Chapter Twenty-four

I was allowed to have a taco. But it was more trouble than it was worth.

Trina was looking at me all through dinner like I'd appeared out of nowhere and she didn't necessarily want me around, and her parents were awkwardly trying to make me feel welcome despite that.

"So...," Mr. Vega started. "What are you doing during the summer, Jade?"

I shrugged. "Not much. I'll probably just be trying to get out of my house as often as possible."

He cleared his throat, brushing it off. "Well, you're welcome here anytime," he said.

I smiled at him and Tori laced her fingers through mine under the table.

The school year was almost at a close, and I was actually going to not be held back after being absent for about a month. I managed to make up most if not all of my work.

At the end of every school year at Hollywood Arts, there's a sort of talent show called The Circus. It's basically The Big Showcase, except on the other side of the calendar. If you've already performed at the beginning of the year, you don't take part in it. The other half of the school that didn't get a chance to do anything the first time has a shot.

So Vega couldn't do it. Which sucks for me, because I kind of want to see her in that dress again. Oh well, maybe in private.

She's been pestering me, telling me to sign up. I, for one, think it's a bit much to add that to the list of all that's been happening. And besides, can you really see me participating in something called The Circus? I don't think so.

But she started getting so annoying. And then she boycotted kissing me, so I signed up.

When I told her that, she kept our lips together for about a half hour, making up for lost time.

Then she started pacing, talking about songs I should sing and what I should wear.

"Maybe 'I Kissed a Girl' by Katy Perry," she teased.

I sighed. "Funny. If I'm going to sing something, it's going to be something I like," I stated.

She rose an eyebrow. "Well, what do you like? I don't want you doing some song screaming about stabbing your eyes out."

I rolled my eyes, smirking. "I'm offended," I whispered, feigning hurt.

She walked over, laying down next to me, staring at the ceiling. I looked down on her from my position propped against the headboard. "You know," she murmured. "I don't think I've ever even heard your voice."

I chuckled. "It's not too special," I muttered, scooting over and running my fingers through her hair gently.

Her eyes closed, a sigh escaping her mouth. "Cat says it's amazing," she murmured in reply, looking content. "She says you're like an angel."

I didn't talk for a few seconds. I held her hand by her waist with my free one, continuing to run the other through her curls.

"Cat exaggerates a lot, you know that," I whispered.

"Well, yeah, I know," she replied. "But we were... we were with Andre and Beck, they both agreed." Her breathing was becoming heavier.

I let go of her hand, reaching for a blanket to drape over us. "Sometimes it's easier for people to just agree with Cat, no matter what she says," I continued whispering, connecting our hands again under the blanket.

Tori yawned a bit, snuggling closer to me. "Why are you so against people liking your voice?" She mumbled sleepily.

I allowed her to burrow into my neck, laughing a bit. "Tori, you're tired. Just stop talking and fall asleep," I said to change the subject.

She took my advice.

When I sing anything that actually matters I get bare. I'm out to be criticized by everybody, and normally that wouldn't bother me, but that's because what's being criticized isn't usually who I actually am.

Sure, I have a good voice. I guess. I'm a performer, so I'll use it. But usually I only use it to sing meaningless, hormone-driven songs about guys or something. 'Cause it's easier. Sure, I'm not too into it. It's not too emotional. I don't make anyone cry or anything. But at least I don't make myself cry.

I'd just rather be recognized for acting as opposed to singing, because at least when I act I have a character on. And I can't sing dumb songs throughout an entire career. People would demand something more personal. Actually, that's not a hundred percent true. But I wouldn't want to sing stupid songs for my whole career.

So that's why I don't like it when people compliment me on that. Because I'm scared of launching off on that and not knowing how to get back.

Tori shifted a little in her sleep, rolling her head to the left and off my shoulder. I smiled, pulled from my thoughts.

I turned on my side a bit, resting my leg on top of her's and wrapping my arms around her. I kissed her cheek and nuzzled into her shoulder.

"Jade...," she mumbled a bit through sleep, shifting to make room for me.

I chuckled again.

If she really wanted me to, I would sing 'I Kissed A Girl' for her.

A/N - Aww. Teddy bear fluff.

Thank you for telling me your taco preferences. However, my mailman accidentally ran over my mailbox, and then he threatened me into pretending I was the one who did it and told all his buddies at the post office that I have no respect for mail or mailboxes, and now no one will let me mail anything without trying to arrest me.

So you won't be getting your tacos anytime soon. Unless you want me to email them to you. But I'm not sure how that would work.