I'm an incredibly light sleeper, so when the slightest disturbance is made, it will most likely rouse me from my slumber. That was exactly what happened the morning after that bizarre night. At first, the sheets moved slightly as the sleeping body beside me shifted, and then a frantic Vega ripped the sheets off of our bodies and stood up so quickly that she was already by my doorway by the time I sat up.
"What is wrong with you?" I grumbled as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
"What the hell, Jade?" She shrieked as she tried covering her body with her hands.
"What?" I asked as I stifled a yawn.
"Why am I naked?" She said finally dropping her arms to display her exposed body. As if I hadn't noticed.
"Well, Vega, you can see that you are clearly not completely naked. And you're in your underwear because drunk you apparently hates clothes." I said as I rolled my eyes and swung my legs over the side of my bed.
"You're not wearing pants!" She exclaimed as she pointed to my bare legs.
I gritted my teeth as I shuffled over to my dresser, "No. I'm not, Einstein. I don't sleep in pants. Jesus Christ, are you always this irritating in the morning?" I asked as I fished out a pair of shorts and pulled them on. I tossed her the pile of her clothes that were by my feet and she hastily dressed.
"Only when I don't remember the night before." She snapped.
I looked up at her with slightly wide eyes, "Oh shit." I sighed as I rubbed my eyes and shook my head. I should have anticipated this. "Come on, let's get something in your stomach." I said as I lead us out of my bedroom and into the kitchen.
"Can you tell me how I ended up here, Jade?" She asked impatiently from behind me as I pulled out eggs and a package of bacon from my fridge.
"Can you calm down?" I snapped back to her as I began preparing breakfast.
"No! Not really. I wake up, practically naked, in the bed of my high school enemy with no recollection of what happened. That doesn't happen a lot. So no, I can't calm down." She said.
I felt my heart sink a little at the thought of her remembering nothing. The shots, the dancing, the kissing. I should have prepared for this. I shouldn't have offered to take her home and take care of her. Why had I done that?
I turned and looked at her as the bacon sizzled in the pan on the stove, "What's the last thing you remember?" I asked as I rested my hands on the island counter that separated us.
"I remember...I remember getting to the bar. That was the second one that we had been to. I remember seeing...you and being really surprised." Vega explained as she stared intently at the granite countertop. If I wasn't mistaken, there was the smallest of smiles playing on her lips as she remembered when we first saw each other.
"Okay." I said as I turned back around to flip the bacon. I pulled out another pan and began making scrambled eggs. "Anything else?"
She sat silent for a long moment before speaking again, "I remember making you take a shot with me. And then..." She trailed off as I placed a plate of steaming hot eggs and bacon in front of her.
"Eat." I ordered, nodding to the meal in front of her. She dug in without another word, that concentrated look never leaving her face. We ate in silence, my eyes wandering over to her every so often. When her plate was practically clean she cleared her throat.
"So how did I end up here?" She asked, sounding slightly more calm than she had all morning.
I let out a sigh, "Well. You drank a little too much. I felt responsible since I was the one serving you, so I told your friends I'd take care of you." I answered simply. I really didn't want to be the one telling her about what happened in the bathroom. I wanted her to remember on her own.
She nodded, as if she were trying to reconstruct the memory in her head, "I remember throwing up in the bathroom..." She trailed off. Her eyes remained fixated on a point on the counter, and suddenly her eyebrows snapped up and she looked at me through wide eyes, "Oh my God. Jade. We..."
I looked at her, knowing guilt was written all over my face, "Yeah." I answered quietly.
She jumped up from her stool and looked at me incredulously, "We didn't...do that? Did we... Oh my God. Jade, I'm not gay or anything." She said frantically as she looked at me with panic in her eyes.
I slowly chewed the food in my mouth as I looked at her skeptically while she freaked out over nothing, "I know. You told me last night."
"You remember and you weren't going to say anything?" There was that shriek again.
"Okay, you're gonna have to bring it down an octave for me. All right? And I was waiting to see what you all remembered before I dumped on you everything else. You kissed me. Granted, I was the one that took us to the bathroom, but you initiated it. Then you hurled. Then I took you back here where you passed out literally minutes after getting into my house. Jesus Christ, Vega, do you think I would've tried something?" I asked, insulted by what I felt she was insinuating.
She put a hand to her forehead and let out a sigh, "No. Of course not. I just. I gotta go." She said before making a beeline for my front door without so much as a goodbye.
I didn't stop her, still too shocked about everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. Maybe I should have gone after her. Tried to do something romantic. After all, she did say that she had always wanted to be with me. Another utterly crazy thing that I was going to have to cope with. Instead, I stayed seated, staring at two dirty plates.
Slowly, I got up from my place at the counter and took our dishes to the sink. I moved like a robot, rinsing, scrubbing, rinsing, drying until all of the pots and plates were clean. Then I poured myself a cup of coffee, thank God for auto-brew, and sat back down. I had just seen the girl I had been swooning over for more than three years. More importantly, I had kissed her, and then slept in the same bed as her. Okay, that last part seems trivial, but it's a big deal for me. Oh, and how could I forget the part where she freaks out, recanting on what she told me the night prior, and then storming out of my apartment. What. A. Day. And it wasn't even ten o'clock yet.
I thought about what my next move should be. Should I pursue her and try to discuss further what happened last night? There were so many questions that I needed answers to now. She wanted to be with me back in high school. And I mean, she was the one who dragged me onto the dance floor and started rubbing up on me. I wondered why no one warned me that she was going to be home. Or more importantly, why none of the group had gone out with her. Maybe they had been at that first bar and just wanted to give Vega and I our own space. Still, that seems peculiar.
My phone buzzed on the counter next to where my mug sat and I looked at the lit screen.
1 New Text Message: Cat Valentine
Coffee?
I looked down to my now-cold cup of coffee and let out a sigh. I might as well. Maybe Cat could explain some of what was going on. After all, she had maintained contact with Vega once she moved to New York. I punched a quick reply agreeing with her request and making arrangements to meet at our usual café.
I walked back into my bedroom to change into something more appropriate for being out in public when I saw something lying on the floor next to my bed. It was a piece of paper. No, it was an envelope. With my curiosity piqued, I walked over and picked it up, slowly opening it and pulling out the card inside.
It was glittery and had a picture of a puppy on it wishing a happy birthday. I opened the card to see who it was from. Of course. I should have known it was Cat from the second I saw the glitter.
Tori, I'm so sad you won't be coming home for your birthday! You really should give Jade a call. I know you're still mad at her about not saying goodbye before you left, but you know how she gets. Like when my brother eats too much cheese and gets crabby and starts throwing things. That's like Jade. Well, minus the cheese. Anyway, I hope your 21st is a blast and I can't wait for you to come home. I love you! -Cat
A birthday card from Cat that explicitly says Tori wouldn't be coming home. Then what was she doing here, anyway? It seemed incredibly shady for Tori to be here without telling anyone. Maybe she changed her mind last minute and decide to surprise everyone. That's always an option.
I put the card back into the envelope and tucked it into my purse. I changed into a pair of black skinny jeans and a white tank top before making my way back into the living room. I tugged on a pair of boots, grabbed my phone and jacket, and was out the door. The café where I told Cat to meet me was only a few blocks away from my apartment, so I enjoyed the slight overcast and walked there, my head held high despite the constant self-doubt growing in my stomach.
Upon approaching the café, I watched a taxi pull up to the curb and a bubbly red head climb out and begin waving frantically to me. I couldn't fight the small smile playing on my lips as I walked up to Cat and embraced her in a hug.
"Jade. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!" Cat squealed when she finally released me. Since graduation, she had really matured. She moved out of her parents' house and into a two-bedroom apartment with Beck. It's cute. They were terrified when they first moved in together that I was going to go off the deep end and just lose my mind. But that really isn't my place anymore. Aside from the insane stories about her brother and the fact that she's still easily excited, she really doesn't act much like she did in high school.
"It's been a week, kid." I said with a laugh as I ushered her into the café. We ordered our drinks and sat down in a corner booth in the back, like always.
"How've you been?" Cat asked me with shining eyes as she sipped her latte.
I shrugged, "All right, I suppose. I guess I can't complain. How's your brother?"
"Oh, he's doing much better. My parents got him a hamster. He named it Hamster." Cat looked down at the table, "He isn't very creative when it comes to naming things."
This earned a small laugh from me as I shook my head. The strange stories about Cat's brother would never cease to amaze me.
"So I heard you took another girl home last night." Cat said idly as she gave me an innocent glance.
"How could you... Oh my God. You two text?" I asked in disbelief. Cat's face flushed as her hands shot up in surrender.
"No! Sometimes. Okay, yes. He texted me last night saying you took another girl home and that I should ask you about her."
"So that's why you invited me for coffee today? Not because you're my best friend and haven't seen me, but because my boss was gossiping to you about my sex life?"
"Jade! That isn't fair!" Cat argued.
"How come you didn't tell me that Tori was home?" I asked, cutting her off from defending her actions any more.
She stopped mid-sentence as she comprehended what I had just asked. "I didn't..." Suddenly her eyes grew wide and her mouth made an O-shape as she looked at me with shock, "Tori was the girl you brought home?" She shouted.
"Jesus, keep it down. I don't need the entire block to know. And yeah, I took her home. But what you're thinking happened, didn't happen, so get your head out of the gutter." I said, pointing at her accusingly.
"Well, what did?" Cat asked impatiently.
I let out a sigh and explained to her the entire situation. I watched as her expressions changed throughout the entire story. Shock, disbelief, excitement, and frustration were a few that I could accurately describe.
"And then she freaked out and stormed out of my apartment." I finished, shaking my head as I laughed cynically, "I should have figured it was too good to be true."
"Well, don't say that, Jadey. You know they say a drunk mind speaks a sober heart." Cat pointed out as she gave me a look, "Have you tried talking to her since?"
"And what exactly am I supposed to say? Hey Tor, sorry about last night. By the way, I've been in love with you since we were in high school? I don't think so." I said, shaking my head.
"Maybe that's exactly what you need to say!" Cat exclaimed. "You should call her and try to talk to her! Do it! Right now!" Cat ordered as she snatched my phone from next to my mug.
"Cat, stop. No!" I said as I tried to grab it back. She was too quick and had already begun dialing Tori's number, holding it to her ear until it started ringing before handing it back to me. There was no turning back.
I could feel my face turning a vibrant red as I pressed the phone against my ear. It rang four times before I got an answer.
"H-hello?" A nervous Vega spoke softly into the receiver.
"Vega." I stated.
I heard an audible sigh come from her end, "Yes, Jade?"
"Can we...can we talk? About last night?" I asked, hating how nervous I sounded.
"There really isn't anything to talk about." She replied shortly.
I rolled my eyes, "Look, can I just come over? There's something that I need to say to you whether or not you feel like talking."
A sigh came through the receiver, "I'm at the airport, Jade. I'm going back to New York today. There really is no point. I'm sorry. Last night shouldn't have happened." Click. I looked at my phone in disbelief before setting it back on the table. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I stared into the empty contents of my mug.
"That does not look good." Cat commented.
"No shit." I said with a snort.
"Oh, Jade. She's being dumb. Just give her some time. You know, she's probably embarrassed about the way things happened last night. It's a lot to take in."
I shook my head, "It doesn't really matter, Cat. She made her decision when she walked out my door this morning. Look, I have to work tonight. You and Beck should come in. Cheer me up so Clint doesn't yell at me for moping around." I said as a poor attempt at a joke.
Cat looked at me with sympathetic eyes as she nodded. I stood from my seat and slung my bag over my shoulder, "I'll see you tonight, Jadey." She called to me and I gave her a wave over my head as I exited the café.
I couldn't help moping around my apartment until it was time for me to get ready for work. But I did allow my misery to make me want to look as good as possible. I hated to admit it, but I was going to be on the prowl. Not in a predator way. That makes me sound creepy. But in the way that I was going to find a rebound in my usual way. Sober and willing. I dressed myself in white leather leggings and a loose-fitting black tank top that exposed a decent amount of cleavage. My shoes were just a pair of black boots with a very small heel. Regardless of wanting to look good, I was going to be on my feet for hours running up and down the length of the bar. Not worth the pain of any kind of heel.
When I walked into the bar at ten for the start of my shift, I saw Clint already mixing drinks for the early birds. I walked behind the bar and patted him on the shoulder as I passed into the back room to put my bag away.
"I'm sorry about what happened, Jade." He said as he gave me a hug.
"Jesus Christ, stop texting my best friend!" I playfully exclaimed as I walked away.
"You started this!"
"And I regret it!" I shouted back to him, laughing over the music that was playing.
Beck and Cat made their way in around midnight, and as I made them drinks we chatted lightly about the situation with Vega.
"I just can't believe she would come home and not tell any of us." Beck said, obviously hurt.
"Yeah, well she wasn't even with anyone that we know. I think it was her New York friends." I said as I rolled my eyes.
"Why come here, though?" Cat asked.
"What do you mean?" I looked at her as I wiped down the portion of the bar in front of them.
"I mean, this isn't exactly the hottest bar in our neighborhood. If she was going to show her friends our city, don't you think she would have taken them somewhere better?" Cat reasoned.
I thought about it for a moment. She was right. This bar was more of a hole-in-the-wall where you think it's a gem if you're into that kind of thing. It was packed on the weekends, but it was always the same crowd and definitely didn't attract tourists.
"Why do you think she came here then?" Beck asked as he drank his beer.
Cat gave me a purposeful look before smirking and shrugging, "Oh, I don't know."
"What? You're saying she came here because of me?" I asked in disbelief as I poured a beer for another customer, "How could she know that I even work here? I started after she left and up until last night I hadn't spoken to her since graduation."
Cat looked guilty.
"Cat..." I said in a warning tone.
"I mean, obviously you've been brought up in conversation. She's asked how you've been doing." Cat said defensively.
"So you want me to believe she brought her friends here to my bar to see me?" I asked skeptically.
"I think it's a possibility." Cat said.
"I think it's a load of bull shit." I said as I rolled my eyes. Two seats away from where Beck and Cat were seated, a girl slid onto the stool and caught my attention.
She was gorgeous. Long, dark hair and porcelain skin. She gave me a smile and I instantly turned my charm on.
"What can I get for you?" I said with a tilted grin as I took a step over by her, now ignoring my friends.
"Just a white soda." She answered simply.
"Got roped into being the designated driver?" I asked as I pulled a glass of ice and the soda hose, filling it with soda.
"I offer, usually." She answered as she accepted the glass I handed her. She moved to grab money out of her pocket but I waved her off.
"It's on me." I said flirtatiously, giving her a small wink.
She bit down gently on her lip and I watched as her eyes slowly slid up and down my body, "Thanks."
And then she was swallowed back by the crowd.
"Uh oh. I know that look." Beck said cautiously.
"What?" I snapped.
"That's your bobcat smile." Beck commented.
"My what?"
"Your bobcat smile. Your predator, I've-just-found-my-prey smile."
"God, you make me sound like an animal." I said, rolling my eyes.
"You are." Both Cat and Beck said at the same time.
I looked at both of them, feigning irritation as I walked away and tended to the other end of the bar, though I was still within earshot of the two of them.
"What about Tori? You know, the girl we were just talking about?" Beck asked sarcastically.
"You mean the girl who lied to you guys, completely played me, and stormed out without any kind of explanation?" I asked, ticking off all of the reasons why I didn't care about what Tori would think of my actions tonight.
"Yes." Beck nodded.
"What about her?" I asked rhetorically. Beck and Cat exchanged looks and then both made motions of surrender. Cat gave me an understanding look of sadness.
About an hour had passed by and Beck and Cat both left. I was beginning to think I wouldn't see that mystery girl again. Just as the thought crossed my mind, who else would take a seat in front of me but that brown-eyed beauty.
"Back again?" I asked playfully.
"I suppose so. Drunk girls are almost impossible to get out of a bar, unless you promise cheap tacos." She said as she laughed and rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Yeah, but they aren't nearly as easy to pick up as the sober girls." I said casually, tossing in a wink when she looked up at me coyly.
"If I wasn't mistaken, I'd think you were calling me easy." She said with a smirk.
"I'm not calling you anything but your name, which is..."
"Leila Fitzpatrick." She said as she extended her hand out to me. I shook it gently.
"Jade." I said simply.
"No last name?"
"I don't usually give that out until the second date." I said, flirting shamelessly.
"Are you coming on to me, Jade?" She asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
I gave a simple shrug.
"What makes you so sure I swing that way?" She leaned forward, her elbows on the counter.
I leaned in as well, "I saw you checking out my friend. The red head. Subtlety isn't your strong suit." I said, wrinkling my nose playfully.
A small blush crept up on her cheeks as she nodded her head, clearly understanding she was caught in the act, "Guilty."
I let out a loud laugh, "If you're interested, once you're finished playing Taxi, you're more than welcome to come over to my place for a drink." I offered flirtatiously as I gently stroked the back of her hand.
She smiled and took my hand, placing it back on the table, "I'm not going to be like those other girls, Jade."
Holy shit. Was I getting shot down?
"I'm counting on that, actually." I said smoothly.
She looked at me as if she hadn't been anticipating that kind of reaction from me. Before she could say anything else, a relatively drunk girl stumbled up behind her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Leila, we're ready to go. We want tacos!" The other girl cooed into her ear.
Leila looked at me slightly apologetically as she helped support her drunk friend, "All right. I'll meet you guys by the door, okay?" She instructed as if she were talking to a child. The girl nodded and dutifully followed Leila's orders.
"I guess that's your cue." I said as I grabbed a few empty glasses from the seats next to where she sat.
"I guess so." She said, though she seemed reluctant to leave. I gave her a skeptical look and a slightly suggestive smile. She gave me a small wave before finally stepping away from the bar and heading towards the door.
"So, I didn't see the infamous address drop. Did Jade West finally get turned down?" Clint came up beside me.
I gave him a sideways glance, "I didn't get turned down."
"Well, then what happened?" Clint asked as he began the closing work.
"I don't really know, but I definitely don't feel like I got turned down." I said, my eyes never leaving the door of the bar, wondering when I'd see her again.
Clint and I began shutting down the bar as the final stragglers made their way out of the building. Once the floors had been mopped, the bathrooms completely cleaned - though I denied doing that, the fear of being bombarded with the memories of the night before with Vega keeping me from wanting to go anywhere near it - and all of the glasses washed and put away, Clint and I shut down the lights and locked up. We were walking through the parking lot when I saw an unfamiliar car. One that didn't belong to Clint or myself. A tall, lithe figure was sitting on the trunk, looking in our direction. As we got closer, I saw under the streetlight that it was someone I really hadn't thought I'd be seeing again so soon.
"You changed your mind." I said as I approached Leila.
She gave me a smirk, "No. I know what you had in mind. I'm willing to make a compromise."
"A compromise, huh?" I said as I crossed my arms and cocked my head to the side.
"There's a little diner a few blocks from here. It's open twenty-four hours."
"I'm familiar with the place." I replied.
"Lemme buy you a coffee." She offered as she nodded back to her car.
"That would be...oddly refreshing." I smiled. She hopped off of the trunk of her car and made her way to the driver's side. I walked over to the passenger door and pulled my phone out of my jacket pocket, realizing I hadn't checked it all night.
1 Missed Call: Tori Vega
1 New Text Message: Cat Valentine
Have fun tonight, Jadey! I'll be anticipating our lunch date tomorrow ;)
I smirked as I typed a quick message before climbing into the car:
STOP TEXTING MY BOSS. JESUS CHRIST.
I silenced my phone, not even bothering to think about the fact that Vega had called me, and stuffed it into my pocket as I buckled myself in. It wasn't going to be the rebound I had anticipated, but maybe it was time for a change of pace.
Et voila! An introduction of an OC! Reviews are welcome. Enjoy, kids. =)