So hey everyone I'm back! (momentarily speaking) I figure you guys deserve an update after waiting for awhile. I got a few reviews from someone who was persitent that I update, but honestly I don't like to rush myself. I checked that it takes me like at least a month to update which to me isn't all that bad considering some authors take longer to actually update. So I'm sorry if some of you are upset, but I really do try my best.

On another note I'd like to thank chase19 for nominating me for Best Angst in the Topaz Awards! And thanks so much to anyone else who nominated me or has voted for me! It was schocking to find out, but a wonderful surprise! :)

I don't own Victorious.

Chapter 24

Jade's POV

I turn in my sleep, coming to and fumbling around warm sheets. I'm surprised to feel my arm drape around someone's slender waist. My eyes crack open groggily; the sight of a sandy blonde sleeping right alongside me makes my eyes shoot wide open. I look down at my body covered by a gray sheet and halfway by a black comforter. I carefully remove my arm to raise the thin sheet ever so slightly taking a look under the covers to see my clothing still intact: I mouth a silent thank god. For a brief second I thought maybe I might have slept with Kate, but the memory of last night sinks in.

Somehow I showed up at her door step around 1:30 in the morning a mess of tears after I had driven around aimlessly on the streets of L.A. I didn't want to go home and have to deal with being alone. I didn't want to sleep, how could I possibly sleep after what happened? The only thing I wanted was security. I wanted to feel safe, so I came to the only person who I knew I could count on- Kate. My first impulse was to go to Tori, but when that thought crossed my mind I remembered what had happened at the aquarium. Tori wouldn't have cared; she was only concerned for herself.

I turn myself onto my back now looking up at the black ceiling fan above. "Lie," I whisper to myself knowing that it's not true: she would have cared. I place my hand on my forehead thinking about how today marks the first day of my break up with Beck. Won't Hollywood Arts have something to gossip about today. It's bound to get out somehow, although I don't know how the group will take it. Who will they side with- Beck or me?

My thoughts are only short lived when the rustling of sheets startles me. I feel Kate's arm spread over part of my mid section, her hand landing on the exposed flesh of my hip, and her face making contact with one of my breast. I internally begin to freak out, holy chiz... um what the hell do I do? Fuck. Okay Jade stay calm now, don't breathe. I hold my breath feeling myself already starting to turn red. Wait no breathe. I exhale, my chest falling with relief. Okay not my brightest idea, but what am I supposed to do? I've never been in a situation like this before; with a girl on top of me- sleeping. I was always the one sleeping on top of Beck if anything the few times I spent the night over at his RV. Not the other way around!

Not that Beck and I ever went as far as to have sex during those times, but I used to like resting my head on his chest as he held me in his arms. Now- this is so different. Strangely even though I'm freaking out on the inside my body is reacting otherwise. I feel hot and wish her hand would skim upwards. No, I should not be thinking of this. I just broke up with Beck and wanting to get physical with anyone at this time is not a good idea. Not to mention Kate's my friend, and I don't want to risk losing her.

I jump when loud ringing fills the room and realize it's the sound of an alarm clock. Kate starts to stir slowly from on top of me. She raises her head to look at me: her eyes squinted, and her sandy blonde hair ruffled up. "Well this is awkward," she utters drowsily when she notices our current position. Kate reaches over me to slap down on the snooze. She pulls back as the ringing stops leaning on her elbow. A sheepish smile crosses her face, "I move around a lot in my sleep. Sorry about that."

I smile sitting up, "Yeah I noticed. It's okay. Don't worry about it."

She nods and rubs at her eyes as I stare at her quietly, brief flashes of how last night went coming back. The way she held me in her arms comforting me with sweet touches. My restraint completely gone for the night as my defenses laid low. She didn't ask questions, but only said everything would be alright. For some reason I believed her- and I still do. I clear my throat, "Um- thank you."

She sits adjusting herself to face me with a serious look in her electric blue orbs."You don't have to thank me Jade. I understand what you're going through," she pauses reaching out to place her hand on mine. "It feels like everything around you is going to fall apart, but its not- it's just changing. Just know that I won't."

I nod my head in acceptance and detach my eyes from her's for only a brief second as I look down at the wrinkled covers of the bed. She withdraws her hand from over mine and I look back up automatically missing her touch. "I don't think I can do it," I mutter low.

Her forehead creases in worry. "Can't do what?"

A pause lingers between us as I start to think of Beck and about last night. "Go to Hollywood Arts today," I run a hand through my black tousled bed hair. "I can't face him Kate."

Her facial expression softens as the worry lines on her forehead disappear. She extends her hands out; palms up asking me with a light smile for mine. I don't hesitate to place my hands on top, and she strokes my pinky and ring fingers down with both her thumbs. "Jade sooner or later you'll have to." Our gazes hold; bright blue-green clashing with thrilling magnetic blue. "There isn't a way to avoid him. You did what was right, you told him the truth. Now it's time for him to accept it."

"What if he can't?"

She blinks twice her voice firm and assuring."Then that's his problem, not yours. You need to only focus on yourself right now. Don't feel like you can't be yourself just because he's hurting."

I look away my eyes downcast: my self-loathing growing at the thought of hurting Beck like my father hurt my mother. He cheated on her and I feel just like him right now. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all. I yank my hands away from Kate unexpectedly and let them drop on my covered lap. My eyes water and my voice quavers."It's my fault though." I ball my hands into fists angry with myself for making the same mistake as my father. "He's- I broke his heart."

Kate tilts my chin up gently her voice low but supportive. "Hey look at me. Listen, yes it's horrible that Beck is going through a hard time- but so are you. You made a brave choice by just taking this step Jade. All you can do now is try to come to terms with who you are. Trust me it takes time. Just like it takes time for someone's heart to heal... don't beat yourself up for something you have no control over."

I stare into her eyes seeing the compassion she has for me. Kate's such a good person...Beck was a good person too- and I ended up hurting him. What if I hurt Kate? I don't want to: I wouldn't be able to live with that pain. I can barely handle it now.

Kate stays quiet watching me before glancing over at the clock on her night stand. Her eyes shift back to me, "Will you go after all?"

I don't answer her immediately, but instead look over to the faintly glowing neon blue lit alarm clock myself; the time 6:00 A.M. I turn back to her my mind made up. "Time to face the music," I reply with a bit of a smile as Kate returns the gesture; the recognition of her own words from yesterday clearly ringing a bell.

Twenty to Thirty Minutes Later

"Kaaaate," I call loudly from upstairs in her room.

I stay quiet staring at myself in the gray rectangular mirror hung up on one of the white walls until Kate's acoustic guitar near off to the side catches my attention. It seems familiar, but before I have time to further inspect it I hear footsteps falling on the stairs and coming closer to the room. Soon Kate rushes in running through the door and stops right behind me as I stare at her reflection in the mirror.

"What? What's wrong," she asks in slight panic her chest heaving up and down.

"What's wrong is I look like you," I remark gawking at my reflection once again in discomfort.

At first she doesn't say anything, but then erupts in laughter. "That's what you are freaking out about- my clothes?" I glare at her through the mirror before I whirl around to face her crossing my arms over her black jean vest. "I mean you don't exactly look like me," she grins biting down on her lip trying not to laugh once more. "I gotta say though- I think I like this look better on you," she shrugs her shoulders and scratches her still messy bed hair.

I roll my eyes. "Of course you like it- they're your clothes Kate." I turn back around uncrossing my arms and observe my reflection in worry. "I look like a lesbian."

She laughs stepping closer behind me. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No. It's just people might stare and start talking about my sudden "new" I air quote, wardrobe. I don't want people to know yet that I'm- gay," I inaudibly whisper the last word.

She nods, "Hmm...I understand. Well if I remember correctly Jade West can instill fear in anyone with just a single look."

I smirk at her image, "Very true."

She smiles back, "And if anyone says anything just pull out your scissors. I'm sure that will shut anybody up."

I arch my pierced brow and smirk a little wider, "It usually does."

She chuckles her smile still in place, "Feel better?"

My smirk becomes an easy smile Kate always easing my troubles with her words, with her hypnotic eyes, and benevolent grin. I sigh, "Yeah."

She places her hand on my left shoulder squeezing down gently, "It will all be fine Jade. I'll be with you."

My eyes bore into hers through our reflections. My heart thumping fast as I lift my arm crossing it over and placing my hand over hers. "I know," I whisper.

A silence ensues between us as we remain fixed on each other; my eyes roaming over her body. From Kate's sandy blonde ruffled short hair, to her well defined arms exposed from the yellow muscle tee she's wearing, and all the way down to the black boxer briefs she has on.

I feel myself start to blush at the sudden realization that I'm checking her out with her mostly likely being aware of it. She clears her throat and I react by quickly withdrawing my hand from over hers. "Um- I'm gonna jump in the shower so you can make yourself at home," she says as she moves out of my field of vision. "I won't take long to get ready. Breakfast is downstairs by the way."

A short pause fills the room before I respond with a small, "Okay." I look myself over once more in the gray rectangular mirror before I turn around and no longer catch sight of her in the room. I sigh loudly my shoulders sagging from the release as I pinch the bridge of my nose.

What's wrong with me, seriously? I have to get it together...slipping up the way I am right now isn't an option. Damn it, why am I feeling this way about her? Kate's my friend and even if I'm accepting the fact that I'm into girls I can't just throw myself at her at any given moment that arises. Sure I feel the tension- but I have to pretend it's not there. This burning desire is all too much too soon. I need time- especially given that I'm unstable from getting out of my almost two year relationship with Beck. Then there's Tori the main source of all my problems. I haven't forgotten about her: I'm just upset with her.

When the fuck did my life get this complicated? After my parents divorced I thought things would never get any easier- but Beck was there keeping me barely afloat, I clung to him like a lifeline. Of course now I'm back where I started- floating aimlessly hoping someone will save me. Someone will pull me up and out of this viscous current of my own demise. I pushed Beck away by cheating on him with Tori. I pushed Tori away at the beginning...scared to confide in her again, and now she's pushed me back no longer wanting to confront what exactly we mean to each other. How long will it take before I push Kate away too?

Before I mess up with her just like I messed up with Tori? I reel people in and just claim them for my own selfish needs. I'm not a good person- Kate's wrong about me. I broke Beck's heart, seduced Tori frightening her away. I don't want to hurt Kate- I'll end up pushing her away because I'm too afraid to let anyone get so close. That's what I've done with Beck and Tori- forced them off because I was scared to let them in completely. Fearful that they would hurt me- leave and not care anymore. I kept them at a distance driving a barrier between my heart and head.

This time though I don't know if it will be enough. Kate could be the one to save me from my own destructive ways; if I let her pass. I shake my head deciding it's best for me to stop thinking. I exit Kate's room heading downstairs to distract myself. Once I walk into the kitchen area I spot the stack of pancakes she made and the smell of freshly brewed coffee assaults my nose. I take it in going directly to fix myself a cup. I rummage around for the mugs eventually finding them in one of the cherry wooden cabinets; I even grab a plate too deciding to have some breakfast for a change.

I usually skip breakfast and just drink coffee, but it will seem more normal if I do eat at least one. Maybe Kate will think I'm not so sad...I have to put on a tough front. It's the only way I'll get through- not for her, but for my own sake. Pretending today is like any other day might make it easier on me...at least I'm hoping. I pour the syrup that was already left on the kitchen countertop over my pancake: cutting and taking my first bite.

The pancake moist and fluffy a delicious treat in my mouth. I take another bite and raise the white mug with a three black bird design to my lips. Sipping the hot coffee carefully I savor the strong bitter flavor left on my tongue sighing in satisfaction. "Thank god," I say to myself as I drink more greedily and adjust my position of facing the counter to leaning my lower back against the hard granite.

I'm enjoying my black cup of coffee when the sound of a deeper memorable voice strikes me frozen; immediately ceasing my drinking. "Hey Kate I need your help today at the shop. Are you free after..."

There in the kitchen entrance stands a tall man before me: with short cropped dark sandy blonde hair and compelling familiar ice blue eyes. I lower the mug away from my mouth astonished at the uncanny resemblance.

In return his eyes are focused on me in wonder. "I'm sorry I thought you were my sister, but clearly you're not," he says with a small laugh. "You must be one of Kate's friends."

I stare transfixed at him with no words forming at the moment struck utterly speechless. His sister...the hot cup of coffee in my hands slips away and shatters on the tile floor with a resounding smash. I blink twice startled by the sound of broken glass before I acknowledge the mess of fragments at my feet. "I'm sorry-," I articulate breathlessly.

Without thinking I begin to bend down on my knees to clean the mess with my bare hands, but before I can make contact with any sharp edges Kate's voice stops me. "Jade what are you doing?"

I raise my head now seeing Kate standing right next to him. "What," I ask disoriented.

Kate moves from beside him and over to me squatting on her knees to come level with me. "Don't pick it up. Let me take care of it, okay?"

I gawk wordlessly at the parallel of their features; Kate's eyes a shade darker, his a shade lighter. He watches me closely his expression reflective.

Kate confirms the name that I haven't heard in five years. "Blue, would you mind getting the brush and pan?"

He blinks a couple times before reacting, "Oh yeah, yeah sure." Blue moves retrieving the brush and pan from under the sink soon standing close to us handing that and a cloth over to her. "Wait Kate did you say Jade?"

She starts to clean up the mess as I finally rise up off the floor my eyes meeting his head on. I hurriedly break the contact by looking down at Kate who's looking up at Blue. "Yes," she responds with a little arch of her brow. He goes quiet and I can tell he's staring at me probably in surprise. Kate resumes cleaning now brushing the broken glass into the pan.

I chance a glance at him, Blue shaking his head and gaping at me in disbelief, "Jade as in Jade West?"

Kate stops and looks up at both of us her brows furrowed from the surprised tone of his voice. "Yeah. How did you-."

Blue exclaims in delight, "Little Jade West!" He suddenly engulfs me in his arms, and I'm crushed in a bear tight hug that I can't even return because my arms are trapped at my sides. "I knew it was you slugger!"

"Uh Blue- slugger is about to break," I say through a difficult breath.

From the corner of my eye I catch Kate rising to her feet. A confused look on her face as she motions from Blue to me with her hand, "Wait did I miss something?"

Blue chuckles deeply loosening his hold on me slightly, "Oh sorry. I'm just so surprised to see you all grown up." He takes two steps back letting me go, "Look at you."

I cross my arms taking a protective stance shifting my weight over to one foot. "I'm not exactly in my twenties like you Blue."

He smiles that same goofy white grin that I remember from all those years ago. "No you're not, but compared to the last time I saw you. You were just a little shrimp." He motions to me with his hands as his eyes study me, "Now look at you- tall, with black hair, blue streaks- and a piercing!"

I smirk a little at his startled expression. I guess he didn't catch the eyebrow piercing till now.

His eyes collide with mine, "Lord it's good to know one thing hasn't changed though."

"What's that," I ask with the tilt of my head.

"Those blue-green eyes of yours- still as beautiful as ever," he says with benevolent smile.

I try to keep my cold exterior in place, but it dissolves as a smile crosses my face in return.

Kate interrupts the brief silence her puzzled expression still in place, "Yeah I'm beyond lost. How do you two..."

Blue finishes for her, "Know each other. Well I used to babysit Jade when she was pint size."

I roll my eyes, "I wasn't that short."

He smirks and chuckles, "Jade never liked when I made fun of her height even back then. Good thing you had that growth spurt huh slugger."

I nod once my bitter reaction getting the best of me. "Yeah started right a year after you left," I remark abrasively.

An awkward silence tenses the air around us. Kate looking to Blue and over to me her curious gaze evidently pondering my last words.

"Look Jade- we should talk about that," Blue finally mutters a guilty conscience apparent within his ice blue eyes.

I stand up straight, uncrossing my arms a part of me feeling wrong from the look in his eyes. "Um maybe some other time- Kate and I have to make it to school." I shift my focus onto her, "Isn't that right Kate?"

She nods briskly following along with my cue, "Mhmm. Yeah we should get going before we're late."

Blue smiles politely, "I understand." He places a hand on Kate's shoulder now looking to her as I move around them retreating towards the kitchen doorway. "Kate remember to call me during your lunch break. I might need your help."

"Yeah sure thing Blue," she responds simply and follows me out of the kitchen.

As I'm about to pass the stairs and make my way to the front door her voice stops me. "Hey let me get our bags they're upstairs."

I turn around to face her, "Okay."

Kate goes off up the stairs while I'm left waiting by the foot of the staircase on her to return. I place my hands inside the pockets of Kate's black denim vest fidgeting my fingers inside the softer material and rocking on my boot clad feet hoping not to see Blue. Yet he comes out from the kitchen our eyes catching one another's. He smiles nervously, "Jade- um you know you can stop by anytime you'd like, okay?"

I watch him carefully measuring the tone of his words: the way his eyes and features reveal regret holding an essence of truth that he wishes to make things better. I smile sincerely, "Thanks Blue."

His nervous smile now more content. Our eyes shift away from each other and over to Kate who I turn to see descending the stairs. She hands me my messenger bag once she's at the foot of the winding metal staircase. I take it from her and cross the strap across my body. "Ready," she asks her eyes observant of Blue and I.

I answer her with a yes and we both make our way to the front door of the house Blue watching us go.

Hollywood Arts 7:30 A.M.

Kate and Jade entering HA

"Well we made it on time," Kate confirms as we enter through the double doors of Hollywood Arts.

As Kate and I make our way to my locker people begin to notice my new look. Some students doing take backs to make sure they are seeing what they quickly glanced at: their puzzled faces obviously saying it all. "Made it to the premiere of my own movie 'Jade's Obvious Gay Is Showing'. Kate they all know," I lean in close to her and whisper cautiously afraid that someone around us will over hear me.

We make it to my locker, Kate standing next to my left as I put in my combination and open it up. I reach into my messenger bag retrieving my books from last night that I was supposed to have used for my homework, but never did get around to. I switch two of them out for another two stuffing them in my bag. Kate finally whispering back, "No they don't. It just feels like they do cause you're over thinking it." She pauses taking a look at the students as I dare to do the same by looking to my right. "Trust me all these people probably figure it's just for show. You're Jade West everyone knows you're a damn good actress," she goes quiet once more and I look to her wondering why. Her eyes peer into mine with encouragement, "All you gotta do is play it off, okay?"

I nod back in response understanding what she's trying to say. I have to give this my best performance in order to keep my sexuality a secret... at least for the time being. I have to keep on acting like I normally would any other day so no one suspects anything. I shut my locker door with a loud slam the sound echoing off in the halls as a warning to those around me.

I turn to my right now facing the looks from the many students of Hollywood Arts. My eyes locking on one of the jersey wearing football players surrounded among his many fellow teammates not so far away from me. I call him out on it, "Hey number eight what are you staring at? Did you get tackled so many times that you have the inability to look anywhere else, but in my direction?" He tries to reply, but fails stuttering incoherently. "Apparently you don't speak English. So let me help you out. Stop. staring. at. me," I punctuate with a glower in his direction. "Or you won't be able to see anything for next week's football game. Got it."

I don't have to say anything else because as soon as I finish the guy sprints off down the hall probably heading over to the boy's restroom. The rest of his teammate buddies avoiding my gaze along with everyone else in the hall who has returned to doing whatever else they were doing before I entered the building. Kate comes into my peripheral vision: her arms crossed. "Subtle," she whispers with a grin on her face.

I smirk slightly keeping my eyes trained on the roaming students in the hall. "Yeah well you said play it off, and I did."

She chuckles, "That you did. So are you ready for Sikowitz's?"

I don't answer her right away focused on searching for the group specifically Beck- and Tori. I don't catch sight of any of them. They must already be in Sikowitz's class. I turn my head to my right to look at Kate meeting her worried eyes. "I guess we'll find out," I remark with a shrug of my shoulders.

1st Period Sikowitz's Classroom

I step through the back door of the room like usual Kate walking in behind me. A couple steps further into the room and I start to get the same reaction that I did out in the halls. Gawking looks including from Cat, Robbie, Andre, and Vega.

"Whoa Jade you look different," Cat rushes up to me with animated big brown eyes. I stay quiet not knowing what to say for the fact that it's Cat, and I wouldn't deliberately hurt her...unless she gave me good reason. My eyes swivel around the room of students in search of Beck realizing that he's not here. She giggles and my attention lands back onto her. "I like it."

I nod once, "Thanks Cat."

The petite redhead smiles brightly at me her eyes dancing with delight. "Wow Jade. You said thank you to me," she remarks stunned.

My eyes grow big in recognition of my mistake. She's right I never say thank you to her or to anyone for that matter. Jade West doesn't do thank you's or apologies... at least not around school. I tense up not knowing how to respond again as curious and half confused faces keep watch on me more than before. Rex makes a noise his mouth dropping open, "Ah. Maybe its opposite day- which means Wicked Witch is gone and nice Jade is in."

Andre turns to Robbie and Rex, "Is there such a thing as a nice Jade?" Vega rolls her eyes knowing that Andre should have never opened his mouth.

I glare at the two boys including the dumb puppet my teeth clenching down in annoyance. "Either you two shut it or Wicked Witch is about to have you for breakfast stew."

Robbie visibly gulps as Andre fidgets with his baggy pants pockets. Rex making another one of his usual breaking the awkward moment noises, "That's unsanitary."

Suddenly a voice booms in the room, "Owie!" Everyone jumps turning around to see the commotion that apparently is Sikowitz lying face first on the stage. "Ahhh," he grumbles and twitches on the floor as he tries to stand up.

Tori dashes over to him kneeling on her knees carefully placing a hand on his shoulder. "Sikowitz are you okay?" He grunts placing his hands in push up position and forcing himself up a bit. Vega helps him stand up the rest of the way by pulling him up from his arm.

"I'm alright Tori, thank you," he addresses her as he finds his footing. She leaves him on stage stepping down next to Andre's side. Sikowitz rubs at his red forehead. "Alright aside from my failed attempt to make a dramatic entrance through the window for the fifth time now," he drops his hand away. "I'd like to say welcome back children from your slumber! Isn't it a glorious and wonderful morning," he jubilantly exclaims to the class.

Jesus how many hits to the head can this man take and still say it's a wonderful morning. Trust me Sikowitz my morning is anything, but glorious. The bell rings and everyone shuffles to take their regular seats. Kate gently touches my arm very discreetly leaving my side and making her way to the other side of the classroom to take her seat up in front. I take my own seat near the back crossing my arms and slumping into my normal unladylike posture.

"Alright now that everyone is seated let's start the class with an acting exercise!" Sikowitz strokes his bearded chin and hums to himself as he considers who to choose among the crowd of students. "Aha! Cat! Come up here will ya," he motions to the excited redhead who skips her way giddily to the stage.

Sikowitz turns away from us walking over to a box off near the stage. He rummages through it pulling out a pink ruffled hat that he throws at Cat. She squeals as it hits her in the face and falls to the ground. She touches her face slowly in reflex blinking fast a couple times before looking down at the pink hat lying at her feet. Cat picks it up laughing at the realization that the hit wouldn't have actually hurt even if Sikowitz had warned her about him throwing it at her face in the first place.

"What do I do with it," she asks Sikowitz with a cheerful smile.

He hums again. "Right! I forgot," he bellows out. Sikowitz grabs an orange swivel chair and places it on the stage signaling Cat to take a seat. She does so facing him her back to us. The chair and the back of her red hair being our only view until Sikowitz takes the pink hat from her placing it over her head. He begins tying the pink rumpled hat adjusting it to better fit Cat. Where is he going with this? "Alright Tori and Jade- you two are going to play husband and wife," he says loudly with a bit of a hidden smirk directed in my direction.

He can't be serious...really Sikowitz?! I swear that hippie is always trying to make Vega and I get along. He does this on occasion by pairing us together, but why out of all the days of the week did he have to choose today!

Tori turns back in her chair looking to me, "I'll be the wife."

"Yeah no kidding," I retort back with a scowl on my face. I stand up making my way to the stage Tori following suit.

Sikowitz spins Cat around joyfully announcing to us as if we've won a prize, "Now here's your brand new synthetically redheaded baby."

Cat looks up at Sikowitz, "Wait before we start I was just wondering. I have three questions-," he unexpectedly pops a bright orange baby pacifier into her mouth cutting her short.

He quickly walks off the stage leaving Cat with a sad expression. "Alright now your dialogue should all be friendly and happy, but your subtext is anger," he directs all three of us with energetic hand gestures. "So you must say your happy lines angrily." He steps up close to me and yells, "Action!"

Sikowitz runs off grabbing his coconut and standing close to Andre and Robbie. I shake myself getting into character. Vega turns to face me fully starting the scene off, "Hey! I am so hunking happy that we got married and had this cute little baby!"

I cross my arms and nod in reaction. "Dido to that," I shout back in a deeper voice to accurately portray a husband. I snort and scratch my nose motioning to Cat, "I tell ya there's nothing on this planet warms my cockles more than looking at this magical pile of baby right there."

Cat angrily removes her orange pacifier with a pop, "Goo!"

She places it back in her mouth as Tori sharply replies, "Oh! Did you hear that, goo!?"

"Cut," Sikowitz roars interrupting me before I even get the chance to say anything. Everyone looks surprised at him. What the hell? We were doing well why would he cut? "You girls are doing extremely well." No shit Sikowitz I say to myself as I roll my eyes. "However, you two," he points to Vega and I. "Are playing husband and wife- which means that you must be affectionate even if the dialogue is friendly and happy along with the angry subtext. Capeesh?"

My brows shoot up and my eyes bug out from his words. He's joking right? Dear lord please Sikowitz start laughing and say it's a damn joke. I gulp turning my head to look at Vega. She's just as shocked as everyone in the room is right now. In all of the other acting exercises we've done together Vega and I have never had to be affectionate with each other. Tori awkwardly laughs, "Umm what do you mean?"

Did she seriously just ask Sikowitz that question. He laughs hysterically, "Okay Tori I'll help you get the picture. Cat scoot on over a little so Jade can move closer to the middle of the stage." Cat does as she's told and I center myself waiting on him to go on dreadfully. "Now! Tori move closer to Jade please."

Vega hesitantly takes a few steps in my direction until she's two feet away from me. "Closer," Sikowitz instructs. Vega tensely moves forward getting rid of the final distance in between us. "Okay good. Now Jade place your hands on Tori's waist, and Tori you place your arms around Jade's neck."

My eyes wander down to Vega's waist, and I consciously place one hand on her side pulling her just an inch nearer; our bodies touching now. I stiffen as our eyes connect blue-green meeting coffee brown like millions of times before. My other hand delicately finds Tori's waist my cool fingers brushing a bit of her hot skin by mistake. She noticeably shudders and bites down on her lip. I feel my heartbeat speed up when her arms snake around my neck her body pressing tightly against me.

"Excellent now Jade," my gaze shifts onto Sikowitz. "Kiss your wife," he says with a sly grin.

I think it's safe to say everyone in the room is holding their breath just like I am right now. I tremble turning my attention back onto Vega her warm brown eyes watching me in apprehension. I breathe unevenly, kiss her? Kiss Tori. My eyes travel down to her supple pink lips and I begin to drift forgetting the fact that there are people in the room. I want to kiss her: my head tilts as I begin to lean in for that very much desired contact.

Tori's hands start to explore the back of my head her fingers delving into my dark wavy hair. I can feel her pulling me closer; my eyes drift up to meet hers the stifled anticipation within them dancing dangerously high. I ease in ceasing my chance and kiss her my lips tenderly making contact with the soft skin of her cheek.

The noise of students gasping and Tori's difficult breathing are all that I'm aware of. Until the loud sound of a door slamming shut breaks the spell I underwent causing me to promptly pull away my eyes shooting open. I look to the back of the room Beck standing there with his backpack slung over his shoulder; his expression resentful. It must be the clothes... I am after all wearing Kate's gray skinny jeans that are riding low on my hips exposing a bit of my abdomen (considering that she's taller than me). Then there's the white muscle shirt that I have on underneath the black denim vest.

It all pretty much screams lesbian...and he probably recognizes these aren't my clothes at all. Or wait- It could be under the circumstance that Vega and I are still in this intimate position. "Did I miss something," Beck remarks with a bitter grin.

I feel Tori squirm within my hold her body brushing unintentionally into me. Sikowitz clears his throat, "Yes well done girls. You two can let go now." Vega and I release each other immediately both of us taking a few steps away from one another. "I think this was a very interesting acting exercise! Wouldn't you agree class?" The whole class nods a few murmuring in approval. "Okay, girls you three can take your seats so we can continue."

We all step off the stage making our way back to our seats when I hesitate near mine. I stare at Beck who's still standing near the back door. He shortly remains glaring at me before he moves to take a vacant seat near the front next to Robbie instead of his routine spot next to me.

Halfway through Lunch

"Ugh! Stupid Sikowitz! I can't believe he made me kiss Vega in front of the whole class!"

"Well you didn't have to kiss her ya know," Kate dips a fry into ketchup and pops it into her mouth. "Besides it wasn't even on the lips Jade. So it's not such a big deal."

"Yeah, but everyone knows I don't like her. So it's like a red flag."

"Technically everyone assumes you don't like her- which we both know that's not true," she states pointedly and then proceeds to take a bite of her burger.

I go quiet knowing she's right; my eyes straying over to Vega a couple tables away. I watch her talking to Andre who is sitting next to her. I watch them all talking- everyone except Beck whose back is to me and who I can tell by his posture isn't conversing with the others. I sigh running a hand through my shadow black locks, "I just don't want people finding out that bit of information Kate. I should have never showed up to school today."

She takes a sip of her Pepsi, "It wasn't that bad. I mean sure first period was a little rough, but you got through it."

My eyes travel back to her as I shake my head in disagreement, "No Kate, I haven't gotten through anything yet. I'm not coming out of this unscathed- look at me. I avoided sitting with my friends because of Beck- which makes it obvious that something is going on between him and I." I pause glancing at the back of Beck's dark fluffy hair once more before I continue on. My head bowing low as I meet her blue eyes and whisper in a hushed serious tone, "Either Beck will say we broke up or somebody will ask him what happened."

Her brows knit together as she mimics my actions by bowing her own head low and whispering back, "So you're worried about people finding out you two broke up?"

"No, I know that's going to happen eventually. I'm more concerned about what will happen when everyone does find out." I take another pause our gazes held, "Who are my friends gonna side with? What story is he going to feed people?" I straighten up my posture and exhale overwhelmed, "I just- honestly don't know how to deal with all of this right now..."

Kate leans back reverting to her previous posture, "What makes you so sure he is going to feed people a story anyway?"

"I cheated on him, Kate. Trust me after last night- he was so upset. I've never seen him that angry before... Beck's just like any other guy. Their egos get bruised. Boys may not exactly admit that, but it's true." She nods silently in thought. "He is Beck Oliver the hottest guy at Hollywood Arts. Girls from freshmen to seniors have been after him ever since he got here. You think he is going to be honest and say the truth that I broke up with him; that I preferred someone else over him. No, he's not going to rest until he finds out who it was."

Her forehead wrinkles as her brows scrunch close together, "Wait you didn't tell him who?"

I look at her skeptically, "Kate, do you really think I was going to say it was she who shall not be named."

"Well truthfully yeah, I thought you were going to tell him the whole truth Jade. What I actually can't believe is that you just compared her to Lord Voldemort." Kate taps her chin with her index finger, "It's funny I never pictured her as an evil wizard bent on total control."

I roll my eyes, "Very funny Kate."

A lazy smile graces her face, "Just trying to lighten the mood."

I shrug my shoulders a bit defeated knowing she's only trying to make me feel better. "Well consider the mood still pretty heavy," I retort back sarcastically.

Her lazy grin changes to a sad slender line, "How heavy?"

A pained smile forms on my own features as I answer back, "A few tons of bricks on my shoulders- maybe even some balls and chains tied to my ankles."

Kate goes quiet as she only stares at me with worry. My eyes are on her, but I get the feeling someone's eyes are on me and my gaze moves over to the direction of the stare. Vega's eyes catching my own even from the good distance of the crowded Asphalt Cafe.

Our intense focus is suddenly broken when a loud voice close behind me calls out, "Robbie!"

A high pitched scream follows right after as I begin to listen in on the conversation, "Trina! Ah- what- what do you want?"

"I already told you what I want, and you've been avoiding me!" Well she sounds pissed, but why can't the eldest Vega yell at Shapiro somewhere else? Why out of all places does it have to be near me?

Robbie stutters, "Uh uh- avoiding, no I haven't. Look I have to get going; I need to show up early to my class-."

Loud mouth cuts him off, "You see!"

"Excuse me?"

"Don't play dumb with me puppet boy! What did you think of my show last night?"

She has a show? When on Earth did this happen? "Your show um- I thought it was- ah very um-."

Rex finally chimes in giving his two cents, "You said it stunk." And there it is Robbie always screwing himself over.

"What did that say," Trina questions enraged.

"Nothing! He doesn't know what he's saying! He's on special medication!"

Rex's muffled voice replies, "I'm not on medication!" Robbie must have covered the stupid puppet's mouth.

A peeved Trina huffs, "Are you gonna write a good review of my show or not?"

"Trina see- ah I'm a journalist, and it's my job to write the truth," Robbie tries to explain and I roll my eyes. I don't have to see this to know he's a total train wreck. In fact I don't care that he is. I just want them to shut up already. "And to be candid I didn't think that your performance was all-ah!"

Robbie's startled yelp makes me have enough of this crap. They are going to shut up now. I turn around and immediately feel the contact of cold liquid meet the front of Kate's white muscle shirt. "I'm gonna say this once so listen!"

They. Are. So. Dead. "Okay," he agrees weakly. Are they really that brainless that they don't even notice me breathing fire?

She grabs the front of his striped blue and white shirt, "I worked my butt off on that performance, and you are gonna write a good review ya feel me!"

He gulps visibly, "I feel like I'm about to pee my pants!" I swear, I'm going to give them to the count of three before I launch myself at both of them. ONE.

"Ugh you make me sick! Write a good review of my show! TWO. "Got it," she gives him a good shake before his eyes lock onto my cold wild orbs. His vision travels lower and I can feel my right eye twitch. "Ahh- Ja- ja-."

"What are you staring at," she questions displeased from his lack of attention.

Robbie raises a shaky hand to point to me, "Jade."

The eldest Vega turns her head in my direction her eyes growing incredibly large. She better watch what she says if not those fake eyelashes will be ripped off her eyelids without seconds more of hesitation. She likewise follows Robbie's actions and looks down to see the spill; her eyes quickly rushing back up to my face. "Jaaade listen," she starts off awkwardly then swiftly takes off in her high heels yelling out, "It was all Robbie's fault!" She runs faster than I've ever seen her run in her life, and I gotta say my anger begins to deplete some from watching her get away in those excessively high-heels. However, Trina running away in 10 inch heels is not enough amazement to make me completely forget about Robbie.

I resume glaring in his direction and automatically raise myself up on my feet to intimidate him more. His scrawny form begins to shake more than before as I take a step closer to him. Immediately he cowers away flinching with his eyes closed like I'm about to actually punch him (which to be honest I could do, but I won't for his sake).

Instead I spot Sinjin walking close by. I blare out calling his name, "Sinjin!" He jumps in surprise, but rushes over to me even so.

"Yes Jade," he asks a little too close to me.

"Give me your drink," I demand still glaring down at a frozen Robbie; his eyes appearing permanently shut.

"Okay sure," he says with a mixture of confusion. I snatch the drink from his hand and pour it down Robbie's pants. Instantly Robbie yells out, "Ah! Ahh ahh!" His eyes flying open with alarm and clear behind his glasses.

He tries to run away, but I grab the front of his shirt like Trina did and let him bounce around on his feet. "Consider the favor returned Shapiro," I seethe with a scowl in place.

Robbie keeps writhing around, and I tighten my grasp on him knowing the ice from Sinjin's drink is torturing him. "Please, Jade it's so cold!"

"Don't let this happen again. I guarantee you I won't be so civil next time," I finish saying with a phony smirk. He nods vigorously as I finally let him go: Robbie taking off like a rocket back into the school (most likely to the boy's room).

"Whoa- that was strangely attractive," Sinjin speaks up still too close for my taste. "I like fiery women," he flirts with the quirk of his brow and what's supposed to be an inviting smirk.

I grit my teeth a new target set if he doesn't move. "Sinjin. When I blink- you better not be standing anywhere near me."

I close my eyes for a second and open them again only to catch Sinjin's light brown frizzy curls disappearing in the main entrance doorway of the Asphalt Cafe. I spin around letting out an agitated huff. My eyes landing back on the sandy blonde who's sitting at the blue table with an amused closed lipped smile. "Huh- that went well," she comments.

I roll my eyes, "Shut up Kate. If you'll excuse me I'm going to go try and save your clothes."

She nods a low chuckle escaping her, "Okay, I'll be here."

I leave Kate behind making my way inside the school and over to the nearest girl's restroom. Upon entering the empty bathroom I walk over to the paper towel dispenser and pull out a good amount to wet under the tap. I remove Kate's black denim vest placing it on the sink countertop to inspect the mess; running my fingers over the jean material to feel any stickiness on it like that on my chest. I grab the white paper towels that I also placed on the counter top and let the cold water soak them in my hands. I begin to pat down the dark vest a bit trying to remove some of the sticky residue left by what apparently was apple juice, from the reflection I see of myself in the long mirror; the white muscle shirt sporting most of the stain.

Afterwards, I try rubbing down the ugly yellowish splotch but it does no good the mark stays. "Great just freakin great," I complain to myself. "Only one thing to do I suppose..."

I cross my arms over one another pulling up by the hem to peel it off my sticky skin. I toss the shirt onto the purple countertop leaving me in only my solid black bra. I wet the paper towels again and start cleaning my pale flesh. Once I'm done scrubbing myself I throw away the soaked paper towels grabbing some new ones to dry off my chest and stomach.

Right when I look down and start to dry my skin I hear a gasp coming from the doorway. My head moves up and my eyes coincide with the same amount of astonishment as Vega's. She's speechless her mouth slightly open: I'm rooted unmoving and embarrassed. I open my mouth to speak words difficult to form at the moment. "I uh- I should have changed in one of the stalls."

I can see the way Tori's eyes are dancing over the exposure of my skin and the crazy part is I like the feeling. I like the way she can make me feel just from staring at me this way. My body begins to heat up and I can feel my cheeks flush. I shake myself out of my stupor and move back to the counter seizing the vest and putting it back on to cover some of my body. Through the mirror I can see her trying to collect herself her own face unmistakably red.

She clears her throat, "Um what happened?"

I turn to face her; my toned abdomen only partially revealed to her eyes now. "Your pain in the ass of a sister and dweeb puppeteer spilled apple juice over Kate's clothes."

Tori's brows go up in surprise, "Kate's clothes?"

I lick my lips, "Yeah I had to borrow something from her to wear." She becomes mute her coffee brown eyes weighted in contemplation. "I spent the night over at her place," I add on waiting for her to say something, anything.

She blinks several times. "Oh," the hushed tone of her voice giving her away. She knows there is more that I'm not telling her, and a part of me wishes she would ask what went on between Kate and I. I know that she won't, but it doesn't stop the fact that I want her to be jealous. Tori's gaze shifts to the patterned white and light blue tiled floor. She changes the subject, "Listen Jade, about what happened this morning-"

"Don't worry about it Vega, Sikowitz is always out of his bald mind," I say distastefully at the mere thought of that barefoot hippie. "I'm sure no one suspected anything."

She looks up, "How can you be sure?"

I sigh running a hand through my hair the vest moving along with my movements and briefly uncovering a little more of my abs. "I'm not. I'm just hoping no one is." I stare at her and realize her attention is elsewhere. Her vision focused on my midsection and hips. "Besides it was just acting- it's not like it really meant anything, right?"

Vega's attention perks back up to my face. As she takes a second to process what I just said. She nods in response with a tight lipped smile, "Yeah." Not exactly the response I was going for, but what was I expecting for her to say that we have something? "Well I just came in here to wash my hands so-."

She advances forward stopping to my side at the sink next to me. I hear the tap begin to run as I stay momentarily still for a second or two longer. Out of the three other available sinks you had to choose the one right by me Vega? I turn to face the mirror reaching out for Kate's muscle shirt to fold.

The sound of the flowing water stops, and I observe her reflection getting ready to head over to the paper towel dispenser. I forget about the shirt and accidentally let it drop to the floor as I turn to my right offering her some napkins. "Here I have some extra."

She looks at me and smiles; a smile warm and soft that without warning takes my breath away. She takes the white paper towels from my hand, "Thanks." I can't help but stare at her as she dries her hands my insides feeling light just from the simple gesture. Shit its butterflies. The uneasy feeling growing as Tori walks away from me and over to the trash bin.

I watch her walk following the curves of her body all the way down my eyes lingering on her butt. I blink rapidly my body burning from desire. I hurriedly decide on distracting myself by starting to button the vest so I can get out of here.

I fumble with the first lower black button my hands unsteadily shaking. Crap. What the hell is wrong with me? Why all of a sudden am I feeling this nervous around Vega?

Her voice interrupts my thoughts, "Need some help there?"

My eyes come to rest on her again. "No Vega. I know how to button a vest," I snap in false offense.

She raises her hands feigning defense, "Okay." I almost get the dumb button in, but my fingers falter. STUPID BUTTON! I hear Tori's footsteps coming closer to me, "Here let me see."

No, no, no! Do not come close to me right now! "I don't need your help," I retort.

"Really shaky hands," she quips back as Tori tries to remove my hands from the button to take over.

I scowl at her slapping one of her hands away, "Don't patronize me."

She slaps me back, "I'm not! Now hold still! Geez Jade sometimes you can act like such a baby."

"Did you just slap me," I say angrily in disbelief.

"Well you slapped me first," she counters back and takes the opportunity of my still hands to grab onto the denim vest.

"Very mature Vega. Who sounds like the baby now," I bite back and begin to wriggle trying to let loose of her hold.

She grunts, "Ugh! You still! Now jammit stay put!"

I growl in response, "Fine!" I stop my jerking movements and comply letting her work on the first button. "Gosh Vega you're such a prude. You can't even curse."

She finishes the first and moves to the second. "It's not that I can't Jade. Unlike you I just choose not to. I don't like it."

I roll my eyes as she finishes the second button now going higher, "I rest my case."

She pauses in her movements giving me a glare and I smirk smugly. I like it when she's mad. Tori starts up again on the third button this time only by mistake grazing the skin near my navel. My smirk wipes off my face within a fraction of a second as the unintentional touch sends a tremor down my spine. She picks up on it and ceases her actions again to peer into my eyes.

Our gazes locked; blue-green sparking off the pronounced longing in those coffee brown eyes. Before I can even come to my senses this time Vega purposefully strokes my navel with her finger. I swear I'm a goner as an unmistakable whimper slips from my lips. Tori's pupils dilate and I can see her former control broken when her eyes travel down to my mouth. Without another thought she kisses me her mouth attached to mine fiercely. I'm caught off guard at first, but soon find myself giving into her impulsive action.

She places her hot hand on my stomach only adding fuel to the fire. My hands tangle into her chestnut brown waves part of her hair brushing against my cheek. Tori's tongue delves into my mouth expertly stroking my own causing a surprising moan to escape me. I push her back against the counter roughly and she undoes the bottom two buttons. Vega's hands now roaming my fully exposed toned abdomen; her touch creating a rush within my veins, my chest- my whole entire body.

When I feel her grind against my leg between hers I break the kiss throwing my head back in a loud moan. Her soft lips placing a sensitive kiss on my throat that makes me wet. She begins to pepper the rest of my arched neck with kisses eventually biting down on my pulse point. My breath hitches as the intensifying heat between my legs only grows when Tori's hands sweep upwards to my breasts.

She caresses me through my black bra as she makes a trail of kisses up to my chin capturing me in another urgent lip-lock. I thrust involuntarily my thigh brushing on Tori's sex a sound of approval vibrating from her mouth into mine as she grinds against my leg in reaction.

I'm totally consumed by her, the way she feels against me. The way she floods my senses compelling me to give in when I least expect it- but how can I just keep letting her pull me in like this? As much as I don't want to stop I know that can't go any further with her. I move my hands from her hair to her shoulders and push. Her hands stiffen and I pull away breaking our kiss.

Tori blinks rapidly back at me her brown eyes full of surprise; our connection hindered. "Why," I whisper pained. I wait for her to say something; to explain the mixed signals she keeps on giving me. She stays quiet only looking back at me with grief in her watery eyes. Her hands fall away from my chest, and I nod back more of my heart shattered by Tori Vega. Guess I'll never know.

I separate myself from her and walk away buttoning the vest as I go. What little emotional control that I had this morning dangerously wavering on a thin line. I exit the restroom my pace fast as I make my way down the hall in the direction of the Asphalt Cafe. I'm passing Vega's locker and everyone else's until Beck blocks my view making me come to an abrupt standstill.

I furrow my brows not expecting him to approach me at all today. "Beck, what are you doing?"

"It's her isn't it?" The pit of my stomach drops from his words. How does he- Did he follow Vega? I'm literally rendered speechless too scared that he knows the truth. "So what, you wear her clothes advertising to the entire school that you're with her now. You've ridiculed me Jade," he expresses with aching chocolate brown eyes.

I keep quiet for a few seconds understanding dawning on me; my eyes growing wide in realization. My god he thinks I cheated on him with Kate. I look at him in disbelief, "Kate? Beck you can't be-."

"Serious," he cuts me off. The pitch of his voice rising, "Yes, Jade I am. Ever since that Connors girl got here you haven't been yourself. She's the whole reason why you broke up with me isn't it?"

I look away from him and to the floor shaking my head, "That's not true."

"Really? So you deny that you've changed?" My silence is all he needs to continue on. "You can't even answer me. How's that for proof." The bell rings out in the hall marking the end of lunch and I begin to panic. If he doesn't drop the subject now everyone is going to see us and here what we are talking about. "So now what Jade? I've seen you try on many different roles before in the past. I guess dyke happens to be this year's main role huh," his anger finally surfaces.

I pick up my head my own anger coming out, "Shut up Beck." I start to hear people coming in my focus diverting behind him. The sight of a few students filing back into the school causes my heart to race.

"Oh defensive another sign," he remarks sarcastically.

My eyes dash to him and then back onto the crowd of students who have flooded in. All gathered into a small crowd now watching us. I clench down on my jaw giving him a low warning, "Don't do this here."

He looks over his shoulder at the bunch of people who keep on growing and I look over mine catching other students who have come out of their classes. We look back at each other his eyes narrowed, "Why shouldn't I? You're the one wearing your new lesbian lover's clothing." He gestures towards the mass of students his hands spreading out dramatically, "You've basically admitted it to everyone here today."

I cross my arms and purse my lips trying to control my temper."You're making it really hard for me not to throw a punch at you right now. When you calm down which you clearly should do, then we can talk. In the meantime don't go around throwing accusations that aren't even true."

A familiar voice calls my name, "Jade?" I glance in her direction still keeping my eyes on Beck; Vega in my peripheral vision. She's standing close to my right a worried expression on her face.

"What Vega," I say under my breath.

"You forgot this," she whispers back just as low offering me back Kate's white muscle tee as obscurely as she can. I take it from her at a minimum pace trying not to land myself in anymore suspicion. Maybe most students don't notice, but I can tell Beck does- his eyes observant of my every move. "What's going on," Tori questions from the apparent tension between Beck and I.

Beck- "Stay out of it Tori." Jade- "Stay out of it Vega," Beck and I say simultaneously; his tone coming off irritated and mine surprisingly more discreet.

He stares me down for a few seconds longer hatred in his eyes before he picks up again acting like Vega never interrupted. "Calm down- you think I'm really going to take any of what you say with a simple shrug of my shoulders," he displays with an actual shrug. "That I'll just dismiss it and say its okay- No. You cheated on me, broke up with me, and have been lying to me," he counts off on his fingers. "If there is one thing I deserve it's the truth."

His determined pitch of voice keeps me silent. He's right. He does deserve the whole truth- but I just can't tell him...not in front of all these people. If he thought he could get me fired up enough to shout back the truth at him- Beck's wrong. I won't do it.

"Jade," I look behind me over my left shoulder in recognition that it's Kate saying my name. "Hey what's going on," she takes a step closer to my side in concern.

"Well if it isn't the dyke to the rescue. Perfect timing," Beck berates. My eyes dart over to him in fierce disapproval. What is he doing? Why is he acting this way? He's never been this guy- a jerk.

I glance back to Kate her brow's dipping in confusion, "Excuse me?" The look on her face expressing her astonishment.

"Oh cut the act Connors. Everyone knows you're gay," he says with a brittle laugh and a superior smirk on his face. "Everyone knows that you and Jade- are little more than just friendly." Beck's self-righteous smirk changes to nothing but a tight lipped line. I can't even react back in retaliation feeling too overwhelmed that any of this is actually coming from him. He breaks the quick pause."Can't say I'm too surprised. I mean you practically look like a guy- so naturally your kind would confuse her. You know what-." Beck takes two steps approaching Kate. "I bet. It wouldn't even count if I took a swing at ya. You sick queer."

I feel myself getting ready to lose it and deliver a blow to his face, but something happens that no one saw coming. A piercing slap rings out before I get the chance to even lift my clenched fist. My eyes fall on Vega whose hand is stretched out shaking; her coffee brown eyes horrified.

So? What did you all think? Intersting chapter or did I totally screw up? Leave me reviews or any feedback you'd like. I'll take the reviews under consideraton.

P.S.- College starts up for me again this Monday so I hope my life doesn't get overloaded with assignments and homework, but I promise to keep writing. The updating thing could take sometime hope everyone can handle that.

-Vintagegirl24