A/N: Shorter Chapter. Further Speculation, we got Cat processing some things, Jade realizing some things, Beck understanding some things, and Trina revealing some things. Enjoy!~ S.K.
Chapter 3: processing
One day, when Vic was unexpectedly absent, Cat and Jade found themselves laid out on the set floor. Jade, sitting next to Cat, glanced behind her and noticed Cat's dress riding up. Without a second thought, Jade reached over and discreetly pulled Cat's dress down, ensuring her modesty.
Just as they were settling into their impromptu floor session, Ben, the producer with a camera in hand, approached them. "Hey, what are you guys doing?" he inquired, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Because we are," Cat replied casually, looking up at Ben with a mischievous smile.
Ben, eager to capture the moment, continued recording. "They are..." Beck answered with a shrug.
Before he could finish, a sudden barking sound echoed through the set. Ben turned back to the girls, eyebrows raised. "Did you just bark?"
Jade, wide-eyed, denied any involvement. "No! I did not!"
Cat, however, couldn't contain her laughter, giggling uncontrollably. "Who barked?"He asked confused
Amidst the confusion, Cat playfully emitted a single musical note. "That was really scary. Did you hear that?" Jade asked, feigning innocence.
Turning back to Beck, Ben chuckled, realizing something was afoot. "It's the Christmas ghost," Beck quipped. "The ghost of Christmas past."
As Ben continued to record, the atmosphere became more playful and mysterious. However, the actresses, uncomfortable with the unexpected intrusion, exchanged uneasy glances. The mention of the "ghost of Christmas past" added a touch of whimsy, but the presence of the recording camera added an element of discomfort to the otherwise amusing scene.
Cat with her therapist
Cat sat in her therapist's office, recounting some of the darker aspects of her past. She opened up about the pervasive presence of alcohol on the set, revealing how Vic's mom kept a watchful eye on her daughter, leading to covert drinking sessions with Jade during long hours of filming. As the scenes dwindled for Vic, the alcohol consumption seemed to increase.
The therapist delved into a specific memory, asking about a video where Cat and Jade were on the floor of the set, admitting to being somewhat under the influence. "We'd smoked something just before," Cat confessed casually, her mind drifting to those hazy times. "Did you do that during filming?" the therapist inquired.
"No, mostly during rehearsals. That cup Beck was holding was probably full of vodka too," Cat replied absentmindedly, her recollections blending with a touch of detachment. Beck's alcohol consumption during those days was a matter of fact for her.
The conversation shifted towards Ben, and the therapist probed into their relationship. "What was your relationship with Ben like?" The therapist asked.
Cat became guarded, stating, "I can't talk about that." But she did reveal that Ben often texted her about various aspects of her life, "Oh stupid shit." Cat said shaking her head. "Just shit about what I was doing. We'd talk about my boyfriend Jay, and this thing Me and Jade had with Robbie. Stuff about my life you know. Like he was trying to be my best friend. Really he wanted Me and Robbie to Leave Jade alone long enough so that she could get close to Will… at least that's what I think."
"Why…, What do you think was happening there?"
"Um… she was a kid, and he was like almost 40. They made her do things that she didn't really feel like doing you know? And then we would have these sleepovers at his house, and they would take Jade to a room for like hours." Cat sighed… The therapist, sensing something more beneath the surface, asked about Ben's intentions regarding Jade. Cat hesitated, sharing her discomfort about Jade's experiences with Ben, especially during sleepovers at his house. "Let me not talk, I don't really know what happened there. I just know I felt uncomfortable for my best friend," Cat admitted.
"And somehow this was different when Vic was around?" The therapist questioned whether Vic's presence made a difference,
"Yes, because her mom was always around," Cat explained. "Jade's mom had to be in New York so she relied on the wrangler more." Vic's mom's constant presence offered some sense of security. When asked about her own mother, Cat got quiet, acknowledging that her mom did the best she could, but it was Frankie who provided much-needed support.
As the therapist circled back to Cat's reluctance to discuss her relationship with Ben, "So you won't tell me more about you and Ben?"
"I promised… I have a lot more to lose now than ever." Cat stated.
"It doesn't have to leave this room." The therapist said.
"Even if it was criminal?" Cat stated.
"Did you kill someone?" the therapist Joked.
Cat chuckled and shook her head. "I'm just not ready yet."
Cat, hinting at potential criminal aspects, expressed her hesitation to share more, evoking the therapist's understanding. "Okay… that's okay…"
Jade scrolling through TikTok
As Jade scrolled through TikTok, a montage of everyone she knew unfolded before her eyes. DJing sets, cute pairings, and snippets of shared moments. Thoughts of her own identity, the prospect of being a lesbian, or somehow turning others into lesbians, crossed her mind. She chuckled at the memories of a countdown she had done on a song, a playful moment that lingered in her thoughts.
Then, she stumbled upon a TikTok video, a snippet from a podcast that had made waves. It was a moment from "Just Tori," the episode where she and Vic, or Tori then, had a date. It was the most overtly queer-baiting episode the show had ever seen. A date that stirred emotions, a moment that resonated with hundreds of girls, making them realize something about themselves.
However, the tone shifted as TikTok users began to speculate about Jade's marriage. The online community was not devastated that she had gotten married, but rather, the shock and disappointment centered around her choice of a partner—an older person whom she had known since childhood. The revelation sparked discussions and reactions, transforming her private life into public fodder. The comments and reactions scrolled by, creating a complex tapestry of emotions for Jade as she navigated the digital landscape of speculation and judgment.
Jade watched the video, her expression shifting from nonchalant to increasingly unsettled. The quote echoed back at her, a snippet from her own mutterings. "What does that have to do with anything?" she mumbled in the privacy of her thoughts.
The TikTok, however, took a different turn. While acknowledging Jade's current happiness, it began to weave a narrative around potential manipulation. The reasons were enumerated, each point speculation on how she might have been coerced or influenced into her current situation. As the video unfolded, a cascade of comments appeared, dissecting every aspect of her life, dissecting her choices, and even questioning the authenticity of her happiness. It was a digital forum where everyone seemed to have an opinion on her relationship, and Jade couldn't escape the scrutiny that unfolded on the screen before her.
"She sued a guy for emotional distress when he just proved they dated before she was an adult (Using images he found on the internet) " she laughed. "I didn't sue Sl04n... I threatened to… "
"Got sad/quiet in an interview after she talked about being groomed at 14 by an 18-year-old" She rolled her eyes. "I wasn't sad… I had just said too much. Are they saying Rob groomed me too?"
"He was 21 when she was born…" she sighed… "So What?"
"Her husband is best friends with Ben Sneider" She shrugged. "The man's gotta have friends… " She faltered a little there.
"When she was 18 was taken to Will's house with Ben (Alone…)" She paused. "And forced to sing with Will while Ben filmed her. After she told him she didn't want to be filmed" she blinked. "I Lived there…Is there a video out somewhere?"
"They were first introduced to each other when Jade was 15 and he was 36." she sighed… "Okay…"
"She said they started dating a few years before their wedding (she was 27) but they were spotted dating when she was 18 -19" She sighed again. "…And I was an adult already."
"A lot of Kidtopia girls have ended up with older men (Groomers)" Jade did not respond verbally this time. She just ran her fingers through her hair. If people only knew how hard it was to be a kid in Hollywood. Those are the people they meet.
"He started dating her the second she turned 18 (He was 38-39) yet in Jade's words He had no interest in me and was into an older woman…" She leaned back in her chair. "Yeah okay, that was a lie… Fuck…"
She pulled up the Video by the YouTuber Sl04n and watched it thoroughly this time… She listened to him this time. She processed it this time. And all of the receipts that he presented. How could they have been so… careless? But why if what Will was doing was okay, because Those are The people we meet. Why was it okay to hide all of it? "Why are we still hiding this?"
The Video concluded with Sl04n saying "When you are 15 and 16 you don't even know who you are yet. You are still forming your ideas and personality. When you are an adult and Begin Telling her just who she is, for your own gain, you steal her future, and her choice." Jade absorbed the words of the YouTuber, the insinuations lingering in her mind. "Wonder what she would say if her daughter met someone like that," it concluded, leaving an unsettling feeling in the air.
Glancing at Izzy peacefully napping next to her husband, Jade felt a twinge of discomfort. Despite her reassurances, a protective instinct kicked in. She carefully picked up her daughter from the bed and moved her to her own room, a subtle act of separation from the scrutiny and speculations that seemed to follow her every step on the digital stage.
Beck smoking with his brother
Beck's apartment held an air of familiarity, a space where the past and the present intersected. As he sat with Ketan, the older brother who had become a lifeline during the tumultuous times of rehab, their conversation delved into the uncertainties that lay ahead.
"Do you think going back for this reboot is such a good idea?" Ketan's question hung in the air, a thread connecting the present to Beck's history.
"I don't know, man. I haven't been anywhere near the studio yet. But I know that the people are what I am going back for," Beck confessed, his eyes reflecting a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
"That's where rehab started for you," Ketan remarked a reminder of the journey Beck had traversed, the battles fought and the demons faced.
"What does Masie think?" Ketan inquired, a glimpse into the perspective of Beck's loved ones.
"They loved the show. They used to watch," Beck shared, a hint of pride in his voice. "They are concerned that I may fall. But really, I was only high all the time because of Ben."
Ketan nodded knowingly, acknowledging the toxic influence of a figure from their past. "There were a lot of things that weren't right with that man."
The conversation meandered through memories, through the challenges of standing by friends in the face of adversity. "It was hard to stand by when that troll would do things to my friends, you know. If I wanted to work, I couldn't see that. I don't know how Andre did it. But he stayed to himself most of the time, though."
"He was the youngest," Ketan remarked, offering insight into Andre's experience. "And his mom was always with him when he was on set. He was her job."
"Like Vic... though he still seemed to mess with her," Beck reflected, a frown etching his face as he recalled the injustices Vic faced.
"But now Vic and Jade are in charge?" Ketan sought confirmation, recognizing a shift in power dynamics.
"Yup," Beck affirmed. "This is a good vanity project. It shouldn't trigger anything."
"Have you seen the script?" Ketan probed, curious about the narrative that awaited Beck.
"Yeah," Beck replied. "They are going full-on Elitoria."
"So, no Elavan... damn... who's gonna be your arm candy, bro?" Ketan teased, injecting a moment of levity.
"Shut up," Beck chuckled, taking a puff of the joint in his hand before passing it over to his brother. "But that's progress, bro. If they fully pick it up after the pilot, it's going to be huge for the community."
"Nah, that's sick," Ketan acknowledged, the gravity of the potential impact settling in. Then, he shifted gears, sensing an underlying stress in his brother. "So... what's got you so stressed?"
Beck sighed, and as the smoke curled around them, he began to unravel the complexities that weighed on his mind, finding solace in the understanding gaze of his older brother.
Beck sighed, the weight of his thoughts evident in the lines on his forehead. "It's just... going back to that environment, you know? The memories, the struggles. I've worked hard to overcome a lot, and I don't want to slip back into the darkness."
Ketan nodded in understanding, taking a thoughtful drag from the joint. "You've come a long way, Beck. Just remember why you're doing this. You've got a whole new support system, and this time, you're in control."
"Yeah," Beck mused, exhaling slowly. "It's just hard not to feel a bit anxious about it all. But Masie's right. This is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, to show people the real me."
"Exactly," Ketan agreed. "And having Vic and Jade at the helm, it's a different era. Things might just be different this time around."
They sat in contemplative silence for a moment, the faint scent of the joint lingering in the air. Beck couldn't shake the nerves entirely, but he drew strength from the support of his brother and the prospect of a new beginning.
Tori visits Stonewall
Vic found herself in Greenwich Village, standing in the historic Stonewall Inn. The significance of the place wasn't lost on her; it was a symbol of resistance, a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, as she grappled with the idea of coming out publicly during her press tour in New York, a wave of uncertainty washed over her.
In an era where coming out seemed almost fashionable, Vic felt the weight of her sexual identity, one that defied easy categorization. Tori Vega wasn't a lesbian, she wasn't bisexual; she identified as pan-demisexual. A term not widely known, and one that would require delicate explanation.
It wasn't that Vic was hesitant about being true to herself; rather, she was aware of the challenges that came with sharing a nuanced aspect of her identity. Pan-demisexuality, defined by an attraction that transcended gender but required a deep emotional connection, wasn't a label easily understood. People struggled to comprehend what drove her desires, and the idea of attempting to encapsulate it in a single social media post felt daunting.
She pondered the complexities of her identity, the nuances that made her who she was. How could she convey the intricacies of pan-demisexuality in a way that wouldn't be misconstrued or oversimplified?
Vic sighed, feeling the responsibility of representation weighing on her shoulders. In a world where labels often dictated perception, she stood at the intersection of visibility and ambiguity. The vibrant history of Stonewall surrounded her, a testament to the struggles and victories of those who came before her.
As she prepared to share this intimate part of herself with the world, Vic couldn't help but reflect on the broader conversation about identity, acceptance, and the ongoing journey toward understanding and embracing the spectrum of human connection.
The memory of that messed-up encounter with Ben was like a stain Vic couldn't scrub off. She flashed back to this one day, on the set of "Just Tori," the show that threw her into the spotlight. It was one of those days where the air in Ben's office felt thick with tension.
"So, Vic," Ben started, looking at her like a predator sizing up prey, "the show could use more of you, more Tori Vega on screen."
She arched an eyebrow, smelling trouble a mile away. Ben wasn't one for freebies, and his proposal had strings attached, long and tangled.
"Now that you're legal," he continued, his words oozing insinuation, "we can arrange more scenes for you, more storylines. You just need to be open to... cooperation."
Gross. That churny feeling in Vic's stomach screamed trouble. But she held her ground, declined his offer, and dropped the bomb that she was gay, a shield against his inappropriate advances.
His response? Undeterred, he prodded, "Who's the lucky girl, Vic?"
She didn't spill the name and kept her secret locked away. At that point, Jade owned her heart, but Vic wasn't about to hand that intel to Ben on a silver platter. Little did she know, it was the kickoff of Ben's queer-baiting playbook, the slow pulling away of Jade for his grand narrative.
Walking out of Ben's office that day, Vic felt a mix of pissed off and exposed. It set the stage for the crap she'd have to deal with in an industry where being real clashed with what those in charge wanted.
Vic and her sister Madison strolled through the vibrant streets of Greenwich Village, the historic neighborhood buzzing with energy. The quaint shops and colorful buildings formed a backdrop to her wandering thoughts. A mix of excitement and anticipation on his face seemed ready to capture the essence of this moment.
As they meandered through the eclectic mix of people, Vic pondered the words she would soon share with the world. It wasn't just about saying, "Hey, I'm not straight," for attention or engagement. No, this was a proclamation to break free from the chains that had bound her authenticity.
She took a deep breath, her mind was a swirl of conflicting emotions, but deep down, a resolve had solidified. The NDAs she'd signed, the calculated ambiguity about her love life, it was all a compromise she'd made for the sake of her career.
"You think you're ready?" Madison asked. "I mean you signed the papers."
"I've been living behind veils, silent and bound by contracts that demanded my silence," She said to her, "But my truth is not a commodity for clicks or likes. It's the key to my liberation, a path to reclaiming my narrative." This wasn't just about her; it was about everyone who struggled with being seen for who they truly were.
"Okay," Madison said. "But can't you say it, without outright saying it?"
Vic was silent as they continued to walk the block. She called Kyle her agent, and the two engaged in a thoughtful conversation, navigating the delicate balance between personal expression and contractual obligations. Her agent, understanding the significance of the moment, encouraged Tori to find a way to convey her truth without jeopardizing professional constraints.
Amidst the quaint charm of the Village, where each brick seemed to hold a piece of the LGBTQ+ narrative, Tori considered her words. The legacy of Stonewall, a symbol of resistance and progress, provided a backdrop to her internal struggle. How could she honor this sacred space while remaining true to herself?
Like Madison, Kyle suggested a subtle yet impactful approach, a message that hinted at her journey without explicitly breaking the constraints of her contract. As they meandered through the historic district, Tori felt a renewed sense of purpose. She envisioned a post that would resonate with her fans, acknowledging the significance of the place while respecting the complexities of her situation.
The decision weighed on her, but the support of her agent and the profound surroundings of Greenwich Village inspired Tori to embrace a middle ground — a way to share a piece of herself without compromising her professional commitments.
She and Madison stopped in front of the Stonewall Inn. Madison took Vic's phone from her and stepped back to take the whole picture in. Tori was standing to the left of the window, where the Neon sign had just come on and Madison took the shot. She had framed the shot with the Stonewall structure behind her and the Neon sign lit up on her left. Tori's eyes were drawn to the neon sign, a beacon that had guided generations toward freedom and acceptance. The shutter clicked, freezing the moment in time.
Madison Showed her sister the shot, and Vic smiled. "That's fucking gorgeous, Maddie!"
"Now you can use it on your post," Her Little sister said.
Vic turned and thought about what she would caption the photo with. The two of them walked to the hotel, and Tori settled on her bed. She stared at the picture her sister had taken. She took a deep breath, fingers tapping nervously on her phone's screen. Her mind was a swirl of conflicting emotions, but deep down, a resolve had solidified.
The caption, carefully crafted to convey her unwavering spirit, read, "You can make me sign a paper, but my private life is mine alone. I will live it out loud." It was a declaration, a quiet rebellion that echoed through the pixels and resonated with those who understood the struggle for authenticity.
The post, a visual testament to her journey and a nod to the historic significance of Stonewall, left room for interpretation.
In mere moments, Tori's post garnered six likes, a small but immediate wave of support. Her castmates, swift and unwavering, rallied around her. The likes may have seemed small in number, but their significance echoed loudly in their collective solidarity.
Comments began to trickle in, filled with heart emojis, affirmations, and words of encouragement. They formed a digital chorus, a testament to the unity among the cast and their unequivocal backing of Tori's decision to assert her truth. It was a moment of online camaraderie, a virtual show of hands clasped in support.
The unexpected resonance of the post sent ripples through the online sphere. It wasn't just about the likes or the comments; it was about the sense of community, the shared understanding that transcended the virtual space. With each interaction, it became evident that Tori had struck a chord, uniting her colleagues in a moment of collective empowerment.
Trina talks about her experiences on her podcast
Some of the wardrobe on that show were not age-appropriate" Trina stated to her interviewer. "I wouldn't even wear some of that today as an adult."
There were a few questionable moments on that show." She continued. "Do I wish certain things, like didn't have to be so sexualized? Yeah, A hundred percent."
Trina, the vivacious host of her podcast, gathered a group of former child actresses she had worked with in the industry. Together, they dived into the hot topic of the moment: the impending reboot of "Just Vic." With laughter and shared memories, the group explored the changes they anticipated in the upcoming version of the show.
"Can we just talk about the fact that it's a whole new ballgame now?" Trina exclaimed, setting the tone for the conversation. "Vic and Jade are running the show, and it's like a breath of fresh air. We're finally going to be treated like the adults we are. No more bizarre outfits or questionable storylines that make you scratch your head."
As they discussed the leadership change, Trina emphasized the significance of having women at the forefront of a series centered around a female protagonist. "Having female leaders on a show about a woman, it's revolutionary. I can't wait to see how this changes the dynamics. It's about time we make content that respects the intelligence of our audience."
The consensus among the actresses was one of optimism, as they envisioned a reboot free from the quirks that sometimes plagued the earlier version of "Just Vic." The prospect of portraying characters in more mature scenarios and wearing age-appropriate attire brought a sense of excitement to the conversation. The podcast became a platform for these actresses to share their hopes and expectations for a revamped and improved "Just Vic."
The podcast continued, the conversation flowing between the former child actresses when one of them leaned forward with a curious expression. "Trina, what about some of the things you had to do on 'Just Vic'? You know, the more... questionable scenes?"
Trina chuckled, recalling some of the more awkward moments from her time on the show. "Oh, I remember those all too well. There was this one scene where I had to be in a bikini, wrestling with my 'sister' on the show. Vic and I were basically in bikini tops and short shorts, tussling around. Looking back, I'm like, 'What were they thinking?'"
The other actresses gasped, some shaking their heads in disbelief. "That's wild," one of them remarked.
"Yeah, and then there was this other scene," Trina continued, "where I had to sit on a couch eating this giant pickle, holding it in one hand and lipgloss in the other. It was supposed to be, I don't know, cute or something. But I just felt awkward and wondered why they'd make a kid do that."
Trina sighed, her frustration evident. "You won't believe what I did about that pickle scene. I actually went to the Kidtopia executives to complain. I told them it felt weird, and I asked them not to air it. But you know what they did? Aired it anyway. It's the stupidest thing."
Another one of the actresses chimed in, "Wait, weren't you also, Like, sprayed with something in one scene?"
Trina's eyes widened as she remembered the absurdity of that particular moment. "Oh my god, yes. Lotion. They made it look like this grown-ass man had sprayed me with... you know, all over my face!"
"Yikes!" another actress exclaimed.
"Fucking Ben Schneider," muttered another, shaking her head in disbelief.
In the midst of their discussion, Chelsey, one of the actresses, leaned forward curiously. "Any regrets?"
Trina shook her head resolutely. "I loved those kids. They were my whole world when I was with them. We're still really tight."
"That's why your reboot is going to work, like mine did," Raven, the other actress, chimed in. "I saw that Vic came out... well, sort of," she continued.
Trina nodded a sense of pride in her voice. "I'm so proud of her."
"Is it because of the show?" Raven probed.
"I can't speak for her. All I know is that she had been grappling with the idea since she was 17. This isn't fan service," Trina clarified.
"Or the fact that the biggest ship on your show is a lesbian ship between her and Jade's character," Raven added.
"Wait, wait," Chelsea interjected. "This is something that many kid shows don't deal with, but Ben's shows were notorious for. The ship wars."
"You have to admit, Just Tori invented queer baiting," Raven asserted. "It was like as soon as Ben found out 'Elitoria'... is it? was a thing, he was throwing it in the audience's faces."
Trina nodded in agreement. "He did it with iSam too." The discussion shed light on the controversial themes that had plagued some of their past projects and highlighted the importance of handling sensitive topics with care, especially in children's entertainment.
Trina shared more anecdotes, recalling moments that seemed oddly sexualized for a kids' show. As they reminisced about these peculiar scenes, there was an underlying sense of relief that the reboot of "Just Vic" under new leadership might pave the way for more appropriate and thoughtful content.