Despite Jades need to get plotting, her other commitments kept her from any clandestine meetings until the next week. Jade's other commitments included more than her research and the classes she taught. Maintaining her two groups of friends was going to have it's own challenges. Some things could be faked, like on line gaming while watching the rehearsal of a play a couple of her friends were in. Others were harder, like participating in the weekly departmental paintball match instead of going to the beach with the gang. Jade was also upset to find out that Penny was better at it than she was. Jade hadn't had a lot of practice with guns, and it was taking her a while to learn the whole aiming at moving targets tricks that an experienced person did almost instinctively. Penny seemed to love that she was the better shot. Jade was quickly proving to be the second best paintball player on her team, and between the two girls they represented the entire offense for the physics department. One of her problems in a fast paced live action shooter like paintball was that she tended to think things through, calculating each shot. Penny, like many paintball players, just blazed away until she got her target. However, thanks to her ability to calculate the variables, there was one area where Jade excelled. Jade was a far better sniper than Penny. Towards the end of the contest, as she was able to factor in all the environmental conditions including cover, range and drop of projectile, Jade started making shots at distances not normally tried in paintball. She even got one guy through moderate concealment with what turned out to be the game winning shot. At the end of play, however, Penny had more kills and would not let anyone for get it. It was the first victory the physics department had yet achieved in paintball, but Jade just couldn't celebrate.
After that, Jade felt a desperate need for some teen time, so she rushed to the beach as soon as the game was over. She hoped to join her friends and spend the rest of the day lounging around the beach. While there she fully expected to be hit on by at least half a dozen people, and while she hated being hit on, her confidence could use the boost. Jade stopped at Cats place on rout to see if the redhead was there, and found that Cat and Sam were late because Sam didn't get up early on weekends. There was also apparently a babysitting mishap, so they had gone to bed exhausted. Jade had figured out a while ago that she didn't like hanging out with Sam too often, probably because they were similar personalities. The differences, not counting Jades intelligence, were mostly background and work ethic. Sam was more criminal while Jade was more rebellious. Jade liked to work hard for what she wanted, while Same was content to scam her way through life. Jade was strong, but in normal proportions, while Sam was freaky strong. Sam was street smart and a street fighter, while Jade was creative and trained, relying on leverage and speed as well as power. Sam's weapon was the Butter sock, while Jades were her scissors. The minor differences in personality made them both uncomfortable. They usually played the same roll in the group they were in.
Today it was worse. While waiting for the two roommates to finish getting ready for the beach, Jade noticed that she was checking Sam out. 'I guess I never noticed Cat because that would be too much like child abuse.' Jade's thoughts on Sam were far dirtier. Bust size and hip were calculated with disturbing ease. It was pure physical attraction, let go of easily, but the thoughts disturbed Jade. On the short drive over, Jade noticed she was checking out some boys as well, and that just made her feel worse. 'God, I'm like a dirty, filthy minded...Boy.' Jade had to admit it was scary being attracted to both genders. She was not used to feeling this way. 'Except that time with Beck, and the one with Moose, and the time I saw Tori in that outfit, and the time I realized I could probably talk Meredith into anything. Tori in spandex...' Jade forced her thoughts away from the diddly-bops, and onto the road.
Venice, Ca was Almost squarish, longer than wide so it was possible to be a mile from the beach and still in that part of LA. Cat and Sam lived within half a mile of the beach, but that meant a drive through city streets of over ten blocks. From their, it was driving along the almost mile long Venice beach section of coast until they found where their friends had parked. When she saw Becks RV, she stifled a laugh and thought 'He has got to stop parking there.' Once again his truck was next to a huge RV that blocked the door to the trailer. Jade quickly found a parking space and went into action as Cat ran off to take a waz and Sam, who had followed on her Motorcycle, found another parking place. Jade thought for a second about her options. Beck would have his set of keys in his pocket, so she would have to find the spare hidden under the rear bumper. While she had no desire to stick her hand under there and feel along the dirty rear end of the truck, the thought of how much she could mess with them all overrode needing to wash her hands, and she bent down to feel for the box the key was in. Jade quickly retrieved the key, pulled the trailer out, and parked in a different spot where there was no chance of being blocked in. They didn't face the beach, but it was a small price to pay. Immediately the door flew open and the gang, including Trina, pored out. They were not as sweaty as the last time, but still by best estimations had been stuck in the trailer for over two hours.
Jade could not let this go without a comment. "Okay Beck, a couple of things. First, never ever park like that again. Make sure no one can block you in. I'm convinced it's the same guy, and it was deliberate. Second, why didn't you install batteries, maybe solar panels, like I suggested? Then you could run the air conditioner while you waited. I bet I could get Howard to design it for you, maybe instal it to. Third, Did anyone's cell phone work this time? My god people, learn from our mistakes." The five teens looked down, embarrassed. A sixth person made themselves known.
"You mean this has happened before?" Meredith asked. Jade had to admit she looked good in her swimsuit. Just not as good as Tori.
"What are you doing here?" Jade asked, showing no patience or tact.
"It's not what you think." Beck said
"I invited her." Andre added.
"You invited her?" Jade looked through the musician. He nodded feebly, reminded that Jade was scary as chiz. "Okay." Turning to the others. "If you're ready, lets hit the beach. Beck and I will buy us some lunch while the rest of you find us a spot. Cat, you and Sam make sure no one hits on Meredith. She's with Andre." Jade started walking towards the near by convenience store. Beck snapped out of his surprise and followed, while the others stared for a few seconds.
"What just happened?" Andre asked, not noticing that Cat was now beside him, keeping watch for any threats to his date. He was too busy looking at the retreating forms of Beck and Jade. He didn't remember a time when Jade would just drop something like that.
Beck caught up with Jade, his thoughts spinning. "Jealous?" He asked, smiling. Jade never broke step, never looked at him. She just kept going as she answered.
"No. Meredith is a sweet kid. She's just not right for you. Didn't you tell Tori you needed someone opinionated, who spoke their mind? Meredith is too accommodating for you." Jade said as they walked towards the store. They entered talking.
"So that's the whole reason?" Beck said.
"Get over yourself. You were right, I need to move on. It still hurts sometimes, but I'll manage. I just don't want her to be your rebound. When you're ready, I'll have someone for you." Jade sounded confident, but inside just wanted to get past this discussion. She had her own issues to talk about.
"Wait. Jade West caring about another person? I just don't know you any more." Beck joked.
"She was nice to me. The Sunday after you dumped me, the Vega's were looking after me and they had to go to church. I couldn't go with them because I might combust if I step on holy ground, so they hired her to look after me." Jade braced for it.
"They hired her to look after you. That was nice of them." Beck said.
"I kinda went with the whole babysitting idea, and had her cook for me, read me stories including showing me the pictures, and tucking a blanket around me while we waited." Jade confessed.
"And I'm not supposed to make jokes about this because?" Beck asked.
"You value your life?" Jade responded, smiling.
They had picked out several sandwiches and drinks and were in line to pay for them. Jade wanted to hold off for a second. Line was not the place for her next confession. Fortunately Raj called to check on her. While she quickly chewed him out for being over protective, she was grateful for the distraction. They were on their way back to the group when Jade next spoke.
"I need to tell you something. I hope it doesn't hurt too much, but I kinda checked out a couple of people today." She said quietly. Unsure was not her normal tone of speech, and Beck noticed immediately.
"You mean like Moose? I mean, it's good. I want you to feel comfortable looking. Was he hot?" Beck was trying.
"Yes he was. So was the other guy, and the three girls." Jade held her breath for several seconds. They had stopped walking as beck studied her.
"Wow. I thought I'd have to trick you into noticing that. Anyone I might want to look at?" Beck finally said.
"WHAT!" Jade shouted. She was suddenly not so worried about people noticing. Of course, no one did. "How the holy chiz did you know? I only figured it out in the last couple of weeks, and you knew?"
"Jade, you may not ogle, but you glance. I noticed you glance a lot at different people. Now out and out undressing with your eyes, I've only seen you do that once or twice. Five times if I count moose." he smiled as he said that. Jade was speechless. She managed force herself to say something, just to talk.
"I checked out Sam. My god, I like her body. I know I could never be with her, but I like her body. What is wrong with me?" She said.
"I don't know. I'd didn't expect you to have grown so much." He said, preparing to say more.
"Grown? Grown? What, I've been an immature little brat? Tell me, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Jade was fuming, and since Beck was chuckling, it only made her madder.
"Jade, please calm down. I only meant to say that you've been a little insecure at times and you don't like risking people seeing that you want things. I think you're afraid that it would give them power over you." Beck guessed.
"You and my therapist. Why does this whole thing have to be so hard. Now I'm becoming a perve and you say I'm growing? I mean hell, that's just janked up. Why can't I be like you and not stare?" Jade said, letting her rant die a little.
"Because you probably shouldn't date a hyper possessive, vengeful and jealous goth just to learn to be discrete. Kidding. Jade, you're only acknowledging the feelings now. You'll get used to them, and trust me, you'll still look even when with your true love. You just won't act on it. Physical attraction has nothing to do with compatibility." Beck said smiling.
"And how did you become such an expert?" Jade demanded.
"I've read about a dozen books on relationships since we broke up. Twice that if you count the days leading up to it. I even read a few dating books, including a couple for the ladies. I had a motivated interest to know everything I could. It helped. I'm doing a lot better now. And Jade, I'm glad you're seeing someone to help deal with your past." Beck was so frustrating because he was honest, and Jade could not let him be the bigger person.
"So maybe you should date Sam. She's cute and her personality is similar to mine." Jade said.
"Nice ass, great rack, but she's less restrained than you ever were. You may insult people, but you never try to hurt people just because they annoy you. Insult or threaten, yes, but not injure." Beck said.
"Ass? Rack? Isn't there more to her than that?" Jade asked as they started moving towards the group again.
"And what did you notice when you ogled her?" Beck asked.
"That she was thin, with decent boobs and just shut up." Jade said, feeling caught in her own words. Becks laughter ended with a hug. They were almost with their friends and Jade decided to act now before it was too late. Three people, on two subject, and she was going to clear both tasks from her mind today.
Despite the urgency Jade was feeling, she had to wait for the right moment to act. The gang stayed together for the next two hours, eating, laughing, and generally having a good time. Jade did get a moment to talk to Andre when the two went to find the restrooms. They had been having a good day, and Jade wanted this done as soon as possible so they both could get back to that good day.
"So, you and Meredith? Hows that working out for you?" Jade's question seemed to take Andre by surprise.
"Uh..Wada you mean? She, uh, seems nice. I mean, she's not with, um, Beck." Andre had no idea what to say, and while he could hang with Jade most days, she almost never cared about his dates. This was probably the first time she had ever asked about one.
"It's just, while I'm by no means her friend, I think she's a nice girl. I just want to be sure you're not after the free cupcakes." Jade somehow made that sound dirty. Again. He remembered that time in the janitors closet, and shuddered. With all he knew about her now, she could probably kill people with just about anything. And she's focused on him. He was grateful for the heat, since he was now sweating. "It's you, Dre, thats my main concern. Do you realize you've never had a relationship last more than two months, the entire time I've known you? You're frequently going on about your new girlfriend, and the only thing consistent is the new part. I could stand Meredith, if she's the one you want. Just find someone. Or be labeled as a player. Just don't break the hearts of any of my friends. Okay?" Andre couldn't answer. She was right, he didn't do long term relationships, but that wasn't why he was speechless. Something had happened to Jade. She was showing compassion and caring for others. Others who she wasn't dating. He decided to talk to Beck. Andre needed to know what was going on, if only to survive.
By the time they got back, Jade had yet another wanna be approaching her. Jade had fended off several previous attempts to hit on her, and while it was flattering, most of these guys just weren't in her league. She shot this one down with a glance when a smell group of older kids, probably college men, walked by. They noticed her group, and came over to talk. They were saying something about a beach party at a refurbished hotel and that they were all invited, "Even the guys." Jade was having trouble following because two of the group were drawing her attention. One, a tall buff guy with sandy hair, was hitting on her and just didn't seem to know what NO meant. The other kept his distance but looked familiar. Jade decided she was not going to a party with these guys and told them as much. Her friends tried to convince her, but she was not budging. Finally she asked how many complaints against the Frat. Many such organizations had cleaned up their act, but enough still only invited girls to parties to get them drunk and then have them.
The Frat brothers wandered off after giving the party address to the group, but the one Jade recognized stayed behind. He confirmed that he was taking her class this summer and that perhaps she would be wise to avoid this party. Most of the Brothers were from out of area enjoying summer in LA and as such he didn't trust them. The local house was always getting in trouble for these types of parties. He urged the girls to stay away, and let them know he would not be there because it was against his morals, and "I've been loaded up on homework. My Physics professor is a killer." The gang decided not to attend the party.
After that, Jade found her chance to talk with Trina. "I need to ask you a couple of things. First, have you thought about learning comedy? I mean really learning? I think it falls within your limited talent, no offense. With your ability to take just about anything, it's a good fit. But I also need a favor from you. I can't tell you the details, but it requires you getting over yourself. Keep the confidence, and the dreams, but lose the idea that you're the chiz." Jade sounded different, letting her compassion speak for her. The dragon had not shown it's face except to the guys who hit on her, and they either went away scared or called her a bitch. Neither got to her today.
"And why do I have to do this? Not that I do, but why?" Trina asked, straight to the point.
"I have a cousin, kinda cute but emotionally shaken from the end of a long romance. I'm thinking of introducing you to him. You just cannot be..Well, you." Jade said as she smirked. "Look, there's a part of you that's tolerable, possibly easy to get along with. Just lose the tude and I'll set you up. Meet me for lunch on Wednesday and we'll see what we need to do before I'm ready to risk you dating him"
"Is he cute?' Trina asked.
"You owe me, so does it mater?" Jade replied. She knew that Trina would show up just to see what she might get. Now Jade had to figure out what Trina needed to lose and what she should keep. The rest of the day was fun, and she found that she was enjoying being toned down. Being a gank was still a major part of her, but she was showing so much more of herself now to the people she cared about.
By Wednesday she had everything planned out. It had taken her days to figure out each thing she wanted to change about Trina, and how realistic it would be to make those changes. She had what she felt was a workable strategy as well as a plan on hoe to get both people into a healthy relationship. 'As healthy as either of them dose, I guess.' The fact that Beck needed a balance of growth and being the knight saving the maiden was the hardest part of the equation. Jade was determined to solve it. She had decided that therapy, for personal growth, was a part of what Trina would need. Surprisingly little else, beyond the inflated opinion of herself needed to change.
Jade was intending it to be just the two of them, but again she underestimated the concern of her friends. Lenard and Howard risked life and limb to eat with her just to make sure she was okay, having noticed that she was withdrawn this week. They were supposed to play witness, but somehow both got in their own comments. Sinjin was also their, since the two scientists liked him so much. Raj and Sheldon were out eating with some potential donors.
"Trina, if you agree to my conditions, I will introduce you." Jade said
"But she knows me." Sinjin said.
"I don't think you're who she meant." Howard corrected.
"Sinjin. Shut it. I only allowed you here because I will need you're help. Do as I say and I might forgive your constant spying. Trina, look over the list and tell me, yes or no." Jade was snapping, and faculty across the lunchroom were keeping their distance.
Trina read over the list several times. "Therapy? Really?" She said.
"It'll help, and you'll feel better." Jade replied.
"Like you'd know" Trina said.
"I would. I'm seeing a therapist about my anger. So do we have a deal? Sinjin stop looking at out tits." Jade didn't even spare the lanky youth a glance.
"Look, she's trying to do a nice thing. Just say you'll do it, Okay?" Lenard added.
"Why should I trust you?" Trina asked the physicist.
"I've come to know here, and if there are conditions there are also usually reasons." He replied.
"Okay, Deal." Trina said. Howard suddenly looked uncomfortable as he saw someone entering the lunchroom.
"Um, guys. I hate to do this, but my father in law just showed up. I gotta see what he wants." Howard said as he prepared to stand.
"Oh my god! Officer Rostenkowski?" Trina practically shouted. "It's me, Trina Vega, David's daughter." She said while waiving her hands.
Mike Rostenkowski walked over to the table, confused.. "Trina? Katrina? Katty, is that you? My god how you've grown. Oh Howard, I need something, but we'll cover that later. Katty's father was my partner for years. I had him from his rookie year until he became a detective. So how is Dave?"
"He's good, and it's Trina now. You should call him. I bet he would love to get back in touch. OH, where are my manners. This is Jade, a friend of Tori's. She's also a physicist or something. She works with the nerds. You seem to know one of them. The guy is Sinjin. I have no idea why he is here." Trina gushed.
"Give me your dads number before I leave. Howard, I need your help. Somethings wrong with the stereo, and I was told you're good at fixing that kinda crap." Mike said. Jade was getting frustrated. She was still not patient with interruptions.
"Sinjin, I need you to hang out with Beck more. When girls mob him, hit on them. You'll help Beck and might get a date or two. Bring Burf, Robbie, and penicillin. Especially the penicillin." Jade said quickly.
"Girl, didn't anyone tell you it's not nice to talk over people?" Mike said.
"Jade, please. It's Howard father-in-law. Don't..." Lenard started as jade tensed, ready to move.
"Kill him" Trina finished.
"Like she could." mike said.
"She probably could." several voices said at once.
"Trina, I need you to lose the tude A.S.A.P. I am not letting Beck set me up first." Jade said, ignoring the Ex cop.
"Beck? You want me to date Beck?" Trina said, both excited and surprised.
"I can you fix your stereo." Howard said. "I'll come by after work to see whats wrong."
"Yes I want you to date him, but only because I see part of you that most people miss. I want him to have THAT." Jade said. She was still giving short glares at Mike between talking to Trina.
"If I may, Howard, why don't you and your father in law go over there to talk. Jade, this sounds like stuff we don't need to be involved with. Sinjin, don't hit on Becks rejects. You're better than that." Lenard addressed each, then stood up and moved to another table. Howard followed suit, despite Mike's choosing to just leave. Sinjin and Trina stayed to discuss things with Jade.
"So that's how to pick up skanky women." Sinjin said. Jade just smiled. Things were moving along nicely. She would soon have beck in a health relationship with Trina Vega, and Jade marveled at that thought. They ironed out some of the details, and Jade made sure everyone was on board. They would have to get together a few times for Jade to help prepare Trina. Acting would not be good enough. If possible, Trina would need to change. Her true self was fine, it was the diva attitude that needed to go.
As they were breaking up, Trina then said "Jade, why don't you come to dinner Friday night. We can discuss this further." Jade realized there was no getting out of that dinner. That meant either an evening with tori, or knowing tori was on a date. Jade felt the tension again.