Yo... I just noticed that there is so much back story, that I want to add before the pilot. I might actually put some of the pre-TOri entering Hollywood Arts in the next chapter... I only covered the first day of school here. The next chapter may include the back story about the Ping Pong episode in the next one too. Tori and Dani's break up of course. and much more. but check out what I thought was going to encompass the whole of the first semester... Duh... not gonna happen. ttys~S.K.

Summers End

The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow into Tori's room as she reluctantly stirred from her sleep. She blinked sleepily, the sound of Trina's excited fluttering about going to school echoing through the house. With a tired sigh, Tori pushed herself up from her bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she followed the sound of her sister's voice.

Entering Trina's room, Tori found her twin, Shelby, meticulously packing her bags for her trip to Seattle. Shelby's well-muscled frame moved with efficiency, a testament to the rigorous training she was about to undergo for her CFC intensive program. Tori couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of her sister leaving, even temporarily.

"Hey, Shelby," Tori greeted softly, her voice tinged with emotion as she watched her sister prepare for her journey. They shared a tearful hug, words unspoken but understood between them. Shelby, ever the playful one, joked about putting Tori in a chokehold if she didn't go get ready for school, eliciting a small smile from Tori despite the heaviness in her heart.

Heading downstairs, Tori found the rest of her family gathered in the living room. Trina, dressed in her finest clothes, stood poised and ready for the day ahead. Dad, already prepared to drive Shelby north, exuded a sense of quiet strength as he gathered Shelby's belongings. Mom, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, enveloped Shelby in a tight hug, a silent expression of the love and pride she felt for her daughter.

As Tori watched her family bid farewell to Shelby, a wave of sadness washed over her, her heart heavy with the realization of how much she would miss her twin. She sank down onto the stairs, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden emptiness that Shelby's departure brought.

Sensing her daughter's distress, Mom approached Tori and pulled her up from the stairs, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "It's okay, sweetheart," Mom whispered soothingly, her voice gentle and reassuring. "We'll miss her, but she'll be back before you know it. We'll get through this together."

As David navigated the familiar route to Seattle, his attention was divided between the road ahead and the urgent conversation unfolding on his phone. His brow furrowed in frustration as he listened to his chief's stern voice berating him about the recent string of partner changes.

"I understand, sir, but you have to see it from my perspective," David argued, his tone tense with suppressed frustration. "Ever since Smith left, I've been paired with rookies who couldn't find their way out of a paper bag. How can I be expected to do my job effectively when my partners are constantly putting us in jeopardy?"

Shelby sat quietly in the passenger seat, glancing at her father with concern as she listened to his one-sided conversation. She could sense the tension in his voice, the weight of responsibility bearing down on him.

"Look, I know you're under pressure, but if this pattern continues, I'll have no choice but to reconsider your promotion," the chief's voice crackled through the phone.

David's jaw clenched, his frustration mounting with each passing second. "With all due respect, sir, my track record speaks for itself. I've put my life on the line for this department time and time again. I deserve better than this."

As the call ended, Shelby turned to her father, her expression filled with concern. "Dad, what's going on? Why are they giving you such a hard time?"

David sighed heavily, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as he struggled to find the right words. "It's just... work stuff, sweetheart. Nothing you need to worry about."

Shelby nodded understandingly, but couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air between them. She reached out to touch her father's arm, offering him a silent gesture of support.

As they continued their journey in silence, David's thoughts drifted back to a time when things were simpler, when he had a partner he could trust implicitly. He remembered the camaraderie he shared with Smith, the easy banter and shared laughter that filled the squad car.

But then, as if summoned by his memories, came the image of that fateful moment when they crossed the line. The playful teasing had turned into something more, a moment of weakness that threatened to unravel everything they had built together.

David pulled away, his heart pounding with a mixture of guilt and longing. He could still see the look of embarrassment on Smith's face, the unspoken agreement that their indiscretion could never happen again.

And as the memory faded, David was left with a heavy heart, grappling with the consequences of his actions and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Trina strutted confidently through the school parking lot, her heels clicking against the pavement as she made her way towards the entrance of Hollywood Arts. With her head held high and a sly smile playing on her lips, she greeted anyone who crossed her path, expecting admiring glances and nods of approval in return.

But as she stepped into the bustling hallway, her enthusiasm waned slightly as she noticed the lack of attention directed her way. People seemed to be preoccupied with their own conversations and activities, paying little heed to her presence.

Undeterred, Trina pushed forward, determined to make her mark on her junior year. She weaved through the throngs of students, her confidence faltering slightly with each ignored wave and indifferent glance.

As she walked past the lockers, she couldn't help but notice the distinct groupings by grade. The sophomores occupied one section, the juniors another, and the seniors. Keeping them for their entire stay in Hollywood arts. Right now the luckiest lockers belonged to the sophomores. They had the lockers closest to the parking lot and most importantly the asphalt Cafe.

As she glanced at the sophomore hallway, Trina spotted Beck, that hot sophomore guy, accompanied by a girl who seemed to have captured his attention over the summer. A pang of jealousy shot through Trina as she watched them together, her ego taking a hit as she realized that she wasn't the center of attention she had hoped to be.

With a forced smile and a flick of her hair, she continued on her way, her confidence slightly shaken but her determination to assert herself unyielding. Finally reaching her locker, Trina let out a sigh of frustration, her ego deflated but her resolve undiminished. She straightened her posture, squared her shoulders, and with renewed determination, she began to plan her next move to ensure that she would not be overlooked for long.

Beck grinned mischievously at Jade's response. "I'm gonna call you Gigi," he teased, earning an eye roll from Jade.

"No, you're not," Jade retorted, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice as she spoke.

Robbie and Cat approached, joining the group with cheerful greetings. "Hey, guys!" Robbie exclaimed, her bright smile infectious as always.

"Hi, hi," Cat echoed, his enthusiasm matching Cat's as they all engaged in friendly banter about their class schedules.

The excitement in the air was palpable as they discussed their upcoming class with Sikowitz. His reputation as an eccentric yet brilliant teacher had spread throughout the school, and they were all eager to experience his class firsthand.

"Do you think Andre has Sikowitz too?" Cat pondered aloud, her eyes scanning the hallway for their friend.

As if on cue, Andre appeared, heading towards his locker. They called out to him, asking if he had Sikowitz for class. Andre confirmed that he did, adding to the group's growing excitement.

Jade took the opportunity to officially introduce Beck to her friends, and Beck felt immediately welcomed by the group.

The conversation flowed effortlessly as they shared their anticipation for the class they would all experience together. Despite the challenges and drama of high school life, moments like these, surrounded by friends and filled with shared excitement, made it all worth it.

Tori walked into the school, her eyes scanning the hallways filled with bustling students. She couldn't shake the feeling of being different like her queerness didn't quite fit in any part of her life. But it is the biggest part of her. As she observed the kids around her, she noticed other queerdoes just as lost and out of place as she felt. They wore expressions of uncertainty and sadness, and Tori couldn't help but wonder if she was destined to become one of them.

Lost in her thoughts, Tori was startled when Danny, her boyfriend, wrapped his arm around her. They had reconnected after the beach party, but Tori couldn't shake her doubts about their relationship. She knew Danny cared for her deeply, but she couldn't bring herself to fully commit to him. Despite his understanding nature, she felt guilty for not reciprocating his affection in the way he deserved.

As they walked together, Tori found herself contemplating the future of their relationship. She knew she should feel grateful to have someone like Danny who cared for her, but a part of her couldn't shake the feeling of longing for something more. Yet, the thought of ending things with him seemed daunting, especially in the harsh social landscape of Sherwood High.

Later, during a break between classes, Tori and Danny sat together in the school cafeteria. Tori hesitated, unsure of how to broach the topic of their relationship. Instead, she opted for a safer subject.

"So, any plans for after school?" Tori asked, attempting to steer the conversation away from their relationship.

Danny smiled warmly at her, his eyes brightening. "Yeah, I was thinking we could head to Freezy Queen and study together. I know you have that history test coming up."

Tori nodded, relieved to have a distraction from her internal turmoil. "That sounds good. I could use some ice cream to sweeten the studying session."

They exchanged a smile, both grateful for the opportunity to spend time together, even if Tori's doubts lingered in the back of her mind.

Holly spotted Detective Leah Smith while browsing through the aisles of the market. They had always been on good terms, sharing friendly conversations whenever their paths crossed. But today, there was an unusual tension in the air, an awkwardness that Holly couldn't ignore.

Approaching Leah, Holly tried to brush off the strange atmosphere with a smile. "Hey, Leah, long time no see. How have you been?"

Leah's response was curt, her demeanor guarded. "I've been okay, Holly," she replied, her tone lacking its usual warmth.

Sensing something was off, Holly furrowed her brows. "Is everything alright? You seem a bit... tense."

Leah hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering away. "I'm sorry, Holly. It's nothing, just some personal stuff," she said, her voice tight.

Not satisfied with the vague answer, Holly pressed on. "Come on, Leah. We're friends. You can tell me what's bothering you."

Leah sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's... it's about David," she admitted reluctantly.

Holly's heart skipped a beat at the mention of David's name. She knew Leah and David had been partners before, but she never expected their past to affect their present interaction. "What about David?" she asked cautiously.

Leah's expression darkened, and she glanced around nervously. "We had a disagreement, and things got... complicated," she explained cryptically.

Holly's confusion grew, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety. "Complicated how?"

Leah's eyes met hers, filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Holly. I can't say more. Just know that it's better if we keep our distance," she said, her voice strained.

Holly's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. "Leah, wait," she called out, reaching for her arm.

But Leah pulled away, her movements stiff and hurried. "I'm sorry, Holly. I have to go," she said hastily before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving Holly standing there, bewildered and anxious.

As Leah disappeared into the crowd, Holly felt a surge of frustration and concern. She knew she needed to talk to David about this, to get to the bottom of whatever was happening between him and Leah. With a determined resolve, she made a mental note to confront David as soon as possible.

As Sikowitz prepared for his third block class, he couldn't shake the sense of dread that often accompanied post-lunch sessions. Most students would likely be lethargic, their minds still half-dreaming of the meals they had just consumed. Yet, as the students filed in, he noticed something different.

Among the typical crowd of disinterested faces, five students stood out, their eyes bright and lively. One of them, a petite girl with dark hair, was engaged in animated conversation with her taller friend, who sported streaks of vibrant color in her hair.

"I'm thinking of coloring my hair," the petite girl exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "Maybe red, like a red velvet cake."

Her friend, offered a cautionary response. "That's a lot of processing, Cat."

"But Jade, it would be so cute!" Cat persisted.

"It's your hair funeral," Jade quipped, turning to the tall boy behind her and pulling him into the seat next to her.

Meanwhile, a tall, lanky young man took a seat next to Cat, his eyes fixed on the ends of her dark hair. He offered to help her dye her hair, suggesting they find a dye that wouldn't require lightening her hair first.

Sikowitz observed the interaction with a mix of amusement and curiosity. The boy's unexpected interest in girls' hair momentarily caught him off guard, but he quickly brushed it aside as the darker boy sat on the other side of the girl and exchanged a smile with him.

Despite his initial reservations, Sikowitz couldn't deny the palpable energy emanating from these students. They seemed genuinely excited to be in class, as if it were the first session of the day. It was a promising start to the year, and Sikowitz couldn't help but feel a surge of optimism. Yes, perhaps he did play favorites, but in this case, it seemed justified.

That night, as Holly sat in bed, her mind filled with unease, David entered the room, quietly preparing himself for bed. Sensing her tension, Holly mustered the courage to broach the subject that had been weighing heavily on her mind.

"David, what happened with Smith?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

David's demeanor shifted, his movements becoming guarded as he prepared to recount the events of the day. With a heavy sigh, he began to explain, his words laden with regret.

"We...we kissed," he admitted, his tone heavy with remorse. "But I stopped her right away."

'How could you?' Holly's voice trembles with emotion.

David's face falls, and he reaches out to take her hand. 'I'm sorry, Holly. I never meant for it to happen. She initiated it, but I stopped her right away. I swear, it was a mistake.'

Holly's mind is racing with questions and doubts. She wonders if David would have stopped if Smith hadn't initiated the kiss. She wonders if he would have cheated on her. She wonders if she can ever trust him again.

Holly's mind swirling with a torrent of emotions. Anger, hurt, and betrayal mingled within her as she struggled to come to terms with what had happened. The night stretched on, the air thick with tension as Holly and David engaged in a heated argument, their voices rising and falling in a tumultuous exchange.

Holly turns away from David, tears streaming down her face. She feels a mix of anger, hurt, and confusion. But then, she feels David's arm wrap around her, pulling her closer to him. She can feel his warmth and his love, and she realizes that she doesn't want to lose him.

She turns back to face him, and he wipes away her tears. 'I love you, Holly. I made a mistake, but I promise it will never happen again.'

Holly looks into his eyes and sees the sincerity and regret. She knows that he truly loves her, and she can't help but lean in and kiss him. As their lips meet, the tension and anger melt away. David wraps his arms around her and whispers apologies in her ear. She turns to face him, her eyes still red from tears, and he wipes them away gently.

'I'm sorry, Holly. I should've told you sooner,' he says, his voice filled with regret.

She looks into his eyes and sees the love and sincerity in them. She knows that he would never intentionally hurt her. She leans in and kisses him softly, their lips meeting in a tender embrace.

Their kisses become more urgent and passionate as they continue to explore each other's mouths. David's hands roam down her body, caressing her curves and sending shivers down her spine.

Holly moans softly as David's lips trail down her neck, leaving a trail of hot kisses. She arches her back as his hands reach her breasts, his touch sending waves of pleasure through her body.

They both desperately want to feel each other's skin against their own, and they quickly shed their clothes. David's body covers Holly's, and she feels his hardness against her thigh.

He looks into her eyes, silently asking for permission. She nods, and he enters her slowly, savoring every moment of their union.

Their bodies move together in a perfect rhythm, their moans and sighs filling the room. Holly runs her hands down David's back, feeling the muscles tense and relax with each thrust.

Their love and passion for each other intensify as they reach their climax, their bodies trembling and their hearts beating as one.

As they lay in each other's arms, their bodies still entwined, Holly knows that she will always trust and love David, no matter what. They fall asleep in each other's embrace, their love stronger than ever.

Tori closed her bedroom door behind her, grateful for the privacy after hearing the passionate moans coming from her parents' room. She pressed her back against the door, trying to block out the sound, but it only made her thoughts wander even more.

She couldn't believe she was thinking about sex while her parents were in the next room, but ever since her night with Marina, her body seemed to ache for more. She couldn't help but remember the way Marina's lips felt against her skin, her hands exploring every inch of her body.

With a shudder, Tori reached for her headphones and plugged them in, hoping to drown out the sounds coming from her parents' room. She turned on her favorite playlist and laid back on her bed, trying to focus on the music and not the moans.

But it was no use. The image of Marina's beautiful svelte body flashed in her mind, and Tori couldn't resist the urge any longer. She slid her hand down into her waistband, feeling the wetness already building between her thighs.

As she imagined Marina's mouth between her legs, Tori's hand moved in a slow, teasing rhythm. She closed her eyes and let out a quiet moan, trying to match the sounds coming from her parents' room.

Her mind was filled with images of Marina's lips and tongue, and Tori couldn't help but imagine how good it would feel to have her there in that moment. She moved her hips in time with her fingers, feeling the pleasure building with each stroke.

Her breath came out in short pants as she got closer and closer to the edge. She could feel the tension building in her stomach and her toes curling as she thought about Marina's touch.

With one final moan, Tori let herself go, her body trembling as she rode out her orgasm. She lay there panting, her hand still between her thighs, as the music played on and the sounds from her parents' room faded into the background.

As she caught her breath, Tori couldn't help but smile. She may have heard her parents having sex, but she had just had the best orgasm of her life. And she couldn't wait to see Marina again.