thirteen → jade west

Chapter 1

The morning sun streamed through the opulent curtains of the West household in Holmby Hills, its rays illuminating a room that felt more like a museum exhibit than a part of a home. In the midst of this grandeur, Jade West stood beside her black iron bed, her mousey brown hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Martha, the housekeeper who had been more of a mother to her than her own, was carefully adjusting the collar of a designer dress, chosen specifically for the annual charity gala.

"Make sure it's snug, Martha. We can't have her looking anything less than perfect," Jade's mother commented briskly as she swept through the room, her gaze critical.

Jade's big blue eyes, usually vibrant, held a touch of sadness as she met Martha's sympathetic gaze in the mirror. She nodded obediently, though her heart rebelled against the charade of perfection her life had become.

As Jade's mother left, Martha smiled gently at Jade, adjusting the dress with practiced hands. "You look beautiful. But remember, it's what's inside that counts the most," she whispered, her words a stark contrast to the superficial values of the world Jade was forced into.

Jade's lips twitched into a small, genuine smile - a rarity in the presence of anyone but Martha. "Thanks, Martha. I don't know what I'd do without you," she murmured, her voice soft.

Martha patted her hand, her eyes warm. "You're stronger than you think, my dear. One day, you'll find a way to show the world the real Jade."

As Jade stood in her room, surrounded by old money aesthetics, she felt trapped in a life that didn't belong to her. She longed for a place where she could express herself, where her love for music wouldn't have to be a secret, where she could be more than just a pawn in her family's quest for social prestige.

*

The hallways of the elite private school were a cacophony of privileged chatter and laughter, a stark contrast to the silence that enveloped Jade. She moved through the crowd, her books clutched tightly against her chest, the latest tech gadgets - an iPhone 1st generation and an iPod touch - barely visible in her designer bag. They were symbols of her family's wealth, yet they felt like chains to Jade, anchoring her to a world she didn't belong in.

As she navigated the sea of uniforms and designer labels, Alyssa Vaughan, the epitome of blonde, old-money perfection, approached with her clique trailing behind her like loyal subjects. "Jade!" Alyssa called out, her voice dripping with a sweetness that didn't quite reach her eyes. "You're coming to the event, right? It's going to be fabulous."

Jade forced a smile, the muscles in her face straining against the effort. "Wouldn't miss it," she replied, her voice a perfect mimicry of enthusiasm.

Alyssa beamed, turning to her friends to share a private joke. As they giggled, Jade caught a glimpse of their mocking glances thrown her way. She felt a familiar sting in her chest, a reminder of her place in this world - always on the periphery, never truly belonging.

As Alyssa continued to gush about her new dress and the anticipated highlights of the evening, Jade's mind drifted away from the superficial banter. She imagined herself sitting at a grand piano, her fingers weaving magic through the keys, creating a world where she could express the emotions she had to bury deep within her.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the break, and Jade seized the opportunity to escape. She offered a noncommittal nod to Alyssa and her group before slipping away, their laughter still echoing in her ears. It was a laughter that wasn't kind or joyful, but cruel and isolating, a reminder of the facade she had to maintain.

As she walked to her next class, Jade's thoughts were a whirlwind of music notes and dreams of freedom, a stark contrast to the gilded cage she found herself in.