Levity... Oh, sweet levity! Give me light w/o brevity! (xxx, sME)

Chapter 10 / Turning

Jude stood and shook the stiffness from her limbs. She felt wet, dawn having settling on every part of her. She finger combed the tangles from her frizzed hair, scratching her scalp; yawning the last bit of sleep from her body. She smiled to herself, a confusing smile of bitterness and happiness as she recalled her "welcome home party". It didn't shock her, but nothing really shocked her anymore. Sadie was Sadie and her mother was her mother. It was predestined for them to react as they did. It could have been prettier, she knew that, but she half-expected it. She didn't expect, though, to run out again, but she felt content with herself.

She grabbed her things and walked aimlessly around the large park, mulling over the past few days. The overwhelming sense of complication had softened and elation was beginning to filter in amongst the blackness that still clung to her lungs. She was still afraid that Tommy would renig on his promises or, worst yet, something would rip them apart, but she was comforted by the fact that he hurt too. It was sadistic, she could admit that, but it meant so much more. He finally told her that he wanted her like she wanted him, that he wanted only her. She felt bad for his torment, but dammit. He put her through hell, too. It was a new beginning for them. The slate had been wiped partially clean and they could begin something together.

Jude felt light. She felt like the world was lifted from her shoulders and, quite possibly, she'd been taken from her doldrums. She gazed up at the sky and it seemed bluer, the wind warmer, her entire aura freer. She laughed at herself and her thoughts. I am cliché. She smiled wildly at herself, stopping in the middle of the lonely walking track she'd taken. She looked around her, nothing but grass, trees, and stray wildlife to be seen. She outstretched her arms and threw her head back.

"I love Tommy Quincy!" She cleared her throat, going for more impact this time. "I LOVE TOMMY QUINCY!" Her voice resonated in the open space. It made her feel proud to say it. She was happy. She couldn't explain the turnabout but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered but them.

She continued her walk, finally making her way to the entrance of the park. Home was to the left, the studio to her right. She weighed her options before turning in the direction of G Major. As she walked, she was overcome by the intense urge to call her mother. I have to set things straight. She rummaged through her bag, pulled out her cell, and called home. Her mother answered sleepily, wearily.

"Hello?" The voice was groggy and dry. Jude inhaled sharply, shaking off her nerves.

"Mom... we need to talk."

Tommy sat in his office alone, cradling his head in his hands. Why is it so damn bright in here? His body ached and his head matched the dull pain. His mind was still fuzzy and his mouth was uncomfortably dry. He pushed himself up from his desk and walked to the coffee maker he'd put on top of the far wall's credenza. He poured himself a cup, and drank greedily. Jesus, this is worse than the vodka. How old is this stuff? He walked back to his office chair, and placed his mug on top of a business something he was supposed to look over. Two knocks came at his door.

"Yeah?" Georgia walked in, eying Tommy as she pulled up a chair.

"You look like hell." He couldn't help but to laugh.

"No, I look hungover." She smiled in amusement, him returning it to her. "You know how it is."

"Especially with you." He nodded in agreement. "Late night?"

"Of course, but I know you didn't come in here to tell me how bad I looked." Seriousness made its way onto her features, setting her eyes in a dark gaze.

"Have you heard from Jude?" His stomach churned, his heart skipping a few beats. He rapidly took hold of his feelings, the smile not leaving his lips. Here we go.

"Yeah... She called me last night. She's at home."

"So she's alright? Did she say anything in regards to where she went or why?" His plastered confidence was straining at the seams.

"She's fine. She really didn't talk about any of that and I didn't press it." Georgia tipped her head in understanding.

"It's good to know she's ok." She stood and walked towards the door. She paused for a moment, turning back around to face him.

"Do you think she'll be in today?" God I hope so.

"More than likely. You know Jude." Georgia nodded her head and left silently.

Tommy leaned back in the chair, hands clasped together over his stomach. He couldn't help but think of his breakdown the night before. He couldn't help but think about all that could have happened after he dropped Jude off. He hoped everything was ok. His thoughts were in some weird, post-drunk, vengeful state clawing away at his inner psyche. He had so many questions to have so few answers. He sighed, looking to the coffee cup and its horrid contents. Go get some air, Quincy. He walked out of his office, out of G Major and made his way along the back streets to the small coffee shop he'd staked out that night to wait for Jude. He was glad he'd done it, no matter how psycho stalker it made him look. It'd finally brought everything to the forefront.

He reached the café soon after he began his journey. All he could think about was getting a hot, strong espresso and settling down for a while to sort out his thoughts before Jude came to the Studio. His plans were short lived. He stopped dead in his tracks as he gazed into the shop and caught site of the all too familiar red hair.