The Only Exception | Jori

three.

Tori knew what she meant by the statement, especially because she was purposely avoiding the girl, but Jade didn't need to know that. She didn't need to know the reason behind it either. 

 "I don't know. I've just noticed you're not as clingy as you usually are. And don't get me wrong, it's great not having you around all the time." Jade smirked, "So I'm not complaining, I'm just stating a fact." 

Tori stayed quiet for a bit. She didn't really know how to respond, especially since she never expected Jade to notice that. 

"I don't know. Why do you care anyways?" Tori rolled her eyes. 

Jade groaned, "I don't care, Vega. I literally said I was just stating a fact." She snapped a bit. Jade's sharp glare softened up a bit when she noticed Tori leaning away from her slightly. 

Tori wondered why she came outside looking for the girl anyways. It wasn't like she was expecting anything pleasant to come from the interaction. But maybe she was hoping. 

"You know, I'm just doing you a favor by leaving you alone." 

"But why all of a sudden? It's not like you ever tried to leave me alone. In fact, you always tried to get closer, especially when I didn't want it. So why now? I literally have no one, Tori. And the one person that I thought gave a shit, goes and leave like everyone else!" Jade spat. She didn't mean for her temper to flare, it just did.

Both girls were taken aback by Jade's words. Tori seemed to sober up completely after that. The two looked at each other in silence. Both of them trying to guess what the other was thinking. 

"Jade-"

"No. Forget it, I didn't mean to say all of that." The pale girl quickly shut Tori down. She was embarrassed to say the least. She absolutely despised being vulnerable in front of anyone, let alone Tori, yet Tori was always the one to see some of her most vulnerable moments. 

Tori frowned when Jade looked away. She obviously wasn't trying to abandon Jade as a friend, she was more so trying to abandon the non-platonic feelings that were developing for the girl. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it seem like I was abandoning you. Especially after your breakup. I didn't think you wanted much to do with me after that night." Tori tried to explain without admitting anything she would regret later. 

Jade sighed. "Well... I did. For once, I wasn't completely annoyed by your presence." Jade smiled a bit. "You were my last resort after all." 

Tori laughed. "I know I was." 

"Can I stay the night?" Jade suddenly asked. 

Tori smiled, "Wow, you're asking? You. Jade West. You're asking to spend time with me?" 

"Never mind, I take it back-"

"No! Yes you can. I would like that." Tori giggled. 

Jade smiled. A smile that Tori so rarely saw. Her pink lips parted and white teeth were of full display. It was like they had never spoken an ill word. Blue eyes calm and relaxed, they held a sense of comfort that was unfamiliar to the brunette. Her cheeks were flushed and now a rosy tint, a contrast to her porcelain skin. Tori swore her heart was going to break through her chest from how hard it was beating. She knew then and there that there was no turning back. She was far too deep and was already drowning. 

Tori and Jade stayed outside for a few more moments before Cat and Robbie got them to go back inside to hang out with them. The group of the friends stayed together for the rest of the night, dancing and singing with each other. Everyone had a good time during Robbie's party, although no one acknowledged that the party was thrown for him in the first place.