.
"Quit what?" she wondered, playing ignorant. I began walking again and she fell into step with me.
"Messing with me," I answered, irritable.
"I'm not messing with you," she said with a shake of her head.
"Yes you are," I insisted, pushing open the door and stepping outside. She held it open before it could shut and kept up with me.
"No, I'm being playful," she corrected.
"Playful?" I stated, stopping to look at her in disbelief. Jade and playful didn't often go together. She nodded slowly.
"Yeah. Isn't that what friends do? They joke around?" she inquired. I quirked a brow, wondering if she was messing with me again or not.
"I guess…" I responded, uncertain.
"Ok then," she concluded.
"But are you really?" I wondered.
"Am I really what?" she replied.
"Being…playful," I said with a pause, still unable to believe it. She tilted her head, a thoughtful expression on her face. A small smile pulled at the corner of her lips before a bigger one took its place. Her eyes found mine and I was struck by the way she looked at me. It was almost…flirtatious.
"Yeah," she reaffirmed. The tone of her voice sounded honest and hearing it made me drop my guard. Why did she have to be such a pain in the butt one moment and then the most attractive person in the world the next?
"Fine," I settled, clearing my throat and pointedly averting my gaze.
"Good. So I decided I would take you to the movie set and save you unneeded trouble from the talentless Vega," she mentioned, starting to walk to her car. When I heard the offer I began to follow her. I never turned down a ride from someone other than Trina. We reached her car when a thought occurred to me.
"When you call Trina the talentless one it implies that you think I have talent," I pointed out, smiling. She looked over the car at me, something like realization in her eyes.
"I don't think that all. If you want to be so technical then I guess I could start calling you the talentless Vega and I could call her the more-talentless-than-her-annoying-sister Vega," she countered, plopping in the car right after she said it. To anyone else she would have sounded serious, but I knew she didn't mean it. I climbed in the car with a laugh.
"Sounds like a mouthful," I remarked.
"It is. So don't make me have to get technical and just let me call you whatever the chiz I want. Preferably just Vega," she responded, buckling up and starting the car. I grinned and carefully reached over to place my hand over hers where it rested on the gear stick. She glanced at our hands before looking at me.
"I like when you call me Vega. No one else does," I confided. She fought off a small smile as well as what looked like a blush then threw my hand off hers.
"Move out of the way. I can't drive with you in my space," she grumbled. I chuckled and wondered if she meant that in more ways than was obvious. How interesting would that be if I could fluster Jade West? It seemed unthinkable, but maybe it was possible. She drove in silence until I had to give her directions. We got out and headed in. Jade stood off to the side as soon as I was spotted. I was taken to wardrobe and then led on set shortly after. I was directed to a table set up on a balcony where the star and costar was talking to the director.
"Ah, there she is, uh…" he began.
"Tori," I reminded him.
"Tori, right. Patrice, this is your stunt double," he said, moving aside to introduce me to the star.
"Hi. I'm gonna fall off your chair," I greeted, shaking her hand.
"I appreciate it," she replied, patting the seat before walking away.
"Ok, is this our girl?" someone asked.
"Yeah. This is our stunt coordinator, Gene," the director said. I reached out to shake his hand.
"Good to meet you. Really simple stunt," he told me.
"Right. Really simple stunt," I repeated.
"You got your chair right here," he gestured.
"My chair right there," I said, pointing.
"Which you're going to sit on," he continued.
"I'll sit on it," I said, trying to remain calm.
"When the director calls action you just fall off the chair," he instructed. I nodded.
"I fall off the chair," I agreed. Huh. Not so bad. I shouldn't have worried so much.
"Through that railing drop forty feet and hit the ground down there," he said, leaning over to point at the actual drop I had to make. The director made a sound similar to falling and hitting the ground but it didn't really register through the fear.
"Through the…and drop…and hit the…" I gasped, walking over to see just how far the ground was from where I stood. My stomach fluttered with nerves. We were really high up. Was I really going to go through with this?
"I have to fall all the way down there?" I questioned, my voice high with fright.
"On to the air sack," Gene assured, gesturing to it. I looked down to see the crew setting it up. I squeaked. That didn't make it any better. What if I missed? What if it popped when I hit it or something?
"Just don't miss the sack like the last stunt double," someone commented behind us. I gasped louder and the director yelled at the crewmate to leave. Oh my gosh. I really could miss it.
"Wait, wait, wait! The last stunt double missed the sack?!" I panicked.
"Just by a few feet," the director placated. Like that made a difference!
"Hey, put the air sack in the right place, would you?" Gene called down to the crew. I was not liking this at all.
"And get that dried blood off the floor," the director ordered, walking away. My mouth dropped open. The crewmate scuffed his boot over the smear and I whimpered. I was not doing this. I turned to Gene, ready to tell him that I wasn't going to do it and risk getting blackballed, but the director got a phone call which he ended to explain that his son was bitten by monkeys at the zoo and they had to postpone the shoot so he could go to the hospital and see him. I cheered for the monkeys and happily ran off stage, grabbing my things on the way out. I hope they didn't mind me borrowing the dress because I didn't have time to change. I was getting out of there. I found Jade outside sitting on the hood of her car. She looked up when I approached. I didn't miss the way she appraised my change of clothes.
"When did you come out here?" I asked.
"A few minutes after I walked you in. So did you do it?" she responded.
"It got postponed," I replied, running around to yank at the passenger door like someone was about to show up and drag me back inside. Jade quirked a brow but shrugged and hopped off the hood to unlock the car. She didn't question me about it and dropped me off without really saying anything besides a good-bye. She seemed so reserved it made me suspicious. Oh well. It probably wasn't anything.
OMG! I was just saved by mean
Monkeys I don't even know!
THANK YOU MONKEYS!
Feeling: Relieved
I arrived at school the next day worrying about the stunt. I got out of it for now but it was just moved back. Sooner or later I had to go through with it. Jade caught up to me between class and I waited for the inevitable.
"I might have seen and heard a little more than I initially owned up to before," she mentioned.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You were going to chicken out but that monkey mishap saved you. What will you do next time? Run and hide?" she elucidated, making sure to throw a joke in while she was at it. Oh great. Was she going to bug me about it now?
"Monkey mishap?" Beck wondered, having overheard when we passed him. Yes, saved again. He draped an arm over Jade's shoulders and I distracted myself from noticing the contact by explaining what happened, but then Andre and Robbie wandered over so I had to start over.
"Wait, who got bit by monkeys?" Rex inquired.
"The director's kid," I answered.
"Did he taunt the monkeys?" Rex asked next. What did that matter?
"I don't think you should do the stunt," Andre advised.
"I have to. I'll get blackballed in Hollywood if I back out!" I reminded him. I fiddled with my water bottle fretfully and sighed.
"I don't want to get blackballed," I mumbled sadly.
"Then just do it," Robbie said. Like it was that simple.
"And what if I end up in the hospital?" I questioned.
"Well maybe you'll meet a handsome young doctor, get married, and share a soda pop," Jade suggested, using that voice again. I really should have seen that coming.
"I don't talk like a movie star from the 1940's!" I shouted at her. She gasped dramatically with a hand over her heart, acting offended like said movie star. I just rolled my eyes. Footsteps behind me made me turn around. It was Cat, but why was she dressed liked that? It was oddly familiar.
"Oh my God, I love your dress," Cat complimented.
"Thanks. It's what I wear in the movie. When I die," I stated certainly.
"Um, Cat, what up with the crazy costume?" Andre asked her.
"I'm Sikowitz!" she announced, dancing around. That was why it looked so familiar. Also, why she was carrying a coconut with a straw in it. It was a slight distraction though and the fear of my demise quickly took over, affecting the words already falling from my mouth.
"That's a great costume. Maybe you can dress me for my funeral?" I remarked.
"I could so do that," Cat agreed, not at all fazed. I frowned.
"Dramatic much?" Jade commented. I spun on her.
"Says the one who can do a perfect impression of a forties movie star better than me," I retorted. She wasn't affected by my ire either. Figures.
"Come on, now. There's not gonna be a funeral," Andre cut in.
"Aww," Cat pouted. I looked at her like she was crazy. Jade and Beck smiled while my frown grew.
"We're all gonna come down to set, keep you cool, and watch you land safe and sound right on that air sack," Andre continued, chill. Well, it was easy for him to say. He wasn't the one doing it. Despite that I smiled at his sincerity.
"Unless you miss it," he joked. Okay, that wasn't cool. In fact, all cool just left the building. He might as well be Jade attempting a joke that didn't really seem like a joke.
"I don't think you'll miss it," he said, uncomfortable when he garnered no laughter. I was just contemplating snapping at him too when Sikowitz strode down the hall. He saw Cat and slowed to a stop, confused yet curious. Every movement he made Cat copied exactly. I didn't know how she did it but she ended up freaking Sikowitz out. He quickly ran out the door to the stares of some students.
~Jade~
If I thought Vega was annoyingly bright and cheery before then I underestimated how annoying she could be when she was scared and panicky. If she didn't relax she just might give herself a heart attack. Contrary to popular belief, I didn't want that to actually happen. Which is why I was stuck in my head for most of the time I was supposed to be hanging out with Beck in his RV.
"You think she'll be fine?" he asked me, watching me closely from his seat across from me. I sat on the opposite end of the couch, deep in thought until he spoke.
"She better, or a certain director will have more than monkeys to worry about," I promised. Beck raised a brow at that but said nothing. I had been searching my brain for an idea, wondering if there was any way Vega didn't have to go through with the stunt. If she really didn't want to do it then I could easily provide her with a way out. I just had to think, and not about how soft I was getting. I glanced at Beck and an idea popped in my head. Beck loved being on set. He loved being in movies and acting. Beck could stand in for Vega. All he needed was a costume and I knew just where to get it.
"Hey," I began.
"Yeah?" he replied, giving me his attention.
"On a scale from one to ten, how willing would you be to wear a dress?" I questioned casually. It took a while for him to follow my train of thought, but when he did a boyish grin lit up his face.
"Aww, you really do care about her," he teased, poking at me. I smacked away his hand.
"The only one who should be allowed to give her a heart attack is me. Now let's call up Cat and get this over with," I ordered. He gave me a salute and I made the call. Belatedly I wondered if I should be concerned that Beck was willing to wear a dress. Eventually I shrugged it off. He was an actor. They did what they had to for their craft. I told Cat to make the costume we needed in Beck's size and made sure she brought it with her when we all went down to set. She complied without questioning me but I had a feeling she knew what I was planning.
When we got there she took the box backstage and Beck went with her. I walked in flexing my hand. I drove Vega again and I even let her squeeze the chiz out of my hand. She had a strong grip. She was taken to change not too long after we arrived. She glanced back at me, pleading for help, but all I gave her was a thumbs up. She groaned but let herself be led away. The director finally noticed us and we were fitted with passes that gave us permission to be on set as visitors. Rex made a big deal out of not getting one so we had to listen to him whine over it.
"I've never been treated so disrespectfully," he complained.
"Will you just calm down?" Robbie told him.
"No. I'm outraged," he refused. I shook my head and tucked a hand in my pocket, leaning on my right leg.
"You don't need a visitor's pass," Andre said, plucking at the one he wore.
"You and Robbie got visitor's passes. The wicked witch here got a visitor's pass," Rex carried on. I bristled and unclipped my pass from the pocket of my pants.
"Here," I bit out, clipping it on Rex. He started screaming and Robbie rushed to remove it. I grinned. I might have put it where the sun don't shine just to spite him.
"You are twisted," Andre commented.
"Hey, I could have shoved it up his-" I replied, my words cut off when I happened to spot Vega on the balcony. She was going up already? Cat skipped over in a tux, bringing my attention to her. It looked like she brought a costume for herself too.
"Hi!" she greeted.
"Yay, Cat made another costume," I deadpanned.
"Look! I'm Cat, international spy," she introduced herself, making a gun with her hand along with shooting sounds. I really wish I had that coloring book on hand. Cat saw our expressions and her smile dropped.
"It's not real," she informed us, pointing at her hand.
"No, really? I couldn't tell," I said, sarcasm laced in every word.
"Oh, well, good thing I told you then!" Cat chirped, giggling. I narrowed my eyes at her but stopped myself from saying anything.
"So when does Tori do her fall?" Cat asked, looking to Andre. Just then she got her answer when they announced they were going to start.
"Oh, here we go," Andre said, looking up with everyone else. I scowled and crossed my arms. If Vega went through with it and something happened to her I was going to hunt Beck down and-oh, look. Vega seemed ready to bolt all on her own. Robbie, Andre, and Cat gave her a thumbs up but I mimicked her hitting the ground, smacking my hands together. The angry snarl she let out made me smirk. I liked getting her angry for the fun of it but also to see that feisty side of her. Commands were called out and everyone took their positions. Vega slowly took her seat.
She picked up her phone and made a call. Andre's phone went off. I listened as she begged him to get her out of it but he was told to shut off his phone and he immediately listened. I could see the sad look on Vega's face from where I stood. They began soon after, the director asking if Tori was ready. She answered that she was but she didn't sound at all confident. The first take was a bust. Here I was, expecting her to plummet forty feet, and she threw herself the other way. She tried to play it off but she ended up having to do it again the right way. The second take was an obvious stall. Pee-minder? Really?
"Back in a sec!" Vega shouted, running off.
"Pee-minder?" Robbie whispered, interested.
"You should download that," Rex suggested.
"Yeah, you should," I agreed, glancing back at him. No, really, he should. That boy had so many problems. I pulled out my phone when I got a text from Beck. He was ready. It was about time. I sent a message to Vega, telling her to meet with Beck. She came running out seconds later.
"Over there," I directed her, pointing to the left. Luckily she didn't question me and took off in the direction I mentioned. Beck would take it from there.
~Tori~
Needless to say I kept worrying up until I was back at the movie set, minutes away from having to perform the stunt. Jade tried to make me feel better and even offered to hold my hand but I didn't think that offer would ever be made again. Especially since I think I might have crushed it a bit too hard. I wanted to stay positive as I got ready to do the shot but negativity just kept rolling in. I had a feeling it wasn't going to end well.
I'm about to fall off a chair, then
DROP 40 FEET. I'll miss you, life.
Feeling: Doomful
I finally decided that I couldn't do it. So I begged Andre for help and then started stalling when that didn't work. I was surprised but grateful when Jade got a hold of me.I didn't stop to wonder why she wanted me to meet with Beck. I was just hoping it would get me out of doing the stunt. I ran around the corner and stopped backstage, calling for Beck. A vaguely feminine voice answered me and then Beck walked out dressed in the clothes I was wearing. He was even wearing make-up! Wow.
"Beck?" I questioned.
"I'm not Beck. I'm you," he corrected, moving to stand in front of me. How was he walking in heels so well?
"Wait, but, but how did you…? Where did you get that dress?" I stammered.
"Cat made it," he answered, posing. He looked me over and then held a hand to my forehead.
"Are you sweating?" he asked.
"Yeah. I think I'm having an anxiety attack. I don't wanna do the stunt. I'm scared," I answered. I felt kinda sick too.
"It's ok. I got this," he replied, reaching up to take off the shades I wore.
"Wait…what are you…?" I struggled to comprehend. Was he going to do what I think he was going to do?
"Shh, wait here," he told me, jogging out. For a while all I could think about was how easily he ran in heels. It helped that he had a longer stride, I guess. He could cover more ground. He had to have practiced at some point though. And then there was my second thought which I voiced out loud.
"Wow. Do I look that good running away?" I wondered, turning to run in place while straining to see over my shoulder. Too bad I couldn't see much.
~Jade~
I messed around on my phone to kill time, gritting my teeth at the latest argument between the nerd and his doll. He was really trying to search the app store for the clearly made up app Vega mentioned as a last ditch effort to get out of doing the stunt.
"They don't have Pee-minder. All I can find is Tinkle Time," Robbie said.
"I got Squirt Alert," Andre mentioned. Was he looking too? I gave him a look and he shrugged.
"There goes Tori," he pointed out. I looked up just in time to see Beck run past. Wow. He handled those heels pretty well.
"Yeah. She's so cute when she's running away," Robbie sighed. I held back any reaction but Cat started giggling.
"Yeah. 'She' is," she agreed, giggling again. I warned Cat with a raised brow but all it did was make her laugh harder. As long as she didn't say anything. At least, not until the stunt was performed. Robbie gave me a questioning look but I shrugged and went back to my phone. The director asked if 'she' was ready and Beck replied in a terrible girl voice. The one I used to tease Vega sounded closer to her than that. I shook my head but watched and waited while Cat stifled more giggles. The director went through the scene again and Beck acted it out. He took the fall and was helped up after he hit the air sack at the bottom. Everyone applauded. Heck, so did I. Beck just pulled off being Vega when it so obviously wasn't her. That alone was hilarious.
"Thanks everyone! Be right back!" he said, quickly making himself scarce. Cat squealed and looked back at me. I pretended like I knew nothing was going on. Vega came running out with a cheer, bringing my attention to her.
"Did everyone enjoy my stunt? I know I did!" she shouted. I could see and hear the relief in her voice. Cat squealed again and ran at her for a hug. Andre gave her one next. I walked up to her and threw an arm over her shoulder.
"I loved the stunt. You had such a drastic change of heart it was almost as if you were a different person," I remarked, making sure only she heard. Her smile fell a little and she opened her mouth to no doubt question me but I stepped away before she could, crossing my arms.
"See, it wasn't so bad, was it?" the director asked, pushing his way over.
"No, it was…fun," Vega replied, forcing out the words.
"You wanna do another take?" he questioned.
"No, I do not," she declined. Of course she didn't.
"Good job, Vega," I told her, turning away to find Beck. She gave me a fleeting yet searching look before she was pulled into a hug from Robbie. I found Beck backstage dressed in his own clothes. He was busy trying to clean off the make-up. I tapped him on the shoulder and held out my hand when he turned around. He handed over the tissue he was using and I tossed it before sitting him down so that I could remove the make-up properly. What a day.
~Tori~
Wooo! I did my stunt. Kinda.
Sorta. Well…ah, shut up.
Feeling: Guilty
As soon as I got home from the shoot I started feeling guilty for chickening out. The feeling only escalated by the time I was walking into school the next day. It didn't help when Jade kept dropping hints.
"Is there something you wanna tell me?" I finally asked at one point between classes.
"Nope," she answered.
"You sure?" I checked.
"Positive," she confirmed. I stared a moment and she smiled back in that fake innocent way.
"You know something," I accused.
"Maybe. Actually, I'm surprised Cat hasn't blabbed yet," Jade said, moving to lean on the lockers.
"Cat made the dress for Beck. Of course she would know. But you know and you just said Cat didn't blab so how do you know?" she interrogated.
"No, I meant that Cat didn't blab to you," I corrected. Vega looked confused.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I came up with the idea for Beck to take your place and had Cat make him a dress," Jade revealed, like it wasn't a big deal.
"You…" I whispered, surprised but pleasantly so. I thought Beck was behind it and asked Cat for help but it turned out that Jade was the one to suggest it. I grinned and her unaffected expression showed some concern.
"Vega, no," she warned, knowing as well as I did that she was about to get hugged. I chased her down the hall and caught up with her at Sikowitz's classroom which happened to be our destination. She hid behind Beck, but when he saw me he stepped out of the way. Jade glared daggers at him while I held onto her. It felt good to have her in my arms. Jade threw quiet threats over my shoulder at Beck the whole time until class began and I had to let her go. We took our seats and Sikowitz came in. The rest of the day passed by normally but I returned to Sikowitz after school. I wanted to make up for my cowardice and go through with the stunt. But first I needed Sikowitz to contact his friend and ask to use the set. When I entered it was to see him suspended upside down from the ceiling. He was probably trying to prove another point. I didn't try to understand all the strange things he did. It was a little hard to take him seriously like that but I still managed to ask. He denied me the first time so I tried again.
"Please," I begged.
"Why?" he questioned, crossing his arms.
"'Cause I'm mad at myself for chickening out. I feel like a weenie," I admitted. It was sweet of Jade to help me but I really shouldn't have backed out in the first place. I should have just sucked it up and did it.
"The world needs weenies. Without weenies who would wear turtlenecks?" Sikowitz replied. Didn't Robbie wear turtlenecks? I dismissed the thought and got back on track.
"I gotta do the stunt," I told him, resolute.
"Look, why don't you just-" he began, but I wouldn't let him turn me away.
"Come on. Just call your casting director friend and get us on the set. Please," I pleaded, puppy dog eyes added in.
"Very well," he conceded, pulling out his phone.
"Yay! Thanks," I cheered, clapping my hands.
"Hey, why are you upside down?" I wondered.
"Why are you right side up?" he countered. Huh. After the call was made he said that we could stop by the set after school. I thanked him again then rushed out to find Trina before she ditched me. Jade didn't stick around so I couldn't get a ride from her. She probably didn't want to risk anymore hugs. That was fine. I would be seeing her soon anyway. That is, if she got my text and agreed to meet us at the movie set again. Trina dropped me off and I joined the gang waiting outside. I was happy to see that Jade was present.
"Ready for the real deal?" Beck asked. I was nervous again but I was also determined.
"Yep," I responded with a nod. He smiled and patted my shoulder. We walked in and were greeted by the crew who were the only ones around cleaning up after a day of shooting. Everyone stood to the side as before while I took my place up on the forty foot high balcony. Oh man, it felt worse than before. I glanced down at the air sack below. Ok, just jump. Jump. The gang started cheering for me and I felt slightly better.
"It's a long fall," Jade called out. Yeah, like I needed that reminder.
"'Kay. Here I go," I announced, stepping toward the edge before skittering back again.
"Here I go. Ugh, I can't do it!" I shouted, getting the same result. I saw Jade roll her eyes and then stride away. Where was she going? Wait, wasn't that the way up here? It looked different from this perspective. I could be wrong. She was most likely leaving. That made more sense.
"Ok, I'm going to count to three. No, no! Ten! I'm going to count to ten and then I'm gonna-" I planned, my words cut off when a hand pushed me from behind. I screamed and flailed my arms in an attempt to grab onto something. I reached back and snatched at air before snagging a sleeve. I heard another scream but it didn't come from me. I fell over the edge, turning on my back and seeing that I yanked Jade along with me. For once I saw fear in her expression. I hit the air sack and Jade landed next to me, catapulting me onto the hard floor with the sudden distribution of weight. I groaned and pushed myself up, glancing over at Jade who rolled off the air sack and picked herself up. Everyone ran over. For a brief moment I thought Jade was going to kill me dead, but she only smirked and shook her head. I smiled, allowing myself to enjoy the congratulations. I didn't technically jump on my own, but without some help from Jade I probably would have chickened out again. I held out my arms for a hug to show my gratitude but she crossed her arms and looked away.
"No," she refused.
"Come on," I coaxed, advancing on her.
"Vega," she cautioned, dropping her hands to her sides and adopting a defensive stance. I rushed her, grabbing her around the middle before she could escape. Almost effortlessly she hauled me clear off the floor and tossed me onto the air sack. I laid there, shocked at the turn of events, and then laughed. Jade stood over me with crossed arms and a scowl that was starting to waver. A smile was hidden just under the surface. She quirked a brow playfully when it broke through and then held out a hand. I took it and she helped me up. Together we joined the others, our hands still interlocked.