A/N: JADE HAS BEEN A PIECE OF WORK but we're about to get her straightened out. The heartache needed to happen for the story to be good. but believe me this story is coming to a close soon so we are getting our hurt feelings resolved. Let's start with Tori and Andre shall we?~ S.K.

Chapter 19

Tori's heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and apprehension as she descended the escalator at the airport. Her eyes scanned the waiting area until they landed on a familiar face: Andre. He stood there, holding up a sign bearing her name in bold black letters. It was a stark contrast to the last image she had of him during their heated exchange at the beach.

A small, relieved smile curved on her lips as she approached him. His sweet and kind look was back, replacing the anger that had marked their parting that weekend. She mouthed the words, 'I'm sorry' to him, hoping he could see the sincerity in her eyes.

Andre responded by flipping the sign over, revealing the words: "Me, too!" Tori's smile grew, and her heart swelled at his forgiving message.

"It's a good thing you apologized first, otherwise that would have been really embarrassing for me," Andre teased with a chuckle, grateful for the opportunity to mend their friendship.

Tori laughed and embraced him, her arms wrapping around his frame in a warm hug. It was a moment of reconciliation and relief as they held each other close. When they finally broke apart, Andre's eyes fell upon a take-out bag from one of their favorite lunch spots. She had brought his favorite food as a thoughtful gesture.

"Wow, you really are trying to make me cry," Andre said, touched by her kindness.

Tori chuckled. "Well, I couldn't come visit you empty-handed."

As they began to walk through the airport, Andre reached for her suitcase, dragging it along with a smile. "I still can't believe you actually came," he admitted.

"You invited me, remember? Why wouldn't I come?" Tori responded, her enthusiasm evident.

Andre couldn't help but bring up the impending wedding. "With Beck's wedding only a week away, I figured he would have you too busy to even sleep."

Tori grinned, walking alongside Andre. This trip was an opportunity to reconnect with her friend and find some respite from the upcoming wedding preparations.

Andre's inquisitive gaze met Tori's as they strolled through the airport, his curiosity piqued by her unexpected visit.

"Not that I'm not happy you're here, Tor, but..." He squinted playfully. "Why are you here?"

Tori offered a nonchalant shrug, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She reached up to brush a loose strand of hair from her face. "I just... I needed a breather, you know? And I tried to think of the last time I felt some tranquility, and I saw your face."

His smile broadened at her response. Andre's arm slipped around her waist, pulling her closer to his side as they continued their walk. "I'm flattered. Beck, however, he must be freaking out right now that you're not around."

Tori tilted her head, considering Andre's point. "I plan on calling Beck and telling him. Besides, it's just for the weekend. He'll be fine."

Their lighthearted banter created a sense of ease and familiarity between them, and Tori felt grateful for this brief escape from her busy life. She was determined to make the most of her visit with Andre, knowing that he was the friend who could provide the tranquility she so desperately sought.

Beck's deep voice came through the phone, sounding surprised. He leaned forward in his chair, watching a basketball Allstar game on TV while enjoying a beer. The gang at the Beach house sat on the couch next to him, engrossed in the game.

"You're where?!" Beck exclaimed.

"I'm in New York," Tori repeated, her voice coming through the phone, while her eyes were on Andre, who sat near a fountain, enjoying a sandwich.

"What the hell are you doing in New York?" Beck asked, his tone laced with curiosity.

Tori glanced at Andre, "I just came to see Andre for the weekend," she explained, rolling her eyes. Her gaze returned to Andre, who handed her a napkin with writing on it.

She read the message, "Your girlfriend's an asshole. I need some time to figure things out."

"Tori, how could you possibly have gone off to New York now? My wedding is a week away. You're my best man. I need you here," Beck insisted.

"I just need some time, Beck," Tori replied over the phone, her eyes locked onto Andre's.

Andre rolled his eyes but wrote something else on the napkin, which he then handed to Tori.

Reading the message, "I'm here because I am madly in love with Andre," Tori glared at Andre, her lips curling into a smile, while Andre grinned proudly.

"Tori, I can't just go based on a promise, alright? You need to get back here now," Beck said over the phone, his tone more assertive.

"Beck—"

"Right NOW!"

Tori pulled the phone away from her ear, her brow lifting, and then she hung up without hesitation. Andre's and Tori's stunned expressions mirrored each other as they watched the call end. Tori had never said no to Beck before.

"What the fuck?!" Beck exclaimed, his eyes on the TV.

"Do you want me to be your best man?" Danielle smirked, looking rather excited about the prospect.

"Oh, my God," Beck rolled his eyes and walked away from her.

Andre, still grinning, placed an arm around Tori and gave her shoulder a proud squeeze. "Can I just say that this is the proudest moment of my life? I am so proud of you, girl!"

"Come on in," Andre stepped aside from the front door of his apartment, allowing Tori to step inside first.

Tori's eyes took in the sight of the man's apartment. It wasn't small, but it wasn't big either. It was just right. Perfect for a man living alone. The living room and kitchen were connected, and the walls were a light gray color, along with the countertops in the kitchen. It was a one-story apartment, and he was more than satisfied with it. His couch was a light gray color, the single rug in the middle of the living room was a darker gray.

"Wow, this is really great, Andre," Tori smiled, her eyes falling on him as he shut the door and set her luggage aside by the door. "It suits you. I'm so proud of you and the life you are beginning to build here. No one deserves it more than you."

"Thank you," the corner of his lip tilted into a small sideways smirk. "The kitchen's there," he motioned toward the kitchen. "Help yourself to anything you want to eat or drink." He pointed toward a door that connected to the living room, "My bedroom is there. You can sleep in my bed while you stay here."

"Where will you sleep?" Asked Tori.

Andre motioned toward the couch. "This couch pulls out into a bed, I'll stay here."

"Andre-" Tori shook her head. She's a guest, she couldn't possibly take over his bed.

"No, you'll take the bed. I won't hear another word about it."

She smiled, leaning in to place a kiss against his scruffy cheek.

"I'll put your stuff in my room, and you can decide where you'd love to go out to eat." He moved over toward his door, reaching for her luggage and taking it into his bedroom.

Tori felt her phone buzz in her hand, seeing the alert of a new text message.

Can we talk?

Under other circumstances, Tori would have called Jade to talk, but she couldn't. Not this time. Instead, she turned off her phone, and it would remain off for the remainder of the weekend she would spend here.

"So," Andre stepped out of his bedroom and into the living room. "What are you in the mood for dinner tonight?" He frowned, noticing something off about her. "You alright?"

She could never hide anything from him. "It's Jade."

"She called?"

"She texted. Says she wants to talk, but I shut off my phone." She watched as his brows hit his hairline. "In fact, I told her that I was done being a coward and that she could keep being one, forcing herself to live a life that she clearly doesn't want to live."

"You told her that?"

Tori nodded. "I did," she breathed out.

"Tor-!" He smiled, holding onto her shoulders. "Look at you growing up! Now there's the Tori I remember! I'm so proud of you, I mean you turned down Beck, and Jade- that's a big step for you."

"Yeah," she chuckled. "You were right, Andre. I can't just wait around for Jade to make a choice, not when she can't bring herself to make it."

Andre pulled the brunette into a warm and loving hug, his hand cradling the back of her head.

"Okay, well, I think…" He pulled away from their hug. "This is something to celebrate," he smiled. "So, where to?"

Tori chuckled, "Well, you are my tour guide, you tell me."

"I'm barely exploring the city myself. So, let's go together, see what we find?"

"Let's." Tori wrapped her arm around Andre's, walking out of the apartment.

Jade constantly checked her phone, hoping for a reply from Tori. She had sent a message asking to talk, and the lack of response was eating at her.

"You ready?" Beck came out of their bedroom, dressed in a pair of jeans, a red plaid shirt, and his leather jacket for dinner with Jade's family. He noticed the worry on Jade's face. "What's wrong?" Beck asked, sensing something was amiss.

"Nothing," Jade shook her head, tucking her phone inside her jacket pocket. She didn't want to burden Beck with her concerns about Tori. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah," Beck smiled, offering his arm to Jade, and they walked out of their apartment together, heading for dinner with Jade's family. The unease about Tori still lingered in Jade's mind, but for now, she chose to push it aside and enjoy the evening with Beck.

Dinner with Jade's mother and grandmother was always a delight for her and Beck. Jade loved hearing her grandmother share embarrassing childhood stories, and her mother's warmth always made her feel at home.

"So, Beck," Mal spoke, catching the brunette's attention. "What are your plans for your honeymoon? I never asked you."

Beck smiled, taking Jade's hand. "Oh, well, Jade and I were thinking Hawaii."

"Oh, Hawaii is lovely!" Mal smiled.

"You've been?" Beck inquired.

"Of course! Well," Mal chuckled, "not for a honeymoon, but we did go for a family vacation years ago. Jade absolutely loved it."

Jade mustered a forced smile as all eyes turned to her. Tori's image lingered in her thoughts. Her life felt like a mess, and she couldn't help but feel like it was spiraling out of her control.

A warm hand landed on Jade's, pulling her from her thoughts. It was her grandmother. She always had a keen sense of when something was troubling her granddaughter. With a subtle nod, Jade's grandmother stood, interrupting the conversation.

"Will you excuse us for a moment? Jade and I want to go out onto the terrace for some fresh air."

"Are you feeling alright, mother?" Mal asked, concerned.

"Of course, I'm alright. I just need some fresh air, that's all," Jade's grandmother assured her. She looked at Beck and smiled, "I'll bring her back. Jade?"

Jade quickly got up from her chair, taking her grandmother's arm and heading outside for some much-needed fresh air. She welcomed the opportunity to distance herself from the suffocating thoughts and emotions that had plagued her lately.

"It's always nice to get some distance from the things that suffocate you," her grandmother commented as they stood on the terrace. "And right now, it looks like you could use just that."

Jade tucked her hands into her jacket pockets, her gaze dropping to her shoes.

"Jade," her grandmother gently called. Their eyes met, and the older woman's concern was evident. "What's wrong? You know you can tell me anything. You always have, ever since you were a small girl."

Jade sighed, feeling the weight of her worries. She knew her grandmother was a trusted confidante, and maybe it was time to share her turmoil.

Jade smiled, her mind drifting back to those cherished memories. Her eyes welled up with the desire to shed tears, to release the pent-up emotions that had plagued her for too long.

A wrinkled hand reached up to caress Jade's cheek, forcing her to meet the gaze of those old, wise blue eyes once more.

"You're not happy, are you?" her grandmother asked, seeing the turmoil in Jade's soul reflected in her eyes.

"Of course I am," Jade replied, forcing a smile. "Beck's great. He's been there for me, and he loves me."

"But you don't love him," her grandmother stated plainly.

"Love doesn't always come right away," Jade argued.

"Jade," the woman chuckled softly. "Love is impossible to manifest itself in a heart that's already occupied with someone else." She held Jade's gaze. "Or in this case, Tori."

Jade's lips parted in silent acknowledgment.

"That is her name, isn't it?"

Jade nodded, tears now flowing freely down her cheeks. Fear of what her grandmother would think of her preferences. Especially after how her mother reacted when she tried to come out.

"It is true, my mind is leaving me, and I hate it when it does," her grandmother lamented, rolling her eyes. "God, do I hate it. But one person I can always force my mind to remember is you. And I remember every step you have taken throughout your life."

A single tear rolled down Jade's cheek, and her head leaned into her grandmother's touch as a hand cupped her face.

"You have made me so proud of the woman you have turned into, Jade," her grandmother whispered, her thumb gently wiping away a fallen tear. "But, don't you think it is time now for you to start living your life the way you want it?"

"How?" Jade's voice cracked with emotion.

"For starters… Call off the wedding."

"But—"

"Jade," the woman said firmly, gaining her granddaughter's full attention. "You can't go through life doing what others expect you to do. It's true, Beck loves you, but all the years I have weighed on me have taught me that being with someone just because you don't want to be alone is not the way to go. Beck loves himself more; he loves the idea of this wedding, just like your mother. He may have clicked with you back then, but he is a person who doesn't match your energy, darling. Not the way Tori does."

A sad smile appeared on Jade's lips.

"How could you possibly know that Tori and I—?"

"I'm old, dear, but I'm not blind," her grandmother chuckled. "Tori loves you, and if she is your true happiness, then Jade, go to her. Break off this engagement. Don't give a damn about what your mother says is best for me. Do what's best for you. With that, when my time comes to part from this world, I can promise you I will be the happiest woman that ever existed."

Jade embraced her grandmother in a tight hug, tears streaming down her eyes. Her grandmother's words had struck a chord deep within her. It was time to heed her advice and live her life the way she truly desired. She needed to end the engagement with Beck and go after the person who held her heart.