Holiday- An Instant Star Christmas Story

Chapter 8- Tidings Of Comfort and Joy

Author's note: Ok. I've been quiet, not putting any notes on my last few chapters (just getting them out to you as quickly as I could!). So I hope you'll indulge me now- I've a few things I need to say here.

First, I want to wish everyone here the happiest of holidays and all the best in 2006! You all deserve it! And I really want to thank everyone- I see the reviews of all my stories and the "stats", and all I can say is WOW! When I first started doing this, it was a little scary. I hadn't really written fiction in years and never posted anything. I didn't know what to expect... To see the response to my work makes me feel so amazing- kind of like an "Instant Star" (hee-hee!). So thanks to all of you who read and review- you also encourage and support. I wonder if you realize just how important that is and how special... I so enjoy hearing from everyone... and knowing what you're thinking...especially now with the "response" feature so I can write back. So please keep it up!

Second, since you guys have all been so interested in these, I wanted to give some hints as to my plans for 2006 stories. Many of you know that I have so far published four stories here- two one-shots and two "chapter" stories. Three of these are related. Some of you have asked about the sequence- "Montreal, 1999" occurs first, then Chapter 1 of "Instant Star- Rise Of The Next Generation". Chronologically, "Holiday" takes place after that chapter. "Next Generation" then kicks in again, with it's look to the future. A little jumbled, but it's how each story works best. My plans for this year include finishing "Holiday" (naturally!) and "Next Generation". For those of you who haven't yet checked out that one, I recommend you do... it's gonna get real juicy and dramatic in the next two chapters. After I finish that, I've already got plans for a sequel... in fact, I've already started a little of it. In my "backwards" tradition, it's actually more of a prequel, covering the years before Tommy and Jude finally got it together! I'm also toying with some other ideas, including more "Holiday" stories for other occasions, since you all seem to like those!

Okay, now that I've said what I needed to... on to Tommy and Jude's first Christmas together. But first, let me just say it again- May your holidays be awesome and may all your dreams come true!

Heart you all!

Dorothy (aka- starryeyed68)

Ch 8- Tidings Of Comfort And Joy

Approximately twelve hours later, Tommy returned to the Harrison residence in a very different mood. His decision made, he felt lighter, almost giddy. He marveled at the change, recalling his emotions when he left Jude early that morning.

"How do you feel now?" she asked him.

"Better. A lot. It's so good to finally know what to do." he replied, his hands affectionately caressing her hair and face.

Jude smiled softly, he was obviously happier now, acting and sounding more like himself.

"You do seem more relaxed." she whispered.

"You do this to me." he muttered, in a low, sexy growl. "I love the way you make me feel"

"Nobody ever cared as much for me... Nobody touched my heart and healed my pain..." she teasingly sang, quoting his old hit song.

"Stop! You're hurting my ears! Jude Harrison should not cover "Boyz Attack". Ouch!" he playfully grimaced.

"But it fits!" she protested, laughing.

"Damm right!"

Unable to resist, he bent his head towards hers. His hands locked on her waist and hers buried in his hair as they kissed with total abandonment. Lost in passion, they almost missed the sounds in the hallway.

"Mom" Jude said.

Quickly and just in time, they separated. Victoria Harrison entered the room. Startled, she gasped.

"Tom?"

"Good morning, Mrs. Harrison" he replied smoothly.

Jude stifled a hysterical giggle, as she looked at the completely puzzled expression on her mother's face. To diffuse the tense moment, she spoke.

"Tommy just stopped in for a little bit to bring me something. It was an emergency." she explained.

"An emergency?" Victoria Harrison parroted back.

"Absolutely. I hope I didn't wake you. Not when you are being so kind as to have me over tonight for the holiday."

"No. I always get up this early. To work out." Victoria answered truthfully, staring first at Tommy and then at her daughter, noting the former's pale face and red eyes.

"Everything ok?" she asked, knowing with her maternal instinct that something serious had happened, but not wanting to pry.

"Yes. Now I am." Tom replied, in response to her concern and her deep, questioning gaze, exactly like Jude's.

"Good."

"Anyway, I'm gonna get going. I've still got some things to do before tonight. But I'll see you then. 6:00, right?

"Yes" Victoria confirmed.

Tommy left and headed home. Once there, he threw off his sweat and tear soaked clothes and collapsed on his bed. Finally, he could really sleep, deeply and peacefully. Fully rested, he awoke, showered and dressed. He completed his gift wrapping, tossed these presents back in the bag and called Jude.

"Hi" she answered, delighted to hear his voice.

"Hi"

"You sound wonderful."

"I feel wonderful. But I'm also bored just sitting here by myself..."

"You wanna come over a bit early? You can help me set up."

"Yeah. Okay." he said, already pulling on his coat.

"I'm on my way."

A light snow began to fall as he reached Jude's house. Carrying his heavy, overstuffed bag, he bounded cheerfully up the porch steps. Just as he got to the top, she swung the door open.

"Come in. It's freezing out!" she greeted him.

He quickly did what she said, dropping his sack as soon as he was inside. There were much more important things for his hands to hold just then. Emotion equally overwhelmed Jude as she hurled herself into his eager arms, which only reached out to snatch her closer. Their lips met, as they both surrendered yet again to their magical chemistry.

"I'm just so damm happy." he whispered. "I love you. You have no idea how much..." he said, between kisses.

"Of course I do. I feel it, too. I love you, Tommy. I always have."

Finally, necessarily, they stopped kissing. Jude's hands stroked Tommy's shoulders.

"Your jacket's wet. Come on. Take it off. Your shoes, too."

"You're undressing me? Here? Now? Do you really think you should? Not that I mind..."

"Funny, Quincy. Seriously, my mom will kill me if I let you drip all over the carpet. Besides, you'll get cold."

"If that's your wish" he smirked and handed his damp clothes to her.

"I'll just put these in the laundry room to dry out. You go right in there." she said, directing him towards the living room.

"I'll be right back" she promised.

Tommy smiled broadly as he entered the large, but homey space. He admired the festive tree he had been too distressed to notice earlier. The sizable blue spruce was covered in decorations, including some very special and personal ornaments. Some of these commemorated important family moments, and others were obviously handmade by Jude and Sadie when they were younger. Irresistibly tempted, his eyes drifted downwards to the stacks of colorfully wrapped gifts, trying to spot one with his name on the tag.

"No peeking, Quincy." Jude said, seeing what he was up to.

"Who said I was? Just admiring this incredible tree."

"Please. Your eyes were glued to the floor!"

"Whatever! Besides, I'd much rather look at you" he responded flirtatiously, eyeing Jude, dressed in slim fitting jeans, and a red lace wrap top, with a V neckline.

"Beautiful" he said, drawing her close again.

"You, too." she replied, admiring Tommy, dressed in similar hues, in a red wool sweater and jeans.

After spending a few minutes lost in each other's eyes, and one more passionate kiss, they reluctantly focused on the tasks at hand.

"Ok. You said something about getting stuff ready. What can I do to help?"

"Well, mom and Sadie went to take care of some last things. I'm supposed to set out some food. Cheese, crackers, chips, veggies, dip. So?"

"Lead me to it."

In the kitchen, they worked efficiently, assembling the appetizers.

"So, who else is coming?"

"Well, tonight, it's just us. Sadie and her boyfriend Jimmy, and mom and her new boyfriend, Eric." Jude informed him, a strange look in her eye. Tommy instantly picked up on that.

"So, how's that going for you?" he asked. Jude had discussed her feelings about her mother's new relationship while they were away.

"It's still hard for me to deal with. Hard to see her with someone else. But she's really happy. Happier than she's been in a while. I'm not gonna ruin that; she had such a hard time with the divorce. Besides, much as I hate to admit it, Eric's a good guy. He really treats her well. And he's cool. I can talk to him, which is more than I can say for Yvette. I don't get what Dad sees in her. She's sweet, but a total airhead!"

"We'll go there tommorow afternoon, right?"

"Yup. See my grandparents, Dad, Yvette, her son. And their new babies."

"The twins. Lucy and Michelle." Tommy remembered.

"Yup. What can I say? You know Dad and the Beatles. Obsessed much!" Jude shook her head, as she arranged the vegetables that Tommy sliced on serving dishes.

They finished working on the food, as they heard a car pull up in the driveway. Jude and Tommy walked back towards the hall to greet that person.

"Hi! Brrr! It's freezing out there!" Victoria Harrison said, quickly removing her snow-covered boots.

"It's really starting to come down. Here, let me take that." Tommy gallantly offered, reaching for the bulky package in her hands.

"Thanks. It's chocolate mousse pie." Victoria informed him, answering his unspoken question. "The girls love it. We have to have it every year. Tradition"

"Mmmm! Sounds great!"

"And Jude tells me you are a fan of lasagne?"

"It's my favorite!" Tommy admitted.

Victoria smiled in obvious pleasure.

"Good. Cause that's what we're having tonight."

Her arms surrounded him in a welcoming hug.

"I'm really glad you could be here with us tonight. I know how much my daughter cares about you."

"And I really care about her." Tommy replied, with total sincerity.

"I know" Victoria answered. Seeing them this morning dissolved her doubts about their relationship. The genuineness and strength of their feelings was clearly apparent to her. She herself was now falling in love again, and only wished for that same happiness for both of her daughters. Now, she could be confident that Jude had found it.

"Anyway, welcome!' she continued. "Let me go dry off! Sadie went to get Jimmy. He's apparently having car trouble."

"In this weather? Understandable."

"I just hope they get here soon. Eric too. That snow's not letting up. Anyway, please excuse me for a few minutes?"

"Sure" Tommy and Jude agreed.

The two carrier the appetizer plates into the living room, setting them on the end and coffee tables.

"Perfect!" Jude smiled.

"Perfect!" Tommy echoed, seemingly dazed. Jude looked intently at him.

"You aren't just talking about food?" she asked softly.

"No. I'm talking about everything. A real family holiday. I haven't had this in a very long time." he replied, looking affectionately at her.

"Now, shall I set out my presents?"

"Sure!" Jude's eyes widened in curiosity.

"No peeking!" he chided her, mimicking her earlier stance.

She pouted, but Tommy cleverly unloaded his gifts, stacking hers underneath several others so she couldn't see it.

"Later" he promised her.

"When we're alone." he thought. "I want you all to myself for this."

Commotion outside interrupted his private musings, as Jude squealed excitedly, and took his hand, interlacing his fingers with her own.

"Sadie and Jimmy are here! And I think Eric just pulled up behind them! Come on! It's Christmas!"

Grinning, he let Jude lead him to her family.

Several hours later, Tommy again found himself alone with Jude in the living room. He had really enjoyed the time spent with her mother and sister and their boyfriends. The Harrison women clearly shared strong bonds, even Jude and Sadie, despite the pronounced rivalry they experienced growing up. The sisters now finally appeared to have matured past that, with Jude fully absorbed in her music, and Sadie pursuing her dream of a journalism career with her usual tenacity. Both young women were now increasingly confident and stronger, eliminating their need to compare and compete with each other. More importantly, both loved and were loved deeply. So was their mother. Tommy really liked her friend Eric. He was intelligent and could converse knowledgeably on a variety of topics. Dinner had been a huge success. Tommy felt Jude's family embracing him, enfolding him in their warm circle. He communicated this to Jude, when she asked him.

"Did you have fun?"

"Yeah. I really did! Everyone was great! I think your mom and Sadie really do like me."

"Silly! You know they always have!"

"This is different. Your mom... I think she's starting to really trust me. To be okay with me and you."

"I think so, too." Jude smiled, satisfied.

"So. Sadie and Jimmy went to see friends. Eric left to spend time with his kids. Your mom's upstairs. Just you and me here. All alone." he smiled.

"Yeah. So? What did you have in mind?"

"This" he responded, picking her up and gently dropping her on the couch.

"You're crazy!" she cried out as he lowered her down.

"About you." he replied, jumping on top of her.

He hovered over Jude, covering every inch of her body with his. Aware of her mother's presence upstairs, tonight, he just wanted to be as close to her as he could. Jude sighed contentedly, drowning in his deepest embrace and the intensity of his lips against hers.

Eventually, she rolled over onto him.

"Now. Presents!" she squealed.

"Why not? We're alone. We need to take advantage of it."

"I thought we just did." she laughed.

"Yeah" he said, sweetly kissing her neck.

"But there's more..."

"Oh, yeah. Mine first!" Jude called out with childlike glee, jumping up and reaching for a flat, rectangular package wrapped in silver paper, with goofy-looking reindeer playing musical instruments on it.

"Hmm? What can this be?" Tommy wondered, opening it as slowly as he could just to torture her.

"Could you take any longer!" Jude moaned impatiently.

"Just enjoying a moment. Ah..." he said, lifting the lid off a cardboard box. He picked up the soft, fabric contents.

"New sweats" he grinned.

"Well, I thought I'd better make up for the ones I borrow..."

"Or have more to choose from?"

"Maybe..."

Tommy thought he had emptied the box, but then noted the cream-colored envelope remaining. He shot a questioning glance at Jude.

"Just open it!" she urged, her soft blue eyes glowing.

He did. Inside was a picture, with a note attached.

"I don't believe it. This is a cabin in the mountains. It's amazing. You gave me a week there."

"Well, I remember that interview you did for Sadie's media class in high school. You said that was what you really wanted. Where you'd like to be, always. But I could only manage one week."

"You remembered that?" he said, deeply touched. "Jude, that was two years ago."

"Of course I do."

"Do you remember the rest of that interview?'

"Yeah. Something about a special woman there besides you?"

"Yes. And now I have her, too. This is so perfect. Now we have somewhere to go and relax. After the tour. I couldn't think of anything better. You are wonderful." he continued, thanking her first with words, then with his eyes and soft lips.

Thrilled beyond belief, he picked up Jude's present, hoping only to make her as happy as she made him.

"Now you" he said, handing her a bigger box.

"So heavy" she commented, sitting down with it in her lap.

"What's in it? Bricks?" Jude asked, as she untied the ribbons.

"Not exactly."

Her hands trembled with excitement as she tore off the wrapping and opened the box.

She then removed a plush cashmere blanket, in midnight blue, her favorite color. Jude stroked it, thoughtfully.

"I wanted to keep you warm." Tommy explained.

"Yes. I love it. Thank you."

She fought to keep the disappointment out of her voice. She did like it, but knowing her boyfriend as well as she did, she expected his present to be something more personal and romantic.

Tommy smiled, enjoying Jude's confusion and reading her thoughts. He was teasing her.

"Oh, I almost forgot. This goes with it." He held out a much smaller box.

Jude threw the blanket at his face, in mock anger.

"Well, if you don't want it..."

She snatched the box from his hand, and opened it. Her heart raced when she viewed the contents. It took her breath away.

"I've never seen anything like this. Where'd you find it?"

"I didn't. And I looked for months. It was impossible. Seemed no one had a perfect, star-shaped diamond pendant with a platinum chain. So I had to have it made for you. Earrings, too, while I was at it."

"I love it. It's so special. Unique. So beautiful"

"Everything you are. That's why I wanted it. The star has so many meanings. It's how we met. It's what you are to me. What you always will be. I love you, girl."

"I love you, Tommy"

"Here. Let me put it on you."

He fastened it securely on her long neck. Her silky hair brushed his fingers, an invitation he could not refuse, as he brought it to his lips. She turned to face him; he watched the star shining just below her collarbones. They kissed with the same energy and raw, potent need and feeling as before.

Outside, it began snowing again.

"White Christmas" Tommy said.

"Yes. So, stay here tonight." she suggested.

"With you?" he grinned suggestively.

"Not exactly. I don't think Mom would go for that! But on the couch. It's snowing. This way, you won't have to drive home tonight and back here tomorrow morning. Plus, I get to be near you."

"I like that last reason the best."

"So? Is that a yes?" Jude asked.

"Well, I do have new sweats to sleep in. And I suppose you'll share that blanket with me tonight."

"I could do that"

"Ok. I'm all yours. On one condition."

"There always is with you."

"But you'll like this one." Tommy promised. "Tomorrow night. Your turn. You stay over at my place."

"As if I could resist that."

"Good. So, now what?" he asked.

"Let's find a movie and relax."

"Good plan"

She curled up in his arms on the sofa, as he pulled the new blue blanket snugly around them, kissing the top of her head. Both then shared the exact same thought.

"Absolutely perfect"