A/N: IT'S FINALLY HAPPENED!
With this update, I beat my previous all-time high of 27 chapters and I long obliterated my highest word count of 52K.
This story is officially my longest one to date!
And it's nowhere near finished, LOL!
I knew it was going to be big. I knew it was going to be somewhat ambitious. But MAAAAAAN, I was not anticipating an EPIC!
But as it went, this story just grew and grew because I love these characters so much!
And hey, sequels and side-quels are NOT out of the question! So, the future is wide open.
But I may revisit this continuity after I get a few unusual projects off my chest.
We close out the not-too-distant-future of 2030 with a New Years Eve blowout! What can I say? The holidays tend to be my most popular chapters as well as personal favorites of mine!
BONUS: Looks like the emails are back on!
The bell rang and Tori opened the door.
"Hey, you two!"
"Happy New Years, Mrs. Vega!" nodded Billy.
He and Jenna walked through the door.
"Everybody else is on the roof. Follow me, I'll show you the way."
The teens trailed behind Tori and ascended the steps that led to the access door.
Jenna had to duck a bit to walk through it.
They both gasped.
Paper lanterns were hanging from the clotheslines that hung about the roof. Tori used these when she had to dry something too big for the machine like a comforter.
There were also coolers filled with ice. They had water, soda, iced tea and even some energy drinks for those that need a little help staying awake. Beside the liquid refreshment was a table covered with food.
There were chips, pretzels, mixed nuts, a vegetable tray with spinach dip and a big sandwich platter.
"You guys went all out," noted Jenna.
"Yeah, we decided our first New Years Eve party had to be a banger," smiled Tori.
She then waved to get everyone else's attention.
"MIA! THE LOVEBIRDS ARE HERE!"
Jenna and Billy blushed hard as a mouth agape Lauren turned along with Chase and Mia, who were both covering their mouths.
Tori made a face and retreated back down below.
The five friends stood there awkwardly for a few seconds.
"Love is in the air" sang Chase.
"Don't," groaned Jenna while Billy pointed warningly.
Mia grabbed his arm.
"Everywhere I look around..." joined Lauren.
"You're one to talk," Mia leaned in.
"Don't be jealous," grinned Chase.
"Yeah," teased Lauren.
The two then kissed, which made Mia recoil.
"Eh, it's like walking in on your parents."
Billy laughed.
"Is this everyone?" asked Jenna.
Mia quickly looked disappointed.
"Yeah, that's everyone I guess."
"Alice isn't coming," Lauren explained, looking at Mia with concern.
"Oh, you miss her?" asked Jenna.
Chase didn't say a word because he didn't find that as something to mock.
"Maybe it would be less awkward if...you know..."
Billy couldn't find the words, but it was understood among the group.
Now that the lot of them had paired up, Mia was pretty much the odd one out. At least the presence of Alice off shot that.
Two couples and that fifth friend is not an easy dynamic for anyone involved.
Mia put her hands in her pockets.
While it was silly to think about, she couldn't help but worry that with these new romantic developments, she might be boxed out. At least Alice (for now) isn't struck by cupid's arrow and still just wants to hang.
(This is stupid. I'm being stupid. Of course, I want my friends to all get along. I should have been more specific.)
The sun had long set and the party was in full swing on the roof.
Tori's phone finally stopped blowing up from Mia's friends' parents, thanking her for throwing the get-together. Most of them wanted to attend an adult party and had reservations about leaving them home alone. But here they were around familiar faces and what better chaperone than your kid's friend's mom who was also the school principal?
She had earned their trust and they could be relieved that their sons and daughters were safe for the night.
And while Tori encouraged the teens to chill out, she still took her responsibility very seriously. There would be NO underage drinking, or drugs. And just as important: separate sleeping arrangements! The girls occupied the bedrooms while the boys crashed in the living room.
The Latina sighed when she realized that her usual bed was surrendered tonight.
"Yeah, did not think that one though."
The doorbell startled her.
When the initial shock wore off, her shoulders slumped.
"Did Mia forget she ordered a pizza again?" she muttered to herself.
Tori slowly opened the door.
Jade and Alice stood there, carrying bags.
"Is there room for two more?"
Tori lit up like the sun and pulled the pair inside.
"OH. MY. GOD. When did you get here?"
Jade and Alice looked at each other and shrugged.
"Two hours ago," the petite girl answered.
"You guys!" Tori gushed, hugging Jade.
(I know these aren't you style but you know I never cared!)
Jade blushed as she dropped her things and gave in.
"Where is everybody?" asked Alice.
"The roof," Tori pointed upward. "I can show-"
Alice dashed away, "I know the way, thank yoooou!"
"And she's gone," sighed Tori.
"Where does she get that energy?" Jade asked with a head shake. "You remember; I never ran for shit!"
"Yeah, people ran to you."
Jade turned toward Tori with a smirk, intent on keeping it cool.
"Damn right."
The former Goth's nostrils did not betray her and she leaned toward the kitchen.
Tori followed and Jade was already pouring herself a cup.
"Jade..."
"Sssh! I can't hear the coffee."
Then with a smile she returned the pot back to the little black maker and raided the fridge for creamer.
"I'm out, if you were curious. I just have milk."
Jade's whole body settled like someone let the air out.
"Fiiiiiine!"
She then pulled out a half gallon of milk with her free hand.
"This is 2%."
Tori shrugged.
"The horror," Jade moaned.
Chase's eyebrow raised at the sound of a commotion behind the access door.
"What's that noise?" he asked.
Mia leaned past him and noticed it too. Sounded like an animal was scratching on the other side.
Suddenly, the brown door burst open and Alice nearly fell flat on her face.
That door normally sticks, which was why Tori or Mia often did the honors since they were used to it.
"WHOA! Oh, God!"
The smaller teen steadied herself as she was now face-to-face with all of her friends.
Quite the entrance. She did a real Kramer back there.
"Hey guys!" Alice waved.
"Now it's a party!" Jenna declared with a raised fist.
"We were all hoping a certain freshman would crash," Chase smirked. He looked toward Mia. "Isn't that right?"
Mia marched up to Alice and gave her a friendly punch jab to the shoulder.
"Missed you, pipsqueak."
"Missed you, too" smirked Alice. "Friends over? Guess you're not grounded this week."
Mia brushed her hair back.
"Yeah, I know. Must be gettin' soft. I blame you."
Alice smiled and looked around.
"Holy shit, you really made it look amazing up here."
"How was the east coast?" asked Lauren.
"Cold," huffed Alice. "I am glad to be back. Do you know our neighbor was setting off fireworks every night since Christmas?"
The group laughed.
"I understand New Years, but this idiot was doing in constantly. Scared the hell out of my grandma's dog."
"Ah, man that sucks," said Billy.
"I'd kick his ass," Mia added.
"One of those roman candles flew over the roof," Alice stretched out her hand. "Like reach out and touch it, it was that close! We thought the house would catch fire."
"Damn!" Chase shook his head. "What an asshole."
Alice opened the chest and took out a half and half iced tea.
"I'm so thirsty," she said, opening it quickly to take a swig.
"Didn't you get something at the airport?" asked Lauren.
"Oh, I was thirsty," Alice said wiping her mouth. "I just wasn't $8 orange juice thirsty."
Mia hung back so nobody could see her smile. It was the first time in days the gang was back together. And Alice made it complete.
(Maybe next year will be okay.)
Tori laughed.
"So, you're cool now with your...are they still technically your in-laws?"
Jade nodded, taking another sip.
"And Harry got the stink eye from just about everybody."
Tori pressed her lips together.
"Can't say he didn't have it coming," she said. "Breaking my girl's heart."
Jade choked that last gulp of the hot beverage.
"You okay?" asked Tori, worried.
"Oh, yeah," Jade coughed. "Wrong pipe."
Tori surely meant it in a friendly way, like how guys would say "you're my boy!" but to the dark-haired one, those words carried more weight.
"It's so great you two came," she said, putting her hand on Jade's.
Jade hoped she didn't blush just then.
"I'm happy...to...be here, too. Heh."
Tori looked toward the stairs leading to the roof.
"It's been a little bit, let me check on the others."
Tori left the room, completely oblivious that she was being checked out.
(An ass like that should be a crime.)
Jade sat back with a sigh when her phone sounded off.
She sighed with a grin and answered.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
"It's only 9'o'clock, dingus!" smirked Jade.
"Hello?!" sang Cat. "Time difference much?"
"I know that!" she groaned. "Just messing with you."
Then it dawned on her.
"Oh, wait. Does that mean I'm gonna hear from Shapiro in an hour?"
Cat giggled.
"That's right, he a Midwestern boy this week. When's he coming back?"
"January 3rd or 4th, I don't care," Jade yawned.
"Who's that?" came Beck's voice.
"Jade," replied Cat. "She says it's nine over there."
"Wait-wait-wait, you're back in L.A.?" he asked.
The other line went silent.
"Y-y-y-yeah, s-s-s-so...?"
"I thought you were spending the whole winter break with Harry's folks."
Jade couldn't see Beck over the phone, but she could feel his eyes narrowing in that suspicious way.
"And where are you now?" he asked.
"A little New Years party," she scoffed.
"It wouldn't be Tori's shindig, would it?"
(Cat might not be on to me but Beck seems like he is! And who the fuck says "shindig" these days?)
Jade chuckled nervously. She may as well announce she was pulling an excuse out of her ass.
"Well, you know, Alice missed her friends and they're all here now."
This time the redhead spoke.
"You sure it's only Alice who...misses...someone?"
(Hot damn, I underestimated Cat.)
"Tori..."
"Tori?"
"TORI!"
"Uh...HEY, Tori! Come here, Beck and Cat want to say high."
She just shoved her own cellphone into the Latina's hands and bolted.
"Where is she going?" she muttered to herself.
Tori put the phone to her ear and greeted her favorite east coast couple.
Jade charged into the bathroom and locked the door.
She leaned over the sink to prop herself because she wasn't confident her knees were up to the task.
"That was close," she sighed. "Jesus Christ."
Jade glanced at her own reflection in the mirror.
"Nice face," she grumbled. "Look up gay panic in the dictionary and they'll see this stupid expression!"
(What the fuck is wrong with me? When did I become such a coward?)
Beck, Harry, that Moose guy...any romantic prospect Jade had; none of them ever felt out of the realm of her control. She was always the one that held the cards. Boys were putty in her hands one way or another.
But she was breaking new ground here.
Jade had felt physical attraction in the past and she genuinely cared for her more serious suitors at the time. But it rarely went deep.
In high school, Beck was more of a status symbol than anything else. He was kind to her, and they had a good time together. But their fights and breakups were more bruises to her ego than anything else. What was it she said to Tori when she came to her house a wet mess brandishing that broken kite?
"I don't want anyone cool to see me like this!"
(Fuck, I was a spiteful bitch once upon a time.)
Nobody could alter the course of her mood in a positive way like Tori could. Nobody listened to her or helped her judgment-free the way Tori did. Her voice or just anybody mentioning her name made Jade's legs (Jegs?) wobble like nothing else.
She breathed in slowly and released it.
"Let's be logical about this," Jade whispered. "Let's list the pros and cons."
She held out her right hand.
(PROS: Tori is kind and patient and selfless and has a body that just won't quit. She's also passionate and a devoted mother to boot.)
Jade now looked at her raised left hand.
(CONS: She's probably straight. With me saying that, I don't think she's dated since her husband. And despite her saying she forgives me; I can't shake what a pain I was to her! Maybe she only sees me as a friend?!)
She looked between her hands, while meant to represent a scientific approach, Jade unfairly had both perfectly lined up.
Jade bit her lip.
"So, I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. Wonderful."
Everybody was having a good time on the roof. The music was blasting and the friends were alternating between dancing and just talking.
So far, the only one who didn't participate in the dancing was Alice.
"What's up?" asked Jenna. "I thought you liked this song."
Alice looked around.
"I do," she chuckled.
Lauren joined them.
"You can't just sit still when Girls' Generation is on!"
The freshman blushed.
"Come on," Mia said.
"Huh?"
Mia rolled her eyes and grabbed her by the hand.
"Come. On."
Before Alice could object she was yanked to her feet.
"Now, just do what I do."
"Wait, Mia, no! I don't dance. I-I-I don't know how!"
"Then let me teach you. Follow me."
Mia lined up alongside Alice.
She squatted down. Alice followed. Mia shifted her hip left to right. Alice copied the movement, nearly losing her balance.
Mia chuckled.
"What?" shot Alice.
"Nothing."
Now Mia was focusing on the upper half, alternating between the left arm pushing back and then the right.
Alice was her mirror.
"Now, let's combine the two."
Alice stuck her tongue out as she did her best to keep up. It was touch and go, but Alice was able to keep some sync with her hips and limbs.
Claps of encouragement came from the others as they gathered around the master and her apprentice.
"So, like this?" Alice huffed.
"Yeah, you're getting it."
"Now what?"
Mia didn't answer right away. Instead she took off and did one of her own moves. Alice was dumbstruck that a human could move with such fluidity.
"I can't do that," she confessed.
"Don't need to," Mia said between controlled breathing. "Now you know how to do top, bottom and middle; you got the basics."
Alice tried to follow Mia who was like the wind.
"What does that mean?"
"Dancing is principles, not rules," Mia shouted. "Its about being in sync. Do whatever you want!"
She was beginning to understand.
Alice had to have the arms, neck, hips, legs, everything working together. The trouble with bad dancers is that they don't allow themselves to be in sync. Without it, you look like a vertical spaz attack set to music. Let the music guide you in speed and energy, but at the end of the day, there are no wrong answers. Not when you learn the ABC's.
Alice took a breath and closed her eyes, really listening to the rhythm of the song.
The short girl was sure she looked pretty dorky right now but she didn't care.
She danced like nobody was watching; at least she pretended.
"GO ALICE! GO ALICE!" they all chanted.
If this were a gaggle of mean kids like those bullies on her first day, Alice would have died.
But they weren't like that. They were her friends.
She could be herself around Lauren and Jenna and Chase and...
BAM! OW! DAMMIT!
Alice rubbed her forehead as she saw Mia was on the ground right next to her. She, too was holding her head.
"What happened?" she moaned.
"Something else you need to know," Mia grunted. "Always dance with your eyes open!"
The friends rushed to them with concern but the pair who collided suddenly burst out into laughter.
It was infectious. The whole gang was laughing til it hurt, even as they were helping Alice and Mia up.
"I'll grab some ice from the cooler," quipped Billy.
Jade went back into the kitchen and frowned when Tori wasn't there.
"IN HERE!"
She followed the voice to find Tori on the couch. The Latina made a smirk and handed Jade her phone back.
"Those two are crazy."
"I know, right?" Jade said, joining Tori on the couch. The former goth shifted in her seat with approval. "Okay, this is a nice couch."
(I should know. I crashed on a few.)
"I'm gonna miss it tonight."
"What, why?" asked Jade.
Tori blushed because she inadvertently said the quiet part loud.
"I...uh...haha...only meant that...never mind."
"Alright," said Jade.
"Guess what?" Tori said, changing the subject.
"What?"
Tori leaned over and grabbed her copy of Cold Blooded.
"I finally read it over vacation. Now I just need to get my hands on Bitter Harvest."
Jade beamed.
This woman who she was coming to terms with being smitten for is looking at her with adoration. And it's making Jade's stomach do somersaults.
"What did you think?" Jade asked nervously.
Tori guffawed.
"I mean, what can I say?" she gushed. "A turn of the century ocean liner with vampires? Where do you come up with this stuff?"
Jade shrugged.
"I guess one day I was watching Titanic and thought...needs vampires."
"Are you serious?" Tori giggled.
"Hey, what isn't improved by adding vampires? It's like the bacon of literature!"
The plot revolved around a kind of cruise for the undead, only half the passengers are human. While they are sailing the Atlantic with dreams of life in America, the humans are actually food for the vampires on board. There was a lot of play with commentary on status as the all-consuming vampires were treated like first class and the humans, no matter how wealthy, were looked as beneath them. This dehumanization allowed them the abandonment of guilt when dining on flesh.
Like much of Jade's fiction, it was gory and suspenseful but there were also many layers. Critics would mention these critiques of society to absolve her books from being dismissed as uncultured schlock.
"Who was your favorite character?" Jade asked.
"Obviously, Vanderperren!" Tori exclaimed.
He was the only vampire that sympathized with the humans and sought to protect a poor family from being eaten.
Jade nodded with a grin.
"This might sound silly, but..." Tori handed her the book. "Can I get an autograph?"
The Red Queen had gone mad! She took this white rose and painted it red!
"Oh...um...sure."
Jade took the book and flipped the cover to the first blank page. She took out one of her pens (because of course Jade West always had a ballpoint handy!) and started writing.
She glanced up at an eager Tori.
"Stop it."
"Stop what?" Tori asked.
"Staring at me while I write," Jade replied.
Tori leaned her head against the back of the couch.
"Aww, come on! Watching an author in action is so cool."
"It's just an autograph," she muttered.
"No, it's Jade West's autograph! That means it's special."
Jade bit hard on the one side of her lip.
(GODDAMMIT, VEGA! I'M ALREADY IN LOVE WITH YOU! STOP BUTTERING ME UP!)
(I mean I love that you stan me but you're not making it easy for me to come clean!)
That was one aspect of Tori that Jade found frustrating. She was nice by default. While the average person could say this is flirting, with Tori it's not so clear.
"Here," she sighed heavily.
Tori took the book and quickly opened to see what she wrote: "To Tori, Knowing you is no nightmare! Love, Jade."
(ACK! LOVE! WHY DID I WRITE "LOVE"?!)
The Latina smiled and closed the book.
"Now I have hard evidence I know the famous Jade West."
She cricked her neck.
"I was famous when you met me," Jade said trying to save face.
Mia and Alice sat there with matching makeshift cold packs made from ice cubes in sandwich bags.
"Is there a bump?" Alice asked, lifting hers.
"Nah," said Mia. "Just a little black and blue. You'll live."
Mia smiled.
"I think I was...six, maybe seven. I fell off my bike...landed on my face." She then slapped her hands. "POW! Lost two baby teeth that day."
Alice grimaced at the thought of such an impact.
"I just remember all the blood and the screaming," Mia rubbed her neck. "Some of it was my own. They were so worried."
"You go to the hospital?" Alice asked.
Mia nodded.
"I'll never forget the white walls, the bright lights, my dad carrying me while I'm yelling "I'm dying, I'm dying!"
"Such a drama queen," frowned Chase with a wink.
"Watch it, Brooks!" Mia pointed. "I can be senseless and still kick your ass."
Chase sat down with his cherry coke.
"Yes, ma'am." he said in his best homespun drawl.
Mia knew he used that on her for sarcasm.
"So, THIS is where you're hiding the grub!"
Jade emerged and smirked at the teens.
"Hey, again!" waved Jenna. "Guys, this is Alice's mom."
"So nice to meet you, Mrs. Doyle!" smiled Lauren.
"Gross, don't call me that again."
"Mom!"
She put on her best "friendly" grin.
"Sorry, I meant, it's Mrs. West, sweetheart."
Jade looked back toward her daughter.
"Better?"
Her eyes widened and she walked closer to Alice and her friend.
"What the hell happened to you two?"
"Dancing-related accident," blurted out Mia.
Alice made loud lip music in her attempt to push down a giggle.
"Okay, I'll leave you boo-boo buddies to it."
Jade snatched a turkey sandwich and a root beer.
"Later!"
Tori's phone rang at 10:00 and she lit up when she saw who it was.
"Hey, Rob! How's everyone?"
"Great, great. Just wanted to wish a Happy New Year."
Tori checked the clock, and she realized what was going on.
"I'm dumb!" she chuckled. "I forgot the time zones! Trina would make fun because they would be in a different one every time!"
She stretched and sat at the kitchen table. With everyone else on the roof, it was pretty quiet in the rest of the apartment.
"One year, Andre and Trina were in Sydney, so it was like...the next day, hahahaha!"
"Very cool. Phone calls from the futuuuuuure!"
"You're hilarious! So, you're all having a good time?"
Rob explained two weeks ago why he and Kate were not joining them for the holidays this year. After Hanukkah, they were tired of being split up, so they flew over to the Midwest to spend the rest of the year as a family.
"Yeah," he sighed. "But we also can't wait to get back."
"Awesome," smiled Tori. "I'd put Jade on but I'm having a hard time locating her."
"She alright?"
"Yeah, I guess. She was talking to Cat and Beck, then she handed me her phone and vanished."
Some muffled conversation between Rob and Kate were on the line. Tori had a time trying to make it out. It was just voices to her.
"Tori? Tori?"
"Yes, Kate?"
"You should find Jade, Tori..."
A mild shout-whisper match was now happening.
"...we need to butt out..."
"...oh, where's your heart..."
"...I love them too, but they should really figure..."
"...come on, babe, they need a push..."
Then it got a little hard to discern, so Tori waited patiently for something that made sense.
"Sorry about that," Rob sighed. "Kate and I need to go, so you both have a Happy New Years and give Jade a hug for us?"
"Or more!" added Kate. "Whatever feels right..."
The screen then said the conversation ended.
"Okay, that was weird."
Chase was sitting back on a lawn chair with Lauren leaning on him.
He kissed her on the head while she fiddled with his shirt.
"You're falling asleep," he yawned.
"Mmmm," she moaned. "No I'm not, you are."
Across the snoozing couple, Jenna and Billy were leaning over the barrier, taking in the night. They were also sharing a double-sized Rockstar energy drink.
"Almost there," she said. "Can you make it?"
He accepted the can and took another sip.
"Oh, yeah. I'm so kissing my awesome girlfriend at midnight."
Jenna blushed.
Just a few feet away, Mia was also leaning, but facing toward the roof. Alice was sitting on the ground beside her.
"Hey, Mia?"
"What's up?"
Alice stretched her arms before answering.
"Watching these guys got me thinking."
"I ain't kissing you," she said before sipping her Sprite.
"Not that!"
She stood up so they didn't have to talk loud to communicate.
"I was talking about you and Ryan. He's still coming back, right?"
Mia downed the last few drops, crumpled up the can and chucked it in the direction of the table.
Alice gave her a disapproving look.
"I'm gonna pick it up," she sighed.
"Come on, Mia! He's been away from Savannah this whole time!"
"So?" asked Mia.
"SO?" huffed Alice. "That means she hadn't sunk her claws into him. She doesn't strike me as long-distance-relationship material."
"Yeah, well, you never saw Savannah when she's on the prowl."
"What are you talking about?" asked Alice.
"You can be hungry all you want. Maybe you even think you deserve to eat. But when the lioness claims your food, there's no chance."
Alice rolled her eyes.
"I thought you were tougher than that!" she said.
"And I thought you were smarter than that!" Mia countered.
"Huh?"
Mia chuckled and stroked back her hair.
"You don't fucking get it! There is a pecking order in Hollywood Arts. A food chain. And Savannah Gilmore is at the top."
Alice put her hands on her hips.
"That's what you think!"
"That's what I know," Mia said in a defeated tone. "Sorry I blew up. Let me save you a ton of pain. Share what I learned from my couple extra years on this planet."
She leaned in close to Alice.
"Hopeless romantics cannot survive in this world. Just accept it."
Mia started walking away to pick up her empty can.
"I won't."
She looked back at Alice with a small smile.
(Look at Tiny Determined over there.)
"You do you, boo."
"How are they doing?" asked Jade.
Tori stopped when she saw her friend with a bottle of red wine and two glasses.
"They're fine...what's all this?"
"Oh, um, I figured some booze is in order. Don't worry, I'm not an alcoholic."
Tori shook her head and sat next to her on the couch.
"I only partake on special occasions," Jade explained, pouring herself a glass. "And when I'm sad, I just go for a walk instead with some music to clear my head."
She then started pouring one for Tori.
"Oh, no" Tori said. "I don't..."
"It's only some wine. Besides, me drinking alone is sad. But if you join me, it's...I dunno...less sad?"
Tori sighed and accepted her stem glass.
"Really, no champagne?"
"Nah, I hate the stuff!" Jade said. "Listen, Tori. I don't want you to get the wrong idea. This is just wine...because we have something to celebrate after all."
Tori brought the glass to her nose and sniffed it. Smelled like it will be sweet.
"What happened over at my place...Thanksgiving...was a rarity. A weak moment, alright?"
She looked at the Latina with all seriousness.
To think she cared this much of Tori Vega's opinion of her. But then again, she always cared. Even when they weren't friends. Nothing to bolster your self-esteem than having even your enemies think highly of you. Jade really did rule Hollywood Arts with an iron fist.
Now, she was quaking like anyone else. Sitting across from a girl she liked.
"Hey," Tori said, putting her hand on her shoulder. "I get it. It's okay. And between your walks and my therapy; I think we really made some strides lately."
Jade smiled.
"Here's to another year," the former goth said.
"Salut!" Tori said in her best dude voice.
Made Jade think about when they portrayed a married couple. Minus the really bad fake mustache, the image of them holding each other was a lot less ridiculous.
They clinked glasses gently and sipped their drinks.
"Oh, whoa!" Tori said with a smack of the lips. "I was right this IS sweet!"
"Yeah, nothing like the epiphany when you realize wine is really juice for adults."
Tori looked up and noticed the countdown was fast approaching on the TV. Just a half hour away from 2031.
She reached for the remote and turned up the volume. Then she proceeded to finish her wine with gusto.
"That is really damn good," Tori grinned. "I might just have another."
"Holy shit, Tori!" Jade said, picking up the bottle to pour some more. "Walking on the wild side tonight."
Tori made a face.
"Whatever. Not like I'm driving."
She then started pretending to be tipsy, unable to hold herself up straight.
"Hey listen...you...you...AHHH, you know who you are! I don't care..." Tori then faked a cartoonish hiccup. "I'm already home!"
Jade snorted, she couldn't stand it.
"Damn, Vega! When did you get so hilarious!"
"It's your fault," she said in her drunken voice. She then switched gears and used a Gaelic accent. "Ya brought me a nip of tha creature!"
The pale woman had to put her glass, because she was going down laughing her ass off.
"Stop it, stop it! You're gonna make me pee!"
Jade's posture stiffened and she quickly rose up to leave.
"See what you did!" she said, darting out of the room.
Mia and Alice stared at the two couples both in their own area, snuggled up and fast asleep.
"Bunch of lightweights," Mia said.
"They do look adorable, don't they?" asked Alice.
Mia groaned.
"Damn it, they do."
"Sorry I took so long. Rosie held me hostage on the phone until I talked to every-"
Jade returned to see Tori's glass on the table empty. Abandoned.
She looked around and found her standing in the doorway of her old bedroom. The one her and Sam once shared.
"Tori?"
She didn't turn around, so Jade approached her.
Now she got a good look at her face, Tori was sad but not crying. It was as if she ran out of tears.
"Come on, Tor," Jade said, gently leading her back to the couch. "Come on."
They sat back down while the TV droned on, the countdown now only a couple of minutes from starting.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"Nothing," Tori sniffed. "My mom texted me if I saw her earrings. She couldn't find them and she, sorry, she wondered if she left them in the bedroom."
Jade looked up at the open door to the room.
"When my parents came to visit, I gave them my bedroom to use."
Tori then patted the couch.
"Truth is...I've slept here most nights."
"What?"
"Yeah," Tori nodded. "I really hadn't slept in there since..."
Jade hugged her before she could finish. Tori grabbed onto her friend and tried to control her breathing.
"I'm...just happy you're here, you know?" Tori said with sad eyes. "I really didn't want to be alone tonight."
Mia and her friends were here but she understood it wasn't the same thing.
They were teenagers and obviously don't want a parent hanging around. It was nice to have another grown up, even better a friend, to talk to.
Seeing Tori like that, so devoid of life, was jarring.
Jade recalled a passage from a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay:
Sorrow like a ceaseless rain
Beats upon my heart.
People twist and scream in pain, -
Dawn will find them still again;
This has neither wax nor wane,
Neither stop nor start.
People dress and go to town;
I sit in my chair.
All my thoughts are slow and brown:
Standing up or sitting down
Little matters, or what gown
Or what shoes I wear.
In another state of mind, a lifetime ago, Jade would have relished seeing Tori Vega so despondent and resigned.
The woman now was a far cry from the vindictive teenager she used to be.
Now the tan woman across from her looked so sad. Jade felt compelled to hold her. To kiss her.
(I know I shouldn't. I mean, I wouldn't. But why?)
Jade had no rational reason as to why this wasn't a sound decision. She had her doubts when she decided to pull stakes and move east. She had cold feet marrying Harry. But this was different. It was like being in the middle of Times Square or the Las Vegas strip, bright signs all around. And they are all telling her that Tori is the right choice.
(She would never hurt me.)
Yes.
(She was a better friend than I deserved.)
That's true.
(Is it too much to want her to smile again? To laugh like the old days?)
But not to make life easier. Simpler.
(I want Tori to be happy!)
Jade pressed her thumb between her teeth, gnawing on the nail.
(What if I were the one to make her happy? Could I be...?)
"ALRIGHT, HOLLYWOOD! HERE IT COMES! TEN...NINE..."
"Tori?"
"SEVEN...SIX..."
"Hmmm?"
Jade took a big gulp of wine.
(Fuck it.)
"TWO...ONE!"
She wrapped her hand around the back of Tori's neck and drew her in so fast she didn't have time to react. Their lips crashed together at "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" The strains of "Auld Lang Syne," that song they always played after the stroke of midnight, began.
Jade was nervous when she broke the kiss. Tori didn't kiss back but then again, she did catch her off guard.
"Tori..."
The Latina blinked, mouth agape.
"I'd better go to bed," she blurted out. Tori started to go toward her room. "I'll check on the kids first."
Jade didn't object and let her go.
She leaned back on the couch and swore at herself.
"Well, you played your hand and you lost."
A/N: SO MANY FEELS!
Mia at the party reminded me of Mark from Rent. Seeing everyone in your friend group fall in love and you're just kind of there.
Also, I liked making Kate Shapiro our chaotic good for Jori endgame. Anyone else?