Harmony amidst Chaos | A Jori story

Take my breath

-JADE'S POV-

Beck comfortably leans back in his seat, watching the road. "You know, you could ease off the gas a little. I'm pretty sure we just caught air on that last bump."

"Oh, please, you like it when I'm dangerous." I smirk, keeping my eyes on the road.

He chuckles. "I enjoy living dangerously, but I'd also like to survive the ride home, babe. I've got some plans for us tonight." He says seductively.

I roll my eyes. "I'm not gonna crash, Beck. I've driven you around a million times."

"Yeah, but sometimes it feels like you're auditioning for an action movie." he says with a grin, like he's just being cute.

The comment suddenly rubs me the wrong way. I feel a flicker of annoyance. "Are you seriously criticizing my driving right now?"

Beck shrugs. "I'm not criticizing, I'm just saying-"

"You're always 'just saying' something," I cut him off, my voice tight. "First, it's my outfit, then it's my driving. What's next? The way I touch you?"

Beck sighs, glancing at me. "I didn't mean it like that. I was just joking. And I didn't criticize your outfit."

I scoff. "Really? You made that face when I wore that jacket earlier."

"That face wasn't about the jacket itself, Jade," he says, sounding exasperated. "I was just surprised you wore it in this heat."

I grip the steering wheel tighter and pull into the driveway of my house. "Same thing. You're always commenting on something."

Beck leans forward, his voice softer but still firm. "Jade, I don't mean to criticize you. You know I love you just the way you are, right?"

I turn off the ignition. "Do you?" I shoot back, opening my door. "Because sometimes it's like you like other girls better than me."

I step out of the car and walk up the porch toward the front door.

"Are we seriously doing this again?" he calls after me, frustration lacing his voice.

I pause, turning to face him. "What do you want me to say, Beck? That I'm just overreacting?"

"I want you to talk to me instead of always shutting down." he replies, approaching me with a pleading tone.

"Like that has ever worked." I turn around, inserting the key into the lock and turning it.

"That's not fair, Jade. You know I care about you. You know I listen to what you have to say." he says, following me into the house.

"Then maybe you should start acting like it!" I snap, turning to face him.

"Ah, Jadelyn, good you're here." my dad says calmly from behind me.

He's standing there in his suit, looking like he's about to head out somewhere.

"Yeah. I'm here. Why so?" I reply shortly, turning around and crossing my arms at him.

"Because we're having dinner with Mr. Collins and his family." he states matter-of-factly.

"Okay, have fun." I respond flatly, ready to brush it off.

"With 'we,' I mean you're coming with us." he adds, a hint of authority in his voice.

I groan inwardly, glancing at Beck, who looks equally taken aback.

"We have other plans." I protest.

"I don't care." he replies firmly. "Now say goodbye to Brad and get changed. Your mother bought you a new dress since you always wear that black one. Mr. Collins will think you don't own anything else."