FULL SUMMARY: Tori Vega has a secret. Jade West is suspicious. Will she be able to find out about Tori's little lie? How will they both react when all secrets are revealed? You know what they say: If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.

HIGH TEEN TO MODERATE ADULT RATING for some to strong violence, some to strong language, some adult themes, and some sexual content. This is a Victorious fanfic with main "Jori" pairing.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. Any media/music I use in the story is not mine. Dan Schneider owns Victorious and Shelby Marx, not me. Enjoy!

Tori's POV

Upper kick.

His eyes widen from the strong blow, almost bulging out.

Low jab.

He grunts, stumbling back, nearly tripping on the mat.

Strong punch to his jaw.

Spit sprays from his face on impact, little drops falling upon my covered knuckle.

A swift kick to his gut.

An agonized moan pushes out of his parted lips, amplifying his pain.

Knee to the side.

He doubles over and I initiate my secret weapon.

In a rapid motion, I throw a spinning back kick to his chest and he falls backwards into the wall. A groan is managed through his probably bruised lips.

A killer expression is on my face. There is no smugness or cockiness. Just fierce eyes and the smell of victory.

"Perfect job, Tori," my trainer, Juan, compliments me. "You knocked out Gary in less than ten seconds. That's a personal record," he states with a slight Hispanic accent.

Smiling at him, I sip out of my water bottle, letting my body regenerate. I need to rehydrate as much as possible. A hand rises from the ground as we stare at Gary, my "punching dummy."

"Does anyone have some aspirin?" he wheezes before falling unconscious. I smirk and continue to drink the cold beverage. It freezes my throat but is refreshing at the same time. Man, I'm tired. I've been training for almost three hours straight now. My body feels worn out.

Juan's phone rings and he answers it. There is a concentrated expression on his face, his eyebrows scrunched up together.

I sit on the bench, letting my sweaty body cool off. Taking off the padded training gloves, I grab my PearPhone and retie my long, wavy brunette hair. There are many status updates and I look at one in particular.

Beck Oliver: Hanging out with the gang, without Tori. Feeling—Incomplete.

Cat Valentine: YES! That's how I feel! :D Wonder where she is...? :(

Andre Harris: Right. Haven't seen her in like a week. Wonder what the chica is up to.

Beck Oliver: Maybe she's with Trina or something. You know how her sister is.

Andre Harris: -_- Yes. We know how Trina is.

Jade West: Eh, Vega is probably doing something boring like watching romantic comedies. Belch.

Cat Valentine: But I love romantic comedies! :?

Jade West: My point exactly. You're Cat and you like romantic comedies. Ugh, I swear it's a crime to movies everywhere.

Cat Valentine: ...I don't get it...

Snorting, I chuckle and put my phone away. Sure, I regret not being with my friends but I have a career to withstand. I'm champion and hopefully, it's staying that way. Looking out into space, I think about how I have to live two lives and keep them miles apart. Who knows how my friends would react if I told them I'm the famous Shelby Marx? Probably freak out and ask questions. Then the paparazzi and then another change of schools.

God, I hate the whole process. It isn't fair to me at all. Shouldn't I be making the decisions? I'm the one getting hit and risking my life in a ring on national television.

I hear a snap of a cell phone and I turn my attention to my trainer, who was also a family friend. He's the best. There is a defeated look deep in his eyes. If there's anything he's ever taught me, it's to never let your opponent see your emotions. "What's up?" I ask him with some worry.

"That was Rod," he says simply, slumping down next to me. My eyes lower to his tattoos. My mom thinks the drawings are barbaric but I admire them.

Swinging my legs back and forth, I keep my vision ahead. "What about Rod?" Sure, he's my manager but what exactly did he do?

Juan sighs and shakes his head. "He set up a fight with Maya Feckner. I told him that you weren't ready. Last time, you nearly went to the hospital. I just wish I had more time." He rubs his temple and gives me a small smile. "Why don't you go home and rest up?" He pats my shoulder and I grin. I swear he's like an uncle to me.

Nodding, he gets up and lugs Gary to the Emergency Room. Poor Gary.

Maya Feckner is my hardest opponent, but over the years, I've beat her—with the occasional trip to the hospital. I took the championship belt from her when I turned fifteen but had many injuries. Some broken bones and major bruises. Nothing too deadly.

Maya is a big buff chick with stringy blond hair and dark blue eyes that pierce into your soul. She's like twenty-six and I'm only seventeen right now. But the thing is that after I beat her, she's been training twenty-four seven to beat me again and not to lie, I'm kinda nervous. Sure I easily beat her again the second time but I'm still worried.

Rolling my eyes, I change my tank top to a plain black t-shirt and my shorts to a pair of faded blue skinny jeans. Untying my hair, I shove all my training gear in my bag and exit the Jungle Gym. It's an unknown workout place so it's perfect to work there without any paparazzi showing up. Taking out my phone, my thumbs whirl around the keyboard.

Tori (5:24pm): HEY! :{D I'm coming home now. Juan let me out early.

A few moments later, my older sister texted back.

Trina (5:25pm): Okay. I'll let Mom know. How was training? Oh BTW, I'm borrowing your skirt. :p

Blinking twice, I fumble to come up with a worded response.

Tori (5:25pm): What? Why did you—forget it. Training was fine except that Rod wants me to verse Maya Feckner again.

Instead of receiving another text from her, my phone rings. I look at the lock picture and nod knowingly. It's Trina all right. The picture of her is a selfie she took of herself when she "borrowed" my phone. Brat.

Answering, I greet, "Hey, Treen. What's up?" I chuckle nervously.

"How could Rod do that without your consult?" Her voice is full of disbelief and anger. "You've laid off training for a whole month and now he expects you to fight another champion! He knows how the last fight left off. You had to go to the hospital, Tori!"

Biting my lower lip, my eyes scan for my deep navy blue car. It's a typical Corolla but I love it. Take what you can get, right? "Treen, it isn't my fault and I already promised Juan I'd work hard. Besides, I only had one fractured rib. Big deal. Maybe I can beat her without going to the hospital," I say hopefully.

Pressing the unlock button on the car remote, I hop in the car and shut the door.

There's a pause on the other line. "Tori, what about your friends? They're gonna be suspicious about you keeping to yourself. They'll think something's up." Sighing, I ponder about it.

"I'll just tell them that I'm taking care of my sick, contagious grandmother and that I have to do something with you. They will believe that or else," I falter. "I have to move away to San Francisco. So let them believe it." Starting the car, I drive away from the Jungle Gym.

Cars whizz past me as my hands tighten on the steering wheel. They cannot find out about my secret. If they do, I'll never see them again. My foot steps on the brake as I halt at a sudden red light. My heart is hammering out of my chest. I'll never see them again if they find out.

Then they must never find out.

Taking a deep breath, I stare outside the window. "Are you sure about that, Tor?" my sister asks me. "Last time we moved, you had a fit and punched the wall and cracked it."

Rolling my eyes, I hold the phone in a firmer hold. "I was ten and just started to take Martial Arts, Trina. I was mad, okay. That was when I was a child. I'm now a professional fighter and a young adult. I won't have a fit."

She snorts on the other line. "You forgot big baby." Trina starts to laugh, I growl and she shuts up. "Aggressive much? Anyways, see you later," she hangs up and I grunt in appreciation. Trina was really starting to annoy me.

Putting my phone away, I park my car by a Jet Brew and enter the little coffee shop. It's Jade's favorite coffee place—she has good taste in these kinds of things—so I know I would like it. The aroma of coffee beans and pastries fills my nostrils, making my stomach rumble. Guess I'm hungry.

Walking up to the counter, I order a latte and two donuts. The cashier smiles at me and runs off to get my order. She comes back with a steaming drink and two delicious donuts. My mouth waters at the smell and I immediately pay for it. I even tip her and she thanks me.

Taking my food, I walk back to my car but something stops me. A boy around fourteen stares at me curiously. He has bright hazel eyes and light chestnut hair.

"Aren't you Shelby Marx?" he asks with narrowed eyes. Laughing at him, I shake my head. "You sure? You look just like her."

Grinning, I shake my head again. "No. I'm not Shelby Marx. I get that a lot though. I'm Tori and it's a pleasure meeting you." I smile at him and hold out my hand. He eyes it, taking it and gives it a slight shake.

He smiles a little bit. "I'm Tommy. It's nice to meet you too." Our hands leave contact and I offer him a donut. "Thank you," he says quietly, taking a bite. I smile at him and he blushes. "You look so much like Shelby Marx though. Between you and me, I think she's extremely pretty. Wonder if she has a boyfriend yet?" he ponders, eating the sweet treat.

I feel a small blush creeping up on my neck. "Well, if she does, I guess it'd be in tabloids or something," I suggest. Finding a nearly table, I gesture towards it. "Wanna talk? I won't bite," I tease. Tommy grins goofily and we sit at the table and enjoy the food. "So, since when do you like Shelby Marx? I hear she's a fierce chick."

His eyes brighten up, finishing his donut. "Yes!" he cries out. "She's the best female MMA fighter ever! Pretty and vicious. I wish I could see her in person but the tickets to her matches are expensive. Plus, she's fighting here in L.A. I just don't have enough money," he finishes sadly, staring at his hands. A pang of empathy strikes me and I know what I had to do.

"Tommy," I call out softly, "I have a way where you can get those tickets." His head snaps to my direction. I take out a napkin and a pen.

Scribbling down a number on it, I slide it to him. "Here. I know we just met but this number is the best way to get your tickets. I'm the only one who knows it so he'll give it to you. Just say that it was from Tori Vega as a gift. Trust me, okay?" He nods his head eagerly and takes the piece of paper, inspecting it. "I expect you to call once and throw it away. Or not, you will get in serious trouble." Checking my phone, I notice that its 5:41 p.m. "We better get home. Do you have a ride?" Tommy nods and smiles kindly at me. I really like this kid. So different from other boys his age. "Alright, I guess I'll see you around. Keep on loving Shelby Marx."

Getting up, I give him one final smile and walk to my car, taking out my phone and dialing a number. The line rings and finally he picks up. "Tori? What are you doing calling me at this time?"

Snorting, I roll my eyes and start the car. "It's only like six, Rod. I want to ask for a favor." I drive back to my house, avoiding all red lights or traffic.

There's a pause on the other line. "And what favor is that? If it's backing away from the fight, you can forget it. This fight will make history."

"No, not that. I'm actually eager for the fight. I met this boy that wanted to see the fight and gave him your office number. He'll ask for a gift from Tori Vega and his name is Tommy. I promised him front row seats and I want you to give him a packet of three tickets. I want to see him there or forget about the match."

Rod sighs heavily. "Okay, okay. I'll give the kid some tickets and you better get ready for the match. Today's only Thursday and the fight is on Saturday. I couldn't make it any later. I'm sorry."

I enter Hollywood Hills and grin. "Don't worry. I'll practice all tomorrow evening. Thanks for the favor, Rod. See you tomorrow." My house gets into view.

"See you tomorrow, Shelby Marx." My manager hangs up and I sigh, thinking back to the conversation between me and Tommy. I hope he enjoys the fight as much as I enjoy participating in it.

Making it home, I hop out of the car and smile to myself. I've done well today. Taking out my training bag, I fumble with the key and open the door.

What surprises me most is that a petite body crashes into mine. The wind is knocked out of my lungs as I collide into the wall. My bag is still in my steel-like hold. A groan leaves my mouth as I feel fire licking up my back. Little tingles travel throughout my veins.

Opening an eye, I look down at the cuddling form of Cat. I turn my head up at the smirking glances of my friends. Aquamarine eyes meet mine and I tense up. Why are they here?

The little red head squeezes me tighter and I gasp for air. This girl has a stronger grip than any fighter I've fought, I muse in pain. "Cat," I breathe hoarsely. My hands pry her off and I pin her against the couch. Her eyes are full of surprise but joy.

Of course, Cat is Cat. My muscles are starting to get warmed up and ready to use. "Get off. I would like to live today." She giggles and I let her go, collapsing on the couch and close my eyes. "What are you guys doing here, anyway?"

Someone sits next to me and I first notice the dark eyes and long, fluffy hair. It's Beck, one of my best friends. "We wanted to surprise you."

"Yeah, the look on your face was priceless," Jade states as an insult. I glare at her and she grins.

Shaking my head, I just sigh. "Alright. Turn on the TV and we'll watch some movies. I'll go to my room to drop my stuff off." I quickly rush to my room and throw the bag into a hidden corner of my room. That was too much of a close call.

Sighing, I run a hand through my hair and head back downstairs, into the kitchen. Jade is leaning against the counter, eyeing me curiously. "Jade," I greet and look for a prepared bag of popcorn, tossing it into the microwave. Then I search through the fridge and take out a two liter bottle of Coca-Cola with some plastic cups.

"So Vega," she starts accusingly, startling me for speaking up in the first place, "What have you been up to? Been missing a lot lately." My body freezes and I meet her eyes. Blue green orbs of anger, accusation, and curiosity.

A small smirk plays with the corners of my lips. "I would say that it's none of your business but you seem so interested that I'll tell you." The microwave beeps and I carefully take out the bag of popcorn and replace it with another one. "I'm volunteering at a nursing home and dog sitting. You know, doing friendly stuff."

I'm preparing all the snacks while I can hear the others argue over what movie they want to see. Trina is downstairs and has become more tolerable. The second bag of popcorn is poured in another container as I bring the two bowls of food and set in on the table, avoiding any insults or yells. Then the soda goes next to the food and I snatch the remote.

Everyone whines. "Tori! Give it back! We haven't decided yet!" my sister demands. Shaking my head, I offer them a crooked grin.

"No. If you won't decide, then I will." Everyone and I mean everyone, tries to jump me.

Gritting my teeth, I dodge their failed attempts. Don't mess with a professional fighter, I warn them internally. Jade almost manages to trip me but I swiftly jump over her foot.

Bad news: I fall into the sofa and that's where I'm dog piled.

Grunting, I squirm out of the tangled bodies. I wipe my cheek with the back of my hand and grin. "I'm choosing and that's final." I turn the TV on and press a quick button that ends up at my movie choice. Silver Linings Playbook. It's perfect. From the corner of my eye, I see them untangling themselves and actually paying attention to the movie. "Enjoy," I say cockily, sitting next to the goth.

All eyes are focused on the screen. The raven haired girl's legs lay in my lap, my thumb rubbing circles into the fabric of her jeans. I hear a faint purr of appreciation.

Smiling to myself, I watch in awe at the acting skills of Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. No wonder Jennifer won that Oscar award. She's amazing.

Cat giggles whenever Jennifer's boobs are zoomed in on or when she overreacts.

They're all digging their hands in the bowls of popcorn. I made a small one for myself but the raven haired girl took it from me. Reaching into my bowl, our hands meet and our eyes lock. The staring was intense until I look away and shove some of the buttery food in my mouth.

Soda and popcorn is really good when watching a film. The ending was coming up and I aww'd at the scenes where they kissed. It was adorable. I just can't believe Paul took that long to notice that Tiffany liked him. The screen rolls to the credits and we all sigh contently. It was a very good movie and we all enjoyed it.

Switching the channel, I realize that CFC is playing.

Biting my lip, I hope that "Shelby Marx" doesn't make an appearance. I could see Trina flinch from here.

Instead, it's this Asian girl going against an Australian girl. Oh thank God.

Everyone watches intently as the Australian fighter throws a punch at her face. The Asian fighter barely dodges it as she turns her back for a mere moment. Big mistake. The Australian girl goes in for the kill and pins her to the mat. The bell rings and the match is over. These girls must be rookies because it's only been one minute and no blood.

Professionals go on for more than two minutes if it's that intense. There's plenty of blood, I should know. I broke in that Russian girl's jaw. Kinda felt bad but I got over it. Ever since then, Trina has been very careful around me.

The camera turns to the hosts as they grin. "Now that was a rookie match," he confirms. "But this Saturday, the real heat will commence." And here it comes. "Maya Feckner will meet her match once again but fiercer than ever."

The other host grins maniacally. "Yes indeed. Shelby Marx will once again enter the ring with her previous rival. Will Marx be able to defeat her opponent and keep her crown safe? Tune in this Saturday at 8 p.m. Pacific Time, 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This'll be a match to remember."

Back to the first host. "And remember, Shelby Marx has two matches here in L.A. One with Maya Feckner, second on the scoreboard and the other with Arana Ollie, third on the scoreboard. This can make or break Marx's career."

I roll my eyes at him. No it won't, retard. Wait a minute... Two matches?What? Rod never said anything about Arana Ollie, the German fighter.

"It's a fight that you don't want to miss! Get ready Los Angeles, the fight's coming to you!" They fade away and a commercial takes over the TV.

Swallowing hard, I turn off the television. I sip my soda, waiting to be asked and accused. The tan Canadian looks back at me and grins. "We got tickets to go to the Arana Ollie match. The Maya Feckner match was sold out," he states sadly but smiles. "We're watching it here with Trina. You joining?"

My lips stretch into a thin line. "Uh, I can't. I gotta go to my grandmother's house and take care of her. She's sick and needs my help. She hates Trina so I'm the only one available to help her. I hope you guys don't mind," I lie with a straight face. I disliked doing this but I had to.

From the corner of my eye, I can detect my older sister's scowl. I hold back a grin as I examine Beck's expression.

His eyebrows scrunch together but he nods in defeat. "We don't mind. Hope your grandmother gets better," he wishes with a smile. A smile that was disguising his hurt. I'm about to say something apologetic when someone interrupts me.

"How come you always ditch us, Vega?" the goth says with a bit of hurt and confusion. Wait, what? Jade West wasn't the kind of person to express her feelings in public. My eyes dart to hers but she refuses to catch my gaze. "Are you embarrassed by us?"

The room suddenly got really quiet.

My eyes widen as big as saucers and I turn to her, a look of utter shock on my face. "What?" I sputter out. "Why would I be embarrassed by you guys? You're the best friends anyone could ever ask for!" I argue.

Their intense gazes land on me, asking the big question, 'Really, Tori? If we're the best friends you could ever have, then why don't you hang out with us?'

Rubbing the back of my neck, I chuckle nervously. "I know I've been busy and I'm sorry. If I could hang out with you guys, I definitely would. I would never give you up. If I had to choose between a life of fame or a life with you guys," I shake my head, "I'd choose you in a heartbeat. Screw everything else. I'd rather have you than to ever have the ability to sing."

Some of them gasp in surprise. I love to sing. It's a part of me and if I'm willing to give it up for them, they just know I care for them. If they were in danger, I would do the most insane things to keep them safe. I have the capability to fight and protect them, and I'll use it to my fullest extent.

An awkward tension fills the air as Cat curls up in my embrace. She sniffs happily. "Thank you, Tori. Love you too." A smile curves my lips as I wrap my arms around her.

Everyone else slowly starts to join in, even Jade. She is the closest to me, besides the little redhead. Her head burrows in my neck and my heart flutters. Arms are everywhere but hers are special. They're the arms that are the most to me.

We stay like that for a few moments before Robbie tries to snatch the remote again. Everyone tried to grab it themselves but I beat them to it. My hand clutches the device as I'm pounced on by a certain goth and my annoying sister. Cat is right at my feet. The guys are zeroing in and I knew I had to use some of my actual strength.

Sighing heavily, I growl and pull my body before me but I crash into the wall. How crazy are these people about the TV? I think to myself. My cheek stings as I slide on my belly across the smooth tile floor. I frantically press some buttons and the channel changes to Perks Of A Wallflower.

But this time, they don't settle down.

Jade lunges at me and sits on my back. I freeze at the sudden move. Jade is on my back!

My eyes widen but I clutch onto the remote. I feel her straddling my waist, her butt resting on mine. Heat travels to my cheeks as adrenaline rushes through me. Her mouth aligns with my ear, her hot breath going down my neck.

Shivering, my hold tightens on the control. "Give it up, Vega," she murmurs. My breathing quickens and I shake my head.

"No," I say windily. "I'm not letting any of you take the remote. It's mine."

Using my last bit of self-control, I jump to my feet, surprised that she's still clinging onto my back. I grit my teeth. She knows that I'm supposed to be weaker than this. I'm blowing my cover!

Her arms go around my neck, her legs tightening at my waist. I try to fake a stumble but I end up crashing into the couch where everyone ambushes me. Under the pile, I take one last look at the remote and grin evilly.

Trina steals the TV remote from me and jumps up and down giddily. Finally, they all get off of me and I lie on my back, supported by my elbows. A lazy grin is on my face.

My sister tries to press the buttons but nothing happens. The look of achievement falls off her face. She tries to push the controls again but it fails. Trina checks the batteries and drops the device. "You took the batteries!" she accuses me.

A wicked grin appears on my expression. My eyes twinkle with danger and slyness.

Tilting my head, I raise my hand up, the two batteries in between my thumb and my index finger with my middle finger. "You mean these?" I ask innocently. A plan brews in my mind and my grin gets broader. Their eyes widen at me. I raise my eyebrows and slip the desired objects down my bra. They feel cold yet smooth on my breasts. "If you want them," I start slowly with a low voice, I scramble to my feet, "You have to come and get them," I state simply.

Quickly, I run out of the house and into our backyard, heading toward the shed. The hot spring air hits me in the face like a punch. We all need to be refreshed, I think mischievously.

Bursting in through the shed's doors, I grab my secret weapons and roll up my jeans up to my knees and tousle up my shirt.

It's go time.

I put on a belt of water balloons and mark black army paint on my face. I leave the little shack and point the water guns at them. They skid to a stop and stare at me in horror.

Grinning, I lock and load. "Let me show you how we do it; Vega style." Pressing the trigger, ice cold water blasts at them. They try to escape but I throw water grenades at them. I rush to the door and lock it, having the spare key in my pocket. The key visits the batteries as I smirk at them.

This isn't Hide-and-Seek. This is Run-or-Get-Soaked.

More blasts of water and more running. I'm probably laughing my ass off until someone tackles me from behind. It's both Cat and Jade.

The two girls take the guns and point them at me threateningly. The three boys makes me sit up with all my weapons removed. Except one.

"Game over, Vega," the raven haired girl snarls at me, her body drenched. Wet currents of water going down her back, little bits of it trickling down her body... NO! Think, Tori!

Smiling slyly, I duck my head. "Why Jade, this game isn't over until I say it is," I retort. Using my final weapon, I take out a single tiny remote. Confusion strikes their faces as I motion to the super soaker sprinklers. I filled them up with ice cold water. "Game over."

Pressing the button, the sprinklers turn on, blasts of water going in different directions. Yes, I too get wet but at least I won.

Freezing water pours down my body and my senses awaken. We all get ambushed by my final weapon and we end up on the ground, laughing our asses off. The water jets slowly turn off and we're lying there, drenched with water. A breeze hits us and our teeth chatter. "How was that for hanging out?" I ask breathlessly.

Beck chuckles. "Now that was fun," he turns his head to face me. "Thanks for that, Tori." I grin and stare at the beautiful black sky, stars twinkling like fireflies in space.

"That was so much fun!" Cat squeals and hugs me from the side. Her arms wrap around my stomach and I laugh. "Can we do it again tomorrow?"

Sighing, I know I have more training to do. "Sorry, Kitty Cat, I have some stuff to do with my aunt. Maybe on Sunday?" I suggest and she nods her head eagerly.

All of us stay silent, only the crickets chirping.

"Kids!" my mom calls out. "Come inside! I have some pizza!"

We all jump to our feet and rush inside my house. Of course, I'm first and Robbie is last. He whines once I tell him that.

I grab the biggest slice and smile victoriously. The two more manly guys groan unhappily and stick to the medium sized slices. My mother chuckles as she bites into her piece.

The pizza is nice and warm, ready for hungry mouths to chew down on. Ever since training, I barely ate anything besides that donut and coffee. I'm almost through my second slice when a voice interrupts me.

"Vega?" I look up, into her turquoise eyes. Her eyebrows are scrunched up. "You got a little," she points to the side of her mouth, "a little bit right there." She leans over and wipes off the tomato sauce off the edge of my lips with her thumb. "Yeah, there," she clarifies awkwardly. No one else seems to notice our little situation. Jade's eyes dart down to her lap as she finishes her piece.

Blinking, I do a double take. Is that a blush on her cheeks? I look closer and grin. It is a blush on her cheeks. Jade West is blushing! 'Cause of me, Tori Vega!

I look away, trying to avoid blushing as well.

Soon enough, the three pizza boxes were empty and piling in the trash can. Now we all transitioned back into the living room. The TV is tuned onto The X Factor. Simon Cowell is dissing on an old lady about sounding like a squawky bird.

The goth sighs happily. "I love that man," she says with an appreciated smile. Of course she does. He's the meanest judge you will ever come across. Plus he has an accent.

A small smile tugs on my lips as Demi Lovato messes with him. Their love-hate relationship reminds me of me and Jade, to be honest. Sure we can annoy each other at times yet we act like real friends sometimes. We might bicker but we keep each other's backs whenever we stand up for something that's right.

We watch two episodes of the X Factor. The TV fades into black as the show ends and I look at the time. It's already 11:07 p.m. A yawn makes it out of Cat and it's a sign that it's getting late.

I get up, stretching my limbs. "It's getting kinda late, don't you think?" I ask them, an unexpected yawn leaving me.

There are sleepy looks on their faces. That water war sure wore us down. My friends pack their things and trudge out the door, saying their goodbyes and giving me hugs. I smile at them and give the raven haired girl a quick hug. She blinks in surprise, a lazy smile spreading on her face.

Once they're out of the driveway, I close the door and collapse on the couch. My mother takes me in her arms. "Baby, are you okay?"

Shaking my head, I cuddle up into her warmth. My mother is a kind, generous woman. She thinks about others and puts them ahead of herself. I guess that's where I get it from. Guess that trait skipped Trina, I muse. "Rod wanted me to fight Maya Feckner and Arana Ollie, the toughest fighters besides me. The two matches are here in L.A. I'm afraid that I'll lose by their hands. I'm scared, Mommy," I whimper. "I don't want to fail in front of my friends on national television. It's this Saturday and next Saturday. I don't think I'm ready."

Tears want to fall but they can't. One, because I won't let them and two, it takes a lot for me to cry. Like a severe heartbreak or a close relative that passed away.

Her hands play with my dark locks as she sighs in exhaustion. "I don't know, honey. You just have to have faith in yourself. You will forever be the best female CFC champion. Don't you forget that. Just practice hard over these two days and you'll be fine. I bet you will do wonderfully," she says as a matter-of-fact.

That brings a shy smile on my lips. Only my family, my grandmother, Juan, and Rod know about my secret. No one else must know unless I can trust them with my most prized possession: my heart. And I know one person who I might.

Sighing, I look up at her and she smiles down at me. "Mom, is it okay to protect the ones you love when they don't need protection?"

Her eyebrows knit together. "Well, sweetheart, if you truly care for someone, you would protect them, heart and soul. But sometimes, the people we care about don't need our help. Yes, it's painful to see them hurting but we can do only one thing; support them and care for them. Until they ask for protection, give it to them. They'll admit that they're wrong. They always do." Her eyes shine brighter. I look at her curiously. "Is this about Jade?" she asks me quietly.

My eyes widen as I quickly sit up. "How do you know that?" I ramble, trying to cover up my shock.

She chuckles, the corners of her eyes crinkling. "You're my daughter, Tori. Every time you look at her, there's longing and compassion in your eyes. You care for her more than anyone. This isn't a mere crush either. You love her," she whispers.

It's the truth. I love Jade. I love Jade West. The room spins as my hands clutch the sofa. Oh my God, I love her. Not even like like her.

I whimper and curl up into a ball. "What do I do? I—I can't deal with this and the matches. I'll lose my focus and fail terribly," I hyperventilate.

My mother just shakes her head and smiles softly. "Tori, even if you try to get rid of those feelings, you'll still love her the same. Just think of a way where those feelings won't distract you." I nod and hug my knees to my chest.

Licking my lips, I shudder. "I can't even get her off my mind. What do I do if she doesn't even like me back?" I choke out, biting into my lower lip.

Her hand strokes my cheeks and kisses my forehead. "I can't solve all of your problems but I will tell you this; keep her close. Protect her and support her. Even if she doesn't like you back, don't abandon her. Now go to sleep, honey. You're exhausting yourself out." She gives me a warm smile and goes upstairs to her room.

I sit there, feeling hopeless. How am I going to cope with my strong feelings for the goth? She's just so perfect.

Sighing, I force myself to get up and I quietly enter my room and collapse on my bed. My mind is going a bazillion miles per hour. Her smirk and piercing blue green eyes haunt me. Somehow, I manage to tire myself to sleep. I still sleep uneasy. Suddenly, going to school tomorrow and fighting in that match seem unbearable. But I'm a fighter and I have to fight my way to the finish. Even if I hurt myself in the process. Darkness overwhelms me. For once, I doubt I'll win this fight.

How can I win a battle that I lost before I even started?