(althea's outfit for this part of the chapter)

(delia's outfit for this part of the chapter)

At lunch the next day, Althea sat by Andrè, Cat, and Tori. Tori was looking over at Jade nervously, worrying about the stage fight they had to do. Jade was sat at a table behind them with Beck and Delia. Althea lightly nudges Tori's leg under the table to get her attention. "Tori, you're gonna be fine." Althea signed to Tori while smiling reassuringly at her.

"But she's Jade." Tori sighed, still looking nervous.

Althea chuckles quietly, amused at how scared Tori was. "Tori, trust me, it'll be fine."

"She's right, Tori. Don't worry about it." Andrè nodded in agreement, smiling reassuringly.

"I guarantee you she's telling Beck and Delia all about how she's gonna punch me when we do our scenes." Tori muttered.

"And you're worrying about it." Andrè sighed.

Althea chuckles quietly, shaking her head fondly. "You're letting your nerves get the best of you. Relax and focus on the performance." She advised, offering a comforting smile. Tori smiled a little, appreciating her words of advice.

"I'll try." Tori nodded.

"I wonder if mirrors work in outer space." Cat suddenly spoke up, causing her friends to look at her with confusion because of her odd comment.

"I mean, what am I gonna do if she really hits me?" Tori questioned, deciding to ignore Cat's strange comment.

"Bleed, burst into tears." He shrugged.

Tori frowns. "I'm serious."

"It's stage fighting. No one really hits anybody." He assured her.

"Yeah, but accidents happen, and what if she makes an accident happen on purpose?" Tori wondered, her eyes widening with fear as she went to take a bite of her lettuce only to glare at it when she got a piece too big and angrily put her fork down.

"You know the word mirror has only six letters and half of them are 'r's?" Cat spoke up again, making her friends stare at her again.

"Haven't you and Jade been rehearsing?" Andrè glanced back at Tori, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, yesterday after school, and this morning during study hall." Tori clarified.

"And did she hit you for real?" He asked her.

"No, 'cause she probably wants to wait and do it in front of the whole class to humiliate me." Tori mumbled, her shoulders slumping.

"Well, if she does, she loses half a letter grade." He voiced.

"Oh, great." Tori sarcastically says. "So she gets an 'A-' and I get a broken eye and a black nose."

Althea shares a confused look with Andrè. "I think you meant-"

"I know what I meant." Tori grumbled, interrupting Andrè's correction.

"My dog has a black nose!" Cat grins. "It's so cute. It's like a baby meatball."

"Meatballs are brown." Andrè told her.

Cat frowns. "You're so mean to me!" She gathered her things and got up and left.

"You guys want half her sandwich?" Tori questioned, smiling at Andrè and Althea.

"I'll pass." Althea shrugged and continued eating her food, but Andrè accepted the offer.

"Hey, baby sister." Trina, Tori's older sister, greeted when she walked over to them.

"Hey." Tori replied.

"Andy." Trina said to Andrè, who furrowed his eyebrows.

"Andrè." He corrected her.

"Hey, Althea." Trina smiled at Althea, who smiled and waved back at her as Trina walked by them.

"Wanna sit with us?" Tori offered.

"No." Trina responded and walked away.

Althea chuckled and rolled her eyes as she kept eating when Andrè tried stealing one of the fries she had. "Hey, hands off my fries!" Althea teased, playfully swatting Andrè's hand away.

"C'mon, just one fry?" Andrè grinned, trying to swipe a fry again.

"Nope, they're mine." She teased, moving her fries away from him, but he kept trying to get his hand on her fries. She giggled and they started having a small playful fight with each other. Tori laughed as she watched them, finding their interaction cute. Even though she was new here, she has quickly noticed that Althea and Andrè had a playful and easygoing relationship. Their dynamic was filled with light teasing, and they had a natural rhythm of banter that made their friends smile. Tori couldn't help but be amused by the way they interacted, noting how comfortable they were with each other.

"I swear you two are always like this," Tori comments with a laugh, shaking her head as she took a bite of her salad. "It's cute, though."

Althea blushes a little but smiled at Tori's comment, while Andrè just shrugged with a cheeky grin, still trying to swipe one of Althea's fries. "What can I say? We have fun." He said, finally managing to steal a fry and popping it in his mouth triumphantly.

"Hey!" Althea protested with a mock pout, but it quickly turned into a giggle. She didn't mind sharing with him — not really. She could never be mad at him, and they were always doing this kind of thing, so it wasn't anything new.

Their little moment of fun lightened the mood at the table, and Tori seemed to relax a little too. Even her worry about Jade and the upcoming stage fight didn't seem as overwhelming now. Althea had to admit she was nervous for her own performance with Andrè, but she was confident that they could pull it off. She was also sure Jade wouldn't hurt Tori, at least she hoped she wouldn't.

****

Althea's and Andrè's performance went smoothly later that day. Their stage fight was sharp and well-coordinated, and their chemistry as performers was clear. When it was done, everyone clapped, and Althea couldn't help but beam proudly. They had worked hard on this, and it showed. They shared a high-five and a quick hug, before taking their seats as the rest of the class did their performances. Delia's performance with her partner, Kian, one of the boys in the class, looked so good. Althea knew they had rehearsed a lot, and it definitely paid off.

After their stage fights were finished, they all went over to their seats to watch Jade and Tori do their stage fight. "Um, okay, for our scene, I'm gonna be playing an old lady who's walking home from a bingo game." Tori explained.

"And I play a brutal mugger." Jade smirked.

"Yes, a brutal mugger who mugs me without actually hurting me." Tori nervously smiled. Althea could see how tense Tori was, and she couldn't help but worry for her. She had a bad feeling something would go wrong, but she wasn't sure what.

"Okay, as always, be careful, and if anything goes wrong, just yell the safe word, which is...Butternut." Rus chimed in.

"Okay, guys, ready?" The teacher asks as Tori and Jade prepared for their scene. "And..."

"Butternut!" Tori exclaimed.

"What?!" Jade yelled with frustration.

"Tori, what's the problem?" The teacher asked with concern.

"I was testing the safe word." Jade nervously smiles. "It works. Okay, I'm ready."

"And...Action!" The teacher called out.

The scene started out smoothly, but suddenly Jade shouted the safe word after she fell to the ground, confusing Tori and startling everyone else. "Butternut!" Jade tossed the black beanie off she had on, blood falling from a cut on her forehead.

"She's bleeding!" Cat worriedly noticed.

"Cut!" The teacher called out.

Everyone rushed over and gathered around Jade. "Are you okay?" Beck asked softly, concern in his eyes as he held onto her arm.

"No, Tori hit me in the face for real." Jade angrily replied.

"No, I didn't." Tori argued.

"Tell that to my bloody eye. Ow!" Jade grumbled in pain and covering her hurt eye.

"Okay, you better sit down." Beck suggested.

"Somebody grab a chair." The teacher pointed out and everyone rushed into action. Tori found a chair and pulled it over for Jade to sit down, but it turned out to be a breakaway chair, causing Jade to fall to the ground after sitting on it.

"That was a breakaway chair!" Russ told Tori, glaring at her.

"Aw, butternut!" Tori exclaimed with a frown as Jade glared at her. Althea stood by her with a sympathetic look, squeezing her shoulder.

The scene in the classroom had turned chaotic, with everyone scrambling to help Jade. Althea, standing close to Tori, could see the distress on her face. She knew Tori didn't mean for anything to go wrong and was probably feeling mortified. Althea squeezed Tori's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort amidst the confusion. She was worried about Jade, but honestly as she got a closer look at Jade's injury, it almost looked like makeup. She wondered if Jade had planned this all along and had pretended to get hit. She wouldn't put it past her. Jade always had a flare for the dramatic and loved messing with people. Plus she really didn't like Tori.

"Why'd you hit Jade in the face with a cane?" Cat inquired to Tori moments later after Jade was sat on an actual chair and given some ice for her injured eye.

"I didn't!" Tori raised her voice out of frustration, making Cat panic.

"Okay, I believe you! Don't hit me."

Tori frowns and glances at Andrè, Althea, and Delia pleadingly. "Will you guys back me up here?"

"Okay, look, I'm sure Tori didn't mean to whack Jade in the face with a cane." Andrè started.

Tori groans. "Ohh, why does everyone think I hit her?"

"Well, we were watching you guys do a scene." Andrè tells her. "You hit her across the face with your cane. She fell down. And now, her eye's all bloody."

"Well, that doesn't mean I hit her." Tori defensively spoke, causing Andrè to share a look with Cat and Delia.

"I kinda think it does." Andrè pointed out.

"I believe you, Tori." Althea signs to Tori, causing the brunette to perk up. "Jade likes to cause trouble."

Tori beams, glad to have someone on her side. "Thank you, Althea. At least someone believes me."

"I mean, I would," Delia starts with a shrug. "But it looked pretty real."

Tori groans and walks away from them, clearly annoyed. Althea watches her with a sigh, feeling sorry for her. She really did believe her and hoped everything would turn out okay. Tori heads over to Jade to try to explain herself. "Jade, you know I didn't hit her. I swung, but I missed."

"Look, Tori..." Jade's voice trailed off as she suddenly started to fall as if she was about to faint, causing everyone around her to quickly catch her.

"Hey, we gotta get her to the nurse." The teacher announced, beginning to help her out of the room with Russ.

"But I didn't hit her!" Tori called out desperately.

"Can someone call my mom?" Jade questioned.

"I'll call your mom." Beck assured her.

"She doesn't need her mom!" Tori angrily said. "Don't bother her mom!" She pointed at Beck with a glare.

"I gotta call her mom." Beck argued, shrugging as he followed his girlfriend and the others out of the room.

"And I thought we were just starting to be friends." Was the last thing Jade said to Tori before she left the room. Althea raised her eyebrows at that and crossed her arms. Something definitely was off here. She had a nagging feeling that Jade was up to something. She watched the scene unfold with a mix of concern and suspicion. Jade had always been a bit of a drama queen, and this seemed to be another one of her manipulative plays. Althea could see right through her, but she wasn't sure about the others.

She glanced over at Andrè, who was looking back at her with a questioning expression. He was curious to see what would happen next, and he could sense the tension in the room. Althea wasn't sure what Jade's ultimate goal was, but the way she seemed to enjoy the drama and her quick switch to acting faint after the supposed injury made Althea's suspicions grow.

Althea approaches Tori, who was standing alone and looking distressed. "Hey, I just want you to know that I really do believe you." She said softly, placing a comforting hand on Tori's shoulder. "Jade has a knack for turning things into drama. I've seen her do it before."

Tori looks up, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and frustration. "Thanks, Althea. It feels like everyone's against me right now."

Althea nods sympathetically. "I get it. Jade has a way of making things more complicated than they need to be. But don't worry, I'm sure it'll work out in the end." She tried to assure her, but even she wasn't sure if everything would be okay.

Tori sighs, looking defeated. "I hope so."

Althea linked her arm with Tori, smiling reassuringly at her as they left the class together. She decided to stick by Tori's side for the rest of the day, hoping to offer her support and distract her from the ongoing drama.

****

"I think Jade is faking it." Althea said to Andrè when they walked down the hallway after he waited for her and Delia once they got done with ballet class (which he and Robbie had dropped out of).

Andrè raises an eyebrow, glancing at Althea with a skeptical but intrigued look. "You really think so? That's a pretty bold accusation."

Althea shrugs, nodding. "It wouldn't be the first time she's done something like this, remember?"

Andrè thinks for a moment and nods. "True. She is a drama queen."

Althea rolls her eyes, her nose scrunching up. "No kidding. That's why I think she's up to something. I mean, it was too convenient how she started to fall after her 'injury', don't you think?" She spoke to him, their sides brushing against each other as they walked down the hallway. Since it was just the two of them, she felt more comfortable talking to Andrè about her suspicions.

"I get what you're saying," Andrè replies thoughtfully. "Jade definitely has a flair for the dramatic. But if she really is faking it, she's playing a dangerous game. It's one thing to exaggerate for attention, but pretending to be seriously hurt could backfire."

Althea nods in agreement. "Exactly. And it's not just about the injury. Jade's timing and the way she collapsed seemed too calculated. She knew it would draw everyone's attention and make Tori look bad." She sighs, shaking her head. "Honestly, I wouldn't put it past her, but I have no proof."

Andrè shrugs, patting her shoulder. "Maybe we'll find some. But for now, let's keep an eye on things and see how it unfolds. If Jade is indeed faking it, the truth might come out eventually."

Althea nods, appreciating Andrè's support. "Yeah, I hope so. I just don't want to see Tori getting the blame for something she didn't do."

As they walked, Andrè and Althea continued discussing their concerns. They both agreed to stay vigilant and support Tori, hoping that their suspicion about Jade would be proven right. Althea felt a bit better having Andrè on her side, and she was determined to uncover the truth behind Jade's behavior. 

****

Andrè was right. Eventually the truth was revealed that Jade faked getting hurt, and Tori wasn't in trouble anymore. Althea was relieved, but she couldn't help but be a little disappointed. She felt like Jade got away with her lie and didn't have to face any consequences for it. But at least Tori was no longer blamed for it, and that's what really mattered. Though Tori still had detention and had to clean up the Black Box Theater after the middle school did a play there that ended in a food scene. Althea had checked in with Tori that night and was surprised to find out Jade showed up and helped Tori clean up. Tori even admitted that she and Jade tricked Derrick, the security guard, to do the work for them so they could sneak out.

"Seems like Tori and Jade are somewhat getting along." Althea spoke to Andrè as she entered her bedroom with a bowl of popcorn. Andrè had picked a movie for them to watch and now was on her bed, scrolling through his phone and waiting for her. He looked up and raised his eyebrow, scooting to the side for her when she joined him.

"Really? I thought Jade didn't like her?"

Althea shrugs, settling the bowl between them. "Tori mentioned that Jade helped her clean up a little and even helped her trick Derrick so they could get out of cleaning. Not sure what that means for them, but at least they seem to be civil now."

Andrè nods, his eyes widening. "Wow, well that's progress." He puts his phone away, grabbing a handful of popcorn. "I'm happy for Tori, though. She was so worried about being blamed for hurting Jade, so I'm glad everything worked out."

Althea nods in agreement, a smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, me too. So, what movie did you pick?" She asked, nudging his shoulder and glancing over at her TV as the previews started playing.

"It's a surprise," Andrè smirks, reaching for the remote and clicking play. "But you'll love it."

Althea rolls her eyes fondly, but didn't press for more information. She settles back against the headboard, her side brushing against his but neither one pulled away. As they ate the popcorn Althea made for them, Althea grins when she realized what movie it was. "Really? A Disney movie?"

Andrè's smirk grew. "I know how much you love Disney movies, so I figured it was a safe bet."

Althea couldn't help but giggle, shaking her head. "Good choice. I love this one." The one he picked was Hercules. It's a classic with great music and a fun story, perfect for a relaxed movie night.

As they watched, Althea and Andrè enjoyed the blend of humor and heart that the movie offered. It was a nice way to unwind after the chaos of the day. The movie's themes of perseverance and finding one's true strength seemed especially fitting given how Tori had to deal with Jade's antics. It was moments like these — watching a movie and eating popcorn with someone who understood and cared about her — that made everything feel a little less daunting.

Althea was grateful for the distraction and for Andrè's companionship. He always seemed to know how to make her feel better. They spent the rest of the night enjoying the movie and each other's company, their laughter and commentary filling the room.

With the popcorn bowl empty, Althea yawns and snuggles into her bed, resting her head on Andrè's shoulder. "This was fun," she murmured sleepily, her eyes beginning to close. "Thank you."

Andrè chuckles quietly, adjusting so his arm was around her. "Anytime, Thea." He whispered back, his eyes drifting shut as well.

They fell asleep like that, curled up together and surrounded by the warmth and comfort of each other's presence. It was a perfect end to a chaotic day.