Disclaimer: The Show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.

You promised me forever

Chapter 9 – Cats in the cradle

Authors note: Up to now this story seems like a series of one offs and that has been partially true. I have been building up to what I consider the main part of the story. We are getting very near it.

The chapter takes place in May of their sophomore year about 5 months after the last chapter.

Jade let up on the work as she promised Tori. But gradually, Jade started to work more and more. She spent time writing scripts, auditioning for parts, shooting footage for her student films, scouting locations for her student films. Not to mention time spent in class and studying.

Tori wanted to say something, but she held her tongue. Filmmaking was very important to Jade. As was her acting classes was. Tori wanted to be supportive of her girlfriend. She also didn't want to be seen as hindering Jades ambitions.

It was a Friday and Tori was almost done with final exams. She had only one left, the next Monday in advanced music theory. This evening she was sitting on her couch reading from her text book, when Jade came home.

"Tori." Jade called out as she came into the apartment.

"Yeah" Tori said, as she looked up to see Jade enter the room.

"You will never guess what happened?" Jade said in a rather excited fashion.

"Remember that part, in that sci-fi movie I tried out for 2 months ago?"

Tori nodded. "You got a couple of call backs, but they settled on someone else."

"I just got a call from the producer. The actress in the part got pregnant, so she had to drop out. The other girl who was up for the part, she has already committed to another project. They want me too take the part."

Tori got off the couch as a surprised expression formed on her face. "Remind me about the part."

"I would play one of the bridge personal, on the space ship in this big space epic. It's not a huge part, but I would be in the background in almost all of the bridge scenes. On top of that, I talked the producer and he allowed me to become a production assistant."

Tori was happy for Jade, as this was a very good opportunity. But suddenly a question registered in her mind.

"Where are they filming?" Tori asked cautiously, as her spirits slowly sank.

Jades smile slowly melted off her face, as she realized the implication of Tori's question.

Jade bit her lip, as her gaze fell slowly to the floor. "I would be in England for about 10 weeks."

Tori closed her eyes, as a look of pain registered on her face. "10 weeks" she whispered barely audibly.

Jade felt even worse, knowing what she needed to say next. "I have to leave on Sunday. They start shooting a week from Monday." She said her voice trailing off.

Tori's mouth opened, but nothing came out of it. She was floored to put it simply.

Wordlessly Tori sat down on the couch, as she felt the strength leave her body. As excited as she was about getting the part, Jade dreaded having to break the news to Tori. Looking at Tori, Jade could see the Latina was very upset.

Jade quickly rushed to Tori's side taking her hand, as she thought for a moment.

"Tori, I don't have to take this part." Jade said, as she looked into Tori's eyes.

"If this really bothers you, I can pass it up." Jade said, hating seeing Tori look so upset.

Tori thought for a moment. The thought of Jade being away for 10 weeks, sickened her beyond imagination. As if Jade was already gone half the time already. Tori had planned on trying to reschedule that weekend at the bed and breakfast, which she had to cancel last year. Now for the second year in a row, Tori would have to scrap those plans.

"I've lost track of how many times, I've had to cancel plans because of Jade's schedule." Tori quietly thought to herself, with equal parts frustration and despair.

But Tori knew, this was an excellent opportunity for Jade without question.

Tori utterly hated the thought of being away from Jade for 10 weeks. Especially during the summer, when Jade was more available. But to be supportive of Jade and her goals, Tori felt like she had no choice.

So she lied. "I want you to go" She said, acting that it only bugged her half as much as it really did.

Jades face was unreadable for a moment, and then she looked a bit skeptical. "Are you sure? I can stay if it bothers you. I love you Tori, and I don't want to leave if it really bothers you."

Once again Tori lied, feeling like she had no choice. Deep down, Tori worried that if she hindered Jade's ambitions she would lose her. But Jade being busy all the time, gave Tori the same fear. Tori felt very much like she was in a catch 22 situation.

"I'm ok with it, I want you to go." Said Tori putting on a fake smile.

Jade smiled back. "You're the best girlfriend in the world. I love you."

"I love you too Jade."

Jade stood up, and took Tori by the hand. "We don't have much time left together. Come on, let's go to bed. I want to enjoy you will I still can."

Other than the fact that Jade was leaving, one other thing really bothered Tori. Back in school when Ryder was blackmailing her, Jade saw right through her deception that everything was Ok. It bothered Tori intensely, that Jade didn't see through her act this time and call her on it. In fact she wanted Jade call her on it.

But Jade didn't.

Hours later, after they made love, after Jade had fallen asleep, Tori quietly slipped out of bed and went into the bathroom where she shut the door.

In the dark, in the middle of the night, unbeknownst to the sleeping Jade, Tori burst into tears. It wasn't only the thought of losing Jade for 10 weeks it was the thought of losing her forever. It was in irrational fear but a very real one for Tori. Jade was so busy and deep down Tori felt like she was losing her. It just seemed to Tori, like the Goth had less and less time for her.

2 days later.

Jade looked at the departures board.

Flight 1147 To London, Gate B3, Departs 7:30AM

Looking at her watch, Jade saw it was 6:57 AM. A growing sense of sadness was growing in her. 10 weeks in England. 10 weeks away from Tori, 10 weeks away from home.

Jade glanced over at Tori, who was sitting with Lori and Lisa. She felt terrible for leaving Tori, but was glad she was supportive. This was Jades's very first speaking role in a movie. Granted she only had 4 lines. But she was a major background person, so she needed to be there during a large part of the shoot.

As she was standing there, Jade suddenly sensed a presence behind her.

Turning around, she saw it was her mother. "Do you have your ticket, boarding pass and passport?"

Jade felt the outside pocket of her purse. "Right here."

"Nervous?"

Jade nodded.

"How is Tori taking it?"

Jade glanced over at Tori, who was chatting with Lisa and trying not to look miserable.

"She's doing ok. We spent all day yesterday together." Jade said.

"Jade if you don't mind me saying so, you really need to spend a bit more time with that girl of yours. You've been really busy with school, auditions, working on films. I know she's busy too but I worry a bit sometimes. You really seem to be burning the candle at both ends. That's not good for you or your relationship." Lori said, sounding a bit worried.

"Don't worry Mom, Tori's fine. She knows and I know, that this is all for our own good and in the end will all be worth it. I know she's sad today and I am too, but she wanted me to go. I'll try not to over do it so much.

Lori thought for a moment about what jade had said. In the back of her mind, those words sounded oddly familiar. But she shook off that thought, and gave her daughter a hug.

"You just take care, and be sure to let that girl of yours know how much you care."

"I will mom, I promise. Just do me a favor and have her over for dinner a time or two."

Lori nodded. "Lisa and I will keep an eye on her for you."

"Thanks."

Jade and her mother walked back to Lisa and Tori, and sat down. "I'm going to have to go to my gate in a minute." She said trying to show little emotion, as she was resisting the urge to cry.

"With all the excitement, I forgot to ask where are you staying?" Asked Lisa.

The film is being shot at the Harlington-Straker film studios, which is about 50 miles from London. The producer of the film, Paul Foster said most of the cast and crew would be staying in the dormitory of a local college that wasn't going to be in use for the summer.

"So back to the dorms again." Said Jade's mother Lori.

"Sadly, yes. Made even sadder, that I don't have this lovely lady with me." Jade said wrapping her arm around Tori.

Tori made a sad smile and kissed Jade on the cheek. "I'll have her back soon enough."

Jade looked at her watch again, it was a little after 7.

"I need to go" Jade said sadly, as she took Tori's hand and stood up. "Walk me to the security checkpoint."

"See you Jade, Take care." Said Lisa giving her a hug.

The pair walked in silence, until they got to the entrance for the security checkpoint.

As they stopped, Jade looked at Tori who had begun to cry. Jade herself could barely contain her tears.

"I promised myself I wouldn't cry, but I can't help it." Tori said tearfully.

With that, Tears began to run down Jade's face. "Now look what you've done, you got me crying. I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you more." Said the now sobbing Tori.

Jade just pulled Tori into a tight hug. "I love you Tori, don't ever forget that." She whispered In the Latina's ear.

"I love you so much Jade." Tori said, feeling very much like her heart was breaking. She had no idea how she would make it through the next 10 weeks.

After a few more moments Jade started to pull away, but quickly realized that Tori didn't want to let go.

"I have to go baby." Jade said softly.

After a moment more Tori seemed to cry harder, but released the Goth.

Jade wiped the tears from Tori's face as hers continued to flow. "I'll be back in no time. I love you."

With that, Jade turned and walked into the security checkpoint. Tori stood there crying, as she watched Jade go through the checkpoint and disappear down the causeway.

A few moments later, Tori felt a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "She'll be back Tori, don't worry." Said Lori.

"Come on Tori, if you up to it, Lori and I will take you out for breakfast. Are you game?"

"Yeah sure." Tori said, not wanting to be alone at the moment.

A couple of hours later after the trio had breakfast, Lisa and Lori dropped off Tori at her apartment.

It was on the way back to their house, Lori suddenly remembered.

"That's it." She said loudly out of no where startling Lisa.

"What it?"

"I'm sorry, Jade said something at the airport, which seemed strangely familiar. Something like, this is all for our own good and in the end it will be worth it."

"Familiar how?" Said Lisa puzzled.

As you know Jade's father was and still is a workaholic. I was too at times."

"I put a stop to that didn't I" Said Lisa with a smile. "You work too much; I just stop having sex with you."

"Yes, but her father is a serious workaholic. That's why what Jade said was so familiar. He used to say almost those exact same words, when he would miss things Jade was doing. I don't even think Jade realized it." Lori said sadly and sounding a bit worried.

"Like that old song, Cats in the cradle by Harry Chapin. Father works all the time and never has time for the son. Later when the father wants to spend time with his son, the son is too busy to do anything with him."

Lori nodded. "Jade loves filmmaking and acting, and in some respects she's throwing herself into it like her father threw himself into his work. Even though he's accepting of her being with a woman, they still don't have much of a relationship. He worked so much and never had time for her, after a while she just stopped trying to have one with him."

"You sound really worried about it." Lisa noted.

"Now that I think about it. I am."

"What are you going to do?"

"At the moment, I don't know."

As always, thanks for reading and please review.