Jade:

It was definitely enlightening to talk to my mom, because she seemed to have the best ideas sometimes.

She was horrified to learn of our ordeal in Yerba, and even offered to pay for Tori's treatments going forward. I told her no, obviously, since it was such an appalling idea that would made Tori feel weak and pathetic, which will definitely hit her dignity and self-worth hard.

Once I made it clear to the matriarch that Tori needs support and not pity, my mom suggested that to partially ease Tori's monetary worries and to slowly prod her back to her old confident self, Tori could work part-time at one of our Pear stores. Yes, my mom's family owns The Pear Company. And yes, that Pear Company that makes our Pearphones and Pearpads. Needless to say, part of the deal of offering Vega that job entails that I have to work alongside her to "familiarize myself" with the company's products and offerings. And I have to wear a disgusting bright red shirt as a store representative.

Of course it's not that I mind working side by side with Tori, but it's just that the fact that my mom still hasn't given up on the idea for me to take over The Pear Company one day that's annoying. Like mother, like daughter I guess, since she's the current CEO of the company and the both of us love being in control, so it's kind of expected for her to want things to happen her way. I thought by continually refusing to show any interest in the family business would have helped squash the idea, but apparently that's not the case.

It's not as if none of the members on her side of the family are clamoring to take the job anyway. I have a brother who can be trained to take over as well, but the little snot just finished learning not to wet the bed four years ago. Too young for any of this shit.

It's just mind boggling how my parents were able to pop out another child in the midst of their daily brawls before they divorced for good. The hate sex must be amazing.

Anyway, my mom needed to fly out to Zurich the next day, so I'll have free reins to disappear from the House of West again. I can't believe she came back just to give me something for my birthday. Or maybe she's just trying to butter me up for the "eventual" takeover of the company that's not ever going to happen.

Nevertheless, she did bring back something I like. A pair of scissors with a slightly twisted black handle, with small jagged edges that looks like tiny sharks' teeth on the blade all the way from Germany. One more pretties to add to my growing collection.

Now I just need to think of a way to tell Vega about the job without making it seem like my mom set it up just for her. Stuffing the employee forms into my messenger bag, I took a nice warm shower before going to bed. I just hope Vega doesn't get one of those nightmare of a doctor chasing her around with a scalpel tonight.

Vega had dark eye bags when she showed up to school the next day, and as much as she tried to cover them with makeup, they still showed. She bounced over to me, albeit with less enthusiasm than usual, upon seeing me walk in through the doors. Holding her hand in mine, I walked her to her Make-it-shine locker. "Vega, slept well last night?"

She paused, seeming hesitating about something before shaking her head. "I am starting to think that the therapy sessions are a waste of money, since I am still getting nightmares after months. You know… I am considering not attending them anymore."

I grabbed her wrist, pulling her into the janitor's closet and locking the door behind us. "You can't be serious, Vega. Is this about your family's money problems?"

Tori looked down at her feet, playing with her fingers nervously. "Kind of. You've also heard how they are fighting when they think we're asleep. I thought maybe if…"

"You thought if you quit your therapy sessions, it would make things easier for them financially?"

She nodded, eyes fixed on the ground. "Yes. Please don't be mad at me, Jade. I just… Don't want my family to break up because of me."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, taking deep breaths to avoid raising my voice again, and wrapped my arms around her. "I didn't mean to shout at you, Tor. But look, your mom and dad arguing isn't your fault, no matter how much you believe it is. I've… been through this. It's sort of considered familiar territory for me. I know how much it sucks when your parents are fighting all the time."

Taking another deep breath to calm myself, I continued, "Promise me you won't quit therapy. It's important for your recovery and mental well-being, and you know it."

Tori turned and leaned the side of her head onto my shoulder, looking up at me with such tenderness in her eye. "Come with me, Jade, to therapy? I know you still have lingering issues from your automatic reflexes when the shouting starts downstairs. I've seen how you stiffen up. I promise I'll go if you go with me."

How can I deny her anything? Argh, Vega. You and your puppy eye.

"Ugh fine. I'll go with you. And I've got good news for you, since you're worried about money issues and all."

"Good news?"

Pulling out of our embrace, I unzipped my gears of war messenger bag and pulled out the employment forms. The lie rolls smoothly from my tongue. "Well, if you're interested, I managed to score some part time jobs forms at the Pear store for the both of us during the winter break when stopping for coffee earlier this morning. Apparently, they're hiring again. Once we get the job, we can pay for our own therapy sessions so you can stop twisting your underwear into a pretzel about your parents."

Tori gave a loud squeal as she leaped to hug me. "Thank you, Jade! I can't believe you did this for me."

I squeezed her back and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I expect repayment for this, in terms of kisses. You owe me, girlfriend."

She whispered right back, her breath brushing against the shell of my ear. "How many?"

"One for every dollar or part thereof you earn before taxes. And you have to drop everything and do it whenever I tell you it's Kissie time."

"Deal."