Hey guys, I hope you like this chapter, because I really had fun writing it, especially since I know what's coming in the next chapter. Can't wait already. I although updated my story IS FF Mistaken today, so if you read it too, you can check it out after you read this ;) However, I'd highly appreaciate some reviews, as usual.

This time there are no teasers, but I thought that you'd appreciate it more if I just update already instead of just giving out teasers when I already have the chapter finished...

Enjoy reading and review...

Chapter 11

"And here we are again, with me in the studio: Jude Harrison! The newcomer who rocked the stage at her first concert and her first single's breaking all records. Hello again Jude!" The interviewer said on his cue after a commercial and then addressed his smile at Jude instead of the camera.

"Hey Miles, I'm glad to be here again." Jude said with what she called her camera smile. It was a fake smile that looked real, she had learned and trained for her first shootings and now it was her first live appearance on national TV. Her first single had been released a few weeks ago and the sales had been unbelievable, Darius was about to kiss the ground she was walking on. And with Darius being… well, Darius, that really meant something.

"Jude, tell me, how does it feel to get famous just like that? I mean, one day you're a normal teenager who's about to graduate and next you're outta school and got a contract with one of the best labels in whole Canada."

"Well, actually it's a pretty great feeling. The last weeks have been stressful but I'm really happy with what I'm doing now. I've always had this dream to be a singer and who doesn't love living his dream? When my manager, Darius Mills, was approaching me that night in a club where I had been performing I didn't believe him in the beginning, but when I walked into I.O. it felt just right." Jude told the interviewer smiling happily and this time it wasn't fake at all. She really had felt like everything had just fallen into place for the first time since forever when she had first walked through I.O.

"That sounds great. But what really interests me, if you don't mind me asking, you have had this dream once already. What happened back then? You won the Instant Star contest and after your first little performance in the Vinyl Place you quit?" Miles asked and leaned a bit forward towards Jude, probably to show how interested he was. Jude needed to bite back a sigh, she had expected something like that, but she had dreaded it.

Here we go again…

"That's a good question Miles. Actually I don't even know it anymore myself. It's been three years now and so much has changed. I guess I just wasn't ready back then, it didn't feel right after the first rush was over. Maybe I just needed some time to figure my life out. However, now I'm ready to rock." Jude repeated what Portia and Darius had told her to say. It was vague and didn't come near the truth at all – perfect answer so to say.

"So you're saying you forgot everything that happened back then? Come on Jude, you don't just forget when you win a contest like that! I sure as hell wouldn't. It's just me and the whole nation watching you, you can tell us your secret!"

Jude forced a smile at Miles words but she could feel her mouth slowly turning into a thin line. She quickly caught herself before that could happen through. She wasn't going to give in or something on her first interview. But what was she supposed to do? This guy didn't seem like he was just going to back off and telling him the truth was so not an option.

"I'm sorry to break it to you, but there's no secret or such thing. I know you guys are always out for the big secrets, but there isn't one." Jude said and shrugged what seemed kind of helpless. "I just panicked or something and dropped out. No more no less, just a teenage mistake of mine, which I can add up with the rest. I'm sure everybody in my age knows what I'm talking about."

"So there's nothing to the old rumors about you and Little Tommy Q?" A whisper went through the audience when the cover of the old tabloids were on the big screen with a big photo of Jude and Tommy at the lake. "What made you change your mind after three years? A reunion with Tommy?"

"When I quit back then I quit for personal reasons that had nothing to do with Tom Quincy. I never thought I'd go back into the business again either, I actually was planning on walking away from music for good since it didn't seem right for me. But then over the years I learned I couldn't live without music and so I was happy to take my chances and sign up at I.O. Records. I don't regret my choice or any of my past choices because they made me who I am now. But right now I'm all second chances. And for the whole Tom Quincy thing; he's still at G-Major and producing Karma and Eden, so you can't speak of a reunion. To be true, I was pretty annoyed back then when there were the rumors about me and Tom Quincy being a item and stuff, and now it's not getting any better. I mean, come on guys. He's good looking and I'm sure he's a nice and decent guy, but seriously, I'm not going to date a guy that's what, eight years older than me?" Jude asked rhetorically the audience and the laughter made her smile. It had been a good idea to be open about it, just like she had told Darius from the beginning. No one would believe it since it was just ridiculous as long as she didn't shut everyone out and made a big deal out of it.

"So no love birds there, I get it. But maybe you could tell us some more about Little Tommy Q? You know, since you're the only girl in here who knows him, let's give his female fans something to hold onto!"

"I'm afraid I can't help you out there, Miles, sorry, and sorry girls. I don't know the guy all that well and I'm not such a fan of gossiping, it's too often that you find things getting twisted and since I know how this feels I'm not gossiping, especially not in national TV, no matter if this guy means something to me or not, he was friendly back then."

Miles made a disappointed sound and the people in the studio echoed it. Jude was about roll her eyes but instead she just threw the camera an apologizing look and a helpless shoulder shrug. She'd rather go to hell than gossiping about Tommy. Although most people would think differently, she still didn't hate him or something, she just didn't want to come anywhere near him anymore. She had been mean enough to get what she wanted when they had "talked" last time so there was no need to proceed pissing him off.

"It's sad that you got so little confidence in your fans and our watchers, but-" Miles began, but Jude just interrupted him sweetly. "Miles, I wasn't talking about you, but there are so many people out there who got nothing better to do than search for something they can twist around. If it was only you and my fans I wouldn't be afraid of anything." Jude assured and motioned then for him to go on.

Miles threw her now a very fake smile and picked up where he had been interrupted.

"But I think we all forgive you." Miles waited a few moments for the audience to murmur their agreeing and then he went on. "Anyways, you all who have watched the commercials in the last days will know that we were promising you not only a live performance of Jude Harrison over here, but although two surprise guests. Please welcome with me Eden and Karma, both singers from G-Major!"

Jude's mouth was agape when Karma and Eden walked on stage, gladly the camera wasn't directed at her at that moment so that she could get her act together again soon enough.

"Hello ladys. How are you feeling today?" Miles asked as soon as Karma and Eden had taken place next to Jude on the couch.

"We're great." Both asked like on their cue and laughed at their own act in unison.

"Well Jude, are you surprised? What a feeling is it to sit next to the second and third Instant Stars, you're follow ups, or, as some mean voices say, your replacements? Isn't there any regret, since if you hadn't quit, you'd have an album by now too, just like these two amazing women!"

Jude was feeling like she had woken up in a bad nightmare. This couldn't be true, who was this stupid guy for inviting the competition? What was he thinking?

Oh I know what he was thinking. He thought that I'm new here and that I'd make some stupid mistake if he provokes me enough. All this guy cares about is drama, the more the better. But not with me mister, I'm so not going to give you your story. I'm Jude freaking Harrison and no one and nothing is going to bring me down. I'm going to show these bitches and this idiot how a real rock stars handling stuff like this!

"I must admit, you really caught me off guard here, you're a bad boy!" Jude said jokingly, but her eyes were cold although she was still smiling. "Sadly enough I gotta be honest and tell you that I got a tight schedule today, if only someone had told me Karma and Eden would be here…" Jude trailed off, sounding like she actually regretted not knowing and being able to adjust her schedule. Truth to be told she wouldn't have come in the first place if she had known before what the hell was going to happen. "This way I have to perform my song now and then I gotta leave. I'm really sorry. Karma, Eden, I wish I could have stayed and chatted with you. But maybe you'll just give me a call? You know, girls power and everything. I'll have my schedule looked over next time, promise!" Jude looked at the two now clearly upset girls with big eyes and she had to really fight to not grin spiteful. This time Karma and Eden would have to smile politely and everything while Jude would be leaving them behind, clearly telling everyone out there that she had more important things to do than chatting with second-class musicians. And the top of it, Karma and Eden had no chance to get back at her or anything since they were on national TV.

"Well then, here it goes. Jude Harrison and her new hitsingle "How Strong Do You Think I Am"!" Miles introduced Jude's song and the music began to kick in while Jude was walking over to the mic, the cameras following her.

Jude began singing, letting her voice fill the studio. She had fun performing like always and she even forgot about Karma and Eden and this bastard of an interviewer. It was just her, the mic and the audience- and the music of course.

After the song Jude said good-bye to the audience and to Miles and the two girls and then left the stage, walking into the backstage area with a huge grin all over face. Her whole attitude kind of screamed "Victory!". When she heard Miles going on about how sad it really was that Jude had to leave so soon Jude needed to fight back laughter. This was so good. The audience even sighed in unison before Miles went on with the show.

Oh I totally would die to hear what this stupid wannabe interviewer is thinking right now. I bet he's beyond pissed. Ha, he deserves it. He shouldn't have tried to provoke me; this is just letting him look even dumber. Asshole.

"So Eden, you lost against Jude back then at the first contest but you won the second contest with a cover of Jude's "24 Hours". What do you think about Jude's coming back?" Miles asked and his voice reached even to the area where Jude was trying to reach Jamie's cell.

Jude snorted at this question. As if Eden could ever tell them something about Jude.

"I'm really glad Jude's back in the business now, her songs were inspiring and it's nice to have more female singer of my age. I just hope that she can live with the fact that I got more fans." Eden said and giggled way too girly for Jude's taste.

Ugh, this girl is so 100 fake, it hurts to even listen to her. As if she'd ever get more fans than me, especially since she's making this crap she calls music. The only things her "fans" care about is how revealing her dress is. "Fans", my ass.

"So, Karma what do you think is the big difference between you and Eden over here and Jude? What makes the biggest different for you? The music?" Miles asked Karma now. Jude rolled her eyes.

Yeah, right. The music, what else please? The difference is I can sing, I got class and I can sell my CD's without boot shaking.

"Well, of course we all are musically into other directions, although Eden and I are currently thinking about doing a duet since our styles aren't that different and we really like each other's music. But I think there actually is a big difference between us three. You know, most stars are into alcohol and sex and drugs and everything, you read about it all the time. Neither of us is a drinker or does drugs. I'm, for example, a virgin. Eden here got a boyfriend you all know about, Tommy Quincy, and they are happy and next week it'll be three months." Karma said and paused for a moment for the audience to cheer. "Jude's completely different there through, she's a slut. I don't say this judging, so don't take this wrong, she's a lovely girl and I wish her the best, but I silently pray for her to see that having a new guy every night just isn't right." Karma said in an innocent, worried tone.

Jude saw read. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Couldn't believe that Karma of all, who was wearing a piece of clothe that was barely covering her stupid ass, was implying, no even saying it flat out, that she, Jude, was a slut.

This stupid bitch, I'm so gonna make her pay for this. Enough is enough. It's of no one's business what I'm doing at night and it's sure as hell not for her to tell anything, especially something that's so far from the truth damn it. On national TV. Oh my god, my freaking parents are watching this fucking show. I'm gonna kill her.

Jude was about to storm back onto the stage and strangle Karma. Miles had wanted a catfight and now he'd get it.

But before Jude could come very far two muscular arms were put around her and hold her back, pressed her against a clearly male body.

Jude fought against the tight grip, tried to get free and get her revenge, but the arms weren't loosening their grip. Miles was moving on with the show and soon enough Jude gave in, stopped fighting against the force of the stranger.

"Would you please let go of me? Now." She ordered calmly. Too calmly.

"Do you promise not to run out there and attack Karma?"

"Tommy?! What the hell do you think you're doing? Get your hands off me, asshole!" Jude hissed when she recognized Tommy's teasing voice.

"I thought so." Tommy said not impressed at all and dragged Jude away with him, away from the entrance to the stage and away from Karma, Eden and Miles.

"Who do you think you fucking are?" Jude asked with barely suppressed rage as soon as Tommy had let go of her.

"I'm the guy who just saved you from doing something you'd regret."

"No, you're the guy who's definitely in the top ten of my hitlist." Jude retorted venomously. She rubbed her arms where Tommy had grabbed her. It hurt. "You're the guy who freaking grabbed he tight enough to leave bruises, idiot! Damn it Tommy, I thought I've made it clear that I want you to stay the hell away from me. What do I have to do to make you dumbass see that I'm none of your business? If I want to kill Karma then you fucking let me. And when I say get your hands off me, than you better do that next time, are we clear?" Jude was yelling by now, releasing all her frustration and anger the only possible way. Directing it at Tommy.

"What was it that you wanted? To attack Karma and be on every damn tabloid tomorrow? What do you think that would do for your reputation? Dignity, you gotta get some fast if you wanna survive this business."

"I'm sorry when I'm not out of ice like you, Tommy Q. But I got feelings and I do get angry, and yeah, I actually do have a heart, you know? I'm not frozen." Jude said icily, regretting her words immediately after they had left her mouths. She damned herself for being so stupid.

She had searched for more information about Tommy during the last weeks and had learned that he had been more than once been called to be out of ice, especially after his first solo single, "Frozen" had been canceled by Darius. Kwest had let slip once that this was one of Tommy's soft spots, that she should make sure to never mention this event ever.

Tommy's eyes went from worried and soft to angry and ice cold. Now he truly looked like the cold guy some tabloids pictured him. Jude was actually scared of him for a moment, but she couldn't be afraid of Little Tommy Q, now could she? Apparently: yes.

"Now you listen to me. I don't know why you hate me or whatever your deal is, but I frankly don't care. You don't want me in your life? Fine, I'll stay out of it. But this in there are my artists and I won't let you hurt my girlfriend or my artist just because you're jealous or angry with something she said."

"Something she said? Karma totally lied about me, I'm not a slut!" Jude shouted, forgetting her fear. How could Tommy dare to ever imply Karma was innocent in this case? Besides, it kind of bothered her when he was referring to Eden as his girlfriend, but she brushed that though off quickly enough, it wasn't any of her business. And she wouldn't have it any other way, right?

"You're not? From what I recall I have any right to call you one." Tommy said icily, causing Jude to gape. "But you know what? I don't fucking care what you are, since you want me so badly to not care. You say I'm an asshole, so ok, I'll be what you want me to be. And as said asshole I tell you this: You're a celebrity now, people will tell lies about you and you'll have to suck it up. Get used to it. Are we clear?" Tommy asked and sounded actually pretty dangerous. Jude was completely shocked, she would have never thought she'd hear Tommy talk to her like this.

He had called her a slut. He had told her he didn't care. Although it was exactly what Jude had wanted, it hurt her badly. It was as if her heart broke but she didn't know why. It wasn't like she was in love or something. But still, she had believed he was a good guy, had even kind of trusted him in a very strange way. She hadn't meant one of the mean things she had said. And here he was, crushing every stupid trust feeling and hope Jude had had about him.

"Are. We. Clear?" Tommy inquired to know, sounding impatient, angry and cold.

"Crystal." Jude murmured, slowly finding her attitude again. She wouldn't let anyone talk to her like that. It wasn't her. She hated girls who let guys talk to them like that and now she was one of them?! Not a chance.

Tommy was turning around, ready to go when Jude spoke again.

"You know, you can really call me stupid. From what you said and how you acted I kind of thought that maybe, maybe you weren't a bad guy, that you were nice. Hell I even began to like you, although I fought it as hell. Thanks Tommy, thanks for proving me right, that I was stupid to trust you or think about you at all. I made the mistake to trust you, no, I made the mistake that I wanted to trust you. You made me want to be wrong." Jude said quietly, sounding sad. She was so tired of it all already. This morning everything had been bright and now it was like totally dark. She hated the drama that was called her life. "But I get it now. No matter who it is, trust is a bad thing. Yet, I do it all over again, I trust people. And that's why my life's hell. I promise you one thing. I'll get used to it."

Tommy looked surprised but Jude could see the pity in his look and regret, probably because he had been hard on her. But she couldn't have him apologize. This was her lesson, her lesson to finally stop being a stupid child and to grow up.

"One more thing. I'm not a slut. You of all should know that." She stated quietly. Then she turned and walked away to the park lot, not looking back once. She heard Tommy yell after her, but she just began to run until she had reached her car. When she looked back she saw Tommy rushing after her. She climbed into her car and sped away, seeing his figure fading in the rear-view mirror.

Jude was driving on one of Toronto's main street but she was barely paying attention to the traffic. She had been driving like that for hours already and it had went well, so why should something go wrong now? She knew the logic wasn't really great, but she could care less.

She was supposed to drive straight to the studio right after the interview and how she knew Darius he was probably going crazy by now because his artist just walked out of a TV-show on national TV and everybody thought said artist was a slut.

Although Jude knew she should care about her contract and stuff, she couldn't bring herself to drive to I.O. She really didn't want to talk about PR and damage control and whatsoever. She couldn't go home of course either since Kwest was sure as hell awaiting her there, ready to take her to Darius as soon as she showed up.

Why did he do this? Why did he call me a slut? Shouldn't he know I'm not like that? And why the hell does this even bother me so much? Karma called me a slut on national TV and my ex-producer said she might be right from what he knew. What's bothering me most of these two things? Right, the comment of the ex-producer. God, what's wrong with me? I'm not in a relationship with this guy, no that's Eden's place. I'm not even his artist anymore and I have been his artist only for like one week. So I slept with him once, big deal, it was the night I left home, my parents abandoned me, or I them, whatever, I got a good excuse. I shouldn't give a damn about him. But still, every time he smiles this charming perfect smile and I look into these blue eyes of him, I just wanna kiss him. And I hate feeling like that. So I snap. And when I snap he fights back. I get hurt, the end.

Jude shook her head at herself. She really couldn't figure out her own feelings. A part of her clearly wanted Tommy while the other was hating him with every fiber, that wasn't normal, was it? It was enough to make every sane person go nuts that much Jude knew already.

Somehow Jude ended up in front of "Elvis" and she decided to visit Ryan, she hadn't been here to see him since she had signed her contract, she had only spoken to him once over the phone when she had canceled a performance of hers at the club.

Tommy:

Tommy was entering the club, a good friend had tipped him off this was a good address. It wasn't one of the best clubs in town, but at least there wasn't any reporters and the music was pretty decent. But Tommy didn't really care about the music. Not after what he had done today. Once again he had messed up, when he had wanted to finally tell Jude that he wanted more from her than just fighting or friendship he had once again said things that were inexcusable. This time he had called her a slut and that was something that was really topping everything he had done before.

Every time Tommy thought back to that moment he wanted to kick his own ass. How could he let her provoke him just like that?

When Tommy reached the bar a girl attracted his attention since she was just about to fall off her chair. He quickly went over the three steps to her and caught her before she hit the ground. When he realized who was so damn drunk his heart seemed to skip a beat. It was her.

"Jude, what the hell are you doing here?" He asked, knowing he wouldn't get a decent answer anyway. He helped her to sit more or less normal again, but he didn't dare to take his hand off her back in case she would be about to fall again.

"Get your hands off, pervert!" The bartender suddenly shouted at Tommy and came around the counter, placing his hand protectively over her shoulder.

"She was nearly falling of her freaking chair, idiot! Who are you? Her boyfriend? Wanted to get her drunk or what?" Tommy asked angrily, not bothering to really take his hand off Jude's back.

"No, I'm just a friend of Jude's. She's got a rough day and I won't let her end up in your hands or something."

"I'm a friend of Jude's too." Tommy said, knowing he was a little bit stressing the friend word, but hell, who really cared? "What made her getting wasted like this? That's not her."

"Do you know her from work?" The bartender asked suspiciously. Tommy nodded.

"Where does she work?"

"I.O. Golden Records. She just had her interview today on TV." Tommy told the guy without breaking eye contact. He sighed relieved when the bartender nodded and seemed to believe him.

"Ok. She's got in a fight or something with another singer today, I don't really know, she was kind of dazed when she arrived here. But it could also be that she met her family again or something, they are usually the cause for Jude's break downs, although this one guy from another label's causing her sleepless nights too."

"Really? What's up with her family and what guy? Maybe I know him." Tommy asked and tried to not sound too curious. He didn't know what was going on in Jude's life although he had heard from Kwest something about her family not being the best. That had surprised him, because what he remembered the Harrisons had been a perfect family more or less.

"Her family's hell. Something happened three years ago, Jude quit a contract or something. It had to do something with music and stuff; she doesn't talk about it that much though. From what I know she had issues with her family ever since then, they didn't understand her and slowly they began to just don't care about her anymore. They just concentrated on her sister since Jude wasn't letting them in and she was too difficult. In school Jude hadn't many friends either and the few she had she shut out. I don't know exactly why, but I think it had to do something with this contest she won and that she dropped out. She told me once when she was wasted for what seemed like the first time that no one cared about her and that she wasn't worth life. That scared me like hell and I took care of her ever since. We're friends. Now she had signed this contract and I think what happened back then is still haunting her, whatever it was. The last three years were hell for her and now she seemed happy again. But today…" The bartender shook his head obviously worried. "That's why I think that it's this guy again. Jude hasn't told me, but I think he has been the reason it went wrong the first time and now he's back in her life again and she just can't deal with it I guess. I think she's in love with him, but he's not or something and she's afraid that she'll mess up again. Since her family abandoned her, or she them, however, she got no place to go anymore."

"Interesting. I mean, it's sad and her parents are dumb for giving up on Jude, but you know, this makes sense of some things she said." Tommy said quickly after the bartender had shot him a weird look when he had said that Jude's misery was "interesting".

"However, I gotta go back to work now. I'm Ryan by the way. Take care of her, would you?" Ryan asked when a few men were yelling loudly for the bartender.

"Sure man, I'll take her home." Tommy said and nodded to the guy. He saw that Ryan wasn't happy to leave Jude in Tommy's hands, but it seemed like Ryan had no better solution ever so he nodded his approval and went away then not without caressing Jude's face for one last time and tugging one wisp of hair out of her face and behind her ear.

Tommy took Jude in his arms and carried her out of the club in bridal style. Surprisingly she didn't even fought his touch instead she snuggled up to him. A slight grin settled on Tommy's face when he felt Jude's tight grip around him and he remembered what Ryan had told him. Jude loved him?!

So that was it. DId you like it? I hope so. Let's just say for all Jommy fans: You'll so totally like the next chapter. ;) If you give me five reviews, I'll update within the next two weeks. If you don't, well, I think I'll still update within the month, no matter how much work I got...

xoxo Kathy...