Hey guys. Soooo sorry it's taken so long to get this one out. I know I said possibly last Friday, and I actually thought that was gonna happen cuz I honestly wrote like the first half in 4th and 5th period. All I can say about the next update is the wait won't be as long. I do have it outlined and the ending of it done, but other than that not too much, but it is an important chapter.
Other notes, there's a small part that talks about Yvette's son. I'm not going to make him a character, it's not a way of introducing him into the series but when I was writing this I remembered how she really does have a kid. So don't overthink it, cuz it's nothing big.
Okay, well here's the update, hope you enjoy it! And again, sorry it took so long.
WARNING: The Following Material May Not Be Suitable For Children Under 14. References To Illegal Drugs Are Brought Up. Please Don't Act On Anything You Read & If You Have Any Questions Or Comments Please Talk To A Parent, Friend, Adult, Or Teacher.
"How Do I Live Without You?" is a song by Faith Hill.
"I Turn to You" is a song sung/performed by Jude; originally by Christina Aguilera, I did not write it.
"Always
Late" is originally titled, "A Little Less Sixteen
Candles, A Little More, 'Touch Me'" and is performed by Jude
and The Speiderman Mind Explosion; originally by Fall Out Boy,I did not write it. I did edit the lyrics.
504
How Do I Live Without You?
I Turn to You was coming to an end, as Jude's voice filled the sound studio. Kwest and Tommy watched her lose herself in the music; just standing there in her own world as she sang the final words to her song, "For the, wi—ll to carry o—n! For everything you do. Everything you do. For everything that's true. For everything you do—ooh oh. For everything that's true... I turn to you...ooh."
The music slowly died down as Jude came out of her own world and instantly caught Tommy's grin.
Alexz Voice Over
Ever since my scene in the restaurant, Tommy's been so great to me.
"I think we got it, girl."
Not that he wasn't before.
"Think, Quincy? Doubting yourself there?" she grinned.
Tommy simply smiled at her, "Great take, girl."
Lately it's like... I don't know... It's like I'm falling in love with him all over again.
"You two need your own studio." Kwest commented while leaning back in his chair.
"Like you and Sadie are any better lately." Jude replied.
"Really, man. Since you two've been out, you're out."
"I do have to agree with him though Tommy," Jude cut in, "I wouldn't mind our own studio."
"The day Darius gives you two you're own studio will be the same day he signs Sadie as a new artist."
Tommy gave a small laugh as he stood up and stretched, "Gotta agree with you on that one."
Jude removed her headphones and made her way to the door, "I just love how you guys are talking about my sister—" she opened the door to join them, "—like I'm not even here."
"It's normal. What do you think Tommy talks about when you're not here?"
Tommy looked down at Kwest, but before he could defend himself he felt Jude wrap her arms around his waist from behind.
"About how much he misses me." she answered while resting her cheek against his shoulder.
"Sadly..." Kwest trailed off, "You're right."
Before anyone could say anything the door to the studio opened up, "Hey Tom—" Darius picked his head up and saw Jude quickly let go of Tommy and place her hands behind her back, "—Mind tellin' me what's goin' on in here?"
"Just finished, 'Turn To You' D." Kwest announced, like nothing was wrong.
"That's great, but it doesn't explain why my artist's arms are wrapped around her producer."
Although some people don't see how I feel about him. How he feels about me. And those people just keep making it harder and harder.
"I can't hug him now?" Jude asked with sarcasm.
"Looked a little cozier than a hug."
Quickly thinking, "He had my ring." she spat out, but only got a confused look from Darius. Jude rolled her eyes and stuck her hand in the pouch of Tommy's sweater. Jumping at the sudden movement from her actions, Tommy went along with whatever it was she was doing and seconds later she pulled out her star ring to show Darius.
"Doesn't explain anything." he answered, his facial expression getting angrier.
"Sneak attack." Kwest spit out, unsure of where he was going with it. All eyes went to him. "Hug him from behind and when he's least expecting it reach in and get the ring. Oldest trick in the book. Surprised Tom fell for it."
Darius only shook his head, clearly not wanting to deal with it anymore. "Whatever, whatever. Jude, keep you hands to yourself. T, don't take the girls ring."
"Yes sir." the both mumbled in unison.
"And Tom," Darius began again, while Tommy lifted his head to look at him, "Your daughter's here." and with that he walked out, closing the door behind him.
Once Darius was out of earshot, "How the hell did you get that ring in my pocket?"
Jude laughed, "When I put my hands behind my back I took it off. Held it in my hand and pulled it out of your pocket."
Kwest stood up, "Oldest trick in the book."
"Yeah, Tommy." she directed him toward the door, "Surprised you fell for it."
But whether those people see it or not, I'm not letting anyone stand in our way. Our love isn't going to be this complicated anymore.
Opening Credits
The music of SME filled the rehearsal space, but Jude just wasn't feeling it.
"Guys," she said into the mic as she pulled her hands from her guitar. "Guys, this isn't working."
Kyle sat back on the throne, dropping the drumsticks to the floor while Wally leaned against Speed's amplifier, but Speed just kept playing.
"What, you want to play the right riffs now?!" Kyle yelled over the music. After a few seconds of no response and watching him continue to play, he picked up a drum stick and tossed it at Speed's back.
Jude rolled her eyes as she watched Speed, still, continue to play. "Speed!" she yelled.
Fortunately the song came to the end as the rehearsal space became quiet except for Kyle tapping his foot on the ground.
"Looks like lover boy over there's still heartbroken over Juliet." Patsy commented from the couch.
"Patsy, you and your jokes can catch a plane with Kaiden to Hell."
"Speed, knock it off!" Jude yelled, "I'm getting tired of you talking about her like that!"
"Don't act like you're not mad about her leaving!" he hollered back.
"I am mad! I'm pissed off! But she's still my best friend. She's still your girlfriend."
"Forget that. I don't care if she ever comes back. I'm not going to be in her life anymore."
"Speed man," Wally cut in.
"Lets just get this song down okay."
Patsy stood up, "Well since you girls seem to need the practice I'll let you gals get to it." She stopped next to Jude, "Good luck with Romeo over there."
Jude shook her head as she brought her guitar over her shoulders again. Rolling her eyes, "Best friend or not. Next time I see her I'm knockin' her a good one."
Patsy nodded her head while placing a hand on Jude's shoulder, "Well if you need any help with that just give me a call."
A small chuckle escaped Jude's mouth as she watched Patsy make her way to the door, "See ya Patsy."
Patsy nodded a good bye as she made her way out the door.
"Can we do this right this time?" Kyle asked.
Speed rolled his eyes, "Lets get this over with. I got plans."
Jude eyed him, but Speed wouldn't look at her. She looked back to Kyle and nodded for him to start. A quick drum roll came from Kyle as Jude and Speed broke in with their guitars. Wally followed behind once Jude began to sing.
"I confess, I messed up. Dropping I'm sorry, like you're still around. And I know, you dressed up. Hey kid, you'll never live this down."
Julie held an ice cream cone in one hand and Tommy's hand in the other as they made their way into G-Major.
"I even rode a roller coaster!"
"Yeah?"
"Uh huh. But I didn't go upside down."
They took a seat on the couch, "Were you scared?"
"Mmhmm."
"One of these days I'll take you on an easy one, okay?"
"You still gonna be 'round?" she asked while finishing up her ice cream.
He looked down at her and deceptively smiled, "I'm not goin' anywhere kiddo."
"Mommy said that... that you wouldn't be 'round as much."
"What?" he asked, and as if on cue, Porchia's voice came from Darius' office. He looked over his shoulder and spotted her leaving his office, "Hey," he spoke to Julie, but kept his eyes on Porchia, "Stay right here," standing up, "I'll be right back."
"I'm on it Darius." Porchia told him while closing his office door. She looked in Tommy's direction and only rolled her eyes. Seeing Julie on the couch, she walked past Tommy, but didn't get too far.
"Hey," Tommy called after her, while reaching for her arm to stop her.
"I'm in a hurry Tommy." she told him while stopping to face him.
"I don't care if you're late for a meeting with the Colonel. Why are you tellin' Julie I might not be around anymore?"
Before Porchia could answer, Kwest walked in interrupting them, "Uh, Porchia?"
They both looked in his direction, only to see Kwest wasn't alone. A tall black man stood behind him, looking like he had just walked out of a vacation from the Bahamas.
"Joey!" came Julie's voice as she hopped off the couch and ran into Joey's arms.
"Hey 'dere little one."
"Joey?" Tommy questioned as he looked back to Porchia.
She quietly reached into her coat pocket and pulled out an envelope. "I'll be right there Joe." she told him while handing Tommy the letter, "Here."
He eyed her suspiciously, but she quickly made her way toward Joe. Tommy opened the envelope and pulled out the letter. It instantly caught his attention as his eyes ran over the words. As he approached the bottom, Porchia, Joe and Julie had left. Oblivious to their departure, he looked up from the letter with a shocked look on his face.
"You gotta be kidding me?!"
Jude rummaged through her kitchen cabinets in search of something to cook. "D said 'Turn to You' is ready to be played at the gig tomorrow."
"I'd hope so. I think that's a record for how long it took you to get a song recorded." Tommy told her from the other side of the counter. He watched Jude continue her search. "Girl," he shifted off the stool, "What are you looking for?"
"I don't know. Aren't you hungry?"
Tommy shrugged as he stood next to her, "Should I be afraid of your cooking?" he asked while taking a pot off the hook and placing it on the stove.
"You're going to think I was a professional chef." she exclaimed with a grin.
He glanced to the cupboard and spotted a box, "Of what?" he pulled the box out, "Easy Mac?"
Jude mocked his grin as she stood on her tip toes and pulled out a box of Kraft macaroni. "I can cook the real stuff."
"Ah, so you've got the blues?" he mocked, watching her open up the box. "Ya know this doesn't count as real cooking?"
"Why not?"
"'Cause it's simple follow the directions stuff."
"Really now?" she asked, carrying the pot to the sink to fill it with water, "Isn't everything follow the directions stuff?"
He turned the flame on as she set the pot back onto the stove, "Not really. I mean, there's this kind of cooking, or there's the kind where you go without directions. Buy just a pack of noodles and make your own macaroni."
"Well," she began as she hopped onto the counter, "Next time why don't you just do that then."
Tommy stood in front of her, "You'll think I'm the professional chef." he told her while taking hold of her legs.
She leaned in closer to him, "Yeah?" He nodded. "Well then you should get the honor of a special duty for me."
"Yeah?" he chuckled, letting Jude lean closer to him, "What is it?"
Her eyes stayed on his for as long as they could until she brought her mouth next to his ear, "You can put the noodles in the water." she whispered while leaning back
His head dropped as he smiled at her actions. "Noodles in the water." he said to himself while turning around and dumping the box into the boiling water.
Jude casually slipped off the counter and started to get the rest of the stuff needed as Tommy stirred in the macaroni. He stole a glance at her going through the refrigerator and couldn't help but smile. "This is nice." he commented.
"What?" she asked while carrying the milk and butter to the sink.
"Making dinner with you. Like a family, sorta, ya know."
She couldn't help but smile at him. Leaving the stuff on the sink she walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist. Tommy left the spoon in the water and instantly wrapped his arms around her in return. Expecting her to kiss him, he was caught off guard when she only laid her head on his chest.
"I hate this." she muttered.
"Hate what?"
"Only having you behind closed doors."
Tommy held her closer as his head rested on her own. "You really think Darius will understand?"
"He can't run my life forever."
"I know, but…"
"I know." She read his mind, "It's scary."
"I don't want to stop producing you."
"I don't want a new producer." She replied.
His lips touched the top of her head as his hands ran up her back comfortingly. "We'll figure it out."
Her eyes burned as she held back tears that she didn't want to let go. She hated keeping Tommy a secret. She hated not being able to hold his hand when they walked down the street, or jump in his arms when he walks in to work. If she couldn't control her feelings for him, why did Darius have to control their relationship?
Minutes passed as they stood there in each others arms, both thinking the same thing. Their heartbeats and breathing the only noise each could hear. The only noise each wanted to hear, but their thoughts were interrupted when water began to leak over the top of the pot, splashing onto the flame below. The sizzling noise caused Jude to slightly jump as both their heads turned toward the stove.
"Shoot," Tommy said under his breath as he and Jude let go of each other. He quickly turned the flame off, letting the water level drop a few inches, as Jude handed him a pot holder.
"I think the water's boiled." Jude commented as Tommy smiled to her, dipping the spoon into the pot.
"Well," he began, "I don't think macaroni's going to be on the menu tonight." Tommy told her. He brought the spoon up to show her the melted noodles stuck together.
"Yeah…" she observed, "That's so never happened before."
"Girl you turned our dinner into glue." He laughed while dropping the spoon back into the pot. "If this is a professional chef's work…" trailing off, "I'm kinda scared to order macaroni next time I go out."
Jude playfully smacked his arm, "I was distracted Quincy." She smiled.
"If that's what you want to call it." He replied while carrying the pot to the sink and emptying it of its contents.
"So…" she paused, leaning against the counter waiting for Tommy to turn around, "Pizza?"
He laughed over his shoulder at her as she grabbed the telephone off the hook and passed it over to him.
"I'm just so happy for her. Kwest's a real good guy." Stuart started as he and Yvette made their way to the front door.
"The engagement announcement could have been nicer if Jude hadn't thrown that tantrum."
"Tom supposedly took care of it."
Yvette shook her head, "I don't know. Surprisingly, I have to agree with Vic on them two being together."
"I said it too," he unlocked the door, "But Jude says she loves him. If she's happy," they stepped inside, "I can't object to it."
Yvette started to reply, but stopped when she saw Tommy and Jude sleeping on the couch. His back was against the back of the couch as he held Jude in his arms. Both in a deep sleep, neither noticed Stuart or Yvette come in.
Paper plates and empty glasses sat on the table next to a pizza box while Mr. and Mrs. Smith played mute on the television. Stuart couldn't help but smile at the scene.
"Looks like Jude tried to cook." He chuckled.
Yvette laughed lightly as well as she looked at the two fast asleep. "They are cute together."
"He makes her happy." He repeated as he grabbed the blanket off the back of the chair and gently covered them up.
Stuart stood there and smiled down at his daughter. A few seconds passed before Yvette joined his side. Resting her chin on his shoulder and linking her arm around his own, "It's sad though."
"Them keeping it a secret?" She nodded. "It'll be better. Someday it'll all be okay." And with those final words they turned to make their way upstairs.
"It's fine." Jimmy stressed as he pulled out a bottle of nail polish remover.
Jude sat across from him in a small dressing room, "I know this is illegal."
"Technically the stimulants were illegal too. So you've already broken the law."
She eyed him, "Never again."
"Yeah. I heard about your eighty-six hour no sleeping spree."
"Hear how I went crazy-psycho girl at dinner?"
He cocked his head to the side and shrugged, "Somewhat."
"Why'd that happen?" she asked completely clueless of the situation.
"Your body was tired." he simply answered.
"I thought I wasn't supposed to crave sleep?"
"Just because you're not sleepy doesn't mean your not tired."
"Still doesn't explain why I acted all crazy."
"Your body just needed sleep. If you're on stimulants for a few days you run your body down. You'll be all angry or depressed, but it's just 'cause you're really exhausted." he explained, watching her carefully listen and understand what the drug does. "Want to get back on them? Now that you know how to handle 'em."
Jude sat back and seriously thought about it, but Tommy instantly popped into her head. "No." she told him, "Don't offer."
His hands went up in a peace offering. "Won't bring it up again."
"Thanks." she replied. Her eyes followed his moves as he carefully poured nail polish onto a cloth. "What happens?"
Jimmy shrugged, "It's different for everyone." he paused, "But, basically, it's like getting high. Everything's... I can't explain it. Wanna try?"
Jude watched him breathe up the cloth. Inhaling the chemicals into his system, "I don't know..."
"C'mon, Harrison. Not wimping out that easily are you?" Jimmy taunted as he held out the rag.
Eyeing it, thoughts rushed throughout her head. About to reach out and take it, her actions were interrupted as a knock came from the door. Jimmy quickly threw the rag in his bag
"Jude?" came Mason's voice.
Jimmy's eyes rolled, "She's busy!" he yelled.
"Jimmy!" she whispered, "What Mason?" she asked as she watched Jimmy set the rag in his bag and Mason walk through the door.
"Uh, you might want to come get ready for the gig."
Jude sighed in relief, seeing as she was going to get out of the soon to be huffing experience, "I'm coming." she told Mason while standing up. "I gotta go."
"Good luck." he replied.
"You're playing what you played at the club that night right?"
He nodded, but she could tell he was upset with her.
Kyle finished unpacking his drum symbols as Jude entered backstage, "Hey Jude." he said slightly laughing.
"What's so funny?" she asked with a smile as Wally ran in, carrying his bass.
"He's coming."
Kyle laughed as he set the tom symbol on his set then reached down and grabbed two drumsticks out of his bag, but as he looked up he'd looked as if he'd seen a ghost. The two drumsticks dropped to the floor as Wally and Jude looked toward him, following his gaze.
Speed came around the corner, straightening out his hat, "The next time you guys hide my..." and words left him as his hat, like Kyle's drumsticks, crashed to the ground.
"Hi Vincent." came Kaiden's tiny voice.
Speed only stared at her with his mouth slightly open. He was so afraid that it was a dream he was about to wake up out of any minute now.
Kaiden looked really thin. She was never overweight, normal size, but she looked so boney. It'd been five months since she took off that night and she looked like she'd been through so much. She didn't even look like the same Kaiden anymore. Her hair was flat on her head instead of up in a ponytail. Her bangs definitely could have been cut. There was almost no color in her skin. It was sad looking at her.
Possibly a minute had passed that no one had said a word. Kyle, Wally, and Jude kept exchanging looks, as Speed never unlocked his eyes from her, although she broke eye contact many times through nerves.
"Can you say something?" she asked as she locked her teary eyes in his.
For the first time he looked away, down to the ground and pulled his guitar off from over his shoulders. As he looked up his eyes met hers instantly.
No one understood his actions as he closed the small distance between them. His eyes looked over her like she was a piece of garbage, "Lose a fight with a dog or something?" he asked her quietly as he continued looking over her. He looked over everything from her bangs that covered her face, to her boney wrists. From her oversized sweatshirt to her holy jeans, and even her beat up chucks.
"Cheap shot Vincent." she replied quickly, in a small voice.
"You think this is funny?" he asked angrily, avoiding eye contact.
"No." her voice got shaken, "I don't." she told him as tears blurred her vision.
Speed looked over to her, but couldn't find her eyes as she stared at the ground. He spoke softly, "What are you doing here?"
It was quiet for a moment before she replied, almost like she didn't know why she was there, even though she did. "I'm trying to put my life back together."
"Your life?" he asked a little snotty.
She hesitantly nodded, "You."
She was about to keep talking, but words lost her as she blinked and tears began to slowly roll down her face. She picked up her right hand to wipe away her tears but her hand was stopped as Speed gently grabbed it. Her eyes jumped down to his hand on hers, unsure of what he was doing. She looked back up at him for an explanation, but he was focused on her hand as he let it go by her side.
As he looked back up toward her he avoided eye contact and only stared at her tears. Taking the hand that was once holding hers only seconds ago, he wiped away her tears. Speed was so hesitant to touch her at first. Like she was about to break or something, or by touching her it would wake him up and show him that it was really a dream, but nothing happened when his hand touched her face. He then took his other hand and wiped away the tears under her left eye, as he held her face in his hands.
Kaiden brought her right hand back up and cautiously placed it over Speed's as she looked up at him, meeting her eyes with his, she held his hand, "I'm so sorry Vince," she whispered as she closed her eyes and looked away again, letting even more tears fall out. Kaiden felt Speed run his thumb over her tears. "I'm not leaving anymore..." she told him while locking her eyes with his.
He looked down at her and saw the seriousness as he inhaled and sighed in relief with a small smile breaking across his face. She felt his forehead rest on the top of her head as his hands slid from her face and went around her. Her arms instantly wrapped around him as she let her tears run free, so happy to be in his arms again.
Speed pulled away to look at her. His forehead rested on hers as he looked into her eyes. He brought his hands back and cupped her face, "Don't you ever leave me again, you hear?"
"I'll never leave you again." she said as they both smiled.
Speed looked like he could cry, but was holding the tears in. Kaiden was back. He could live again.
First Commercial
Jude could see the lights dim through the curtains from backstage. Her and SME stood patiently as the announcer introduced them to the crowd and waited for their cue to hit the music from the sound technician to their right.
"Everyone," the announcer spoke, "Jude Harrison, and the Speiderman Mind Explosion!"
The sound technician pointed toward Speed who hit a few soft notes with the curtain still back as Wally followed in on bass. Slowly the curtains began to rise just as Jude began to sing and Kyle jumped in on drums, lightly hitting the edge of the symbols. "When I'm lost… In the rain, in your eyes I know I'll find the light,,to light my way. When I'm scared… Losing ground. When my world is going crazy, you can turn it all around. And when I'm down you're there, pushing me to the top. You're always there giving me all you've got!"
Her eyes found Tommy's in the crowd as she cleared her head of everything but him. She began to sing her heart out for him because right then, to her, he was the only one in the crowd.
"For a shield, from the storm, for a friend, for a love, to keep me safe and warm. I turn to you. For the strength, to be strong, for the will to carry on. For everything you do, for everything that's true, I turn to you—ooh, yea."
The band did a small transition beat as Jude took the mic from the stand and began to walk along the stage, starting the second verse.
"When I lose… The will to win. I just reach for you, and I can reach, the sky again. I can do, anything, 'cause your love is so amazing, 'cause your love inspires me. And when I need a friend, you're always on my side. Giving me faith; taking me through the night!" her voice carried out the last note as the chorus began.
A back track CD played in for her background vocals as Jude started to sing along with herself.
(For a shield,)
"For a shield,"
(From the storm,)
"From the storm,"
(For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm,)
"A love to keep me safe and warm,"
(I turn, to you.)
"I turn to you."
(For the strength,)
"For the strength,"
(To be strong)
"For the will, to carry o—n." She sang, softly holding onto the last note while Speed hit a couple of notes. "For everything you do, I turn to you-ooh, yeah, ohh,"
Kyle picked the tempo up slightly on the drums once the bridge came into play, "For the arms to be my shelter, through all the rain. For truth, that will never change. For, some, one, to lean on! For a heart I can rely on through anything! For the, one, who...I can, run! To! Ohhh, yeah!" her voice filled the entire room as the background vocals kicked in again.
(For a shield from the storm. For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm,)
"To keep me safe, and warm, yeah, yeah."
(I turn, to you.)
"I turn to you,"
(For the strength to be strong,)
"For the strength… For the, will to carry o—n!
(For everything you do,)
"Everything you do."
(For everything that's true,)
"For everything you do—ooh oh. For everything that's true…"The music quickly slowed down, "I turn to you...ooh."
Jude smiled out to the crowd as the song slowly faded out of her ears and applauding took its place. The curtains began to pull in, yet she still caught a look at Tommy who was making his way toward the back of the stage.
SME quickly ran off to get ready for their next performance which was going to follow a five piece band that had taken the stage seconds after they and Jude had walked off.
"What an amazing song." Tommy smirked from behind her.
Jude looked over her shoulder and smiled at him, "I had an amazing inspiration."
Ready to reply, Tommy stopped his words as he caught site of Kaiden. Jude stood there watching him stare off at something and decided to follow his gaze, landing right on Kaiden.
Seeing her stare at Kaiden as well he decided to talk, "Did you…"
"She got back today I think."
Kaiden sat in a single chair next to a vending machine fidgeting horribly. Not being completely sneaky, her gaze kept shooting over in Jude and Tommy's direction, contemplating on whether or not to go over and explain herself.
"Does Speed know?" Jude nodded, "Have…" he looked over at Kaiden again then back to Jude, "Have you talked to her?"
"I don't know if I want to or not." She admitted.
"Jude…"
"Tommy you know how much crap's she's put everyone through." She spoke low so Kaiden wouldn't over hear her.
"Listen," he began, but stopped when he saw Kaiden stand up and make her way toward them. Jude quickly looked over her shoulder when Tommy didn't continue just as Kaiden stood next to them.
"Hey." She whispered.
Jude's eyes immediately left hers and found the ground as she replied, "Hi."
"Tommy." Kaiden nodded to him.
"Hey Kaiden." He simply greeted.
"I know this is probably the dumbest question in the world, but…" she sighed, "Are you guys mad? For what happened last summer."
Tommy looked down to Jude then to Kaiden and took a step back, "I think this is a conversation you two should be having." Jude quickly looked up at him, glaring at him not to leave. "I'll call you later Jude." He made his way backstage, "Nice seein' ya Kaiden."
"You guys are still together?" Kaiden asked, breaking the awkward silence. Jude only nodded in return. "That's cool." And for the first time, Kaiden didn't know what to say.
"I am." Jude spoke, "Mad. I am mad."
"I found my parents, Jude. I know I shouldn't of just ran away, but… You know Yvette wouldn't of let me go." Her voice became shaky, "I couldn't stay there anymore."
Jude looked down at her and saw the tears in her eyes. Why she was about to cry she couldn't tell. Didn't she just say she had found her parents? Shouldn't she be happy? No more Yvette, no more fighting. Speed had taken her back. Surely, she being upset with her still couldn't put her in tears. Jude had seen Kaiden fight through so much the past two years. What was breaking her down now?
"Are your parent's cool?" she blurted out.
She shrugged. "Anyone's better than Yvette. Kinda took a while to get them to get used to raising a teenager, but they weren't complaining."
"What do you mean?" Jude asked while taking a seat; Kaiden following her actions in the chair next to her.
"Well, I have a little sister and a little brother. Eight and five. I just kinda showed up on their doorstep. My mom broke down being happy about seeing me but… Dad kinda backed away from the subject. I think he recognized me instantly."
"They don't want to raise you?"
"Apparently they do since we moved out here."
"Really?" Jude asked a little in shock.
Kaiden only nodded as silence fell over them for a few seconds. "I understand you not wanting to be friends again. I mean, I lied to you about your mom. I was only thinking about myself."
Sighing, "Alright. I know, what you did was… It was messed up. I can't blame you though. It took me a while to get over you not telling me about my mom calling me, but… Maybe if I'd of helped you out more when Yvette got in on your case, none of that would have happened."
"Nothing you coulda done. She'd of just bitched more."
Jude lightly laughed, trying to lighten the mood, but was interrupted when Kaiden's ring went off.
All the, small things. True care, truth brings. I'll take—
"Hello?" she answered, "I talked to him." She paused, listening to whoever was on the other lines response. "Four o clock?" Patiently, she waited for a reply. "Great. I'll be home. Okay. Bye."
"Parents?" Jude asked as Kaiden simply nodded.
Kaiden fidgeted uncontrollably as she stood there. Speed walked off stage and instantly made his way toward her. Jude looked over her shoulder following Kaiden's gaze.
"I'll let you two catch up. I gotta head to the rehearsal space anyway."
Speed joined them, "Hey." He smiled to Kaiden, who only smiled in return.
"Later guys,"
"I'll talk to you later, Jude?" Kaiden asked in a questioning tone.
Jude looked over her shoulder to her and gave a small nod as she picked up her guitar and made her way out.
The sound of Jude's Gibson echoed off the walls of the rehearsal space as Jamie strummed away at nothing in particular.
"Now I know why you took up a career as a Liam junior."
Jude looked up from her notepad as she lightly laughed from Patsy's comment while Jamie pulled the guitar off and over his head, setting it on it's stand.
"How's the song comin' along Jude?" Jamie asked while making his way toward her.
"What? No feisty comeback Jamie?"
"Please don't laugh at her," Jamie pleaded, watching Jude smile.
"Oh, calm down Jamie. You're acting like she's the big bully from the playground."
"Yeah. And don't tell Blondie what to do."
"Yeah," Jude kidded while flicking Jamie with her pen.
"So how much of this song do you have done?" Patsy asked from the couch.
Tilting her head from side to side, she tried to decide that on her own, "Well," her eyes scammed the paper. "Not a lot."
"Why don't you two take up Darius' offer on that duet?" Jamie suggested.
Both girls looked to him, then to each other, "Whaddya think?" Patsy asked.
Jude shrugged her shoulders, "Duets are always fun."
"Oh!" An idea struck Patsy as she jumped up, "I know I couldn't get away with this on my own."
"With what?"
"A rebellion song to Liam!"
Jude snorted as Jamie threw his hands in the air.
"Try to tell me what I, shouldn't do. You should know by now, I don't listen to you!"
More laughs escaped Jude's mouth as Patsy began her Liam rant.
"Come on Jude, I know you got some Liam anger."
"Who doesn't?"
"Ya know," Jamie cut in, "He's not that bad of a guy."
"Stop stickin' up for him." Patsy replied. Turning her attention back to Jude, "Well?"
Jude nodded in return, but before either could continue they were interrupted by the studio door opening. Everyone, including Jamie, turned toward the door to see no one other than Kaiden.
"Hey guys…"
"Oh my." Patsy exclaimed.
"Kaiden?" Jamie questioned to Jude, who only shook her head.
"Uh," Kaiden cut in from the door, "The one and only," she joked, trying to fit in like she used to. No one really said anything. Jude scribbled stuff down on her notebook while Jamie and Patsy kinda just stood there, unsure of what to say. "Come on guys, I don't look that different do I?" she overlooked herself, "You recognize me."
"We recognize you, yeah." Jamie answered.
"You've been MIA for what? Six months?"
"Five." She replied to Patsy.
Jude tried to keep her focus on the song she was originally writing, but guilt overpowered her as she watched Kaiden stand uncomfortably in the doorway. She glanced over to her a few times, but Kaiden's eyes never found Jude's.
"Ya know I think I'll just go…" she told them while reaching for the doorknob.
Just as she was about to walk out, Jude blurted out, "I'm writing a song." Everyone looked to her, including Kaiden. Jude still stared down at her notebook, twisting the pen between her fingers, "If you want," she began, "you can… ya know, stay."
Standing in the doorway, she watched Jamie and Patsy just kinda stand back while Jude kept her gaze on the song she was writing.
"You sure?" she asked, and for the first time since she'd been there Jude looked up to her and nodded.
"Yeah. I'm sure." Kaiden still stood in the doorway, and Jude could tell she was still debating on staying or not, "Come on. Like old times."
A small smile started to grow across her face as she walked over and joined the three in writing Jude's song like nothing had never changed.
Speed and Kaiden walked down the sidewalk through the park speechless. Even though she was back, so much was still left to talk about, and neither knew where to begin. His hands stayed in his pockets as did hers while the early November breeze blew around them.
"So, what are they like?" Speed asked, breaking the silence.
"My family?"
He nodded.
She shrugged.
"They nice to you?"
"Yeah. My mom feels so guilty about leaving me like that. Dad doesn't talk about it too much."
"What about your brother and sister?"
"They're fun. A handful, but they're fun. A lot better siblings than Yvette's son, David."
"Who?"
"He went to college before I even moved in with Yvette. I only saw him when he'd come home from arguing with his girlfriend."
"So Jude and Sadie have a step brother?"
"If Yvette's even been nice enough to tell them that."
He laughed lightly as they took a seat at a picnic table, but she wasn't cracking a smile. "You okay?"
She rested her elbows on the table in front of her as she laid her head down, "I don't know."
"You should be. You're home."
Kaiden smiled, "I knew coming back was going to be one of the hardest things I'd have to do. Face you, Jude, everyone else I just left behind," she turned toward him, watching his sympathetic gaze stare into her.
"I'm glad you came back," he told her while running his hand over her shoulder.
"I came back for you. Coming back was hard… but you were worth it, Speed."
The smile that she loved came across his face as he pulled her into an embrace that she couldn't refuse. They'd lost too much time since she'd been gone. She wasn't going to waste one minute of it.
Jude walked through Tommy's front door, setting her keys on the hook and removing her rain drenched coat. "Tommy?" she called as she made her way through the living room. Looking down the hallway she saw Tommy poke his head out of his office doorway. He held his hand up for her to be quiet as his other hand held his phone to his ear.
Seeing that it must have been an important call, she acknowledged him not wanting to be disturbed and made her way in to the kitchen.
Being cold from the rain she switched on the kettle and pulled out two packets of hot chocolate along with two mugs. By the time Tommy had finally got off the phone, Jude was carrying the two mugs in the living room.
"Hey," he greeted while setting the phone on the cradle.
"Hi." She replied, taking a seat on the couch and setting the mugs on the table, "Hot chocolate?"
Tommy turned to her and smiled, watching her sip her drink. "Sure." He answered as he grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch and walked around the couch toward her. "It's still raining?"
"Yeah."
He took a seat next to her, "Here."
Jude sat up a little as Tommy wrapped the blanket around her, "Thanks."
Tommy wrapped his arm around her shoulder for that extra warmth as he kissed her forehead. She leaned into him instantly, feeling warmth travel throughout her body.
"Aren't you going to have your hot chocolate?"
"Oh," he exclaimed like he had forgot all about it. Keeping his arm around her, he stretched for the mug off the table.
Jude could see something was bothering him. He just seemed out of it. "Who were you talking to?"
"I uh, called Rachel back."
"Did you find out what your mom wanted?"
His facial expression showed he didn't want to talk about it, but Jude couldn't see. "I didn't get to talk about that."
"Oh," she replied, feeling as if she had intruded in his personal business again.
Tommy let out a big sigh as he shifted in his seat. "There is something I need to talk to you about though."
She moved to look at him, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," he smiled, "Yeah, I'm fine."
Jude did believe him, but his eyes were filled with sorrow. "You don't have to tell me if you don't feel comfortable."
"No. I want you to know. I need you right now."
He sounded desperate and it was starting to scare her. Jude sat up straighter and set her hot chocolate back on the table in front of her. Tommy saw the worry in her eyes and knew he had to come out and say it.
"Alright," he exhaled, "Porchia's… Two days ago, she gave me this letter. She…" he paused again, "She's trying to get full custody…of Julie. Full custody of Julie."
"What?" she asked, shocked at the news.
"Rachel's husbands a lawyer. She's gonna get him to fly out when we go to court."
"Court?"
"Yeah… About a month from now. Beginning of December."
"Why? Why's she trying to get full custody?"
He sat his mug next to hers as he nervously shifted in his seat. "I don't know." His voice was shaky. Jude instantly took his hands in hers to calm him down, "Some guy was with her. Maybe he's telling her to do it."
"Some guy?"
"I don't know either. Julie seemed to know him. Rushed right into his arms."
"Hey, don't get yourself worked up. No judge is going to not let a father see his child for no reason."
"Yeah." He paused, letting her words sink in. Finding her eyes, "You're right."
She set her head back on his chest, "No one's gonna take Julie away, Tommy."
Again, he kissed the top of her head as he pulled her closer. "Thank you, Jude."
Her arms went around his waist as she set her head back on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. However, Tommy still had worry over his face. A minute had passed where no words where spoke. One thought the silence was comfortable where the other couldn't stop the thoughts rushing through his head.
"What if Porchia does take her?" his voice was shaky again as he choked the words out.
Jude instantly sat up, "Tommy—"
"What if I never see her again?"
"Hey," Jude brought her arms around him in an embrace, "C'mere. Shh," she comforted, "I won't let them take her away from you. Julie isn't going anywhere."
His arms found their place around her as he stayed strong, fighting the tears back. He felt so weak falling apart, but Jude comforting him made everything better.
"I want to stay her father." He whispered, "I don't want her to grow up without me, Jude. I don't not want to be a dad."
"Shh…" she quickly kissed his temple as her face fell next to his. With her chin resting on his shoulder she felt him hold on tighter, "She won't Tommy. You'll always be her father." Planting small kisses on his shoulder, "She'll always be your little girl."
Second Commercial
Tommy and Kwest sat in Studio A with back tracks to one of Jude and SME's songs playing.
"So… You haven't called your mom yet?"
"You kidding? After what Rachel said, no way. I'm better off not knowing what she has to say."
"It could help you out though man."
Tommy only shook his head, "No."
"Who better to hear that news from than your parents?"
"Kwest—"
"I'm tellin' ya, you're gonna regret it in the long run if Porchia's the one who has to break it to ya."
"Just shut up man," Tommy some-what yelled, while standing up, "You don't know what it's like, so just stay out of it."
Kwest stared up at him, a little afraid at how he had jumped so quickly when all he was trying to do was help him out. "Okay," he said calmly, watching Tommy slightly loosen up, or at least lose the look that he was about to break a chair over his head. "I was just tryin' to help Tom."
"Well don't."
"Okay." He replied quickly, trying to get peace again, "I won't."
Tommy merely shook his head while taking his seat again. 'Always Late' had come to an end as the two were exchanging words.
Breaking the silence, Kwest checked his watch, "Wasn't Jude supposed to be here at—"
"Sorry we're late." Jude announced as the studio door opened with her and SME filing in.
"Yeah, dudes," Speed spoke up, "It was my fault," he patted Tommy's shoulder while walking by, "Won't happen again T-Man."
Jude chuckled as she walked in to the recording booth, "Come on, Speed."
The three boys followed Jude in. Kyle's drums were already set up as he quickly took his seat, taking the drumsticks resting over the drum set. Wally followed in after him, with Speed closing the door to the studio, entering in last.
"Gonna get this in one take guys?" Tommy asked over the intercom.
Jude looked over to Speed seeing him happy for the first time in months. She brought her guitar over her shoulder, and let it hang as she set her headphones on. Looking to Tommy, "I think Romeo's back."
"Well," Tommy began, "Romeo? You have your head in this today?"
Speed put the headphones over his ears as he overlooked his fellow band mates, "I got my head together dudes."
"After three weeks of trying to get this song recorded, I'd hope so." Wally joked, knowing his friend was the same old guy he'd always known now.
"Well, before someone else skips town, I say we get to recording." Kyle suggested.
Jude looked over to Tommy who nodded for them to start, as Kwest set his own headphones on. Looking over her shoulder to Kyle, he hit his drumsticks together three times and started the song with a quick drum roll.
Speed rocked his head along to his and Jude's guitar playing, with a smile over his face, acting like the old rocker he used to be. He definitely had a part of him missing when Kaiden was gone, because now that she was back he was the alive, crazy, nineteen year old kid who loved his life, and his girl.
"I confess, I messed up. Dropping, 'I'm sorry,' like you're still around. And I know, you dressed up. Hey kid, you'll never live this down. He's sleeping on my folks, porch again, dreaming. I said, I said, I said, 'Why don't you just drop dead?'" Jude sang as the first verse, as the chorus jumped in.
"I don't blame you, for being you. But you can't blame me, for hating it. I set my clocks early 'cause I know, I'm always late."
The band began the second verse, but Tommy was interrupted from his producing when he heard a knock at the studio door. Looking over his shoulder he saw Kaiden standing on the outside somewhat smiling. Knowing she wanted to come in he nodded his head and she turned the knob, letting herself in. Speed at first didn't notice her as she stood back behind Tommy, letting him get his attention to the song, but when he did all he could do was smile.
"Always!" Jude sang out, as Speed hit the background vocals right after her.
"Always, on!" he sang, winking toward Kaiden.
"You said, you'd, keep, me, hon-est. Al—ways!"
"Always, o—n!
"But I won't call you on it. Al—ways!"
"Always, o—n!" he carried out the last note as the last chorus came into play.
Wally
and Kyle laughed as Speed hopped around like he used to, and even
Wally did a few jumps. Watching Tommy shake his head, Jude couldn't
help but smile seeing that everything was finally starting to get
back to normal in her life
505
Romeo and Rebecca
promo
Things finally seem to be getting back to normal in Jude's life, or so she thinks. Kaiden's home, giving her, her best friend and her lead guitarist back, however there's always trouble in paradise. Jimmy and Jude are paling around just a little too much and Tommy's stuck showing the new receptionist around.