JORRRIIIIIIIIII! *clears throat* Sorry... Also, side note, you guys cracked me up when you used 'light' in your reviews. I'm sitting over here writing this one through a storm and you guys...XD At least there's the sun out now...

Hope you enjoy!

:)

Tori's Perspective-

The main hall buzzes around me like a hive, voices dropping once I get too close. It's been a day or two, they would all know. And so I know what they're going on about; we're both single. And, as expected, there's a swarm of girls surrounding Beck. Although, as I frown, he doesn't look happy by any means. In fact, he just blatantly ignores them, shuffling through his locker with a small scowl. It wasn't really his decision that we're done I guess. Still, I have eyes on me was I go across towards my locker, the people around shuffling away.

Hollywood Arts really needs to learn how to keep things low and just quiet. As I said before, they aren't really good about it.

I shuffle through the books, though I don't really need that many to switch as I had already done that part before I left yesterday. I grin softly once I hear steps behind, Andre's voice ringing, "Hey chica, so you and Beck are done then?"

I twist around with a nod. "Yup... It wasn't really working out I guess."

"Yeah, Cat said something about that yesterday," he mumbles, "We took her to the new frozen yogurt place around the corner."

"You and Jade?"

"Uh huh," he nods, "Anyway, so what happened then?"

I shrug bitterly, sending a quick glare to the ground. "Well I was going over there to talk to him about it since I wasn't feeling it when- God... I caught him cheating with Jessica."

"The girl who had milkshake dumped all over her?" he chortles, highly amused. I nod with a sly grin as the musician pulls a tight expression. "I wouldn't have expected that from Beck though..."

"I know, neither did I," I sigh, "Though it's done now so we can deal with it later." He nods, turning around towards his locker.

"I'll have to go through my stuff actually, need to clear it out some. See you later Tor."

"Bye," I give a soft wave. Once he disappears by the small crowd of people, I turn my attention towards the set of lockers opposite of me, Jade standing there, staring at the inside of hers. With the dark strands of green in her hair, I follow them down towards her clothes. She wears a light, black jacket with grey jeans, finishing off with her dark, red combat boots. I feel my gut twist as my stomach flutters, my feet rooted to the spot. I'll have to actually talk to her, but with the inability to actually move, that's going to be harder than it looks.

The bell shrieks above me, jerking me towards my next class, slamming the locker shut.

-(:)-

Everyone twists around at the bell as it called for lunch, Sikowitz pouting in the corner. He watches as most move to leave, a few such as Beck, Andre, Robbie, Cat, Jade and I remaining with him. "I wasn't done with the lesson..." he grumbles, scooting off towards the door.

"You could finish it," Andre tilts his head.

"Nah, it's an important one and the class left. Besides," he gazes around the room, "I don't have any more apples on me." We all shake our heads in confusion, Robbie and Cat tagging along with Beck through the front door, Andre following Sikowitz, muttering something about needed a word about the up coming play openings. Jade growls, fiddling with the zipper that wouldn't do its job. I watch quietly, the zipper finally opening with one pull.

Taking my chance, I clear my throat. "Uh," I fumble over my words, grabbing her attention, "Hi..." She halts, her bag still slightly open before her hands close it slowly.

"Hey," she twists around, pale eyes narrowing suspiciously as I sway at my feet.

I clear my throat, muttering, "Could we, erm, go and, uh-"

"Spit it out or we'll have matching legs." I halt in my words, a small grin forming as she snaps, "I wasn't kidding."

"I- I know," I laugh. At least Jade knows how to break the ice somehow. "It's just, could we talk? About- about everything?" She watches me, her eyes growing softer, her teeth gnawing at the inside of her cheek. I pull a chair behind me, seating myself in it. "Please?" She nods slowly, her legs going over the chair in front of mine, her arms folded along the back. Her eyes look at me with intent, waiting for me to start. Well, I do suppose I did drag her into this. "So...I- I don't know where to start," I mumble, frowning at myself.

"I don't think either of us do," she growls, her voice bringing my gaze back on her. Jade looks down at the floor, her lips pressed against her knuckles as they relax on the chair.

I nod softly. Where would I start, exactly? There's just so many things to say and yet none are being spoken. And to think I had a fine idea in the shower as to what to say. Nothing comes to mind now, as always. Though, I breathe out, having to start somewhere. "I- Jade?" my words form, "How long did you like me for?" It's kind of a cliché question but, well, it is a start.

She shrugs, exhaling softly. "I don't know Vega, long enough to find myself in deep shit while I was with Beck," she answers gravelly. I don't really blame her. "And you? Or was it-" she cuts herself off short.

"Jade..." I drop my voice as her gaze darts towards the ground, "I never meant to hurt you." Her eyes flicker up at me, filling with doubt. "Seriously," I clench my jaw, "I just... I fucked up, alright? You did nothing wrong-"

"Oh bullshit," she hisses, "I should've never had sex with you, especially when we both were intoxicated. I just, I didn't- don't want it to be that way."

"But that's how it is, I guess," I murmur, "Jade, we both did some shit but I fucked it up royally since then. I didn't remember, sure, but I could've done more instead of just leave you to fend for yourself." My heart beats rapidly against my chest as I go to my knees, my palms finding her cheeks. "Jade- look at me..." I whine quietly, "I broke up with Beck because I couldn't take it anymore, alright? I want you, even if this whole thing the past few months have been an absolute shit show. Just- do you, do you want it? Do you wan-" Her slow nod breaks my train of speech, her lips brushing against my temple as her hand clutches my wrist. I feel the cold fingertips tighten as she breathes on my hair slowly.

"I do," she mutters under her breath after a while. It wavers, slightly, the unbridled emotion just underneath the surface.

I close my eyes, my hands still holding her cheeks. "I'm sorry...for everything." She nods softly before pulling away, our hands still gripped to each other. We both stare into our eyes and, now, I can almost see what hers are made up of. It's strange really. My mind keeps flicking between green and blue, since they're a bit of both, but also grey. They are filled with cracks and veins, lining her tales and what she's seen throughout her life.

I only close my eyes as I feel gentle, hesitant lips on my own. My feel heart stricken once I know the message that comes across, her lips moving slowly with mine; 'I know...' My throat becomes knotted, her reluctance to accept it flowing from her mouth. I mean, why would she forgive so easily? It doesn't matter how long she's liked me for or if we slept together. She still wants it but-

I swallow as I press against her harder, the urgency that my heart begins to dwell on coming forth with ease. She accepts it, lacing her hand within my hair as I tilt my head to the side just a tad. We pull away once air is needed - which takes a while since we're really not doing much - our eyes locking. Her eyebrows crease into a sad expression, her voice cracking "Tori..." before she presses her lips against mine feverishly. I groan out of surprise, not expecting much force from it. Nevertheless, I melt my own with hers, still feeling the stinging emotion in my eyes.

As we move rhythmically with each other in a calm dance, I barely hear the door open before a harsh gasp. In a split second I tear myself from her, twisting around abruptly as she raises. I hear a short groan as her hand clamps down on my shoulder, all of her weight momentarily on me as she accidentally forgot about her leg. I hold her arm as she situates herself, eyes meeting several pairs of widened ones. Cat and Robbie stand beside the door, both speechless while Beck - God no - stares, his face draining of color.

"Y-you?" he whispers hoarsely to Jade, "Were you the one- Did you sleep with her?" His last words rang through the room in a stunned anger. "Answer me!"

"So what if I did Beck?" she croaks, clutching to my arm as she wobbles on her foot. She really should be having something other than bandages, but she's stubborn about it I suppose. "It's not like you were dating her anyway..."

"But-but you knew that I was going to ask her!" he roars, completely silencing the room and the chuckles that had just entered behind us. I briefly look behind, my gaze flicking over Andre's grimace, along with Marcus' and Dennis' confused expressions.

"I- I know! Do you really think it was my intention to go to her house and fuck her?" she hisses. I can feel her voice straining, attempting to keep her cool. "Honestly Beck! You can't keep girls on a tight lead and actually expect them to go with it! Haven't you learned anything from us dating?" His eyes switch between the two of us, his breaths coming quick; he doesn't know what to do, there's too much attacking his skull. "Now what are you going to do, slip the CD?"

"I can't do that," he croaks. I turn to Jade slowly, frowning. What CD? "I never was goi- T-Tori smashed it anyway..."

"What C-"

"So you blackmailed me so I wouldn't go near her and then you're telling me now you wouldn't do shit?" she snaps, her grip tightening at my shoulder as she points accusingly at his chest, "Do you know how many times I have dreaded seeing that video go around just to tell her that her shirt looked fucking irritating?"

"WHAT? Which one?" I bark hotly, twisting to her raised eyebrow.

"Uh- later," she hisses. Of course nothing in this department has changed...even now. The comment, as it turns out, had snapped a few from their startled stance, Andre maneuvering around us to get to Beck.

"Dude, come on, calm down," he mutters calmly, "Just let them go, alright?"

"But- but I-" the Canadian starts as I feel my limbs move around the chairs, Jade already brushing passed the two others. "I- Tori?" I halt, Jade snaking her hand around my wrist as we both turn around. He looks at me with loss in his eyes, all of the cocky confidence I had grown to admire as a gentle beast vacant. Not that he isn't one, a gentle beast, but I don't think I've met it properly. Though, I watch carefully, and there's a lightbulb going off, flickering in the back of his mind. "I- W- H..." he starts each word, though nothing spills.

"I'm sorry," I mutter gruffly before I step through the door, her steps stumbling behind as she grips to my hand. We turn and twist down the halls, Jade's pace before mine. She goes through, eventually making our way towards the main hall, with determination. "Where exactly are we going?"

"Out of here," she growls calmly, pale eyes momentarily flicking back, "You said we needed to talk, didn't you?" I nod, slowing my rhythm as she lets go of my wrist. I glance at my locker with my eyebrow raised. "Well?" she barks across the hall, opening her locker, "Grab your stuff! Lunch is going to be over in ten minutes."

I bite the inside of my cheek, opening the door before a small grin forms across my lips. 'I'm ditchin' with Jade,' my thoughts hum. I feel my gut drop as I realize my dad is probably pacing around the school by this time and yet - as I turn around to see the locker door slam shut, blades stuck to it firmly - I know I don't care. I jog over to her as she leans against the doorframe, thumbing over her nails in thought.

"Alright, where to?" I ask, nudging her side.

"The park, I guess," she mutters, "We could eat later..." I nod as she opens the door, my steps walking through towards the second set which was opened for her. We cross the parking lot, my eyes constantly darting about for my dad while Jade remains calm. I didn't really figure she would be nervous for skipping, even if she's a good student. I find her car immediately, grimacing at the sight of it. The two wheels, which appear to be on the same side, now are as black as the tires while the passenger window looks brand new. The key marks are still on the side, much to Jade's pleasure. Her eyes flash as she glances at it, though I imagine it's died down after having the car like this for a few weeks.

We both slip inside, throwing our bags to the back of the car. I shift, buckling myself in as she does the same, her knuckles gripping the steering wheel. "Jade?" I whisper, watching as her unfocused stare switch towards mine in almost a jerk. I look at her with a sad smile, her eyes dropping towards my lap.

"I... It's nothing," she mutters, twisting the key in the ignition.

"No, Jade, please tell me," I mumble, her hand on the gearshift.

She exhales softly, turning her eyes towards mine. "I just, I don't know whether or not I'm awake." My heart feels a sharp pain as Jade grimaces.

My hand glides over towards hers, gripping it softly as I waver, "You're awake Jade, I'm here." A small smile creases her cheeks, her hand - or our hands I guess - pull the gearshift to reverse, the car rolling from the space and towards the exit. As she drives, her features just as focused as she drove Cat and I to Sand Diego, I can't help but just watch. I can't believe I'm awake. So many insane things happened not even half a week ago and yet it seemed to have blurred, not much detail in my system.

But now, I focus on everything. My heart beats solemnly, waiting to jolt in excitement when I turn my gaze towards the road. She's a good driver, actually, which I suppose is why she was asked to drive us...by me.

I lift my eyes from my lap, watching the park gate roll up and turn as Jade parks in the few spots along the road designated for it. This isn't the main entrance, though I know it well anyhow. And with a few slams of the car door, we find ourselves walking side by side, our hands stuffed in our pockets as we stroll about, searching for a quiet place to just talk. I follow Jade, seeing as her steps are ahead of me despite her ankle.

"Alright," she mutters quietly, going off the little trail, "Over here I think." I furrow my brows, my steps cracking against sticks that littered the ground.

"Uh, Jade?"

"Hmm?" she turns around. I shake my head, forgetting the question that trailed my mind. She rolls her eyes, groaning slightly before striding down the small ditch that was almost buried from the sight of the path. "Come on, there's some light in here," Jade calls out as I slide down, staggering at the bottom level. I chuckle a bit, earning a fine raised brow. "The hell are you laughing at?"

"It was fun," I giggle, Jade scoffing.

"You and your definition of 'fun.'"

"Aww," I chortle, following her strides to a bigger oak tree, the sun shining down on it as lush grass circled around. "Is someone just pissed because they can't do crazy things with their leg?"

She shakes her head stubbornly, muttering, "When did you start cursing like a sailor?" as she eased herself against the tree, her back sliding down it. I follow her lead, sitting crisscrossed beside her, staring at the ground.

"So uh," I start, my thoughts immediately hounding on several ideas to choose from, "How's your leg? Does it hurt?"

"A bit," she mutters, "But it's dull so not really. Now, when the bastard first got the knife in, that hurt like hell."

I grin as she gives a small smirk; the small talk isn't going all that bad. "So, you went to a Catholic school?"

"God," she groans, "Not my idea. But, I figured while I was there, I better remind them what hell feels like." I chuckle briefly, not wanting to imagine all of the things she's done during her time there.

"What's your favorite actor?" pops out of my mouth before I could stop it.

Pale eyes move towards mine, her studded brow raising in what seems to be pity. "We're doing favorites now?"

"I guess," I shrug sheepishly.

A devious smirk pulls across her lips before she gives a soft laugh. To my confusion, Jade answers, "Dani Daniels."

"I haven't-" I furrow my brows, "I haven't heard of her..."

"Oh you wouldn't," her smirk deepens, "But I could show you sometime." I nod slowly, thinking it would be alright until I catch the most devious expression on her face. I think I may be missing something. Is she like an actor from 'The Scissoring?'

"Is she in horror movies?" I ask hesitantly. Jade shakes her head, her eyes off and out towards the small field for dogs ahead of us. Not that the dogs could actually get over here - there's a fence - but it's cute seeing a few little ones run across. "Um... Action? Comedy?" I start sending questions to her, "Mystery? Drama?"

"No, no, no and no," she scoffs, leaning further into the chair.

I furrow my brows, really wanting to know. "Romance?" I mumble, the only other genre I could think of.

"We'll go with that." Silence settles between us once again, the small talk dying down. We just sit there, under the tree that is away from the main area, alone. I swallow the clump that rose, eyes flickering towards her as she bites her lip in thought. "Did Beck ever- ever show you the CD?" she asks in a small voice; I barely missed it actually.

"No," I shook my head, "Not really. I saw him hide it in a box... What was-"

"I really don't want to answer that," she snips quickly, answering my question before it came out all the way. I nod slowly, dropping the subject.

I clear my throat, knowing that we should be talking, even if we are making relatively good progress. "H-how was dating him like?" I turn to her, watching as a crooked, sad smile forms. "Was he always-"

"Sex oriented? No," she dismisses, "He was a great boyfriend actually... When you helped me get back with him after, what, three days of not being together?"

"Sounds about right," I mumble. I glance at her expression which wandered to my own, my gut dropping. "That was when you had your first time wasn't it?" I ask quietly.

Jade nods, eyes lingering to the ground. "And he was nice about it, at least...kept yapping though but, well, yeah. And it was good for a while but, he just- he kept asking and asking. I complied and yet there wasn't anything attached to it... It was just, physical," she adds a scoff. "And so I stopped wanting it, and refused. We started arguing and then-"

"You broke up," I sigh wearily.

Her back turns, her eyes facing me curiously. I glance up, my eyes darting around somewhat anxiously. "Did you sleep with him?" she growls.

"Yeah...it was quick though," I mutter, "And I didn't get off with it either."

"What do you mean?"

"I-" my cheeks flush furiously, my hand running through my hair as I take a deep breath. "Well, first of all, he just went in-"

"The hell?"

"Right," I roll my eyes, "And then y-you kind of slipped in my mind..." I let out a croak of a laugh, adding, "My god Jade I was a wreck the next morning. Beck was just so sweet the next day and I was just out of it. I didn't like you but I kept thinking about you. I had a boyfriend whose ex I had slapped the day prior and slept with the month prior- I just broke down..." The words spills from my mouth, my body not even feeling the gentle brushes along my back until I had stopped. "You," my thoughts rummage through the months, pale eyes making into my view, "You haven't been posting anything on TheSlap, or done any plays."

Jade's arm leaves mine, leaving me to realize I needed the arm around my shoulder. She hugs her knees, staring off at the dog park. "I didn't feel like doing anything, honestly. I mean, I played that song but, well, I got up that night and regretted it... I- I may still do but," her voice cracks, filling with uncertainty. She leans into my arm around her back, scratching lightly at her arm. She knows what she wants but, from the look of her eyes, they still fill with regret, guilt and hesitance. "I don't know what to do. I don't, I just don't know."

"And I don't either," I murmur, "But my dad said that apparently I said the night you got me out of detention," she nods as I take a short breath, "That I just needed to start working at the mess even if it was everywhere." Not exactly what was said but whatever, it's good enough.

"Like the mac and cheese?" I drop my small smile and turn a glare at her, only to find her smirking. Not surprising. "Oh come on," she snaps, canines flashing as her dimples creased more, "It was funny."

"No, not really, I had to get a pound of it off the wall," I spit, my eyebrow raised.

"Oh? You're gonna be like that now?" she hisses, expression falling yet eyes still playful. "Well how about I'll make it funny." I open my mouth to retort when I feel hands on my sides, her teeth shining as I squirm, falling to my back.

"J-Jade, Jade," I swat her shoulder as she continues to tickle me, producing various giggles from my mouth. She leans over me, her hands still working viciously. "Alright, alright, quit it! It's funny, it was funny... I got it!" Her hands stop, holding herself onto the ground above me. "Jade...are you going to sit back up now?"

"Well, my leg's in the way."

"I thought you said it was a dull pain," I grin.

"Just, shut up," she retorts, earning a quick laugh. A few lingering chuckles come from my lips as her eyes search through mine, debating what to do next. Slowly, her nose brushes against mine, lips almost together until she connects them hesitantly. It feels like the kiss from before. It's calm, quiet, learning and just nervous. They move together smoothly, though, even with the gut twisting in my gut. Jade tilts her head to the side, wanting to read more of what I'm saying through them. 'I'm here...'

And I get the same answer; 'I know...'

We lay there, together, alone for some minutes before I jolt, feeling my pocket vibrate. "Oh, shit," I curse, the illuminated screen bathing both the sides of our faces, "It's my dad." I grimace, pulling it up to my ear as Jade watches, not wanting to tear away. "Uh, hey dad," I mutter in a cheery voice, "What are you doing?"

"Calling my daughter who's ditching. What are you doing?"

"...nothing," I reply hesitantly, lingering lips going across my jawline. They're soft, not asking for anything other than to just not move.

"Are you with Jade?"

"Yeah, we're, uh, talking things out," I answer.

I hear him take a breath, something that I hope is an okay sign. "That's good. So are you-" Jade's lips gently brush against my own, waiting permission to continue our previous activities. I move my dad from my ear by an inch, moving my lips with hers. "-are you two together or just with each other... Tori? Are you going to answ-"

"Huh? Oh yeah," I breath against her lips, pale eyes glinting down mischievously, "We're still trying to figure that out."

Her lips press against mine again, still slow and hesitant. However, as I drop the phone to the ground, my hand finding her cheek. Our movements grow more confident, the kiss moving more fluidly. "So, Tori? Could Jade actually come to dinner tonight? I just want to talk to her a bit before you start anything...Tori? Uh...Tori? Kiddo?" He exhales, sounding exasperated before adding, "Girls, come on... Pick up... Or not, we'll play that game."

I grin against her lips as the line went dead, leaving us to be alone. Until buzzing comes from Jade's pocket. She reaches over, pulling it from her pocket and raises away from my lips. After she presses the new black pear-phone to her ear, she answers, "Oh hey Mr. Vega."

"What?" I hiss a whisper, "You have my dad's phone number?"

"Quiet Vega, I'm on the phone," she shushes me with a sly grin. "Uh yes I got that...uh huh, yeah I'll go to dinner I suppose. It's free food right? Uh huh, right, right...yeah. Oh no," she leans in closer, "I'm not doing anything to your daughter right now." Jade tosses the phone beside mine, her lips finding my own smoothly as my dad's voice - softer than my own phone - scowls.

"Girls. I expect you to be home by five...see you later."

I push her away, earning a raised brow in return. "Why do you have my dad's number?"

"He gave it to me," she shrugs, "once I bumped into him. Anyway, I kept all of the important numbers on a notepad so I would put them in if I lost them... Which reminds me, can I have yours?"

"You don't have mine?" I ask hotly. I watch her grin a little, chuckling along with her.

"But no, seriously, I don't have your number."

"Jesus Christ Jade."

-(:)-

I watch with crossed arm, my eyes glancing at the microwave - which reads four-thirty - as Jade scrambles around the wine rack. "I know there's some," she hisses under her breath, allowing my gaze to venture. The kitchen, I swear, looks like a model one on TV. Everything in this house does. Well, from what I've seen. The living room does, the stairs do, the bathroom that I looked in does... You wouldn't really expect this from my house, I suppose, but it's funny since Jade lives in a huge Victorian manor.

Now she said it wasn't really that big but this place looks like it could swallow my house twice and still have a pocket for me to stand in. However, as I glance along the nice paintings done by artists and antique furniture that probably cost a fortune to 'antique,' I wonder if Jade's room is anything like this. I wouldn't really pass her off as a modern-freak though I doubt her style is like this.

"Hold this."

Her command strips me from my thoughts, a green bottle shoved into my grip while she clambers over the counter with another in my hand. I furrow my brows, looking at the label. "Isn't this my mom's favorite-"

"Apparently," she mumbles, replacing one of the bottles on the top of the shelf, the same Louis Bouillot champagne in her hands.

"Are you trying to impress people?" I frown as she stalks through the room. She shakes her head and drops it, not explaining. I merely let it go as a possible conversation piece for later. And, as we slip into Jade's car, it looks like the only reason we actually went to her house was to pick up the two bottles which are both in my lap. "Would you parents notice?"

"My dad will," Jade growls, "But he'll think it was my mom. And then there's her which she won't."

I watch as my brows stitch themselves in confusion as I stare down at my green, distorted reflection. "I thought your parents are divorced."

"Oh they are," she snaps, more to herself than me, "But ever since that little devil was born I haven't seen mine and she insists in calling her 'my mother.' The fucking witch." From the venom that drips like it comes form a rag, I don't pick up on it again; her knuckles are white and I feel like they would only get whiter when they're around my neck. After all, I don't really think we're together but we are at the same time...

I don't know what's going on. My dad asked for Jade to go to dinner so he could talk to her, that's it.

'Oh God,' my thoughts flick suddenly, 'What will my mom say?' Well, she would be fine, I suppose, even with her small grudge against Jade. That is, if we don't tell her that we're kind of, sort of together. We're still working on that I guess.

And because my house almost looks over Jade's neighborhood - not the part that she's in but still - we're against the curb in front of my house in no time. Jade quickly hops out, leaving me to fumble around with the two bottles until I'm out myself. I flash a quick glare at her smirk before she grabs the two. We make our way across the lawn, Jade knocking on the door. And, in a quick flash, the door opens. "Hey Na- Oh, it's you," Trina's face falls into a sort of mix between confusion and surprise. Not what Jade really gets as a welcome for her usually, but that's how it is today.

"Yeah, me-"

"And me," I wave from behind. I shrink at both of their raised eyebrows before they go back at it, our steps leading away from the closing front door.

"So wait- why are you here? Tori, I thought you said you weren't inviting anybody over!" she whines.

"No, actually, your dad did," Jade answers, striding towards the table with my dad reading a newspaper. "And here," she mumbles, setting the two down as I settle in on the couch.

"Glad you kept your word," he responds.

-(:)-

The silverware clinks with the plates as my mom converses with my sister, her eyes constantly wandering over towards Jade in wonder. She's made an effort to be polite with her, as she always does, despite her opinion. Not that I had expected otherwise, it's just tough to know that she hasn't really seen the other side of Jade...

And that just makes it completely understandable why my mom doesn't like her so much. So, well, there's that. We'll work on it later.

"So Jade?" my dad swallows the last of his steak, "You doing fine?"

"Yeah," she nods, her almost-rare steak gone, "I'm alright."

"How did you hurt your ankle?" my mom pipes up. She has noticed the injury and when she did, there was concern written across her face. Her opinion may be low but her concern for Jade isn't...which is why she probably tolerates her, especially when I explained once her situation at home from what I understood.

Pale eyes flicker over towards my mom's curiously, murmuring, "I was jumped by a crack-head." They widen slightly at the bluntness of the answer, her gaze quickly darting back down to her mashed potatoes while my mom bobs her head slowly. I grimace, catching my sister's eye.

'This will need a lot of work,' we both communicate.

Jade shifts beside me uncomfortably. I know she's trying, I'll give her that. I squeeze her leg smoothly, letting her know that she could stop staring at her food right about now. "Well at least you're safe now," my dad clears the air, shoveling more peas into his mouth. The table nods in agreement. "Anyway, so who's up for dessert?" he grins, finishing his plate.

"Nobody else but you dad," Trina growls, still having a lot to go. I'm nearly finished, Jade practically is and my mom just has her peas. He chuckles as a response, dipping into conversation with Jade here and there with just general stuff. For instance, how was school today? "Alright." What school did you go to before? "The Catholic school beside the park and graveyard." Are you Catholic? "As much as I'm willing to be."

Okay, maybe some of them can come off as personal but I suppose that's how this family is. Though my dad moves onto each subject quickly, careful not to actually remain on one for a long period of time. The rest of us listen, my mom especially. And, well, we finish with the dinner and quickly dive into the ice-cream that was left in the freezer a few months ago. It's still kind of good...kinda.

My mom, after finishing her bowl, excuses herself to her room while Trina and I go up the stairs to my father's wishes. I immediately go, knowing that the real reason he's here is to actually talk. I roll my eyes once Trina lingers at the edge of the stairs, wanting to know what's going on. However, I don't bother doing anything, knowing that she'll find a way anyhow. And so I just go into my room, sitting on my bed.

I let my thoughts badger me for a while, not caring if I'm sitting in the dark.

What if this doesn't work out and Jade just leaves? I doubt she would, seeing how easy it was to convince her to talk. I don't think that happens often honestly... And then there's my parents. My dad's fine with it, obviously, since he kind of has had quite a long time to go over the idea with me being together with Jade. My mom, however nice and how much effort she tries to put for her with Jade as a friend, I'm not sure how she'll react knowing that I've kissed and had sex with her and intend on being a couple. Not that she's against me being bi - as I conclude since, well, I've had crushes on boys before - but she may be hesitant against Jade... Once again, she hasn't seen the other side of Jade other than the side that she wants to put up; leave me alone unless I can tolerate you or I have to be with you.

My mom's a social butterfly and Jade's not. They're opposites and I find myself in the middle, funnily enough. Perhaps before this shit started I was more like my mom but, frankly, I haven't seen myself thinking the exact same way since then.

Whatever. It's fine...we'll figure it out.

"Trina, why are you staring at me through the door?" I ask quietly, my eyes darting towards her reflection in my vanity mirror.

"I heard what they were talking about...Jade's getting ready to leave," she answers. I pick myself up and move towards the door, my sister blocking me.

"What are you-"

"Hold on, I just have a few questions," she cuts across. "When did dad know?"

"Apparently he bumped into Jade as she was leaving," I reply, knowing the context.

She nods softly, her eyes dropping to the floor. "Are you two dating?"

"Not sure."

"You're moving pretty quickly."

"You know I just need to at least spend some time with her," I mutter, though I nod in agreement. It does seem weird to just move on like that doesn't it? Though I've already shed my tears on Saturday night. I just need to prove to Jade now that I'm with her, even if that'll take a little while. "Any others?"

"For now," she sighs hesitantly, not really having anything else. I brush past her and make my way towards the stairs, catching sight of Jade who paces around in front of the door. She looks rather nervous, eyes darting about in thought. I doubt their conversation - especially from what Trina picked up - was about how much she absolutely loves ducks and the color yellow. Our gazes make contact as I move towards her, opening the door. She walks through and I follow.

The front door closes behind us, our eyes briefly locking before we drop them. I give a soft grin, swaying at the balls of my feet. "So, uh, see you tomorrow?" Jade nods, gripping the end of her light jacket. "Do you, erm, do you want to do some stuff this week?" I ask, taking a timid step towards her.

"Yeah, that'll be good," she murmurs, glancing up at me, "We'll work it out tomorrow." Our short sentences drop, some cars rolling past, their headlights blanketing the roads. "I, uh, didn't have," she clears her throat, her expression returning to the more stony one she had always carried before, "I didn't have a terrible time today."

"Me neither," I grin, opening my arms. "Hug?" She smiles gently, rolling her eyes before stepping into it, her arms wrapping themselves around my back. She thumbs over my shoulder blades, her head nuzzled into my shoulder.

After a few seconds, she pulls away before leaning in, pressing her lips against my cheek. "Wipe that stupid grin off your face," she snaps, stepping back as I blush, holding my cheek.

"See you tomorrow Jade," I shake my head, watching her steps trail towards her car.

"Unless I get hit by a falling airplane!" she growls, "Or one of these spare tires gets knocked out." I give a small wave as she raises her hand, sliding into her car. I watch it as it pulls from the curb with a small smile. I have her, I do, but it's like loosing a flashlight. It may be in your hands again, but that doesn't mean the light will flash on immediately. Though, as I step into the house with a coy grin, my dad's knowing gaze meeting mine, I find myself fine with it.

I mean, the light will flicker back on after a little while, right?

Okay, so we still have a bit to go but these will be a bit easier to write me thinks. Probably because I've been writing Jori for almost a year now. Whatever, let's see what happens next! (I have a faint idea but not all that much for the next chapter.)

Hope you enjoyed, even if this one was a bit bitter sweet.

:)