Disclaimer: I do not own Instant Star or the characters on the show.

(Note: Once again, I am so sorry for the delay in updating. My life has been somewhat hectic lately. I love all the reviews. Thank you so much for reading my story.)

Chapter 14: It's Not Goodbye

Just as Jude was ready to lose all hope, Tommy's car sped into the parking lot. When Jude looked up, she saw Tommy jump out of his car and run towards her. "Jude!" he called.

She stood up and moved towards him, he let out a deep breath and whispered his name. Then Tommy took her in his arms in a very emotional embrace. As he held her, Tommy could feel tears forming in his eyes. The relief of knowing that she was alright and holding her close made him ache inside. It wasn't a physical pain but more of a feeling of longing of what could be or rather what should be.

Jude was trembling in Tommy's arms, "I am so sorry Tommy about the way that I acted last night. Please say that you'll forgive me."

Tommy pulled back and held Jude's face in his hands, "Can't you already tell that you are forgiven? I thought the song might have given you a hint. I am just glad that you are here." Jude smiled, "Me too."

The two didn't talk about what happened over the past few hours. They stood there looking deep into each other's eyes. The look of love was mirrored in their eyes, along with a hint of heartache. Both of them could not escape the thought of how long it would be until they got to see each other again. How long would it be until they could hold each other again?

"I want you know that the reason I acted the way I did was because I was afraid. I just had a hard time believing that you really wanted to be with me. I didn't believe that I could be enough for you," Jude's voice was full of regret for her actions.

Tommy couldn't believe his ears, "Jude, how could you think that? In my eyes, you are the most beautiful, the most talented, and the most real person that I have ever met. I would say that you have stolen my heart, but that wouldn't be true. I have very gladly given it to you and I won't ever be asking for it back."

Those words made Jude's heart flutter, "I feel like I am in dream. I never knew that love could make you feel this way." Jude bit her lip when she realized what she just said.

Tommy saw this and spoke quickly, "Did you say love? Is that was this is?" He tried to make an attempt at humor.

Jude's face flushed red with embarrassment, she tried to turn her head but Tommy gently placed his hand on her cheek causing her to meet his gaze. "Jude, I was just playing with you. I know that I love you more than I ever anticipated loving anyone. I didn't believe that I would or could, for that matter, feel what I feel for you. You have become my world."

Tears were now falling in a steady stream down Jude's face, "I love you so much Tommy. Please don't ever doubt that no matter how stupid I behave. You have shown me that love is worth taking the risk. I trust you with my heart. I know you won't break it."

It was then that Tommy pulled Jude's face closer to his and touched his lips to hers. The kiss was so pure and so full of passion and love and pain. This was a beautiful, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking display of emotions of two people who yearned for each other and were about to be separated. It was an extremely romantic scene, yet filled with an overwhelming sadness.

"I don't want to let you go, I don't want to say goodbye," Jude said as she leaned in to kiss Tommy once more. As the kiss ended, Tommy drew Jude to him as close as he possibly could. He held on to her with all the strength he could muster. How could he walk away from the love of his life? He didn't want to, but he was forced to leave her, at least for the time being.

The time had come for Tommy to board the bus. Jude walked him to the door and Tommy turned to her once more to say these words, "Things will be different for us when I get back. I promise that we'll be together. Remember, Jude, it's not goodbye. It's I'll see you later."

Jude said with her voice shaking, "See you later." Tommy kissed the lips of his true love one last time and stepped onto the bus.

It was extremely hard on Jude and Tommy being apart for so long. Tommy did have his tour to concentrate on and Jude had her second album to finish. The two never went a day without some type of communication between them. Whether it was a phone call or a text message, Jude and Tommy made sure to tell each other everyday just how much they loved each other.

Usually distance in a relationship can cause separation. This seemed to have the opposite effect between Jude and Tommy. They focused on getting to know each other through their conversations. Their connection went much deeper than anyone could have ever imagined.

There were many girls who had tried to get Tommy's attention while he was away on tour. But none could lure him away from the woman who was waiting for him to come home to her. He was never once tempted to stray. He knew that the type of love that he shared with Jude was too rare a find to risk destroying it.

Even Spied had finally gotten a clue. He could see that there was no chance that he and Jude would ever be together. There was only person in the world for her and that was Tommy Quincy. He never told Jude how he felt, and he thought it was best to keep it that way. He really did want her to be happy and he could see that she was.

Jude had a hard time focusing on singing for awhile after Tommy left. It was almost as if she had lost the courage and the passion for singing. She finally was able to finish the album when Tommy got through her. He didn't want her to mess up her career just because she missed him. He told her to snap out of it and get to work. He wanted to come back and celebrate the release of her album with her and it would only be possible if she finished it. So she did and it was an outstanding success.

The tabloids speculated that Tommy and Jude were an item but could never get any information confirmed. Darius saw to that, he was adamant on keeping their relationship under wraps until Tommy returned from his tour. And as everyone knows, what Darius wants, Darius gets.

The time that Tommy and Jude spent apart did not go by quickly. It was like the months, weeks, days, hours, and minutes were being used as a device of torture for the couple. Each passing day was getting harder and harder than the one before.

Tommy was getting tired and he wanted to come home and be with Jude. When he suggested ending the tour early, Darius actually added a few more dates. Every time Jude tried to take time off to go see Tommy, Darius planned concerts and speaking engagements to keep her occupied. He was persistent to say the least.

Being apart is never easy on a relationship. Some people may even decide to give up. That was not an option for Jude or Tommy. The love they felt for each other was so strong that not even time or the distance between them could tear it apart. Both Tommy and Jude knew that their love could overcome any obstacle that came their way.

Tommy had been gone for months and had only seen Jude's face through the wonderful use of video conferencing. At least he did get to see her face. He had missed so much while he was gone but something was coming up that he absolutely wouldn't miss. Jude was turning eighteen and Tommy was coming home.

I know that this was a short chapter but hopefully I will make it up to you with the next one. Jude's birthday will definitely be memorable.