thirteen → jade west

Chapter 14

Jade lounged on Cat's bed, surrounded by a colorful array of stuffed animals and anime posters. The vibrant pink and green hues of the room reflected Cat's lively personality perfectly. Linkin Park's energetic music played in the background, a recent addition to Jade's playlist, all thanks to Beck.

"So, who do you think is hotter - Chester or Mike?" Jade asked, trying to sound nonchalant as she played with a bracelet on her wrist. Her casual attire of skinny jeans and a tank top was a stark contrast to the more refined clothes she was expected to wear.

Cat, sprawled on the floor, pondered for a moment, her curly hair framing her face. "I'd say Chester. He's got this intense energy, you know? But Mike's cool too, in a different way."

Jade bit her lip, feeling a sudden rush of shyness. "Yeah, Chester's pretty cool," she agreed, her thoughts drifting to Beck's similar admiration for the singer.

Cat's eyes twinkled with mischief. "You like Chester because Beck does, right? Admit it, Jade, you've got a crush on him!"

Jade's face flushed a deep red. "No, that's not it," she stammered, feeling her heart race at the mere mention of Beck. She admired him, sure, but a crush? That was something she wasn't ready to confront.

Cat nudged her playfully. "Oh, come on! It's so obvious. You always light up when you talk about him."

Jade shook her head, a mix of denial and fear in her eyes. "It's not like that. We're just friends. And with the Hollywood Arts auditions coming up, I can't afford to get distracted."

The room, with its cheerful and carefree atmosphere, felt like a world away from Jade's usual life. Here, she could be herself, away from the pressures of her family and the image she had to maintain. But even in this sanctuary, her feelings for Beck lingered like an unspoken secret.

After the playful teasing about Beck, the atmosphere in Cat's room shifted back to their usual easygoing camaraderie. Jade, feeling a bit more comfortable, decided to share something personal with Cat.

"Hey, Cat, I want to show you something," Jade said, reaching into her overnight bag. She pulled out her well-loved, cream-colored stuffed bunny. It was a bit worn, but its presence seemed to bring comfort.

Cat's eyes widened with delight. "Oh my gosh, is that your bunny? It's so cute!"

Jade nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Yeah, I've had it since I was a baby. It's kind of my comfort thing, you know?"

Cat clapped her hands excitedly. "I love it! Here, let me show you my collection!" She darted to a shelf filled with various anime plushies, picking up a few to introduce to Jade.

The room was soon filled with laughter as they played with their stuffed animals, creating silly voices and stories for each one. It was a rare moment of pure, unadulterated joy for Jade, a stark contrast to her usual guarded demeanor.

As they played, Jade felt a sense of kinship with Cat. Here, in this bubble of innocence and fun, she could forget about her complicated feelings for Beck and the pressures of her family life.

"Your bunny is really special, Jade," Cat said, holding one of her anime plushies. "It's nice to have something that's been with you for so long."

Jade nodded, her eyes softening. "Yeah, it's one of the few things that's just mine, you know?"

The conversation drifted to their favorite music, movies, and TV shows. They shared stories about their hobbies, their dreams, and the things that scared them. It was a night of revelations and bonding, a testament to the strength of their growing friendship.

As the night wore on, the girls eventually settled down, surrounded by their stuffed animals. In the quiet of Cat's room, Jade felt a sense of peace. She was grateful for this friendship, for the chance to just be a teenager, away from the complexities of her life.

*

In the solitude of the music room, with sunlight filtering through the windows, Jade found herself lost in thought. The black dress with the white collar felt like a costume, a mask she wore to fit into a world where she never truly belonged. Her fingers moved instinctively over the piano keys, the melody a reflection of her inner turmoil.

The loneliness was a constant companion, a shadow that followed her through the halls of her prestigious school. Surrounded by classmates who wore their wealth like armor, Jade felt more isolated than ever. Their conversations, filled with mentions of weekend getaways and exclusive parties, were a language she understood but never spoke.

But Beck... Beck was different. He didn't wear a mask. He didn't need to. His authenticity was like a beacon, drawing Jade in. He was from a different world, one where kindness and dreams mattered more than lineage and bank accounts.

As she played, the music became a bridge between her hidden self and the person she wanted to be. Beck had unknowingly become a part of her world, a symbol of hope and possibility. The thought of him brought a warmth to her chest, a feeling she couldn't quite name but cherished all the same.

It was in this moment, alone with the piano, that Jade allowed herself to acknowledge the truth. She liked Beck, not as a friend, but something more. It was a realization that scared her as much as it excited her. What did it mean for her carefully constructed world? Could she ever share her true self with him, or would the fear of rejection keep her silent?

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, pulling Jade back to reality. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with potential heartaches and revelations. But for the first time, Jade felt ready to face it. Beck had shown her a glimpse of a world where she could be herself, and she was determined to find her place in it.

As she left the music room, Jade carried with her a sense of purpose. The feelings for Beck were no longer just a fleeting thought; they were a part of her, a guiding light as she navigated the complexities of teenage life. The path ahead was daunting, but Jade knew she wouldn't have to walk it alone.