A/N:i actually worked on this. proud of myself. ~ S.K.

Chapter 7: Changes

"I .. I' one of my first like little… child lovers drove a Toyota corolla." Jade said in that same Mac Murphy interview with Rob.

"Bad memories?" Mac asked with a smirk. He one of the few members of the press that knew about Jade and Will all of these years.

"One of your child lovers?" Rob asked.

"Ha, ha! That's bad..." Jade said "I meant like I was 14 and he was 18."

"What?" Rob stated in shock.

"What?" Mac echoed.

"Yeah…" She said still confidently. "I'd like, I'd made out in a Corolla a few times."

"He maid out with you he i's like 6 years older he was 18 and you were underaged." Rob stated next to her.

Mac recalling that Will had been with her shortly after that didn't seem phased. "Did he pick you up in the school yard? Or…" He asked.

"Went to school with the kid." Jade stated. Even though Rob knew Will was much older, he thought they hadn't gotten together til she was 18. And he was still in shock. She looked at her best friend and blushed. She had to change the narrative. She had to talk about anything else. "I never thought about that, like six years…What's in the champagne?" She said looking away from all of them. "No Idon't… I dont… its fine…." She made a face to make light of that situation. Because she realized she had said too much. Then she turned to Mac Murphy and changed the topic completely. Concentrating on the car brand, than the fact that there is a history of grooming, and falling for the older man in her life.

Jade was on the treadmill running. Her workouts in the morning before getting to set were cardio, HIIT and then sitting in the sauna. Two hours, because once Will had told her that she was getting a little doey.

Grant it, that was true. She'd just had Izzy that year and the baby fat was supposed to be falling off. But she wasn't 20 years old anymore. She was thirty, getting the weight off was going to take some time. In her head phones a slow ish kind of song began to play. But she didn't pause to change it, she was running at full speed right now and didn't have time to skip the song.

Petal on the vine, too young to drink wine

Just five years a bleeder, student and a teacher

Far from innocent, what the fuck's consent?

Numbers told you not to, but that didn't stop you

She hadn't heard this song before, but this sounded like Sonny from the Dingo network. That woman could whail. Jade was just so happy she didn't fall in the drug trap that most of her peers fell into. So she kept running and sort of listened to the words.

Finally twenty-nine

Funny, just like you were at the time

Thought it was a teenage dream, just a fantasy

But was it yours or was it mine?

Seventeen, twenty-nine

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh

Jade was breathless. This was the first time she paid attention to the words of this song. She ran ans she listened quietly.

Seventeen, twenty-nine

That is still not as big a gap as it is between her and Will but it was significant. And she began to think about Sonny. She was really cool, and she struggled with self worth and confidence, something Jade never showed she struggled with. Shrowding her insecurities with introversion. Jade is not an introvert. Never has been.

Had me in your grip, went beautifully with

All my daddy issues and this shit continues

I see you're quite the collector

Yeah, you're twelve years her elder

Maybe now it doesn't matter

But I know, I know better

Now I know, I know better 'cause I'm

Finally twenty-nine

Jade needed off the treadmill. The tears were beginning to fall down her face this time. Turning all these thoughts inward. She reached for the treadmill to slow the run to a walk.

Funny, just like you were at the time

Thought it was a teenage dream, just a fantasy

But was it yours or was it mine?

Seventeen, twenty-nine

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh

She gasped trying to keep herself from sobbing out . she was at a public gym. She took a deeb preatha nd continued to walk.

Seventeen, twenty-nine

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh

Seventeen, twenty-nine

She got the treadmill to slow to a stop now and stepped off the machine and headed for the sauna early. She couldn't do HIIT in this state.

Finally twenty-nine

Seventeen would never cross my mind

Thought it was a teenage dream, a fantasy

But it was yours, it wasn't mine

Seventeen, twenty-nine

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh

She thought about the last stanza… At her age, which was still younger than WIll had been when he'd met her, would she go for someone that young? At first she thought, of course not. She wasn't attracted to people younger than her she liked a more mature person… but as she turned the question around in her mind, 16 year old guys are kind of gross… and 17 year old girls… they are kind of weird looking, and are not as good looking as when they hit 25.

She remembered her chipmunk smile she had as a teenager and young adult, to the more sculpted facial structure she now held and shuddered. "Fuck him!" she screamed to herself as left the sauna and the people around her startled by the outburst.

She grabbed her bag and headed home to her husband and child. She called off work and just went home. Jade was angry. She was angry. Because her fans were right. Her friends were right. And she had known they were all along but she had let herself be led by this man. Did she even know who she was now?

Their story began when Jade was a teenager and Will was already a grown man. They met through work, and immediately hit it off. At the time, Jade was just a young girl, full of hopes and dreams for her future. Will, on the other hand, was a successful Music director and producer for Just Tori. with a charming personality. To Jade, he seemed like the perfect man.

As they got to know each other, Will started to show a keen interest in Jade. He took her on fancy dates, showered her with gifts, and constantly told her how mature and special she was for her age. Jade, being a teenager, was flattered by the attention and affection from an older man. She felt like she was living in a fairytale.

It wasn't until Jade turned 18 and they officially started dating that she began to see the true nature of their relationship. Will had been grooming her for years, manipulating her into thinking that he was the only man who truly understood and cared for her. He had isolated her from her friends, by telling her that they wouldn't approve and none of them will do anything for her career. Not like he could. He moved her out of Cat's house two days after her 18th birthday. They commuted to work together and left together.

He constantly belittled her for being young, and beautiful. Telling her that she was a little whore and that if he were't in her life she would be fucking all those little boys on set. To prove him wrong, Jade clung to him even more.

He hated when Her friends would invite her on projects and other things after he had effectively separated her from them. He hates that the cast of Just Tori s still so tight. Will went as far as accusing her of being a bad mother when she wanted to do things that normal women her age did with their friends and colleagues.

Jade's awakening exacerbated by his reaction to her returning to work for the revival. He was banking on it not being picked up. His frustration was far from what she expected. He immediately became controlling and possessive, afraid that her new job would take time away from him. He even threatened to make her resign if she didn't prioritize their relationship over her career.

The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the backyard. Will was sitting on a bench, watching their three-year-old daughter, Izzy, play with her toys in the grass. Jade had been keeping an eye on them from the kitchen window, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach as she watched her husband interact with their daughter. She knew what he was capable of and she couldn't help but feel uneasy, especially with the way he was talking to Izzy.

'Wow, look at you, little miss independent. You're such a big girl now,' Will said, smiling at Izzy as she clumsily stacked blocks on top of each other.

Jade couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort as she listened to the exchange. She had noticed a pattern in Will's behavior towards their daughter – always praising her for being 'independent' and 'mature' for her age. It was almost as if he was grooming her to be just like him – manipulative and controlling.

As if sensing her mother's unease, Izzy looked up at Jade and smiled, her big brown eyes filled with innocence. But Jade couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that washed over her. She knew that this was the turning point for her – the moment she realized the true nature of her husband's behavior.

She continued to watch from the window as Will started playing a game of catch with Izzy. But something about the way he was throwing the ball, a little too hard and fast, made Jade's heart race. She started to see his actions for what they really were – a form of manipulation and control.

This new awareness caused friction between Jade and Will at home. He couldn't understand why she was suddenly so distant and guarded around him. He accused her of being paranoid and irrational, but Jade knew deep down that her fears were valid.

'Jade, what's going on with you? You've been acting so weird,' Will said, breaking the silence between them as they sat on the couch after putting Izzy to bed.

Jade took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation that she knew was coming. 'I'm just worried about Izzy. I don't want her to grow up thinking that it's okay for someone to treat her the way you treat me,' she finally said, her voice shaking with emotion.

Will's face contorted in anger and disbelief. 'What are you talking about? I've never laid a hand on you or our daughter. How could you even think that?' he retorted.

But Jade stood her ground. 'It's not about physical abuse, Will. It's about the way you manipulate and control me, and now I see that you're doing the same thing with Izzy. I won't let her grow up thinking that it's normal,' she said, tears streaming down her face.

Will's expression softened as he realized the gravity of the situation. He reached out to her, but Jade pulled away, unable to trust him anymore. They sat in silence for a few moments before Will finally spoke.

'I never realized how much my behavior was affecting you and our daughter. I promise I'll change, I'll do better,' he said, his voice filled with regret.

Jade knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to give him a chance. For her daughter's sake, she hoped that he would keep his promise.

Jade sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of her. Her mind was reeling from the intense conversation she had just had with Will. He had finally admitted to grooming and isolating her from her friends and family, and had promised to stop. But Jade wasn't sure if she could believe him. He had broken her trust so many times before.

She heard Will's footsteps approaching and she braced herself for what was to come. He always had a way of convincing her, of manipulating her into believing him. And this time, he was going to try to seduce her. It was how things had always been between them. Their physical closeness was not only to convince her that he meant what he had said, but to stake claim to her body.

'Jade, please,' Will pleaded, standing in front of her with a pleading look in his eyes. 'Let me show you how sorry I am. Let me make love to you.'

Jade shook her head, not in the mood for any of it. But she knew Will could be relentless until she gave in, so she let him lead her to bed. As he undressed her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. She knew that she should be feeling something, but she was numb to it all. She couldn't bring herself to feel any sort of love for him anymore.

As they made love, Jade's mind drifted off to a time when she used to enjoy this, when she used to believe that Will loved her. But now, it was just an act, a way for him to manipulate her. And as they finished, Will held her close and whispered, 'I love you, Jade. You're my good girl.'

Jade couldn't hold back the tears any longer. She realized that she didn't love him anymore. She couldn't love him. She had to leave.

As Will slept peacefully next to her, Jade quietly got up and started packing some of her things. She knew she couldn't stay here any longer. She needed to leave and start a new life for herself and her three-year-old child. She picked up her child and headed straight for Vic's house.

As Jade reached Vic's doorstep, she couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She knocked on the door, and Vic opened it with a concerned look on her face.

'Jade, what's wrong?' Vic asked, pulling her into a warm embrace.

'I-I left him,' Jade stuttered out, her voice shaking with emotion.

Vic's eyes widened in shock. 'What? What happened?'

Jade took a deep breath and told her everything. About the intense conversation, about Will's promise to change, and about the false love they had just shared. And as she poured her heart out, Vic listened patiently, holding her close and offering her comfort.

'I can't go back to him, Vic,' Jade said, wiping away her tears. 'I don't love him anymore. I don't think I ever did. I want to start a new life with my child. And I want to be with you.'

Vic's eyes filled with tears as she realized that she had never stopped loving Jade. She had always been there for her, waiting for her to come back to her senses. And now that she was finally free from the clutches of her abusive husband, Vic was willing to start a new life with her. But she didn't quite trust herself.

'Jade, I love you,' Vic said, cupping her face in her hands. 'I've always loved you. And you know that. But I think you need to figure out what's going on with Will first. Now that we are working together, this is getting super complicated. But you can stay here as long as you want."

Jade sighed. She understood what Vic was saying, She debated on whether she should leave or stay. She looked at Izzy who was comfortable on the couch. "Yeah we'll be out of your hair in the morning."

"You need a shower? I can get you some towels and stuff. I'll get Izzy and put her in the guest room while you do that." Vic stated.

Jade smiled and nodded. She headed to the guest shower and let the water pour overhead. Jade couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She knew that she had made the right decision by leaving Will. but Vic was right. It wasn't fair to her for Jade to bring all this drama at her doorstep.

The sun began its descent on the 4th of July, casting a warm glow over Toby's backyard. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the distant pops of fireworks. Vic and Toby, having just wrapped up their creative session on a cover of "Big Girls Don't Cry," found themselves drawn to a game of pool.

In the midst of the festive atmosphere, Maddy, armed with Vic's camera, suggested they answer a fan question. The query hung in the air, a chance for Vic to peel back the layers of her past and share a glimpse into her childhood.

As Toby posed the question, Vic's laughter rang out, a melodic sound that seemed to captivate the surrounding crowd. With a flirtatious toss of her hair, she stepped closer to Toby, her playful demeanor inviting the audience into her world.

"Did you have a childhood?" Toby asked, a touch of shyness in his voice.

Vic, ever the charismatic storyteller, took a moment to collect her thoughts. Her gaze locked with Toby's, and she playfully adjusted her posture, her midriff inching higher as she prepared to share a piece of her past.

"Well, you know, a lot of people hear 'child actor,' and they assume we don't have childhoods," Vic began. "And sure, it's true for some, like Michael Jackson or Judy Garland. But it didn't happen to me."

She continued with a genuine smile, "I had a childhood. A fairly normal one, actually. I went to public middle school. I was just a normal kid. I left high school to do the show, but most of that is thanks to having some pretty dope parents. They were always around to keep me grounded."

Toby interjected with a lighthearted comment about her parents being present, and Vic couldn't help but laugh again. "Yeah, they're always around," she said, a fondness in her voice. She glanced at Maddy behind the camera, sharing a knowing smile that hinted at the unspoken bond between them.

In that moment, as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the pool table, Vic's words painted a picture of a grounded, relatable childhood that had shaped the woman she had become. And as the festivities continued around them, Vic's laughter and openness added a touch of authenticity to the celebration.

Victoria Vega, known to the world as Vic Justice, had a life that mirrored the character she portrayed on screen. Her days were a whirlwind of music, script lines, and the occasional stolen moment of peace. Having Jade and Izzy in her home brought a sense of warmth, but it also stirred emotions that Vic had tried to keep buried.

As the days passed, Vic found herself fixated on the script for the upcoming episode, a departure from the typical school setting, focusing more on the intertwined lives of the six friends. Liz and Avan's on-screen image as the "it couple" hid the stormy reality of their relationship, culminating in a public divorce that reverberated through the entertainment industry.

Vic, driven by her commitment to the craft, spent hours making meticulous notes on the script, delving into the complexities of her character's interactions with Liz. The tension in the scenes mirrored the unspoken desire that lingered between Vic and Jade.

One evening, the air in Vic's home crackled with unspoken emotions. Jade, aware of the palpable desire, chose to stay close to Vic, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The room buzzed with a charged energy as they navigated the uncharted territory between friendship and something more.

Vic sat at her desk, her fingers tapping nervously on the keyboard. She had been staring at the blank computer screen for what seemed like hours, unable to focus on anything but the thoughts swirling around in her head.

She couldn't believe that she had let Jade stay in her house. Their connection was still as strong as ever, even after all these years. Vic had desired Jade for as long as she could remember, but she also knew that if she allowed herself to cross the line with her friend, she would enjoy it but ultimately regret the lack of commitment in Jade's part.

Vic wanted Jade to deal with her marriage first before starting any kind of affair with her. But the mere thought of being with Jade, even if it was just for a brief moment, was enough to send her libido into overdrive. She had been trying to distract herself with work, but her mind kept wandering back to Jade.

Unable to contain her feelings any longer, Vic turned to Toby, her music producer and a past flame. She knew it was risky, but she needed an escape from the complexities of her personal life. With trembling fingers, she began composing a text, expressing her need for connection and understanding.

'Hey Toby, it's Vic. Long time, huh? Need to talk music, and maybe more. Meet up?'

The message hung in the digital ether, a tempting proposition that could either provide the release Vic craved or plunge her deeper into the complexities of her tangled emotions. She waited anxiously for a response, her heart racing with anticipation.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed with a reply from Toby. He accepted her invitation without hesitation, and they arranged to meet at a local coffee shop. Vic's heart was pounding in her chest as she grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

As she sat across from Toby, sipping her coffee and trying to make small talk, she couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and comfort in his presence. They had known each other for years and had always shared a strong connection, both musically and emotionally.

But tonight, things were different. The air between them was charged with a newfound intensity, and Vic could feel her body responding to Toby's every move. She knew this was wrong, she shouldn't be doing this. But the temptation was too strong to resist.

Without a word, Toby reached out and took her hand in his. His touch sent shivers down Vic's spine, and she knew there was no turning back now. In that moment, all thoughts of Jade and their complicated situation vanished from her mind.

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, and Vic felt as though she was on fire. She had missed this feeling, the rush of adrenaline that came with being with someone she desired. As they moved closer, their kiss deepening, Vic forgot all about the guilt and shame that had been eating away at her.

They ended up back at Toby's House, their bodies entwined and their passion reaching new heights. It was a temporary escape, a way for Vic to forget about her problems and just live in the moment.

But as she lay in Toby's arms afterwards, her mind began to wander back to Jade. She couldn't help but feel guilty, even though she wasn't technically in a relationship with her. She had always been loyal to Jade, and even though she had given into her desires, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had betrayed her friend in some way.

As if sensing her thoughts, Toby pulled her closer and whispered, 'You're not doing anything wrong, Vic. You deserve to be happy, even if it's just for one night.'

Vic wanted to believe him, but deep down she knew that this was only a temporary escape. She needed to deal with her feelings for Jade and figure out what she truly wanted before she could move on and find true happiness.

But for now, lying in Toby's arms, she allowed herself to forget about all the complications and just enjoy the moment. And as they drifted off to sleep,

Vic went directly from Toby's to the studio the next day. The first person She see's is Andre, and They bum[ fists in is working with Cochise, and he wants Cat on the track with him. "But you know how cat is."

"She's been working on herself." Vic said. "Plus the reputation is probably the reason why they want to work with her. I mean Cat is hot."

They laugh and as They do, Show runner Jade walks past her. She is weazring her Liz face. Vicks brows shot up, and andre teased. "Your Roommate is going to kill you in your sleep tonight., sleep with one eye open."

Vick laughed and walked off to follow the angry Jade. She had a feeling she knew what the issue was.

Andre pulled up to friend of the show Mac Murphy's podcast. THis guy guest to be pretty much the one guy that gets most of the exclusives. There are only two or tha cast members that never go to him.

He sat and their banter was so natural. Andre never felt weird coming to him. Then Dan, Mac's producer asked a question of him that made him smile. "When you were working on the position's album, did it feel like you were working on a Cat Valentine album, or was it like working with an friend?"

Andre smiled "We literally got together to catch up, and I just happened to have my laptop because I was coming from a session." He paused with a far away look in his eye. "And um… yeah, like, And then randomly Ty Dolla $ign pulls up the same day." He laughed. "I was just working with him a few days before that so it wasn't like I was just some random producer. So once again that was like God kinda just… playing chess…. You know, doing his thing up there. And um, You know, it was really fun and we ended up, you know, meeting again to do another session after that first session went so well. Because we did Safety Net the first day."

"So good." Mac said

"And then Nasty hapened the second session." Andre concluded his thought

"So good," Mac repeated.

"Yeah," Andre said with a nod.

"Safety Net's so fucking good."

"It was really cool because it was like us… writing about like life… you know? And like really using like real situations and throwing it in there."

"I listened to that song I cried." Mac added. "So good."

Andre smiled loving that his music could affect someone like that. "Man… Thank you."

Andre's dressing room felt like a temporary sanctuary amidst the brewing tension outside. He could sense the friction between Jade and Vic, an undercurrent that tickled the edge of familiarity. The unspoken history between them lingered like a ghost of the past, a time when secrets were shared and moments stolen.

A sigh escaped Andre's lips as he decided to step out, seeking solace in the distraction of work. The hallway echoed with the distant murmur of conversations, and as he rounded a corner, he spotted Rob engrossed in conversation with Jade. The air around them crackled with unspoken words, and Rob's attempt at comforting Jade revealed a glimpse of the complexities woven into their relationships.

"...Do you think she has someone?" Jade's words hung in the air, a delicate inquiry laced with insecurity.

Rob, the voice of reason, responded, "She could, Jade. Vic isn't the cheating type."

Jade's bitter retort cut through the hallway. "That's funny, 'cause she knew I was with Will back when we were kids, and she went out with me then."

Andre decided it wasn't his place to get involved in the intricacies of their personal lives. He continued down the corridor, turning his attention to the living room set. There, sprawled on the couch with a script in hand, was Cat. The soft glow of the set lights cast a warm hue on the scene.

He walked through the door, making enough noise to alert Cat to his presence. As he leaned against the doorframe, his fingers tapped a rhythm, a subconscious echo of the beats that awaited her creative touch.

"Hey, Cat," Andre greeted, his tone a mix of casual and inviting. "I've got a beat that could use your sound."

Cat glanced up from her script, her eyes locking onto Andre's. She grinned, setting the script aside. "Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence. What's on your mind, Dre?"

Andre smirked, taking a step into the room. "Got a beat that's been nagging at me, and I figured only the magic touch of Cat Valentine could bring it to life."

Cat looked up from her script and frowned. She hasn't recorded much since she was with Elliot. She couldn't trust herself with others when she was creating. But this was Andre. He was her bro. "I don't know." she said.

"Come on, Cat, it'll be dope. Cochise is cooking up something sick, and we could really use your touch on it."

Cat's eyes lit up with excitement. "Magic touch, huh? You know I'm always up for making musical magic. Spill, Dre, what's the vibe?"

He leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "It's got this sultry groove, something that'll make people move, you know? I can hear your voice sliding over it like honey."

Cat glanced up, a smirk dancing on her lips. "I dunno, Dre. You know how I get when I'm in the zone." Her eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Yeah, that's exactly why we need you," Andre chuckled. "But seriously, we've been stuck on this track, and your vibe might just be the missing piece."

Cat played with her script, considering the invitation. "Fine," she relented, pointing a finger at Andre, "but only if Rob can come with. I need my partner in crime, you know that."

Andre raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Hey now, I thought I was your partner in crime."

"You're my partner in making hits, Dre," Cat grinned, "but when it comes to unleashing my, uh, horny creative energy, Rob's my wingman."

Andre chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. Rob can tag along. Just promise you won't get too distracted."

Cat winked playfully. "No promises, but I'll try to behave... maybe."

With a laugh, Andre nodded. "Deal. We'll finish up rehearsal, then head to the studio. This track's about to get a serious Cat V. upgrade."

Cat's interestwas peaked. "Sultry, huh? I like the sound of that. Lead the way, Mr. Harris."

Later, As they headed toward the studio, Andre couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity about the tension between Jade and Tori. However, he pushed it aside, focusing on the music that awaited them.