In the dead silence of the middle of the night back in the Vegas, the only sound that fills the room is the gentle rustle of Lola sneaking through her bedroom window. She's careful not to make a sound, her cheeks flushed, her forehead sweaty, and her breathing slightly ragged from her late-night rendezvous with Beck. She stumbles a little, her breath hitching as she steadies herself, but then she stops abruptly at the sight before her.

There, curled up in her bed, shivering was Tori, clutching Lola's teddy bear and wearing nothing but her nightgown, not even covered up, as if she collapsed in exhaustion, completely exposed to the chill of the room. Her face is a swollen mess, eyes puffy from hours of tears she couldn't hold back. Lola freezes, the remnants of her earlier anger softening as she watches her sister, vulnerable and childlike, wrapped in that teddy bear like it's her last line of defence.

Lola approaches quietly, her steps careful and soft, her anger towards her sister returning momentarily, as she remembered all her harsh remarks. Her words raw and stinging, but looking at her now, all of that fades away into nothing. A mix of pity and protectiveness washed over her.

With a gentle touch, Lola pulled the folded blanket from the edge of the bed and draped it carefully over Tori's shivering form. She knelt down, her fingers hesitating just above Tori's face before brushing a few stray strands of hair away. Tori's skin was cool to the touch; she must've fallen asleep hours ago. She knelt down beside the bed, her fingers trembling as they brushed a stray lock of hair off Tori's forehead. She hesitated, taking in her sister's delicate features, so similar to her own yet marked with undeniable exhaustion, one far too heavy for someone their age.

Lola's voice was barely a whisper, almost as if speaking to herself. "God, Ria… why do you make it so damn hard to stay mad at you?" Her thumb traced lightly across Tori's cheek. There was something in the softness of Tori's sleeping face that reminded Lola of who her sister used to be—the bright-eyed girl who once lit up rooms, the one who loved unconditionally. Lola smiles, before pressing a kiss on Tori's forehead.

Lola slid onto the bed beside her sister, letting out a sigh as she felt the day's anger completely dissolve. As Lola settled in, Tori stirred, curling into her like they had so many times as kids when nightmares or storms left them clinging to each other. Lola feels Tori's arm slip around her, her grip tightening as she nuzzles into Lola's shoulder. Even in her sleep, Tori sought that familiar connection, the safety only her sister could provide.

A flicker of a smile crosses Lola's lips. She wraps her own arm around Tori, feeling her sister's warmth, grounding herself in it as she fights back a swell of emotions too complex to name. Quietly, she whispers, "I love you, Ria. More than anything."

The sound of footsteps walking through the hallway forced Lola to shut her eyes. Her door opened, and standing by the door was their father. He smiles, looking at them both, his two beautiful twin girls cuddling like when they were kids. David saw the window open and quickly and quietly closed it. His fatherly protective instincts kicked in, determined to protect his girls from the arms of a madman who took their mother from them.

The next morning, Tori woke slowly, coming to the hazy awareness that she wasn't in her room. She felt warmth against her back, someone's arm loosely draped around her waist, and for a moment she panicked, flashes of memories from last night's party seeping into her mind. But then the scent of vanilla and peppermint lotion filled her nose, familiar, calming.

Lola.

She relaxed, letting herself sink into her sister's hold. They hadn't slept like this in years. She'd fallen asleep waiting for Lola to come back, still expecting her to be furious. Yet here they were, tangled together like when they were kids, and it felt so safe. Just then, Lola stirred, her arm tightening briefly before she opened her eyes, blinking the sleep away.

"Good morning, Ria." she murmured with a little smile.

Tori winced, feeling a lump of shame settles in her stomach. "Lo… I—"

"I know." Lola's voice was gentle, her anger from last night completely dissolved. She propped herself up on one elbow, studying her twin's face. "It's alright, Ria. Just… talk to me."

Tori turned away, feeling the weight of all her mistakes. She hugged her knees, and a silence fell over them. Then, barely a whisper, she said, "I'm sorry, Lo. For everything."

Lola sat up, reaching out to gently pull Tori's chin toward her so their eyes met. "I know you are, Ria. But it's more than just apologizing. What's going on with you? You're not… this." She gestured vaguely as if trying to encapsulate everything Tori had become. "Not the drinking, the guys, the… the way you treated Jade for the last three years…"

Tori's face twisted, and she felt that ache in her chest tighten. She swallowed hard, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I don't know. I can't… stop. The parties, the drinking, the guys—it's like it's the only thing that makes me feel… anything. And then I see Jade, and she's—she's just… there. And it hurts. It just hurts, and I end up taking it out on her. Every single time."

Lola watched her, her gaze softening. She reached over and pulled Tori close, wrapping her arms around her tightly. Tori's walls crumbled, and she buried her face in her sister's shoulder, feeling that deep, gnawing shame claw at her insides.

"I'm sorry," she repeated, voice muffled against Lola's shirt. "I don't know why I keep doing it. I just feel like this… horrible person; and seeing her—it's like it reminds me of everything I've messed up… and—I—I hate it so much, Lo."

Lola ran her hand up and down Tori's back, soothingly. "You're not a horrible person, Ria. You're my dumbass sister, yeah, but you're not a monster." She pulled back, tilting Tori's face up to look her in the eyes. "You've just been hurting. And I get that… but Jade? She didn't deserve what you did to her these past few years. And you don't deserve to feel that way for her. You need to make this right, for her and for yourself."

Tori's eyes darted away, her face reddening in shame. "I don't even know if she'd forgive me at this point. I've put her through so much. Sometimes I think about it, and… it just feels easier to keep being this way, y'know? To just… keep going, make it like it doesn't bother me."

Lola's face softened, a mix of empathy and exasperation. "Ria… that's the coward's way out. You think I don't know you look up to me? You think I don't know that you're still that same girl under all of this crap? You just have to be brave enough to stop hiding behind this… this mask."

Tori bit her lip, her defences breaking down more with every word Lola spoke. "You really think I can stop?"

Lola held her sister's gaze, her expression unyielding. "Yeah, I do. You don't have to change overnight, Ria. I'm not saying to never party or let loose or whatever. I don't care about that. But this—" she touched Tori's hand, her voice dropping to a near whisper, "this cruelty, this way you keep pushing everyone away… especially Jade… You have to stop hurting her just because you're hurting."

Tori stared at her for a moment, seeing the love and belief in Lola's eyes. It felt like a lifeline, one she didn't think she deserved, but one she desperately wanted to grab onto. Finally, she let out a shaky breath and nodded, barely able to find the words.

"I'll try. I don't know if I can fix everything I've broken, but I'll… I'll try." She hugged Lola again, tightly, as if letting go would make this fragile moment disappear.

Lola hugged her back, her hand resting on the back of Tori's head, brushing through her hair in that comforting way only she could. "That's all I ask. You're my sister, Ria. Always have been, and always will be. And I'm here, no matter what." She pulled back, looking Tori straight in the eyes with a fierce, protective glint. "But if you hurt Jade like that again… I'll kick your ass, got it?"

A weak, grateful laugh slipped out of Tori, and she nodded, wiping her eyes. "Got it, stop being a dumbass."

"And stop being a fucking slut. I don't need guys' eyes stripping me down as well. Last time that happened I almost got suspended after I was done with him." Making Tori chuckle as the two share a small laugh.

They sat there, holding each other, no words were spoken. It felt like an eternity. There was an unspoken peace that surrounded the twins.

Lola broke the silence first, stroking Tori's hair as if she were still the wide-eyed little sister who used to cling to her side. "You're not getting off that easy, Ria. I may have forgiven you, but you're still a hot mess."

"Speaking of hot messes—" Tori said, a mischievous grin slowly taking over her face, "—don't think I forgot about our little challenge."

Lola rolled her eyes. "You're seriously gonna make me walk around school in your glittery disaster clothes?"

"Yep," Tori chirped, her mood lifting as she imagined her fierce, punk-rock twin forced into crop tops and heels. "I'll lend you my best outfit. Hot pink crop top, leather skirt, six-inch heels—"

"Hell no," Lola interrupted, grimacing. "I'm not hobbling around like a flamingo just so you can laugh at me."

"Oh, come on, Lo," Tori teased, leaning in closer, her eyes gleaming. "You're always saying I should try new things, maybe get some edge. So, it's only fair I see how you survive walking a mile in my heels."

Lola raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You couldn't handle my style for five minutes, let alone a whole day. That dark lipstick? Those boots?" She shook her head, chuckling. "You'd look like a toddler playing dress-up."

Tori gasped, feigning offence, but the twinkle in her eyes gave her away. "Oh, I am so doing this. Today at school, punk Tori, and whatever you are in my clothes. Deal?"

Lola sighed, mock exasperated. "Fine, deal. But if you fall on your ass, I'm not helping you up."

They both laughed, and Tori gave Lola a light shove. "Dumbass," she murmured, her voice soft, familiar.

Lola didn't miss a beat. "That's my line, you idiot." Then she pulled Tori in closer, a protective warmth in her voice. "Look… no matter what you've done, I'll always have your back. Even if it means calling you out on your shit."

Tori's smile faded a little, but recovers quickly, nodding. "I love you Lo, and thank you for never giving up on me."

Lola squeezed her hand. "You're my sister, Ria. We may fight, but you'll always be my best friend."

An hour later, downstairs in the kitchen where Trina is cooking pancakes, and David is having his morning coffee, the quiet morning was broken by a loud scream from Lola, "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

David and Trina both stare at each other before looking up the stairs, "What do you think Lola is on about again?" David asked.

"Could be anything dad." Trina said chuckling as she continued to make breakfast.

Back upstairs, in Tori's bedroom, the twins stand side by side by Tori's vanity table.

Tori, already in her element, has spent the past twenty minutes meticulously applying darker eye makeup to herself and now sets her focus on Lola, whose jaw is locked in barely concealed irritation.

"Relax, Lo," Tori says, grinning as she dusts a bit of highlighter onto Lola's cheeks, making her usually dark, intense features look softer and glossier than ever.

"I hate this, Ria," Lola huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. Her voice is steely, and her blue eyes, sharper than Tori's softer brown ones, bore into Tori's reflection in the mirror. "I look like… like a damn reality show wannabe."

"You'll what?" Tori taunts, crossing her arms with a smug grin. "Beat me up? In that outfit? I'd pay to see that. You'd probably trip over my high heels before you could even swing."

Lola glares harder, her fists clenched, and her voice drops into a low, deadly tone. "Dumbass, I have not forgotten how to throw a punch. Heels or not."

Tori just laughs, brushing off the threat, though a tiny flicker of unease shows as she knows better than to push Lola too far.

Lola shifts uncomfortably in her chair, tugging at the low neckline of the trendy blouse Tori forced on her, which hugs her figure in a way that she clearly detests. "God, how do you walk around in stuff like this?" she mutters, glancing down as if the fabric might attack her. "Feels like I'm wearing a suffocating plastic wrap."

Tori raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Don't be so dramatic. It's called 'fashion,' Lo. You should try it more often instead of, you know, dressing like you're about to stage-dive at a death metal concert."

Lola rolls her eyes. "Please. At least I look like I have a personality. You just look like you're constantly auditioning for fucking fake ass TV show."

"Oh, ouch," Tori mocks, clasping a hand over her chest. "That one really hurt, Lo." She grins again, showing her teeth. "Face it—you can't handle looking this good."

Lola lets out a heavy sigh, pulling herself from the chair and examining herself in the mirror with a critical eye. "I look ridiculous," she mutters, tugging at her sleeves and grimacing at the bright colors. "I don't get how you feel… like yourself in this."

Tori shrugs, her tone turning a tad softer. "Because I do. It's like a costume, y'know? Helps me play the part I'm supposed to play. High school's like… a stage, Lo. You think I actually care what half of these people think?" She smirks, tapping her temple. "It's all strategy."

Lola glances at Tori through the mirror, eyebrows raised. "You think too hard about this crap. That's exactly what makes you a narcissistic diva."

Tori flips her hair over her shoulder, grinning wider. "And you love me for it, don't lie."

Lola rolls her eyes, but the faintest hint of a smile tugs at the corner of her lips. "Doesn't mean you're not a dumbass," she mutters, but there's a softness in her voice that wasn't there before.

Tori pulls back, studying her work with a satisfied look. "Okay, I'm done with you." She walks out, "I'm gonna go pick something to wear that's, 90% black. I've got to get into your combat boots and that tattered band tee of yours."

Lola gives a short, barking laugh. "Good luck with that. I'd love to see you trip over yourself in those boots."

Tori rolls her eyes and shrugs. "Watch me pull it off better than you ever could," she says with a wink, clearly relishing the challenge.

As Tori heads out, Lola watches her go, her face an odd mixture of irritation and reluctant affection. She mutters to herself, crossing her arms and sighing heavily. "Dumbass," she says again, her voice soft but affectionate.

As the door clicks shut, she mutters one more thing under her breath, smiling just slightly: "But I wouldn't trade you for the world."

Back downstairs, "Pancakes are ready!" Trina called to the twins.

David looked over at her, a small, appreciative smile tugging at his lips. "You really hold this place together, Trina," he said, his voice gruff but warm. It was as close to a compliment as he could muster these days, but Trina knew what he meant.

She sat across from him, her eyes sharp as she began piling pancakes onto plates. "They've been a handful lately," she admitted, careful with her words. "Especially Tori." She hesitated, glancing at him. "Dad, I'm worried about her."

David ran a hand over his face, visibly drained. "How have they been lately? I know I haven't been around enough to notice, but... I see the looks people give me when I go out. I hear the rumors. Especially something she did last spring break. I don't even know what that's about nor do I want to know."

Trina sighed, pushing her hair back. "Well, Tori's… Tori. You know how she's been. She's got this reputation now—parties, boys, drinking. It's like she's daring herself to spiral further and further. Lola tries to keep her in check, but..."

David's jaw clenched his grip on the coffee mug tightening. "I know. And the anniversary coming up... It's like clockwork. Every year she goes off the rails around this time. Last year... God, Trina, I don't even know how to handle it anymore." His voice lowered, almost pleading. "You need to keep an eye on her this week. Keep her safe. I don't want to see her—falling apart again."

Trina nodded, her face a mask of concern. "I'll try, Dad. But you need to talk to Lola about this too, you know she won't listen to anyone but her. Sometimes it's like she's just out to hurt herself."

He closed his eyes as if absorbing the weight of it. "She doesn't know how much she reminds me of your mother when gets all warm which is rare nowadays." He shook his head, a bitter edge in his voice. "I'm sick of hearing about her reputation, though. Every damn week, someone at the station's got some story about her latest...conquest. I swear, the next boy I see come through here that isn't Ryder, I'm hauling ass down to the station."

"Even if it's André, Robbie, and Beck?" Trina asked.

"Is she sleeping with them too?!" David's eyes grow wide/

"No!" Trina laughed, "I was just messing with you."

"Okay, good." David said with a little chuckle, "Cause if I ever find Beck is cheating on Lola with her, we're gonna have another long ass talk."

"Another?"

"Ne—never mind." David stammered. "But I'm serious, if I see another guy Tori brings home other than Ryder, his is mine."

Trina stifled a laugh, knowing her father meant it. "Dad, you can't just arrest every guy Tori brings home."

"I might," he muttered, his face hardening. "There's enough for a full jailhouse at this point."

Before Trina could respond, "Fuck this!" A loud, exasperated cry upstairs from Lola, once again shattered the tension.

David and Trina exchanged a startled look, and then, without missing a beat, the sound of Tori's laughter—raucous, genuine, the kind of laugh they hadn't heard from her in far too long—echoed down the stairs. It was a sound that seemed to cut through the heaviness in the room, leaving an odd sense of calm in its wake.

Trina leaned back, smirking. "Well, that's the first time I've heard her laugh like that in a while."

David's face softened as he looked toward the staircase, his expression almost wistful. "It's been too long." He resumes with his coffee and pancake when suddenly, the quiet was broken by the clunk of combat boots descending the stairs. David and Trina looked up, both of them momentarily taken aback by the figure striding into the kitchen. In the dim morning light, with heavy black eyeliner, dark lipstick, and combat boots, she looked like Lola, complete with an edgy attitude, her eyes gleaming with an uncharacteristic cheeriness.

"Morning, Lola," David said, a little perplexed but smiling slightly, trying to shake off the oddness. Trina, squinted suspiciously, noticing something off. As the girl neared, her long, brown hair, poker-straight, gave her away.

"Morning daddy!" Tori said, giving her father a good morning kiss on the cheek, and a hug from behind.

David blinked, surprised. The instant realization was almost amusing. "Tori?"

Trina rolled her eyes, chuckling as she gave Tori a once-over. "Wow, Tori. This is… very Lola." She gave a teasing grin. "You finally decided to trade the stilettos for something with a little more edge, huh?"

Before Tori could respond, another set of heels clicked down the stairs, accompanied by an exasperated groan. Lola appeared, decked out in one of Tori's signature trendy outfits and strappy high heels that she clearly hated every step in. Her usual edgy makeup was replaced by a vibrant, almost neon-pink lipstick and subtly curled tips on her jet-black hair. "Is everyone enjoying the comedy show?" Lola deadpanned, looking around with mock annoyance. Her glare shifted to Tori, who was stifling laughter. "These shoes are shit!"

"Who knew my big, bad sister would be brought down by a pair of shoes," Tori snickered, crossing her arms, her posture relaxed and her eyes glinting with amusement. "They're just heels, Lo, you're acting like they're… I don't know, like, knives or something."

"Don't tempt me," Lola shot back, gritting her teeth,

"You didn't tell me these things were built like medieval torture devices. What do you do all day, tiptoe?"

"Honestly? Yeah, kinda," Tori admitted, shrugging. "You get used to it." She lifted one of her own feet, clad in Lola's favourite black combat boots. "Gotta say though, these babies? Comfy as hell. Makes me wonder why I didn't try them sooner. I gotta get me some after graduation."

Lola gave her a flat look. "Because you like attention, dumbass. Can't exactly get everyone's eyes on you in boots like those."

"True," Tori said with a smirk, tugging at the worn leather of Lola's jacket she was wearing. "But honestly? I don't hate it. Feels like I'm walking around in armour. Like I could kick the crap out of anyone."

Lola grinned, a bit of pride slipping through her usual stern expression. "Exactly. That's the point. And here you thought it was just about looking moody."

"Oh, please," Tori said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "You look moody in your sleep."

They both laughed, Tori's laughter light and musical, while Lola's was deeper, more of a low chuckle.

David raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, and glanced at Trina. "Is this… a new bonding exercise?" he asked, struggling to keep a straight face.

Trina chuckled, setting plates on the table. "Apparently, they decided to swap styles for a day. Who knew that would turn Tori back into her old self?"

Tori shrugged, taking a seat with exaggerated poise. "What can I say? A little change of wardrobe, and I'm free, like the old days." She glanced at Lola, smirking. "Lo, admit it. You're having the time of your life, aren't you?"

"Watching you all get smiley like that, then maybe breaking my ankles once in a while is worth it." Lola smiles. "But you're gonna have to pay for my meds if I do, you got all that YouTube money with you."

Tori laughed, an uncharacteristically genuine, carefree sound that seemed to surprise David and Trina. She hadn't laughed like that in a long time, especially with Friday's date looming closer. "Besides, it's the last week of high school, might as well go out with a bang, right?"

"Or a gangbang if it's you." Lola murmured just enough for them to catch.

"A what?" David raised his eyebrows.

"Nothing! Nothing daddy. Right, Lo?"

"Whatever, dumbass."

Trina leaned back, watching her sisters with an amused grin. "I think you both look great, actually. Lola, you're pulling off 'high fashion' way better than you think."

Lola gave her a flat look. "Trina, I feel like a damn Barbie doll. Look at these curls! This is so—"

"—uncomfortable, totally unnecessary, and makes you feel ridiculous?" Tori cut in, smirking.

Lola shot her a glare. "Exactly."

David took a sip of his coffee, hiding a smile behind the rim of his mug. "Well, I think you both look… pretty," he said. "At least you're not tearing each other apart."

"Yet," Lola muttered, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

Trina laughed, watching Tori playfully pose as if she were on a runway. "So, what's the verdict, Tori? Will you trade the heels for combat boots full-time?"

Tori grinned, dramatically looking down at her borrowed boots. "They've got their charm, I guess. But let's not get crazy—I'm still the queen of stilettos. But Lo here? Maybe she'll see the light and embrace her inner fashionista."

Lola scoffed. "Over my dead body."

They laughed, and for a brief moment, the shadow of the past few years lifted.

Over at Beck's, Ryder pulled up beside Beck's trailer. Beck stepped out, still grinning like a man who'd just gotten away with something. Ryder squinted at him over his sunglasses, catching the way Beck seemed to carry extra energy, a kind of effortless confidence that Ryder hadn't seen in him in a while.

As Beck climbed into the passenger seat, he was humming under his breath, and Ryder shook his head with a knowing smirk.

"Alright, man," Ryder said, pulling out of the lot, the engine purring as they hit the road. "You look like a cat that just ate the canary. Spill it."

Beck grinned, rubbing the back of his neck, his fingers grazing a faint bruise Lola had left just below his collarbone. "Just had a good night, that's all. She came over. It was... I dunno, like everything clicked again."

Ryder let out a low chuckle. "So you and Lola are back on, huh? Couldn't resist the old pull?"

Beck shrugged, but his eyes were bright. "Guess not. We talked in the courtyard, and... I don't know, man, it was different this time. She came over, unannounced, just like she does, and... well, yeah. Things got heated."

Ryder laughed louder. "Didn't take much convincing, I bet."

Beck joined him, laughing, too, leaning back in his seat. "Hey, what can I say? It's Lola. We fit, you know? Messed up as it is, it just works."

Ryder gave him a mock salute. "Here's to round...what is this, round eight? Nine?"

"More like a hundred," Beck said, snickering. Then, raising his eyebrows, he added, "You know, I had fun with her. Like, really fun."

"Oh, I bet," Ryder teased, nudging Beck's shoulder. "I mean, I've seen her naked, too, remember?"

Beck burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, she told me. Honestly, I should be weirded out, but hey, I can't say anything. I've seen Tori naked, too, so I guess it all evens out."

Ryder smirked, nodding as he tapped a rhythm on the steering wheel. "The perks of dating twins, huh? Identical in every single way."

Beck chuckled, but then his expression softened, a hint of something serious crossing his features. "Yeah, well... it's more than that with Lola, you know? I get that we keep screwing this up, but... she gets me, even when I don't get myself."

Ryder shot him a look. "So, ready for her speech?"

"More than ever now man!" Beck grinned.

Ryder was silent for a moment, nodding. "Look, I'm happy for you, guys. For real. Just… make sure you take care of her, okay? Believe me, I know Lola can be a total pain in the ass at times, but she's special." Ryder smiled, "So if you hurt her man, I'll whoop your ass."

The two share a laugh, "Yeah. I promise. I'll always be there for her."

They rode in silence for a moment, the weight of graduation and the future pressing down on them both. Finally, Ryder broke the silence.

"Oh yeah, that reminds me—" he said slowly, "think Tori and Lola made up yet?"

Beck glanced over, a trace of worry on his face. "I don't know. They were at each other's throats yesterday."

Lola's not one to let things slide, either," Beck replied. "But I hope they figure it out. They're sisters, you know? And it's not like we're gonna see each other every day after this week."

Ryder nodded thoughtfully. "Guess we'll find out soon enough. Either way, it'll be... interesting to see what's next for everyone."

Minutes later, they pulled over by the Vega home, honking the horn. Just then, the front door swings open, and the two sisters step out, upon glancing, Ryder and Beck can't peel their eyes off their girls. Tori struts down the walkway in Lola's signature punk look, Lola is tugging in the end of her mini skirt, her lean legs on display in high heels that make her sway with each reluctant step.

Beck's mouth goes dry. His eyes linger on her legs before they make it back up to her face. She catches him staring and raises an eyebrow, muttering, "Eyes up here, boo."

Ryder lets out a low whistle as Tori swaggers up to the car. "Damn, babe," he grins, leaning out the window. "Who knew you had a bad girl in you?"

Tori smirks, leaning into to kiss him, her lips brushing his in a way that's both possessive and playful. "You haven't even scratched the surface," she purrs, giving him a little nip on the lip.

Tori laughs, throwing an arm around her twin. "Oh, come on, Lo, you look hot. I mean, just look at Beck—he's practically drooling."

Lola rolls her eyes, but a smile sneaks onto her lips. She glances at Beck, who's still staring at her like he's seeing her for the first time. She leans down to his window, flicking his nose lightly with a manicured finger. "Hey, boo," she says, softening a little. "Eyes forward, or I'll make sure you regret it."

Beck grins, catching her hand and pressing a kiss to her fingers. "You should look like this more often. Just saying."

Lola rolls her eyes, but there's a blush on her cheeks. "You wish. These heels? Literal torture devices." She winces as she takes another step, muttering, "God, how do you do this every day, Ria?"

"It's an art," Tori says smugly, lifting her chin.

As they make their way to the car, David appears at the doorway, watching his daughters with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Guys try not to get in trouble. Again. " He calls out, though there's a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Tori throws him a cheeky salute. "No promises, Daddy!" She winks before slipping into Ryder's car, tossing her bag into the backseat.

Lola gives her father a more reserved nod. "Have a good day, Father," she says, her tone more formal but warm.

Trina appears behind David, leaning against the doorway, arms crossed. "Alright, don't do anything I wouldn't do," she says with a laugh. "Which, for the record, includes falling off those heels, Lola."

Lola shoots her a glare, but there's a softness in her eyes as she shouts back, "Love you too, Tri!"

With a final wave, the girls slide into Ryder's car, Lola slides beside Beck, his hand finds hers almost instinctively, his fingers brushing over hers as they settle into the drive.

Ryder glances at Tori, clearly pleased with her new look, as he puts the car in gear. "Alright, gang," he says, his voice loud and confident, "let's go give Hollywood Arts a show."

As they leave, David receives another call, "Vega speaking." He answered.

"Lt. We have another teenager." The other end of the phone said.

David's stomach dropped, he knew what it meant. Another victim.