The buzz in the film club room was electric. The space was filled with chatter and laughter as seniors milled around, animatedly discussing weekend plans, college acceptances, and, most importantly, their impending graduation. At the head of the room, Lola, the well-loved and fiercely respected President of the club, leaned against the teacher's desk with an air of effortless authority, glancing over the club members with a sly smile. Ryder, the vice president of the club, hovered close by.
Lola cleared her throat, and the room quieted down.
"Alright, listen up guys," she said, her signature smirk firmly in place. A few of the juniors giggled, Robbie pushed up his glasses with a grin. Everyone loved Lola's no-nonsense, brutally honest approach; she never sugar-coated things and, frankly, she didn't have to. "The slasher film we've been working on... is officially done!"
A wave of excitement washed over the room, with voices overlapping in excitement, and Lola found herself in the same boat as them. She remembers the first day of the second semester when she presented the idea. It was Monday, a dozen club members had already claimed their seats, and Ryder adjusted his camera at the center, capturing everyone as they settled in. Lola stood at the front, arms crossed, her fiery gaze scanning the group with an authoritative calm that made everyone sit up a little straighter. Today, as the semester kicked off, she had the room in her hand.
"Listen up, dumbasses!" Lola began, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Here's the deal: This semester, we're making a slasher film for the Senior Showcase by the end of the year."
Jade, seated cross-legged on the floor beside Robbie, snorted. "You mean, like, the tired horror crap we're force-fed every Halloween?" Her tone was mocking, but her eyes sparkled with interest.
"Not exactly," Ryder jumped in, tossing Jade a grin. "Think... more self-aware. Meta. We're making a movie where we play exaggerated versions of ourselves."
The club murmured with excitement and exchanged glances. Meredith, seated toward the back, raised her hand hesitantly, her voice gentle but determined. "Uh, but what if we did, like, a musical instead? Everyone here can sing and dance, so-"
Lola cut her off, her expression deadpan. "If you want to do a musical, Meredith, you can join my sister's club. But in here?" She tapped her temple and smirked. "We're spilling blood, not breaking into song."
Meredith's face fell slightly, and Jade shot Lola an amused look. "Cold, Lo. Even for you."
Lola shrugged, unapologetic. "Tough world, sweetheart. Anyway, as I was saying, we're making a horror film. A slasher where the final girl isn't what she seems." She paused for effect, letting her words sink in. "Turns out, she's the killer."
An excited murmur rippled through the club. Robbie, perched on the edge of his seat, looked at her, wide-eyed. "Wait, so you're saying... the survivor is the psycho? That's kind of brilliant."
Lola gave him a lazy smile. "Thank you, Robbie. I try."
Chase, one of the juniors, leaned forward. "But, uh, who's playing the final girl?"
Lola placed a hand over her heart in an exaggerated gesture, her voice lilting with mock innocence. "Who else would be up for the job but me?" She cast Ryder a wicked grin, her eyes glinting. "Though I'll need some help selling it. Ryder's my go-to."
Ryder nodded in agreement, a slow smirk on his face. "Can't have a killer without her accomplice, right?"
A few club members exchanged looks, picking up on the charged energy between Lola and Ryder. Their chemistry was magnetic, sometimes even more magnetic than Ryder and Tori's, or Lola and Beck's.
"So let me get this straight," Jadechimed in, arching an eyebrow. "You're the killer, and you're also playing yourself. Are you going to play Tori as well? You really think you can pull off both?" Jade asked.
Lola smirked, slipping into an exaggerated impression of Tori's diva persona, raising her voice and flipping her hairwith a dramatic flourish. "Well hello, boys! My name is Victoria Vega! Buy me some liquor and you'll have me down on my knees!" She batted her eyelashes and struck a mock-sexy pose on her knees. The room burst into laughter, "Sorry, Ry." Lola winked. Ryder, can't help but laugh, shaking his head.
"Honestly? That's terrifyingly accurate," Jade deadpanned, rolling her eyes. "Your sister's a nightmare, but you're killing it."
"Thanks, babe," Lola quipped, throwing Jade a playful wink. "This film's about bringing out the worst in all of us. Imagine-each of us as exaggerated, stereotypical versions of ourselves." She leaned forward, her gaze sweeping the room. "It'll be us, but... darker. Rawer. What you don't want people to see."
Eric raised his hand, his brow furrowed. "Wait, so... what's the killer's motive? Why does she go off the rails?"
Lola exchanged a glance with Ryder, a slow grinspreadingon her face. She leaned against the desk and crossed her arms, her voice turning mock-solemn. "She spirals after her mom's death. Only... plot twist?" Her grin widened, revealing a hint of excitement. "She was the one who killed her mom in the first place."
A silence fell over the room, each student processing her words.A couple of them shifted uncomfortably. Lola's mother's death was well-known, and the tragedy had given Lola an unspoken authority over everyone-a blend of sympathy, respect, and fear. But her plot now hung heavy, the line between fiction and reality blurring.
Jade tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at Lola. "You sure you're okay with that storyline?"
"Yeah, Lo," Neha, another junior added gently. "I mean... everyone knows what happened to your mom. Are you sure this is... I don't know, okay?"
Lola waved her hand dismissively, rolling her eyes. "Oh, come on, don't go soft on me. This is art, people. Horror is about discomfort. Besides," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "maybe I just want to scare the hell out of you. Or do you all think I'm incapable of pulling this off?"
The discomfort melted into a buzz of excitement and admiration. Avery laughed, throwing a playful jab at Ryder. "Well, with you and Ryder as the Boogeyman and Boogeywoman, I'm sure we're all doomed."
Lola grinned. "Boogeywoman, huh? About time Hollywood saw a female serial killer. Equal opportunity, right?" Her eyes sparkled as she continued, "And just imagine-the film ends with me brutally framing Ryder, making myself the last one standing." She flashed a look at Ryder, who smirked in response, nodding along. "I mutilate myself just enough to sell the survivor story, and Jade walks in right as I'm 'dying' to seal the whole thing."
"Fuck," Jade muttered, shaking her head in amusement. "God, you're twisted."
Lola shrugged. "You've gotta be if you wanna make it memorable. And who doesn't love a plot twist? Especially when it's one they never saw coming."
As they continued tossing around ideas, the energy in the room grew feverish, theline between fiction and realityblurringas Lola orchestrated the tale.
Lola's trip down memory lane was interrupted by Meredith, "Are we gonna watch it?" asked Meredith, her tone bright and eager. Lola gave her a hard stare, her eyes flashing just a bit colder than usual, but her smirk softened, her lips twisting in a mock innocent expression.
"Obviously, Meredith. That's why I said it's done."
Robbie piped up, raising his hand half-heartedly. "I mean, it's kind of surreal, right? We've spent months filming this whole twisted 'Hollywood Arts Massacre' idea. Playing, like, ourselves, but..." He hesitated, glancing nervously at Lola. "Exaggerated versions."
Jade snorted from her seat, crossing her arms and smirking at Robbie. "What are you, scared of how much of a dork you're gonna look like on the big screen?"
Lola chuckled, crossing her arms and exchanging a wink with Ryder. "Oh, trust me, Rob. The version of you we created is so over-the-top Cat'll probably barely recognize you. I made sure of it." A cheer erupted from the club, as Lola smiled with pride, "Alright, I've got the film cued up. It's not perfect-there are still some final edits I might touch up before the Senior Showcase, but I wanted you all to be the first to see it. Just...remember, everything you see here stays here. Capisce?"
Lane, the club's supervising teacher, looked up from his paperwork and nodded, "You guys are on the honour system. Whatever's on this screen doesn't leave this room." He grinned, a little nervously. "You lot are seniors. I think I can trust you for one more week before you're off to terrorize college campuses."
Everyone laughed, and Lola gestured to Ryder to dim the lights. As the room darkened, she clicked the projector remote, casting their movie onto the wall.
While the film club is watching their own movie, over at the music room, which is adorned with band posters, old vinyl records, and instruments scattered across the room, creating an organized chaos that suits the room's usual energy. Tori, Cat, and André, along with the whole club enjoy their final moments together before the school year sat casually on the piano bench with her long legs crossed.
André walked over to her, "Hey T." André greeted, sliding onto the bench beside her. His fingers absentmindedly played a few chords on the piano. "Did you see the lineup for the Senior Showcase?"
Tori glanced at him, "Please, I'm not worried about it. You know they're gonna put me last like they always do." She sighed, rolling her eyes before she gave a smile. "Save the best for last, right?"
André chuckled, shaking his head. "But seriously though, what are you planning to perform? Another one of those heart-wrenching ballads, or are you going full Super T mode?"
"Super T?" Tori laughed, "I'm thinking of going big. Like,reallybig. Something that'll make them remember me for years. I'm not leaving this school without reminding everyone who the fuck I am. We're class the best this school's ever seen. We have to go out with a bang."
André laughed, nodding. "Are you fireworks, pyrotechnics, the whole deal? And you, you gotta hit those high notes like it's the last time you'll ever sing."
Tori laughed, "You know Sikowitz will have a heart attack if we try to pull off fireworks inside the auditorium, right?"
Cat chimed in, from her seat across the piano. Her hands were together and her excitement bubbled over. "Oh! We shoulddefinitelyhave a rainbow-coloured smoke machine! And confetti! Lots and lots of confetti!"
André chuckled, shaking his head. "Leave it to you, Cat, to want to turn the whole stage into a unicorn explosion."
Tori rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't help but smile. "You know, that actually doesn't sound half bad. We could do something really over-the-top. Make sure nobody forgets us."
Cat grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "See? I knew you'd like it!"
The three of them continued to brainstorm, their ideas growing wilder by the minute. Just as they were discussing the possibility of incorporating a light show into their performance, Cat's phone buzzed in her hand. She pulled it out and glanced at the screen, her smile fading almost instantly.
What's wrong, Cat?" André asked.
Cat looked up, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "Guys... Karaoke Dokie is closing down."
The words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Tori's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of disbelief. "What? That's not possible. We've just been there last weekend. The place was a buzz because of me, what happened?"
André frowned, shaking his head. "Why would they close? That place is like... a second home to a lot of us. Even those at Northridge."
"Something's off, Cat. Places like that don't just close down out of nowhere, especially not when they're making bank every night."
André sighed, his fingers pressingdownharder on the keys, producing a dissonant chord. "Maybe it's just the owner deciding to retire or something? Maybe they wanted a fresh start."
"No." Tori shook her head, "No, way. That place is a goldmine. There's no way they're just walking away from that. The timing is too... off. Summer's coming, graduation is next week. It doesn't add up."
André shook his head, a frown creasing his forehead. "You're right. It doesn't make any sense. We've had some of our best times there."
Tori sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah, I don't get it. They say it's temporary, but it's weird timing, don't you think?"
Cat's brow furrowed as she tilted her head, her usual playful tone subdued. "Do you think something bad happened? Like... maybe someone got hurt?"
Tori's face tightenedfor a moment, "Who cares if someone got hurt? Is that a reason to close down a whole business? It's not like a mafia thing like back then."
A heavy silence fell over the room, the weight of the news pressing down on them. Karaoke Dokie had been a staple of their high school experience. For it to just disappear felt like a blow to their time at Hollywood Arts. Tori could almost hear the endless nights of singing and dancing,the waythey'd all come together over music and friendship.
André broke the silence, his voice gentle. "Remember that time we all sang 'Make It Shine' and everyone in the place joined in? It was like... for a moment, the whole world was just us and the music."
Tori's lips curved into a genuine smile, one that reached her eyes. "Yeah, that was amazing. I was unstoppable, even back then."
Cat nodded enthusiastically, her usual energy returning as she recalled the memory. "And what about the night you played Louise?"
Tori smirked, "How could I forget?" she asked. "Voting was a complete cooking show before I exposed it."
André grinned, but there was a touch of sadness in his eyes. "Good times."
The students lounged at the Asphalt Café, their usual lunchtime chatter filling the air. The Vega twins, Ryder, André, Beck, Cat, and Robbie occupied their usual table, the vibrant buzz of their conversationa stark contrastto the lone figure seated at a distant table.
Across the café, Jade sat with her back hunched over her notebook, her nails tapping nervously against the cover. Jade's pencil paused as she watched Tori, her heart twisting painfullyin her chest. The notebookin front ofher was a relic of the past, A gift from a friend who no longer existed.
Jade could never bring herself to voice. And there, taped to the back cover, were two pictures: one of a younger Jade and Tori, arms slung around each other's shoulders, and another of Jade with Holly Vega, Tori's mother.
Jade's pencil paused as she watched Tori, her heart twisting painfullyin her chest. The notebookin front ofher was a relic of the past, a gift from a friend who no longer existed. The pages were filled with drawings of Tori-Tori laughing, Tori smiling, Tori deep in thought. There were songs and poems, too, raw emotions that Jade could never bring herself to voice.
Jade's lips curved into a bittersweet smile as she shadedinTori's eyes in her latest drawing, her mind drifting back toa timewhen Tori was sweet, caring, and the best friend Jade had ever known.
As if sensing Jade's gaze, Tori suddenly looked up, her eyes locking onto Jade's with a sharpness.
Panic flared in her chest as she quickly looked away, but it was too late. Tori had noticed.
She stood up abruptly, her expression unreadable, and beganmaking her way towardJade. The chatter at the gang's table quieted as all eyes followed Tori's movement. Beck, André, Robbie, and Cat exchanged uneasy glances, while Ryder's jaw tightened. Lola paused mid-sentence, her attention zeroed in on her sister's every step.
Jade's heart pounded in her chest as Tori reached her, her towering presence casting a shadow over Jade's table. "What's this, West?" Tori sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "Still trying to be an artist, huh?
"It's nothing, Tori." Jade said, her breath hitched, her fingers gripping theedge of the notebook.
"Oh, but I think it is." Tori shot back, her hand darting out to snatch the notebook from Jade's grasp, Jade's eyes widened in shock as she instinctively reached out to grab it back. "Let's see what you're so desperate to hide."
"Give it back, Tori!" Jade pleaded, her voice trembling as she lunged for the notebook, but Tori was quicker, holding it out of reach as she began flipping through the pages with a smirk.
"What's this?" Tori asked, her tone dripping with contempt as she scanned the drawings. "You still obsessing over me, Jade?"
"Tori, please... just give it back." Jade's voice cracked, desperation creeping into her tone. The students nearby began to turn their heads, curious and entertained by the unfolding drama.
Tori's smirk widened as she found a particularly detailed sketch of herself, surrounded by words of admiration and longing. Her expression faltered forjusta split second as she saw a picture taped to the back cover-a younger, happier version of herself and Jade, arms around each other, with Tori's mother, smiling in the background. For a fleeting moment, something flickered behind her eyes, but she quickly buried it, her pride forcing the cruel mask back into place.
"You're fucking pathetic, West." Tori sneered, holding the notebook out of Jade's reach. "Youreallystill think about me like this?" Lola shot to her feet, fury bubbling under her skin, but before she could act, Tori's words escalated the situation. "I mean, seriously, who even does this? No wonder you're such a lonely little dyke."
Jade's face went pale, and a collective gasp and laughter rippled through the students around them. The insult hung heavy in the air, cutting deep, and Jade's heart pounded in her chest, her vision blurring with tears.
"Ria, stop it." Lola's voice cut through the tension, but Tori didn'tevenglance her way. Instead, she stepped closer to Jade, with a twist of amusement.
"If you want it so bad, West, why don't you beg for it?" Tori taunted, holding the notebook just out of reach. "Come on, show everyone just how pathetic you really are."
Jade's breath hitched, her mind racing. She felt the stares of everyone around her, the mockery, the laughter. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to hide, but she couldn't leave without the notebook.
"Please, Tori... don't do this." Jade whispered, her voice breaking. But Tori just chuckled darkly.
"That's not begging. Come on. I want you beggin' on your knees for me. Show me how much you want it." Tori demanded, her voice cold and unforgiving.
The students erupted into cruel laughter, the sound stabbing at Jade's already shattered heart. Her entire body shook with humiliation. Jade's breath came in short, shallow gasps as she slowly sank to her knees, her pride shattered. She could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her, their judgment, their pity.
"Please... Tori..." Jade's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes glued to the ground as she fought to keep from breaking completely.
Tori stared down at her, the power trip sending a rush of twisted satisfactionthrough her. Shelet out a laugh, cruel and mocking, looking down at Jade with undisguised contempt. "You're even more pathetic than I thought." she sneered, her eyes gleamingwith triumph. "But if this really means a lot to you, then NO. I think I'll keep this. It's too much fun watching you squirm." A smug smile curled her lips.
Jade's chest tightened with a mix of desperation and anger as she realized Tori wasn't going to relent.
The gang watched in stunned silence, their discomfort palpable. Beck shifted uncomfortably, his hand tightening around theedge of the table, but he said nothing. Cat looked down, her usual bubbly demeanour replaced by a look of sadness. Even Ryder, who was usually so supportive of Tori, seemed conflicted, his expression a mixture of discomfort and guilt.
Some students continued to laugh, their voices echoing in her ears like a nightmare she couldn't escape.
As the tears continued to spill over, a flash of movement caught her eye. Lola.
Jade barely had time to register what was happening before Lola was at Tori's side, her hand darting out to snatch the notebook from Tori's grip. "That. Is. Enough." Lola hissed. Her voice was low and dangerous. Tori's confident facade wavered, her heart pounding in her chest as she realizedjusthow furious her sister was. But before she could react, Lola turned to Jade, her expression softening. "Here, Jade." she said gently, handing the notebook back to Jade. "I'm sorry."
Jade nodded and took the notebook with trembling hands, her heart still pounding as she looked up at Lola. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and she mumbled shakily, "Thank you, Lo." Jade stood up on shaky legs, clutching the notebook to her chest as if it were a shield. Her vision is blurred with tears as she bolts from the Asphalt Café, unable to bear the humiliation any longer.
Ryder's expression was tight with disapproval, but he remained silent, knowing better than to provoke Tori when she was in one of her moods. The same goes with André who was fuming as his gaze followed Jade.
Lola turned her gaze back to Tori, "And as for you-" she held on to Tori's wrist like a vice grip. "We're going to have a little talk." She said, her voice icy. Without waiting for a response, she dragged Tori away from the crowd, leaving the gang and therest of thestudents in an uneasy silence.
The distant hum of student chatter from the bustling Asphalt Café faded as Lola dragged Tori, away. Tori's wrist was locked in Lola's iron grip, and though Tori could have yanked it free, she didn't. She couldn't. The fire in Lola's eyes held her more firmly than the physical grip.
"Lola, what the hell?" Tori shushed, glancing back at the café. The students, andher fans, were left behind, and with them, the safety of her persona.
Lola didn't stop until they were hidden between two parked released Tori's wristwith a shove, causing Tori to stumble back against a metallic clink of her bracelets and the scrape of her designer shoes against the ground felt deafening in thetensesilence that followed.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Lola asked, she narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.
Tori's expression hardened, her icy exterior snapping back into place. "What are you talking about?" she flipped her hair back in a practiced motion. "I was just having some fun, it's the last week of school. Besides, it's not like West is-"
"Are you fucking kidding me!?" Lola interrupted, her voice rising, "Did you just say you were 'Just having some fun'? You humiliated and made Jade cry! Again! You think that's fun!?"
Tori's mask wavered, just for a second, before she shrugged. "West has always been dramatic. She'll get over it. Also, she's a big girl now and it's not like-"
"She doesn't deserve this, Ria!" Lola's voice cut through Tori's weak defence like a blade. "She's done nothing to you, except care for you, and love you. Even after you kicked her out of your life, she still fucking cares about you! Nice to you! And you treat her like shit!"
Tori's jaw clenched, her eyes darkening. "Lola, you don't understand. I'm just doing what everyone expects me to do. I'm Victoria fucking Vega. The queen of Hollywood Arts. No one gives a shit about Jade. She's a loner, a freak. She's nothing but a-"
"Bullshit!" Lola snapped, her hand slamming her fist against the hood of the car beside her, making Tori flinch. "You don't get to hide behind that bullshit excuse anymore, Ria we're graduating next week! I know you. I know you better than anyone. You're not some heartless bitch. But that's exactly who you're trying to be the second you step out of the house!"
Tori's face twisted in anger, her eyes flashing. "You don't know shit, Lola. You don't know what it's like to be me."
Lola scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Oh, please, enlighten me. What's it like to be you? To be the school bully and the slut everyone is dying to fuck?"
Tori was silent, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to maintain her composure. Her carefully constructed facade was crumbling, the cracks widening with each of Lola's words.
"Do you even remember what we used to be like?" Lola's voice softened, her eyes searching Tori's face. "The four of us. You, me, Jade, and Ryder. We were so close. So close. Jade was always there for you, Ria. She loved you. And she still does. And you loved her too. Tori remained silent, her eyes darting to the ground. "Do you remember how Jade trusted you and chose to come out to you?"
Tori's eyes flickered, the regret in them barely masked. "That was a long time ago,Lola." she muttered.
"No." Lola said, taking a step closer to her sister. "You can still make things right. You don't have to be this person, Ria. You don't have to keep punishing yourself for what happened."
Tori's head snapped up, her eyes filled with pain and defiance. "Don't." she said, her voice trembling. "Don't you dare bring Mom intothis."
Lola's expression softened, but she didn't back down. "Ria-mom's death wasn't your fault and blaming Jade for staying at her place that night is unfair. Plus, turning into the mean girl isn'tgoing tobring her back or make the pain go away."
Tori's shoulders slumped, "You don't know what I went through Lo."
"You're right. I don't know exactly what you went through. But I too lost a mother. I know you're hurting. We all are. But this? This isn't you. You're better than this. Please, stop. For your sake, for Jade's. Just stop."
Tori's jaw tightened, her eyes shining with unshed tears. But she quickly wiped them away and plastered on a cold smile. "Whatever." she muttered, rolling her eyes, brushing past Lola and heading back toward the café. "It's not a big deal. Meddlesome bitch."
Lola's eyes widened, "What the fuck did you just say!?"
"You heard me."
Lola also knew that this was far from over.
As Tori rejoined the group, flashing her friends a fake smile, Lola stayed behind in the parking lot, staring after her sister. Before following her back to their table. "Sorry. Had a little family feud." she chuckles. Lola followed behind, she grabbed her stuff, yanking them from the table withoutevenlooking back at Tori. "Are you seriously that pissed?" Tori asks.
Lola flips Tori her middle finger, "Fuck you!"
Tori rolled her eyes, "She's so overdramatic sometimes. I don't know how you handle her, Beck. Seriously. No wonder you guys are always in an on-again-off-again relationship."
In the small space inside the janitor's closet, Jade cowered in shame and defeat once more. She pressed her back against the cold, gritty wall, knees pulled up to her chest as she tried to stifle her sobs. The darkness of the small, cramped space did little to calm her. Instead, it magnified the sting of Tori's words, the cruel laughter that followed, and the stares that burned into her.
As Jade's mind drifted into what happened to Tori, she remembered that weekend she told Tori her secret in the park, back in eighth grade. The air was warm, and the distant laughter of children was playing in the background. Jade nervously twisted a ring around her finger, the edges digging into her skin. Her heart pounded in her chest, andthe steady rhythm grew more erratic with each passing minute.
"I can't do this. I have to do this. What if she'll hate me?" The thoughts swirled in Jade's mind, eachonemore suffocating than the last. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the knot in her stomach only tightened as she waited for Tori.
"Jade!" she heard her bubbly friend call to her.
When Tori finally arrived, her golden-brown hair bouncing as she jogged over with that easy smile, Jade felt the knot in her stomach twisted even tighter. She couldn't keep her hands from fidgeting with the shirt, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure Tori could hear it.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked. "You sounded kinda... off when you called. Everything alright?"
Jade nodded a little too quickly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed to get out of for a bit." Her voice was steady, but her heart was still racing, and she could feel the sweat on her palms. Jade had always been good at hiding behind her walls, but today, those wallswere crumblingfaster than she could rebuild them. Her hands, usually steady and confident, were trembling. She shoved them into her pockets to hide them.
"Jade, what's going on?"
"I-" Jade began, but the words caught in her throat. Her mouth felt dry, and she couldn'tbring herself tomeet Tori's eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the panic was rising, threatening to drown her.
Tori stepped closer, her hand gently touching Jade's arm. "Jade, whatever it is, you can tell me. You know that, right?"
Jade had knownthat,at least she thought she had. But now, standing here, on the verge of revealing the one secret she had buried so deep inside her, she wasn't so sure. What if this changed everything? "What if Tori will look at me differently? What if she didn't want to be my friend anymore?" the thoughts run through her head.
Jade clenched her fists in her pockets, nails digging into her palms as she tried to anchor herself. "I'm scared,Tori." she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Tori's brow furrowed, her concern deepening. "Scared of what?"
Jade bit her lip, feeling the burn of tears she refused to let fall. She had never allowed herself to be this vulnerable, not with anyone. But she couldn't keep this inside any longer. "I have a secret." she began, her voice shaky. "I've known it for a while, but it's taken me time to accept it. And I'm scared..."
"Jade, you're scaringme." Tori said, her heart pounded rapidly. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Please don't tell me you're sick."
"No, Tori. No one's hurt. I'm... fine." Jade answered.
Jade closed her eyes, taking a moment to let Tori's words sink in. But still, the fear gnawed at her, whispering that this would change everything. She took another shaky breath. "Just-" she pauses, looking at Tori's big chocolate-coloured eyes. "Promise you won't hate me?"
Tori's eyes widened in surprise. "Jade, I could never hate you. What's going on?"
Jade hesitated, the words caught in her throat. She had always been so sure of herself, so confident in who she was, but this... this was different. "I like girls." she finally blurted out, the words hanging in the air between them, heavier than anything she had ever said before.
Tori blinked, tilting her head slightly in confusion. "Well, yeah, I like girls too."
Jade let out a small laugh, despite the tension. Of course, Tori would say something like that. "No, Tori. Ilikegirls. Like... in the way you like Ryder, and the way Ryder likes you."
Tori's eyes widened in realization, and Jade's heart sank. This was it. The moment everything had seen this play out in her mind a thousand times, each scenario ending in rejection,inTori pulling away from her, disgust in her braced herself for the worst.
After a long, agonizing pause, Tori surprised her. Instead of pulling away, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Jade in a tight, comforting hug. Jade stiffened at first, the shock rendering her momentarily immobile. But then, she felt the warmth of Tori's embrace, the steadiness of her heartbeat, and the knot in her stomach began to unravel.
"I could never hate you,Jade." Tori whispered, her voice full of the same unwavering kindness that had drawn Jade to her all those years ago. "You're my best friend. That's never going to change."
Jade felt the tears she had been holding back finally spill over, but for once, she didn't care. She hugged Tori back, clinging to her like a lifeline. For the first time in what felt like forever, Jade allowed herself to be vulnerable, to let someone else see the parts of her she had always kept hidden.
"Oh, Tori." Jade's voice cracked. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Tori pulled back slightly, just enough to look Jade in the eyes. "You don't have to figure that out." Tori smiled, "I love you, Jade."
Jade's lips curved genuine smile, "I love you too, Tori."
They stood there, the sun dipping lower in the sky, Jade felt a sense of peace she hadn't known she needed. Tori's acceptance meant more to her than anything else in the world.
Tears rolled down Jade's cheeks, she could still hear and feel Tori's love and warmth from that day. A soft creak of the door startled Jade out of her thoughts. She quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand and looked up, her breath catching when she saw who it was.
"Lola?" Jade whispered, her voice shaky.
"Hey,J." Lola whispered, using the nickname only she and Tori had ever called Jade. "Sorry, if I kept you waiting. How are you holding up?"
Jade tried to pull herself together, but the concern in Lola's voice made it impossible. The moment Lola kneltin front ofher, Jade broke down again, the tears she had been holding back spilling over.
Lola's heart twisted at the sight of her friend in so much pain. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around Jade, pulling her close. Jade clung to Lola tightly, burying her face in her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, J." Lola whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry for what Ria did. I know she can be a real dumbass sometimes. But you know she doesn't mean it... she's just... messed up."
Jade sniffed, trying to steady her voice. "Why does she hate me?" Her voice broke, and the tears started to flow again, despite her efforts to stop them.
Lola's expression softened. Shereached out, gently brushinga strand of Jade's hair away from her face. "I don't know, to be honest. After what happened to our mother... after everything, she got angry."
"That's so unfair!" Jade's voice cracked a mix of frustration and anguish. "Why does she take it out on me? Why can't she see how much she's hurting me? I didn't do anything wrong. I just wanted to spend time with her that night!"
"I know." Lola whispered, "You didn't do anything wrong. Sometimes people just... lose themselves. They get caught up in their pain, and they lash out at the people closest to them. I think, because you were always there for her, she just took it out on you one day, and she's just too ashamed to say sorry, that's why just decided to ride with it."
Jade's eyes moved to Lola's face,"She was-she was everything to me." she sobs, "And she still is."
Lola sighed, pulling Jade into a hug. Jade melted into the embrace, finding comfort in Lola's arms. "She'll come back toyou." Lola said softly, her hand rubbing soothing circles on Jade's back. "But until she does, you've got me. I'll never leave you, Jade. You just have to give hersometime to take her anger out."
Jade looked at Lola, searching for answers in her eyes. "I've only ever been her best friend. I loved her, Lola... I still love her, despite everything."
Lola's expression softened, and she reached out to brush a stray tear from Jade's cheek. "I know you do. And she loves you too, in her own messed up way. But Ria's lost right now. She's drowning in her own misery." Lola, looks straight ahead, recalling all the horrifying things that happened to her sister, "2011, that was too much for her." She pauses, "First was the leaks just after spring break, then what happened to Mom not even two months later, and then that Sole Cinema Studio shit that happened to her."
"Sole Cinema Studio?" Jade asked. "You mean the massacre that same year?"
Lola nodded, "Yeah, something happened to her over there. I'll tell you later. It's not the right time, J. But I will tell you, I promise."
Jade nods, "Okay..." she whispered.
"My baby sis is just hurting, so, try to be patient with her a little more, okay?" Lola's voice cracked.
Jade sniffled, her voice small. "She's not the only one."
A flicker of sadness crossed Lola's eyes, but forced a sad,andknowing smile. "We all have our demons, Jade. Some of us are just better at hiding them."
"I missher." Jade admitted, her voice barely audible. "I miss who she used to be. I just... I just want Tori back."
Lola smiled sadly, brushing a tear from Jade's cheek with her thumb. "I know youdo." she whispered.
Jade nodded, feeling a sense of comfort in Lola's words. She rested her head on Lola's shoulder,letting outa shaky sigh. "Thanks,Lo." she murmured, closing her eyes as shelet herself relaxin Lola's arms. "I'm so glad to have you."
Lola smiled a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's what friends are for, right?" She stood up, helping Jade to her feet. "Now, come on. Let's get out of here. You don't need to spend our last week of high school in the closet. I mean, you're already out anyway." Lola chuckles.
Jade giggled weakly and nodded, as they walked down the hallway together, side by side, Jade felt a comfort, knowing someone was still there for her. But as they made their way down the corridor, Lola slowed, a pale look washing over her face. She staggered, reaching out to the wall for support.
"Lola?" Jade's voice was soft, almost scared. "Hey, you good?"
Lola staggered, her hand over her mouth as her face went pale. "I... I think I'm gonna-" Without another word, she dashed toward the nearest bathroom, her footsteps echoing as she shoved open the door and disappeared inside. Jade watched, confused and concerned, before quickly following.
Inside, she found Lola leaning over the sink, fingers gripping the porcelain edge, breathing hard. Without a word, Lola bent forward, her body tensing before she lurched to the toilet, retching. She clutched the cold edge of the toilet, feeling the sweat bead on her forehead, her mind racing. Something had slipped in her mind, with the finals, Tori's chaos, the Senior Showcase, and especially her Beck. But now, it was impossible to ignore. A nauseating possibility settled in her stomach, twisting her nerves as her breath came faster, shallow with panic.
After a moment, Lola took a deep breath, steeling herself before she left the stall. She spotted her reflection in the mirror-pale, shaken, and eyes shadowed by worry. She splashed cold water on her face, forcing herself to look a little steadier before stepping back into the hallway where Jade was waiting, brows knitted in concern.
"You, okay?" Jade asked with tenderness woven in.
Her eyes darted away from Jade's, almost as if she were ashamed. She let out a shaky laugh. "Yeah, I'm fine." Lola said, forcing a half-hearted smile. "Must've been that cafeteria burrito. I'm sure it was more chemical than food."
"Bad food? Are you sure?" Jade asked, her eyes narrowing.
Lola shrugged, stuffing her hands into her jacket pockets. "Yeah, that or karma for dealing with my sister's chaos on the regular."
Jade chuckled, though there was a worry lingering behind her gaze. "Just... let me know if something is wrong alright?"
Lola rolled her eyes. "Yeah, it's just, me and Beck have been rocky lately and I'm getting sick of it honestly."
"Sorry, Lo."
Lola waves her hands, "Nah, it's okay. We're trying our best."
As they began walking down the hall, Lola couldn't shake the gnawing fearnestleddeep inside her mind, yet she shoved it down, trying to be present for Jade.
Over at the men's bathroom, Beck leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his jaw clenched as he stared at the mirror. Ryder was pacing, the soles of his boots making soft echoes in theemptyspace. Both still reeling from lunch-Tori's latest act of cruelty toofJade had been worse than usual, and the immediate confrontation that Lola laid onto Tori right after.
Ryder stopped pacing and sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She's outta control, man. Beck, I can't keep defending this shit."
Beck nodded silently, his eyes dark with frustration, "What the hell was that?" Beck glanced at him, "I can't believe she went after Jade like that again. This isn't just some phase anymore, Ryder. Tori's been getting worse."
Ryder's lips tightened, his eyes darkening. He nodded slightly, pushing a hand through his hair. "Yeah, man, I know." His voice was low, the words carrying weight. "Trust me, I've tried talking to her about it... like a hundred times."
"Hasn't done much good, has it?" Beck's words were sharper than intended, but he couldn't help it. He wasn't used to being this frustrated.
Ryder sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Tori doesn't listen to me anymore. I mean... not when it comes to stuff like this." he pauses. "Beck. I can't keep pretendingthat I'mokay with how she treats people. Especially Jade."
"Tori's... been different since her mom died." Ryder continued, trying to justify the years of cruel behaviour, but even he sounded like he didn't believe it anymore. "I thought it was just grief. I mean, hell, I stuck by her because I really love her. She's my best friend's twin for sake. Now, she's... angry. All the time. And I get it - what happened to her... butit's likeshe's using that to justify treating people like garbage. And I can't keep being part of that."
"But she hasn't." Beck said quietly. "And you don't have to be the one to fix her, dude. It's not your job."
"I know. I know." Ryder's voice was raw, strained. He paused by the sinks, gripping the edge with both hands. "But Jade didn't deserve that today. Not even close."
Beck glanced at Ryder, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I get what happened to Tori... it was awful, it still messes me up every time I think about it, trust me. I've never seen Lola look that miserable. But I don't get why Tori keeps taking it out on Jade."
Ryder shrugged, his face twisting into an expression of helplessness. "Who knows? Tori's been punishing Jade ever since then. It's like it's Jade's fault she wasn't there that night. It doesn't make sense. It's fucking stupid."
Beck frowned, pushing off the wall. "She hasn't deserved any of it. Jade's always been... soft, you know? And Tori just keeps ripping into her every chance she gets."
Ryder's grip on the sink tightened. "And for what? Because Jade's gay or something? Tori's... she's jealous of her or something, man. I swear, it's like-"
"-she can't handle seeing her happy." Beck finished. He knew exactly what Ryder meant. He'd seen the way Tori's eyes would narrow whenever Jade smiled, or how she always had something vicious to say whenever Jadeso much asopened her mouth. "It's like she hates that Jade's still close with us, especially you and Lola. Like she's losing control."
Ryder scoffed bitterly. "Control. Yeah. Tori fucking loves that, doesn't she?"
"What are you gonna do?" Beck asked, glancing at Ryder. He already knew the answer, but he needed to hear it from Ryder himself.
Ryder exhaled heavily, staring at his reflection. The boy looking back at him was worn down, tired of pretending. "I'm done, Beck. I'm breaking it off. I can't deal with this shit anymore man."
Beck's eyebrows shot up and let out a low whistle, "You're really going to break up with her?" Ryder nodded slowly. "I have to. I can't take it anymore. And-" he hesitated as if the weight of his next words was too heavy to say. "She's not the same Tori I fell for. I mean, yeah, I still care about her. I love her-but...she's not her anymore."
Beck was silent for a moment, digesting Ryder's words. He knew how hard it was for Ryder to admit that. "Look-I get it." Beck finally said, his voice low. "But just... be careful, okay? Tori doesn't take rejection well. She might lash out."
Ryder snorted, shaking his head. "Tell me something I don't know." He ran a hand over his face, exhaustion evident in his every movement. "I'll wait until after graduation. No need to make the last week even more of a mess."
Beck ran a hand through his hair, his expression tense. "Tori's always had this wall around her, Mrs. Vega's death, it's like she's not even the girl we met four years ago. She pushes Jadeaway,andcuts people out, just so she doesn't have to feel anything. But it's gonna break her."
Ryder sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I've tried talking to her. A thousand times, Beck. You know I have. I thought I could get through to her, but..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "I don't know."
Beck raised an eyebrow. "Think you could talk to her again? I mean, I know you're done, but... maybe she'll listen to you this time?"
Ryder laughed bitterly. "Listen to me? You're kidding, right? Tori doesn't listen to anyone-not me, she barely even listens to Lola."
Beck hesitated before speaking again, a small smile playing on his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You ever think... after all this is over, after graduation... you'll try to stay friends with her? Even after you end things?"
"I don't know, man. I just... fuck! This is so hard! I love her so much, Beck." Ryder sighed, letting his head hang as he stared at the ceiling.
Beck rubbed his hand on Ryder's back. "Yeah, I get it." He said. I don't wanna get into your guys' plan, but I got something up my sleeve, and I want you to be there." Beck smiled.
Ryder raised an eyebrow, catching the shift in Beck's demeanour. "Anything to do with a certain Vega twin?"
Beck shrugged, trying to play it cool, but the hint of a smile tugging at his lips gave him away. "Maybe."
Ryder chuckled, the tension between them easing for a moment. "Well, good luck with that. Lola's not exactly the easiest person to impress."
Beck smirked. "Yeah, but that's part of what I like about her. She may be an ass sometimes, but her heart is in the right place."
"What are you planning on anyway?" Ryder asked. Beck, leaned in on Ryder's ear, whispering. Ryder's eyes grew, his lips curled up smiling. "No way. You're gonna be in for a long one man."
Beck laughs, as the two make their way back to their classes.
I've put in song titles from Victorious all starting from chapter 2, see if you guys can find them. Don't forget to share and comment. Thank you.