A/N: Hope everyone had a great New Year and good luck to all of your resolutions for 2024. I've got a few myself, so fingers crossed I stick with them!
As we have seen, Mia is not in a good place right now. And Tori isn't doing so hot either. Those two have been through the wringer and could really use some love and understanding. The good news is that they both have a network of support; bad news is they are not the kind to burden others with their problems.
Still writing in my alternate location until my PC situation is resolved, but I'm making it work.
I shouldn't have to ask but drop a review and tell me what you think!
Tori knocked on Mia's door.
"Hey, baby?"
"What do you want?" she sniffed.
Tori cleared her throat.
"Listen, if you were getting hungry, I could make us breakfast. Maybe some omelets?"
The shuffling of sheets was followed by bare feet on hardwood floor.
Mia opened the door, confused.
"Don't you have to go to work?"
Her mom sighed.
"Actually, I've been feeling pretty burned out," Tori smiled while lovingly putting her hands on Mia's arms. "I've built up some off-time, so I'm gonna use them."
She tensed up a bit, worried her daughter wasn't buying the ruse.
"Besides," Tori continued. "Gives me an excuse to spend some quality time with my favorite person in the world."
"So, what you're gonna hang with me until the end of my suspension?"
Tori bit her lip.
"Maybe a little longer. Truth be told, I haven't taken a day off in ages!"
Mia admittedly couldn't recall her mother ever taking an actual vacation and only rarely got too sick to go in.
"Now, come on!" Tori said. "Let's eat. You must be famished."
The teenager could feel her stomach sucking on the marrow of her spine.
"Okay. Thanks, mom."
Fifteen minutes later, Tori returned from the stove triumphant with a sizzling pan.
"Okay," she smirked. "One deluxe omelet."
The egg-based concoction was chock full of diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, bacon and two kinds of cheese.
Mia grew out of cold cereal, but she never grew out of her mom's omelets.
What went with the hot breakfast varied depending on Mia's mood. Sometimes, she would reach for ketchup, others maple syrup. And on more adventurous or silly days, she would reach for the hot sauce.
Once Tori plated the food, Mia picked up the syrup.
"What are we drinking?" she asked.
"Little early for whiskey, so I guess orange juice," Mia dryly said.
Tori smirked and grabbed the carton from the fridge.
"Honestly," she said as she poured a glass. "Once they figured out how to take the pulp out, why keep making the regular kind?"
Mia shrugged as she dug in.
Tori watched her for a moment, grateful that she was putting something in her system.
"I'm sorry about everything that happened."
Her daughter looked up mid chew.
"What?"
"You know, the whole thing...I just want you to remember I'm not mad at you."
Mia swallowed.
Tori rubbed her arm for a moment.
"I know what can help pass the time."
"What's that?" Mia asked.
"Come on..." Tori tapped her hand. "Somebody's got a birthday coming up."
Mia sat there in silence.
"Did you have any..."
"No," Mia cut her off.
"What do you mean?" Tori asked.
"I don't want a party or anything," she huffed. "Not in the mood."
Her mom looked around.
"Oh, um, that's alright. Maybe we can do something small, like go out to dinner?"
Mia startled her by how fast she got up and scooted her chair out of the way.
"Look, mom...I really don't want to think about my birthday."
She put down her knife and fork, still more than half the omelet left on the plate.
"Far as I'm concerned, nothing special happened that day."
"HOLD ON!"
Tori grabbed her wrist, much to Mia's surprise.
"That day was the happiest day of my life!" she sadly retorted.
She pulled herself free.
"Honey, where is this coming from?"
Mia's eyes darted between the laptop sitting on the end of the counter and the calendar.
It bothered her how she had forgotten that her father died days before her birthday in the beginning of March.
Tori made a point of showering her with so much attention on her birthdays since that over time, Mia didn't associate the end of winter with tragedy. Now that she learned the truth, it was hard to separate the two events. Especially when Mia was reminded that Sam was only out and about because she had dance class.
"Mia..."
Without another word, Mia ran out of the kitchen and up to her room. This time the door locked right after being shut.
"What just happened?" Tori asked herself.
It was like that for the rest of the day and in the days that followed.
Mia would be sequestered in her room, alternating between sleeping and crying and just sitting in silence. Tori tried to engage with her but to no avail. She did emerge from her bedroom now and again but only to use the bathroom or make something to eat when she went too long without food. The poor girl didn't have much of an appetite these days, but she wasn't starving herself either, so Mia needed to silence the hunger pangs when they cropped up.
Tori just went about her chores around the apartment, sometimes spending a little time each day down at the old shop.
She was brainstorming for ideas to potentially revive "For The Record." Tori thought this would be the perfect mother/daughter bonding experience and seeing how they both lost the same person, it would be cathartic for them, too.
Tori asked Mia if she was interested in dusting off the store; maybe have it ready to re-open for the summer.
But the mention of her father's store made Mia shut down. Months ago, she would have been gung-ho about the idea but now, she was so withdrawn. And nothing Tori did or said was working. She tried and tried, but her baby girl wouldn't let her in.
Inside, Mia was at war with herself.
She was blaming herself for everything that happened.
The teenager already had issues coming to terms with how her father was never coming back. That was already a cross to bear. Now, there was the idea that he was killed because he was bidding time until she was done her dance class. It made sense to her.
Mia didn't only dwell on her dad, but also thought of everyone else in her life.
Her mother was certainly sad from her father's absence. And Mia was confident that she was a regular source of humiliation with all of the trouble she would get into. Imagine being an educator, a role model for impressionable youths, and your old flesh and blood was the kid you warned your kids to avoid!
Thoughts would trail to her friends.
Things were shaky at times, especially in the beginning, but was it only a matter of time until she brought disaster to them, too?
Alice finished brushing her teeth and started changing, when she felt like trying Mia again.
She picked up her cell and sent a text asking if she was okay to talk yet. The message was, just like the others, in a never-ending loop of sending.
Alice sighed and then tried Lauren.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Lauren. How are you?"
"I'm fine," she hurriedly said, likely getting her things together for the big night. "Any word from Mia?"
That made Alice worry.
"Oh, so you haven't either."
"Oh, man. I'm so scared for her. It's been days and not so much as a word."
Alice paced around her room.
"Think her phone's still off," she sighed.
"Have you visited her at all?"
"Wanted to, but Tori said she wasn't wanting to see anybody."
Lauren's disappointed sigh came through on the other line.
"But my mom is heading over there today. At least I can get someone on the inside to let me know how she's doing."
"How did you manage that?"
"Mom wanted to see Tori anyway, so Mia shouldn't get wise."
"That is still something to get used to," Lauren chuckled. "Your mom and Mia's mom dating. Who would have guessed?"
Alice was glad that her new friend got some levity. She knew all the pressure was on her and Chase because tonight was the big event at The Cataclysm.
"I really hope that Mia could be there." The sad concern returned to her tone. "I mean I'll understand if she can't but...darn it the three of us go back a bit. It would be nice if she could see us two perform."
The short girl approached her bedroom mirror which was bare upon moving to LA. Now it was covered in photos of her and Mia and the others. She didn't remember having this many friends in middle school.
"You saw her in the library," Alice started. "Will...will she be alright?"
Lauren drew in a strong breath through her nostrils and expelled it just as quickly.
"It wasn't her first...but it has been a long time since the last..."
She started crying. Alice held her phone closer to herself, wishing she could somehow hug Lauren from far away.
"I thought...I thought we were helping her. Giving her love and friendship. And space when she needed it."
"Lauren..." Alice said, resisting the urge to begin tearing up herself.
For most people, laughter is contagious. For Alice, seeing others cry made her want to cry. She was such an empath.
"That's the thing I hate the most! The giving Mia her space part. Sometimes it takes a day, sometimes a week. That's usually when Mia had a really bad time and needs to isolate from the gang. I'm always anxious during that time. I'm scared that one day she will go on one of these sabbaticals and never come back!"
The implications of that made Alice's whole body feel chills.
She had to ask Lauren.
"Was it like this when it happened?"
"Honestly, the lack of communication wasn't THIS bad."
Lauren squeezed out a brave little laugh. It sounded less joyous and more like she was coming up for air.
"I'm such a mess right now. I need to psyche myself out before tonight."
"Okay, I'll be there. In case you're backstage and I don't see you, good luck!"
"Thanks, Alice. I'll see you."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Lauren hung up her phone and set it down on the bed.
She wiped her eyes and looked up.
"I don't know if Mia has spoken to you lately, but we both appreciate that angel you sent us."
Jade tried the door but got no answer.
She took out her key and let herself in. After getting together, the women felt it was a good idea to give each other a spare key in case of emergencies.
"Tori? Tori?"
The Latina was curled up on the couch, clutching a pillow. She looked like she had been weeping for hours.
Jade put her things down and rushed to Tori's side.
"What happened?" she asked, immediately embracing her.
"Jade!" Tori blurted out, pressing her face into her shoulder.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's okay," Jade said, tightening her hug. "Where is Mia? Is she okay?"
Tori pulled away and sniffed.
"Upstairs," she sighed heavily.
Concerned, Jade left Tori for a second to go up and check on the girl. She put her ear to the door and heard gentle sobbing on the other side.
Relieved that she was here and alive, Jade could not focus on the next thing.
"Tori come here."
She helped the brown-haired woman up and sat on the couch, offering her to lay her head in her lap. Tori obliged and curled up the rest of her body beside Jade while her head was placed on the former goth's lap.
Jade gave her a soft kiss on her head and proceeded to stroke her hair.
"I'm here, Tori." Her voice came through with such warm reassurance. "Tell me what happened."
"I...uh...I was making breakfast for Mia and me the other day..." she sniffed. "And I brought up that her birthday was like a week away, so why not plan something?"
The paler woman thought about it.
"I take it she didn't want a party?"
Tori grabbed Jade's idle arm, not wanting to let it go.
"I mean I get it," Jade continued. "You remember, I sometimes got cranky on my birthday."
"It's more than that," Tori shuddered. "It was like...she made it sound like she wished she was never born."
Jade frowned.
"Oh."
"I just feel like I failed her!"
Mia was approaching the steps when she overheard the conversation between Jade and her mom.
Jade re-positioned herself so that she was laying down so she could hold Tori completely. The Latina fell apart in her arms. She cried even harder.
"Listen, Tori..." she cooed. "You didn't fail her. The school failed her when they didn't take her side."
She supported Tori so they were eye to eye.
"And not being on your side means they failed you, too."
(What did she mean by they weren't on her side?)
Originally was looking to get a drink of water, Mia instead hung back and listened closely.
"I mean it's just not fair!" protested Jade. "Can't you appeal this decision?"
"I don't know," Tori huffed, coming in a little clearer. "They probably won't listen."
Jade grumbled.
"I should shove my boot up the district's ass!"
"That's sweet but that's not going to make them take me back."
(WAIT, THEY FIRED HER?)
"So, who's in charge?" asked Jade.
"According to Rob, it's Edgar DeBiase."
Jade huffed like she was breathing fire.
"THAT'S ASSHOLE!?"
Tori shushed her, worried she might be talking too loud.
Mia couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew she got in trouble, but they canned her mom for it, too?
Tori leaned to Jade.
"I appreciate you coming down to check up on us. Where's Alice?"
"Home," Jade answered. "Said she needed time to pick something out to wear?"
Tori cleared her throat and sat up straighter.
"Where is she going?" she asked.
"The Cataclysm is having that contest showcase. The one where Chase and Lauren are finalists."
The tan woman facepalmed and stood up.
"No shot! That's tonight?"
Not wanting to be noticed, Mia retreated back into her room.
"Alice wanted to let Mia know that Lauren wished she could go but she doesn't want to be pushy."
Tori folded her arms with a forlorn expression.
"I'll talk to her."
She slowly went up the stairs and knocked on Mia's door.
"Hey, sweetheart? Listen, that competition your friends are in is tonight. I totally spaced! How about we go?"
"No, thanks."
She was worried about that response.
"Alice will be there and maybe some of the others," Tori offered. "We could all cheer them on!"
The Latina prayed that Mia would come around and finally venture outside.
...
...
...
"Okay."
Tori lit up, a glint of hope returning to her eyes.
"Oh, great! Listen, sweetie, I'm just going to freshen up. Jade's down here but will be picking up Alice to meet us there."
"A...Alright."
Mia sat on the floor, her back against the shut door.
"Here we go," she sighed with a heavy heart.
She proceeded to tie up her hair and pull out some clothes.
Mia then remembered her phone and took it off the charger: 100%.
She turned it on for the first time in a week and within moments, she was inundated with missed calls and texts sent all throughout those lost days.
The girl cleared all of the notifications and saw the most recent message was from Alice, asking if she was going to the show.
Mia made a sad smile and replied that she will be there. Alice replied almost immediately with happy emojis and hearts. She then texted if Mia was feeling okay. She just replied to Alice that she was fine and left it at that.
Later on, after Jade had left, Mia was down by the car. She was shutting the trunk when Tori came down.
"Hey!" she smiled. "Ready to go?"
Mia nodded.
Tori gave her a big hug. Mia lightly brought her arms to meet her.
"I'm so happy for you, sweetie!"
"Let's go so we're not late," Mia sighed.
They entered the Cataclysm, parking was a monster, but they made their way inside.
As finalists, Chase and Lauren were given passes for friends and immediate family to be in the audience. It didn't take them long to use up all of their spots.
Everyone made a big deal at the sight of Mia when she entered with Tori.
Jenna embraced her, nearly knocking the wind out of her.
"OH. MY. GOD. You're here! Are you okay?" she asked.
Billy came up beside her.
"Yeah, we all missed you."
"Fine," Mia nodded expressionless.
"Hi, Tori!"
The pair turned around and there was Alice.
"You made it!" she beamed.
Her eyes went to Mia straight away. Without provocation or a word, Alice latched onto Mia for an intense hug.
"We were worried," she said.
Tears formed in Mia's eyes, and she hugged her back, which made Tori hold her heart.
Mia cleared her throat before asking.
"Where are Lauren and Chase?"
"Backstage," replied Alice. "I can show you there."
She led the way as Mia took a fleeting glance at her mom.
Through the curtain was strictly for VIP's, so Alice had to flash a lanyard sporting a paper badge. These were given out to the finalists' guests, but they had to vacate the area before showtime. Alice said she could stick around so Mia doesn't get lost, but she told her to go ahead. The shorter girl nodded and left.
Didn't take long for Mia to find Chase, who was sitting on a chair, tuning his guitar.
"Hey!" he said, looking up. "Long time."
He held out his fist for a bump and Mia reluctantly reciprocated.
"Nervous?" asked Mia.
Chase clenched his teeth and nodded.
"Don't be," Mia nodded. "You'll kill it out there."
"Really? You think so?"
Mia sighed.
"As long as you keep holding Lauren the way you hold that guitar."
Chase understood what she meant.
"I heard my name!"
Mia whipped around and Lauren jumped into a hug.
"Thank God! I so worried, girl!"
She hadn't seen or heard from her since that day, so this was a big deal.
"I'm sorry I made you worry," Mia said. "I promise things will be better. I'll fix everything."
"What?"
"I mean...uh...you two break a leg and make sure that Nashville over there doesn't get a swelled head."
"I heard that!"
Lauren took Mia's hand with a smile.
"Hey, why don't we hang out later?"
The Latina squirmed in her posture.
"No, sorry. I don't think so. But good luck again, guys. You deserve it."
Mia was about to leave before taking a last look at Lauren and Chase who were talking among themselves.
The show kicked off, six nominees performed, with Chase and Lauren getting on second to last.
Chase didn't want to psyche himself out with the crowd, so he kept his focus on Lauren and his instrument. It was difficult not to gaze up at his angelic muse, who sung his words better than he could have ever dreamed. Lauren tried to engage with the audience as was taught to her growing up. Whether it was a concert or a service, a performance was a performance. And people have come to see and hear you. It was considered proper to make eye contact with the people.
Singing in front of a group this large was like making a hundred human connections at once. You pour your heart and soul onto that stage and those watching are profoundly moved in one form or another. Chase's lyrics and melody on the surface was a more reflective tone but when Lauren sang them, there was hope there.
While focusing on the audience, who were swaying to the song, Lauren stole some glances at Chase. He was such a natural on that guitar.
When they finished, the whole room erupted into cheers.
Lauren waved and said her "thank you's" which got deafened by the roars. She walked over to Chase and turned him around, so he was facing the crowd as well. His eyes widened and he waved in appreciation. He was more relaxed when she hugged him.
After the final act went up, the judges said they were going to deliberate for a half hour and return with the winner.
Jade was standing next to Tori. They were watching the young friends discussing the competition.
"Have you see Mia?" asked Jade.
"Alice said she'd be back," Tori replied. "She said she needed some fresh air."
The petite teen reappeared.
"Hey, mom!"
"Where's Mia?" asked Jade.
"I just came from the bathroom," Alice explained. "I thought she was going to meet us here."
Tori and Jade shared a concerned look.
"Honey, stay with your friends," Jade pointed. "Please don't separate!"
Tori led the charge, holding onto Jade's hand. The former goth could feel the tension in her grip.
Being a mom herself, Jade could sympathize that inexplicable, semi-psychic sensation you get when your kid might be in trouble.
Alice looked on as her mom and Tori fled the immediate area, checking for Mia's whereabouts.
"Hey, Alice!"
She turned to see Jenna.
"Where are they going?"
Alice looked back then returned to her.
"I don't know. I think Mia might have gotten lost?"
"FINALISTS PLEASE COME TO THE STAGE FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNERS!"
The girls stayed close at the swath of people rushed to the stage to hear the results.
Luckily Jenna's ability to be spotted in a crowd came in handy because the others spotted her, Alice clinging close.
"There you guys are!" said Chase.
"You must be excited!" Billy said with a pat on the back to Chase.
"No matter what happens," Lauren assured him. "We were fabulous up there."
Chase gave a smile.
"SECOND PLACE GOES TO...CHASE BROOKS AND LAUREN JACKSON!"
They hugged happily.
He thought for sure he would lost it if he didn't win first place, but he had to admit the song that did walk away the champion was pretty great.
"I'd say that was something for your first song contest!" Jenna grinned.
Chase was less interested in the prize money itself and was just happy to place. Besides, it gave him an excuse to work with Lauren and all that came from that. He came a long way from a couple years ago when the boy couldn't play a lick.
Neil grabbed his shoulder and gave him a hug.
"Great job, both of you!"
His uncle looked around the room.
"Have you seen your friend, Mia?"
Chase conferred with the others.
"Not for a bit," he admitted. "Why what happened?"
"I just got a text from her mom. She's missing."
"Missing?" pressed Lauren. "What, how?"
"Tori? Look at this."
The tan woman ran over to Jade who saw a piece of paper in the driver's seat of her car.
She feared the worst as she unfolded what turned out to be a letter. It was her daughter's handwriting:
"Dear Mom,
I'm so sorry.
I just fuck things up and I know this wasn't the best way but it had to happen.
I hurt you, I hurt dad. I don't want to make anyone else's life miserable!
I know you love me and I love you
But everyone would just be better without me.
Please don't try to contact me, don't look for me.
This is for the best.
- MIA"