I plowed through the angry stares, following the path that Vega had left. I wanted answers and didn't give a damn for the bustling halls emptying out into the classrooms. "Vega! Vega!" I call, annoyed from the glares behind my back and from being ignored. "I didn't do anything!" I snap at a senior who was about to shoot his mouth off. Startled, he backs away to leave me to chase the half-Latina.

"Vega! Stop and listen for just a second!"

She halts and whips around, "What?"

I almost trip over my stride, surprised by the venom in her voice. I took the advantage of her moment of silence, analyzing her. She stood taller than before, opposite from her casual slouch. Her face remained in a grimace, eyes hollow. That was what would haunt me for months to come, her eyes. Looking inside them, I saw no emotion whatsoever. It was as if the antique lamp that bathed the dark brown eyes in a cozy orange light had been switched off, the friendly being inside bidding themselves a long hibernation.

"What- what happened to you? I was talking to you and you just- just left." Her eyes shift in between mine, and her expression remains empty.

"Why does it matter to you West? It's not like you're really going to be affected by my actions, just stay out of my way," she sneered in what seemed like pure distaste. Like I was an unnatural metallic taste in her mouth she just wanted to spit out.

"Oh how dramatic," I teased viciously, "Stay out of what? It's not like you have any morbid secrets."

Her low chuckle and mocking smirk sent chills down my spine, her gaze boiled while her eyes remained cold. "Don't play as if you know me West. I've said it before," Vega's right canine is revealed, white, sharp and gleaming, "we're more similar than you think... Even more so than the rest of our group." And that was it, she turned her heal and stalked off to class, silently but with a heavy presence.

My feet remain planted on the ground, unwilling to move as I digest what Tori just spat at me. While oil was added to my inner bonfire, I couldn't help but notice the sudden aching pain developing in my chest. "Jade? Shouldn't you be in my class?"

I turn my head reluctantly and nod, walking into his room. I hear the door close behind me and sit by the back window, not wanting any human interaction at that point. However, that one wish was shattered as Beck sat next to me. "Fuck off," I mutter under my breath.

"What is up with you? First you had that fight with-"

"I didn't do anything," I snapped, cutting him off. My glare falters his, and he shifts uncomfortably in his seat. The Canadian runs his right hand through his hair, and sighs deeply.

"Look, all Andre and I know is that she took off after talking to you and you followed basically yelling at her." My eyes roll towards as my head shakes softly, he doesn't get it. He never does, never listens to me. As much as I love him, and know that this isn't Beck's fault, I just want him to sit in a tank of acid. But no, Beck is like a puppy, eyes pleading for giving his companion love, being loyal and patient.

"Well, I did-not-do-anything!" I hiss quietly between my teeth, masking my voice under the teacher doing his job. "Why can't you get that through your head?"

"All I'm saying," he says, hands slightly raised, "If you did hurt Tori-"

"I-didn't!"

"Well I can't seem to believe that! You're the only one in this school who has it out for her!"

"I don't have it out for her Beck! I was talking her, get this, without you! Me, walking over to her to talk!" I practically shake with boiling anger.

"Jade, ask anyone else in this school and-"

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HER!" The sudden shout had taken everyone by surprise, including me.

"First you are late to class because you were standing out there staring at the lockers and then you interrupt the lesson?" snapped the teacher, "Counselor's office now."

"What?" popped out of my mouth before I could stop it.

"Counselor's office now!" Seeing no way out of this, I glare at Beck who looked a bit sheepish and stormed out of the classroom, not bothering to care for slamming the door. Loud steps echo in the empty halls as I strode over to the office in a bitter rage. First Vega walks out in the middle of a conversation, then everybody, including Beck and Andre, blames me. Now I had to get sent to the councilors office, great. Just -fucking- great.

"I may be a damn gank to her but that doesn't mean I actually want to hurt her!" I mutter under my breath as I stood outside the door. After a moments of silence, I decide not to go in. Instead, I head over to my car, stalking the halls and pushing myself through the doors. My feet stop and for a second I enjoy the bliss as the breeze flows through my hair, reminding me of my rooftop. Once a breathe was pushed out, I walked over to my black Ford Ranger and jerked the door open. As I slipped inside, a howl of fury escaped my lips.

I slammed the car door and reached for my seatbelt before letting go of the strap; I hadn't really wanted to leave school early that day. Lunch was an hour or two away and the classes before then were all the ones I was caught up on. So I decided to sit in my car until then, allowing my batteries to recharge. Until I was ready to go and eat, my mind would have to ponder on this morning's events.

Saliva built up on my tongue and I swallowed, feeling a slight sense of dread and desire. I licked my lips and sighed, shuffling through the glove department before giving out a huff of disappointment. I really didn't understand why I looked for them, I knew full well the box wasn't going to be there. After a moment or two of glaring at nothing in particular, I found myself slightly surprise. I hadn't wanted a smoke break for a few months now, after I had cut it out of my life. It wasn't the fact that I craved it, no. It was how much I wanted it at that moment, how much I needed to let my anxiety to go. Not that smoking in a long run will actually help with it, but on the roof with a lighter in in my hand had helped for those moments. In those few minutes, the alarm threatening was put on snooze and I could think.

Sighing miserably, I thought about my little argument with Beck. He diffidently added to my anger with blaming me for something I wouldn't do. Sure I didn't like Vega, but I would never wish to push someone over the edge because of some jealousy. I have my limits, I have my lines... But apparently dear sweet Beck didn't know that about me, even after being in millions of fights with me.

That was the thing about him though, he never was able to listen to me. I couldn't care less if you didn't agree with me, actually ignore that. All I really need from a relationship is for the person to listen, so they could understand eventually. I breathe out bitterly as I thought, Yet he doesn't, so I have to consistently test his loyalty and understanding that leads to our breakups.

Then there was the fact that I knew he really wanted to get with Tori. I know, he always wants to be on her side, on Vega's argument while I'm left hanging alone with Sinjin just lurking in the corner, eyeballing me. Never has Beck truly attempted to see my side of the problem, only skimming the words I speak.

Yet, here's the catch. Vega actually does, she understands the rules I go by, the rules I play. She catches the sentences word by word, and seems to assume to do the right action when I break down in front of her. Vega knows when to scratch my back as I am on my knees, or when to snap at my retorts. She just knows, and I always snap at her to shove her through unnecessary tests that she has already proven herself worthy. "Damned angel, Sweet Sally Peaches always knows how to be nice even when I want her to snap," I mutter mockingly, not sure if the pistol was shot at me or her.

The half-Latina always seemed to know when or when not to retort back, always calm and collected. My head shook gruffly. No, she was always a bit more understanding, even when she did always badger on about how we should be 'friends'. As that simple thought streaked through my thoughts, a chord was struck.

Vega would never glare at me, never snap at me and never looked at me with those cold, heartless eyes. Sure she would stand up to me if I got a bit out of hand, but wouldn't ever be seen hissing at me coolly for no reason whatsoever. That was never in the complicated contract of our ongoing dynamic.

I smelled a rat and didn't enjoy one bit of it. Something wasn't right. Eyebrows knit together as I searched for wanted answers. None came, for the first time whenever trying to figure out the half-Latina, no answers came. Before I had locked myself in the Ford, I always gave a simple biased answer for her actions and was done with it. I moved on to enjoy my time writing, with Beck or just sitting around in my room.

My eyes fly open as I jerk awake. I send a glare at Beck who knocked on the glass. Opening the door and slamming it, I cross my arms, "What?"

"You're welcome for the coffee," he rolled his eyes, "Come join us for lunch." I grumble in response, taking the cup and brushing passed him. As I sipped my coffee on the way towards the table, I hear giggling over Beck's steps behind me. I sit at our table and watch as the raven haired girl from this morning chatting with Andre.

Beck plops down beside me and chuckles, "Look who is with the new student. Do you mind if she sits at our table?"

I send a glare at her, observing the playful pats she sends at Andre's forearm, and the cocky grin plastered on her face. "No," I growl after having enough with looking at her.

"You're jealous," he muttered, "Come on. Just until she finds someone else to sit with. Who knows, you may even warm up to her." I stare at him, picturing him being fed to a pack of hyenas. As much as I loved giving people chances to join our group, Tori was just a one time thing. Even if I was known to hate her, she filled that small hole we had before. We didn't need a leach to stick itself on, draining our living friendships with one another.

"Hello you two. Did you talk to Jade about our little arrangement?" Andre beamed as he brought her over. Both sat down at the table, opposite from Beck and I.

"Is she always like this?" the girl asked sweetly after receiving the end of my stare.

"Don't mind Jade, she can be a gank sometimes," Beck chuckled, running his hand through fluffy hair. I quickly stamp on his foot warningly, and was pleased to see him scowl in pain.

"Well, its nice to meet you Jade," she said with a hand out, "I'm Elizabeth by the way." My studded eyebrow raises slightly as I look at her, she seems to be perfect in the boys eyes. I don't know how, but all I see is a cocky grin, drilled etiquette, model like features and a coldness in her eyes. My mind only speaks one thing at that moment, I shouldn't trust her.

Without even a second of afterthoughts, I leave the table suddenly and leave her hand hanging. I end up almost bumping into Cat before leaving the scene entirely towards one of the food trucks. Once my wallet was ten dollars lighter and my hand held a sandwich, I strode back towards the table once I had spotted Vega lurking behind one of the further pillars.

"West, why the hell is that bitch sitting there?" she snapped as I walked near.

"Do you really think I like it?" I retort with the same amount of malice. "Do you know her?"

"We went to the same schools for six years," she muttered darkly before adding, "Why do you care anyway?"

My mind halted for a split second, Vega never spoke about her prior school years on her own. Even when she was asked, the topic was changed and avoided. I stood there, swaying a bit as the half-Latina stalked off towards the doors inside. Just how well did I know Tori Vega?

-o0o-

Before I walk into Sikowitz's room, I feel a tap on my shoulder. "What the hell do you want?" I growl as I see Elizabeth standing there.

"That's not very nice," she pouted, pulling her nice little act again, "I'm sorry we got on the wrong footing but-"

I cut her off when I shoved her away towards the end of the hall. "Look, no use trying to have me wrapped around your finger. I know how you bitches work."

"I am no bitch," she seethed, dropping her little play.

"Oh, that's nice. A whore then."

Elizabeth stutters out a strangled noise before snapping, "Look, you're the friend that was by Tori this morning weren't you?" Now it was my turn to stutter. "Don't bother denying it Jade, your lack of words is enough... Besides, I've seen how people treat you," she murmured as her feet begin to circle around me, almost like a dance, "By now, your own boyfriend believes me more than you."

I laugh, retorting with, "Look who's talking! Your only boyfriend you'll ever get is you hand."

She growls viciously before hissing, "You'll regret that. First that little bitch and now I have an ass to deal with." My blood reached it's boiling point, surprising me that there wasn't any steam coming out of my ears and nose as I reach to grab her. She pushes me back, that cocky grin plastered on her face like she's at recess, until footsteps echoed quietly in the hall. Elizabeth gives me a final smirk before pulling a shocked, confused expression.

"Jade! I just wanted to apologize, I didn't mean for you to get upset during lunch," she whimpered as her eyes watered. Beck looked at me with disappointment on his face, and guided Elizabeth inside with Andre, Cat and Robbie, who all wore the same expressions. The only one who differed drastically was Vega, who lagged behind. She glared at the doorway, cringing in utter disgust before her eyes trailed to mine. I honestly couldn't tell you if they had softened at all because all I saw was cold, gut wrenching, heartless eyes, yet the rest of her face was neutral as she glanced at me. I followed Tori inside, trying to match puzzle pieces together. They wouldn't fit because the original pieces were prior to that day, and the others were new. Fresh.

I made my way over to my usual seat, not sure if I liked Beck sitting next to mine. I didn't feel Beck's arm around my shoulders, my mind was simply put out. It buzzed with curiosity that I swear drove me crazy. Insane even. Vega had sat down in front of me, so my eyes set on the back of her head, not really looking at it. While my eyes registered brown hair, my conscious begged to get home and figure this damned mess out.

I just couldn't focus at all, not even when Elizabeth introduced herself with that pleasant smile. The same smile that would tear everything up and I was the one who had to sew them back together. Some of the threads not how they were before that Tuesday...

So... what do you think about this chapter? I think it's better than the previous drafts I typed. Seriously, I rewrote this about three times. Oh well, guess the next chapter will be better. And maybe longer.