Disclaimer: I do not own Instant Star or anything related to it. The only thing that is mine is the plot.

Prologue

Things are going all to well for Miss Harrison.

Jude is finally eighteen,

Has hit it big in the music industry,

Is in a blossoming relationship

And then alcohol makes its presence…

What fate will unravel when Jude Harrison decides to broaden her taste for liquor?

--------------

A haze of fading red lingered upon the level horizon marking the day's end. Dust trailed from behind a black Porsche that ventured through the dirt parking lot before making a parking space. After coming to a rest the engine promptly ceased to hum and the car's driver exited the cab. Leaning over the rear-view mirror he checked his appearance. Drawing his hand to his face he wiped away the tears he had shed, making sure to rid his features of all evidence that he had been crying.

Striding through the entrance Tommy regained his composure, his sorrow cleverly hidden behind his infamous tough-guy façade. The bar's guests were few and far between but those who knew him as 'Little Tommy Q' swooned at presence and he easily dismissed them with a dangerous glare. Tonight he wasn't in the mood for the limelight and the fanfare. He just wanted a goddamned drink. It was a first for Tom Quincy.

After selecting a seat to the end of the bar Tommy sunk into it with very little grace. Relaxing back into his chair he lifted his hand in a silent gesture signaling he was in fact ready for a drink. He couldn't remember the last time he sought out the comfort of his long-time friend; it had been a long while. Oh how he could use the reassurance of a frothy beer now. He was ready to forget.

Answering his beckon the bartender moved along the bar stopping before Tommy by placing his palms on the polished wooden surface. His grey eyes focused their attentions from the air to Tommy's left, to his face before asking, "What can I get you?"

"Molson," he replied solemnly. The cheer of the bartender's baritone was lost on him. Tonight was not a night for celebration, wasn't a night of happy memories. There wasn't going to be an after-party in the VIP room or a small gathering of old friends. Tonight was about forgetting. Drink up.

The bartender brought back from the tap a frosted mug filled with an amber liquid, froth oozing over its rim. Tommy's tanned hand reached for the cool of the glass and as his fingertips grazed its smooth surface an urge surged through him. An urge to leave and return to her. Swiveling on the bar stool he prepared to leave. A mental fog clouded his mind separating him from reality. In his own little world the thought played over and over. Would he return to Jude?