The Hollywood Arts school bell rang, signaling the end of another grueling day of classes and rehearsals. Tori Vega stepped out of the classroom, clutching her bag, and trying to shake off the frustration that had been building inside her all day. It wasn't easy being the perpetual do-gooder, especially when it came to Jade West.
Tori had always been there for Jade, no matter what. She had helped her with countless problems, lent a sympathetic ear during her darkest moments, and even stood up for her when everyone else had turned their backs. But something had changed, and Tori couldn't quite put her finger on it. Jade had become more distant, more mean-spirited, and it seemed like nothing Tori did make a difference.
As Tori walked down the empty hallway, she couldn't help but think about the way Jade had been acting lately. She had tried so hard to help Jade, to be there for her, but it was as if Jade's heart was encased in ice, impenetrable and unfeeling. Tori had grown tired of the constant snark and biting remarks, and she couldn't help but wonder if it was time to distance herself for good from the girl who seemed incapable of change.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a shadow fell over her, and she looked up to find Jade standing there, her dark hair framing her pale face. The air around them seemed to crackle with tension.
"What's wrong, Vega? Can't handle the drama today?" Jade sneered, her eyes glinting with a hint of malice. It had been days since Jade had unleashed her anger in a fiery outburst, and she approached Tori as if nothing had happened, as if the past few days of silence and avoidance were insignificant.
Tori stared at Jade, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. It was clear that Jade was pretending that she hadn't done anything wrong, that the hurtful words and actions from the past had never occurred. Tori wasn't sure whether to be angry or disappointed.
"Jade," Tori said, her voice tinged with a mixture of annoyance and confusion, "are you seriously acting like nothing happened?"
Jade raised an eyebrow, her expression feigning innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Vega."
Tori couldn't believe the audacity of it all. How could Jade act as if their recent fight didn't matter? She took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions. "Jade, you've been pushing me away, treating me terribly for days. Heck, you've been nothing but mean to me since I transferred here. You can't just pretend like it never happened."
Jade's smirk wavered for a brief moment, a hint of vulnerability crossing her face before she quickly masked it with a scowl. "Maybe I just needed a break from your annoying optimism. It's not my fault you take everything so seriously."
Tori sighed, realizing that Jade was once again pushing her buttons. She decided to be honest, to finally let her feelings be known. "Jade, I can't keep doing this if you're going to be like this all the time."
Tori took a deep breath, summoning the strength to stand up for herself once more. "I can't be your punching bag anymore. I deserve better than this, and if you can't see that, then maybe we need some distance."
For a moment, Jade looked stunned, her façade cracked, and a flicker of genuine emotion crossed her face, as if Tori's words had pierced through her icy exterior. But just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced by the familiar coldness. Then, without saying a word, she turned and walked away, leaving Tori alone in the hallway.
Tori watched Jade's retreating figure, her heart heavy with a mix of sadness and relief. She didn't know if her words had gotten through to Jade, but she couldn't continue to be treated this way. It was a frustrating and confusing encounter, and Tori couldn't help but wonder if their friendship was truly salvageable.
Over the next few weeks, Tori and Jade had once again kept their distance from each other. It was a strange and unfamiliar feeling for Tori, not having Jade's constant presence in her life. She threw herself into her music and her studies, trying to fill the void that Jade had left behind.
It was a painful and isolating experience for both of them.
One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the school grounds grew quiet, Jade found Tori standing by her locker, clearing it out as if she was leaving Hollywood Arts for good.