A/N: Enjoyed reading the reactions to the previous chapter!
And would you look at this: I didn't bother to check before but this is my second longest story by a mile, only beaten by VictoriNEXT. Will it beat that one? I'm not trying for it, but I knew the word counts would be similar given all of these characters. This was overwhelming to say the least and I will admit some of my best writing came out of these two stories.
But I'm gearing up for some writing projects smaller in scope (2 come to mind and maybe I'll stagger them) but for now, I'm working on outlines, and I will not commit to chapter one of either until I have a beginning, middle and end in black and white! These were nice diversions whenever I got blocked so it kept me writing daily. Researching and outlining worked well for me lately, so I'm sticking to what works.
Enough inside baseball; time for a certain special girl's birthday!
Jade drove everyone up the long gravel driveway to the grand house. It looked like two stories from the outside but likely harbored a third story (at least attic space). Mia's eyes were wide at the sheer size of the white and dark green home with a bright red door. It reminded Tori of the McCallister residence from Home Alone.
"Babe!" she exclaimed. "This is a mansion!"
"Don't be ridiculous," Jade sighed. "It's about 4500 square feet. Technically not a mansion."
"Details, details, these people are LOADED!"
The others looked at Mia while Jade parked the car.
"What? Look at this house!"
"While we're being technical," Alice smirked. "You occupy a whole ass building."
Mia shrugged.
"Good point."
"Come gang!" ordered Tori. "Let's do this."
They exited the rental and walked slowly up the granite pathway. Tori was rubbing her hands together, clearly apprehensive.
"I should've brought something," she sighed to her girlfriend. "Why did I let you talk me out of picking up a bottle of wine?"
Jade huffed with a grin.
"Number one, it's the birthday party of a fifteen-year-old, not New Years. Number two, they have an extensive wine cellar. They wouldn't be wowed by anything we drink."
"What do you mean?"
Jade put her arm around her.
"They won't touch anything that doesn't have 'chateau' on the label. In fact, anything French really."
Not the biggest drinker in the world, Jade was very simple when it came to wine: red or white. Don't ask her what gets paired with what, she had no clue. Her in-laws were genuine wine connoisseurs; able to discern a merlot from a grenache. Jade was content with a box of "Richard's Reserve" distributed out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It didn't need to be from a vineyard owned by an eccentric Italian gentleman who left everything to his prized horse Caliope.
"It'll be okay, Vega."
(I will never understand how someone who was as confident as she was in bed could be this shaking leaf just from meeting people.)
Alice stepped ahead and rang the bell, making a sweet tone. It wasn't long until a smiling Rosie opened the door.
"Happy Birthday, Alice!" she exclaimed with a big hug.
"Thanks, Gran! It's nice to see you again."
She relinquished the teen and warmly acknowledged Jade.
"Sweetheart, how've you been?"
Rosie and Jade hugged, the former goth telling her that a lot has changed since they last saw each other. That was when the older woman noticed Tori and Mia. The resemblance was enough that she didn't have to guess if she didn't already know they were mother and daughter. Jade briefly discussed Tori over the phone when planning the trip out here and Rosie didn't have a picture or anything to go on. So, it was a surprise just how pretty Tori was.
"Rosie...um, sorry...Mom," Jade corrected. "This is Tori and her daughter, Mia."
"Hi!" Tori blurted out, nervously. She extended her hand. "I'm Tori Vega."
The cheerful woman gently nudged Tori's hand away.
"Put that back!" she smirked. "We don't shake hands in this house!"
Tori had the wind knocked out of her when Rosie threw her arms around the Latina. Mia took in a measured breath when it was her turn for Rosie to give her a love attack. She locked eyes with Alice, thinking that this hugging habit was hereditary. The short girl couldn't help but cover her mouth as she was always awkward in situations like this.
"Such a lovely girl," Rosie acknowledged. "And so tall! Fess up, dear; do you have to protect this one all the time?"
Rosie accentuated the remark by patting Alice on the head, a gesture short people generally aren't a fan of. This time it was Mia's turn to smirk.
"Not a lot," Mia sighed. "Alice gets along with about everybody."
"Don't think I didn't hear about you slugging that trollop who pushed my grandbaby down! You're okay in my book, girlie!"
Mia blushed a bit, being reminded of her rather sloppy heroic moment. Tori was just as embarrassed by that whole scene, thought it did lead to the friendship of Alice and Mia. Plus, the inevitable collision of Tori and Jade for the first time in many years.
"Well, don't stand here on the step, come in!"
Rosie held the door open and presented the spacious living room.
"Please, make yourselves at home!"
"Where's everybody else?" asked Jade.
"Harry is picking up the food with Gemma."
Jade rubbed the inside of her cheek with her tongue.
"Would you ladies like anything to drink?" their hostess asked.
"You have some brandy?" Jade asked.
Tori looked at her in surprise.
"Guess I'm driving us back."
Rosie made a face.
"How about a margarita, dear? It's a little early for brandy."
The writer held her stomach.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I just feel a little queasy."
"I hope you're eating, little thing like you!"
Jade nodded.
"I'll go get you something to settle your stomach and some water. Then we can have drinks when you're feeling better, alright?"
"Sure, thanks mom."
The woman smiled at that and retreated into the kitchen.
"Alice, honey" Tori pointed. "How about you show Mia around. Don't need her getting lost on her way to the bathroom."
"Sure, come on" she said, Mia following. The taller teen looked back briefly with concern.
The tan woman helped Jade down to the couch, she wasn't looking green, but she wasn't looking totally awesome either.
"What's the matter, baby?" Tori asked gently.
"Don't worry...just an upset stomach, I'll get over it."
Tori narrowed her eyes.
"Now you look like the nervous one. What's up?"
Jade rubbed her neck and sighed. News of Gemma being here hit her hard. She knew in hindsight it was a very real possibility that the new woman would be accompanying Harry to his daughter's birthday. Hell, Jade did the exact same thing! It wasn't like she was the other woman. Gemma had known Harry a year prior to their separation but nobody had tried anything until the divorce was finalized. She was aware that they were drifting apart as a couple and was there for him emotionally, but strictly as a friend. They didn't become something more until the marriage had officially ended and some time had passed. Jade was honestly not surprised they ended up together.
Gemma began as a colleague at Harry's job and Jade was suspicious of the two from time to time. But nothing happened and Gemma even pulled her aside once and assured her that they were only coworkers and nothing more. Once Harry was back on the market, things changed Jade guessed. The writer had not seen or spoken with Gemma since her and Harry were still married. This would be the first time meeting her after a long while and the dynamic had shifted so much! She wasn't a bad person necessarily from what Jade could remember but she wasn't looking forward to seeing her.
(Welp. We both moved on, both with former friends, no less. Guess we're even stevens.)
"Jade?"
She licked her lips and looked back to Tori.
"It's Gemma, isn't it?"
(GET OUT OF MY HEAD, VEGA!)
"Jade...she's got nothing on you! Don't feel inadequate because she's going to be here."
Tori leaned in and kissed Jade's neck, which had the knack of elevating her mood.
"Harry...didn't exactly leave me for Gemma. She didn't start out as his mistress or anything. It's just..."
"Just what?" Tori pressed.
"He moved on so quickly compared to me. Like he was ready to abandon ship, had his life preserver and compass. Me? I was just treading water, waiting for death."
The Latina brought her in and hugged the woman, her heart hurting for her.
"I was adrift once, and I thought I would never love again, but then this blue-eyed siren came along. I heard her song and swam right to her." Jade leaned her head against Tori as she said the sweetest things to her. "Now we can face any storm because we built a strong relation-ship!"
"Jesus Christ, Vega" the pale woman chuckled. "Got some crackers to go with that cheese?"
"You know you love it!" Tori smirked with a light peck on the lips.
"Only because I know you mean what you say, no matter how cornball."
The clearing of a throat alerted the pair. They turned to see a misty-eyed Rosie holding a bottle of medicine and a glass of water.
"How long were you standing there?" Jade asked.
"Not...long," she sniffed with a wide smile.
Alice stopped when her phone dinged, almost causing Mia to crash into her.
"What the hey...?"
"Oh...sorry," Alice winced. "Got a message."
Mia gave her a smirk.
"It's Becky, isn't it?"
Alice blushed and the older girl shook her head.
"Go ahead," Mia took out her phone. "I'll be over here calling Ryan."
"Oh, real quick, Mia...can we, uh...double date?"
Mia raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Look, I don't want mom feeling like she has to chaperone but if we go with someone that's older...you know..."
"Fine-Fine-Fine!" Mia sighed. "You go call your girl."
She rushed over and hugged her tall friend. "Thank You!"
(Seriously, does my shirt say Free Hugs?)
Alice bounded away to the next room and Mia sat down in a grey chair in what appeared to be some kind of study judging from the stacks of books and fancy writing desk off to the side, that old fashioned style with the rolling top. Right next to her, there was a globe that was colored amber and black, instead of blue and green so it resembled an old timey map. She dialed for Ryan, while her finger found Massachusetts and dragged across the continental United States to the bottom of California.
After a couple rings, Ryan answered. He sounded out of breath.
"Hello?"
"Hey," Mia said very casually. "You okay?"
"Yeah! I was getting out of the shower when I heard my phone."
Mia cleared her throat and playfully spun the globe around.
"How is it over there?" he asked. "Did you make it to Boston?"
"Oh, yeah" Mia nodded. "We're actually at Alice's grandparent's house now."
"That's right, the party! Tell Alice Happy Birthday from me, okay?"
"Sure."
"Other than the party, you doing anything fun over there?"
"We did some sightseeing, the house we rented has a pool and that was fun."
"That reminds me, a bunch of us are going to the beach tomorrow. I kind of didn't want to go but it's been pretty boring here."
Mia leaned on the arm of the chair.
"Who's going?"
"Some kids I grew up with, mostly from the neighborhood. Nobody you've met."
"Oh...so no one from Hollywood Arts?" Mia asked.
"Nah...they're not into music or acting. But they're alright. Haven't really hung out with them since I came back from Chicago."
Mia wasn't crazy about the whole get together, but it wasn't fair to say so to Ryan. The boy probably didn't have all that much to do and even most of her own friends were busy. He was spending quite a lot of time with her and her circle, so he probably wanted to reconnect with his old mates. She decided to not let the green-eyed monster of old Mia ruin this and instead be the understanding girlfriend.
"You should go..." she coughed. "I mean...like you said it's been a while and we'll have time when I get back so, why not?"
"Oh, great! Look, I wasn't trying to...ask for permission if that makes any sense. I didn't want you to think..." he sighed. "I just don't want any secrets between us, you know?"
She breathed sharply through her nose.
"Ryan..." Mia sighed. "I trust you. And I'm...sorry that I got angry before. You never gave me a reason to doubt you."
There was a pause.
"Thanks, Mia. I appreciate that. I'm sorry about our fight, too." Footsteps were audible as he walked around his room, as were some grunting. "Just putting you on speaker while I get dressed. If I sound weird, that's why."
Mia chuckled.
"What, no video chat?"
"NOW?"
She could feel him turning red on the other end.
"Just kidding!" she laughed.
(Probably.)
The message was staring Alice in the face. Her hand hovered over the phone screen, over Becky's name. She passed the audition, she got the girl. So, why was the pale girl so nervous? Alice shook her head and texted her: "Okay to talk?"
Becky responded with an incoming call.
Alice grinned widely and answered.
"Hey, Becky!" she beamed.
"Happy Birthday, Alice!" came the enthusiastic blonde.
She leaned against the wall, her heart aflutter.
"Thanks! Wish you were here," Alice confessed.
"I know!" Becky sighed. "But you'll at least be here for my sixteenth, right?"
"When's that?"
"October," she told her.
Alice smiled.
"I love the fall. I mean, it's different here with the leaves changing. But I like Halloween."
"Halloween is the best!" Becky agreed.
Tori and Jade stood up as Rosie rushed toward the door.
"Hold on, hold on!" she shouted. "Let me give you a hand with that!"
Jade followed with Tori close behind. Rosie opened the door to allow her son to make it inside without losing control of his precious cargo. Harry turned around, holding a big flat box when he locked eyes with Jade.
"Oh...hi," he said, wide-eyed.
"We made it," Jade shrugged just as awkwardly.
Seemingly influenced by the "we," he leaned his head to see the lovely lady standing behind his ex-wife.
"Hello there," Harry said, clearing his throat. "You must be Tori." He looked around and chuckled. "Excuse me, let me put this down so I can be more polite."
The man rushed to the kitchen and gingerly placed the box on the large wooden table. It wasn't very heavy, just awkward to hold and keep upright.
"Ooh, let me see!" smiled Rosie.
She and Harry carefully lifted the lid to reveal a beautiful sheet cake with white buttercream frosting augmented with red and purple roses. There was a box Harry produced from a bag he had on his arm. Inside were rainbow-stripped candles, and he Rosie silently took them and started arranging them in three neat rows of five. The man turned to face Tori where he nodded.
"Tori, nice to meet you."
"And you must be Harry," the Latina curtly smiled. "I mean...I'm assuming."
"Yep, that's me."
He closed his mouth, looking around to the women in the room, definitely feeling like the odd one out.
The rest of the family arrived for the party, convening in the spacious yard. Alice's grandfather, Wilmer, was manning the grill with his son assisting. Harry knew his way around the barbecue, but his old man insisted that he captain this vessel for larger occasions. It was hard to argue with the man, at six-foot two and 210 pounds, his Scandanavian ancestry making the man in his sixties as sturdy as when he was in his twenties. Harry was practically dwarfed by the patriarch, calling him "sir" despite being in his middle age.
The back yard here was bigger than the one back at the rented house, but it didn't feel that way as it was full of people. Alice's aunts, uncles, cousins, all came out for this, having not seen her or Jade since the holidays. Days like these were soft family reunions at this point. Alice happily introduced Mia to her extended family. She garnered the reputation as something of a loner. Alice was loved but was hesitant to put herself out there, ever the wallflower. But she really opened up at Hollywood Arts as evident by her super cool best friend.
Mia got the comment that it was so nice of her to travel along with Alice like that, not realizing she was the daughter of Jade's current beau. The immediate family understood the score but the relatives, not so much. Jade and Tori felt too out of place to be overly sweet with each other, so they seemed more like friends than lovers.
"So, your friend Mia and her mother came along?" asked Alice's Aunt Drew. "Well, that's fun, isn't it?"
Rosie looked on at the pair with sympathy. They didn't have to hide who they were from her or Harry but understood that it would be less of a strain by not having to give the same explanation to each and every relative. Plus, LGBTQ issues rarely came up in the family so nobody was quite sure where anybody stood on the issues in any way, so better safe than sorry. New England can surprise you by how progressive or how regressive a person you run into can be. But one thing was for sure, anybody gives Rosie's daughter-in-law, her granddaughter, or even her daughter-in-law's girlfriend any trouble would have to deal with her.
Jade brought Tori a plate when Rosie asked for her to come into the house for a moment. She nodded and followed the woman. They entered through the kitchen, waiting a few seconds for a cousin to run through after presumably using the bathroom.
"So, what do you think of Tori?" she asked.
Rosie smiled and put her hand on Jade's.
"I love you from the bottom of my heart, Jade. But that woman out there is the sweetest thing on two legs. I have no doubt she treats you fine."
Jade blushed, wishing to not elaborate.
"We've...come a long way. It wasn't easy for her either...moving on."
The older woman frowned and nodded.
"Yes, I know. But thank God you can be each other's second chance! I am so happy for you!"
Jade breathed deeply, both women suppressing the desire to cry and instead hugged.
"I'm glad you came, you know."
Jade nodded.
"And the girls were on board with everything?" Rosie asked.
"Oh, yeah. In fact, they kind of tricked us into talking."
Rosie snorted and slammed on the counter.
"Oh, my stars! They pulled a parent trap on you; I can't believe it!" she continued to chuckle.
The writer shrugged, thinking back that it was pretty funny and almost like a Disney movie.
"Is it okay if I sit here?"
Tori looked up from her burger and coleslaw and saw a vivacious lady with auburn hair and piercing hazel eyes. She must be a regular at the tanning salon because the inconsistent coating just around her eyes compared to the rest of her face was evident. Despite all of that, she was conventionally attractive.
"Uh...no, it's fine" she replied, putting on her friendly smile.
(Can't tell if she's a young aunt, or an older cousin. Her age is a question mark for me.)
The artificial tan made her difficult to carbon date, but then again there are some that go twenty, thirty years with very little significant change. She didn't have much to go on but one didn't need much to make small talk. This wouldn't be the first time she went to a party and met somebody for the very first time. The woman turned and smiled over by the grill where Harry waved back, his other hand holding a plate while his pops loaded it with freshly cooked bratwurst.
"Oh, where are my manners!" the mysterious lady shook her head. "I'm Gemma!"
Tori stared down at her outstretched hand and she kindly accepted it.
"Tori."
"Oh! Are you one of Harry's sisters, or...I'm sorry I just...I don't think we've met."
"Not exactly..." the (naturally) tan woman cleared her throat. "I'm with...Alice's mom."
Gemma looked like she had seen a ghost.
"Jade."
Tori nodded, "Mmm-hm."
She wiped the sweat from her brow and bit her lip.
"Funny...I didn't know Jade was coming..." her eyes really grew wide then. "And there she is!" she blurted out.
Unfazed, Tori turned back to acknowledge the pale one with a smirk.
"Hey, babe."
Jade placed a loving hand on Tori's shoulder while keeping an even keel with her tone of voice.
"Gemma...it's been a minute."
The woman was noticeably absent this past Christmas because she had other plans with her family and couldn't get out of it, which was fine with Jade. It helped making the effort to go back to where she thought she was still ostracized a little easier. They have crossed paths, but this is the first time it's been in this house. It was kind of surreal. Tori put her hand on the one Jade laid on her, tapping with her forefinger as if sending a message through morse code for Jade to remember to breathe.
The author breathed sharply through her mouth, aware of the situation. And she was perceptive enough to detect that Gemma was aware of the situation as well.
"So..." Gemma grinned nervously.
"So..." Jade parroted. "Harry know you arrived?"
She nodded and thumbed in his direction.
"Yes, he's busy at the grill right now."
Jade's eyes went that way and went immediately back to miss tanning booth over here.
"We were just introducing ourselves," Gemma explained. "Do you and Tori...uh...always travel together?"
Tori took a deep breath and decided to spill the beans.
"I'm Jade's girlfriend," she smirked with confidence. "But we actually go way back, don't we Jade?"
The former goth squeezed Tori's shoulder affectionately, appreciating the solidarity.
"That's right. All the way back to high school. We've...reconnected."
"And how!" added Tori with an arched brow.
Gemma blushed at how forward the new face was and that she and Jade were an item. Harry mentioned in passing that Jade was seeing someone but didn't go into detail. She assumed it was some guy out in L.A. or something. Jade never gave off any vibe that made her think otherwise, not that she saw her very much. Gemma only had their marriage to go on. Tori could see why they were a couple, her and Harry had similarly stoic reactions to them. Nothing homophobic, just...shocked. Might also have something to do with she was dating a divorcee and now here is the ex.
Then Gemma had one of those intrusive thoughts:
(Guess after Harry, no other man would do, huh? HAHAHA?)
She knew she would likely get eviscerated had she said that out loud. Then Jade's next horror book would be a true story.
"You know what, I'm starving! Better find Harry. He seems to have the meat," Gemma mentally facepalmed herself. "I meant...uh...okay BYE!"
The lady skedaddled and Jade pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.
"I think we scarred the poor thing!" quipped Tori.
Jade kissed the top of her brown hair.
"You were perfect."
Alice was in the seat of honor, blushing as everyone sang "Happy Birthday." When they were all done, she blew out the candles and Jade hugged her while Tori snapped a picture of the two. The mother knew she had enough to bring on this trip and wasn't trying to deal with presents, too. So, Jade had everything sent over to the house and Rosie kept them safe. She surprised Jade by having them already wrapped, telling her it was a pleasure to do so.
First off, was Jade's present which was the next eight volumes of Red Camellia/White Camellia.
Mia smirked and tapped the birthday girl.
"Weeaboo," she whispered.
Alice stuck her tongue out at her. The taller girl held back her gift.
"Maybe I shouldn't give you this then," Mia frowned but couldn't hold back a grin. "Okay, pipsqueak!"
"Love you, too!" she said while she unwrapped the paper.
The girl gasped when she saw it was a jacket with Akiko and Sora on it. Her face just lit up and was beside herself in disbelief.
"Where did you find this?" Alice asked excitedly.
"Made it," nodded Mia. "Or...we had mom's friend Cat make it."
It was a surprise that Mia and Tori sat on for weeks. She gave her mom the idea and she thought it sounded cool and got on the horn with Cat. The redhead did the design and texted it to Tori for approval. Then she had her connections from her clothing business put it together. Before they left that night, Cat discreetly gave the jacket to Tori and Mia thanked her. She tried to play it cool, but Tori saw how her eyes looked when she saw the finished present. She knew Mia couldn't wait to give it to her.
"I..." Alice's voice cracked. "I always wanted a shirt or something. They weren't making merchandise for this yet!"
Tori leaned in, "Just like you, it's one of a kind."
She looked up at Mia and Tori, standing right behind her.
"This is so cool, you guys!"
Alice wasted no time and put it on, despite how warm it was outside. She then threw her arms around Mia, who mussed up her dark hair.
"Whoa, cool jacket Alice!" shouted one of her older cousins. "Now you're a true weeb!"
"HEY!" she pointed back. "Only my best friend gets to call me that!"
Mia puts her arm protectively around her.
"You tell 'em."
Toward the end of the festivities, as people were saying their goodbyes and leaving, Harry ran up to Jade.
"Hey, wait up!"
"Yeah?" the former goth asked, whipping her head around.
"Listen...I'm sorry for being weird earlier. So is Gemma."
Jade shrugged, saying nothing.
"The truth is...I'm glad you came. Like...I know Alice was thriving back in California and she wants to see her friends, but also makes time for family. I appreciate you understanding."
(JESUS CHRIST, HARRY! When did you grow up?)
She rubbed her elbow.
"I supposed...we don't HAVE to wait for special occasions for...you know...maybe you can come and visit, too?"
He made a half smile.
"I think I'd like that. I can always find a hotel..."
Jade held up a hand.
"Or you can stay in the spare bedroom. I know Alice would like that very much."
She then thought about it.
"But if you bring Gemma along, you're calling a hotel!"
"Fair enough," he nodded.
He cleared his throat while she avoided all eye contact. Even though they were totally split, made peace with being two halves of an amazing kid, and otherwise cleared the air of their grievances; moments like these still happen. But Harry had to admit that it helped his guilt a little seeing Jade was doing well for herself. While they divorced, he never harbored any bad feelings toward her. Just because they fell out of love didn't mean he hated her. She will always be the mother of his child, and nobody can say different. But to see she actually moved on romantically legitimately warmed his heart.
"I just wanted to tell you that...I am happy for you two. Tori seems nice and she loves the hell out of Alice." he crossed his arms. "Looks like you found someone really special."
Through the corner of her eye, she caught Tori talking and holding hands with Rosie, big smiles all around.
"For once, Harry, we agree."
A/N: In case anyone is curious on the ages, Alice and Becky met last fall when they were 14 and 15 respectively. So, they will start actually going out when they're both 15 years old. And in the fall, Becky will turn 16. Just wanted to clarify that she wasn't in the same age bracket as Mia and the others. Because technically, in a years' time they will be approaching legal age and while Alice and Becky will both be minors in this story, I assure you their relationship is very appropriate for them. I know in these stories you can do anything, but that doesn't mean you should. And after what happened with Liz Gillies and her "husband" I like to make age ranges very clear when we're dealing with characters who are minors.
