A/N – Thanks to all of you that reviewed! I appreciate it so much. I'm glad you like it so far. This chapter is kind of a filler, so once again bear with me; the next one will be full of drama. Thoughts are still in Italic. I hope you like it. Please R&R.

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Chapter 3 – Skin

I slowly opened one eye just to see Pasty standing there, laughing. Was I dreaming? But it felt so real…oh god, I hope I didn't say anything…

"Yeah so, I'm not Tom, I'm Pasty…and I have been sent to wake sleeping beauty up. Everyone's here, we were just waiting for you to come down so we can start getting ready." She said. She went to leave but stopped and slowly turned around.

"By the way, was the dream really as good as it sounded?" Pasty smiled evilly.

"Pasty, I didn't…did I?" I didn't know what to say. I was completely dumbfounded.

"Oh yeah you did. But I promise I wont tell anyone. It'll be ourdirty little secret. Besides, it's your birthday, and you deserve a good one…finally." She mumbled the last word.

I covered my face from embarrassment, as I stood up. After she left, I walked into the bathroom to freshen up. After I brushed my teeth, I went downstairs. (Dad, Yvette, Sadie, Kwest, Pasty, Jamie, Mason, and even Portia were there). She wasn't kidding everyone is here. God, I hope this WILL be a good day. What are they saying…oh no…

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birth…" I stopped them from going any farther.

"Thanks you guys, but you know I hate that song." I yawned.

"Well you better start to like it, because this is going to be the greatest birthday ever." Kwest said cheerfully.

Then Jamie through in, "And fun too!"

Everyone laughed and we all went into the kitchen for breakfast. After we ate and everything was cleaned up, Portia walked over to me.

"C'mon girl, it's about that time, lets go upstairs, so you can get your hair done." Portia said as she grabbed my hand and dragged me up to my room.

"You're doing my hair! You don't know how. And last time you hired the person doing my hair…I turned out looking horrible!" I freaked out. This is so not happening.

Portia laughed at me, "No, I'm not messing with it, so calm down."

"Ok then…who is?" I questioned.

"That would be me…" I heard from the person standing at the door. I turned around to see who it was. No way, maybe this will be a good day! I jumped up off the bed and hugged the short woman.

"Oh my gosh, E.J., I can't believe you're here! I missed you." I hugged her so tight.

"Jude…can't…breathe!"

"Sorry, I couldn't help it. What are you doing here?" I asked.

But before E.J. could say anything another person walked through the door.

"Hey, what about me, don't I get a hug or even a hello?" the woman asked.

"Georgia!" I squealed as I jumped into he arms.

"How have you been? I missed you so much. You have no idea what G-Major has been like since you left."

"Oh, I can only imagine. Anyways, how have you been? I heard your second album, and I must say that it's way better than the first. I'm so happy for you, I knew you would be great. We're all so proud of you, honey. I can bet that Tom…"

I cut her off, "Don't bring him up. He's gone, and I don't want to talk about it." I knew I wouldn't be able to make it all day without thinking about him.

"I'm sorry. Well, if you do want to talk about it later, just let me know. You know that I'll always be here for you." Georgia whispered in my ear as she gave me a tight squeeze.

"Thanks, Georgia…I appreciate it. Anyways, I better start getting ready." I told them.

All the girls (Me, Sadie, Pasty, and Yvette) were preparing for the night. We spent the morning and the whole afternoon catching up on the past and getting ready. The time finally came where we had to leave. Everyone was waiting for me downstairs. Sadie was the only one who knew what my costume was, so she helped me put it on. I just wanted to surprise everyone. I have to admit; from the looks on everyone's face when I sauntered down the stairs…I did just that!

My dad walked up to me and gave me a hug.

"Honey, you look absolutely stunning. You're not my little girl anymore. I'm so proud of you. Happy Birthday sweetie." Stewart said with tears in his eyes.

"Awe dad, don't cry. I'm still your little girl. The only difference is, now, I don't have to ask your permission to do things." He almost made me cry, but then Portia and E.J. would have killed him!

Darius was throwing my party at some huge mansion. I didn't want to even have a party, but then again I didn't really have a choice. So instead of having some corporate type party, like my 16th birthday, I decided I wanted to have a costume party.

I thought it would be fun. I just wanted, no wait, I needed to get rid of all of the bad memories and I figured this would be the best way to get away from reality, even if it was only for a few hours. It would be like my own little paradise, for the night. I can just drift away and forget all the lies and pain caused from the previous year.

The whole ride there, they all kept telling me how great I looked. I thought they all looked really cute in their costumes too.

Sadie and Kwest were dressed Jasmine and Aladdin. Anything so she can be half naked. Jamie and Pasty were Frankenstein and his Bride. How appropriate! Dad and Yvette were Tarzan and Jane.

Georgia and E.J. went as W.I.B (women in black…lol). They had cute little secret service outfits on. They should win the most creative costume idea. Portia was Cleopatra. And Mason and his date were dressed as her servants. Too bad Mason couldn't be with someone he really liked. I wonder if she knows…probably not.

And then there was me…

I went as Cinderella. I had a beautiful light blue gown on. It had a corset type top that was covered in diamonds. Ok not real ones, but close enough. The bottom puffed out, there was a hoop thing to go with it, but I didn't like that. I even had on the glass type slippers. I have to admit; I do feel amazing in this dress.

"We're here. Ok now Jude…the limo will drive around for a little bit and then bring you back for your Grand entrance." Portia told me.

"Alright, I'll see you guys in a few then." I waved as they all got out of the car. I watched them enter the building. They were all smiling and laughing. I hope I have as much fun as they're going to have.

Ten minutes wasn't long enough to kill my nerves. I couldn't help but wonder what people were going to think about me showing up alone. I kept thinking: What if I spill something on my dress, or I fall down the stairs. I just don't want to look stupid.

Then to top it all off, thoughts of Tommy were popping into my head. I wished he were here. We should be here together. And that dream…it won't go away! It's like its on repeat in my brain or something. The way he smelled, how handsome he looked lying there in the sand, the feel of his hair entwined in my finger, the way his soft lips felt when pressed to mine…it was all too much.

But it just felt so real. I wish it were real. Stop it, Jude! You're over him. It's time to say goodbye to Quincy. He left you! Now have fun and don't think about him anymore.

It was then, when I honestly thought I was over him. I'm going to have fun, maybe even meet someone new tonight. I smiled to myself. It was time to be happy.

I shook all the thoughts from my head as I pulled back up to the enormous mansion. It was my time to make my grand entrance.

The limo stopped, and the driver came around to open my door. I gradually stepped out of the limo and tried not to step on my dress.

I thanked the driver, and made my way up the stairs. I took one last breath before I opened the door to reveal…

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