Disclamier: The show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.

Unfairly Judged.

Chapter 20 – Work for it.

Tori's POV

Once again, I had let my fiery Latin temper get the best of me and the result was disaster. Of course the word disaster, with its rather dramatic overtones, doesn't even remotely cover how I feel. I was crying by the time Trina picked me up. Since Jade and I drove together, I had left my car at school.

"What's wrong?" Said Trina with a suspicious look that indicated she already knew the answer.

"We ran into Jade's mom, she was horrible to me. Jade just stood there and let her mom insult me. I tried to be nice, I tried to ignore the insult, but she kept going. So I lost my temper and said something really horrible. Her mom started to cry and ran away. Jade slapped me and I slapped her back. She…she….it's all over."

Trina sighed and briefly opened her mouth to speak. It hung open for a moment as she seemed to ponder something. Then just as quickly she closed her mouth and put a hand on my shoulder. While it felt comforting, I continued to cry none the less.

Seconds later Trina put her hand back on the steering wheel, pulled into traffic and we were off.

Only when we were blocks away and I had mostly finished crying did Trina speak.

"Do you want to go directly home or to your car. I guess it's at Hollywood Arts."

"My car, please." I mumbled.

"Kay."

Thankfully, Trina left me alone as we drove through the city. I continued to cry and whimper as I just watched the buildings glide by. Eventually however, the emotional sting subsided enough for me to focus on one simple fact.

Jade in the entire time her mother was insulting me, never once defended me.

Not only that, Jade followed her mother when she ran off.

When she first asked me out, I thought it was nothing more than a prank, a cruel joke. But she proved or at least I thought she proved she actually liked me.

Maybe, it was a joke after all. How could it be anything else? How could Jade like me, or anyone else for that matter?

Who knows?

What I did know was that I was in totally devastated and knew that when push came to shove, Jade abandoned me.

Arriving at Hollywood arts, Trina smiled weakly and said. "You'll find someone."

All I did was shake my head and get out of the car.

Alone in my car, I looked at my phone, wondering if there would be some message from Jade; a message that I was both hoping and not hoping to get.

There was nothing, no texts, no emails, not phone calls, no communication of any kind.

"Joke's on me, I guess." I said, tears flowing again, as I got in my car.

By the time I got home, Trina had already told my parents of what had happened. They tried to be understanding, but it didn't help much. My mom comforted me while my father sternly noted that any form of retaliation on Jade's part would result in a visit to her house in his official capacity as a police officer.

I was feeling bad enough already, that only made me feel worse. I just wanted to crawl under a rock and die.

My mother, I think understood more, took me upstairs and said all the normal things that mom's say when their daughter is heartbroken. I listened but it barely registered. I was simply too hurt and too upset to really process any of it.

She told me she'd bring dinner to my room and said I would be left alone for the rest of the evening, saying she'd be downstairs if she needed anything.

The rest of the evening I lay in bed alternately crying and at times raging at Jade's defense of her mom. Emotionally I was all over the place and I just didn't know how to deal with it.

By the time I had finally fell asleep, there were only two things I knew for certain. That I had final exams the next morning and I'd have to see Jade the next morning as well.

Both of which made me not want to wake up the next morning, that unlike the prayer, I would happen to die before I wake.

Sadly the buzzing of my alarm told me that I had survived the night and that feeling of dread mixed with pain, regret, anger and sorrow returned with a vengeance.

The only consolation I had was that there was two days of final exams, followed immediately by summer vacation. I wouldn't have to see Jade for a full 3 months.

Still, I got ready, ate what little breakfast I could as my appetite was almost completely gone and drove to school.

On my way there I could only imagine what Jade would do this time.

I made it to my locker without incident and just as I opened it, I spotted out of the corner of my eye, Jade moving towards her locker. She even look at me and in fact seemed to keep her back to me.

I wondered what I would feel when I saw her again. Would I burst into tears? No. All I felt was anger, which came as a surprise. All I could think of was how she just stood there and let her mother insult me. The more I thought about it, the angrier I felt, the more angry I felt, the more I thought about it.

Soon I wasn't feel sad at all, just really pissed off at Jade all her bullshit about liking me. But even with me angry as I was, I didn't want to start anything. I just wanted to put it all behind me. She doesn't care, she feel doesn't anything, she's a vain, self-centered, wench, who lives to inflict as much pain on the people around her.

So I grabbed my books and headed off to class, not paying attention to Jade. She was out of my life, permanently and I'm all the better for it.

No One's Pov

Hardening herself and doing her best to ignore her sorrow and pain, Tori buckled down and focused on the all-important final exams.

Of course on her way to class, she encountered Cat who inquired about why Jade was so silent.

Shaking her head, Tori said plainly. "Cat, Jade and I had a fight. We're no longer talking, we're no longer dating, we're no longer friends. We aren't anything. We're just two strangers who happen to go to the same school. That's all I'm going to say."

Suddenly looking deflated and a bit sad, Cat nodded and walked off.

One thing that did continually hang in the back of Tori's mind was what Jade was going to do. Would there be some devastating prank or some horrible humiliation lurking around the next corner.

But nothing happened.

She saw Jade of course, but the Goth was quiet, showed little emotion and avoided everyone. Despite that, Tori resumed her spot eating on the steps on the other side of the school. While a relief that Jade had left her alone, Tori couldn't help feel a sense that Jade has simply written her off. It was a bitter feeling, though one amongst many.

Tori simply concluded that Jade viewed her as a mere distraction or some curiosity that needed to be satisfied, an experiment perhaps. But this experiment had failed and like all failed experiments, they were discarded.

Two days later, Tori walked out of school, her last exam finished. The term was over and summer vacation was upon her.

Once she looked forward to three months of getting to know Jade. Now she would be spending the next three months trying to get Jade off her mind and try to put herself back together. One thing that would help was a job, her father had gotten for her. The wife of a family friend owned a catering business, that did parties, weddings and corporate events. They needed extra help, with the more mundane tasks, serving drinks, food, clean up.

Needing the money and the distraction, Tori took the job hoping that eventually she would feel like a person again.

As far as what Jade felt, Tori didn't want to care, but she was sure it was nothing at all. After all, how on earth could Jade West actually have any feelings?

Little did Tori know, that as she walked to her car, Jade was watching her silently from one of the empty upstairs classrooms.

Without saying a single word, she watched the Tori walk to her car and then drive away. For several moments more Jade watched the parking lot as it slowly emptied out. School was done for the term and a joyous mood seemed to be all over the place.

Well almost all over the place.

Letting out a small sigh, Jade turned and headed to her own locker, pulling out its contents and stuffing them into a bag. The locker would remain hers for the next term but she always emptied it out during the summer.

Soon she was on her way home where once there she retreated into her room and closed the door.

Only then, alone and cut off from everyone, did she allow herself to cry, fall apart and do everything someone who was utterly devastated would do.

Contrary to popular belief, Jade did have feelings and like Tori, they were hurt and badly.

All her dreams, all her hopes had gone up in flames in mere moments.

She could blame it on herself, she could blame it on Tori, she could even blame it on her mother, but for now she could only lay on her bed and sob. She didn't want to do anything else.

For the next two weeks she did little else. Unless it was to use the bathroom or get food from the kitchen, Jade remained in her room 24/7.

Finally one Tuesday afternoon, Jade heard on her bedroom door a rather stern knock that could only belong to one person.

Her father.

Up to a few days previous he had been on an extended business trip. Even when he was home he was normally at the office or in his study. A knock on her bedroom door from him was an unusuall thing indeed.

"Yes" Answered Jade.

Slowly the door swung open and in stepped the tall figure of her father, looking just a bit uneasy. To Jade that was even more strange then him knocking at the door.

"Jade, May I come in!"

Putting her book down, Jade sat up on the bed and looked to her father as he entered, closed the door behind him and sat down in her desk chair

"What are you reading?" Asked Mr. West as he adjusted his tie.

"And then there were none, by Agatha Christie. I like stories where everyone dies."

"Good book I hear." Said Mr. West, his voice trailing off.

"Dad, you rarely come to my room, somehow I guess this particular visit was in regard to my reading choices." Retorted jade cynically.

"Yes, of course.: Mr. West cleared his throat. "I understand you've had some problems."

Having no idea where he was going with this or what lecture he had in store for her, Jade merely nodded her head, instead choosing to wait for her father to speak.

Looking even more uneasy, he loosened his tie and began to speak. "Jade, I'm not very good at these type of things, but I feel the need to talk to you about what happened and how you've been held up in your room ever since. I and your stepmother are growing a bit worried."

Visibly surprised at not only her father's words but in the oddly caring way he said it, Jade moved to the edge of the bed. "You're concerned?"

"I am your father you know. I'm not good at these sort of things. I'm emotionally distant and oftentimes cold, but I'm not blind either. "

"I take it you spoke to my mother."

"Yes. She called me and gave me an earful."

With a sigh, Jade leaned back on her bed. "Dad if you want me to get out of my room and do something I will."

"It's not just that, I want to help you with this."

Jade sat up and looked at her father incredulously. "You do?"

"Yes. Let me tell you something. Your mothers family is rich and they are what they called, old money. Not only that they were influential, one of your relatives was a congressman in the 20's, another ran a major railroad for a time. They are very rich and are very used to getting what they want handed on a platter."

"I know that dad."

"My grandfather delivered furniture for a department store. His grandfather came got right off the boat from Europe and went to work in a coal mine. My family is from much more humble and hard working beginnings. But that is how we got to where we are, hard work. Each one of my ancestors worked hard to make his life better, make it better for his children. I work hard, too hard, but I do very well now."

"And?"

"Everyone loses from time to time, bad things happen, but what I hate most is seeing you just give up."

"On Tori?"

"On everything. You've been shut up in your room for two weeks straight. Look jade, I don't understand your obsession with all things death, this scissoring and this collection of odd things around me. But while I don't understand, I do respect your drive. You worked on your film projects, you worked hard on that play you put on, you work hard on writing your stories. I'll bet you haven't written a word in two weeks, haven't you."

Jade lowered her head. "No."

"You're better than this Jade? You're a West."

Abruptly jade sprung off the bed in anger. "What difference does it make? I blew it. And what Tori said to my mother. I…I….it's not use. And you know what the worst part was, I let my mother insult Tori and I didn't say a fucking thing?"

"I know and I know why. Does Tori know why?"

"No."

"She doesn't know your mother, that fact that she and the rest of her family never properly dealt with her sister's death. The fact that her insecurities have played out to a point where she needs to be constantly be adored, the center of attention. Why do you think she became a beauty queen? So she could be adored. The fact that she looks down on people who aren't as rich as her. She used to constantly ridicule my grandfather because he delivered furniture. He was a good man and I deeply respected how hard he worked. I didn't see him too often, but each time I came to visit, he took me to a baseball game, bought me anything I wanted. I would ask your mother not to make fun of him, but she just kept doing it. One day I realized she simply didn't care about how I felt, that was the day I decided to file for divorce."

"I didn't know that."

"Another thing you don't know. Do you know why I fought so hard for custody of you?"

Jade paused for a moment and scratched her head. "No, you don't seem like the fatherly type."

"I'm not, but I knew one thing, had I let her raise you, she would have molded you into a carbon copy of herself. You would have turned just as shallow, insecure and snobbish as she turned out to be. A person who lives for one purpose and one purpose only": to be adored. You have drive, you're independent, you're smart, you know what you want, all qualities I'm proud of you for having. you can be anything."

"Until recently. But what difference does it make. This thing with Tori, it's done."

Mr. West, now a bit more relaxed that he opened up, shook his head. "The odd thing about what Tori said is that it's a bit closer to the truth than she realized. That's' why the attack was so devastating. She doesn't know about what can best be described as you and your mothers rather, toxic, relationship. For reasons I don't fathom, you've never been able to stand up to her."

Jade nodded. "I just can't. It's like the words get stuck in my throat. When I was younger she was pushing me to be like her. She even started to talk about putting me in pageants, but then the divorce came. But again what difference does it make."

"Ok, down to brass tacks. Do you or do you not want to date this Tori. I've met her, she seems nice, she's polite and like you, knows what she wants."

"Yes" Said Jade without hesitation. "But it's over."

"Look, as I see it, you both blew it and each of you owe the other an apology. Despite how true what Tori said was, she never should have said it. Only when that happens can you work on fixing things. I suspect she's hurting as much as you."

Jade sat back on the bed and sighed. "I'm sure your right, but I just don't know what to do."

"Well you owe each other an apology. My advice is to be the bigger person and make the first move. Apologize first and try to explain yourself. Make a peace offering, put yourself out there. I can't guarantee she'll be receptive, but you won't win if you don't work at it."

"You think I should?"

"Yes, perhaps she can help you get the courage to stand up to your mother. And perhaps this will help. You have a trust fund, your mother's father set up for you. If she ever gets mad and threatens to yank it, she's bluffing. It's an irrevocable trust and can't be yanked unless you agree to it. Even if you make progress it may take some time. I'll even let you use the cabin if you want to get away. I won't be using it much this summer and getting away may help."

Jade grew quiet for a moment, looking deep in thought as all the words sunk in.

After a few moments she looked up. "You know, I think this is the most we've spoken in years."

Mr. West nodded. "I'm sure. I'll admit it wasn't easy. I had to force myself to make that effort. But I'd be a terrible father if I didn't try. I think you may need to step out of your comfort zone as well. You can even talk to your stepmother. She's not all that bad, if you stop terrorizing her and get to know her. So are you going to make an effort or at least leave your room?"

"I will" Replied Jade weakly

Mr. West stood up and shook his head. "Not sounding like that you won't. Come on show me some of that West sprit. Tell me what you want, exactly what you want and mean it."

Suddenly challenging back, Jade barked. "I want to get Tori back and make her my girlfriend."

Nodding in approval, Mr. West walked to the door. "It's not about being a woman or a lesbian or any of those things; it's about picking yourself up, knowing what you want and doing your damn best to get it. "

Jade smiled briefly. "Thanks dad."

"You're Welcome, now go out there and be a West."

"I will."

"You ok now?"

Jade nodded, with a fierce look in her eye. "I will as soon as I get Tori back. and I will get her back. After all, Tomorrow is another day….."

"Ok Scarlett, just remember dinner is at 6:30 don't be late and try not to mock your stepmothers cooking too much…."

"I PROMISE NOTHING! I have a stupid Latina to win back." Was the reply.

Mr. West simply shook his head and closed the door.

Sorry this chapter took so long. I sort of lost my mojo and really couldn't write. All writers have dry spells, I'm no exception. Please forgive me.

Well, unexpectedly Mr. West, came and gave a pep talk to Jade, which seemed to do the trick. He had to step out of his comfort zone to do it, but did so because he knew his daughter needed the talk.

So Jade will make an effort to make amends, will Tori be receptive. Time will tell.