I wanted to include the essence of Aorus_of_the_sea's version because damn it I agree and It has become head cannon, that Trina and tori are closer than depicted. My sisters are always closer. The TImeline creator agrees and in this chapter closes the conflict a bit better, Also she talked about the "Postgrad" series by ThirteenthLight for insisting that "You're The Reason" is such a Jori song… now I think of it…. YEAH… so I'm highlighting that adding that to head cannon.
Birthweek Song
Trina stood at the pharmacy counter, tapping her foot impatiently as she waited for her morning-after pills. She glanced up and saw Daniel, Tori's ex, behind the counter. There was a pang of awkwardness as their eyes met, but Trina pushed it aside and approached the counter.
"Hey, Daniel," she greeted him with a forced smile.
"Hey, Trina," Daniel replied, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite the tension between them.
As Daniel rang up her purchase, Trina couldn't help but feel the need to address the elephant in the room. "So, uh, how have you been?"
Daniel shrugged nonchalantly. "I've been good. Moved on, you know?"
Trina nodded, feeling a sense of relief at his apparent acceptance of their breakup. "That's good to hear. I'm happy for you."
Daniel leaned on the counter, his curiosity getting the better of him. "So, what's the deal with Tori? Why'd she break up with me if she wasn't with that guy she was kissing that night?"
Trina hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much she should divulge. But then she decided that Daniel deserved to know the truth. "Tori's... figuring things out, you know? She's bi-curious, and she's not even sure if she really likes boys that much or not. I think she just got caught up in her own self-discovery and didn't want to drag you along if she wasn't sure."
Daniel's expression softened as he processed this information. "So, it wasn't me?"
Trina shook her head sympathetically. "No, it wasn't you. It's just... Tori being Tori."
Daniel let out a sigh, a weight lifting off his shoulders. "Well, I'm glad to know it wasn't all my fault. Thanks for telling me, Trina."
Trina smiled reassuringly. "No problem, Daniel. I'm glad you're doing okay. And hey, congrats on dating someone new. You deserve to be happy."
Daniel grinned back, a genuine spark of excitement in his eyes. "Thanks, Trina. And... tell Tori I said hi."
Trina nodded, feeling a sense of closure as she picked up her prescription. "Will do. Take care, Daniel."
Jade sat in detention, her mind lost in the depths of her thoughts as she mulled over the vivid dream that had plagued her sleep the night before. The image of the toddler falling down the well from the old movie she had watched seemed to have embedded itself into her subconscious, morphing into a haunting fantasy of her own demise.
She absentmindedly picked up a notebook, her hand moving almost of its own accord as she began to sketch out crude storyboards depicting the tragic tale of a girl falling into a well. Each stroke of her pen seemed to release pent-up emotions, as if the act of putting her thoughts onto paper was a form of catharsis.
As she filled the pages with scenes of despair and eventual rescue, a wave of clarity washed over her. For the first time in what felt like forever, Jade felt a sense of purpose stirring within her. This was what she had always wanted to do with her life – to create stories that moved people, that stirred their emotions and made them question their own existence.
Lost in her newfound passion, Jade didn't even notice when detention had ended. It was only when the room began to empty and the silence of the empty classroom enveloped her that she snapped back to reality. But as she gazed down at the pages of her notebook, filled with the beginnings of her own story, she knew that she had stumbled upon something truly profound.
With a renewed sense of determination, Jade gathered her things and left detention behind, her mind buzzing with ideas and possibilities.
Robbie's grandmother, Bubbe Esther, arrived back from her visit to New York with an air of excitement, her arms open wide to greet her family. As she stepped into their home, her eyes fell upon Robbie, and a warm smile spread across her face.
"There's my handsome grandson!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection. "Come, give me a hug."
Robbie hesitated for a moment, unsure of how his grandmother would react to his transition. But as he approached her, she enveloped him in a tight embrace, holding him close.
"You're looking good, bubbeleh," she said, using the Yiddish term of endearment. "How's my favorite boy doing?"
Robbie felt a surge of relief wash over him. His grandmother's acceptance meant more to him than words could express. "I'm doing great, Bubbe," he replied, returning her hug. "I missed you."
Bubbe Esther held him at arm's length, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I missed you too, Robbie. Now, enough with the mushy stuff. I have a problem that needs fixing."
Robbie raised an eyebrow, curious. "What problem?"
Bubbe Esther sighed dramatically. "Your Aunt Fran gave me a computer, and I have no idea how to set the darn thing up. Oy vey, technology these days!"
Robbie chuckled, relieved that the problem was something he could easily help with. "Don't worry, Bubbe. I'll come over and set it up for you."
Bubbe Esther beamed at him. "That's my boy! Always so helpful. Thank you, Robbie."
As Robbie left his family home to go help his grandparents, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his accepting and loving grandmother. With her unwavering support, he knew that he could face any challenge that came his way.
Trina glared at her phone, seething with anger as she realized that Zander had blocked her calls and texts. How dare he ignore her like this? She had been nothing but nice to him, and now he was treating her like she was nothing.
"He thinks he can just ignore me?" Trina muttered to herself, her fingers tapping furiously on her phone screen. "Well, he's got another thing coming."
She quickly opened her browser and started searching for ways to take down a teacher who was fraternizing with his students. Trina was determined to make Zander pay for his actions. She couldn't let him get away with this.
As she delved deeper into her research, a devious smile crept onto her face. She had always been good at getting what she wanted, and this would be no different. Zander was going to regret ever ignoring her.
"I'll show him who he's dealing with," Trina muttered, her eyes gleaming with determination. "He won't know what hit him."
Trina's fingers flew over her phone screen as she meticulously took screenshots of every incriminating text message Zander had sent her. She made sure to cover her own name, leaving only his messages visible. With each screenshot, her anger burned hotter, fueling her determination to bring him down.
Once she had gathered all the evidence she needed, Trina logged onto , the perfect platform to expose Zander's inappropriate behavior. She uploaded the screenshots, ensuring that they would be seen by everyone at Hollywood Arts.
But she didn't stop there. Trina drafted a detailed email and attached the unedited screenshots to Principal Helen, making sure that the school's administration was aware of Zander's misconduct.
As she hit send, a sense of satisfaction washed over her. Zander was about to learn that he couldn't mess with Trina Vega and get away with it. She leaned back in her chair, a wicked grin spreading across her face as she waited for the fallout to begin.
Trina strutted into school on Monday, reveling in the whispers and murmurs that surrounded her. The screenshots she had posted on TheSlap had certainly caused a stir, and she couldn't help but smirk at the chaos she had caused. As she made her way through the corridors, she spotted Derrick, the security guard, stationed outside the classroom where Zander Scott was subbing.
She sauntered over to Derrick, her smirk growing wider as she watched Zander being led away in handcuffs by Gary, her dad's partner.
"Looks like someone's getting a taste of karma," Trina remarked, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
Derrick nodded solemnly. "It's a shame, but rules are rules."
Trina chuckled darkly. "Well, I guess Mr. Scott should have thought twice before messing with a minor."
She waved mockingly at Zander as he was escorted to the waiting squad car. "Bye-bye, Mr. Scott! Hope you enjoy your time in jail!"
As Zander was driven away, Trina couldn't contain her triumphant grin. Justice had been served, and she had come out on top once again.
Tori was shopping for Trina's birth week, but she couldn't find anything good. She felt the frustration building up inside her, and she was close to slamming her PearBook in sheer exasperation. That's when Cat and Robbie found her sitting on the stairs in the main hallway, a frown etched on her face.
"Hey, Tori," Cat greeted her brightly.
"Hi," Robbie echoed.
"Yeah, hey, hi," Tori replied absentmindedly, her mind consumed by her fruitless shopping trip.
"What's up with you, Tori? You look a little frantic," Robbie observed.
But Tori was in full-blown panic mode, barely registering the exchanges around her. Andre entered the school and asked, "What's going on?"
"We're going to get some iced coffee," Robbie replied with a shrug, reaching into his pocket.
"I thought caffeine makes you vibrate?" Andre folded his arms across his chest, curious.
Robbie shrugged again. "Sometimes it's nice… hey, did you see the stuff on TheSlap this weekend?"
"Yeah, about Mr. Scott?" Andre said, recalling the recent events.
"Yeah, and this morning, the police arrested him in the classroom. It was so embarrassing," Cat added, shaking her head.
Tori suddenly sat up, a glimmer of inspiration striking her. "A massage helmet. A stylish helmet that massages your head. That sounds fun, right?" She looked up at Cat and Robbie, seeking validation.
There were weak mumbles of assent and support from her friends, but Tori quickly dismissed the idea. "No, it's awful."
"I hate helmets," Cat interjected.
"It's a bad thing," Andre agreed, joining the conversation.
Cat plopped down next to Tori, resting her bent arm on Tori's shoulder, offering her support. Tori felt grateful for the physical affection. "Why is she all—" Andre began to ask.
"Because it's only three days until Trina's birth week," Tori sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the impending celebration. "Her birth week?" Cat questioned.
"You mean her birthday," Robbie corrected.
"Yeah, you don't know my sister," Tori explained. "She thinks one day isn't enough celebration, so she has what she calls a 'birth week.' She says she deserves it, especially since there are two of us, and just one of her that got ignored for the first five birthdays of her life. Now, if I don't get her an amazing present, I'm gonna have to listen to her complain about it for the next six months. Shelby already got her gift, and she makes loads of money so I know it's a good one."
"Alright, alright," Andre nodded, moving to join them on the stairs. "Chill down. We'll help you through this." Cat and Robbie immediately agreed.
"Okay," Robbie clapped his hands. "The perfect present for Trina."
"Something amazing," Cat mused.
They sat there together until the bell rang, but despite their efforts, they came up with nothing.
Jade: Hey, where are you? Not in school today?
Beck: Hey Jade, sorry I'm not in school. My agent had me go back to Canada for an audition. I'll be back next week.
Jade: Oh, okay. Break a leg out there! I miss you.
Beck: Thanks Jade! Miss you too.
Jade: So, guess what? I figured out what I want to do with my life. I want to be a screenwriter/playwright and director.
Jade: Hello?
Jade: Are you there?
Jade: You seem less excited about my realization than I was about your auditions.
Jade: Whatever, forget it.
Jade sighed in frustration as she entered the asphalt cafe for lunch, feeling unsupported by Beck's lackluster response. She tossed her phone into her bag and ordered her food, trying to shake off the disappointment.
Lunchtime at the Asphalt Cafe found everyone gathered around the blue table. Sinjin had taken Beck's usual spot next to Jade, his gaze fixated on her as she meticulously cut her French fries with a pair of scissors. Jade's absence of enthusiasm was palpable, evident in her disinterest in the ongoing conversations.
Tori scanned the group, seeking suggestions for Trina's gift. "Okay, Andre, start us off."
"Cheese," he proudly declared, met with puzzled looks from those paying attention. "Let's not do cheese," he muttered, retreating into his notebook.
Tori moved on to Robbie. "Lotion," he offered confidently, only to receive similar blank stares. "Or various lotions," he quickly added.
"Gross," Tori grimaced before turning to Cat. "What about you?"
Cat began, "Well, for my last birthday—" but Tori cut her off, anticipating a rambling anecdote.
Tori interrupted, calling out to Jade, who paused her fry-cutting to shoot Tori an icy glare. "What?" she snapped.
"What should I get Trina?" Tori persisted, trying to engage the sullen girl.
"Talent," Jade deadpanned before resuming her fries.
Sinjin interjected dreamily, "Jade is so pretty."
Jade froze, her eyes narrowing slightly as she began a countdown. "Three. Two, one—" Sinjin scrambled to his feet, fleeing the scene.
"Does anyone have a good idea for Trina's present?" Tori exclaimed, growing frustrated with her friends' lack of helpfulness. Was she as self-centered as her sister? Perhaps, but it was Trina's influence that had shaped her this way.
"You people give me a rash," Jade remarked, standing up and grabbing her bag to leave.
Tori sighed in exasperation, then Robbie's phone rang.
"It's my grandmother again," Robbie groaned. "Another computer problem?" he lamented after answering the call.
"Cute," Andre chuckled.
"It's not cute," Robbie retorted. "I was at her house for three hours last night, and I have to go back again tonight. Will one of you come with me?"
Cat eagerly volunteered, expressing her fondness for elderly people. Tori, however, was preoccupied with her own frustrations. "You know what that makes me think of?" she snapped.
"What?" Cat inquired innocently.
"Nothing!" Tori snapped back. "What am I gonna get Trina for her Birthweek?" she moaned, feeling utterly lost.
A familiar voice piped up, "How about a bobble head that looks like me?" Sinjin held up the toy, flicking its head.
"My dad's a cop," Tori replied dryly, shutting down the suggestion.
"Right, moving on," Sinjin nodded hastily, retreating.
Tori sighed, reaching for her Jet Brew in hopes of a caffeine boost to awaken her sluggish brain. Unfortunately, it offered no such assistance.
Tori made a swift exit from school, her mind consumed with the quest to find the perfect gift for Trina. She headed straight to Highland and Park, hoping that a change of scenery would spark some inspiration. As she wandered through the park, surrounded by nature's beauty, her thoughts began to clear, and a sense of determination settled within her.
Suddenly, her eyes landed on a pair of boots displayed in a boutique window. They were exquisite—purple and bedazzled, with a distinct flair that screamed Fazzini. Trina had often raved about this designer, and Tori knew instantly that she had found the ideal gift.
Excitement bubbled within her as Tori entered the boutique and tried on the boots. They fit perfectly, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought of Trina's reaction. Without hesitation, she made the purchase, using up all her birthday money in the process.
With the boots in hand, Tori's steps felt lighter as she made her way home. Despite the depletion of her birthday funds, she knew that the joy she would bring to Trina would be priceless. This act of kindness was her way of reclaiming control over the chaos of her sister's birth week, and she couldn't wait to see the look of surprise and happiness on Trina's face when she received her gift.
Robbie and Cat stood at Bubbe Esther's door, the anticipation hanging in the air like a cloud. Robbie turned to Cat, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Before we go in there, I should warn you," he said cautiously.
"About?" Cat inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"My grandmother, she can be... critical," Robbie replied, choosing his words carefully.
Cat shrugged, unfazed. "That's okay, I take criticism very well," she reassured him with a confident smile.
"No, you don't," Robbie countered bluntly, his tone tinged with apprehension.
Cat bristled at his remark, feeling a surge of defensiveness. "What is that supposed to mean?" she shot back, her tone defensive.
"Just that you don't take criticism very well," Robbie explained, a note of regret creeping into his voice.
"Why don't you just kick me in the face!" Cat retorted, her frustration evident.
"Wait, now," Robbie interjected quickly, realizing he had struck a nerve. "I'm sorry, I'll take it back." He knew that ever since their intimate encounter, Cat's tolerance for criticism from him had plummeted, and he treaded carefully to avoid upsetting her.
"Okay," Cat relented, flashing him a small smile as they approached the doorbell. Robbie braced himself, knowing that navigating his grandmother's scrutiny was always a delicate dance.
Their arrival was met with a startling declaration from behind the door. "I have a gun!" an old woman's voice squawked, momentarily throwing them off guard.
"Bubbe, it's Robbie," he called out, trying to ease the tension.
Bubbe Esther swung the door open with a warm smile, her demeanor instantly shifting. "Hello Robbie," she greeted him warmly, pulling him into a hug.
"Hi, Bubbe," Robbie returned the embrace before introducing Cat. "This is my friend Cat."
Cat offered a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Shapiro," she greeted Bubbe Esther respectfully.
"You too, sweetheart. You're so pretty," Bubbe Esther complimented Cat before inviting them inside. As Robbie passed by, Bubbe stopped him with a pointed question. "She's your girlfriend?"
"No," Robbie clarified quickly, not wanting to mislead his grandmother.
"Good, you can do better," Bubbe declared bluntly, her honesty cutting through any pretense. With that, she stepped aside, leaving Robbie to follow Cat into the house, where he knew the real adventure was about to begin.
Trina strolled through the mall, reveling in the sense of empowerment from her recent act of revenge. Passing by Symones, her eyes caught sight of the most exquisite pair of Fazzini boots on sale. With determination, she entered the store and slipped the boots on, feeling an immediate surge of confidence.
As she admired herself in the mirror, she couldn't resist sharing her triumph with everyone in the store. "It's my birthweek!" she proclaimed proudly, relishing in the attention and excitement that her declaration garnered. To her delight, the store offered her an additional discount on the already discounted boots, sealing her victory.
Buoyed by her success, Trina made her way to the food court, where she continued to bask in her birthday glory. At the ice cream stand, she flashed a bright smile and declared, "It's my birthday!" The staff, caught up in her infectious enthusiasm, happily handed her a free cone, adding to her sense of celebration.
Yet, amidst the jubilation, a pang of loneliness crept into Trina's heart. Despite the outward festivities, she couldn't shake the feeling of being alone. As she sat alone, indulging in her ice cream, the realization hit her hard.
Determined to shake off the melancholy, Trina drove home, steeling herself to put on a facade of cheerfulness for her family. She resolved to fake it until she made it, determined to not let her solitude dampen her spirits.
"Are you ready for this?" Tori asked, covering Andre's eyes with her hands. Andre smirked slightly, enjoying the playful gesture.
"I don't know, I can't see," he replied with a chuckle.
Tori unveiled Trina's present. "Shoes?"
"Boots!" Tori exclaimed. "Fazzini boots! Trina's been dying for a pair of these. I had to go to 11 stores to find them."
Just then, the door burst open, and Trina entered, radiating happiness. "Hello!" she shouted, catching everyone's attention. Tori quickly hid the boots behind her back.
Andre turned to face Trina. "What's up, Trina?"
"What's got two thumbs and is already having a fantastic Birthweek?" Trina declared with excitement as she entered the room.
Andre and Tori both looked at Trina expectantly.
"This girl!" Trina exclaimed, wiggling her thumbs at herself. "Check out my kicks!" she continued, hopping onto the table and spinning around to showcase her new boots. The rhinestones sparkled in the light, and Trina couldn't contain her joy. "Fazzini boots! Got 'em at Simone's—on sale!"
Tori's smile faded instantly as she realized Trina had received the same present she had planned to gift her, down to the exact color and design. She crossed her arms and pouted, feeling defeated.
"Oh, don't be sad," Trina said softly, noticing Tori's expression. "You can borrow them. After I'm dead," she added jokingly, though it only added to Tori's frustration. Trina laughed and headed toward the stairs, calling out for their mom.
Andre turned back to Tori. "You're gonna have to come up with another present—"
"I know that!" Tori snapped, feeling the weight of her failure.
"I got a cheese guy that could put together—" Andre began, suggesting an alternative.
"I'm not giving her cheese," Tori insisted, her irritation evident. She tossed the boxed boots onto the tabletop and slumped into a chair next to Andre. "Maybe I should just give up and accept the fact that I'm not gonna find anything good and Trina is gonna hate me for the next six months."
"You hit me," Andre remarked, rubbing his head where Tori had slapped him.
"Help me!" Tori pleaded.
"Alright," Andre relented, raising his hands in surrender. "How about a song?"
"A song?" Tori questioned, surprised by the suggestion.
"Yeah," Andre confirmed. "You can write it, perform it yourself, you know, do it up real big."
"That's not a bad idea," Tori admitted, considering it. "Only one problem: I don't know how to write a song!"
Andre grinned. "What has two thumbs and knows how to help a friend write a song?"
Tori arched an eyebrow at Andre, curious about his suggestion.
"This guy!" Andre exclaimed, wiggling his thumbs in a playful imitation of Trina.
Tori couldn't help but smile. Despite her frustration, she was grateful to have a friend like Andre by her side.
Bubbe picked up her optical mouse and waved it around. "Why isn't it working?" she asked.
"Bubbe, your mouse can't see your desktop, so it isn't going to move. Put the mouse down," Robbie said gently, guiding her hand.
Cat smiled at Robbie's patience. She always remembered Robyn's tender side. And here it was fully displayed. Robbie was going to make someone a great daddy someday.
"Oh... so this mouse needs to see the desktop? I thought that was my desktop," Bubbe said, pointing at the screen.
Robbie smiled and nodded. "That's right, Bubbe. Now see how the little arrow moves when I move the mouse on the desk? It's because this little light can sense the movement, and now you can just move over here and open a window."
"Why is there a window on my desktop?" Bubbe asked.
Tori giggled uncontrollably. The whole conversation between Robbie and his sweet Bubbe was endearing. The giggles caught Esther's attention. She touched the girl's frayed red hair and asked, "Why did you do that to your hair?"
"What? You mean the color?" Cat asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"Do you hate your mother?"
Cat gasped and looked at Esther, then at Robbie. "I love my mother!" She didn't have to take this. She should have gone out with her boyfriend, but he was busy, and her crush on Robbie hadn't gone away even though she was trying really hard not to like him… her… him. Ugh, and now she was being verbally abused by his grandmother.
Esther took pity on her and turned to her grandson. Cat slumped back into her chair. "So how do I email this to my doctor?" Esther asked.
"Bubbe, you don't need to email this to your doctor. This is just showing you what settings you put on your computer, and you can change how it looks and how things work from here."
"Oh… okay," Esther said, getting interested in what Robbie was telling her. Cat just didn't want to be there anymore. She had never met an old person so old and weird. That included Andre's grandma. Her own Nona was super young still, and she knew so many cool people. Her uncle Jerome in San Francisco said his mama liked dark meat, which was why all of her aunts and uncles on her mother's side were black. Her mom had been the only white one.
"I'm HUNGRY!" came the shout from the other room, and Cat was brought back from her own tangent.
Bubbe pounded her fist on the table. "Why does he do that to me? Can't he just feed himself for once?" She said of her husband and stood to go to the kitchen. "You're staying for dinner, right?"
"What are you making?" Robbie asked. Cat sighed. She just wanted to leave. If Daniel wasn't working right now… she picked up her phone and texted hello to him. And a little smiley face.
He texted her an emoji back, and Cat smiled. He responded right away. And she sighed as Robbie and Bubbe got busy in the kitchen.
Tori lounged in her thinking mode, upside down on the couch, her legs dangling off the back and her head propped up by pillows on the coffee table. Across from her, Andre fiddled with his keyboard, conjuring up melodies and beats with effortless skill.
"How about this?" Andre began to play a lively tune on his keyboard, filled with upbeat synth and artificial drums. Tori tapped her feet to the rhythm, impressed by Andre's creativity. They had been working for about an hour, and Tori couldn't believe how much progress Andre had already made.
Struggling to sit up, Tori faced her bestie with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I love that. But," she hesitated, "do you really think we're gonna be able to have a whole song ready by Trina's birthday?" She let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the looming deadline.
"No worries," Andre replied breezily, taking a sip of his soda. "I'll get a bangin' band here, some girls to back you up, lights," he listed off, his confidence infectious, "it'll be the shit."
"Really?" Tori asked, her doubt melting away in the face of Andre's enthusiasm.
Andre nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Absolutely." He reached for his notepad and pencil. "Let's get back to the lyrics."
"No," Tori whined, feeling a pang of reluctance. "I can't write lyrics. Just play more stuff on your thingy!" She pointed at Andre's keyboard, not eager to delve into the complexities of Trina's personality.
"I'll help you," Andre assured her, sensing her hesitation. "Just tell me some of your favorite things about Trina."
Tori hesitated, her mind wandering as she searched for something to say. She gazed off into the distance, as if hoping to pluck inspiration from the ether. When Andre prompted her again, she snapped back to attention. "I said," Andre enunciated, "tell me some of your—"
"I heard you," Tori interrupted, her tone a mix of frustration and embarrassment.
Andre chuckled softly. "Come on, dig deep."
But Tori found herself at a loss for words. She had never really taken the time to think deeply about Trina, her older sister. Shelby was the one she was closest to, and though Trina had her moments, Tori struggled to pinpoint specific things she admired about her sister.
"Okay, okay… um… she's the whole reason I got into Hollywood Arts," Tori finally offered, realizing that Trina's pursuit of stardom had indirectly paved the way for her own dreams.
"Now you're digging," Andre said encouragingly, jotting down her words in his notebook.
"Yay, I'm diggy," Tori exclaimed softly, trying to muster enthusiasm.
"When you think of Trina, what's the first word that pops into your head?" Andre prodded gently, eager to unravel the layers of Tori's relationship with her sister.
Without skipping a beat, Tori replied, "Crazy."
"Crazy," Andre repeated, nodding thoughtfully as he scribbled in his notebook.
"But I love her," Tori added, a touch of affection softening her tone.
"Have you told her that lately?" Andre glanced up with a small grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"No," Tori frowned, feeling a pang of guilt. "Wait… Are you sure this stuff is gonna help us write a song?"
"Let's see," Andre sighed, setting aside the notepad and returning to his keyboard. He began to sing, his voice gentle and melodic, "You might be crazy, but have I told you lately, that I love you. And that you're the reason that I na na, na na, na ah…" he trailed off, lost in the music.
Tori couldn't help but smile at his talent. "You're good," she remarked, genuinely impressed by his skill.
Andre half-shrugged with modesty. "Now I want you to come up with other things you think about when you think of Trina, and we'll get together tomorrow and finish the song off."
"Okay… but don't be mad at me if I come up with word salad," Tori quipped, feeling a newfound determination to explore her feelings towards her sister. With Andre's guidance, she knew they could create something truly special.Tori sat at the main hall stairs, her mind drifting between the task at hand and the lyrics she was crafting for her sister Trina's gift. She scribbled down thoughts and feelings, trying to encapsulate the essence of their relationship in song. As she wrote, her gaze wandered across the hall, where Jade sat with an air of frustration, engrossed in a text conversation. There was a palpable tension surrounding Jade, her brow furrowed in concentration as she typed away on her phone.
Suddenly, Jade looked up at the sky, a mixture of anguish and exasperation evident on her face. Without warning, she let out a piercing scream, causing nearby students to jump in surprise and scatter. Tori watched, a mix of concern and curiosity flickering in her eyes as she observed Jade's outburst.
Then, as if the sun had momentarily blinded her, Jade's expression softened, and she seemed to exhale a sigh of relief. Tori couldn't help but smile at the unexpected display of vulnerability from someone who often seemed impenetrable.
Returning her focus to her lyrics, Tori reflected on the line she had just penned: "If it were raining you would yell at the sun." It was meant for Trina, capturing her sister's fiery spirit and tendency to confront obstacles head-on. But in that moment, it also seemed to encapsulate Jade's complex nature – a mix of defiance and vulnerability, a soul battling against the forces of the world.
As she continued to noodle on the lyrics, Tori couldn't shake the image of Jade's outburst from her mind. She knew she had to meet with Andre after school to finalize everything and record the song, but for now, she allowed herself to be swept away by the creative process, channeling her emotions into the heartfelt words she was crafting for her sister.
On her actual birthday, Trina parked her car in the garage, her anticipation building as she approached the darkened house. She hoped to find either a surprise party awaiting her or plans to go out, reassured by the memory of her friends' affectionate gestures earlier that day as they celebrated over ice cream.
As she entered, the dimly lit interior greeted her, and her parents caught her eye as they were busy lighting the candles on a beautifully decorated cake. Trina's excitement bubbled up at the sight of the pink-striped and polka-dotted confection, and she enveloped each of her parents in tight hugs of gratitude.
After making her wish and blowing out the candles, Trina couldn't help but inquire about her sister. "Where's Tori?" she asked, scanning the room.
"Over there," Holly directed her, guiding Trina to the chair her father had pulled out for her.
"With a special surprise," David chimed in, his enthusiasm palpable as he nudged Trina toward the raised platform where the piano awaited. "You're gonna love it," he assured her before hurrying off to retrieve the camcorder.
As Trina looked around in puzzled excitement, Andre and several of her dancer classmates emerged from their hiding spots, eliciting a confused but amused laugh from her. "What is going on?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Just relax," Andre reassured her gently, his calm demeanor helping to ease her uncertainty. With a click of a remote, a fog machine whirred to life, adding to the atmosphere of anticipation.
Andre then triggered the beat he had crafted on the keyboard, setting the stage for Tori's entrance. Tori appeared at the top of the stairs, radiating joy as she descended, dressed in a zebra-print dress that reflected Trina's tastes.
As the guitar kicked in, Tori launched into the song with practiced precision, her movements choreographed to perfection despite the limited space. Her backup dancers mirrored her energy flawlessly, adding to the spectacle unfolding in the living room and kitchen.
At the conclusion of the performance, Trina wrapped Tori in a tight embrace, playing her part in the charade. "Happy birthweek, Trina," Tori said warmly as they parted.
"Thanks!" Trina beamed from ear to ear, tears brimming her eyes. But they weren't of Joy, so much as rage for her little sister showing her up yet again. So in the sweetest tone she could muster, Trina lashed out. "So, where's my present?" she asked, glancing around.
It was obvious that her sister had put a lot of work into it. And that's sweet but she hated that Tori had to rub her talent in her face like that. So she did the best acting job ever pretending that this THING her sister was doing wasn't hurting her feelings.
Tori's smile froze on her face, her thoughts grinding to a halt as an awkward silence enveloped the room. Trina's audacious demand hung in the air, met with incredulous stares from everyone present, including Tori, whose scowl now mirrored her disbelief.
"A-are you kidding me?" Tori's voice wavered with a mixture of astonishment and irritation.
Trina shook her head, her smile still in place, relishing the effect her words were having on her sister. "No," she replied calmly, holding out her hand expectantly. "Where's my birthweek present?" she repeated, her tone teasingly expectant.
"Mom, dad," Tori's voice was strained as she addressed her parents, her controlled demeanor barely masking her frustration. "Excuse us please." Holly and David watched silently as Tori seized Trina's hand and ushered her upstairs to her room, the tension palpable between the siblings.
Trina sauntered into the room and took a seat on her bed, her smirk unwavering. She was done pandering to her spoiled sister's whims.
"The song was your present," Tori finally explained, her voice tinged with exasperation as she confronted Trina.
"How much did it cost?" Trina's tone was sly, her smile knowing.
"It didn't cost money!" Tori retorted, her frustration mounting.
"Then it's not a present!" Trina shot back, leaning back casually on the bed.
"You're unbelievable!" Tori's voice rose with indignation.
"And you are the spoiled brat that didn't get me a present!" Trina countered, her patience wearing thin.
Tori huffed and paced a few steps away, her fists clenched at her sides. Trina could see her sister struggling to contain her anger, and she relished in it, knowing she had struck a nerve.
"I wrote a song for you. I rehearsed it, and the people—I performed it for you!" Tori's voice cracked with emotion.
"Yeah, you were a little flat on the last chorus. You might need to work on your performance endurance," Trina needled, her words laced with malice.
Tori shook her head in disbelief, stepping back toward the door. "I can't believe that you aren't deep enough to appreciate a gift that totally came from my heart."
"A song is not a gift," Trina maintained stubbornly.
"It is too!" Tori's frustration boiled over, her anger palpable as she fought the urge to lash out physically. Trina smirked because she knew, If it were Shelby, She knew She'd be in hand to hand combat right now. But as it was, Tori was a little weekling that ditched Martial arts training after the Yellow Belt. Fighting was one of the few things Trina and Shelby had in common.
"Can I wear a song?" Trina taunted, her tone dripping with condescension. "No. Can I eat a song? No. Can I flaunt a song and make anyone jealous? No!" well you can, but Tori is a nobody, so not right now. Trina added insult to injury, when she jabbed a finger at Tori. "You failed."
"You know what?" Tori scoffed, her resolve hardening as she reached into her bra and retrieved a flash drive. "Here. I am so sorry this is all I got you." She grabbed Trina's wrist and thrust the drive into her hand.
"What is this?" Trina asked disdainfully, holding up the flash drive as if it were something repulsive.
"A flash drive with the song on it," Tori replied wearily, her frustration evident.
"How many gigs?" Trina sneered, reveling in Tori's evident disgust.
"I don't know, eight?" Tori replied with disdain, her disappointment palpable.
Trina's smirk widened as Tori stormed out of the room, her laughter bubbling up slightly at her sister's obvious frustration. With a satisfied grin, she stepped out of her room, feeling victorious. She knew she had gotten under Tori's skin, and it felt empowering.
As she made her way back to the party, Trina spotted Shelby standing next to Andre, engaged in conversation. Trina hadn't even known Shelby was coming for her birthday and she was happy to see her. But The Glare on her face told her that Shelby had heard what she had told Tori. Trina's eyes narrowed, and she raised a hand to silence Shelby before she could even speak. "I already heard it from your sister," she interjected, her tone dripping with superiority. "Next time maybe she will learn to give a good present." With a dismissive flick of her hand, she turned away from Shelby, not bothering to hear any response.
Approaching Andre and the dancers, Trina plastered on a charming smile, her demeanor shifting effortlessly from smug superiority to gracious hostess. "Hey guys," she exclaimed brightly, "thanks so much! You guys were amazing! I really appreciate you coming, especially in this rain."
Andre regarded Trina with a raised eyebrow, his expression unreadable, before shrugging nonchalantly. "You're welcome," he replied, his tone neutral. Despite his skepticism, he appreciated the acknowledgment from Trina, even if it was tinged with arrogance.
"Please stay and enjoy the party," Trina continued, her voice sweet and inviting. "Maybe Tori will come back down and join you." With a final smile, she excused herself, her attention drifting to the bass player across the room. He caught her eye, and Trina sauntered over, already planning her next move. After all, the party wasn't over until she said it was.
Tori sat on her bed, her tears staining her cheeks as she struggled to make sense of Trina's hurtful words. Shelby entered the room, her heart sinking at the sight of her twin sister in distress. Without a word, she approached Tori and wrapped her arms around her, offering comfort in the form of a warm embrace.
"Tori," Shelby began softly, her voice gentle and reassuring, "Trina is... she's a little damaged."
Tori sniffled, looking up at her sister with pained eyes. "But why would she say those things to me?" she choked out.
Shelby sighed, her expression filled with empathy. "She's jealous, Tori. Jealous of all the attention you generate. When you did that performance tonight, all the attention shifted from her to you."
Tori's brows furrowed in confusion. "But I didn't ask for that attention," she protested. "I just wanted to do something nice for her."
"I know, Tori," Shelby murmured, squeezing her sister's hand gently. "But sometimes jealousy can cloud a person's judgment. Trina sees you as a threat to her spotlight, even though that's not your intention."
Tori wiped her tears away, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration. "I just don't understand why she would tear me down like that. We're sisters."
Shelby nodded in understanding, her expression sympathetic. "Can you blame her, though?" she asked gently, sitting back on the bed beside Tori. "You came into her school where she was making her own stride, and in the span of two months, Tori, you're more popular and notable to your peers than she has managed in the last three years she's been going there. She isn't without her talent; she's just using it wrong."
Tori sighed, feeling a pang of guilt in her chest. "I didn't mean to overshadow her," she whispered, her voice filled with remorse.
"I know you didn't, Tori," Shelby reassured her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "But sometimes, people's insecurities can make them lash out, even at the ones they care about the most."
Tori nodded, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. She knew deep down that Shelby was right, but it still hurt to think that her own sister could be so cruel. As they sat together in silence, Tori found solace in the comfort of her twin's presence, grateful for Shelby's unwavering support and understanding.
As Jade sat in her theater analysis class, her mood was as dark as the play she had just critiqued. She couldn't shake off her frustration with Beck's distant behavior, and it seeped into her presentation. Her analysis of the gory play was sharp and scathing, her annoyance evident in every word she spoke.
Ignoring Sinjin's raised hand, Jade made her way back to her seat near Cat and Robbie, her focus still fixed on her phone, waiting for Beck's response. Finally, a notification popped up, and Jade's fingers moved swiftly over the screen as she read Beck's message.
Beck: Sorry, was busy. What's up?
Jade's lips curled into a scowl as she typed out her response.
Jade: Busy? Right. You've been ignoring me all week. I bet you're with another girl.
Beck's reply came quickly, and Jade's anger flared as she read it.
Beck: What the hell, Jade? I'm not cheating on you. Can't you just trust me for once?
Jade's thumbs tapped out her retort, her frustration evident in her words.
Jade: Trust you? Easy for you to say when you're the one ignoring me all the time.
As the argument escalated via text, Jade's attention was momentarily drawn away when Robbie's presentation took an unexpected turn. His Bubbe's video chat interrupted the class, causing Robbie to flee the room in humiliation.
Jade's gaze followed Robbie's exit, her heart softening slightly as she felt a pang of empathy for her classmate. Glancing at Cat, they shared a knowing look before rising from their seats to follow Robbie out of the classroom, leaving behind the drama of both the presentation and her turbulent text conversation with Beck.
Beck sighed as he looked at the girl curled up at his side. Yes, he had cheated on Jade, and he felt incredibly good about himself. It was weird to be doing this, but what was that he was feeling? Being on location for this bit role had given him a sense of freedom from Jade, and he had taken full advantage of it. He had only been in Canada for a week, and he had slept with this girl. Although she was great, she was no Jade. He had cheated with a subpar woman, and Jade could never find out.
As the girl stirred, Beck couldn't help but admire her beauty. She was a stranger, and he didn't even know her name. But in that moment, none of it mattered. All that mattered was the intense desire that coursed through his veins.
The girl's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled at Beck. He couldn't resist kissing her, and she eagerly responded. They were tangled up in the sheets, lost in their passion. Beck couldn't believe how good it felt to be with someone new. It was like a forbidden thrill, and he was addicted.
Jade would never understand this side of him. She was always so jealous and possessive, but he couldn't help but love it when she was crazy. It made him feel wanted and desired. But on the outside, he had asked her to trust him, and now he was betraying her trust.
As the girl straddled him, Beck couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. He loved the thrill of being caught, but at the same time, he knew he needed to be careful. Jade could never find out about this girl, or it would destroy their relationship.
But in that moment, none of those thoughts mattered. All that mattered was the pleasure he felt as the girl moved on top of him. He was hard, and with little encouragement, he wanted to go again. And she was more than willing to oblige.
As they reached their climax, Beck couldn't contain the feeling of guilt that washed over him. He was cheating on the woman he loved, and yet, he couldn't bring himself to stop. He wanted more of this thrill, this excitement.
As the girl curled up next to him, Beck couldn't help but wonder how many more times he could do this without getting caught. He relished the thought of the next adventure, the next woman who would satisfy his desires.
But deep down, he knew that he was playing a dangerous game. One day, Jade would find out, and he would have to face the consequences of his actions. But for now, he pushed those thoughts away and focused on the pleasure in front of him.
He closed his eyes and let himself get lost in the moment, knowing that Jade would never find out about this girl.
Later that afternoon, amidst the clatter of lockers and shuffling of students, Jade's voice sliced through Tori's frustrated attempts at opening her locker. She had been grappling with the combination for what felt like an eternity, her annoyance mounting with each failed attempt.
"Hey! Vega!"
Tori's name called out in Jade's sharp tone snapped her attention away from the stubborn lock. She turned to face Jade, her expression a mix of irritation and curiosity. "What?" she replied, her voice edged with impatience.
Jade extended a cup of Jet Brew towards Tori. "Try this coffee and tell me what it tastes like."
Tori eyed the cup warily, her guard up in the presence of her enigmatic classmate. Nevertheless, she accepted the offering, taking a cautious sip as Jade observed her with unusual intensity. The warmth of Jade's scrutiny unsettled Tori, stirring a familiar yet unwelcome sensation in her chest.
Tori swirled the coffee around in her mouth, trying to discern the flavor. "Hazelnut?" she hazarded a guess.
Jade's lips curled into a smirk as she pulled out a stick of gum. "I don't know," she replied teasingly. "I found it in the garbage."
Tori's eyes widened in realization, and she promptly spat out the remnants of the coffee, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Jade's proximity only served to heighten her discomfiture, leaving her flustered and off-balance.
Before Tori could gather her thoughts, Trina's voice interrupted the moment. Tori rolled her eyes at her sister's intrusion, turning back to her locker in an attempt to regain her composure.
As Jade retreated, her parting words lingered in Tori's mind, a perplexing puzzle she couldn't quite decipher. "Yeah, I'm not really her friend," Jade stated before disappearing around the corner, leaving Tori to grapple with the unexpected encounter.
"I'm not buying you a present," Tori retorted.
Trina grinned mischievously, pointing to the bedazzled fedora-style hat atop her head. "But you already did! This hat!"
Tori frowned at the hat's gaudy appearance but couldn't deny her sister's logic. "I wouldn't buy you that dumb hat," she insisted.
"But you did indirectly," Trina teased, a smirk playing on her lips as she reveled in the irony of the situation. "See, I sold the song and used the money to buy the hat. I know most girls can't pull off the whole hat look, but my head has a perfect shape…"
Tori's mind had been preoccupied with disposing of the unpleasant coffee when her sister's words finally registered. She whipped around to face Trina, her expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" Tori interrupted, her voice rising with each exclamation. "What do you mean you sold the song I gave you?"
Trina launched into an explanation, her tone casual as she described how she had pitched the song to her friend Molly's influential uncle, who had seen potential in it and offered a lucrative deal. Tori's confusion deepened, mingling with a growing sense of frustration.
"The song that I sang for your birthday?" Tori clarified, her brow furrowed in disbelief. She struggled to comprehend how her sister could casually sell something so personal, something she had poured her heart and soul into.
"Yeah! He gave me five hundred bucks for the rights. And, get this," Trina's excitement was palpable, her grin widening with each word, "he wants me to record it professionally!"
Tori's jaw dropped in disbelief, her eyebrows shooting up in astonishment. "You?" she blurted out incredulously, unable to fathom how her sister could possibly pull off such a feat "You're gonna sing it?"
"Of course!" Trina replied, her confidence unwavering. "He thinks it could be a hit! I turned your terrible present into a new hat and a great opportunity!" With that, Trina began to saunter away, her steps filled with newfound purpose.
"But, wait," Tori called out, reaching out to catch Trina by the elbow. "Does he know that I was the one singing the song and not you?"
"You know," Trina mused, "that did not come up…" her response was nonchalant, further fueling Tori's frustration. As the bell rang, cutting short Tori's protest, she seethed with indignation, her anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Trina!" Tori growled in frustration. "How can you do that? Yeah the rights were yours since I gave you the song… but don't you even care about me? You can't just—" The tri-toned bell rang over the hall, cutting off Tori's rant.
"Got to scamper!" Trina chirped, her tone flippant as she gestured towards the discarded coffee cup still in Tori's hand. "You gonna finish that?"
"No," Tori's irritation reached its peak as she thrust the cup towards her sister, her words laced with thinly veiled contempt."You can have it." Without waiting for a response, Trina blew Tori a mocking kiss before disappearing into the crowd.
"Hope you choke on it," Tori muttered under her breath, her frustration echoing down the hallway as she made her way to her next class, her emotions roiling inside her.
As Robbie lay on his bed, replaying the uncomfortable events at his grandmother's apartment in his mind, his mother entered his room with a gentle knock.
"Hey, sweetheart," she greeted, her voice soft and comforting. "Rough day?"
Robbie let out a weary sigh. "Yeah, you could say that."
His mother took a seat on the edge of his bed, her eyes filled with concern. "What happened?"
Robbie recounted the awkward encounter with his grandmother and the failed attempt at matchmaking. He explained how he had tricked Cat into accompanying him, hoping to escape the situation quickly. But Bubbe's actions had left him feeling frustrated and out of place.
His mother listened attentively, her brow furrowing with empathy as she processed Robbie's words. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, honey," she said sincerely. "It's not easy dealing with those kinds of expectations, especially from family."
Robbie nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders as he shared his feelings with his mother. "Yeah, it was pretty overwhelming."
His mother reached out to gently squeeze his hand. "You know, Robbie, you don't have to conform to anyone else's idea of who you should be. You're perfect just the way you are."
Robbie managed a weak smile, appreciating his mother's support. "Thanks, Mom."
She smiled back, her eyes warm with love. "And about the internet thing..." She chuckled softly. "I know it might have seemed like the easiest solution, but maybe next time we can handle things differently."
Robbie nodded in agreement, realizing that unplugging the internet might not have been the most considerate approach. "Yeah, you're right."
His mother's expression softened as she looked at him. "And as for finding someone special, don't rush it. When the time is right, you'll meet someone who loves and accepts you for exactly who you are."
Robbie nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over him. "Thanks, Mom," he said, feeling grateful for her unwavering support.
She leaned in to press a tender kiss on his forehead. "Anytime, sweetheart. I'll always be here for you."
As she left his room, Robbie felt a sense of comfort knowing that he had his mother's love and encouragement to guide him through life's challenges.
Trina hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she realized the gravity of the situation. She couldn't let this opportunity slip away, not when she had fought so hard to secure it. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and made a decision.
"Wait... I can fix it," Trina finally spoke up, her voice tinged with determination.
The producer arched an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his expression. "How?"
Trina glanced around the recording studio, searching for a solution. Then, an idea sparked in her mind. "I'm getting the songwriters... Just... shh," she muttered to herself before reaching for her phone.
With trembling fingers, Trina dialed her sister's number, hoping that Tori would answer despite the tension between them. After a few rings, Tori picked up.
"What do you want, Trina?" Tori's voice came through the line, guarded and wary.
Trina took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "Tori, I need your help. I know we haven't exactly been on the best terms lately, but I have a problem... and you're the only one who can fix it."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Tori responded, her tone softening slightly. "What kind of problem?"
Trina quickly explained the situation, glossing over her own insecurities and focusing on the urgency of the matter. "I need you to come to the studio right now. We need your voice on this track, Tori. Otherwise, the whole project is going to fall apart."
Tori's hesitation was palpable, but after a moment, she sighed. "Fine. I'll be there."
Relief flooded through Trina as she hung up the phone, grateful that Tori had agreed to help despite their strained relationship. Now, all she could do was wait and hope that her sister could save the day once again.
Tori wasn't expecting the call that evening, but she was tired of fighting with her sister. Trina and Tori had never been able to stay frigid and angry at each other for longer than a week, and it was honestly draining on Tori every time. She just wanted her sister back. So she picked up the call, and she had never gotten ready to bolt out of the house faster than she did that night.
Andre picked her up as she was walking to his house, and together, they drove to Devolution Records' recording studio where Trina waited for them. Trina sulked in the back as Tori took over the singing of the song, but several times, when Tori opened her eyes after a particularly passionate part of the song, Tori caught Trina smiling softly, and she knew Trina was proud of her. They were going to be just fine after this.
On the other side of the wall, Andre stood next to Molly's uncle, Devon. "Is she killing it or what?" Andre asked.
"She's fantastic!" Devon exclaimed. "It's a perfect mix. You say the two of you wrote it together?"
"That's right," Andre confirmed.
"Your arrangement is Fire. I'd like to talk to you more about some other projects. Do you think you can write me another song?"
"Yeah, for sure," Andre responded, reaching for the cup of coffee the assistant brought to them.
"Awesome. We'll talk next week," Devon said with a smile, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Andre smiled, his dreams were coming together, and he couldn't wait to tell Tori all about it. But then, a call from Beyonce cut all of their dreams short. The recording was over, and no demo would be done. Trina and Andre went to the booth and let Tori know what was up. That whole thing sucked… but Bey liked the song. And she couldn't really be mad at that.
Trina apologized to her sister. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry I sold the song."
Tori didn't answer.
"I figured you were going to be able to write and create more, so I didn't think it would make a difference," Trina concluded.
Tori looked at her. "No, you didn't," she said in disgust, "I made the song for you, Trina."
"I know…" Trina repeated softly, her voice tinged with remorse.
"And you just gave it away like it was nothing! Like I'm worth nothing," Tori pressed, her frustration still evident.
"I know…" Trina acknowledged again, her tone reflecting the weight of her actions.
"And I had a lot of help…" Tori sighed, her anger beginning to subside. "Andre helped a lot. You owe him an apology too."
Trina sighed too, realizing the depth of her mistake. "Do I have to?" she muttered reluctantly.
Tori glared at her sister, her expression demanding accountability. "Fine, I apologize to Andre."
"No problem," Andre interjected with a casual shrug. "I got a meeting with Devolution next week if I can write them another song. So it worked out for me."
A sense of relief washed over the trio as they made their way out of the recording studio. "Let's get out of here before they turn the lights off on us and lock us in," Andre suggested.
Nodding in agreement, they exited the building, grateful for the opportunity to move forward from the ordeal.