Here's another one. Boom! Yep chapter four, well aren't we making progress. Dang this is getting really interesting…I mean wow. I don't even know what's going to happen next. Does the title have anything to do with the chapter? Do the lyrics of the song mix with the chapter? Probably not…but who knows Eh? Nah Kidding…but here's the chapter. Enjoy.
Song/Title: Courtesy Call
Band: Thousand Foot Krutch
Courtesy Call
She denied him. She had denied her father control over her.
He had never shown any interest in her; or her childhood. He had always ignored her. She could remember countless times when she had tried to get his approval on the things she had brought home from school. She had tried to make him proud by getting straight A's, staying out of trouble; even on occasion attempting to make him the coffee he couldn't live without. He had always dismissed her in such a manner, that would make anyone who observed would think that she was just some bratty little demon. She had tried to gain his attention with all the sweet little things, which would make any 'normal' father proud to call his little girl his own.
She once thought he didn't even mean to bring her into this world; that she was a mistake, but then she turned ten. It was then she realized that it wasn't anything she had done wrong. No she wasn't even in the equation she managed to figure out. She had always seen the way her father treated her older brother Michael. He treated him like he was the perfect little saint, who could do no wrong. He had invested every little bit of free time he had from his long work days. She had noticed that he would congratulate the boy on every little thing he had done; even the things she managed to do herself.
She had thought it was only because he loved his first child more, but then she started to notice the way he talked to Michael. He had always spoken to him in that 'proud' father voice, but she noticed the cryptic meaning he had always had, when Michael had done something her father approved of. He wanted to control his future. He wanted to morph Michael into the cold, distant, heartless, stoic, and serious man he was. He wanted to show Michael that there was nothing else to be devoted in besides business; sometimes she even wondered whether he truly loved her mother like he loved his work.
She knew he had almost succeeded in turning Michael into a workaholic like he was.
Then she started to notice the drastic changes in her older brother. It was a slow burning process, but she had seen when he started to pull away from her father. It started almost as soon as the boy hit middle school. He started to distance himself from his own father; he had stopped seeking the approval his father had trained him to respect. He didn't want any of the attention their father was giving him; he had told her himself. He didn't want to become the man his father was; no he wanted something entirely different. He wanted to be his own person. He didn't want his father controlling everything from the sidelines. With that he had done everything opposite of what his father approved of.
He started getting with changing his entire wardrobe. He knew his father hated the bright colors, so he begged his mother to start getting him lighter cloths. He started hanging-out with those kind of kids that always got into trouble. They both knew his father had always hated anything other than business, so he started to play in sports. It was then he realized he loved sports. He started hanging out with some of the 'Jocks' She didn't know if that was when he father had started to realize he had lose control over him; or it was when her brother had disregarded their father's opinion on his first girlfriend Jessica.
If that was the reason her father had started to pay just a little more attention to his youngest; she didn't know, but she still had the suspicion. It didn't matter, by then she had started to accept that her father didn't care what she did. It was only a bonus that what she started to get into annoyed the hell out of her father.
She knew he had wanted nothing more than his decedents to become a figure like him, only it was the first time in his life he had ever been denied anything. The second was when she had told him personally she wouldn't let him control her like he did with Michael. She had already managed to disappoint him when she started to come home with papers he had to sign for detention, and suspension; but she wanted to further make a point, so she had asked her mother to start the piano, guitar, drums, anything that had something to do with the 'Arts' her father always claimed to hate. It was only a bonus she had enjoyed every last one of them, and actually had talent no other kid in her grade had.
At the age twelve she had turned herself into everything her father had loathed. She turned herself into the kid that he never wanted. A rebellious, distant, cold, snarky, Goth that went to a performing arts middle school. She had done something her brother never really had the chance to do while in his very young teenage years; she had disobeyed her father, and in every way.
It was then that he started to get very distant and cold with his children. He had secretly decided that he wouldn't be an important factor in their lives. He barley acknowledged them even though they lived in the same house; he would only utter something to them when he was in need. He only ever did anything that reminded them that he was still their father; setting rules – That were hardly ever followed – giving them the necessities they needed, the only time they had to have any real conversation was when their mother pushed them to him.
Jade knew her mother was very aware of the lack of relationship they had with their father. She knew the only reason her mother pushed them to him, was because she wanted nothing more than to have a normal family. Her mother would constantly tell them to ask their father for anything that didn't need approval. Jade knew she only wanted a normal family, but that would never have happened since she had fallen in love with a workaholic, who wanted nothing more than to have his children follow in his footsteps; sometimes Jade wondered how anyone could fall in love with someone like him.
Her mother wanted everyone in the house hold to get along with each other. So she started getting into that whole 'were a family, so we're going to have dinner together like any other family' phase. Jade hated those family dinners; it was the time when her mother pushed everyone to share the events of their day. She didn't know why her mother bothered, but she was slightly grateful. It was those times where she could actually feel like they had a somewhat functional family.
Even though it was very clear that they didn't.
Jade tried her hardest to focus on what her mother was ranting on about, but she just thought he mothers voice was so dame annoying. It was hard for her, not to focus on that irritating voice rather than what she was actually saying. She had been only getting little pieces on what her mother was saying. Something about a business trip? Or was it she was going to visit some relatives for a few days? She couldn't really bother to care anyway. Her mother always seemed to try her hardest on getting out of the tense atmosphere of the house. Jade couldn't really blame her though; she too tried to get out of the house as much as possible. The tension was always so suffocating; especially when anyone of them interacted with each other.
She hated the conversations they had. Her mother always spoke about how they all should get out of the house together; do something 'family' like. Jade would merely nod, and ignore the women. Her father voice always held the same bored, serious tone every time; so their conversations would be nothing but straight to the point talk with neutral expressions sent towards the other. The one person she could even bare to have conversations with was her older brother, but even he still seemed to have that tense awkward atmosphere around him. So she tried her hardest to keep the interactions with her family to a minimal.
"If your father decides to punish you for the 'Tuesday' outings you've been having during the night for the past three months, then you don't argue with him. Understand." Straitening her posture against her mother's doorframe, Jade sent her mother a small frown.
She didn't know her father had even noticed. Her mother always seemed to be very aware of everything that went on in the house hold. Her father on the other hand always seemed to find out everything that happened at least three days after everyone. She knew her mother must have had some type of conversation with him; probably trying to get him to confront his daughter for the first time in weeks.
"But mom, you can't be serious. You know he's just going to ground me just because he's trying to get back at me for not following in his precious footsteps." Her mother didn't even pause; instead she continued to place her clothing neatly into her suitcase.
Jade scowled at her mother. She hated being ignored, and her mother knew that. Two minutes, and twenty-one seconds had passed of mere silence; Jade had always seemed to know how much time had passed to the exact second. She liked to call it one of her many gifts.
"Your fathers a very busy man Jade. He works nine hours, then he goes right back at it in his office. He's stressed enough, just please don't add to any of that by being difficult."
Jade knew her mother wished she could use a much stronger word than 'difficult' but being the perfect respectful, well-mannered girl she was she chose not to. That was the one thing Jade hated about her mother's personality. She never spoke her mind, she didn't ever swear, she just simply chose to keep every thought to herself. Jade hated that. It may be a great trait to others, but Jade only thought that it showed that her mother had no backbone; she cared too much on everyone's opinion of her.
"More like a workaholic bastard." Jade mumbled under her breath.
Her mother's head spun so fast Jade could have sworn she heard the bones groan in response. She should have known her mother would hear. She heard everything.
"Watch your language. And do you really think it's wise to speak so poorly of your father in your mother's presence." She scoffed.
It's not like her mother would do anything about it. Comments like those weren't so rare coming from her or Michael, and her mother only ever scolded them; never considering taking any real action.
"Just please don't make things harder for him, and I would like for you not to bother him while in his studies," Her mother narrowed her eyes. "I know how you like to get under his skin with that. Just don't do anything too rebellious while I'm gone." The corners of her lips twitched with amusement.
Her mother knew her very well. Despite the lack of conversation, she always managed to have a far different relationship with her children than her husband. Jade had tried her hardest at keeping her mother from getting too much into her life, yet the women seemed to always worm her way in. She tried to resent the women, but she could never really bring herself to it.
"Yeah, yeah…I won't promise you anything, but I'll keep Michael from bugging our dearest father." She nodded her head, about to pull herself away from the conversation.
"Where are you going? You think I'd let you walk away without a hug?" Rolling her eyes she turned to face her beaming mother.
Some would assume she hated hugs; the assumption would be half the truth. She didn't hate her mother's hugs. In fact she enjoyed them very much. It was the one thing that assured her, that her mother didn't think she was the monster everyone thought she was. It gave her a weird sense of security; she knew it was totally cliché but she felt loved and safe; enveloped in her mother's arms. She only hated the hugs from others. It only reminded her of the onetime her father ever attempted to give her one; it was awkward, rough, stiff and foreign, she had felt some sort of love emitting from him, but it still felt as though he was uncomfortable hugging his own daughter. And that's what it felt like when anyone else hugged her besides her mother, besides a certain brunette; but she would never admit that.
"You should be off to school, love you." She nuzzled her head into her mother's shoulder in agreement, issuing a low laughter from the women.
Jade frowned realizing she had to the very least twenty minutes to get to school, and before she could even blink the familiar scowl set onto her face as she pulled away.
"Love you too." She mumbled flipping her head to the right, as she did so.
She didn't want her own mother to think she was growing soft.
She was in a foul mood. Yes it was a foul mood indeed. Arriving at school she had already managed to strike fear into the two juniors, four freshmen, and the one senior she had passed. She took note that after her small blow-ups many of the students chose to stay a safe distance away.
They were the smart ones.
She wouldn't have been in the mood if her mother hadn't decided that she should help her finish packing, rather than letting her get to school with a freshly brewed coffee in hand. She would have just taken a cup from home, but her father had decided on being a selfish jerk and drink the entire pot. She really hated that she had gotten her love and need for coffee from him.
"Hey Jade." She clenched the metal of her locker. She didn't have her coffee. How could she even attempt a conversation with the girl; when she annoyed her when she had the drink in hand?
"Vega, I'd advise you to retrace your steps, and go back to that stupid lit up locker of yours."
She didn't have to turn around to see the hurt look on the girls face, or the pout that was surly spread across the girl's lips. She had seen the look so many times she could predict when the girl had the look on her face. That and everyone knew Tori Vega was just so dame predictable.
"Geez… Andre told me you were biting everyone's head off, and he mentioned you didn't have a cup of coffee in your hand. I had to beg Trina to stop and get you a coffee-"
Jade whipped around snatching the cup from the girl's hands. Tori didn't even flinch during the Goths abrupt motions; she had long since predicated what Jade would do. Jade sighed once the scorching liquid burned down her throat. She didn't even question how the Tori had gotten her order perfect. She didn't want to either, because then she would have to see that smug grin the girl always sent her when she figured something out about the Goth no one else had.
"Why are you still here?" Jade smirked as Tori narrowed her eyes.
"You know we have to work on the documentary. Even though you're really scary and demented in the mornings, I still have to get some shots of you. Before you say something really mean and snarky, will you just give me something? You haven't given me anything other than that always present scowl."
Jade knew she should have given the brunette something; this project was a part of her grade as well, but she didn't want to give the girl anything. If she gave the camera something new about her, then that meant Tori Vega, and whoever watched the video knew something more about her. She didn't want that. She didn't want to give the girl the satisfaction of getting to know her better. She didn't even like the idea of the girl being around her. But she didn't want to get her first 'F' because of her hate for the other girl. If they did receive a terrible grade – She'd hate to admit it – It would be because of her, not the younger Vega. So she decided to give the girl on snippets of her life. She would hold the girl an arm's length away.
"Whatever Just get the dame video camera out of that monster bag of yours." She smirked in satisfaction as the girl paused; hurt forming onto her features.
Her eyes flicked to the incoming figure behind the half-Latina. She didn't feel like dealing with the both of them, so she tried her best to send a warning glare his way. Of course the gesture didn't deter the boy away; she turned her head away to avoid any confrontation with her ex.
"Tori Vega. Just the girl I was looking for," He sent a small glance in her direction. "Hey Jade."
She grunted taking a sip of coffee.
"What can I do for you Beck?"
Jade smirked. She had heard the bit of annoyance hidden in the brunette's voice. She didn't blame her either. Beck had long since stopped beating around the bush; he had made it painfully obvious to everyone that he wanted to ask the younger Vega to a date. It had been four months since the two split, she did have a few lingering feelings for the boy; but not enough to send her into a jealous rage when he flirted with the brunette.
They had split, so she could care less who the boy dated. It only pleased her when the other Tori had declined the boy every time. She had thought that with the free opportunity the girl would jump at the idea of having a date with Beck. When she figured out that Tori didn't recuperate Becks feelings, she managed to tolerate the senseless flirting he attempted to do. Now it only amused her when the girl shifted uncomfortably under his adoring gaze.
She tried her best to ignore the pleading glances the half-Latina sent her. Though she had half the mind to help her; his presence was bothering her. They had only six minutes until the first bell, and she didn't feel like the boy trying to escort the Tori to class; not when she and Tori had Theatre History together. She just didn't feel like having him around.
"Were working on our project tonight, and will you just get it through your head she's not interested." She smirked as he shifted a questioning frown towards the younger Vega; that was presumably ignored. He huffed in annoyance.
"I'm sure she can find the time. She has more than enough time to finish; besides I'm pretty sure you aren't even cooperating with her. So why should she waste her time when you're not even giving her anything but a glare and a few snide comments on her outfit."
Out of the corner of her eye she could see the half-Latina eyeing the both of them with an eyebrow raised in curiosity. She glared the boy down; he seemed to have forgotten how much damage she could do. He'd gotten bigger with their bickering since the break up and she needed to remind him why she was so dominate over the school. Clenching her Jaw she hardened her glare. She watched as he shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. Even with this she didn't let up.
"I'd watch myself if I were you Beckett. Our project has nothing to do with you, nor is it any of your concern." He scoffed. Her nose flared in warning.
"I know for a fact she'll be doing all of the work Jade don't even try to pull that card." She took a menacing step forward. He knew very well she'd never turn in an assignment without some type of her input on it. She was a hard working student and if anyone should have known it would be him.
"You'd better snap your little ego back into place real soon before I-"
She frowned glaring towards the brunette.
"Sorry Beck but we need to head to class, and she's right though she could have worded it better," She sent Jade a disapproving look, before shifting her gaze back to Beck.
"We were going to work on our project tonight, I'd really love to help you but we really need to work on what exactly will be put in the documentary."
He flicked his eyes between the two. He opened and shut his mouth three times before letting out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair.
"Maybe next time then…See you around. Tori." Jade rolled her eyes at his childish behavior.
Sometimes she wondered why she bothered with him at all; but then she remembered how he was the only one who tried to understand her. He had been the only guy that tried to see who she really was underneath the façade she put on. He had managed to break down a few of her walls, he had made her his top priority; but like anyone else he had failed, and given up on finishing the job.
He didn't want to deal with the exhaustion. He was tired of her. He didn't want to deal with the hard task of breaking her down. He stopped everything they had for the last two years, because he felt like it was an impossible task. Maybe it's her fault. Maybe she should have let him in, if she had; then maybe she wouldn't be alone. They would probably still be the power couple of Hollywood Arts.
She shook her head.
No. They were too different; he was controlling. Beck was like her father in a sense. He wanted nothing more than to prove he could tame her. Yes he loved her, but he thought he could change her for the better. He thought he could make her into a perfect vision of his dream girl. A girl who fought back, but still had the decency to hold in her thoughts, he didn't want her personality. He just wanted to change her.
"Hey, you okay?" Jade turned away from the previous spot Beck occupied. She scoffed at the concerned expression Tori was sending her.
"I will be, as soon as you learn to mind your own business."
"The moment I drew your name out of that stupid hat Sikowits has, some of your business became my business. The sooner you acknowledge that, the sooner we will make progress in this project."
There it was. Tori Vega had once again managed to turn Goths rage into curiosity.
"And how did you come to that conclusion Vega?"
Yeah I know it was whack to end it right their…but I think this was a really boring chapter. I could change it, but I wanted to update for you guys. I'm sorry it took so long, and honestly I didn't think it would take me this long. Usually takes me about two days tops to finish a chapter, I've just been really lazy though. I think the laziness is sorta messing with my brain. Anyway the reason I stopped right here, is because I think I'm going to start writing this in first person. Tell me if you think I should, oh and sorry for the lame chapter….I guess the title had nothing to do with the chapter like I thought. Mmm…that's a little disappointing. Again sorry for lame update. (Oh I didn't re-read this) Sooo…could ya tell me my mistakes?
Write Ya Later ;)