thirteen → jade west

Chapter 26

Amidst the opulence of the West mansion, July 26 dawned with an air of anticipation, marking Jade's 14th birthday. The grand affair was a spectacle to behold, as the sprawling estate was transformed into a lavish party venue adorned with extravagant decorations. Colorful banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, while strings of twinkling lights illuminated the sprawling gardens.

As the guests began to arrive, their voices filled with excitement and chatter, Jade's family, including her mother Ellen West, greeted them with strained smiles. Ellen, known for her social grace, navigated the crowd with practiced ease, though the tension beneath her facade was palpable.

Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire among the guests as news of Jade's unexpected acceptance to Hollywood Arts circulated. Faces turned incredulous as the realization sunk in—Jade, the poised and studious daughter of the Wests, destined for Ivy League universities, was now embarking on a path in the arts.

"Did you hear? Jade got accepted to Hollywood Arts!"

"Really? I thought she was preparing for Harvard and Yale."

"I never would've guessed she had such a talent for the arts."

Ellen, ever the gracious hostess, attempted to deflect the attention away from Jade's acceptance, offering vague explanations about exploring all of Jade's options. Yet, her words did little to dispel the sense of intrigue and uncertainty that hung in the air.

"Oh, yes, well," Ellen replied with a forced smile, "we're exploring all of Jade's options. There's a prestigious music program she's considering before moving on to a conservatory. You know how it is, always keeping our options open."

The guests nodded politely, but their curiosity remained unabated.

"Jade, darling, why don't you come mingle with our guests?" Ellen called out to her daughter, her tone a mixture of warmth and urgency. "They're all so eager to congratulate you on your achievements."

Jade nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile as she wove her way through the crowd, the weight of their expectations pressing heavily on her shoulders.

As Jade navigated through the grandeur of the mansion, her heart weighed heavy with conflicting emotions. The vibrant energy of the party clashed with the turmoil brewing within her, creating a dissonance that she couldn't shake off.

The opulent halls echoed with laughter and chatter as guests mingled, their voices rising and falling like waves against the shore. Jade smiled politely as she exchanged pleasantries, but beneath her facade of composure, a storm raged within.

Her family's disapproval hung in the air like a thick fog, casting a shadow over the festivities. Jade's grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles—all wore expressions of thinly veiled disdain, their disapproving glances piercing through her facade.

Even her cousin Penelope, with her mocking smirk and condescending gaze, seemed to relish in Jade's discomfort. Each interaction felt like a dagger to Jade's heart, a reminder of the chasm that now separated her from her family.

As she moved through the crowd, Jade's mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in her own celebration, a mere puppet in her family's carefully choreographed charade.

Despite her efforts to mask her inner turmoil, Jade's facade began to crumble, revealing the raw vulnerability that lay beneath. With each passing moment, the weight of her family's disapproval grew heavier, threatening to suffocate her spirit.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the party, Jade felt utterly alone, adrift in a sea of expectations and disappointment. She longed for refuge, for a moment of solace amidst the chaos—a fleeting respite from the storm that raged within her soul.

As Jade retreated to the sanctuary of her bedroom, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. The chaos of the party faded into the background, replaced by a sense of quiet solitude that enveloped her like a warm embrace.

Alone in her room, Jade sank onto her bed, her mind buzzing with a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in her own celebration, the weight of her family's disapproval heavy on her shoulders.

Martha, ever the steadfast companion, entered the room with a gentle smile, her presence a balm to Jade's troubled soul. Sitting beside Jade, she offered words of comfort and reassurance, reminding her of her strength and resilience.

"You're stronger than you know, Jade," Martha said, her voice soft but unwavering. "Don't let their disapproval dim your light."

Jade nodded, grateful for Martha's unwavering support. "I just wish they could see how much this means to me," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.

Martha squeezed Jade's hand, a silent gesture of solidarity. "They may not understand now, but they will come around in time. Just stay true to yourself, Jade. That's all that matters."

Despite Martha's comforting words, Jade couldn't shake off the lingering sense of sadness and isolation that weighed heavily on her heart. As she gazed out the window, lost in her thoughts, she longed for a sense of belonging—a place where she could be accepted and celebrated for who she truly was.

In that moment of quiet reflection, Jade realized that her journey was just beginning. Though the road ahead might be fraught with challenges and obstacles, she was determined to stay true to herself and follow her dreams, no matter the cost.