Disclaimer: See chapter one.
:}
The next week, Trina found herself continuing to deal with the strangeness that had overcome her life. "Jax is with Chloe? How'd that happen?" People who knew them both asked. Always, she had the same answer. "Love is truly blind." Truth was, Trina was happy for Chloe, but it was causing something to stir in the back of her mind.
Then there was the discussion she had with Jade. "Trina, something's mucking with your destiny. I've been trying to figure it out, but so far I'm drawing a blank. Divination's never been an exact science, and lord knows it's not my strong point, but to me this smacks of sorcery." The goth told her. "Don't worry, I'll find out what happened, keep you safe. Still, but I'm worried, cause a hell of a lot of energy's been building up around this, and I'm sure it's about to release all over you."
"Lets pretend that explanation wasn't so sexual, and go from there, okay?" Trina joked. But inside she was worried, cause there was something going on, and she had no idea what.
That led to the party. The second annual party at Kenan Thompson's home, where Tori's friends threw a truly huge event and invited who knows how many people. At Hollywood Arts, it was becoming the event of the season, one everyone agreed would be hard to replicate once the main people graduated. And because it was expected to be so epic, it became something Trina had to attend, as well as the one event everyone knew most of Tori's friends would be at.
Oddly, the main reason Jade had agreed to go to in order to support Beck in his new dilemma. It seemed that Beck and Maddy weren't clicking the way they used to, and the handsome boy suspected it had to do with them rushing into a physical relationship. So Jade had to go to this party, to support her ex, and where she went, Tori went too. Trina suspected her sister would have wanted to go anyways, but at the same time, Tori had hinted she wanted more one on one time with her girl. That party would have been a great time to safely get away from the others, who'd be busy hosing this event. However, Tori was going, happy about that turn of events, thinking she and Jade could have alone time some other day.
The worse part of this, from Trina's perspective, was that Tori thought of the party as just good, clean fun. As such, neither Tori nor any of her friends had really thought about any possible ramifications arising from the sheer scope of this event. This was the return to Kenan Thompson's Hollywood home, an epic party that was expected to dwarf the one thrown just a year before. Only, last year, they'd tried to keep the party small, not realizing that to Thomson, small was a whole lot bigger then what they'd imagined a large event to be. This year they expected over four hundred people, not counting crashers, and everyone antisipated a lot of crashers. But with that many people, despite whatever precautions they took, there would be alcohol, and drugs, and people going further then normal social boundaries would allow. This was going to be far more then a high school party, at least far more then the kinds of parties this group of high schooler's were used to facing. Trina realized she may well be one of the few people tangent to the organizers who realized those dangers, and would have preferred it if her sister took that moment to take Jade off someplace romantic.
Moreover, Trina suspected Tori wasn't ready to face a party where there were a lot of people she didn't know, especially people who might take advantage. Tori had a bad track record with dealing with users. Further, there might be members of more then one gang, looking for trouble, or getting along, but still interested in some illicit fun. Tori was too innocent for her own good. 'Plus, there won't be enough security at this party. Jade will protect her, assuming no one tries roofying people, and Jade doesn't get caught up in Beck's drama. So I'll just have to be there, to make sure nothing goes wrong for her. Plus, gonna get my party on….' She sang the last part in her mind, smiling at the possibilities. 'Who knows, maybe I'll even meet someone.' It felt oddly good to have some level of justification for being there, and the older Vega girl enjoyed feeling like it wasn't just her going off to have a good time.
Trina took her partying very seriously. She had these little slips of paper, that if inserted into a drink with any drugs in them, turned an odd shade of color. With those in her pocket, cause sometimes it's hard to keep your purse near you, she chose her cloths carefully. She needed the right look, sexy and fun and ready to dance the night away, but still respectable enough for her in case she had to talk her way out of something with the police. 'This should do.' She decided, settling on an outfit including leggings under a tight skirt, and a tank top, along with a light jacket, in case it got cold. All in cream colors, to set off her skin.
Next, she made sure she knew where she could park her car and not risk any shenanigans. Too close, she'd risk damage to her car, or someone taking advantage of the party and breaking in. Too far, and she'd have to traverse that distance while possibly drunk or carrying a drunk Tori. But since Trina knew where the party was going to be, she took a chance and scouted out the location in advance, choosing what she hoped would be the perfect spot. Trina knew to be bold, especially when safety is concerned, and knocked on more then a few doors to get permission before settling on a spot. The Latina was happy with her choice, and felt it was worth the research she'd put in making this happen. 'Everyone forgets the small details, but not me. Thats why I'm such a catch.' She reminded herself.
Now ready for the party, her safety strips secured in the pocket of her party outfit, which was now hung up and ready for use, she headed to school. 'After school, I rush home, take my shower, get changed, and then head out. Tori and her friends are technically responsible for a good deal of he preparations for this party, so they'll be there early. I can wait, near by, and show up after a bit. No need to worry about being invited. Just one more thing...'
Trina placed a short range tracker in Tori's bra. "It's so I can find you at the party." The older sister told the younger. "I also want one placed in Jade's bra, if you can handle that. And, for the love of god, no losing those garments while at the party. This is a safety measure. If one of you gets lost, I want to be able to find you quickly. Trust me, if we discover we need it, you'll be grateful."
Tori had been tasked with getting Jade to agree to being tagged. "And how am I supposed to get her to agree to that?" Tori has asked.
"She is kinda your girlfriend." Trina replied, not really caring.
"We're not sure about that yet." Tori cautioned her sister. "Plus, we're not out at school yet."
"Just do your best." Trina huffed, watching her sister take the second tracker before heading off for her day at school.
Trina twice tested the tracker during the school day. Each time she was able to follow the signal to where her sister was, including knowing if the signal was coming from above or below. When Trina decided to test the second tracker unit, she discovered Tori had succeeded in her task, because she successfully found the goth when testing the tracking program. 'Now we're ready.' She decided, and made the token attempt to follow her classes for the rest of the day.
It would have been hard to imagine there was any members of the faculty who didn't know about this party. The students had been discussing it all day, often making the teachers a bit wazzed by not paying attention in class. There was even a discussion among the adults about having a few of the faculty there, to keep their eyes open and act as a type of chaperon. In the end, it was decided to let the kids have their fun. Despite that attitude, the local police were informed, and a warning was issued to the organizers, (Tori and her friend) to make sure no one under age would be drinking. Realistically It was unenforceable, but they had to issue the warning, just like Andre had to do what he could to prevent the drinking from getting out of hand.
Trina wanted to hedge her bets against some jerk trying to take advantage of her sister or one of her friends. 'And, since I'm now kinda friends with Jade, and her other female friend is Cat, everyone's friend, I guess the more guys I can trust there, the better.'
Pulling her phone, normally a no no during study hall, Trina texted the male model.
Jax (From Trina): Hay bud, you coming to the par-tay tonight? Its gonna be sick. Sides, I'd love to see you cutting loose. Heard it's legendary.
Her task temporarily done, Trina focused on her homework, kinda. Glancing around, it was obvious that no one cared about the no cell phone rule in study hall. Not on a Friday. Especially not right before a party that was anticipated to be epic. 'Maybe I'll get Chloe to come too, and we can have us some fun while watching each others backs. I mean, probably won't be more then a couple of freaks and losers there, blending in among the hundreds of partiers. We should be fine. Course, it only takes one bad apple to ruin the barrel. Hmm, wonder where that comes from.' She reached for her phone to look that saying up, just as a text came in.
Trina (From Jax): Hay girl, no can go. I'm taking my new girl out for a romantic one on one
Trina (From Jax): Couple of your other friends are also gonna be busy, cause Chloe twisted my arm, I've set them up with some guys I know.
Trina (From Jax): My god, you girls are kinda doable, so why is it so many of you are single. Found someone for Cindy, Margo, even Reba.
Trina (From Jax): I tried to find someone for you, but your rep, it's uncomfortably solid around the entertainers here. I'll keep looking.
Jax (From Trina): Nah, you just go have fun, and make sure someone keeps an eye on my girls. Kay?
Trina (From Jax): I'm sure a lot of guys will be keeping an eye on your girls.
Jax (From Trina): I'm telling Chloe to hit you for me.
Trina (From Jax): Cool, about time she had a reason. (Kidding. she's an angel. A seriously Gothic angel. Girl gets me revving.)
Trina laughed, and broke the one true rule about Friday study hall, never break character. The teacher running the hall walked over to where she was sitting, glaring at her with apparently murderous intent.
"Miss Vega, we don't get caught doing things on our phone." The lady huffed. Trina wished, once again, she had study hall in the library, like some of the other kids. There, she'd have been able to sneak away and use her phone without disturbing anyone.
"My fault." Mitch Warner said. Mitch was a tall, handsome boy who, despite that trait, was determined to be a comedian. He idolized people like Robin Williams, so had auditioned and gotten into Hollywood Arts to study comedy, acting, and whatever else he could. Trina had heard he wasn't bad, just as long as he wasn't using his own material. Being tall, good looking, and from a functioning and loving family, he lacked a lot of the pain that bread both the need to be funny, and the ability to turn that pain into humor. However, despite all that, Trina knew he'd make a lot of money in the movies, since he did have good timing. Mitch's tanned face broke into a wide smile as he pushed a stray strand of his light brown hair out of his eyes. "I was practicing, and she was helping me. You know, I think I'm starting to find my rhythm."
The nameless teacher looked the tall boy over, then shrugged. "Okay."
"Wow, I can't believe she bought it." Mitch said, glancing at Trina.
"I can." The older Vega sister replied. "No one wants to do paperwork on Friday." She flashed him a quick, warm smile. "So, why'd you help me?"
"I can't like you for you?" Mitch asked. "Okay, I do have an alternative reason. And yes, I know your rep, but you are pretty, and I need help." He shook his head, frustrated at something. "You see, I try, and try, but nothing I write is ever that funny."
"And you heard I am?" Trina asked. She was curious, because she suspected she knew where this was coming from, and it was mildly offensive. Still, if she could help, he was sure to be grateful.
"Everyone talks about this one woman show you did, had people laughing in the aisles." He said. "So, and I do hesitate, cause I heard about what that jerk, Ryan was it, did to your sister."
"Ryder Daniels." Trina said. "But you hesitate cause…?"
"I was thinking, I'm kinda new here, could use a good girlfriend, and you seem fun enough. You could teach me about comedy, and maybe we could be a team." He smiled, hoping she was willing.
"I.." She hesitated. "You going to the party tonight?"
"Was planning on it, assuming I could find me a date hot enough to make everyone else eat their hearts out." He gave a devilish smile, but it faded a bit. "Okay, not the most christian thing to do, I'll admit..."
"So your a good boy?" Trina asked.
"My dad was a preacher in West Sac, Cali." He smiled, sheepishly. "That's West Sacramento. Agricultur, fishing and dairy and farming, and that kind of chiz. My dad, he's moved from an assistant pastor in the Anglican church in West Sac to the head pasture in a local church. That's what gave me the chance to come here, learn to be a comedian. I wanna make people feel good." His voice faded towards the end.
"So, whats stopping you?" Trina pushed.
"They tell me I don't have enough tragedy in my life." Mitch groaned. "I come form loving parents, and the biggest disruption in my life was moving here, which ranks just ahead of how the births of each of my siblings screwed things up. But even there, it's not that bad, cause we're only four kids, the boys and then Nancy, the baby."
"You the oldest?" Trina wondered out loud.
"No, that's Ronnie." Mitch explained. "I'm number two, was almost named George, cept mom hates that name. My younger brother is Tony, then we have Nancy. Um, you knew that, didn't you."
"I think we should hit the party together." Trina said. "Just, try not to tell me everything about you too soon. A little mystery is good in a relationship."
"You're nothing like your reputation." Mitch let slip. "Not self centered at all."
"Oh, I can be." Trina assured him. "But I have a lot on my mind, and tonight being the star isn't one of them. Not today. Maybe next week, after the party."
"Maybe." He smiled. "So, who's Jax?" His eyes gestured towards her phone, letting her know where he'd gotten the name.
"Just a myth." Trina smiled. But she quickly realized he'd need more. "The myth that a girl and a guy can be buds. He's uber hot, and yet, all we have is friendship. How the holy chiz did that happen?"
Mitch laughed, enjoying the unintentional humor of the Latina. Trina had to go back over what she'd just said to realize what might have been funny.
That evening, Trina found herself driving to the party alone. Tori was catching a ride with Jade, who was also picking up Cat before they headed over. Trina understood that Sam had been invited, since Cat had cleared their weekend, but the redhead was coming alone. Apparently Sam had chosen to visit her friends and family in Seattle instead, thus leaving Cat all alone for the party.
Unfortunately, Trina didn't have anyone she knew who was able to ride with her to the party. Each of them seemed to have something they were doing, or people they were riding with. Even Mitch was driving himself, claiming he had commitments that might need him to leave early if necessary. She suspected he was being a gentleman, and assumed they didn't know one another nearly well enough to have that level of trust. After all, it's one thing to trust them to drive you on a date, quite another if drinking is involved.
Trina arrived at her chosen parking space, the one she'd planned out before hand, quickly parking before making her way towards the party. "Place is packed. They've blocked the street all the way past my spot. If I hadn't asked that nice lady if I could use her driveway, I'd be walking another block plus, minimum.' Trina diverted in her trek long enough to drop off the thank you card, the one she'd gotten the woman who's driveway she was using, before making her way towards the huge house where the party was. Over a block away, she could already hear the faint rhythm of the pounding dance beat. 'It's early yet. I wonder how many people will show up this time. I remember Andre mentioning that Kenan wanted about four to six hundred people.'
She reached the door to find a man in some kind of security tee shirt standing there, asking for her I.D. Trina showed her drivers license, and revived a blue stamp on her wrist. "You're too young for the hard stuff. The bartender won't serve you any. Go enjoy." The man said. Something about the large, professional wrestler looking guy said professional security, not some fly by night or college guy earning a little extra. Trina smiled.
"Thanks." She said, walking through the door. Once inside, she immediately found herself in the vaguely familiar setting of last years party. A quick walk through the entryway led to the central room where the majority of the party was being held. Like last year people had spread through the house, in the many rooms, and even out to the pool side, but the majority were still in the main room. Using her phone, she located Tori and Jade.
"Hay, babe, sorry, but this is a private affair." Some guy she didn't know said. "I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave. That is, unless you make it worth my while."
"I'm one of the organizers." Trina said, not ready to give in and hurt this guy.
"Sure, that's what they all say." The guy said, smirking at her. "Just five minutes in that hall over there, the darkened one that people aren't using, and you'll be fine to come in."
Trina started dialing a number. "Mister Thompson isn't gonna be happy about this. So, I'm sure you noticed, he has professional security, and if your not one of them, I'd recommend running, before I finish this call and confirm who you are, or are not."
Trina was bluffing. While her sister was one of the planners, she had only met the man himself in passing, last year, at the party. She didn't have his number. However, she doubted that the professional security they had, like the guy at the door, would have tried anything like this, asking her for five minutes in the dark. Her phone rang, and the man looking at her decided she might be telling the truth. He quickly walked away, mixing into the crowd.
'Thank you dial up weather.' Trina smiled, as she put her phone away and started looking for security.
There weren't that many. Maybe a dozen men hired to watch out over six hundred party goers. Despite that, she told the first one she found about the guy who approached her at the entryway, and they promised to do what thy could. Trina realized there would be creeps at the party, just not how bold they'd be.
The older Vega girl, satisfied that she'd done what she could, went looking for her sister.
:}
So, is Mitch the one? Of is there someone else. I promise to hint at who it is next chapter, or maybe the chapter after. Just, yea, Trina is walking around with all that energy of her spell built up and ready to start producing. Someone is gonna admit to wanting her, and she's gonna find she likes them back. Someone who fits every criteria on her list. So… Thoughts on this chapter. It's a nice building chapter, and we got to see some of the precautions Trina uses.