The Past

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Victoria couldn't see it, but Jade's brow quirked in amusement. She sensed her heartbeat spike and the rush of blood to her face told her the girl was blushing. She looked over her embarrassed expression and smirked.

"Hey yourself," she replied, quiet but clear. Victoria barely remembered what Jade's voice sounded like, but she vaguely thought that it was nice to listen to. It had a rough quality to it that she hadn't heard from anyone before. Victoria took a moment to steel herself before speaking. She didn't want her own voice to crack and show how much everything was affecting her. None of it bad of course, but she wanted to make sure Jade didn't think she was scared of her. Because Victoria wasn't scared of her. In fact, she was amazed.

"You were following me," she said. Not accusing. Just stating a fact. Jade strode over and sat in her place on the desk. Victoria watched her graceful movements, further amazed but keeping it relatively hidden.

"Was I?"

The question was a taunt. Jade was clearly toying with her. She practiced with small animals. Rabbits mostly. An exercise in control. If she couldn't make a meal of her prey, she would keep herself entertained and therefore distracted. Victoria wasn't amused.

"I'm certain it was you," she stated once more. Jade nodded, happy with her conviction. It was a good indicator that she was decisive. It also showed that she stood up for herself. But Jade already knew that. She had seen it before while keeping tabs on her. Continuing to follow her had given Jade further insight into the kind of person Victoria was. She liked what she learned. It made it easier to trust her when the time came to meet her.

"Correct. But what you don't know is that I've been following you for some time now."

Victoria's surprise was plain to see.

"I would have noticed," she denied.

"Only if I wanted you to," Jade countered. Victoria made her way to her bed, giving Jade space as she did. She sat down and kicked off her shoes before bringing up her legs to cross them under her. Jade looked comfortable in her room. It was an odd thought to pass through Victoria's mind. Her head tilted and Jade took notice of the question in her gaze.

"Forgive me for intruding but I've also spent time in your room. To better acclimate myself to you," Jade admitted. Victoria knew she should at least be marginally concerned, but all she could worry about was whether her room looked clean and if she had said anything incriminating while she slept. Hopefully she hadn't been drooling either. Jade watched the varying emotions flit over her face and had the feeling she might have to try again at a different time. Perhaps it was too much. She got to her feet, but Victoria was quick to stop her.

"Don't go. I understand."

It was Jade's turn to tilt her head.

"You do?" she inquired, a note of hope tinting her tone. Victoria nodded. Jade paused in place a moment then sat back down.

"You're strange," Jade told her, a small smile pulling at her lips. Victoria took the comment as a compliment.

"You'd rather I be 'normal'?" she asked playfully. Jade shook her head, her small smile turning into a smirk.

"No. I prefer you the way you are."

Jade listened as the settled heartbeat took off in a steady but quick pace. Victoria cleared her throat, willing away another blush.

"I've been wanting to talk to you. I want to know more about you so I can understand you better," Victoria said. Jade looked away, knowing that Victoria wouldn't be content with small talk for long. She wanted facts and the truth. Some she would probably wish she didn't learn about.

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