No Way Out

✉️ invite✉️

A day before Prome, Jade and Beck walked side by side into Hollywood Arts, Jade's expression dark and irritated.

"I can't believe Sikowitz made Tori's stupid Prom idea into a tradition here!" Jade vented, her voice sharp. "It's Prome, and you're still mad about that?" Beck asked, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at her. "You should really let it go. I don't see why you can't move on."

Jade stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, her eyes fierce. "I was humiliated in front of everyone, Beck! A grown man in a baby diaper carried me to the park, I got soaked in the rain, and worst of all, I didn't get to perform my play!" She forced a tight smile. "Now, do you think any of that might be a reason to still be mad?"

Beck sighed, understanding her frustration but still trying to reason with her. "It's been a year, Jade. Just let it go."

Jade clicked her tongue, her eyes narrowing. "Hmm, well, maybe I'll let it go once you let go of the idea of us being together at that stupid Prome!" She snapped before storming off. Beck threw his head back, muttering under his breath. "I was just saying..."

"Tell it to your date!" Jade called out behind her. Beck brushed his hand through his hair, groaning to himself. "I just couldn't keep my mouth shut, could I?" He sighed. "Jade, wait up!"

Meanwhile, Tori and Andre made their way to her locker. "What's wrong with me? Why can't I find a date for tomorrow?!" Tori complained, her voice laced with frustration. She opened her locker with a huff. "Chill, Tori. You'll find someone today, and if not, you can hang out with me and my date—just like last year," Andre teased, laughing softly.

Tori shot him a glare. "Ha-ha! Go ahead and mock me. You're one to talk! Your date is Missy McKissy Pants! Why would you ask her again after last year? You were so irritated with her you spent half the night hiding in the men's room!" Tori slammed her locker shut.

Andre tried to protest, but Tori cut him off, waving her phone in his face. "Robbie sent a picture of you hiding in the stall, remember? You can't deny it." She grinned as she pulled up the photo.

Andre groaned. "Would you delete that? Fine! I couldn't find a date for tomorrow, okay? You happy?"

Tori smirked in triumph, pocketing her phone. "Maybe... Look, why don't we just go together? I mean, unless you wanna spend the night in the men's room again."

Andre rolled his eyes but smiled, nodding in agreement. Just then, Cat and Robbie bounded up to them, both smiling brightly.

"Hiiiii!" Cat sang.

"Hey, oh!" Robbie greeted with a goofy grin.

"You two seem in a good mood," Tori noted, raising an eyebrow. "Is that the smile of someone with a date?" Andre teased.

Cat giggled, and Tori pulled her closer. "Did he ask you out?!"

"No, not yet, but I think he will," Cat whispered excitedly. "He texted me to meet with him later... in private."

"Good job, Rob! Finally gonna ask her out, huh?" Andre patted Robbie on the back.

"Yeah... about that... I haven't yet. But I will!" Robbie said quietly, glancing nervously at the girls.

The school bell rang, and they all headed to class, feeling the pre-prom excitement. As they entered the classroom, the tension between Beck and Jade was palpable.

"I didn't mean to say that!" Beck yelled, frustration evident in his voice.

"Whatever! Go explain it to your date at that stupid Prome!" Jade shot back, her eyes cold.