Emotions flooded through me as I dashed out of the classroom; there is no way I could actually explain how I am feeling, hell I don't even understand it myself. When did things within our friendship group become so complex? I am dating my ex-friend's ex-girlfriend, my ex-friend is dating my sister; and now my best friend is dating my ex-girlfriend. When did Robbie and Cat become the least dysfunctional members of our group?
As I had expected Andre had followed me; somehow this calms me slightly. As odd as this is to me I know I won't be able to stay angry at either him or Dani. Other than Jade they are the closest people to me in the world. And while the idea of them doing anything together makes my stomach churn slightly; I also appreciate that what I am doing with Jade is no different, I will not be a hypocrite. Where Beck is being petty and spiteful I am going to try my hardest to be accepting.
"Tori, please hear me out!" Andre pants as I stop and turn to face him. "I would never do anything to hurt you with intent. I am not even sure how this happened! I know that it is a strange situation but I really do like her, and I hope that you can understand. But if you don't then I will happily stand down. You mean too much to me to lose!"
A smile crosses my face as the mixture of emotions flow from my body, the fact that he would consider giving up his own; and presumably Dani's happiness, in order to spare me from being uncomfortable fills me with warmth. I draw the panic stricken boy into a hug; one which he seems both shocked and relieved to receive.
"You're not mad?" he questions in a confused tone.
"Andre, I love you. And I love Dani. In very different yet strangely similar ways. I'm not going to lie and say that this is a perfect situation in my eyes." He flinches as these words escape my lips and looks ready to start talking again, but I place a finger gently on his lips to signal that I have not yet finished. "You both mean a hell of a lot to me, and if you make each other happy I am willing to accept this with open arms."
"Oh wow, thank you Tori, thank you so much." He lets out with an exhale, the worry draining out of his face.
"I'm sorry I freaked out so much actually" I giggle as I realise this doesn't actually bother me as much as I had previously thought. "I guess I just have a lot in my mind at the moment. I'm sure Jade and Beck's argument didn't help things. I can't believe he called her a dyke." I trail off.
"He was way out of line Tori, and I will personally make sure that he knows that." He states solemnly; I know this situation isn't easy for him, considering that Beck is his other closest friend.
"I need to tell him. About Jade and I" I mutter softly gaining a nod from Andre in response, "but I don't want him to hurt Trina" my voice cracks slightly as I say this.
"I know that it all looks useless and unworkable now Tori, but it will get better. If anyone can win people round it is you Muchacha! You made Jade love you didn't you?" he fires at me causing a smile too briefly cross my lips. I pull him into another hug muttering thank you into his ear repeatedly. This is the position our friends find us in when they exit the classroom after the lesson ends.
"What the fuck!" Beck's voice is the first to break the silence. "So when I date your sister its wrong but when he dates your ex everything is fine and dandy!"
"The circumstances are completely different!" I retort anger once again filling my body, "While you are acting out of spite Andre is acting out of love!"
"Sure whatever Tori, I will make sure to let your sister know about your double standards later." He grunts before pushing roughly past me. The shock of the impact catches me off guard and I tumble to the floor with a thud. At once Andre, Cat and Jade's voices all overlap,
"What the fuck Beck!"
"Oh my god Tori!"
"Oh hell no!"
As Robbie and Cat run to my side in an attempt to help me; Jade and Andre round on Beck. Turning to face them he still has a cocky smirk plastered to it. Jade takes a step forward ready to attack, but Andre is one step ahead. The sound Beck's jaw cracking pierces through the air as Andre's fist makes contact with it, causing him to stumble backwards. Without a second glance he dashes out of the school door.
In an instant both Jade and Andre are beside Cat and Robbie, forming a circle around me; each of their voices overlapping as they ask if I am ok. Despite the pain I can still feel I begin to laugh hysterically causing them all to exchange worried glances before joining me, their laughs however sound more nervous. As quick as my laughing began it subsides and is replaced by loud, violent tears, this causes Jade to panic before literally picking me up. The next thing I know we are all squashed into Andre's car pulling up in my driveway.
Luckily for me; considering my current grounding, both of my parents are out at work. Having failed to calm down on the way home, Jade carries me straight to my room and undresses me before pulling pyjamas over my body placing me in bed and kissing me softly on the forehead. Throughout all of this I seemed unable to function, my mind is so drained, and my body appears to be unable to function properly.
"I will send the others home babe, but I am staying here, don't worry anymore just rest." She whispers to me before kissing me once again and leaving the room.
It cannot be any later than 3PM when my mind and body give way to sleep.