Chapter 20: Pillow talk and an old face

When Jude was discharged from the hospital, Tommy took her straight back to the apartment, treating her as if she was made of glass – glass that was as valuable as diamonds. They ordered in and watched an old black and white movie on TV as they devoured Chinese food and sipped champagne.

Jude frowned at the nearly transparent liquid in her glass, wondering what it was she'd found so comforting in alcohol just so few months ago. It was nice but she didn't want it anymore, not the way she'd had it. A glass of wine on occasion would be nice but she decided then and there to leave it at that.

They spent the night together in the large four poster bed in Jude's room. Nothing happened, at least not in the way you might assume. The night was full of desire but nothing sexual. Tommy's desire was to hold Jude and feel her next to him; alive and well and his. He wanted the comfort of awaking in the night to find her close. Jude's desire was to rest in her newfound assurance that she was loved, that Tommy loved her and that no matter what – they'd be ok.

---

The flashing red numbers on the alarm clock red three AM as I yawned and rolled over. The bed was so comfortable and cozy and I felt completely safe and secure. I smiled at the sleeping form next to me. Tommy was lying on his stomach, his head facing away from me and one arm slung over the pillow above him. Feeling mischievous I leaned forward and placed my hands at his sides, tickling the sensitive skin.

He leapt bolt upright in the bed, suddenly awake but not really, "What's going on?" He mumbled, glancing about.

I smiled, hopefully angelically as I lay on back and gazed up at him, "You must have been dreaming," I remarked with a shrug.

He grinned and shook his head, "Nope. I don't think so. I think someone tickled me."

I frowned, my eyes wide, "But who could have done such a thing?"

He leaned down, placing his forehead against mine, "I'm thinking my wonderful girlfriend."

I smiled, wrapping my arms around him, resting my hands on his shoulder blades, "Oh, you have a girlfriend? Who is she?"

He kissed me softly, and lay down next to me, pulling me into his arms, "Jude Harrison. And she's perfect."

I grinned, "I'm not sure about perfect but yeah, she's pretty wonderful huh?"

He laughed.

I rested my head on his shoulder, "I miss Cassie," I remarked, out of the blue.

He was running his hands through my hair and the action made me feel sleepy, "Me too," He whispered. We were silent for awhile until he broke the silence, "I have a meeting tomorrow but I was thinking of cancelling it. We could hang out here for the day or if you were feeling up to it maybe we could do something in the city though I'd prefer if you just took it easy."

I shook my head softly, "No, you should go to your appointment," I closed my eyes, "I have something I should do while I'm in the city anyway."

That sparked his interest, "Really? What?"

I opened my eyes to gaze up at him, shrugging slightly, "I just… need to go see an old friend."

He was concerned, I could see it in his eyes, "Is everything okay?"

I nodded, "Its fine. We'll talk about it some time, K?"

He nodded too, concern and adoration mingling in his features. I could spot the exhaustion too. "I'm sorry," I whispered, "You should go back to sleep, I promise I won't tickle you again."

His lips curled into a smile, "So it was you!"

Punching him lightly in the stomach I curled up against his side, nestling my face next to his shoulder, "Good-night Tommy, I love you."

"I love you too, Jude."

---

I climbed out of the taxi, taking one of those shaky breaths that only serve to make you even more nervous then you were before. I'd traveled out into the suburbs and a plain two story house stood in front of me. The garden was immaculate and the lawn freshly mown. It was the picture of American suburbia. Is this really the American dream?

I paid the cab driver and started up the pathway. I paused again at the door before reaching up, closing my eyes and pressing the doorbell. I could hear footsteps approaching and I braced myself. A moment later the door opened and a handsome nineteen year old man stood in front of me. He had dark black hair, delicious chocolaty skin and eyes that assured you he was trustworthy. As they say; looks can be deceiving.

He was surprised, I could tell as my name slipped from his lips, "Jude."

I smiled but it was shaky and I knew he noticed, "Hi Jake."