A/N: We are on the eve of our gang going to NYC to kick off their family vacation.
ENJOY!
Tori drove Jade and the girls over to Nathan's Mixed Grill. It was a nice restaurant that her and Mia went to every now and then. The Wests met at the Vega residence, naturally, as it was only ten minutes from them.
"Let's hurry up!" commanded Jade. "I'm starving!" she added with a whine.
She shook her head as she parked her car.
"You're sure the order is ready, mom?"
Mia wasn't doubting her mother, but the restaurant had forgotten to start their pickup orders before. In their defense, it only happened on really hectic days.
"My girls are CRANKY when their hangry!" she chuckled.
The foursome opened the doors to see a full house of folks seated at the tables, chowing down on their food.
"Where do we go?" asked Alice.
"There!" Tori pointed to a curtained-off area.
The two teens followed the adults who smiled at each other before they all entered through the white curtain.
"SURPRISE!"
Sectioned off from the rest of the establishment were all of Alice's friends: Lauren, Jenna, Billy, Ryan.
Alice rubbed her eyes in disbelief.
"What is this?"
Jenna mussed up the hair of the shorter girl, like the baby sister she never had.
"We figured since you would be out of town on your actual birthday..."
"That maybe we could do something before you go," grinned Lauren.
Mia shrugged, gesturing to her own mom.
"Don't look at me, it was her idea."
Tori hugged the pale girl of honor.
"I thought you would like a way for your friends to celebrate and see you off before we leave."
Alice leaned her head against Tori's, which melted Jade's heart.
"I love it, thanks Tori!"
"So... the gang's all here?" Jade asked.
A hush fell over the room.
"Almost," Lauren sighed as Billy patted her on the back.
It's been a long week for the singer, the anticipation of whether or not she got the part coupled with Chase still being out of town.
The birthday girl rushed over to Lauren.
"Did you hear back from the show yet?" Alice asked, trying to change the subject.
"They said that they would announce their decision tomorrow," Lauren replied.
She got an unexpected hug from the tiny one, which the singer returned.
"I'm wishing you all the luck, okay? Not that you would need it."
Becky leaned in beside Alice's face and said, "Believe her. She has a knack for theater talent."
Alice gasped and fell to the floor. Becky might as well had been a chainsaw-wielding maniac on Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.
All eyes were on the younger girl having a total brain fart and forgetting her basic skills like standing.
The blonde, of course, was the one to reach out to Alice. Her face was full of concern, which didn't help the butterflies in her gut. Alice took the friendly hand and let her assist restoring her vertical upright position.
"You didn't hurt yourself, did you?" Becky asked.
"NO!" squealed Alice in response. "You're-you're-you're here, too!"
Jade's eyes met Tori's, sending a silent message to her.
The Latina took a glance at the girls and back to Jade.
(Is this what I think it is?)
As if she could hear her inner monologue, the author nodded.
Tori pressed her lips together, holding her hands together against her chest.
(No shit; Vega thinks it's cute!)
Alice gently relinquished Becky's hand and stepped back as casually as she could. Or at least as casually as she thought.
"You're sure you're okay?" she persisted.
"Uh-huh!" Alice nodded with enthusiasm. "Just...surprised is all."
Her anxiousness didn't subside when she was seated because she was right across from Becky. Any effort to avoid eye contact would be too obvious, which forced Alice to confront her newly discovered crush. The blonde smiled at her and the shorter girl automatically smiled back. It was uncontrollable. She would regard her friends with a look of kindness, unless she was highly upset about something. Of course, someone she was falling in love with would elicit the same response or bigger!
But Alice was a little upset.
How cruel the Fates must be to have one of her best friends confess their feelings for someone else on the eve of figuring out Alice liked them? If this were a poorly written romcom, Alice would be the third wheel to drive a wedge between Becky and her mystery girl. If she were a lesser person like so many protagonists from those movies, she would sabotage the other's girl's chances at stealing Becky away. But that wasn't how Alice was wired. She wouldn't even entertain the idea of being a "homewrecker." It was somewhat over the top, but Alice felt that it fit.
If she respected Becky and valued her friendship, then she would have to allow her to pursue who she really wanted.
(Oh...why WOULD she ask me out? She doesn't even know if I like girls. Do I even know?)
For the longest time, because of the heteronormativity in our society, it just seemed that Alice would be predisposed to going out with a dude. But as she grew up and saw more examples of couples, romantic relationships of every sort, her definition of love became more universal. By the time she entered Hollywood Arts, the girl didn't have a preference that she was aware of, friends or otherwise. Alice just saw people; attracted to their personalities firstly.
Becky was one of several people who was so nice to her, and she gravitated to her energy. But she was the first Alice felt these deeper feelings. It was like a nauseating longing. Eventually, after some research, Alice would come to the conclusion that she was pan. She saw Becky in a romantic way, without pigeonholing her based on gender. Alice would like for Becky to be "her girlfriend," or "her person," or whatever they wanted. That was the beauty of being pan: no barriers to finding your someone. Basically, if the parties involved could consent, full steam ahead!
As her friends dined on the delicious food, Alice getting a burger, she would steal glances from Becky, who was working on her spicy garden salad with grilled shrimp. The pale girl took a bite from the tall monster cheeseburger, holding tight to keep the thing together. Alice pulled the burger away, setting it down. Dangling from her mouth was a piece of onion, nearly five inches long. The blonde snorted, staring down at her plate.
(Oh my God! She's so cute!)
Alice realized her gaffe and stuffed the rest of the onion into her mouth, embarrassed.
At the end of the lunch, everyone said their goodbyes to the foursome who were destined for NYC by this time tomorrow. The last one to give Alice a hug was Becky, who said she was going to miss her and how boring it was going to be. Alice said that she would call to say hi. Becky told her that she had finally gotten the Zoom update to go through on her laptop, so they can video chat too. Alice blushed red and nodded curtly.
Mia tapped Alice on the shoulder and handed her cell.
"Someone wants to say Happy Early Birthday," she smirked.
Alice accepted the phone and put it to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey, how's it going?" came Chase's voice.
The girl smiled and silently thanked Mia.
"How are you doing over there?" Alice asked. "How's your family?"
Chase let out a prolonged sigh.
"Truthfully, all things being equal I'd rather be there with you guys."
Alice frowned.
"I take it you're not having fun."
"Well...let's say it was what I expected."
She hummed emphatically.
"I'd better make this quick because my charger broke, and my phone is dying. My mom is taking me to the store to get a new one. Had to talk to Lauren and I'm using my last bit of juice to wish you a safe flight and have the best time!"
The pale girl grinned widely. If Mia and the others were spiritual sisters, the likes of Chase was the good-hearted big brother.
"Thanks, Chase."
"God knows traveling is more fun with others," he added.
As she witnessed Becky waving one last time before departing, Alice sighed.
"Hey, Chase? Can I ask you one more thing?"
"It's your day...um, sort of."
"You and Lauren were friends first. How did you tell her how you felt?"
The other end was quiet. Too quiet.
"Hello? Hello?"
(Aw, crap! His phone finally died.)
She handed the phone back to Mia, who was talking with Tori a few feet away.
"Are you ready to go?" asked Jade.
"Sure, mom" nodded Alice in response.
On the car ride back, the teen went over all of the facts in her head. Becky was attracted to girls, and one happened to catch her eye. Who's to say another one can't? Alice reasoned that if this other one was "a friend" then she might have a fair shot. Had Becky made her move, she would have told her. That meant nothing was set in stone. Not yet.
It was then, leaning her head outside the car window, that Alice made a promise to herself.
(If Becky doesn't spill the beans to her crush before I get back, then I'm going to ask her out!)
She missed her shot today, and this was too huge to do over the phone. Of course, that would be predicated with Alice having the courage. And the words.
(You? Ask out a girl you like? If you tripped someone in a dream, you would run over to them the next morning to apologize.)
(Quiet brain! I can do this.)
Maybe getting away from it all would inspire Alice to think of what to say. Becky obviously had her words carefully thought out. If she wants to win her over, Alice must be clear as a bell, but also passionate and daring.
(I'm in trouble!)
THAT EVENING...
Tambry was running up and down her driveway, sinking baskets as Jenna pulled up in her white car.
"Trying to intimidate me?" the taller one smirked as she got out.
"Well, look who decided to show up!"
Jenna sighed as she got closer to her old teammate.
"Listen, Tam, you don't have to do all of this to prove a point. I know you're proud and..."
The olive-skinned girl aggressively tossed the rock to her former comrade, who instinctively caught it with the classic impact sound of the ball.
"Okay," Jenna huffed. "Let's fucking go."
The luncheon served multiple purposes. Not only was it a pre-birthday get-together for Alice and her friends, but it was also a relaxing way to recharge before finishing up the packing. Jade advised that everyone hit the hay earlier than normal tonight so they could get up before dawn the next morning. Their flight was super early and despite that, it was still LAX. The moms figured the hearty lunch would satiate all of them, maybe a snack before going to sleep, would hold them until the wee hours of the next morning.
Worse comes to worse, there would be options for breakfast at either airport. And if anyone was still sleepy, there was the plane ride to New York.
Mia asked for her mom to have Ryan over for a little bit so they could say goodbye. She was a bit reluctant but eventually relented. After all, this trip was partially created by Jade and Tori not willing to be apart for a few weeks. It would be hypocritical to not at least Mia and have her one-on-one time with Ryan so they could say their goodbyes. Mia wanted some privacy and when asked if she could use her room, Tori flatly rejected the idea. Then she asked for the roof and the Latina conceded with the compromise. Besides, Ryan was too much of a gentleman to try something if her girlfriend's mother wasn't cool with it.
Remember, she wasn't just his girlfriend's mom. She was also the school principal (talk about an authority figure!)
They slow danced to a few songs on her Bluetooth speaker for a while before sharing a kiss. Mia couldn't believe her luck.
This boy came out of nowhere a while ago, back when things were still touch and go at this new-fangled performing arts school. It wasn't like she didn't have her crushes in the past, mostly celebrities. But Ryan was the first one in her immediate orbit that she wanted. Imagine her disdain when Savannah Gilmore sunk her talons into him. But he was too pure of heart to see through her lies and deceit. Ultimately, the valley girl stereotype couldn't hide her true colors for long and Ryan immediately broke things off. And shortly after that, he and Mia started getting close.
She always saw him as a friend, a kind face, and vice versa. The ups and downs of Alice and Jenna shaking things up this past year did help take Mia's mind off Ryan. But during that sabbatical when he was over in Chicago, he would sneak into her thoughts now and then. Having him interested in her was a dream come true and Mia didn't want to take him for granted. They talked on the phone whenever possible (she promised her mom not to neglect her chores or schoolwork) and she made a point to always invite him to group outings because she wanted him to feel as much a part of the inner circle as he was in the very exclusive club of having her heart.
But with that, came an anxiety within Mia. Things were going great lately. Was it too good to be true? Things have been better than they had been in a long, long time with Tori. And it was cathartic to see her mom love again. Speaking of which, Jade's daughter was a ray of sunshine from the beginning despite her grumpy objections. Alice and Mia have been through thick and thin and are even tighter. She couldn't remember if she ever wished for a sister growing up. But, if she had, it would be impossible to imagine someone more amazing than Alice.
Then there was Ryan. It was almost too perfect for Mia. She began to doubt the strength of their bond. There were much more attractive girls than her and he was a popular guy. It was difficult to find anyone who had a word against the boy. Mia remembered watching an animated series, My Adventures with Superman where they re-imagined the classic comic book character for a more modern audience. It was haunting how the romance in the show mirrored their relationship. Ryan was tall and handsome, but endeared people with his good nature and awkwardness, not unlike Clark Kent. Meanwhile, the strong-willed tomboyish Lois Lane wondering how someone as amazing as Superman would be interested in a nothing like her. Who did that remind Mia of?
She didn't remember how the show resolved the conflict. Mia generally stopped watching things when writers drove a wedge between the protagonists. (Why can't they let them have their forever after?) Alice and Mia love each other but the pair could NEVER collab on a book.
Mia was scared about how fragile this all was. Yes, Ryan might be interested now but all it takes is some amazing girl to steal him away! This began the over-protective, clingy routine whenever they were out and about. She tried numerous times to fight the urge to bite the head off another girl, even when she wasn't showing any signs of interest. Those skanks at the beach that time, asking Ryan out and him admitting he had a girlfriend. When they didn't take no for an answer, Mia felt justified intervening then. Ryan would mildly admonish her for such behavior but not after that time because even he had to admit those girls had it coming.
While the Latina got a soda from the cooler, she noticed some girls in the window of a building across the way. It was a little taller than her building, so she was looking up. The giggling teens were waving down at Ryan. He shyly nodded and turned away from them. To his surprise, Mia marched past him and placed one foot on the ledge of the roof looking like a sailor in an old painting.
"HEY YOU!"
She crushed the can, which was still half full and flung it in their direction. It fell short of the building and landed in the street as she wasn't exactly pitching for the Dodgers.
"WHY DON'T YOU MIND YOU GODDAMN BUSINESS!?"
The girls looked visibly terrified and closed the curtain.
The tan girl cursed herself for throwing the can, knowing she was going to have to pick it up.
"Be right back," she told Ryan on the way out.
It was a quick game for Jenna but not for Tambry. In the end, the taller girl was the first to five points, achieving victory.
"You win," sighed an exasperated Tambry.
Jenna held up her hands.
"Happy now?"
"Screw you, Parker!"
The two girls, both out of breath, retreated into the garage where Tambry took out a bottled water for each of them from the fridge.
"Thanks," Jenna said.
"Yeah, whatever."
Tambry gestured for Jenna to join her on the porch to rest up after the game. She quietly accepted and the pair each took a wicker chair. Normally, Jenna detested wicker but these had soft red cushions, which was a lifesaver.
They drank their waters for a minute, staring at the empty driveway, lone basketball sitting in the middle of the cement slab. The skies were now fully dark, night descending upon the valley.
"Tam?"
"What?"
"What happened last year?" Jenna asked. "Why did everyone split?"
She had gotten the objective version of events from Coach Dickinson, but Jenna needed to hear it from the source. Or, what was left of the source.
Tambry took a big gulp of her water and put the cap back on.
"As much as I hate to admit it, your stupid twig ass was the glue that held this bitch brigade together. When Abby got the big job, nothing worked. And it was Steph that started it! Once she didn't show her any respect, it was like a domino effect."
Jenna stared at her bottled water, swishing the contents around.
"When you left, there was no more peace police. It was pretty ugly; everyone was practically at each other's throats. Abby couldn't keep control, so she left. After that, no one wanted to step up and take the reins. Pretty soon, more of our best players quit. Now I'm facing down the barrel of senior year and I am the only senior on the team! How is this girl spending her summer? Trying to whip a bunch of freshmen and sophomores into shape!"
She leaned toward Jenna.
"And...uh...you can see how that's workin' out for me."
The taller girl sighed and took another sip.
"I'm sorry you had such a hard time," Jenna said.
"And it didn't help that those Northridge fuckers refuse to let us hear the end of it!"
"How do you think I found out?" Jenna asked with a raised eyebrow.
Tambry put down her water and crossed her arms.
"I'm...sorry, too."
"You're apologizing? Why?"
"While I'm still upset you quit, and Steph did suck; Abby was the one who really screwed us over. She left the team rudderless. It wasn't fair to heap all of my anger on you."
She let that hang for a moment.
"Tambry," Jenna said, putting her hand on her leg. "If this whole thing is stressing you so much, why not quit too?"
The olive-skinned girl scoffed.
"Quitting is for quitters."
"Tam," Jenna chortled. "You're totally stressed. It's just a game..."
She was surprised when the smaller girl grabbed her aggressively by her shirt.
"IT'S NOT A GAME!"
Her breathing got more in control, and she relinquished her former friend.
"Not to me it isn't," Tambry added.
"What are you saying?"
"For every one of these girls, it's just that - a game. Something to do. A way to keep fit. A way to make new friends. Something nice to put on a college resume. I mean, don't get it twisted; these are all good things. But at the end of the day, these kids aren't going pro. At least not the majority of them."
Jenna blinked.
"But you do."
"Yeah," smirked Tambry, wiping sweat from her brow. "Little me wants to make a career in the WNBA."
Jenna used to have those aspirations once upon a time, but her priorities changed. Now, a different career was on the horizon for her. She still harbors a deep love for the game and as far as she was concerned, it didn't completely leave her life.
"This is our senior year, Jen. MY senior year! This is my last opportunity to be noticed by college recruiters. There is no way I'm going pro without playing for university first. And how are they going to consider me when me and my team are a gaggle of fucking LOSERS?!"
With that, Tambry chucked her water bottle, which bounced off the paved ground.
Jenna noticed her starting to tear up and she put her arm around her friend.
"And we sure as hell will not be ready for the pre-season tournament."
The local high school sports teams had a competition that would not count toward the rankings of the actual season during the school year. They took place in August with basketball being one of the last sports to play. It was started a few years back by Los Angeles County as a way of promoting practice and keeping fit during the summer break.
"Tambry, I don't know how many times I need to repeat myself but please listen: Let me help! I know I'm no longer a Dragon and you can go back to hating me. Whatever. But I owe it to my team. You were my best friends. Please, let me do this."
Green eyes stared down at the ground.
"You're a terrific player, Tam! But you're going into your first year as captain, no coach and no returning players."
She leaned her head on Jenna's arm.
"Gee," Tambry sighed. "I thought the odds were bad, but you make it sound like I don't have a snow cone's chance in Hell."
Jenna chuckled.
"Even the best ask for help sometimes. And I won't make you do that. I'm offering; all you have to do is accept."
"Okay," she huffed in defeat. "I'll accept your help."
Jenna leaned her head on top of hers.
"Thanks, Jen."
"Anytime, Fun Size."
Mia returned a little out of breath, holding the can.
"Mia?"
"Yeah?"
"We need to talk," Ryan sighed.
"I know, I got the can!" huffed Mia.
He folded his arms.
"Yeah, the can you threw in a rage at some strangers. Seriously, what the hell?"
Mia blinked.
"I understand you weren't serious with anyone before me, but that's no reason to act all jealous!"
"Who's jealous?" Mia blurted out, defensively.
"Really?" he scoffed. "You tighten your grip around me whenever a girl is within ear shot.
Ryan walked up to her and pointed at the nearly empty aluminum cylinder.
"And you just...chucked a soda at your neighbors?!"
She folded her arms, letting the can drop and spill the remainder of its contents.
"Mia, this is a real problem!" he insisted.
She scowled at him.
"You think it's easy for me, watching every damn girl flirt with you?"
"And that's...my fault?"
Mia sighed and covered her forehead.
"Ryan, what if roles were reversed and I was the popular one and guys kept chatting me up. What would you say?"
Ryan's shoulders slumped.
"Um, I would trust you! Same way I trusted...forget it."
Mia rushed toward him.
"No, no, no forget it. What?"
"The way you're acting," Ryan pointed. "Is the same reason why I broke things off with Savannah the first time."
Word around school was that Savannah broke off things because he was moving away. Mia believed it was mutual for the same reason. Turned out her jealousy was a factor. But the comparison between her and that bitch was an unexpected turn of the screw. The Latina couldn't help but get pissed he would say that.
"So, you want to leave me like...her?" she asked, adding bile to that last word.
"I don't know!" he blurted out.
Mia's voice softened.
"What?"
"I mean...look, you're going on vacation and I'm back here. Right now, we aren't getting anywhere while we're heated like this. Maybe, we should take a break."
Ryan sighed rubbed his neck.
"Look...I didn't mean to say you and Savannah are the same. That wasn't my intention. I just want a girlfriend who trusts me, okay!"
Mia grumbled as she leaned against the door leading to the stairs.
"Mia, please...I don't want to fight. We're both upset and you have this trip tomorrow. I don't mean taking a break like we are soft splitting up. I just meant let's put a pin in this before an argument erupts. I know you don't want to say anything you'll regret. And neither do I."
The girl sighed and stepped aside, allowing him to leave.
"Go ahead," Mia said in a tiny voice.
"I'll call you..." he said, reaching for her hand but she held it back. "I get it...you need time."
With that he left the roof as Mia sank to her knees in disbelief.
(I'm a fucking idiot!)
A/N: I swear, I'm having too much fun with Becky and Alice. They're like my own "Lumity" couple from The Owl House. Just two teen girls that are stupid for each other, who are anything but cool and collected as they realize their feelings. And hey, Alice is canon confirmed PANSEXUAL! I've written gay and bi characters in the past, but I think she's my first. Pan really suits her, as she's just this lovable ball of positivity and love.
Speaking of cartoons, the My Adventures with Superman comparison was accidental. I caught the show after I was halfway through writing VictoriNEXT. It just happened that way, but the similarities were so funny I had to comment on it. If you watch it, just imagine Lois with longer hair and Clark without glasses and that's basically Mia and Ryan LOL!
Meanwhile, Jenna is beginning to make peace with her old teammate. Now, can the Pitney Dragons make a comeback with a new squad, complete with a new captain? Stay tuned...
I think we are around the end of ACT I. We did a lot of heavy lifting, but I am approaching chapters that I dreamed of doing; my true inspiration for even starting this sequel.