The Big Move

Chapter 5

Later that night, Tori arrived at the restaurant that Andre had picked. She was slightly shocked when he chose it. Everything inside looked so expensive. Luckily,she didn't feel underdressed or overdressed, in her off-shoulder knee-length purple dress, and dangling loop earrings.

She spotted Andre looking handsome in his black tux, waiting at a table. She walked over and took a seat.

"You look gorgeous," he complimented her.

"Thank you," she said with a smile. "Well you look handsome." She paused. "Andre, how ever will we be able to afford the food here? It's such a fancy place, and everything looks so expensive."

"Leave that to me," Andre said. "We won't be ordering a feast, anyway."

"Yeah, that's true," Tori laughed. She noticed Andre's nervous expression. "Andre, is everything alright?" She reached out and placed her hand over his on the table.

The gesture seemed to make his tension disappear. "Everything's perfect," he said. He paused, then continued, "You're perfect. Tori Vega, ever since I first heard you sing at The Big Showcase, you've shown that you have undeniable talent. Over the years, I've enjoyed doing duets with you and spending time with you. So much so that I've realized my true feelings for you. And now, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, Tori Vega...will you marry me?" Andre asked. He got down on one knee, holding up an engagement ring.

"Andre, you don't even have to ask me twice...YES!" Tori said, as she happily accepted the unexpected engagement ring. She let Andre slip it onto her finger. "It's beautiful."

And it truly was. It was a lovely thin golden ring, set with a heart-shaped white diamond. Everyone at the tables nearby clapped and cheered for them.

"You're beautiful," Andre said as he got up. The newly engaged couple talked for a while before they ordered dinner. After dinner was over and the check was paid, they left and headed for Tori's house, to share the good news.

Tori's parents accepted Andre with open arms, which made Tori very happy. She looked around for Leah, but didn't see her; Holly mentioned that Leah had gone out with Trixie for an evening walk. After the family had talked for a bit downstairs, Tori and Andre went upstairs to do a FaceTime call with the rest of the gang, who were usually online in the evenings.

Tori got out her phone and mass texted, "JOIN FACETIME. BIG NEWS."

"Do you think anyone will be on?" Andre asked as he stood by her side.

"I don't know, to be honest," Tori said. "I mean we can wait till tomorrow, but I don't think I can hold the news in that long." She laughed.

At that moment Cat joined Facetime. Tori could see that she was in her bedroom. "Hiiii, Tori!" Cat said joyfully. "What's the big news?"

"I'll tell you in a minute! I'd rather wait till everyone gets on!" Tori told her excitedly.

"Alright, also hey Andre! Wait, what are you doing there?" Cat asked, puzzled.

"You'll see, little red," Andre said.

"Cat, is that Bibble?" Tori asked, squinting her eyes at a bowl beside Cat.

"NO," Cat said quickly, hiding the bowl behind her back. Tori opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, someone else joined Facetime.

"What's up, guys?" Robbie asked them happily. "What's the big news?"

"Tori and Andre have a surprise!" Cat said, glad to change the subject. "She's waiting until everyone else comes on."

"Oooh that would be Jade and Beck then," Robbie said in anticipation.

Just a minute afterwards Beck joined Facetime. Jade was there with him. "This better be good," Jade said.

"Alright, sooo," Tori began. She brought her right hand to her face to push her hair aside, hoping that someone would notice the ring.

"Wait, is that a..." Jade began, eyes wide.

"A ring?!" Cat continued quickly.

"Anyone we know?" Jade asked.

"Oh, funny," Tori answered sarcastically, then smiled.

"Congratulations!" Cat giggled. "I'm so happy for you guys!"

"Same here, guys!" Robbie added delightedly.

"Yeah, congrats," Jade finally said.

"So how was it at the Palace?" Beck asked Andre.

"Wait, you knew about this?" Tori asked Beck, surprised.

"He picked the restaurant and helped me out," Andre admitted. "I confess I was quite nervous."

"That, I could tell!" Tori said with a smile. "I'm just so happy right now."

"Wait – so that means that you are going to New York too, right?" Cat asked Tori.

"Yeah that's right," Tori confirmed. "I'll miss you guys... yes, even you Jade."

"Have you guys set a date yet?" Robbie asked them.

"No, it's way too early to be thinking about that, just yet," Andre answered.

"Yeah, Andre's right," Tori agreed with a smile.

The gang talked for a bit more before everyone else logged off for the night.

Tori updated her status on TheSlap which read: "Can't believe I'm engaged. Crying tears of joy! - MOOD = Happy Cry".

Two weeks later, Leah saw Tori packing her suitcase.

"You're leaving?" Leah asked.

"Yeah," Tori replied.

"I don't want you to go; you're the one that saved me," Leah said, sadly.

"And I feel so honored that I had a chance to do that, but I have to pursue my dreams. And besides, my fiance's starting his first semester at NYU," Tori mentioned.

"Well...I understand," Leah sighed. "But if you have to go, can you promise me one thing?"

"Anything," Tori said, smiling.

"Promise me that we'll always be friends?" Leah asked.

"Of course we will. And besides, you got into Hollywood Arts, didn't you?" Tori asked.

"Yeah," Leah said.

"Well, then, you won't exactly be lonely! You've made friends there already. You'll make some more," Tori added.

"Maybe," Leah said doubtfully.

"And we can still FaceTime after school and on weekends," Tori offered.

"I'd like that very much," Leah said, starting to smile.

"And Trina's going to UCLA, so she'll still be here in town," Tori pointed out.

"That's true," Leah realized.

"Not only that – if you get approved for adoption, Trina and I will be your adoptive sisters. And even if you don't get approved, you still feel like family to me. And that's never going to change," Tori reassured Leah, hugging her.

"I was kind of hoping you'd be here for my next birthday. It'll be my first one with you guys," Leah explained.

"I can't promise anything, but I can try. When is your birthday?" Tori asked.

"January 8th," Leah said.

"Then if I get cast, I will try to pull some strings, so I can be here!" Tori promised.

"Thank you Tori, you're the absolute best!" Leah smiled.

THE END!