Start from scratch

Chapter 38 - For you

Disclaimer: The show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.

Start from scratch

Chapter 38 – For you.

Tori's POV.

We had a very good night, watching an old gangster film and having fun. After the movie ended, we watched another old film. 1950's, Sunset Boulevard with William Holden. While not a gangster film, it was about a out of work script writer who gets mixed up with a mostly forgotten former silent film star, played by Gloria Swanson who is determined to live in the past, her glory days. The movie details the events that leads to its tragic end.

After the 2nd movie, it was past 10, so I bid her good night and went to sleep. I was very happy that things went well. The next morning, was yet another story.

I had gotten showered and ready for my job at the bank. I was running a bit behind so I decided to skip breakfast and grab something from the vending machine at work. I could hear Jade in the kitchen eating breakfast.

I stepped in and smiled. "Hey there."

Jade who was eating a bowl of cereal looked up at me briefly and grunted, then went back to eating. She was still in her bathrobe, haven't had showered yet.

I was about to step out when I remembered something. It probably could have waited, but I decided to mention it yesterday. "Hey Jade, could you please remember to rinse the dishes a bit better before you put them in the dishwasher. The last time, a couple of yours still had food on them. That and remember to pull out the chairs at the kitchen table and sweep under, when you clean the kitchen next time."

Instantly Jade looked up with fire in her eyes. "FINE! I'LL CLEAN YOUR DAMN KITCHEN. I'LL RINSE THE FUCKING PLATES AND SWEEP UNDER THE GOD DAMN TABLE, WHAT ARE YOU? MY MOTHER! STOP NAGGING ME!"

To say that I was startled by Jade's sudden outburst was an understatement. Instinctively, I shut down all my emotions, put on a neutral expression and walked off. Next, I grabbed my coat, keys and left the apartment. If I didn't have to work, I'd probably do what I had done a hundred times before, simply went into my room, shut the door and ignore her.

I had gotten downstairs and as I thought about it, realized she probably had a bad night. Sometimes she screams, sometimes not. I must have not heard this one. After those nights, she's usually in a bad state.

I had reached the front door of the apartment building and was about to open it, when I suddenly stopped. I can't just walk away, shut myself in my room or head off to work without so much as single word. Part of me wanted to keep going, but I pushed back against it.

Turning around, with a feeling of regret, I walked back upstairs and reentered the apartment. Turning, I could see Jade come out of the kitchen. Her face was a mix of emotions, fear, anger, rage and a hundred others.

Not saying a word, she turned and simply glared at me. Then she seemed to tense up.

For an instant, I pondered my response.

"Jade, I'm sorry if you had a bad night. I hope you have a better day. If you want to talk about it later, we can. I'll see you later."

I then paused for a moment and said the first thing that came to my mind. "You're beautiful."

I didn't take more than a second to gauge her response, because I was really running behind. As far as responses go, it wasn't much of one at all. She just stood there; her face unchanging. I could only hope it helped.

Returning home at the end of the day, I was tired. At the same time, I was a bit on edge as I wasn't sure what mood Jade would be in. From past experience, I guessed she would probably be quiet and standoffish for at least another day.