After gathering up her books, Tori began heading towards the Asphalt Cafe passing by the bathroom for a quick stop. Well, she had assumed it would be quick. As soon as she reached the girls' restroom, the door slammed open and the singer abruptly collided with a familiar brunette. Both girls ended up sprawled on the floor, their supplies strewn about them (as Tori had been holding her textbooks and Jade was in the midst of putting hers away). A distraught expression appeared on Jade's face but quickly dissipated as she gained her footing.

"Oww.." Tori rubbed her forehead, remaining on her spot on the floor, hoping her blurred surroundings were only a temporary symptom.

"Ugh Vega. Should've known it was you."

"Jade?" Tori's vision began to clear up as she stared up from the floor at the curvy figure.

Reflexively, Tori's body tensed up as she prepared to defend herself from an insult but the reaction she received was quite different. Jade was..extending out her hand? Was this a peace offering? Or a trick?

"It was my fault. It's the least I could do." Jade smiled, wryly.

Tori raised her eyebrow. This wasn't like her at all. Tori stared intently at her expression, wondering what had changed in the short time between their trip and the present. She decided she didn't want to chance another opportunity for her own embarrassment and stood up on her own.

"I'm good, thanks."

"Hm." Jade grunted and turned to walk away, her steps echoeing in the empty hallway.

Tori had assumed she was headed towa rds the cafe but the raven-haired one was almost to the school entrance. Before she reached the end, Tori caught up to her and rested her hand on her shoulder.

"Jade..wait." The actress turned to her frenemy with a questioning look. The pallor of her skin was more noticeable than usual to Tori. Actually, now that she thought of it, her emerald eyes were missing that extra spark they usually had. And..were her eyes rimmed with red? Tori knew that asking the wrong questions would only draw her back into a defensive stance, so she decided to put it aside. For now.

"Well?" Jade was tapping her foot impatiently, as Tori mulled over her decision.

"I'm coming with you."

—

"Hey man! What's up." Andre greeted a ruffled-looking Beck. The actor nodded in reply and sat down. His eyes began wandering around as his hands toyed with his plate of fries.

"Yeah..hey have you seen Jade?" The boy's voice was careful and cautious, refusing to yield to his true emotions.

"Nope, but we were actually just talking about them." Robbie answered cheerily.

"What about?" Beck's interest was growing.

"Apparently, some chiz went down at the mansion but only little Cat here can say."

The redhead in question only pretended not to hear them and squeezed her giraffe, staring into the sky.

"Cat.." Beck started. No response. "Cat!"

Beck hated raising his voice but his exhaustion over the last few weeks was taking its toll. Robbie looked alarmed and Andre sat up straighter. They peered at him inquiringly, having never seen him so agitated before..

"What-y" Cat replied, still looking away.

"What happened at the house?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"Because..if I do then you and Jade will be weirder than you already are and then Tori will feel bad and then the group will split up and things will happen and.." Cat looked down, her voice quivering as she talked.

"Cat, calm down. Just tell me what happened." Beck's eyes were pleading. "And how does it even involve me?"

"Because.." she whispered.

The wind caught whisps of her velvet-colored hair, framing her face. As she blew them aside, the boys leaned in to hear her. She nervously fidgeted with her hands before she spoke.

"Jade likes someone else."

—

"Can we get five burgers, four corndogs and three sides of chili fries?"

A hefty woman and her flock of children stood in front of Jade and Tori in line at the food stand, located around the corner of school. Jade refused to take Tori to where she had originally planned to go so they'd ended up walking to the park instead for lunch. She'd actually been surprised that the singer had even had enough courage to leave campus. Things were definitely..changing. For better or for worse, she had yet to know.

"What'll it be?" The elderly man taking orders grinned toothily at the girls as they reached their turn.

"Two corndogs and a side of fries. And two drinks." The words slid out of Jade's mouth automatically before she'd even realized. She and Beck had become accustomed to this place on their first few outings together and it'd been habitual for them to order the same thing.

"Unless..Tori. Did you want something else?"

Tori was off to the side, crouched down beside a little girl. "Here you go." Tori smiled, handing her a balloon that had just about escaped her reach. The child squealed in delight before running across the grass back to her mother. Jade couldn't help but smirk. It didn't matter where you brought the singer, she always found a way to make someone's day. Shaking out of her reverie, Jade repeated her question.

Tori bit her lip, looking up as she considered the menu options. Jade eyed her, curiously.

"No..I think I'm alright."

Jade shrugged and paid the cashier and together, they found a spot at one of the outdoor tables near a tree. Meanwhile, Tori couldn't help but think about how there wasn't even a cloud in the sky.

Sorry for the wait! Hopefully by the end of the month my school schedule will clear up and I'll be able to properly avert my attention to this.

Thank you so much for all the reviews, it means a lot. :)