Harmony amidst Chaos | A Jori story

Finding focus

-JADE'S POV-

"'Cause he likes lemonade!" I blurt out, the words tumbling out of my mouth before I can stop them.

I had to ask Vega how things went with Beck, 'cause she didn't tell me anything. She didn't even call me or send me a text or anything!

Not that I want her to call or text me, but well... You know what I mean!!

Vega gives me a skeptical look, her brow furrowing. "Yeah, but out of a can?"

"He drank it." I insist, frustration bubbling up inside me.

"Yeah, but—" she starts, clearly not convinced.

"Do I have a boyfriend or don't I?" I cut her off, the sharpness in my voice betraying just how on edge I am.

Before she can answer, Sinjin pops up next to me, far too close for comfort. "Do you want one?" he asks, his voice dripping with that weird, unsettling curiosity he always has.

I don't even look at him. "Walk. Away." I say flatly, my focus locked on Vega.

She sighs, closes her locker, and starts walking toward the soda machine at the end of the hallway. I follow right behind her, waiting for her to say something—anything—that might make this mess clearer. But she doesn't.

The silence gnaws at me, and before I can stop myself, I let out a whine. "Help me!"

God, I sound so desperate. I hate it.

Vega stops in front of the soda machine, turning to face me. "I tried!" she says, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Maybe you just need to forget about Beck."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Forget about Beck? Does she even understand what she's asking me?

I feel a prickle behind my eyes and, without thinking, I grab her wrist, ignoring her surprised yelp as I drag her toward the janitor's closet.

"What are you doing?" Tori struggles against my grip, but I don't stop, pulling the door open and shoving her inside, following right behind her.

"And now we're in a closet. Again." she mutters, crossing her arms as she leans against the shelves.

I try to stay composed, but I can feel the tears welling up, and as much as I hate it, I can't hold them back any longer. My voice cracks as I blurt out, "How can Beck not want me back? I'm so cool, and hot. I've got it all!"

Tori looks at me with a mix of pity and frustration. "Yeah, but guys don't just care about how cool and hot you are."

I glare at her, not understanding. "Well, what else is there?"

She sighs, clearly trying to keep her patience. "Beck said you haven't done one nice thing for him in two years."

"That is so not true!" I argue. "We've only dated a year and eleven months."

"Jade..." Tori says softly, her voice almost pleading. "Maybe he'd take you back if you did something nice for him."

I blink, processing what she's saying. "You mean, like make him fresh lemonade?"

Tori shakes her head, a small, incredulous smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "If you want Beck back, you're gonna have to think bigger than beverages."

I wipe my tears with the back of my hand, trying to pull myself together. "Bigger than beverages." I repeat, my mind racing with possibilities, until it hits me—I've got it!

"A dog!" I blurt out, my eyes lighting up.

Vega stares at me like I've lost it. "Okay, if you're gonna be rude—"