Disclaimer: The Show Victorious, it characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.
You promised me forever.
Chapter 12 – Bad Luck and Bad Timing
Authors Note: This chapter takes place the first week of November of their Junior year. about 2 months after the last chapter. This is a long and probably the darkest chapter of the entire story.
No Ones POV
It was 11 PM, when Tori got off from her job at the Coffee Bean. The small, but hip little coffee place near the campus. It was small, with its earthen tones and bookshelves filled with old books and magazines to read.
Instead of going home as she normally did, she headed in the opposite direction. A few minutes later, she was in front of one of the many apartment buildings that catered to students going to UCLA. She found the button for Oliver and pushed it. The front door buzzed and Tori went inside.
She trudged up the stairs to the top floor, where she headed to apartment 44. The music she could hear coming from inside, meant the party was already going. Before she could knock the door opened and Mandy appeared in the doorway.
"You look much to sober" Mandy said, handing Tori a red plastic cup with beer in it.
"Thanks Mandy, Has Jade arrived yet?" Tori asked, as she took a long drink of the beer.
Mandy shook her head, "No, she texted me and said she was running late shooting a night scene for her contest film.
Mandy couldn't help but notice, the brief look of annoyance that ran across the Latina's face as Tori muttered the words "running late, sounds like broken fucking record" under her breath.
Mandy patted Tori on the back. "Don't worry my raven haired step sister will be along soon enough. Why don't you join the party and get hammered. You can still get caught up."
Tori smiled and followed Mandy into the living room, where a small but raucous party was in progress.
"Aren't you worried about the cops getting called?" Tori said, taking another drink.
"Beck and I always invite the other tenants, and that guy in the corner shooting darts that's our building manager."
"Hey Tori" Called out familiar voice. Turning to see the voice she saw Andre, and Cat sitting together on the couch.
"Join us" Cat called out.
Tori smiled and joined the pair.
"Hi Tori" Cat squealed somewhat drunkenly.
"How's it going?" Andre said taking a drink of Beer.
"Fine, I just got off of work and headed straight here. I was hoping that Jade would already be here but she was delayed." Tori said trying to cover her disappointment.
"She'll be along soon, I'm sure." Andre reassured her.
Cat then turned her attention back to Andre and asked. "So let's get back to what were talking about. So if he shot the sheriff and didn't shoot the deputy, than who did?"
"It's just a song Cat." Andre said somewhat exasperated.
"But I want to know who shot the deputy. They don't say." Cat asked as if this was a particularly burning question to her.
A somewhat frustrated Andre threw up his hands as if to give up. "I don't know. Ask Bob Marley, he wrote the song."
"Where Bob Marley now?"
"He's dead Cat."
Cat's eyes lit up as if she was onto something. "I'll bet the same guy who shot the deputy, did Bob Marley in too."
Tori could barely resist the urge to laugh, as Andre just shook sadly his head.
"So how's your record going?" Asked Andre, eager to change the subject.
"It's going well. I've started to work on my album. I've gotten 4 songs completed and have 3 others in various states of completion." Tori said her spirits rising.
"So when is your album going to come out?" Cat asked.
"Not until next summer at the earliest. I have to finish the album and then the record company has to promote me, and promote my album. Get some buzz generated."
"That's great, consider one copy sold already. So how is Jades big film going?"
Tori quickly rolled her eyes and drained her cup of beer. "It's coming along. Between that and her regular films, she needs to make for film school she's gone all the time."
"I hear she got Natalie Hart from the show Harrison's Point, to be in it." Cat said sounding impressed.
"Yes" Tori said with a little tension in her voice.
"Have you met her?" Andre asked.
"Just once and only briefly. She's seems nice enough." Tori said not sounding convinced.
"Jealous?" Cat said somewhat mischievously.
"She says nothing is going on and I believe her. Jade can have friends of her choosing. There's just nothing that says, I have to like it."
Cat and Andre nodded and gave Tori looks of sympathy.
The Trio kept talking and indeed Tori did make her best effort to catch up to the others, draining several glasses of beer within an hour.
At one point around 12:30 Tori was sitting alone. Andre and Cat decided to mingle with the crowd. Suddenly an attractive young girl with extremely short light brown hair, sat down next to her. Tori though drunk quickly noticed the woman checking her out. The woman's piercing blue eyes seeming to cover every square inch of her form.
She did her best to ignore the woman who seemed pretty drunk herself. Tori was Jade's girl, and Tori wanted it to stay that way. Though deep down, Tori liked having someone pay attention to her.
"Your Tori? Arent' You?" She said flashing a perfect smile.
Tori nodded and slurred her words a bit. "Yep, I'm Tori. Who are you?"
"My name is Madison, I'm a neighbor of Beck and Mandy's. I saw you there and decided to introduce myself." She said her voice almost purring.
"Nice to meet you Madison" Tori said, extending her hand somewhat uncertainly. Madison smiled and gently shook her hand. Tori couldn't help but notice, her hand was warm and very soft. She faintly could detect the scent of lavender on them.
"I heard you're a singer, I'll bet you have a fabulous voice."
Tori hated to admit, it but she liked the attention now being lavished on her. She also felt guilty she was liking it. Jade had been so busy in the last 6 months with various film projects, and her movie. Throwing herself, into one project after another.
The pair who had been living together, had hardly spent any quality time with each other for the last two months. Tori had her music studies and part time Job. Jade had her film projects. Not to mention Tori had her album. Tori had started to worry, in the dim recesses of the back of her mind she had begun to feel that they were really beginning to drift apart. But Tori remained steadfastly supportive of Jades projects out of sheer devotion.
"I try" Tori said somewhat modestly.
"I would like to hear your voice. I'll bet it's angelic."
Tori now knew she was being hit on. For an instant she quickly found herself imagining Madison crouched between her legs. As appealing as it was, she quickly shook the image off. She desperately tried to think of what to do. Tori found this kind of hard, considering she was pretty drunk.
Drunk or not Tori knew one thing for certain. Flirting with another woman is bad normally; when you're dating Jade it's doubly dangerous. Even though Tori wasn't even doing the flirting, the other girl was certainly compensating. That, and the fact that Tori hadn't done anything to stop it.
It was then, Madison started move a little closer. Tori knew instinctively Madison was moving in for the kill.
"So are you dating anyone?" Madison said with a killer smile that sent a chill down Tori's spine.
Tori suddenly panicked, and she was about to politely excuse herself when a familiar voice boomed out from behind her.
"Yes she is! Now go away drunk girl, before something bad happens to you." Jade said, her words dripping with venom.
Tori looked up, as Jade sat down next to her. Jade did not look pleased; in fact Tori could tell the Goth looked rather unpleased.
Madison sensing certain doom was about to descend upon her, decided to retreat.
"Nice to have met you." She said, before getting up and quickly disappearing into the crowd.
"Care to explain?" Jade said looking very angry.
At this point Mandy intervened, coming up to them quickly. "Hey sis, don't blame Tori. That's our neighbor Madison, she's a total shark. I should have moved in earlier and chased her off for you."
Tori who was now very drunk, started to get upset. "I didn't do anything Jade. I was just sitting there waiting for you. Please don't be mad at me. I'd never cheat on you" She began to plead tearfully.
Jade suddenly felt bad and pulled the crying Latina in her arms. "I'm sorry if I was mad at you. I just saw that skank hitting on you and I saw red."
Beck approached at this point. "What's happening?"
Mandy answered. "Madison started to make a move on Tori and Jade saw it."
Beck knew perfectly well, how jealous and possessive Jade could be. He understood completely "Are you ok Tori?"
"I'm Ok" Tori said feeling much better in Jade's arms.
After a few moments Jade said, "You're a bit drunk, let's get you home. You wait here for a couple of minutes, while I say good bye to Beck and Mandy."
Jade kissed Tori on the cheek, got up and walked over to Mandy and Beck.
"I'm taking Tori home. Sorry I couldn't get here earlier."
"Tori was really hoping you would be here, when arrived. I think she was real disappointed." Mandy said.
"I know I've been busy, but I have a lot of work to do. Tori understands. I'll see you two later."
Mandy saw the look on Tori's face when she found out Jade was coming late, and Mandy half wondered how much she really understands. But Mandy didn't want to interfere. She hoped it would all work itself out, so Mandy just pushed that to the back of her mind.
Jade spent a couple of minutes chatting with Andre and Cat, and then got back to Tori. Tori seemed even more gone, appearing to have drained another cup of beer.
"Come on Lover." Jade said to Tori, who was now swaying.
"I like it when you call me lover." Tori said, her words very slurred.
"I'm glad Tori," Jade said as she guided the very drunk Latina towards the door.
On their way out, Tori started to babble about work. Jade ignored it and continued to guide her girlfriend to the car.
Jade got Tori into the car and walked around to the driver's side. By the time she got in the seat, Jade noticed Tori had passed out.
Jade drove home and got Tori up to their apartment. Tori seemed to half wake and muttered something about sandwiches. Otherwise she remained silent.
Jade stripped the drunken Latina out of her clothes, and poured her into bed where she instantly fell asleep.
Jade joined Tori in bed, protectively wrapping her arms around her before falling asleep herself.
Jade was gone when Tori woke up at 11:30 AM. Though she spied a note on the nightstand.
Tori,
Let you sleep in. I will be in the studio all day today. I may be home for dinner.
I Love you
Jade.
Tori read the note, before crumpling it up and throwing it away. She had a bad headache which she hoped would go away soon. Tori quickly showered, got dressed and ate some lunch.
She had some time in the studio scheduled for this afternoon at 1:00 to work on her album.
Her headache had lessened by the time she arrived in the studio, but was still present. Her working on her album helped her through the last two months. She felt like she was going somewhere in her career finally. She also exorcised some of her demons through song.
She wrote and recorded a song called "I remember." It was a sad balled about a woman who realizes, she and her lover are drifting apart. She poured a lot of her own feelings and fears into it.
When she arrived at the studio the receptionist stopped her.
"Tori, I was asked to let you know that Mr. Hadley wants to see you before you start today."
Tori nodded and headed for Brian Hadley's office. Brian Hadley was the CEO of Vandal records. He was great guy who cared about his artists. Since she started, she heard rumors of some expansion or something like that but it was only vague rumors. Tori couldn't help but wonder if this meeting was about that.
As she came up to his office, she knocked on the door.
"Come in." He said.
Tori entered the somewhat cluttered office. "You wished to see me, Mr. Hadley."
Tori noticed a look of sadness on his face, which made her feel uneasy.
"Yes, Please shut the door."
Tori shut the door and sat down, waiting for him to start.
"Tori, as you may have heard there are some changes in store for Vandal records. It will be announced tomorrow, but we have been bought out by one of the major record labels. The founder and majority shareholder sold his shares."
Tori wasn't sure what that meant for her. A bigger label would have an easier time promoting her album. But she noticed he looked even sadder as he continued to speak. Her sense of unease grew even bigger.
"There is no other way to say this and I am sorry. But the new owners have listened to all the artists we have on contract and have decided not to keep them all. Both I and Miles did push for you, but they listened to your demos and completed tracks and decided they didn't hear a hit. You're being released from your contract."
Tori's mouth just dropped open but no sound came out of it.
"For what it's worth, I think they're wrong, but it's not up to me. I have 9 other acts to release from their contracts so don't feel singled out. This new outfit is out for a cheap buck. I can assure you all your demos and completed songs, will be returned to your possession. You will be pro rated for the time spent in the studio, and you will be paid for that time according to standard music union wages."
"I am truly sorry, Tori. You are a tremendous talent and I wish it were another way." Brian said, looking profoundly regretful.
He slid a long piece of paper across the desk. "This is the form notifying you that you've been officially released from your contract. You are now free, to seek another deal with any label of your choosing."
Tori didn't even really hear the rest of what was said. She just stared at the paper before shoving it in her pocket. Tori was devastated. She thought she made it. Then some record exec says he doesn't hear and it's all over. Tori could hardly believe it.
Tori was in a daze as she left the building. She felt numb and very much in shock. Getting to her car she, just burst into tears. She drove aimlessly for a while until she came to a small park. Parking her car, Tori got out and just started to walk.
After a few moments, she realized where she was. It was here, that Jade confronted her about what Ryder was doing to her. Tori looked and there it was. The trashcan she threw up in when it all came out.
Once again she found herself, here at a crisis point in her life. But unlike last time she didn't feel like throwing up, and she was alone. Sadly Tori walked to a bench and sat down
"Rejection should be something I'm used to." Tori said quietly.
Tori felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath her. Once she signed that contract Tori felt like she had made it. Now that contract was gone.
"Gone" Tori said with a sigh.
She sat there for more than 2 hours, just starring off into space half in shock. Alone with her thoughts. Feeling neglected, unwanted and starting to feel unloved. Crying sometimes, not others.
After a while, one thing came to Tori's mind that made it bearable. It was a memory from a lecture from her History or 20th century music Class."
Her mind drifted back to the lecture.
"In 1962, a rock group auditioned for Decca Records in england. After they auditioned they were told that "they had no future in show business" by the record company execs, which rejected them. For the record, that group which supposedly had no future in show business was "The Beatles. Probably, the most the most famous Rock band in history."
That was the only consolation, for Tori's devastated spirit. Regardless, the termination of her contract stung badly. It also seemed to sap her reserves of inner strength and severely battered her self esteem.
A half an hour later, she arrived home. Tori had stopped crying, but was very depressed. Upon entering the door she saw Jade walking through the living room, heading to the door.
Before she could speak Jade breezed past her to the door. "I'm sorry baby, I forgot some notes I need for my shoot. I'll be back late."
"Jade, I need to talk to you." She said now sure how she will break the news.
Jade opened the door and half stepped out. "We can talk later, I really need to run."
Tori felt herself sinking further, as Jade apparently brushed her off. "But I really need too. It's about my album." She half pleaded.
But by then, Jade was halfway down the steps. "Your songs are great Tori, Stop worrying. We can talk later." Jade said dismissively as she left the building.
"She blew me off." Said Tori rather sadly.
Half an hour later, Tori was knocking on the door to Cats apartment. She lived about 10 minutes away, in a small studio apartment.
"Hey Tori" The red haired girl said cheerfully as she opened the door.
"Can I come in?" Tori said sadly
Cat could immediately sense something was wrong. "Come in Tori. You seem down. What's wrong?"
Tori walked in and sat on the futon that doubles as Cat's bed.
"Vandal Records was bought out by a large record company. The new owners released from contract, several artists they didn't feel could produce hits. I was one of them." Tori said her voice mostly drained of emotion.
"Oh my god." Cat said in a rather shocked fashion. "They just cut you loose?"
Tori nodded sadly. "Yeah, they did."
Cat sat down next to Tori and put an arm around her. "I still think you have a great voice and will be a huge pop star."
"Thank's Cat."
"So what did Jade say?"
"Nothing." Tori said her voice now devoid of emotion. "I tried to talk to her about it, but she just blew me off and left to shoot more footage for her film."
Cat thought for a moment. "I'm sure she didn't mean to be mean to you."
"I'm starting to hate that movie. She spends more time with Natalie who is in the movie, than me." Tori said with a noticeable amount of bitterness.
"You really don't think she's cheating?" Cat said with some dismay.
Tori shook her head. "No, it's just were not talking or spending much time with each other. I'm afraid of losing Jade."
"You need to sit that girl down, and have a serious heart to heart with her."
"You're right, I do."
"When? You really need to do this soon."
Tori closed her eyes and then opened them. "This is what I'm going to do. She's nearly done with her film. She has about 1 to 2 weeks of work left, and she's totally focused on it. This is very important to her, so I will hold my tongue until she's finished. Then she and I, will have a very long talk."
Cat looked as if she thought, the idea was somewhat dubious. "Maybe you should talk to her now."
"No, don't say anything. 2 more weeks and I'll talk with her."
"Ok. If you need someone to talk to, just call. Me and Mr. Longneck will listen." Cat said pointing to her stuff giraffe."
Tori smiled faintly. "Thanks Cat."
Cat decided to keep her promise, but had reservations about it. She could tell Tori was badly shaken up. It worried her that Jade didn't even notice.
Tori thanked Cat and left. She later worked a shift at the coffee bean and went home. Jade still wasn't there. Tori was very depressed, not to mention both emotionally and physically drained.
Sometime late after she had gone to bed, she felt the bed shift. Tori was awake but just pretended to sleep. She really didn't even feel like talking to Jade, until her movie was over. The whole thing with Natalie Hart made her nervous. Jade and Natalie became good friends. Perhaps it was simply paranoia, Tori thought, but she felt an ever increasing fear of losing Jade.
When she woke up the next morning, Jade was gone. Over the next few days, Tori went about her schedule as normal. Trying her best to cover up her sadness. Even Jade the few times she saw her, seemed to sense something was off. When asked. Tori said, she simply didn't feel well. But as the days grew on, Tori's depression worsened.
Tori had decided to talk to Jade about the record deal, Jades work and all the rest, when Jade's full attention could be focused. Until this movie was done, that wasn't possible.
Jade was really burning the candle at both ends. Jade's mother had spoken to her some weeks previous, about her tendency to overwork. Lori also told Jade, that Tori needed some love and attention.
Jade half dismissed it, still partially in denial. But she did say, she was planning on something to make it up to Tori. But Jade didn't specify how.
Lori did plan to speak with Jade more on the subject. However Lori was sidetracked by a extremely important litigation regarding a case, worth 10's of millions. What spare time she had, she fully devoted to Lisa. Not wanting to make the same mistake as Jade.
Several days had passed since her being let go by the record company. Tori on a whim, and feeling very depressed decided to visit Jade at the studio to see if Jade wanted to go to lunch. They hard barely seen each other in days, and Tori just wanted to see Jade if for a short while.
She entered the studio where Jade shot her films. Not finding Jade, Tori asked one of the other students a freshman named Tim where Jade was. Tim said, he saw Jade and Natalie talking in the back.
As Tori walked through the studio, she heard the voices of Jade and Natalie.
Tori quickly realized they had not seen her. Tori stopped out of sight letting her growing fear get the best of her, as she decided to eavesdrop a bit. .
As Tori edged closer, hiding behind a set, she started to be able to make out words.
"Almost finished with this film, thank god." Said Jade.
"Yeah," Said Natalie.
"Thanks for agreeing to be in my film. You've been a great help. Not to mention." Jade started to say before Natalie cut her off.
"Ohhh. Before I forget. Here are the apartment keys, so you can get stuff moved when you're ready."
"Thanks. It's a real nice place." Jade said sounding happy.
"Yeah it is. You've seen it. 2 bedrooms, nice kitchen, and a balcony where you can see the ocean."
"You've been living there about 3 months so far right?" Jade asked.
"Yes. Great place, you'll love living there."
Something in Tori's mind snapped as Tori realized her worst fear had been realized. She ran off without hearing another word.
She ran past Ted and out the door where she leaned against the wall, almost for support Tears starting to fall down her face.
"Jade's leaving me!" Tori sobbed. Tori felt like she'd been stabbed in the heart. It was a sharp piercing pain, that seemed to go straight through her now broken heart.. Tori's hands began to shake, as a tightness started to fill her chest. She found herself having problems breathing.
Tori felt like her world was collapsing around her. First she looses her contract, then she looses Jade. Tori's self esteem, already severely battered, simply collapsed under this second blow. Sobbing, she ran to her car and started to drive.
"Jade why?" she said as she sobbed uncontrollably. The pain she felt in her heart felt real, as if a real knife had been stuck in it. It was unbearable.
"What did I do?" she asked aloud.
Tori felt like it was over, like she was over. Jade was going to move out and leave her. Jade was her soulmate, her lover, her friend. Soon she would be none of those things. The thought of not being with Jade was incomprehensible. She didn't want to live without Jade.
As she continued to drive she simply sank deeper and deeper into depression and despair. She felt betrayed as well. After all the times she supported Jade and her projects, Jade just leaves her.
She called Trina but got her voice mail. "Trina, Jades leaving me. I can't…I can't…Do this anymore." Tori said before hanging up.
She called Cat and got no answer but left no voice mail.
Before she knew it she realized she had driven home, to her parent's house. No cars were visible in the driveway. No one for her here either. She felt completely alone.
Sitting in the driveway of her parents home Tori realized she couldn't handle the pain. Her world had been destroyed. The only person she ever loved had seemingly rejected her. Her dreams smashed, her future ruined. Tori felt like she had no option, no hope, no life, no future, no Jade.
"Fuck you Jade" she said making a decision. She then got out and opened the garage door.
Tori's mind was no longer functioning even remotely well. All she could feel is overwhelming pain and despair. She didn't want to live without Jade, so she decided to not live anymore.
She slowly drove her car in the garage.
She then picked up the phone and dialed Jade. It rang but no answer. She figured Jade had put it on silent while she was filming.
At the beep a sobbing, heartbroken and despondent Tori left her message.
"Jade, I cant' believe you're leaving me, moving in with her. I loved you. I supported you. You were my life. First my singing career is gone then you're gone. I can't do this anymore. I'm home now. It's painless, don't even have to leave my car. Fuck you Jade." Tori screamed before hanging up the phone.
Tori got out of the car and closed the garage door. Leaving the engine running she got back in her car and continued to cry uncontrollably.
Please don't hate me. I know this is a very grim and depressing chapter. Tori has suffered two very hard blows that pretty much caused her to crack. The next chapter will start right at the point where Tori left the studio. Where we will hear the portion of the conversation between Jade and Natalie, that Tori did not hear.
For those who are put off by the end of this chapter. I will say this. This story is NOT a tragedy.