thirteen → jade west

Chapter 12

Jade sat alone on the staircase in the hallway during lunch break, her eyes distant and her mind swirling with thoughts of her mother. She longed for a connection, for her mother's love and approval, but it felt like an unattainable dream.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Beck approaching until he was almost beside her. "Hey, Jade," he said softly, his voice laced with concern. "You okay? You seem a bit off today."

Jade looked up, slightly startled by his presence. She managed a weak smile, her usual tough facade crumbling. "It's nothing, just had a rough weekend," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Beck sat down beside her, giving her space yet offering silent support. "If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here," he offered gently, not wanting to pry but letting her know she wasn't alone.

Jade nodded, appreciating his kindness. "Thanks, Beck. It's just family stuff, you know?" she said, her eyes avoiding his gaze.

Beck understood the unspoken message. He didn't push for more details, respecting her need for privacy. Instead, he simply sat with her, his presence a comforting reassurance.

They shared a few soft smiles, a silent language of empathy and understanding passing between them. Jade felt a strange sense of vulnerability around Beck, as if he could see through her walls, and it both scared and comforted her.

As the lunch break came to an end, they stood up to head back to class. "Thanks for sitting with me," Jade said, her voice stronger now.

"Anytime, Jade," Beck replied, giving her a warm smile.

As they walked back to their classes, Jade felt a glimmer of something new, a connection with Beck that was slowly deepening. It was unfamiliar territory for her, but for the first time, she didn't want to run from it.

*

After school, Beck invited Jade, Andre, and Cat to his place in Tarzana. They all hopped on the subway, chatting and laughing, the energy of their friendship filling the air. Jade felt a mix of excitement and curiosity about visiting Beck's home for the first time.

As they arrived and walked towards Beck's house, Jade took in the small, humble one-story building with its modest front yard. But what really caught her eye was the RV parked in front of the garage. It was "The Silver Streak," the vehicle Beck's family had used to travel from Calgary to LA.

"Welcome to my humble abode," Beck announced with a grin, gesturing towards the RV. "This is the Silver Streak. It's been a big part of our journey here."

The group followed Beck into the RV, and Jade was immediately struck by how cozy and well-equipped it was. The interior was surprisingly spacious, with a kitchenette, an L-shaped pull-out sofa, a comfortable bed, a flatscreen TV, and a small but functional bathroom. The decor was simple and unassuming, reflecting Beck's family's down-to-earth personalities.

"Wow, this is so cool, Beck!" Cat exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she plopped down on the sofa.

"Yeah, it's like a mini house on wheels," Andre added, impressed.

Jade walked around, taking in every detail. "I can't believe you traveled all the way from Calgary in this," she said, her voice tinged with admiration.

Beck laughed. "Yeah, it was quite the adventure. We've had some good times in The Silver Streak."

As they settled in, Beck shared stories of their road trip, the challenges they faced, and the memories they made. Jade listened intently, a new layer of understanding and respect for Beck forming in her mind.