thirteen → jade west

Chapter 20

The cool, early morning air of Hollywood Arts was filled with the soft, golden light of the sun as it began to rise, casting long shadows across the school's front yard. The usual hustle and bustle of students hadn't yet started, leaving the place in a serene quiet, broken only by the occasional chirp of birds and the distant hum of city traffic.

Beck and Jade, both early risers that day, found themselves alone, seated on an old wooden bench near the entrance. It was worn from years of use but held a comforting warmth, a silent witness to countless moments of youthful dreams and confessions. The area around them was bathed in the soft hues of dawn, the school building casting a protective shadow that seemed to envelop them in a private world.

Their conversation flowed easily, despite the undercurrent of nervous anticipation that lay beneath. They spoke of their aspirations, the roles they hoped to secure, and the subtle nuances of performance that often went unnoticed by the untrained eye. Beck's passion for acting shone through as he described the scene he was working on, his hands moving animatedly as he painted the picture with his words.

Jade listened intently, her eyes alight with interest and encouragement. It was in these quiet moments that she found herself drawn to Beck, not just for his talent but for the earnestness with which he pursued his dreams. She offered her insights, her own experiences with music lending a different perspective to the conversation.

Suddenly, Beck paused, a frown creasing his brow as he felt something amiss. Jade, noticing his discomfort, leaned closer, her eyes scanning his face for the culprit. "You have something on your face," she said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Beck's reaction was immediate, his hand darting to his cheek in an attempt to dislodge the unseen intruder. Jade couldn't help but laugh at his puzzled expression, the sound light and genuine. She reached out, her fingers gently brushing against his skin as she removed a small, stubborn leaf that had found its way there.

Their hands touched, a spark of unexpected electricity passing between them. Time seemed to slow as they looked down at their intertwined fingers, a mix of surprise and newfound awareness dawning in their eyes. The world around them faded, leaving only the sound of their shared breaths.

Neither spoke, the moment too fragile, too significant to be broken by words. The connection that had been forming over the weeks of preparation and shared dreams suddenly deepened, anchored in the simple yet profound act of holding hands.

As the first sounds of arriving students began to fill the air, Beck and Jade reluctantly let go, the spell of the moment broken. But the bond that had been forged in the quiet morning light remained, a silent promise of the depth of friendship-and perhaps something more-that lay ahead.

*

The local ice cream shop, nestled in the heart of their bustling city, had always been a haven for the high school crowd, especially after the long hours of classes and rehearsals. On this particular day, as the sun began its descent, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the cozy spot buzzed with the chatter and laughter of students unwinding. The warm light that spilled from the shop's windows and the sweet scent of waffle cones in the air added to the inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for friends to gather.

Andre, Cat, Beck, and Jade found themselves at a corner table, surrounded by the comforting clutter of half-eaten ice cream cups and scattered napkins. The conversation flowed effortlessly, jumping from school gossip to plans for the weekend, with Cat's animated stories often stealing the spotlight. Their laughter mingled with the background hum of other patrons, creating a tapestry of youthful joy.

As the sky outside deepened to a darker hue, signaling the end of their casual outing, Cat, ever the embodiment of warmth and affection, sprung from her seat with an exuberant energy. "Group hug before we go!" she declared, her arms wide open, ready to envelop her friends in her signature bear hug.