Okay, don't hate me. I know I have a 'slightly' terrible habit of jumping around stories, but every time I come up with a new idea, I think it's better than the other ones so I focus my time and effort on the new one. Not only that, but I've also come up with an original idea for a story and I am SUPER EXCITED about it. It's a fantasy of sorts but I'm in love with it and it's characters and my old roommate says the plot twist at the end is perfect! I'm a bit giddy! hehe. Anywho, it's especially important that I get reviews for this new story because I want to know people's thoughts on my writing style. I need to know what works as am writing my non-fan fiction story. Hit me up, yo! Peace.

DON'T SPEAK

Chapter 1

My name is Jude Harrison. I am 24 years old and can officially claim the title of married woman.

Being married is…different? I mean, it's nice, but different somehow. My 'on-again, off-again' boyfriend of five years proposed to me last September; and eight months later a shiny gold band found its home next to the engagement ring on my finger. As much as I enjoy this new life, I can't help but think about how it's all happened so fast. It's surreal, but I'm not saying that I regret it.

You see, Jamie Andrews has been my best friend since…well, since playing Pog during recess was cool. He was the one person I could depend on the most, and I loved having him just be there for me. It was after our high school graduation when he first confessed his true feelings for me, and though I didn't reciprocate those feelings at the time, saying I wanted to be 'just friends' probably meant I'd lose him completely. I wasn't ready for that. So, a relationship ensued, and though it was far from perfect, with time I grew to love him.

And that's how I ended up here, at this moment, putting all my wedding memories and photos into a collaborative album. We recently bought a loft in Chicago. Almost everything's packed and I can't wait to move down there. The Windy City is such a great opportunity for Jamie and me; Jamie wants to open his own recording studio where I will be one of his first artists. Someday it'll happen. For now, we'll just make do with what we have.

I know I can't expect a fairytale life. At times Jamie will be wonderful, and other times I may get so mad I'll contemplate leaving him. But that will never happen. I made a promise years ago that divorce was not an option I'd ever consider, and that I'd do everything in my power to make my marriage work. I refuse to end up like my parents; miserable, alone, and consumed with remorse. Their biggest problem was that they gave up too easily. Fortunately, I've learned from their mistakes, and have made a pledge to myself to be the best wife a husband could ask for.

3 Months Later…

Jude walked into the kitchen yawning while stretching her arms out and above her head. She was clad in her usual sleeping attire: boxer shorts and a classic cartoon t-shirt—this one displayed the cast of Sesame Street underneath the words "Street Smart". Jude wasn't your conventional 24 year-old woman.

Jamie casually noticed Jude walk in as he sipped his black coffee and skimmed over The Chicago Tribune. He spoke, still keeping his gaze on the newspaper in front of him. "You're up incredibly early this morning." It was 9am.

"I'm not up; I'm sleepwalking." She seized the box of cereal on the counter and began searching for a bowl.

Jamie put down the morning paper and looked up to find the disheveled blonde rummaging through the kitchen cabinets. "I didn't know sleepwalkers could be this coherent." He cocked his head to the side just as Jude turned around to look at him with tired, sullen eyes.

"That's because sleepwalkers are highly underrated personalities," Jude stated lazily. She continued to hunt for something to put her cereal in. "I once devised an elaborate scheme to kidnap someone for ransom in my sleep. Never went through with it though…gosh, where are the frickin' bowls in this place! You'd think with only two people living here, six bowls would suffice!"

Jamie winced slightly, preparing to take the blame. "Sorry. I know it was my turn to do the dishes but I've been very busy with the whole 'entrepreneurship' matter." He added that last tidbit in hopes that it would make Jude more forgiving. After all, his hard work would eventually help them pay off their mortgage.

Jude shrugged. "No harm, no fowl." Jude gave another gratifying yawn before grabbing a plate from the cupboard above her. She crossed to the kitchen table and began pouring Captain Crunch into a giant heap on the dish.

Jamie gave his wife a skeptical look. "You know, if someone else was watching you do this, they may consider having you committed."

Grabbing a handful of her crunchy cereal, Jude then carelessly shoved it into her mouth. She replied before swallowing her food, making her words sound mumbled and unintelligible. "What? It's not 'ike I poured mi'k on it. 'ow 'at would be 'upid."

"Do you even hear yourself when you talk with your mouth full? You sound like an ape."

Jude swallowed hard, painfully regretting not grabbing something to wash her breakfast down. "Aw. I love you too."

Jamie sighed. "Jude, you know what I meant." Jude rolled her eyes at her husband as he continued to explain himself. "It's not like I chose my pet peeves. Talking with food in your mouth just happens to be one of them."

Jude scrunched up her face as she stared at Jamie, crunching her cereal animatedly. "Question: Am I a sadist if I have a recurring fantasy where I smash in your knee caps with a mallet?

Looking up at the ceiling, Jamie made an attempt to mull over Jude's comment. "Hm. Tell you what, let me sit on that for 24 hours, and I'll get back to you."

Jude shrugged her shoulders. "Take your time, I guess. Postponing the answer only increases the likelihood that I may live out that fantasy."

Jamie quickly glanced at his watch. "On that cue, I'm gonna head out." He gets up and busses his own bowl and coffee mug. "Today's a big day for me…I mean, us. I may have found a potential partner for this record company."

Jude's eyes instantly lit up. "You mean the money?"

"I don't know if I would call him that, but his large assets would certainly be beneficial if he was interested in my offer."

Jude furrowed her eyebrows and acted repugnant about his word choice. "Yeah, that didn't sound sexual at all. Maybe it'd be best if you stayed away from his 'large assets'." She laughed, amused by her own antics. "So, what's your 'potential partner's' name, then?"

"Don't be mad, but I'd rather not tell you just yet because I don't want to jinx this. If I tell you his name, and we end up not making a deal, it'll turn into one of those 'all for naught' deals, and I'd just like to adhere to my bizarre superstitions."

The pout on Jude's lips was evident. "You're no fun."

"I know, I know; but I promise that if this deal happens, you'll be the first one to hear all about him." Jamie went to grab his briefcase; Jude noticed how the item added to his lavish professionalism. "What time do you have work today?"

Jude brought her plate to the kitchen sink before answering. "I'm not needed till 1:30. Which means I will be taking another nap."

Jamie shook his head in contempt as he headed for the door. "I think you're obsessed with sleeping. You should get some counseling for that."

Jude raised her eyebrows. "Yeah, I'll be sure to get right on that. Now go, or you're going to be late for your dorky, little business meeting. I, myself, have an appointment with my pillow and nothing you say can make me cancel it." Jude turned on her heels, marching toward their bedroom.

"Bye, sweetheart."

Jude's voice could be heard from the other room. "Good luck…and don't even think of coming back unless you have an investor." Jamie smiled and shut the door as he left.

The second Jude heard the door close, she grabbed her pillow and fleece blanket, walked out of the bedroom, and began her trek toward the guest room. The guest bed was comfier than her own, and she would use it to her advantage whenever she found the time, making sure Jamie never found out.

The following Thursday night, Jamie and Jude found themselves driving to a local bar and music venue, Schuba's, to meet Jamie's new partner.

"Really…really?" Jude had been on a non-stop rant ever since Jamie told her who his partner would be. "I mean, really, what are the odds that a famous ex-boy bander from Canada and a nobody music geek—no offense—from Canada both find each other in Chicago? Come on, really?"

Jamie was getting tired of responding to Jude's repetitive questioning. "As amazed as I am by your versatility with the word, if you say 'really' one more time, I just might go insane." He took a couple calming breaths. "And like I said before, a mutual friend knew both of our interests in starting a record company, and thought it would be a good idea for us to meet. He's actually a cool guy; knows a lot more about music than you'd think."

Jude was exasperated. She ran her fingers through her golden locks in frustration. "Yeah, but it's Tom Quincy…a.k.a. Little Tommy Q! My sister used to make me watch all the Boys Attack! music videos when we were younger, and I distinctly remember laughing at the ridiculous bandanas he'd wear…not to mention that cheesy choreography. It was like watching a scarier version of Nightmare on Elm Street. I mean, being in a boy band is almost as stupid as running for office."

Too petrified to even look at his wife, Jamie kept his eyes on the road. "I'm gonna be honest here, Jude. You have too much hostility for someone your age. Just relax." He put his hand on Jude's leg and shook her gently to calm her nerves. "I can say without a doubt that you and Tommy will hit it off. He's a music-aholic just like you."

Jude sighed before forcing out a smile. "If you say so." She folded her arms and gazed out the window of their car, instantly bringing back her characteristic frown. Jude still wasn't confident that she would get along with her husband's partner, but she wasn't going to let him on to that fact.

They arrived at Schuba's a short while later. Parking was limited so they had to walk a ways, but Jude didn't mind. She loved walking around Chicago at night. Staring at the bright lights reflected in the night sky, it was like being in a whole other world full of mystery and excitement.

The venue was small, yet intimate. A local indie band known as Company of Thieves were performing onstage. Jude remembered hearing about them from a girl who lives in their apartment complex. The singer had a remarkable voice and, altogether, the music seemed to create the perfect ambiance. Jude felt right at home.

"Come on, Tommy should be around here somewhere." Jamie motioned for Jude to follow. For a split second she hesitated, but made up her mind to get the introduction over with. She didn't know why she was so nervous about meeting him. Jude had the tendency of letting her mouth run away from her, so she was probably afraid that accidentally saying something rash to Tommy might ruin their partnership. Jamie had wanted this opportunity for so long, and she refused to be the reason he couldn't have it.

The couple zigzagged their way through the throng of people enjoying the show. Jamie eventually spotted his partner off to the side, who was making polite conversation with the sound technician. Tommy was facing the other way, making it difficult for Jude to see how much he's changed over the years. He was wearing a navy blue blazer over a gray hoodie, paired with relaxed fit jeans and brown loafers. The money generated from being a pop sensation had taught him how to dress better; Jude could see that much.

Jamie approached Tommy from behind and tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned around, Jamie's head blocked Jude's view of the ex-boy bander. The two men shook hands and talked briefly before Jamie's voice became more audible for Jude to hear. "Tommy, I want you to meet my wife, Jude Harrison. Jude, this is Tom Quincy."

When Jamie stepped out of the way, Jude was stunned by who she saw. Her breath hitched in her throat and her eyes were suddenly transfixed on the person in front of her. He seemed to be staring at her too, which made Jude slightly uncomfortable, yet she didn't want to look away. Tom Quincy was incredibly handsome. A lot different than how she remembered him on television six years ago, Jude found that the years had definitely treated him well.

Jude brought herself out of her momentary trance. "It's nice to finally meet you." She extended her hand, and Tommy took it welcomingly. Their joined hands created an electric pulse that coursed through both of their bodies, neither willing to acknowledge it. "Jamie's…uh…been boasting about you non-stop."

Tommy smiled. It made Jude's heart melt, though she would refuse to admit it. "There's nothing to brag about really. I'm just glad I can help in any way I can. I've wanted to put a company together for years now, just unable to find someone as motivated as I was to team up with."

There was a sudden awkward silence. Jude forgot to come up with anything to say, so she just stood there, aimlessly glancing around the crowded room.

Tommy sensed Jude's lapse in thought. "So, Jamie tells me you sing."

"Well, I don't know about that. I mean, I dabble."

Jamie interjected. "Don't be modest, honey." He stepped closer to Jude to wrap a possessive arm around her shoulder. She strangely felt upset that her husband stood so close to her. She immediately shook off those thoughts. "You've got an amazing gift."

Jude blushed. She never really liked being the center of attention, and in this case, it was worse. "What can I say? I love music. It's the one time I can be…me." She shrugged her shoulders like an innocent child.

"I feel the same way. Not to sound cheesy, but music has been the best way for me to really express myself."

"Oh, so Boys Attack was just you expressing yourself?" The words were out of Jude's mouth before she even had a chance to retract them. Quickly bringing her hand up to her mouth, she chastised herself for letting her vicious nature take over.

Tommy only grinned and let a small chuckle breathe past lips. "I was wondering when my colorful past would be mentioned. And to answer your question, no. That boy band stuff actually started as a way for me to make some quick cash; unfortunately, it soon escalated into something I couldn't escape, as much as I wanted to. I didn't feel at all like myself those years, and it wasn't until later that I realized how important music really was to me." Tommy leaned in closer to Jude, and she could feel his warm breath against her ear. "Don't look so scared. Questions like that come with the territory."

Jude didn't know how to react, so she just smiled weakly. His answer was unexpected, and surprisingly refreshing. Tom Quincy didn't seem like the selfish heartthrob he used to be; and what's more, Jude had the feeling he was hiding something…that something was probably what made him the person he is today.

During their brief conversation, Jamie had managed to answer a phone call without either of them noticing. "So, that was Daniel. He's having Kathryn call me back in a few minutes to discuss our leasing options and how to get around those zoning regulations for our location. I'm gonna step outside and take care of this. I shouldn't be long."

Tommy nodded his head. "Sounds good."

"Yeah." Jude was oblivious to what her husband had said, but still pretended to respond with confidence. "Good luck with getting that fixed." She didn't sound all too sure of herself.

Once Jamie excused himself, Tommy directed his attention at Jude again. "Daniel's our lawyer and Kathryn's a real-estate specialist we've been talking with."

Jude visibly shrunk as she sighed. "Thanks. You would think that since I'm living with the guy, he'd keep me somewhat informed." Silence ensued, growing more awkward by the second. Jude suddenly realized that she was alone with Tommy, and this made her more vulnerable than ever. She decided to turn the conversation back on him, hoping that getting to know him might make her a little more comfortable in his presence. "So…what kind of music do you usually listen to?"

Tommy shrugged his shoulders as he thought carefully about his answer. "I don't know. I really don't like categorizing my taste in music. I'll listen to almost anything, and I especially love songs or artists that stick out to me, one way or another. You know, bands that are unique with the way they create their sound."

"Wow, thanks for stealing my response." Jude was dumbstruck. "That was almost exactly what I was going to say if you would've asked me the same question."

Tommy smirked at Jude. "Great minds think alike, right?" Jude shook her head in embarrassment. "Alright, music buff, let's hear your top five?"

"What? Songs or bands?"

"Bands, of course. Why? Do you have a top five song list, too?"

"More like a top 100, but that's a story for another day." Jude tried to recall her favorite music as Tommy stared at her with his jaw hanging open. Jude ignored his exaggerated expression. "Okay, #5 has to be Veruca Salt."

Tommy looked at Jude suspiciously. "I should've known you'd be into angry girl music." Jude glared at Tommy. "Your list is gonna be all 90s, isn't it?"

Jude put her hand up to speak. "First of all, I don't think I need to defend my choices to you. Second of all, I'm not done." She stopped to take a breath before getting back to her list. "#4 is Otis Redding." Tommy opened his mouth to retort, but actually agreed with her choice. Jude quickly took note of his speechlessness. "Ha, take that, bitch."

Resting his index finger against his cheek, Tommy gazed around bewildered. "Did you just call me a bitch?"

Jude's eyes grew wide. She didn't know what to say. "Um…yeah, I think I did. And I honestly don't know why, considering I only say offensive and extremely sarcastic things to my closest friends."

Tommy attempted to find meaning in her words. "So, the fact that you called me a bitch, means that you already think of me as a friend?"

Jude scrunched up her face, something Tommy found absolutely adorable. "In a weird way…yes?"

Tommy smiled, allowing his beautifully whitened teeth to glisten in the little light that was visible in the room. "Fine by me."

"Okay, let's get back to my list; and no more interruptions." Jude tried to remember where she left off. "#3 would be Radiohead, because what music lover doesn't listen to them?"

"Touché." Tommy kept his response short so Jude could finish.

"#2 is the greatest experimental band of the 80s and 90s, none other than the Pixies. And my #1 is—drum roll, please—The Who, fronted by Roger Daltrey with Pete Townshend on lead guitar. The greatest pair in rock and roll history, in my opinion."

Tommy cocked his head in surprise. "Really?"

Jude mocked offense. "What, you don't take me for a Who fan?"

"Well, to be honest, there aren't too many 'avid' ones out there in the first place. In my book, you either love The Who or Led Zeppelin…and it's quite obvious where the majority lies."

"Exactly!" Jude's voice rose in excitement. "It pisses me off how many people I see, teenagers especially, walking around with Led Zeppelin t-shirts on, and it just doesn't make sense to me because there's only three songs that I enjoy from Led. Pete Townshend is such a better writer. His songs have actual meaning and speak volumes; things that people can actually relate to."

Tommy was staring at Jude in amazement. "Wow. You really are passionate about music."

"Please, I'm just getting warmed up." His stare was beginning to make Jude uncomfortable again. She looked away and began to take in her surroundings. "Alright, I think it's time to hear your top five."

Tommy flashed a cocky grin. "Mine's real easy; Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Velvet Underground, and The Kinks." Tommy listed all the names off of his hand.

Jude nodded her head in approval. "Impressive list. You're a Who fan too, I see."

"Well, I think the name says it all. My parents named me after their famed 1969 rock opera."

"See, yet another thing we have in common. How do you think I got my name?"

Tommy was obviously familiar with the popular Beatles song. "Yeah, I did kinda make that connection. So, exactly how tired are you of people saying 'hey, Jude' every time they see you?"

Jude rolled her eyes. "Oh my gosh, I can't even begin to explain my fury toward that song. I mean, don't get me wrong, I like my name. It's original and fits me perfectly, but that freaking song haunts me like a ghost. Most people don't even realize that the song was about John Lennon's son, Julian. Even the man I'm betrothed to likes to say it every once in a while. I'm glad he thinks it's funny."

"Well, as long as you don't say 'Tommy, can you hear me?', I won't say 'Hey, Jude'."

Jude laughed but was definitely able to agree to those terms. "Deal."

Tommy was about to ask Jude another question when Jamie popped up out of nowhere. "Man. That was exhausting. Sometimes all this technical mumbo-jumbo can bore a person to tears."

Jude looked at her husband curiously and shook her head. "Yeah, except you're not that person, geek. I know for a fact that using all that fancy business terminology gets you hard."

Jamie looked up at Tommy, slightly embarrassed by Jude's forwardness. "She's just kidding. She says strange things like that all the time." Jude gave a sly grin, proud of her accomplishments. Jamie was now ready to go home, but not wanting to admit that he was tired, he came up with another excuse. "I hope you guys had an interesting talk, but we've got a long day tomorrow, so it'd probably be good to call it a night."

Tommy nodded. "Yeah, sure; no problem. Call me when you want to check over that open lot again." Tommy shook Jamie's hand one last time, and then slowly looked back at Jude. "It was…uh, really great to meet you, Jude." He sounded nervous and it sent chills up Jude's spine.

"Yep; you too." She hoped Tommy wouldn't try and shake her hand again, unsure of how she'd respond to more contact with him. He didn't.

The couple turned around and made their way through the dying crowd, looking for the nearest exit. As they were leaving, Jude couldn't fight the urge to glance back at Tommy, and as she did so, he was still staring right at her. She quickly turned her head back around and walked with her husband out the main door.

Um…did that just happened?