By the way, hope you like the story so far. And thank you for the reviews, even though at the moment the reviews aren't showing themselves for me. Oh well, technology absolutely loves me...

I marched my way through Hollywood Art's doors, holding my backpack gingerly on my wounded shoulder. Because my night activities may cause some unwanted attention on my part, I decided to play as if it didn't happen, even if I got a few strange glances from the noticed cut above my eyebrow. Which was a really hard thing to do by the way, even for an actor like me. Earlier that morning, I woke up with the bandages slightly red, which was both a relief and a pain since it still bled. Not a lot thankfully... well, not enough to dye the bandages.

Once my locker was shut, I heaved a great sigh as my mind predicted the anxious stress of waiting for something, anything really, to happen. Obviously I would keep my promise with Peggy, which didn't include any snarky ass, sarcastic comments (loopholes are always great). My tall empty cup of coffee was chucked into the trash closest to me and I strode over to the vending machines to get a soda. I felt my bones grind sorely and tired as I punched in the numbers, happily receiving some cola.

Today would require a lot of caffeine.

After a few quiet sips, the main doors swung open and Trina Vega scurried off, and Tori stepped into the room. I nearly sprayed my cola all over the place; the half-Latina wore black jeans that matched black converse, a grey shirt hung under a black leather jacket with several patches on the back. Aviators sat on her nose and were quickly lifted off into her bag. I felt my heart tug slightly as I watch how long, brunette hair tumbled down slightly wild. I wanted to go up to her, my legs beg for it. I wanted to speak to her, my lips wish for it. At that moment, I would deny it constantly, she looked hot.

But my legs quivered slightly and my lips shut as my watchful, cautious eyes met those cold, heartless ones. She hadn't changed from yesterday, it seemed that her wardrobe was planned to match it.

Moments after she gathered her needed materials for her first classes, Vega passed me and I stood frozen, realizing she was a bit taller. While we were eyelevel, I wore boots with their natural heels while she wore shoes that didn't.

I couldn't think properly as I headed for my own class, my feet not seeming to walk as confidently as they normally would. My shoulders had an excuse, but everything else not so much. My mind was thrown for a loop, and I hated myself then for not being able to get out.

-o0o-

As the week strolled by, not much really happened. When I say that, I mean nothing showed itself to suggest anything to support my theory about Elizabeth. However, my trustful gut itched knowing that the calm, innocent atmosphere was only skin deep.

Constantly I would watch Elizabeth preform our daily routines in Sikowitz, who seemed to not be as fond of her, and it was no doubt that she was a brilliant actor. Our styles were very similar, funnily enough. We both would come up with something quick and, if that plan would soon fail during any improve sessions, a plan B would be formed. She also seemed to have a good handle on acting... Too good of one I'd say since she hasn't had any experience before. "Natural talent" Andre, Beck and Robbie would say.

That's another thing too, the boys. All of them seemed to enjoy Elizabeth's presence a bit, and I would snort in anger every single damn time she would feel up Beck. Although, I would never feel an impulse to rush across the room and claim him as my boyfriend, even though he was. I would glare, and receive a cocky smirk back. I didn't feel the possessive energy to stop it, even if my blood boiled.

No, my mind was constantly orbiting around one person. Only one. I tried to push her away while studying or writing stories or scripts. But, I couldn't, I couldn't stop thinking about Tori Vega. Not her stone cold eyes, or her expression. I didn't picture the black leather jacket she constantly wore to prove something, or to protect herself from. I thought of the warm ginger that was planted in her eyes, giving a comfortable warmth throughout my body whenever I saw them. When her voice felt like honey to my ears, smooth and thick of emotion, or as she smiled her white teeth would show joyfully.

I didn't have that, I couldn't physically see all of those things about Vega that I seemed to miss. They were thrown away by this dark, bitter creature that dwelled sourly in the depths of those dead, emotionless eyes. Yet, I apparently was the only one who noticed, not Beck, Cat, Robbie, even Andre. Just me, Jade West who supposedly hated Vega. Jade West who was losing confidence in her friends' observations of the abnormal silence of the half-Latina and of her boyfriend who seemed dazed in Elizabeth's cloud.

All I knew was that things gradually changed that week, my smoke breaks becoming more frequent and my claim on Beck less so.

-o0o-

On Friday, I had enough of my share of bumbling around waiting. I still did it, yes, though I felt like a thoroughbred next to a race track being restrained by a really strong lead. I just wanted to run, go and finish Elizabeth and claim my shining prize. Course, that didn't happen. I've learned in my life that no matter what you do or how you receive, the end result is never how you imagined it. You may be correct in your bet on the wrestling match, though your imagination lead you to believe that they'll stand tall, teeth grinning white. Or how about your first trip to the zoo, maybe your first art project. Instead, you get a champion with a broken nose, a parrot pecks at you fingers through the fence, or you dropped the original color you mixed. Sure they may all be successes. but you didn't first imagine the red dripping on the mat, Band-Aids on you hands or a strange mark on the side of the canvas...

I pictured myself showing Elizabeth who's truly the badass here when I sat in the black box theater on Friday, emotions bottled up and ready to explode. All I needed was a small, white candy for it all to come out. My eyes glide over and watch as Beck steps in with Cat, Andre practicing his keyboard, Robbie sitting and reviewing papers like me and Vega in the far corner, watching everything with a thorough eye. "So," the musician starts once he sees the two walk in, "What are we going to do for the Volga Show next week?"

Most of us shrug, not knowing what to do for our assignment. The Volga Show was a newer event, showcasing any group projects as extra credit for classes like Sikowitz. It wasn't only singing, but any performances were accepted. Not only that, but food and other activities (if you count eating as one) were also included. "We could do anything really," Beck quipped.

"How about a short little skit? It could have singing and stuff." Finally, Robbie suggested an idea that wasn't awful. We all ended up agreeing and started to assign roles to work on.

"Hey Tori, what about you?" Andre looked over his shoulder to the half-Latina still sitting in the corner chair. "What's up chica?" his brows furrowed.

"Don't worry about her, she's just acting. Isn't that right Tori?" Beck imputed, sure of himself.

"Where the hell did you get that from?" Vega hissed, standing up from her corner.

"Elizabeth, she said you did it a lot in middle school before you left-" the sentence was cut off by an enraged yell and a glass prop smashing against the wall. We all watch as the pieces glimmer on the floor and Tori turn around, walking quietly yet powerfully towards the Canadian.

"Do you think that was an act Oliver?" she muttered, a slight husk attached to the vocals. He shook his head, eyes as wide as the rest and lips knit together. Silence settled the room for an eternal second before I found myself standing as well.

"What is wrong with you then?" I snapped, my body in shock from what force I put in those words.

"Like you think I would tell you," she sneered. Our steps began to circle each other, challenging the opponent. At this point, everyone outside our little zone were merely witnesses, watching as the tension rose quickly.

"Just tell me." My words startle Robbie who was behind me at that time; so much venom was soaked through I couldn't comprehend where it all came from.

A low chuckle escaped Vega before she growled, "No. Like I said before, why do you care? Why do you wish for me to go back to what you pushed around." My thoughts swam through my skull, hitting the edges hard so I couldn't come up with something quick enough. "Speechless, that's a first," a bark laughs.

My eyes shift and meet the empty ones, green against brown. My blood thumps with great speed as my adrenaline rises, wanting to just act, do anything. Before I know, a flash of silver whips from my waist and into my grip, "And how come you're the one who isn't talking? You walk up to this school taking everything away for your little trophy case and good image. It's pathetic."

"Pathetic. Pathetic? You know what's pathetic West? Your image. You put up this act to cover up your emotional scars which, news flash, everyone-has." My heart started to beat faster as my livid beast starts to itch. Looking back now, however, the whole scene is the battle of intimidation. You have a rabid wolf pacing around, her anger blinding her morals while on the other side circles a black cat, calm collected and thinking. I wondered how cold eyes could give out and extinguish a burning gaze with their own flames.

"So why don't you get your head out of your ass and look around you. You think your the only onw with that scratch on your head and-" She cuts herself off and brushes her hand over her right shoulder, "Take a plane across the world and you'll find someone who understands. Walk down ten blacks and you'll find someone who understands. WALK FIVE FEET AND TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE!"

"I SEE A LITTLE GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS THAT WILL CRUMBLE IN HOLLYWOOD!" I break, shouting the first weak response in my head. An impulse took control and threw the scissors to the left of Vega, aiming at the board behind her. Not even a split second when the polished blades are in the air, Vega reacts in lightning speed.

A pocket knife is propelled towards my possession and takes them with a small hook on the end of it. Silver follows a flash of red, hanging on the small hook as it flies with the knife. The blade sinks into the tack board next to the doors, the scissors hanging, defeated. The half-Latina stalked over and ripped her blade from it, letting mine fall. Her boot kicked it at my feet, and I stare at the long scratches on the side of the battered scissors. "Fuck you," I whispered before picking up the scissors, along with my bag, and my steps tear out of the room.

I push other students in my rush to leave as I head out the doors, not slowing down until I reached my car. The gravel crunched under my tires within minutes.

-o0o-

My window slams shut from my bitter anger; this time my breathes didn't calm me down, it only brought up more thoughts to attack me at once. I storm around my room acidly, wanting for all of the voices to just disappear. I run my hands through my hair like I can just snatch the words from my brain and burn it.

She hates you... You hate her. She can just walk over you like nothing, like you're just a little worm...

'No, no I didn't mean to yell at her. I just wanted her to hurt after she yelled at me...' I try to argue back, but the voice only cackles as the others degrade my posture.

She tells the truth. You're only a little, ignorant teenager in Los Angeles. One out of a sea of millions. You're nothing compared to most of them...

'Shut up, shut up...'

You drove her away. Beck was right, you drove her away and you needed to blame someone else... Elizabeth is innocent...

Those cold, stone eyes look at you and only you. They love, they enjoy seeing you gasp for air as you suffocate...

The voices didn't quit, I couldn't stand up. My lungs felt heavy as I sunk to my knees. I clutch my shirt as if letting the bit of fabric off my chest would have helped, and I'll tell you, it didn't.

'I could tell her I'm sorry, I could fix this... Just please stop...'

Selfish...

Impulsive...

Arrogant...

Cruel...

The voices chanted viciously inside my head as I curled up in a tense ball beside my bed.

You pushed away the only one who listened, and now you will never get her back...

Tori Vega is gone...

I felt my throat scratch against my scream, I wanted them to stop. My eyes wanted to see her caramel eyes, my ears to hear the soothing voice and laugh. I wanted to feel the warm hugs that I reluctantly received, the same ones I could have ran a marathon for at that very moment.

"No she isn't," I whispered weakly, not sure if it was true or just to help myself feel better.

My clock set up it's timer again, waiting for it's next attack. I tremble on the floor, my left arm clutching my shoulder, breaking some of the scab to allow a bit of blood to flow. The wound had healed quickly over the week, though I felt as if Vega had opened it again.

I climbed into bed and draped the covers over me and just cried. My silent tears fell down quickly, as there were a lot waiting behind each drop. My hand wanted to feel warmth to drag closer to my pounding heart, but I couldn't find anything. I felt alone, desperately alone.

That is, until I felt a hand on my back. I allowed the covers to be pulled off, and I nearly hissed at the cold air that began to prickle against my skin.

"Jade, what's wrong?" Peggy soothed. I wrapped my arms around her and she put her arms around me, knowing that this was something very serious. It was not often that I would hug her like that, the last time before that evening was nearly a year before.

"Sh- she changed so- so much, I-I hate it... And I ye-yelled at her and, and... She hates m-me now," I cough through whimpers.

"Who?" the maid whispers.

"T-Tori... I wan- I need the o-old one back... Can you get her back?" I asked her a question I knew the answer to, but her eyes filled with pity nevertheless as she gazed down at my state. Mascara surely ran all over my face and the bandages had loosened.

"I'm sorry Jade. What are these?" Peggy asked as she took them off softly. I choke a bit as she gasped, horrified. They had healed almost, yeah, though it wasn't going to be a pretty scar. She gazed at the blood seeping a bit from the cut near the gash. "How did you get this?"

"...bullet," I squeak, ashamed.

"You're not going to tell me how you got this are you," Peggy stated more than asked. I shook my head solemnly, and she sighed. "What did you tell Tori then?"

"I-I told her that her dreams were worthless and she won't make it in Hollywood," a mumble spills from my mouth, sounding.

"Jade," Peggy muttered sternly, "Why?"

"She said the truth... she saw through my mask."

The maid sat up and brushed off her shirt, "Now Jade, do you want her back?"

"Yes," I say immediately.

"Then don't let anything stop you, alright? But you need to take better control of yourself. I'm going to start dinner, nap if you have to, it will wait in the fridge or on the counter." And she left, leaving me in a darkening room, only my alarm clock illuminating the walls. I set my head down on the pillow and close my eyes.

'Will I be able to help her? Or will I push her away again...'

Don't let anything stop you, alright? But you need to take better control of yourself...

I allow myself to succumb in my drowsy slumber, my mind still buzzing.

-o0o-

I laugh as we danced out of the black box theatre, the music still filling our ears. Tori chuckles before her movements eventually slow as she follows me to my car. "So... were are we going?"

"To my car, why do you want to walk all the ay over to the burger joint?" I snap playfully.

"Depends on which one," the half-Latina mumbles, "There is one right down the street."

"That one's shit."

"Okay, what about the one near the beach."

"Hate the beach and that place is a dump." I smirk as she glares at me half-heartedly. The car doors close, the driver's slamming while the other closes quietly. "So where the hell are we going then?"

"Oh? Did someone just curse for the first time? Let me get my camera," I say with false excitement filling my voice.

"And I could do so much fucking more! Now get to driving on the God damn road bitch so we can eat at the shit restaurant, and make sure not to run over any whores while your at it."

I gawk at the smirking Vega, "Well shit then... I guess you can have a filthy mouth."

"Never said I didn't."

I roll my eyes, starting the engine. "So, what else do we not know about you Vega? Hmm?" I mutter mockingly, "You run over traffic cones? Or how 'bout filming porn?" I smile as she starts to laugh quietly, growing louder as I pull out, putting more details in Tori's mysterious antics.

"Oh! Does Sweet Sally Peaches have a tattoo? 'Oh, I would never let a drop of ink stain my skin, oh how my sweet lovely father would hate me!'" I start to laugh with her, "Has the mysterious Vega over here ever gone to prison? Man, how you father would have felt about that."

After a few moments, the laughter died, a bit sooner than I would have imagined. Still, I was fazed by hearing her true laugh for the first time without being disintegrated by my scowls. For the first time, I felt a small harmless flame grow in my chest as I heard the mellow voice speak it's volumes.

"Jade?"

"What Vega."

"I-I ac... Why are you doing this?"

"Because I want to, now why didn't you turn me in?" my eyebrows knit together.

"I don't know." My eyes slide over to her as the wheels halt before a red light, and I see some confusion plastered on her face. "Jade?"

"What?"

"You know I wouldn't have done that to you, right?"

"Yeah," I chortle, "I wouldn't have gotten a black eye like that."

"No, no I mean I would have done a lot worse," she squeaked. I raise a studded eyebrow at her, and shook my head. It was the first of few times she had warned me of the future, telling me that she wasn't what she seemed. Nevertheless, we had a good time at the burger place and I dropped her at the house. A small grin was set on my lips and my car drove home.

The same grin appeared once I woke up, remembering one of the nicest moments of high school I had gotten. My feet stumbled downstairs, and I lazily grabbed the food in the fridge and indulged myself in it. I gazed around in the dark, the microwave read '12:35'. While the grin on my face remained, my eyes were filled with guilt and bitterness. One question rang constantly as I ate, whatever I had that night.

'Will I be able to have that with her again?'

Yay! Chapter finished, a day early too. Hope you liked it. :)