Yeah... why not Make Yerba something big. I know I called Tori an Arab princess... there will be clarification throughout and how the president knows the dictator as we go along of course I haven't gotten too far with this, so... anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 1
Tori descended the plane's steps into the oppressive heat of Yerba. As soon as her feet touched the ground, a swarm of generals and advisors, all remnants of her father's regime, surrounded her.
"Miss Vega, we need your immediate decision on—"
"The security forces need—"
"The budget for the—"
"Enough!" Tori's voice cut through the chaos. She held up her hand, silencing the crowd. "I need a moment to assess the situation. All of you, find General Trina Vega. I want her brought to me immediately."
The generals exchanged uneasy glances. "Miss Vega, your sister has been... difficult to locate," one of them said cautiously.
"Find her," Tori repeated, her voice cold. "And make sure I can question her when you do."
" Do you think she is capable of of--"
"she was capable of betraying him once..." she said with a glower. "Just do as I say."
The crowd dispersed reluctantly, murmuring among themselves. Tori knew they would assume she intended to arrest Trina, which was exactly what she wanted them to think. She needed to speak with Trina in person to ensure her safety and gain a clear understanding of the state of Yerba.
As the last of the generals moved away, Tori spotted a familiar face in the shadows. "Nice!"
She walked briskly toward the figure, recognizing her sister despite the discreet disguise.
"Trina," Tori whispered, pulling her into a tight hug. "Thank God you're okay."
Trina hugged her back, her voice tense. "I'm fine, but we don't have much time. What's your plan?"
Tori stepped back, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "I need to know what's really happening here, beyond what they'll tell me within the Chancellor's walls. I need your advice on how to proceed."
Trina nodded. "The people are restless, Tori. They're ready for change, but the loyalists to Father are powerful and won't give up easily. We need to tread carefully."
"How bad is it?" Tori asked, worry creasing her brow.
"Bad," Trina admitted. "But not hopeless. With you in charge, we can start implementing reforms. We need to gain the trust of the people and dismantle the old guard piece by piece."
Tori took a deep breath. "Okay. I'm going to need your help, Trina. We have to do this together."
"You've got it," Trina said, her eyes filled with determination. "Let's show them what the Vega sisters can do."
Tori felt a surge of hope and strength. With Trina by her side she felt ready to face the daunting task ahead. She nodded resolutely, "Let's get to work."
Tori closed the door to her private quarters, finally alone. She immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Andre's number. Her heart pounded as she waited for him to answer.
"Hey, Tori," Andre's familiar voice came through the line, offering a brief moment of comfort. "Sirrah's back at Stanford, safe and sound."
"Thank you, Andre," Tori breathed a sigh of relief. "I needed to hear that. Things here are... complicated."
"I can imagine," Andre replied. "What's the situation like in Yerba?"
"It's a mess," Tori said, rubbing her temples. "The loyalists to my father are strong, and the people are restless. I need to be careful and strategic. But the most important thing is that Sirrah stays safe. I need her name to stay out of this. She needs a security detail, just in case. Do you know any bodyguards?"
Andre paused for a moment. "I know someone who could help, someone who would do anything for you. But Tori, you need to call Jade."
"No," Tori snapped. "Andre, you know why that's not an option."
"Tori, this is our daughter we're talking about," Andre argued. "I'm not going to play with her life. Jade has resources and connections that could ensure Sirrah's safety."
Tori's voice softened but remained firm. "Andre, please. I can't involve Jade in this. Not yet."
Andre sighed deeply. "I understand, but promise me you'll keep every option open. Sirrah's safety is the most important thing."
"I promise," Tori said quietly. "Thank you, Andre. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"We're in this together, Tori," Andre said reassuringly. "Just be careful. And if you change your mind about Jade, you know where to find her."
"I will," Tori replied, her resolve wavering slightly. "Take care, Andre."
"You too, Tori," Andre said before the line went dead.
Tori stared at her phone for a moment, contemplating Andre's words. She knew he was right about Sirrah's safety being paramount, but involving Jade felt like opening a door she wasn't ready to face.
Tori remembered high school with a bittersweet nostalgia. She was a popular girl at Hollywood Arts, always surrounded by friends and admirers. But amidst all the attention, one person stood out: Jade West. Jade was anything but ordinary—her dark clothes, sharp wit, and fierce attitude set her apart. Yet, there was something about her that fascinated Tori.
Jade had a way of being both aloof and intensely focused on Tori. At times, it seemed like Jade couldn't behave normally around her, which confused Tori. Jade's snarky comments and standoffish demeanor were often softened by moments of unexpected kindness, creating a puzzle Tori couldn't quite solve.
One afternoon, they were hanging out in the living room at Tori's house, bantering as usual. Jade had left her phone on the coffee table, and in a playful mood, Tori grabbed it and held it out of Jade's reach.
"Hey, give it back!" Jade snapped, her eyes narrowing.
"Make me!" Tori teased, laughing as she danced away from Jade's grasp.
They tussled, laughing and struggling, until Tori lost her balance and they both tumbled onto the couch. Jade ended up on top of her, their faces inches apart. Tori's laughter faded as she accidentally glanced at Jade's phone, which had fallen open. Her eyes skimmed over a passage in Jade's notes:
"She drives me crazy, sometimes I just want to kiss her..."
Tori's heart skipped a beat as she realized the note was about her. She looked up into Jade's eyes, wide with surprise and something else—something intense and vulnerable.
Before Tori could process what was happening, Jade closed the distance and kissed her. It was soft, tentative, and filled with a longing that made Tori's heart race. For a moment, she was too shocked to react, but then she pushed Jade away, her mind spinning.
"What... what do you think you are doing?" Tori stammered, her voice shaking. "I'm not into girls!"
Jade's face fell, hurt and confusion clouding her eyes. "Tori, I..."
But Tori couldn't stay. She scrambled to her feet, her emotions in turmoil. She had liked the kiss—more than she wanted to admit—but it scared her. She wasn't ready to confront what it might mean. Without another word, she fled up to her room, leaving Jade alone in the living room, hurt and bewildered.
As she lay on her bed, Tori tried to calm her racing heart. The memory of Jade's kiss lingered, stirring feelings she didn't want to face. She liked Jade, she realized, more than she had ever thought possible. But the fear of what that meant kept her locked in her room, unable to face Jade again.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself she had a decision and soon. Did she want to face the woman whose heart she'd held in her hands to do it?whatever the case, There was no turning back now.
