"I drift away to a place, another kind of life.

Take away the pain, i create my paradise.

Everything i've held has hit the wall.

What used to be yours isn't yours at all..."

Jude sang softly, while sitting in Studio 3 alone. The room seemed so much smaller, darker, sadder... Nothing was right. Usually, at the G-Major studios, she was happy. She was making music, which was what she loved most. But right now, that's not what she wanted.

Jude: "I just want people to stop leaving me all the time." She sighed. Writing songs used to be her way of venting; it doesn't work anymore. Sometimes a breath of fresh air helps; not anymore. She used to talk to people to let out her feelings; right now, socializing was the last thing she wanted to do. She didn't want to be friends with anyone anymore. How did she know they wouldn't leave her? It seems so easy for everyone else to... how does she know they won't? How does she really know? She sighs again.

"Where do i go from here?" A silent tear fell from her eye, but she quickly wiped it away. "Crying won't help...Be strong." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, when she heard the door open. She turned from her position on the couch to look at who came in. "Hey Kwest."

Kwest: "Jude... You're still here?"

Jude: "Yeah... Why? What time is it?"

Kwest: "Almost 12." He stated, then took a seat next to her.

Jude: "I wasn't planning on leaving. I mean, nobody wants me, except for my music. So here i am."

Kwest: "You can't stay here all night." He said worried.

Jude: "I don't have a choice. But I'll be fine, really. I'll just sleep on this wonderful couch here. Plus, I'm sure i won't be late."

Kwest: "Jude.." He looked at her, but said nothing else. He couldn't find the words. He wanted to help her, but it was out of his hands. "I have a guest room."

Jude: "Thank you, Kwest, but i don't want pity. I'm fine."

Kwest: "Let me help you. It's just a place to stay, it's the least i could do."

Jude: "Kwest, I can't."

Kwest: "Yes, you can." He stood up and grabbed her bag with all her things. "Come on." He smiled at her. She tried to smile back, but her lips didn't want to curve into a smile so she just got up and followed... In the car, none of them said anything. Kwest could tell Jude wasn't in the mood for conversation, so he just kept his eyes on the road. Once they arrived to his house, it wasn't what Jude expected. Actually, she never really thought about what kind of place Kwest would live in. His house was two stories, and the outside was painted a cream color. There were any plants on the lawn, but the grass was very green. Inside, Everything was black and white. In the living room, the walls were white, and the couches were black leather. There was a big plasma screen television, with a dvd player. Off to the side, there was a big, black stereo. Next to it, A black and white shelf held hundreds of CDs. Kwest motioned for Jude to follow him, towards the kitchen.

Kwest: "You've probably guessed by niw that this is the kitchen." He smiled. The appliances were white, and the counter was black marble. "If you're hungry, just go ahead and get whatever you need. My refrigerator is your refrigerator." Jude couldn't help but smile. "There's that smile." Kwest said.

Jude: "Okay okay. I've seen the kitchen, you've made me smile, anything else?"

Kwest: "Right this way." He lead her upstairs to a room that was also black and white. Black furniture, and white sheets. "This is the guest room... you're staying here."

Jude: "It's nice... I like it." He set down her bag on a chair at the desk in the corner.

Kwest: "The bathroom is right next door, and i'm at the end of the hall."

Jude: "Thank you Kwest. You're the best." She gave him a friendly hug, and he returned the favor.

Kwest: "Anytime, Jude. I'll let you get your rest." And with that, he left, closing the door behind him. Jude looked around, then reluctantly layed down in the bed, though she knew it'd be hard for her to sleep.

The next day...

Kwest and Jude walked into the studio, both still looking a little upset. Jude was tired, and Kwest felt bad that she was going through so much pain. They worked in Studio 2 for a few hours, rehearsing "My Immortal" to sing it on Instant Star. Jude also got some inspiration, and started writing a new song. Sometime in the afternoon, Kwest went to get some food.

Kwest: "I'll be right back." He told her, and she answered back with a nod. He didn't get to far when she heard his foot steps stop suddenly.

"TOMMY?" Jude's heart felt like it stopped. She lost her breath for a second, then immediately stood up. She looked past the door to the G-Major lobby. Kwest was standing there, and she saw Tommy himself standing right in front of him, with a little girl standing next to him. She felt fatigued suddenly, and her breathing became uneven; she still stayed behind the door and watched. He looks the same.

Kwest: "Tommy..." Kwest repeated. "Long time no see."

Tommy: "Too long, man." He gave him a friendly hug, and noticed Kwest glancing at the little girl a few times. He gestured towards Emily and said, "This is my niece, Emily. She's the reason why i left..." Tommy looked Emily, "Em, this is my best friend, Kwest." She just smiled shyly.

Kwest: "Hey Emily." He smiled warmly at her then looked back at Tommy. He could tell Kwest still had questions.

Tommy: He whispered so only Kwest could hear, "My sister passed away, and Emily is her daughter. To most people's surprise, she gave me custody of Emily."

Kwest: "Oh, man, i'm sorry." He put a hand on his shoulder reassuringly.

Tommy: "It's alright. I mean, i have no problems with Emily, she's a good girl. There has just been a lot going on in Montana... I'm sorry for not calling...or.. or anything."

Kwest: "I understand... but..."

Tommy: "Jude." He sighed. "I don't know what to do... I'm afraid she'll push me away.. i mean, it's what i deserve."

Kwest: "Don't say that; she'll understand. It's a big issue, she'll know you probably had a lot going on."

Tommy: "No, Kwest. She didn't deserve what i did. I should have called, just to let her know i was okay, and that i still cared about her."

Kwest didn't know what to say.

Tommy: "Where is she? I need to talk to her."

Kwest: "Uh.. she's in the.. Studio 2... Look man, i don't think she can take it right now."

Tommy: "What?"

Kwest: "You know what i mean. She's gone through a lot since you've been gone..."

Tommy: "I know. But i need to at least talk to her. Just to let her know why i left... i don't know... something."

Kwest: He was hesitant at first. "Alright man. Studio 2."

Jude saw Tommy walking towards her. Her heart rate sped up, and so many thoughts were forced into her head. She sat down on the couch and took deep breaths, until she saw the door start to open. She looked up just as he entered the room. His blue eyes looked sad, but besides that, it felt like being 16 all over again.

Jude: "Tommy... you're... you're here." She couldn't say anything else.

Tommy: "Yeah... Jude, let me explain. Please."

When she didn't say anything, he continued. First he looked down at Emily.

Tommy: "Okay... This is my niece, Emily." He looked at Emily once more. "Em, why don't go look around in there at the equipment." He said while pointing into the recording room through the glass. She smiled and did as he said.

Jude: "She's cute." She stated. Tommy looked in her eyes and smiled, but Jude stayed serious. "You came here just to tell about your niece?"

Tommy looked to the floor, and sat down in a chair in front of her. He sighed, then said, "No..."

Tommy: "The night before i left, i got a phone call from some relatives in Montana. They told me that my sister had passed away from smoking too much. She was diagnosed with lung cancer a while back, and her time came."

Jude: "I'm sorry, Tommy." She said in a soft voice.

Tommy: "It's alright... so after i heard what happened i immediately went to Montana. It was very hectic and exhausting with the funeral and all. Then, i found out that my sister's daughter, Emily, was in my custody. She has been great though. She's very smart for her age... Anyway, that's what happened. I know i should have called you, or something. But i was scared of what you'd say. I'm so sorry Jude." He finally looked up at her to see tears falling from her blue eyes.

Jude: "I don't want to be selfish because i know you've probably been through hell in Montana with everything that's going on... But i've been through so much pain since the minute you left that night. I've been thinking if i did something wrong, or if i wasn't good enough, or why you hadn't called me or given me some explanation. Tommy, i have missed you so much, and right now i'm scared of getting my heart broken again."

Tommy: "I know Jude. I understand. You have every right to feel that way. But right now, i'm telling you that the whole time i was in Montana i was thinking about you. I missed you so much, that i couldn't be there one more day without you. I know of caused you pain and you don't know how bad i feel because of that."

Jude sighed and put her head in her hands. Tommy could tell that she was deep in thought. Then Emily walked back into the room.

Emily: "Uncle Tommy, why is the pretty girl crying?" Jude looked up at her, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Tommy: "Jude doesn't feel well, Emily."

Emily: "Oh." She looked at Jude, "What's wrong?"

Jude: "Nothing, i'm fine. Your Uncle Tommy tells me you're a smart little girl."

Emily: "No, I'm a big girl!" She said, standing on her tippie toes.

Jude: "Of course, sorry. You're a big girl." Jude smiled at her then looked at Tommy.

Tommy: "Jude?... Can i ask you something?"

Jude: "Go ahead."

Tommy: "Will you come over tonight, and have dinner with me and Emily?"

Jude: "I don't know, Quincy."

Tommy: "Please, Jude. So we can talk some more... Please."

Jude: "Okay Tommy. When work's over, we'll have dinner."

Emily: "Jude go to Uncle Tommy's house!" She smiled widely.

I know, i know. I'm a horrible person. I hate myself right now. I'm so sorry for no posting in such a long time. Life has been complicated lately. But hopefully you're happy with this chapter. I promise to post more often. Thank you to those who are still reading and checking for updates. I really appreciate it.