Chapter 17: Unhinged
In the aftermath of Jade's departure for her job, Tori found herself alone, grappling with the intensity of her emotions. Sitting in front of the camera, she poured her heart out to her fans, expressing the depth of her love for Jade. The words tumbled out in a torrent of emotions, a raw declaration that echoed through the digital space.
As Tori spoke, her vulnerability shone through, and it became evident that the distance was taking a toll on her. The longing in her eyes and the quiver in her voice hinted at a love that bordered on obsession. The lines between reality and the constructed facade of their relationship blurred, and Tori teetered on the edge of revelation.
In a moment of unfiltered emotion, Tori came close to unraveling the carefully crafted narrative. She hinted at doubts, at a yearning that seemed unreciprocated. Yet, she stopped short of laying bare the intricacies of their arrangement, leaving the truth concealed beneath the surface.
Her Livestream was long. Longer than usual, it was over four hours of her interacting with people who asked her questions out of concern and curiosity. In that audience, she could see familiar names. There was Jade, Cat, Trina, and Shelby. they kept talking to her and just keeping her engaged. her fans, they kept her engaged after Jade and her Sister stopped popping in. Tori held on for two hours to see if Jade would talk to her. She never said anything when she was watching the stream. She always said she wanted to let her shine when she was doing her thing. and things like that made Jade love her so much.
After the Livestream ended, Tori, feeling overwhelmed and happy because Jade had told her she was coming home, stepped out onto the balcony. The night sky unfolded before her, and her eyes fixated on the radiant, full moon. The celestial body bathed the world in its glow, and Tori gasped at the kaleidoscope of colors that seemed to emanate from the moon, painting the sky in hues beyond imagination.
The night embraced Tori as she stood on the balcony, a sense of anticipation coursing through her. The conversation with Jade had left her elated, knowing that her girlfriend would be returning home soon. The moon above seemed to share in her joy, casting its gentle glow upon the world below.
Driven by a whimsical impulse, Tori climbed onto the balcony railing, reaching out towards the sky. The colors, vibrant and ethereal, danced just beyond her fingertips. She felt an almost magnetic pull, as if the hues were inviting her to join their celestial dance.
As Tori extended herself towards the enchanting display, a hand suddenly gripped her, pulling her back from the edge. "Tori!" Jade exclaimed, crossing the room in quick strides. She reached out, gently pulling Tori back from the precarious edge. The colors of the moon seemed to dance around them, casting a dreamlike glow on the scene.
"Tori, what were you thinking?" Jade questioned, her eyes searching Tori's face for any signs of distress. The impulsive act had startled her, and she couldn't fathom what might have prompted it.
Tori blinked, returning to the present moment. "Jade?" she murmured as if just realizing that someone else was in the room. The moonlit colors continued to weave their magic, a silent witness to the emotions playing out between the two.
Jade, holding Tori with a mix of concern and affection, couldn't help but wonder about the thoughts that had driven Tori to the edge of the balcony.
"I love you, Jade. I just needed to touch the colors," Tori murmured her words a mix of desperation and yearning. Jade, understanding the gravity of the situation, held Tori close, trying to anchor her to the safety of the room.
Tori's kisses were both a plea and a declaration of love, and Jade responded by holding her even tighter. As Tori gradually succumbed to the exhaustion of her emotional ordeal, Jade gently guided her to bed. She stayed by Tori's side, offering comfort and solace.
Once Tori's eyes finally closed in the serenity of sleep, Jade hesitated for just a moment, her concern lingering. She dialed 911, explaining the situation and requesting immediate assistance. The emergency services were dispatched, ensuring that Tori would receive the professional care she needed.
As Jade waited for help to arrive, she kept a watchful eye on Tori, silently grateful for the spare key that had allowed her to intervene in time. The night had taken an unexpected turn, but Jade was determined to see Tori through it, offering a steadying presence in the face of vulnerability.
The sterile hospital room felt unfamiliar as Tori gradually woke up. The soft hum of machines and the antiseptic scent indicated she was in a place she hadn't anticipated. Confused, she tried to move, only to realize her limbs were restrained. Panic set in briefly before she noticed the comforting presence of her mother and sister, Trina, at her bedside.
"Mom, Trina, what's happening? Why am I here?" Tori's voice was laced with concern as she surveyed the room.
Her mother, looking both relieved and concerned, gently explained the situation. "Tori, sweetheart, you're in the hospital. Jade found you on the balcony, and she called for help. You've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder."
Tori's eyes widened at the revelation, absorbing the weight of the words. She felt a mixture of emotions—confusion, fear, and a profound sense of gratitude for Jade's intervention.
"I put Jade through that?" Tori's voice trembled with remorse. "I didn't mean to."
Trina reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Tori's shoulder. "It's not your fault, Tori. Mental health is complex. Jade cares about you a lot. She's been here since you arrived, waiting for you to wake up."
Tori nodded, her mind processing the information. She felt a surge of gratitude and guilt—grateful for Jade's patience and support, yet guilty for causing her distress.
The hospital room felt confined as Tori's mom, Holly, and her sister, Trina, took seats by her bedside. The air was thick with concern, and Tori braced herself for the inevitable conversation.
Holly's voice, tinged with a mix of worry and love, broke the silence. "Tori, sweetheart, we need to talk about what happened."
Tori nodded, avoiding eye contact. "I know, Mom. I messed up."
Trina chimed in, her tone more direct. "You scared us half to death, Tori. Do you even realize that?"
Tori sighed, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. "I didn't mean to. I just... I don't know what happened. Everything was overwhelming."
Holly reached out, gently placing a hand on Tori's. "We understand that you're going through a lot, but we can't help if you don't talk to us. Your sister and I are here for you, but you need to let us in."
Trina added, "We want to help, Tori. But we need to know what's going on. This isn't just about you anymore. It's affecting all of us."
Tori looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been struggling, Mom. I thought I could handle it on my own, but I couldn't. And then Jade found me..."
Holly's eyes softened with understanding. "Jade cares about you, Tori. But she can't be your only support system. You have a family who loves you, and we want to help you get through this."
Trina nodded in agreement. "You can't shut us out, Tori. We're here to support you, no matter what."
Holly gently squeezed Tori's hand. "We're worried about you, sweetheart. We think it might be best for you to come home with us. You'll have the support you need, and we can help you find the right resources."
Tori hesitated, her emotions swirling. "Come home? But what about Jade? I can't just leave her."
Trina spoke gently, "Tori, you need stability right now. Jade will understand. She cares about you, and I'm sure she wants what's best for you too."
Holly added, "You won't be alone, Tori. We'll be right there with you every step of the way."
The tension in the room was palpable as Tori's family excused themselves, leaving her alone with Jade. There was a noticeable distance between them, an unspoken barrier that seemed to grow with each passing moment. Tori could sense Jade's reluctance to engage, her hesitation to be closer than necessary.
"Jade," Tori began softly, her eyes searching for any sign of connection. "I can't leave you. You're important to me."
Jade shifted uncomfortably, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. "Tori, I've been thinking... Maybe I'm not the right person for you. Maybe I'm a trigger."
Tori's heart sank at the words. "No, you're not, Jade. You've been patient and caring. You found me when I was... out of it. You've always been there for me."
Jade shook her head slightly, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "I care about you, Tori. But maybe your mom and Trina were right. Maybe you should be with your family, where you'll be safe."
Tori's voice quivered as she tried to convince Jade. "I'll take my medication. I'll go to therapy. I can control it, Jade. Please, I made a commitment to you. I want to be here with you."
Jade looked torn, her inner struggle evident. "I just worry, Tori. I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to be the reason for your struggles."
Tori reached out, taking Jade's hand gently. "You're not. You're not to blame for any of this. You're the reason I'm even holding on. Please, let me stay. We can figure this out together."
Jade's gaze softened, torn between concern and the affection she felt for Tori. "Okay, " Jade said and paused to think. She took a seat beside Tori's hospital bed, her expression a mix of concern and determination. She took a deep breath before speaking again. "Then we need to talk about what happens next."
Tori looked at her, her eyes a blend of exhaustion and uncertainty. "I know, Jade. I can't believe I let it get this far."
"It's not about blame, Tori," Jade said, her tone softening. "It's about making sure you have the support you need. I don't think you should be alone right now."
Tori furrowed her brow, unsure of where Jade was going with this. "What do you mean?"
"Your family is right. You can't live alone right now. But they live so far away. You don't want to go backward, and I get that." Jade hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I think you should move in with me. Permanently."
Tori's eyes widened in surprise. "Move in with you? But what about your space, your privacy?"
"I can deal with a bit less privacy if it means making sure you're okay," Jade replied. "Sinjin and I can help, keep an eye on things. It's not just about what happened tonight; it's about making sure you have a stable environment to come back to."
Tori processed Jade's words, the weight of the offer sinking in. "Jade, that's a big step. Are you sure you want that?"
Jade nodded, her gaze steady. "I'm sure. I care about you, Tori. I don't want you going through this alone. And I don't want to worry every time I'm not with you."
Tori felt a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "I... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to decide right now," Jade reassured her. "Take the time you need. But know that it's an option. You won't be alone in this."
As Tori considered Jade's proposal, she felt a sense of comfort in the idea that she wouldn't have to navigate her recovery alone. The support of someone who genuinely cared about her well-being was a lifeline she hadn't realized she needed.