Monsters & Demons
Rated M
Genre: Drama & Adventure
Summary:
When Tori arrived at Hollywood Arts, she knew that things wouldn't be the same. Little did she know that she and her friends would find themselves wound into more than teenage drama. Jade thought all she had to worry about was her status being threatened. Does Trina finally have a true friend? A trio of newcomers shows up, bringing along more than the gang bargained for. Homework and plays don't sound so bad anymore.
A/N:
This chapter and the next will focus heavily on Jade and Liam but the rest of the gang will get some love down the road. I must admit that I'm having a lot of fun rewriting and retooling this story with the different paths I had in the past. It's definitely a major plus that I managed to get three chapters in one day with another being worked on by the time I post this update.
Thanks to those who catch this story and liked it.
I appreciate the love and will continue to get these chapters out when possible.
Now, buckle up because this one is a long one compared to the past chapters. I'm trying to keep my chapters at a decent length but sometimes the content is too good for me to separate. Anyway, enjoy this chapter and be on the look out for the next one.
Chapter 6: ...Must Come to an End
Liam found himself getting sidetracked after running into a bouncing scarlet-haired girl who seemed to relish in talking about many things from cupcakes to random stories about her brother. After this, he ran into a curly-haired boy carrying a puppet named Rex who seemed to rub him the wrong way, especially when he mentioned something about Liam hooking him up with some of the Northridge girls. Needless to say, it was breath of fresh air when he encountered Tori again along with her best friend, Andre who would perform for the party. After that, the party began to mellow out with some slow music that resulted in a couple of dances with the Latina who managed to get some confirmation that it was him at the audition the week prior before just enjoying the moment.
He was having a blast and it was all thanks to Jade.
His eyes widened at the realization that he'd left Jade after all of this time, feeling a pang of guilt begin to eat away at him. Even though he was just savoring the memories that he was creating, he should've at least touched bases with her. It had been an hour since he went to get another drink and he was sure that she would be a little miffed upon seeing him again.
"Sorry, Tori. I gotta go for a bit."
"Awww... Really?" she poked her bottom lip, hoping to keep him to herself for a little while longer.
"Yeah, I really need to check up on Jade. She was my 'date' so to speak."
"Why not just call her?"
"No phone..." he lamented.
"Then I'll help you look for her then."
This surprised Liam who'd picked up that there was some tension between the two, yet he made no action to quarrel with her. By this point, many of the other students had gone home or elsewhere, making it much easier for the pair to search. They asked around but no one had a clue of the goth's whereabouts. They checked the garage, backyard again, and the front of the house only to come up with nothing.
"Do you think she left without you?"
Liam shook his head. "I doubt that. We walked here together so, she would've told me if she was leaving."
"This doesn't make any sense."
"I agree. Jade's never done that except..."
"Except what?" Tori looked at him, almost pleading with those brown eyes. Liam could feel his resolve crumbling under her gaze but, he pushed through with his resistance.
"It's nothing. Would you mind if I use your bathroom?"
Tori nodded, giving him specific directions to his destination. A grateful Liam thanked the brunette before dashing for the restroom to relieve himself. Washing his hands, he made his exit with a stronger drive to find his best friend only to hear something; a moan. It was faint, just loud enough for him to pick up as he stepped out into the hallway. He shrugged it off and made his way down the corridor when he heard it again only slightly louder this time.
With disgust, Liam wanted to get as far away as he could. For his effort, he was rewarded by hearing the name of the boy who hurt his friend. However, it was the voice calling his name that froze him in his tracks.
"Mmm... Beck!"
No... It can't be. She didn't...
"I'm sorry, Jade..." Beck's grunts mixed with the sound of whimpering began to flood Liam's very core.
Liam's eyes were wide with horror as he looked in the direction of one of the bedrooms he had rushed past earlier. The door was cracked and he felt compelled to go there. It was invasive but, the shock of what he was hearing made him want to check in hopes that it was someone else; not her... not Jade. "I love you..."
Those three words made him sick to his stomach but, what came next would shatter his heart into pieces.
"I love you too, Beck..."
Heaviness...
At that moment, Liam felt like he was drowning while being dragged further down into the depth by a 1-ton weight. Hot tears began to well up in his eyes, blurring his vision. His throat felt stopped up as his mind raced with so many thoughts that ate away at him.
He'd found her only she wasn't alone.
She'd reconnected with that Beck guy and thus solidified what Liam knew would come next. He'd lost his best friend again only now, he was here to witness it happen in real-time. The truth was there to behold and he was the unlucky audience.
Pivoting on his heel, Liam hustled out of the corridor to escape the hell he knew was going to come as a result.
"Still my girl?" he could hear that guy ask but, he wasn't going to stick around to hear Jade's response. He wasted no time in storming down the stairs, passing a confused and now worried Tori and her friends on his way out the door without another word, slamming the door behind him.
"Liam?" the olive-skinned girl quietly wondered what could've set the boy off.
"What happened?" Robbie scratched his head. "He was fine just a second ago..."
"I don't know..." Andre replied in disarray. "By the way, has anyone seen Beck? I invited him to the party but I haven't seen him all night. He's not answering his phone."
"Well, I'm off to bed!" Trina Vega announced in a sing-song voice while skipping up the stairs. "Awesome party, sis!"
The group simply rolled their eyes in response, though the malice was lacking this time around.
"Sometimes, I wish karma could speed up her powers when it comes to Trina," Tori huffed only to hear a shriek of terror come from upstairs. "What the hell are you doing in my room?!"
On cue, everyone rushed upstairs to find a stunned and pissed Trina glaring at the covered (but obviously naked) Beck and Jade in her bed. While Andre and Robbie found this to be amusing, considering Tori's earlier question, the younger Vega sister looked at the disoriented couple with both realization and anger with a pair of teal orbs staring back blankly.
It all made sense now, and Tori wasn't sure how to respond as Jade and Beck shuffled out of the bed.
"Oh no..." Glaring softly at one goth, in particular, this was a mess that she didn't want to clean up.
Liam sighed, kicking away an imaginary stone as he power-walked home.
Sure, he was aware of the distance but, he didn't care.
His smoldering rage motivated him to press forward and long as he got as far away from her, it would be worth it. Try as he might, his mind continued to replay those disgusting words and actions committed by his so-called friend. This was just like all of those times before when Jade would throw him away for some guy and their friendship would suffer as a result. He'd go back to being an afterthought or rather, her emotional safety net when things became bad in her relationship.
"No more..." he snarled, his eyes burning incensed.
By now, the tears were pouring out in torrents.
Liam didn't care though, as he allowed the dam to run without resistance. There wasn't much he could do. He'd tried to keep his feelings in check in the past but, it only led to more suffering and he wasn't willing to go through that again.
Block after block, Liam traversed forward with little regard for anyone who saw his sorry state. Whether it was their concern, curiosity, or even laughter, he would take it as his punishment for ever thinking that he could be friends with Jade West. Every fiber of his being told him to let her go years ago, but, he wouldn't listen. He always kept a place open for her when she needed it and look where it got him.
Broken.
You knew better...
It all happened again, huh?
You should've told her to fuck off!
How many times has she used you as a placeholder?!
His eyes glowed the more he listened to his inner thoughts, radiating his By the time he arrived home (a half-hour trip mind you), he simply entered with a foul grimace.
"Back so soon?"
"Not now..."
"What happened?" she shot up from the couch to find her brother in his room, eyes red and puffy from his emotional breakdown.
There was no need to explain. The anger and betrayal behind his gaze told the story. To her surprise, the corner of Liam's lips began to twitch upward as he sat on his bed.
While he was indeed in pain, there was something else dancing behind the windows of his soul. Freedom. Escape. Unknowingly to himself or Jade, this would be the latter's third and final strike of the night. Years of abusing the one person who legitimately cared for her without hesitation would drive him to turn a once difficult decision into the easiest one ever made in his young life.
"Liam..." Lucille lamented, pulling her baby brother into a big hug. "I'm going to call off. We can watch your favorite show together and eat Italian Ice if you'd like."
"Sounds... Sounds good to me, sis."
To say that Jade was already in a bad mood would be a massive understatement.
If anything she felt... well, she felt a mixture of guilt and disappointment swimming in her stomach as she tried to force herself to go back to sleep. Instead, her mind flooded with the fact that not only had she pretty left Liam alone to the point where he walked home alone but, she did so while getting laid with her ex... or rather, her newly reunited boyfriend, Beck.
While getting caught in Trina's bed (which she had no problem with) was a bit awkward, it was the glower from Tori Vega that continued to burn deep in her soul. She was no stranger to having the girl with the flawless cheekbones flash small signs of vexation, this was the first time she'd detected legitimate anger at her.
On top of things, she wasn't exactly sure why Tori was so pissed off in the first place; sure, one could assume that it was because she was using her older sister's bed to satisfy her sexual desires, or maybe, it was because she'd gotten back with Beck which prevented her rival from claiming him for herself?
That wouldn't make any sense as she was so enamored with Liam during the night.
Guilt began to gnaw at her soul once more as she thought about him being alone. Even worse, Jade hadn't bothered to check on him to see if he was safe. Had he gotten a ride? Did he walk?! So many questions began to wrack her numbed brain as she carelessly fiddled for any sign of her phone.
Still, something about that darkness behind those honey-brown eyes made Jade shudder involuntarily.
"Was that why she's so upset with me?"
"Hmm?" Jade jerked her head over to the owner of the voice. "Did you say something, babe?"
The groggy form of Beck Oliver shifted under the sheets with a goofy grin on his face. He squinted at the shielded rays that still burned his eyes a little as he tried to sit up. Jade watched this with a hint of amusement that was quickly overshadowed by that familiar guilt.
Something still wasn't sitting right with her as she tried to piece together the events at the party.
"Nothing... Just had a lot on my mind," her eyes ventured off for a moment only to find herself pulled into a quick kiss that made her melt. "Cut it out..." She giggled, playfully slapping his shoulder.
"Sorry. I couldn't resist," Beck smiled back. "You were just looking too adorable."
"Yeah, well... Adorable or not, I do need to get home so I can get a shower and a change of clothes."
Jade registered the nuanced discontent in her boyfriend but, didn't concede to her claim.
After the party, she didn't return home after getting yelled at by the Vega sisters. Beck gave her a ride after that only to take a detour to his RV since the two were still pretty tired from their earlier escapades. From there, she decided to crash with the boy which led to the two discussing their future, seemingly forgetting the other nagging issue, if only for a little while.
Thankfully, Beck didn't make a fuss about her need and got out of the bed so she could change back into her clothes. A black shirt, matching skirt, and leggings were gingerly put on as she was still recovering from the previous night's activities as well. This is going to be troublesome... She mused as she put on her punk boots.
She mulled over what she needed to do, as Beck followed her lead and got dressed. Those questions kept running through her mind like a broken record, again and again, and again.
In other words, the blanks, few as they were, were sheer torture.
"Need a ride home?" she was pulled out of her pondering by his voice, soft and soothing to her ears, yet not to her soul.
"Y-Yeah..." she forced a smile before being escorted out of the trailer to Beck's truck; the entire time, she kept asking herself one single question.
How did things get so confusing?
The cool air bathed the campus of Hollywood Arts as its students poured out of the building eager for the next month of relaxation. Considering it was the month of November, this left many possibilities for the young boys and girls. Of course, this meant plenty of adventures for Liam, who was currently stuffing books into his locker.
After the events that occurred during the Halloween challenge, things had died down considerably for him. After recovering from the weekend, Liam had made a pact not to deal with the situation. In his mind, the best thing would be to pretend it never happened and hope for the best; he'd also make it a habit of staying to himself, a trait that came naturally to him.
It wasn't the healthiest, but at this point, it was the best idea he could have. Thankfully, he didn't share any classes with the girl.
Now, he was simply humming a tune from a musician named Robert Glasper, enjoying the temporary solitude.
Off in the distance, someone was watching him from the shadows.
This didn't go unseen for very long though as he turned around with a discreet glare, yet he would find nothing more than the occasional group of students chatting about their month-long holiday plans. Shaking his head, he instinctively rubbed his temples as if trying to wipe away some unseen insect.
With a sigh, he shut his locker and began to make his way down the hall only to feel his phone vibrate in his pocket. Groaning softly, the boy pulled out the device and turned it on, seeing that he'd just received a text message from a number that he didn't recognize.
Can we talk? Black Box.
Liam's face shifted from minor vexation to one of confusion as he turned around, heading down his impromptu detour. The random conversations of those passing by did little to distract him from the unsettling sensation in his stomach. The sounds of his boots could be heard throughout the lone hallway showing that he was indeed alone but, it wouldn't last long.
This is it! I'm going to give her a piece of my mind!
Pushing the door open, it wasn't Jade but Tori sitting along the rim of the stage with a preoccupied look on her face. If there was one positive to that damned party, it was meeting her. Sadly, he mentally kicked himself for forgetting that they exchanged numbers shortly after the incident.
He stepped inside, catching her attention, and could tell that something was off. Her face, while holding a small smile, appeared strained. Gazing lower, Liam saw her hands tightly gripping the edge of her makeshift seat and her legs, though crossed, would transition over each other every few minutes or so.
Despite all of these subtle signs, there was one obvious one that he couldn't miss.
"Hey."
"Hey." he grinned softly. "Something on your mind?"
More than you know, She mused in her head. "Well, I was wondering if you had any plans for the holidays?"
Liam scraped his chin for a second then shook his head.
"Not really... I honestly was just trying to figure that out when I got your text."
"Oh... Well, would you like to come with us on a trip? Sikowitz usually has us going to different places whenever a holiday rolls around..."
"I don't know. I don't have the money to pay for..."
"It's usually covered!" she interrupted swiftly.
He pondered her words for a moment, weighing his 'options'. While he thought about alternatives, Tori couldn't help but study his features. In her view, Liam was highly attractive. He was tall and well built, and he had a simple yet adorable smile. Plus, she couldn't help but find those bright green eyes so entrancing. Her blush only increased in intensity at the realization that this was her first time noticing him up close.
How could Jade mistreat someone as innocent as him?
"Hello?" Reality struck her as she could clearly see Liam gazing blankly at her. "Earth to Tori..."
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
He sighed in disbelief though the smallest of smirks was enough for her to understand that there was no negativity involved with the gesture.
"I said I'd love to go with you guys. I've got nothing better to do."
If it were possible, Tori's smile grew wider after hearing this.
"That's great!"
"So, where are we going?" he asked, sporting a big smile of his own. "I'd like to know what I'll have to pack."
Then her smile dropped slightly.
"Um... We're waiting for Sikowitz to announce that soon. Though you shouldn't need a passport or anything."
"Oh okay. Well, I can't wait to find out!"
"I can't believe we're going to Colorado!" Robbie announced excitedly for the umpteenth time.
"I can't believe you still haven't shut up about it!" Rex complained much to his handler's chagrin.
I can't believe I was able to pull this off last minute... Tori sighed quietly.
Over a week had passed since Tori mentioned the trip to Liam and it took half of that time to convince Sikowitz to take them to Denver, Colorado for the holidays. There were so many ways this could've backfired but, Lady Luck saw fit to smile on the Latina... but, not without a catch.
"DON'T STOP BELIEVING!" Everyone on the bus plugged their ears when Trina's voice erupted within the custom bus. Thanks to Travis' videos and direct training, Trina had managed to improve greatly, though even she had to admit that she needed more lessons. When Travis tapped her shoulder, she apologized, which shocked everyone on board.
"I can't believe Trina came along," Andre mentioned casually, followed by a chorus of agreement. "How did she even find out about this trip?"
"Why don't we ask Vega?"
"Stop it, guys. She's gotten better..." Tori added, hoping to take the focus off of her mistake.
"You failed miserably on so many levels."
Tori flashed a determined glare, one that rivaled the one at her party previously, shutting Jade up shortly after. She pretended that it was Beck's cooing that soothed her but the two knew the truth.
Speaking of truth, Jade directed her attention toward the back of the bus where a certain estranged friend sat next to Cat Valentine, both watching a video on his phone. Seeing Cat resting her head on his shoulder while pointing out something on the screen brought a pang to her heart. Try as she might, there was no getting a hold of Liam as one way or another, he was like a ghost.
Why should I care? she admonished herself. I got Beck back. I'm happy again...
Jade knew that this wasn't the complete truth, but like Liam's ability to remain incognito, Jade was a master of stubbornness. She wouldn't make a fuss about things so long as he wanted to play this game. And yet, Jade couldn't get the monkey off of her back whenever she'd notice the two interacting.
I wonder if they're...? No way... They couldn't be.
The idea she was considering was something that both intrigued and concerned her.
"...they're a couple?"
"What?"
"Liam & Cat? Don't you think they look like a couple?"
She tensed up under her boyfriend, as he whispered in her ear.
"I wouldn't know. I was busy thinking about people crashing and burning on the slopes."
"Well, I think they're a good match..."
"Please... At best they'd have a brother/sister vibe."
"If you say so..."
It seemed he had noticed the intimate interactions as well. Even now, the two were lying down on one of the makeshift beds near the back of the bus lost in conversation. Their smiles were innocent enough but, Jade couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of jealousy as her two friends shared a healthy laugh before settling down to listen to music on Liam's phone.
She had to admit that Beck had a point; seeing Cat so relaxed and around someone who appeared genuinely interested in her presence was nothing short of amazing in her eyes. Between Tori's ex-boyfriend and that one guy who only dated blonds, she certainly could do much worse than Liam. Yet and still, she couldn't shake this gnawing at her core.
The following morning, Sikowitz managed to get them to the airport in New Mexico. Given that Tori's trip request was last minute, the cheapest tickets to Colorado were on a flight in the state. It took several hours for the plane to arrive, but the gang had come prepared. Once the plane landed, the gang made sure to grab all of their belongings and bags.
Once that was complete they all caught cabs to the local ski resort.
The girls took the first cab while the boys rode in the second.
Another scenic trip through the city and the teens would finally arrive at the lodge where they would be staying for the next few days.
It didn't take long for the guys to get settled in and soon, they would head out to the slopes with some of the girls following close by. Surprisingly, Liam decided to stay in as he was pretty tired from the flight and wanted to get some rest. By this point, he was just lying down under the covers, happy to get away from the chilly weather for a bit.
With Travis concerned with Trina at the pool and Robbie spending time with the guy's sibling, Ahrya, there was nothing but peace to be had for the time being.
Unfortunately, his attempt at resting would have to wait as a sudden knock tore him from his coveted slumber. Amidst the grumbling, he trudged to the door, forcibly opening it to find a visual he hadn't anticipated.
Staring back at him was none other than Jade.
Why is she here?
The panic in his mind was thankfully veiled by his jet lag as he yawned. If not for that, Jade would most certainly smell the fear on him. Still, there had to be a reason for her to finally take this opportunity to corner him and he was going to have to swallow that bitter pill whether he wanted to or not.
"Hey..."
"Hey."
"What's up?"
"Just wondering why you're hiding away in your room when there's fresh powder to be hit? You always talked about trying out snowboarding if you ever got the chance."
This was true as Liam recalled a past conversation in the archives of his childhood.
"Yeah. I'm a little worn out from the travel so I decided to get some rest and hit the slopes tomorrow. Is something wrong?"
The boy knew that he was poking the beast and yet, he took the opportunity without hesitation, aiming to get a point on the board before ending this childish game. He really did want some sleep, after all.
"Of course not! Why would you think that?" she cast a warning brow at him.
"I guess I thought you'd rather be with... the others."
"Well, I'm not!" she snapped back. "I came to see you so here I am!"
He held his hands up defensively.
The last thing he wanted to do was incite an argument while they were on vacation not to mention that he craved the plush bed as he rubbed his weary eyes. Still, it seemed that Jade was troubled by something and until it was settled, he wouldn't get anywhere close to sleeping. So, against his better judgment, Liam chose to ask.
"What brings you to my humble room then?"
"I..." Jade paused for a moment, her temper giving way to her guilt. "I noticed a coffee shop nearby and I really wanted to talk and... talk things out."
There it was again... That singular trait reserved for only the closest of Jade's confidantes:
Vulnerability.
The way it so heavily laced her words made it clear that she needed this.
Damn my big heart!
The walk wasn't long but the dusk's air was bitter on the skin of first-timers. The pair turned their walk into a jog that rewarded with the warmth of the shop, bringing a light-hearted laugh between the pair. It was the longest they'd been around since... that night.
Settling into a booth in the far corner, the first few minutes were spent warming themselves but after that came the real issue.
"Alright, so what did you want to talk about?"
Jade didn't say anything at first. Rather than give up the answer so easily, she opted to play this game as calculative as possible.
"Who is it?"
"Excuse me?" he chuckled, anxiety and discomfort merging into one.
"I believe you heard me quite well."
"Jade..."
"I saw how you were with Cat, so spill it. Is she the one?"
"What are you talking about?" he snarled lowly, careful not to draw attention. "You're not making any sense. What do you mean by 'one', Jade?"
"The 'one' you're using to make me jealous..."
"Excuse me?"
"Is it Vega? Or is it someone I haven't met yet?"
Liam was dumbfounded as the pale girl crossed her arms. What he thought was a moment to console his friend instantly shifted into an interrogation. The more he realized her scheme, the wider her smirk grew. The crowded place; the perfect location to deprive one who is filled with a latent rage of their justice, a cornered animal with no way out.
"You set me up..." he narrowed his eyes, clearly not pleased at her deceit.
"You're surprised?"
He let out a low growl at her, mostly from irritation yet, it had little effect on the girl. In fact, it appeared that Jade was relishing her advantageous position. Liam didn't know how to feel now, which was exactly what she wanted. Even when she was wrong, she had to be right.
"Now, I ask again. Is it Vega?"
"Jade..."
"Are you using sweet little Cat?"
"Stop..." he bowed his head, trying his best to resist this nightmare.
"It's not Vega's older sister, is it?" she continued in a sing-song tone. "I think Travis might take exception with that."
FUCK YOU!
The boy slammed his palms on the table, his voice unlike his own now. It was like the growl of a tiger rumbling from his soul as his eyes flashed a dark amethyst, a beautiful shade of purple that made Jade's word stick in her throat. Those optics, while shimmering, possessed a demonic aura to them that spelled one thing for Jade:
Hatred.
Without another word, Liam stormed, leaving Jade to face the awkward silence of the coffee shop alone. She tried staring at the walls to occupy her mind, but it did little good as it only added to her humiliation. No. she wasn't concerned with the eyes of strangers, but the weight of those she knew. Once more, Tori's glare flashed in her memory.
Jade's gamble had failed spectacularly.
She could've apologized, perhaps make amends, and yet she chose to treat this as if it were a game. She sought to gaslight Liam into guiltily accepting her back knowing that this was all her fault. She didn't just hurt him.
He was wounded.
Sadly, in true Jade fashion, she wouldn't accept this.
A soft frown formed while Jade strutted out of the store, ignoring the murmuring crowd.
As if matching her mood, the wind began to pick up as she stomped back to the lodge, alone and shivering from the chilly air. By the time she traversed the lone walkway to the place, she'd forgotten about the pained look in his eyes. All that mattered now was that he left her at the shop and nobody leaves Jade West.
This was signature Jade storming back to the hotel and that always included a vengeful plot.
After leaving the coffee shop, Liam decided not to go straight to the resort. Instead, he wandered around the area, taking in the sights and sounds of Denver. It wasn't the most exciting city, but it was far from boring. He checked out a random arcade and even grabbed a bite at a nearby cafe across the street. It was certainly a good way for him to cool off after his outburst earlier.
Just as that moment popped in his head, he felt a twinge of guilt begin to eat away at him.
It's not your fault! She's the one who hurt you! Stop apologizing for other people's actions!
"Screw my life..."
A buzzing noise caught his ears just as he sat on the bed. He abandoned his instincts and checked the device to find a text from none other than Jade.
Jade: Sorry for being an ass. I really wanted to apologize but I let my pride get in the way.
Liam: No arguments there.
Jade: Can we just bury the hatchet?
Liam: Do you still plan to apologize?
Jade: Yeah...
Liam: Fine.
Jade: I'm catching a gondola now. Meet me at the top?
Liam: Sure...
Liam looked up at the darkening sky, wondering if the lifts were still active but if Jade was extending an olive branch, he wouldn't turn it down.
Shoving the device in his pocket, he sped as best he could in the snow and headed to the gondolas. He asked for directions at the front desk and sprinted through the building until he found the lifts. Thankfully, the operator told him that there was one more go-round for those who wanted to see the mountains before shutting down for the night.
Wasting little time, he stepped inside the warm booth, allowing it to take him up. Despite the icy terrain, there was something amazing about the scene surrounding him. It was breathtaking, but, there would be time for him to focus on that later as he sat, his nerves getting the better of him.
"Relax, Liam..." he slapped his face softly. "Don't get worked up about something that hasn't even happened yet. I mean, it's Jade apologizing so... that's something important but..."
The gondola made it halfway up the mountain path when the urge to see the gorgeous landscape got the better of him. However, instead of seeing the glorious mountains, emerald orbs saw something absolutely soul-shattering.
Across from him, he watched as the descending lift revealed two people inside. They were caught up in the moment, nude and carefree as they engaged in a quick moment of passion that grew hotter by the second. His stomach turned in disgust at the visual passing him and yet, unlike the first time, he couldn't escape.
Normally, this would've just caused Liam to turn away but, it was the presence of raven hair with purple streaks that gave him all he needed to know what was happening and, more importantly, who was involved.
Though the image of Jade's naked form being handled was both disgusting and heartbreaking, his mind couldn't tear away from the sight until the lift was no longer visible. All that remained at that point was the slow and agonizing ascension to the top of the slopes and an even more dreadful descent that was expected to follow.
Meanwhile, Jade and a satisfied Beck exited the gondola with perverse grins. They were grateful to be able to finish the deed and get dressed before the ride concluded but, for one of them, there was another reason for their smirk. The image of a shattered Liam was a sight that added to the sexual thrill that they experienced.
Perhaps Liam would get the point of his position now...
"Hey, babe. You coming in?"
She turned to her still rattled boyfriend and gave him a long kiss before separating.
"I'm just cooling off. I'll be inside in a moment."
"Okay then. Don't stay out too long and catch a cold."
Her mind was a mess and yet, Jade said nothing as she spared a conflicted glance upon the realization of their actions. Sure, he'd be pissed once he arrived back down, but there was a problem one that was only increased when a hellish howl echoed into the darkening sky.
Where is he? she wondered as her pride steadily shifted into concern.
Soon, the snow began to pick up, blanketing the sky with its own brand of vengeance as tiny flakes began to pelt her cheeks. Finally, she checked her phone to find that it had been nearly half an hour since she passed Liam and now, the gondolas were officially shut down for the evening.
Her teal eyes stared off into the distance with worry as she realized something terrible.
Instinctively, she hurried over to the operator in hopes of convincing him to let her back up only for him to refuse due to the incoming storm. The only saving grace of this whole ordeal would be that he offered to contact the mountain patrol and have an APB put out.
This did little to comfort Jade though as the full weight of what she'd done gripped her heart, making her want to vomit. To make matters worse, a blood-curdling howl echoed throughout the night sky, confirming her worst suspicions.
Liam was still up there, and he could be hurt.
...and it's all my fault.
