Point of View

by Mileycfan4eva

Cat and Jade have lived under public scrutiny for years, but nothing has prepared them for the hellfire of a cousin's vengeance. Will their relationship be able to handle the strain? Crossover with SVU characters.

12. Chapter 12

Fandom: Victorious

Title: Point of View

Chapter Twelve: Just One Breath

Point of View: Cat Valentine

West Express Penthouse Suit

"Do you need anything else, madame?" The Bell-Hop stands still inside the penthouse suite doorway, awaiting Jade's answer. "No, Jeffery. Thank You so much for your hospitality and, as always, your discretion." Slipping him a hundred-dollar bill, Jade walks him towards the door. "Please do not let anyone disturb us." "Your wish is my pleasure, Miss. West. No one will know you are here, and nobody will get past my watch. I will be down the hall by the elevator."

"Thank You, Jeff. I appreciate it."

Nodding, he leaves the room, closing the door behind him; as an extra precaution, Jade locks it. "I thought Cat was springing for the hotel room." We smile at Noah's innocence. "It's a running joke between us; Jade's family owns the hotel chain, so wherever we are, if there's a West Express, she gets to stay in the main penthouse because each hotel has one penthouse suit always on reserve for the family."

"This is so amazing!" Noah swirls around the luxury living room as we follow him inside. Even though I've stayed here many times, I can understand his enthusiasm; stepping into the wrap-around terrace, one feels like royalty; the living room features two wrap-around leather couches, which cost well over $10,000 each, both made by BAMO, one of the most sought after interior designers in the entire world, two Italian 1960s Brown glass and brass coffee table in the style of Romeo Rega which cost $4,160.60 sit between the tables.

Noir Saint Laurent Marble beneath our feet, click under our heels. The glow of the moonlight peaks through the 16 feet' floor-to-ceiling windows. Walking over to the top-of-the-line stereo Jade turns on the music. "I'm grabbing a drink; anyone want something?"

"Yeah, um, whatever you have, I suppose," Noah answers, realizing he has no idea what she has stocked here. "Shot of whiskey Jade for me." She nods. Pouring herself a glass, she swallows two aspirin. "Headache, still." She mumbles and grabs the bottle of whiskey. The finest The Emerald Isle Collection can go for $2,000,00 in auctions. "Okay, let's get a few rules straightened before we start, guys." Noah and I nod, helping her carry the collection into the living room.

"Sex is a very personal issue. I'm happy to help you figure out your likes and dislikes and give you a first-time experience you'll never forget. However, I require respect always shown between all of us. When it comes to sex, there are universal rules that one should generally follow. It's a code of etiquette that every Millennial should be aware of. Unfortunately, many of these rules and guidelines are often forgotten or blatantly disregarded, causing one or both parties to become unsatisfied with their sexual experience.

#1 Consent. Consent always gets and gives Consent if you want to engage in any sexual activity. Consent should always be unmistakably explicit and voluntary. Do you both know what this word means?"

"Yes, it means to give permission."

"Good, Noah. If you hear words like, "I'm not sure about this," "I don't think we should do this," "I'm not sure I'm ready for this," or "this isn't the right time," that should always be your cue to stop in your tracks. If you need to be more certain the person you're with is giving 100 percent voluntary consent, STOP. Non-verbal language can speak just as loudly and clearly as the spoken word. If you're with someone who isn't engaged, looks fearful or worried, doesn't appear to enjoy your touch or advances, avoids eye contact, or otherwise appears "closed off," their actions are speaking far more clearly than their words, and it's your responsibility to listen."

"To avoid inadvertently pressuring someone into doing something they don't want to do, communicate honestly. Saying things like, "are you okay with this?" "Does this make you feel uncomfortable?" "Are you okay with us going further?" will ensure that your partner is on the same page as you are. Remember, Yes, it can be taken away at any time. No matter how far into the act you guys are, if you feel uncomfortable, speak up and say no loud and clear. If your partner says no, or stops, you stop right away.

#2 Honesty is the best policy. If you don't ask for something, your partners are not mind readers - you can't expect they'll know what you want. Never be afraid to tell your partner No or Stop. If you want to try something different or go slower, speak up. Suppose your partner doesn't respect you enough to listen. Dump them and get the hell out of there. It spells trouble. Think twice before starting sexual relations with a new partner. First, discuss past partners, history of STIs, and drug use."

#3 Make some noise, man. Nothing is creepier than having sex with a person who's mute during the act. If you like something, let your partner know with a little "oh," or "ah" action. Plus, you'll likely get the more good stuff if you give vocal affirmation."

#4 Always, and I mean always, use a condom! Noah, as a man, you will be looked at to provide it. Always be prepared and carry them with you wherever you can hide them discreetly in pockets, book bags, and wallets. Check the expiration dates on them before using them. Cat, as a woman, never depend on a man to protect you. Take charge of your body. Carry them with you; you can use them with men and women. The best ones are latex condoms, with or without spermicides."

"Before you ask, spermicides are a chemical substance that kills sperm and is used as a type of birth control."

#5 The most important one. The only safe sex is no sex. Abstinence may be the only proper form of "safe" sex. All forms of sexual contact carry some risk. You can reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection STI or an STD sexually transmitted disease with certain precautions and safe behaviors. Kissing is considered a safe activity, but herpes and other diseases can be spread this way. Condoms help protect against STIs if used consistently and adequately, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. But they may not fully protect against other diseases, like genital warts, herpes, and syphilis, HIV. Be aware of your partner's body. Look for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge. Check your body frequently for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge."

"The last two rules. Don't ever let anyone pressure you into giving away your body, and do not ever pressure anyone to give you something they are not ready to do. That is called rape. It's important to know that if you choose not to have sex, you're not alone."

"Not everyone is having sex. A New York Times poll found that upwards of 41 percent of college students are virgins. In other words, it's okay to say no. If you want to hold off having sex until marriage, stand in your convictions. If you want to wait until you're in love and committed long-term relationship before having sex, wait until that time. So once again, I am asking you both, are you sure this is something you want to engage in tonight?"

"Yes, with every fiber of my being, Jade. I want to make love to you." I stand on my tiptoes and gently brush my lips over hers. She wraps her arms around me and deepens the kiss.

"Noah?"

Biting his lower lip, he sighs. "Can I, um, do all three of us have to be in the room?"

"No, sweetie, if you want privacy, you speak up; let us know who you want to be intimate with and where."

Noah nods as Jade turns up the music and pours rounds of shots for us. I don't want to be the nagging girlfriend who reminds her she isn't supposed to be drinking alcohol when on medication, so I stay quiet. "Let's play a game; we each take turns asking each other personal questions taking a shot as we ask. If we refuse to answer, we strip."

"Sure."

"I guess."

We both have different answers, making her laugh as she takes two shots slamming down the drinks and spinning on her heels to the My Chemical Romance song blasting out of the speakers.

"How old were you when you first kissed someone not on screen for us actors here? I was twelve."

"You were?"

She grins and nods, taking another shot. "Cat, your next." "Fourteen, it was awful." Taking a drink, I try to wash away the stink of the memory hitting me. I realize there's no use trying, though, because the memories assault me brutally.

"God favors the knight!" Robbie's words rang out, echoing off the cold concrete walls of his family's basement. As he closed in on me, firmly holding his sword and slashing it into the air as he advanced toward me. Heart racing, I circle him, keeping my sword in motion and eyes on his, which is bigger and stronger.

Continually keeping my stance, I try to keep myself from becoming paralyzed by the sight of metal. Why did I let him talk me into playing pirates and knights with real swords?

We were clashing in a sticking sound of metal hitting metal. Robbie roared angrily and slashed down at my hand. I countered by raising my sword and striking horizontally; my blow offsets Robbie's, and the tip of my sword slices cleanly across Robbie's sword.

"God favor the knight," Robbie screams once again as he raises his arms higher than my short arms can go and strikes me across my hand; I scream out in pain, dropping my sword. "You lose, Cat; you know the rules. Lose your skirt." "My hand! Robbie. I'm bleeding!"

"No excuses, Cat."

"It's not an excuse; it's reality."

Robbie handed me a towel as he stood smirking. "Skirt Catarina." "Don't call me Catarina; only my family and Jade can call me by that name."

I had to remove my skirt. My fingers were shocked as I went down a little bit and untied my skirt. In the tension, I was not able to do that. Robbie came closer, smiling, put his hand on my hips, and, to my surprise, ripped my skirt off.

"Lay down, Cat."

"Robbie, I don't like this game." Feeling shocked and angry, I remembered being frozen in the same spot, unable to stop him or speak further as Robbie pushed me down onto the cold, dirty basement floor. It was a stark room; Robbie was grabbing my wrist. I remember his small bony hands and thinking, 'Goddammit, he's so weak, and he's still 'winning' physically.

How?

Hearing screaming from my mouth doesn't directly align with visual memory; it's more like a feeling of remembering. He was trying to cover my mouth and rip my clothes off. His hands groped me all over my body. His mouth forced upon mine, pressing my lips to open. The pressure of him trying to do something terrible to me in my southern region and being frustrated because he couldn't get it up, whatever that means. The feeling of wanting to gag but being too scared of what he would do if I did vomit.

Jade screamed my name, and Robbie cursed as he scrambled to get up. "don't tell anyone about this, Cat; remember, you lost the game; you pay the price. It's our secret game and no one else."

"Cat, are you okay?" Jade lightly touches my arm, and I jump, still shaking from the memory. "Yeah, sorry, ugh, just image kissing Robbie as your first kiss." "No way, I'd hang myself first."

"Does it even be a real kiss if I didn't consent?" The whiskey is strong and burns my throat, perfect for killing my memory. I mumble so low no one can hear me over the music.

Bringing tears to my eyes in the process. "Noah?" Grunting, he strips off his shirt, his cheeks flaming red. If he wants to skip answering, I won't argue he has a slamming chest. The skin stretches across his muscles so tightly it looks like it could rip by tracing one of my $600 nails. Layers of labyrinth ridges ruffle across his finely coursed twelve-inch abs. Well-defined arms and shoulders which travel down to his chest. Who said male dancers are all sissies?

"Jade?"

"Yes, my love?"

She lightly pecks my cheeks. Taking my hand, she spins me around. "Do you have any piercings hidden that no one else knows about anywhere?" she grins, throws back another shot, and turns around, swaying her sexy hips. "Yes, my nipples." "WHAT!" Noah cries out in shock or horror. "THEY CAN PEIRCE THE NIPPLES?"

Pulling me closer, she whispers into my ear. "You are a naughty little kitty seducing a fourteen-year-old boy." "Let me have my fun, Jadey." I grin at his reaction.

"Sure, I won't stop you." I smile, knowing she's referring to the fact I already knew the answer because I was there last year when she got both nipples pierced after a fight with her dad, who called her a freak for her eyebrow ring forbade her from getting any more piercings. Fifteen minutes later, we were at the tattoo and piercing shop.

"No, I do not have any piercings anywhere hidden or visible. Noah?"

"Yeah, with my mom, the wall cop; she won't even let me cross the street without holding her hand, piercings! She'd have a coronary and need to be hooked to a respirator."

Noah choked on the whiskey, tears running down his eyes as he asked the following question taking another drink faster, trying to keep up with Jade and me. "do you smoke?" We all drink, answering no to the question. I take Jade's hands and step into the slow dance rhythm with her. She twirls me in her arms as Ariana Grande's song Quit plays through the speakers.

When you said, baby. I want you to lay me down, and we'll fuck the pain away.

Cause skin on skin; I feel nothing but the burning of desire.

And that's just foreplay.

Jade and I fall into step letting the rhythm and our heartbeats control our movements. Her fingers graze my neck. It feels nice like the lyrics state skin on skin, It's a fire, an icy coolness. All the scenery and people dissolve. At least for me, it's only us. Her and I. I and her. Jade's eyes sparkle brighter than the million LED lights glowing from the windows surrounding us, a perfect 360 view wasted on us because all I see are her lights.

"What was the first word you said as a baby? Mine was lights." Jade asks and answers her next question. I smile as I melt into her arms, resting my face on her neck; she takes a drink pausing for a moment, allowing us both to drink. "Cameras," I answer. The warmth of her breath lingers on my forehead.

"You two are perfect for each other too bad somebody didn't say action," Noah replies smarmily; the alcohol is starting to make him braver. "Our mothers did." We both laugh as we answer at the same time.

"My first word was mama."

"Aw, how cute, Mommy's boy."

"Bite me."

"Sure, where would you like my teeth marks?"

Noah swallows hurriedly, his breath faster. "Aw, be nice, Jade. I think it's cute he's so close to his mother." Uncontrollable feelings surge through me, and my fingers tingle in pleasant excitement—my left-hand brushes across her cheek. My body acts on instincts years of dance training overtake any nerves, with no chains to hold me back. It's paradise.

"You never answered me, Noah. Where shall I bite your tender flesh?"

Instead of answering, Noah jumps onto one of the Italian tables, which cost more than his Manhattan apartment, and starts to tap dance like Fred Astaire singing a My Chemical Romance song.

I refuse to answer. I am not the singer that you wanted, but a dancer

Talk about the past, sir

I wrote it for the ones who want to get away.

Sing it for the boys; sing it for the girls.

Every time that you lose, it sings it for the world

Sing it from the heart; sing it 'til your nuts

Sing it out for the ones that'll hate your guts

Sing it for the deaf, sing it for the blind

Sing about everyone that you left behind

Sing it for the world.

Sing it for the world.

Arms wrapped around each other's waists, we dance slowly, her raven hair descending over my shoulders. LA lights flash shadows in the living room. I bite my lower lip, thinking of another question matching her moves step to step. Noah's question sends me off my balance mentally. "What's a sexy pet name you would like to be called in bed tonight?"

"Jesus Christ, Noah!"

"I win the most shocking question. Drink up bitches."

Noah slams down three shots in a row. He is leaving us shell-shocked. Shaking her head, Jade pours us another round as we drink. Drawing my hands to her, she brushes her cheek against mine as she takes me in her arms again, leaning down so our foreheads touch, swaying softly. Her lips brush my ear. "I want this to be special for you, Cat. You deserve more than sex; every woman should experience romance the night they lose their innocence."

We keep dancing, and Santa Bells jingle in the hallway, reminding me it's Christmas Eve. I'm lost in the music and feelings of desire and love. Time passes as our feet move to the music. Jade brings her head up, her eyes heavy in lust. I lay my hands on her shoulders. She leans closer, her lips touching mine. I move closer, holding her tighter.

Our kiss deepens. Rising in spirit, I open my mouth wider; she takes my hand, leading me down the hallway. "Noah, make yourself comfortable. I'll be back for you later. The TV has porn channels if you need a little inspiration."

"Jade, he's fourteen!"

"Yeah, and he wants to have sex tonight. He should watch and see what he's about to agree to." Jade leads me into the gorgeous 559-667 Sq feet bedroom with crème-colored walls 4-11 paramaniac view. A California queen-sized bed sits in the middle. She places the stereo on and takes a deep breath bringing out the items she purchased tonight. Going over to the window, she cracks it open a little so we can get some air.

"Are you sure, Cat?"

"Yes, Jade. I will not change my mind. I've never been so sure of myself."

"Beautiful' to one is not beautiful to another." To prove my point, I unzip the back of my dress, allowing it to fall to the floor; she gasps, seeing me nearly naked. My hair tumbles down over my shoulders. "Jesus, Cat. You are gorgeous." Closing the distance, she takes me in her arms; her fingers are cold against my warm skin, making me giggle as she leads me to the bed.

Jade has the saddest but most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. When I smiled at her, her eyes seemed to light up, and as they did, I twisted my ankle and fell onto the soft bed. She laughed. I tried to stand, embarrassed by my nerves, but quickly lost my balance and fell into her arms. She was watching her smile, stiff but beautiful.

Her lips are thin and small, and the top one came together to make a perfect M. Tonight, she's wearing a dark red shade of lipstick that looks like chocolate melted across her lips. Delicious and divine to admire. Her fingers are slender, and she has perfect black nail polish. My eyes traveled along the path of her long black hair back up to her eyes. She was still looking at me, waiting for me to try to stand on my own again. I mumbled something dismissive, not wanting to leave the warmth of her arms. "How do you want to do this, Cat? Do you want to be the giver first or the receiver?"

"I need clarification as to what I am doing so receiver. So, I can make love to you after you show me."

She smiles and nods, helping me to lie on the bed. I couldn't describe how beautiful Jade looked; she gave off this aura of attractiveness that pulled her in. Before I could look away, Jade turned her attention to me. Her lips matched the color of an elegant red rose as the light from the moon hit her face. So pure, sweet, upturned in the softest smile that was so full of love for her partner. Me. I needed to feel those lips on mine; a force was drawing me in with the pull of the strongest magnet. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't fight the feeling. We gravitate to each other, falling into each other's arms at the speed of light. All it takes is one look. I feel her eyes; they are locked on every part of me.

"Don't be nervous, Cat. I'll take good care of you."

"I know, Jade. I trust you."

Jade leans in closer, and in one swift motion, her lips capture mine. A hot and sweet sucking on her tongue while her hands roamed over my back and low on my hips, pressing them softly together. All in a sensual dance of tongue and lips, her mouth latching on to mine like there was no other sustenance she needed.

The kiss sends me shivering, an all-consuming body quiver. "May I take your bra off, Cat?" "Yes." She reaches behind me and removes the thin lacy garment tossing it to the end of the bed. It catches on the handle we both laugh as we watch it fly. "Not bad; guess the years of pitching in softball played off, Cat." We both laugh before returning to our previous kissing session. "your breasts are amazing, Cat, so gorgeous." "Yeah, sure, they are; they are so small, Jade. I can't wait till I turn eighteen and get them enlarged."

"Cat, you don't need enlargements. Your breasts are beautiful, the perfect size for your frame. May I feel them?"

"Sure, you can kiss them too. You don't have to ask for permission every time, Jade. I trust you and will tell you if something feels painful or uncomfortable."

Jade positions herself so she moves closer to my breasts instead of my face, and with the grace of a gallize, she places her mouth over my left breast. She slowed down my writhing body, pausing to kiss and stroke the curve of my belly and sharp hipbones, tickling the silken skin inside my thighs. She felt so fucking good kissing my body; I couldn't help but moan deeply. There are a million sounds outside coming up through the window. I can hear them all.

A wedding reception fills the air with laughter and the sounds of a band violin, Saxophone, Drums, Guitar, and Flute. Fireworks, a Christmas concert, the choir is singing Hallelujah. Ocean waves are rushing from the beach a few miles away. None of them can give me what I need, though, so I focus my attention on the woman who can and is willing to share my burning body satisfaction. They help relax me; however, music always calms me.

There's a feeling which can't be defined. It feels like a miracle. I'm amazed that her lips feel incredibly warm and soft, even though they don't look that soft. My eyes are closed. There's a part of me still thinking- am I dreaming? As the kissing gets comfortable, I loosen up a bit; my body starts melting. It feels like the world has stopped. I need to remember everything.

There's peace. Quiet. Moments so intimate, so vivid, so infinite, so sloppy — yet one that would transform into a memory I will surely cherish for years to come.

Those butterflies in my stomach. That one moment when I force my eyes open to look at her. The faint blinking lights of the marquees from billboards of competition hotels in the background pour through the windows giving her face this uncanny beauty — a portrait of a person I have dreamed about for years.

Jade's eyes are still closed. Her eyes are still living, breathing, and committed to making this memory.

Her hair fits in so perfectly. The curves that grace her hips upon which my hand rests with so much ease.

A moment — a memory — that words can't even attempt to describe.

"Ooh, Jade." I breathe out in pleasure. Yeah, nothing compares to that first kiss. I think kissing is the purest and most raw form of physical contact there could ever be.

A kiss can change your world.

A slight touch between two pairs of lips can blow your mind.

It will be like fire within your bones.

Like your soul has returned to the water

Like every part of you that came from a dead start is alive again. Jade trails kiss all over my breasts slowly. She's in no hurry. Her tongue licks along the edges of my breasts. She gently brought her hand to move across my right breast. She cupped my breast. I moaned loudly. She squeezed her fingers to graze my nipple. Having fed on my nipple, she became more daring and pinched my nipple! The feeling was euphoric to me. "Ooh, Jade, don't stop. Please." My breasts are receiving the complete treatment of a spa day. Her hot salty mouth, and when it gets too hot, or my nipples get too hard. I squirm, overwhelmed; she kisses and sucks, mixing the coolness of her saliva to reduce the heat of her full mouth; when the chill becomes too cold, she adds the warmth of her hand, massaging them to send me over the edge.

She holds them as if they are delicate as she kisses and alternates between sucking and licking, flicking her tongue over my breasts. She pauses to catch her breath, smiling dreamily at me as she caresses my face. "You good, Cat?" "Better than good." "Awesome. Do you see these dark parts of your nipples?" "Yeah, I can't remember their name." "Areola" is the part that allows a woman to have the most sensation when played with. Are you feeling anything when I kiss you or touch you there?"

"Yes, all emotions, pleasure, excitement, breathtaking wonder. I can't describe this other feeling; it's strange. I've felt it before, but I don't understand. It's embarrassing."

"Talk to me. Nothing is too silly to ask."

"I feel very wet, and a warmth crawls all over my body, starting inside but slithering all across my outer body. It's so strong sometimes I feel like it will rip out of my body."

"Cat, sweetie. That feeling is called arousal."

"It's nice, Jade. I want to keep feeling it."

"Do you want me to go further?"

"Yes."

She kisses me deeply on my lips and moves down, kissing along my hips, thighs, and stomach leaving minor marks of lipstick and wetness along my skin like a trail of the conquered land. I moan, leaning back and feeling her lips kiss my legs, licking over my thighs; I moan, squirming as her tongue tickles me. Jade knows how to apply just the proper pleasure. "lay flat on your back, Cat."

I listen as I feel her fingers pull my thong down. The cool air makes me shiver. "Open your legs wider, sweetie. Please." Jade never says please or talks sweetly to people, so I feel amazing; as I open my legs, I feel a rush of desire and pure enlightenment. She hesitated, looked at me, and I nodded. My legs shook my entire lower region on fire with a need to be cooled.

Tracing her nails across my front, she smiles. "These two outer walls, Cat, are called your labia." She kisses both gently until she hears how deep my moans have become; her teeth graze over one of the few pubic hairs left from my latest shaving attempt. Jade slides her tongue directly over my slit. She doesn't get grossed out; she curls it with her tongue, making me giggle and wiggle. I scream in pleasure feeling tears slide down my face. "Jade, I love this damn; you are so good. I'm so lucky to have you to teach me; thank you, baby."

"You're welcome, Cat. Thank You for trusting me." There are tears in Jade's eyes. I bring her closer to wipe them away and ask her what's wrong. She's silent for a minute, curling her knees to her chest and laying her head on her knees. I gently rub her back.

"I am caught in a curse some days, one left by my mother."

"Why do you say that, Jade?"

"Everyone says that I can be selfish and impatient like my mother when people try to tell her what to do. I'm insecure and make mistakes, but I am not allowed to because I live such a public life. Sometimes I feel like I'm at the end of the road, like today. What's it all for if the people I love can't see me for who I am? It's like all the good things. They fall apart, and I will never get them right, no matter how hard I try."

"So, what's the point in trying anymore when my life is going down the same path as my mother's? She made mistakes, and she got so low she stopped caring what happened to her; her mistakes cost her everything, even her life. Suppose I am my mother's daughter. Is there any point in fighting when destiny has already decided that I will die young? I was considering ending it all today, especially after Beck's betrayal. Then you came along Cat. You never questioned me. You know I will never be perfect, but you still see all of me and love me unconditionally. You take me as I am, and you love me; you believe I'm worth it,"

"Because you are, Jade. We all make mistakes; your mother's legacy doesn't have to be your future. You are not your mother and are not caught in a curse. Instead of considering her life and death as a curse, baby consider it a blessing. As strange as it sounds, her death brought the reality of your disease home to you. You took charge. You made sure Ryan got his medication and saw his doctor. You have become your brother's biggest advocate. Ryan's here today because you saw what happened to your mom and made her a promise you would never let that be his future."

"Not all of us are Marilyn Monroe's Jade. Some of us get to live full lives and learn from our mistakes. You trusted Beck, and he burned you. It sucks, but to give it all up over him would be the biggest regret you would ever feel. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes; it's a universal truth. But the good part is you decide how you will mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But remember, some come, some go. The ones who stay with you through everything are your true best friends."

"Don't let go of them. Also, remember, sisters, make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, most of them will break your heart, but you can't give up because you'll never find your soulmate if you give up. You'll never find that half who makes you whole, which goes for everything. Just because you fail once doesn't mean you're going to fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always believe in yourself because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So, keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling because life's a beautiful thing, and there's so much to smile about; I'm glad I could make you smile today, Jade, but remember, it goes both ways. You brighten my day every day. I get deficient some days, but then you call or stop by, and I feel my spirits rise. Maybe, that's how Marilyn felt low, high, low."

"Guess we will never know. Why do all the good ones have to die young?"

"I don't know."

Jade leaned her head on my chest for a long time. We lay there staring out the window. "I'll always take you, Jade. I'll never leave you. I can handle your worst, baby, and I will love you through your worst if I can't. I wouldn't deserve you at your best."

"Thank You, Cat."

"You're welcome. So would you like to continue?"

"Horny Cat?"

"Yes, very much so. Jade, I think I am ready to go all the way."

Jade's eyes remain focused on mine. "Are you a hundred percent certain?"

"Yes."

"Okay, then we need to talk."