AN: Before I start this chapter, I just want everyone to know that a made a blunder on the last chapter. I meant to say that Jade rested her HEAD on Freddie's chest not hand. haha. And the two songs I forgot to mention are "now you're gone" by Bass Hunter and "be there" by Joseph Vincent. On to the chapter.
Chapter Twenty Six: Happy Birthday Part I
Tori P.O.V.
"Ugh! Where did I put it?" I groaned, tossing the pillows on my bed aside.
"Put what?" I heard a voice say. I turned to see Trina leaning against my bedroom door frame.
"My thingamajig!" I exclaimed, frustrated.
Trina chuckled. "You've got to be a little more specific than that."
"MY SILVER LOCKET WITH THE SILVER HEART!" I shouted.
"Oh, you mean this?" She asked, pulling out the very thing I was searching for, for hours!
"Yes!" I exclaimed, snatching it from her. "Why did you have it?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "Because I wanted to see if it looked better on me and it did!"
I rolled my eyes ignoring her remarks. "Look, I don't want this to get lost. It's very special to me. So please leave it."
"Ohhh right!" Trina said, winking and wearing a teasing grin. "This is the locket that André gave you right? I'm curious, why didn't you fill the other side of the locket with a picture of him?"
My cheeks turned red and began to burn. "Whatever Trina."
"Come on sis. It's obvious you like him and that he likes you. This is shocking because as soon as guys see that I'm your sister they all bolt to me." Trina said, chuckling.
"Is there a point to this Trina?" I asked, annoyed.
"Oh right!" She said, snapping her fingers. "Look why don't you just tell him how you feel? I mean today is your birthday after all, so your chances are better."
"I don't know." I said, looking down. "I'm not sure if I should. Look what happened to Freddie and Carly. They used to be best friends and when they finally got together, they broke up and now hate each other."
Trina rolled her eyes and took a seat beside me on my bed. "Look I'm not one that usually cares but André and you are nothing like Carly and Freddie. You can't hide it any longer. Sooner or later André might find someone to replace you. Monica almost did remember?"
She was right. André was too good to pass up. I needed to tell him or else it could be too late. I let out a defeated breath. "Okay."
"There you go. Now you're learning." Trina exclaimed, giving me a pat on the back. "By the way I got you a little something."
"What?" I asked curiously, taking the wrapped box from her hand.
"Well you said that you were always looking for a matching set of earrings for that locket so when we went to the mall that day I found these." Trina explained.
I opened the box and saw a pair of beautiful earrings. This would go perfect with my locket.
"Thanks sis! I love them." I said smiling and giving her a hug.
"No problem. Happy birthday Tori." She whispered before breaking apart. "Now let's go party like crazy!"
André P.O.V.
"Man I don't think I can do it." I said, tapping my fingers on the dash of Beck's car.
"It'll be fine!" Beck said, reassuringly. "And can you stop tapping your fingers!"
"Sorry man." I said embarrassed, putting my hands in my lap. "I just hope this works."
"Don't worry about it." He said, staring at the road. "Everything will be fine."
I hope he was right. This was "do or die" for me today. I don't think I could ever move on from Tori and her saying no would probably kill me. The song we wrote together was good and really fit who I was: a singer. I just prayed that she would accept me and I could finally have the thing that I've been wanting ever since I laid my eyes on her.
"André." Beck said, snapping his fingers in front of me.
"What? Who got friend zoned?" I shouted, breaking out of my thoughts.
He began to chuckle. "No one dude. We're here."
"Oh." I choked out, before getting out of the car and walking to Tori's front door. Here goes nothing.
Sam P.O.V.
"Carly! Stop texting!" I said, grabbing her cellphone.
"Hey!" She snapped, trying to retrieve it. "Give me back my phone!"
"Not until we get to the party!" I replied, putting the phone in my purse. "Which we will never get to if you don't stop texting this Ashton guy!"
Carly looked down embarrassed. "Sorry he's just very fun to talk to. Plus his eyes are blue and he has blonde hair! I think I'm in love!"
I rolled my eyes. "Really Carly? You said stuff like that about Steven, Jake, Adam and a bunch of other dudes!"
"Well Ashton is different!" She retorted.
"How?" I said, crossing my arms. "Give me one difference between him and the rest of the nubs."
"He's – he's…." Carly mumbled, trying to think of something.
I sighed. "Look whatever. Let's just go to the party already!"
She nodded happily, knowing that she couldn't find any differences. To be honest, this party was going to be very interesting to say the least. Carly and I weren't exactly what you would like to call "cool" right now with Freddie and Jade. After our fight, we didn't make any forms of communication with either of them. Who cares though, we had the right to be mad at them.
"I'm nervous about this party." Carly exclaimed, as if she was reading my mind. "I don't know what's going to happen. We can't ignore the fact that we don't get along with Jade and…"
"Freddie." I said, completing her sentence. She simply nodded and looked down sadly. "He has some problems with Beck too. I don't care though. Beck is my boyfriend and I'm taking his side if all hell breaks loose."
"I don't know what I'm going to do." Carly admitted. "I just hope nothing happens."
"Well, we'll find out when we get there." I stated, moving her outside. "Let's go."
"On your motorcycle?" Carly asked nervously.
"Yup. Don't worry once you get used to it, sitting on a motorcycle is an awesome feeling." I replied, trying to calm her nerves.
"Ever rode a motorcycle in high heels?" She questioned.
"Nope." I said, making her eyes bulge. "But it's worth a shot."
She nodded nervously before getting on as I revved the engine and drove off.
Freddie P.O.V.
I paced around downstairs trying to calm my nerves. Today was Tori's birthday and that also meant the first time I would see Sam and Carly since… what happened. As much as that was on my mind, for some reason I was nervous about taking Jade to the party. I've never gone to a party with a girl that I actually like other than Carly and Sam.
I walked over to the mirror and straightened my shirt again even though it was perfectly fine. I heard someone clear their throat and I turned to see Ms. West wearing a smirk.
"Oh hey, Ms. West." I said, trying to be cool.
She simply chuckled. "Don't worry Freddie. There's no need to be nervous." So much for trying to play it cool… Ms. West knew the circumstances Jade and I were facing but not the entire story.
"I know." I said, reassuringly. "Just some butterflies I guess. I just don't want to embarrass your daughter."
"You won't." She said, waving off my concern. "You look very handsome."
I let out a smile. "Thank you Ms. West."
She nodded, before we heard footsteps coming down the stairs. We turned around to see Jade walking down cautiously. She looked absolutely amazing! She was wearing a teal coloured dress that stopped right above her knees and had a scoop neckline. Along with that she was wearing a lace embellished jacket that was the same colour along with a pair of silver heels and jewellery, with her signature green hair extensions.
Now you must be wondering how I know all that. Let's just say that my mom wanted a girl… yeah let's leave it at that.
"So what do you think?" She asked, staring at both of us.
"Wow." I finally let out, making her smile.
Ms. West clapped her hands happily. "My little Jadelyn looks amazing!"
"Thanks mom." Jade whispered, giving her a hug. After they broke apart, Jade turned and looked at me.
"I like the leather jacket." She noted. "Makes you look bad."
"Thanks! So… shall we go?" I said, offering my arm.
"Sure." She replied, looping her arm with mine as we began walking out.
"Not so fast." Ms. West called out. We both turned around to see her waving her camera. "I want some pictures!"
Jade groaned as we turned around. We both tried to figure out how to take this picture, until Ms. West gave us instructions. "Come on you two! It's not kindergarten. You both don't have cooties."
I chuckled before wrapping an arm around her waist as Jade leaned closer and rested her head beside my shoulder. Ms. West smiled before taking her pictures.
After she was done, Jade grabbed my hand and quickly me pulled out of the house as we heard her mom yell to be safe.
"Well that was… interesting." I said, as we were cruising down the road.
"You're telling me." Jade groaned. "I think my mom lives to embarrass me!"
I chuckled at her statement. "If you've seen the things that my mom used to do me then you would thank your mom for what you think she does to embarrass you."
Jade laughed before looking at me curiously. "Oh yeah? How so?"
"Like this one time I was sleeping on the couch at Carly's…" I said, before stopping suddenly. The name brought back bad memories and reminded me what I was nervous about ten minutes ago.
"It's okay." Jade said, stroking my free hand. "I know you're going to see them today, but you've got to be strong. Don't let them make you think that you're the bad guy, because you're not."
I blew out a breath and gave a weak nod. It would be difficult seeing Carly and Sam because we weren't on good terms and some feelings I had for Carly didn't fade away. I wasn't worried about Beck though, because I knew that if he even thought of hurting Jade I would pound him into the ground.
"Turn here." Jade instructed, breaking me out of my thoughts. I turned into the lot and saw the "Karaoke Dokie" sign.
I stepped out of the car and opened Jade's door. She smiled and thanked me before looping her arm with mine again as we walked into the building. Here goes nothing.
Cat P.O.V.
"So Cat. What are you going to sing?" Robbie asked me curiously.
I shrugged my shoulders. "I have no clue. Do you have any suggestions?" I actually had written Robbie a song, but I didn't want Robbie to find out until I sang it. Hearing about what André was doing for Tori, made me want to do the same for Robbie. I hoped he liked it.
"Uh… maybe you could… no… um." He replied, confused. "Look I'm not really good at this song thing."
I chuckled and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Don't worry; I think I know what to do."
He smiled and kissed my hand as Freddie and Jade came towards our table.
"Wow you guys would make an adorable couple." I exclaimed, causing both of them to blush and look in opposite directions.
"Thanks." Freddie whispered. "Now can we sit?"
"Sure!" Robbie said. They both smiled and took the seats facing us. We were waiting for Tori when I saw Sam and Carly walking towards us.
"Hey Sam! Hey Carly!" I called out. My statement caused Freddie's expression to change and Jade to look at him with concern. Jade sighed and grabbed Freddie's hand, walking away with him from the table before they could come.
"Hey Cat." They both said.
Carly looked in the direction the former seat occupants went and asked me curiously. "Who was that?"
"Freddie and Jade." I said, causing them to wear similar reactions as Freddie and Jade.
"Where did the nub and Goth go? Went to find a nice make out place?" Sam asked, bitterly.
"Sam, that's mean!" I said. Jade was my best friend and Freddie was a nice guy. As much as I liked Sam, I wasn't going to let her bash my two friends. "Freddie and Jade aren't dating! So just lay off on them."
"Yeah!" Robbie said, trying to give me moral support.
Sam was about to respond before Carly elbowed her causing her to become silent.
"Sorry about that." Carly mumbled, before changing the topic. "So where is everyone else?"
"Here!" A voice called out. We turned to see Tori, Beck, André, and Trina. "Well if that's who you were looking for."
"Happy Birthday Tori!" We all shouted excitedly.
"I love your dress Tori!" I added on. She was wearing a pink dress that made her look like a princess without a tiara.
"Thanks." She said, before looking around curiously. "Hey… where are Freddie and Jade?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Beats me. They came but went somewhere."
Jade P.O.V.
"Why are we here?" Freddie asked me curiously.
"Did you see the look on your face?" I asked, ignoring his question. "You looked like you were going to die of fright."
He didn't say anything so I continued. "Look, I did this to help you. I don't want the conversation between Carly and you to be one sided. Especially when she has that blonde demon with her. I want you to be able to hold your ground and have someone to catch you in case you fall in the process."
He nodded in understanding. "Thanks."
"No problem."
"But since we're in here, I wanted to ask you something." He said, looking at me.
I raised a curious eyebrow. "What?"
"That day at Nozu's. Why were you so down?" He asked, curiously. My eyes looked down at the memory.
"When I was a little younger, my mom and dad used to argue a lot. One day I saw my dad packing his things. He said that mom and him were getting divorced and he was going to move. My mom and dad tried to explain everything to me, but I just left the house. I was walking on the sidewalk not knowing where to go or why I left. For some reason an "open mic" sign on a café window caught my eye. I walked in and I saw people getting up and singing. I found myself soon standing up on the stage, facing the audience. I was nervous as I never ever sang to anyone but myself when I was alone. I finally sang my feelings out and I realized that music was my getaway. I still miss how it used to be, but this is what makes me who I am." I finished, as tears escaped my eyes.
Freddie took me in his arms as he wiped away the tears with his thumb.
"I know I may look like a complete mess, but-"
"No." Freddie interrupted. "You're beautiful."
We looked deep into each other's eyes before we slowly leaned in and his lips met mine. I felt a jolt of electricity being sent to my heart. I didn't know what to think, all I knew was that I just wanted to be like this forever.
After we pulled apart we looked at each other wearing small smiles.
"Sorry." I stated, feeling the same sadness as when I kissed Beck in the hospital.
"You don't need to apologize for anything." He said, before taking my hand. "Look Jade, I really care about you, but I need to sort out my past before I focus on the present. I really want to explore "us" but I can't until I do so. It might not work out, but I want to try it anyways."
"I understand." I said, before chuckling a little.
"What?" He asked, confused.
"What a way to have our first kiss… in a maintenance closet." I said. We both began laughing at the irony of how it was probably one of the least romantic places, but for us it was perfect.
"Come on." He said, taking my hand. "Let's get back to the party."
We walked outside and back to the lounge to see everyone sitting down.
"There you guys are!" Tori sighed in relief. Her reaction caused the table group to turn around and see us.
I let go of Freddie's hand quickly, not because I was embarrassed but I didn't want anyone to know or suspect anything until everything was sorted out.
"Yeah sorry, my mom called." I lied. "She wanted to tell us that she wouldn't be back until early morning."
"Oh." She replied. "Well come take a seat."
"Thanks!" Freddie said, before pulling out a necklace that had the letter "T" in a heart from his pocket. "By the way, here Tori, Happy Birthday!"
"Thanks." She said, standing up and giving him a hug. "I love it."
Freddie looked at Carly, Sam, and Beck before I pulled him and sat him down beside me. Unfortunately we were sitting in front of the trio. I decided to direct the attention towards Tori.
"So Tori." I said, causing her to glance up. "I can't believe I'm doing this, but happy birthday!"
I pulled out my gift and handed it to her.
"Thanks Jade." She said, reaching out and giving me a hug that surprised me. "This means a lot to me."
"No problem." I mumbled, smiling. I didn't know whether I was smiling because of doing something good or from Freddie grabbing my hand which was unnoticed by others. The group grew silent until Tori stood up.
"Well since you two are both here. Let's party!" She exclaimed excitedly before turning to the DJ. "Hit it."
AN: That's the end of part one. Sorry for releasing so late. Hope you enjoyed it. Shout out to my newest follower Sterne96. To those currently following with or without an account, a shout out to you as well. Without you guys I wouldn't be writing this. All this is for you
For those wondering how Jade's dress looked here it is: shop/dresses/viewitem-PD1158029
I tried to describe it as best as I could, but yeah… LOL
mccurdsgrande: Yes, the moment just felt right even though it was very quick for them. I just felt that Sam was never a patient person like Carly so she just let it all go.
Guest: Carly and Freddie have A LOT of talking to do before even their friendship gets back on track, but there could be hope that it works out in the end.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned.