Harmony amidst Chaos | A Jori story

Fortunate encounter

-TORI'S POV-

Heartbreak sucks. Here, I said it.

It's like no matter what I do, the hurt is just... there. Waiting for me. Every song on the radio, every random memory, even just walking through the halls at school—it all feels like a reminder of how stupid I was to believe he was ever really in love with me.

Man, love hurts if it's not reciprocated.

You give so much of yourself—your time, your energy, your feelings—only to realize the other person wasn't giving you the same in return. It's like pouring your heart into a bottomless pit and wondering why you feel so empty.

I haven't cried so hard since... ever. It's embarrassing, really. But what can I say? I trusted him. I thought what we had was real, and it turns out, I was just another name on his list. That just stings, and makes you sad and angry at the same time.

It's not like I wanted to fall for someone like him. I didn't plan on caring so much. But now? I feel like an idiot for letting him get to me in the first place.

I know everyone says time heals all wounds, but honestly? Time isn't doing anything for me right now.

School's started back up, but even the chaos of Hollywood Arts—where drama is practically part of the curriculum—hasn't been enough to distract me from the ache in my chest.

I've spent most of my free time exactly like I am now—curled up on the couch, watching 'Celebrities Underwater' and trying not to think about how my heart has been ripped into a million pieces.

Spoiler alert: it's not working.

A knock on the door breaks through the haze of my self-pity. I groan, debating whether I should just ignore it and hope whoever it is gives up. But then I hear her voice.

"Vega, open up. I know you're in there." Jade calls, her tone already halfway to impatient.

Jade... the person who was far too happy to remind me every time that Steven wasn't who I thought he was. Of course, she was right, but that doesn't make it sting any less.

I hesitate for a second, tempted to pretend I'm not home, but then the door swings open anyway. Jade let's herself in. As always.

"You really need to learn how to lock your door." she says, stepping inside with zero regard for personal boundaries. She looks me over, taking in my sweatpants, messy hair, glasses and the empty popcorn bowl on the coffee table. "Wow. You look... tragic."

"Thanks." I mutter, sinking deeper into the cushions.

Jade doesn't sit. Instead, she crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow. "What's with the mopey couch potato routine? It's been weeks. Time to snap out of it."

I shoot her a glare, but she doesn't budge. Jade doesn't do subtle—or sympathy, apparently. Instead she raises that stupid eyebrow.

"Some of us need time to process heartbreak." I snap, turning back to the TV. "Not that you'd understand."

"Oh, please." she says, rolling her eyes. "You think I've never had my heart ripped out and stomped on by some idiot with nice hair? Newsflash, Vega, wallowing doesn't help. What you need is a distraction."

"And you're here to provide that?" I ask dryly.

"Lucky you." she says, smirking. "Sit up. I need your help."

"With what?"

She hesitates for a split second, looking almost... uncertain. But then the Jade I know is back, confident and demanding. "I'm writing a play. And I need someone to... bounce ideas off."