Chapter 5 - Graduation

Jude: "What's that for?" Looking at it.

Tommy: "Jude it's for my apartment." he walks two steps over to her and puts it in her hand. Jude can't hold her tears back any longer and closes her eyes.

Jude: "You're giving me a key to your apartment?"

Tommy: "Yeah. Jude I love you and I want you in my life. This way you can come and go whenever you feel like it. What's mine is yours now. Baby, why are you crying? This is a good thing. I want to take our relationship to the next level. I want everyone to know that I'm serious about you and me. I can't be apart from you any more."

Jude: "I can't take this." she looks at the key for a brief second and puts it back in Tommy's hand. He just looks at her puzzled.

Tommy: "Why not? If you want to take it slow it's Ok."

Jude: "No it's not that. Tommy there is no relationship. No you and me. Not any more."

Tommy: "Jude what are you talking about? You told me you loved me."

Jude: "And I do but we can't be together." she said and just collapsed on the floor. Now sitting on the cold ground looking out at the city beneath them. Tommy stood there for a minute and than set across from her.

Tommy: "Jude what happened to Sadie? Does this have anything to do with her?"

Jude picked her head up and looked at him. His eyes were sad. She could see the hurt, feel his pain. She felt the same way.

Jude: "It was all my fault. If I hadn't been at my prom she would have been alright. She would have been safe with you. Tommy she got mugged and than almost raped."

Tommy couldn't believe what he heard.

Tommy: "None of that was your fault Jude." he said knowing Jude was blaming herself.

Jude: "Yes it was. I shouldn't have been-" she broke down. Tommy wanted to comfort her but he knew the only way she would feel better is if she let it all out. So he just sat there helplessly watching her cry.

Tommy: "No Jude. It was mine. It was my idea for her to go to that concert. I should have known better."

Jude: "No you couldn't have. But I. I should have. I am her sister."

Tommy: "Jude. What does this have to do with us?"

Jude: "Everything. Every time I'm with you something bad happens. I wasn't there for Shay when he needed me the most. Instead of being his shoulder to cry on I was off making out with you. I wasn't there for Sadie when she needed me. When she almost got raped. I was out sleeping with you. God Tommy if I stay with you, who's going to be next? I would have never forgiven myself if something had happened to Sadie."

Tommy couldn't believe she thought it was because of they're relationship that these things were happening.

Tommy: "Jude none of those things have anything to do with you and me. They would have happened regardless. Even if you were off having fun with someone else. You deserve to be happy."

Jude: "Don't you understand? I should have picked up the phone. I could have done something."

Tommy: "Jude….no. You-"

Jude rose to her feet and began to scream: "Tommy I don't want to be with you. Get it through your thick skull. Just leave me alone." tears were rolling. She was freezing but she didn't care. She didn't want to hurt Tommy. She didn't want to yell at him but it was the only way he was going to leave her alone.

Tommy: "For the first time since I met you Jude, I can honestly say, a part of me hates you. You know what? I'm sick of running after you. I'm sick of being made a fool of. If you don't make your mind up pretty soon I'm moving on."

He jumped to his feet, wiped the grass of his pants and drove off in the Viper. Jude just stood there on the hill, alone, cold and crying. She heard the sound of the car's engine. Was this it? Did she just lose Tommy forever?

The next three days were horrible for Jude. Sadie was moving on. She wouldn't let any scars show. Jason and she had gone out every night and he really helped her cope. Jude would go to the studio and Tommy would just giver her the cold shoulder. No friendliness. He would go straight to the studio, she would record, he would either like it or make her do it over again until she got it right and then just leave. It was the day before Jude's graduation. Tommy was with Kwest in the mixing room while Jude was recording her new single.

Kwest: "Man what's going on with you and Jude?"

Tommy signs and leans back in his chair: "I don't know. She told me that what happened to Sadie was her fault because she was with me. She said she didn't want to be with me anymore. Man Kwest I lost it. I told her that I actually hate her."

Kwest leaned back in his chair now and faced Tommy: "Did you mean it?"

Tommy: "No. I could never hate her. I love her. She is all I ever wanted." he loses himself in thoughts of a previous conversation he had had with Jude.

Kwest waving his hand in front to Tommy's face: "Hey man what are you thinking about?"

Tommy snaps out of it: "Sorry, just something Jude had said to me once. She said that me telling her I loved her wouldn't do it any more. I needed to show her."

Kwest: "Then show her."

Tommy: "She knows I do. But how do you make someone be with you that doesn't want to?"
Kwest: "You don't. Jude loves you. A blind man could see that. She's hurting. She needs you now more than ever. She's just scared."

Tommy: "I don't know. Sometimes I ask myself what I'm fighting for."

Kwest: "Look at her." he turns Tommy's head in Jude's direction. "That's what you're fighting for. Some people never meet the person they're meant to be with. Yours is right in front of you. You just need to let her see it. I see the way you look at her. Quincy I've known you for over 10 years. I've seen you when you were down and on top of your game. I've been there when you had every girl you ever wanted. The look in your eyes has changed. You're ready for something more. Jude is what you've been looking for in all the other girls. Don't let her slip away."

Just than Jude finishes her song and walks in.

Jude: "How was that?"

Kwest: "Perfect."

Tommy: "Yeah. You nailed it." trying not to face her.

Jude wanted something more but didn't get it. She didn't like Tommy being so cold to her but she understood why he was. He had to protect himself. Protect his heart.

Jude: "Ok. If we're done here I'm leaving." she turns to Tommy hoping to get a reaction.

Tommy: "Bye."

Kwest "Bye Jude. I'll see you tomorrow."

She waves and leaves giving Kwest a fake smile.

Tommy: "What did you mean you'll see her tomorrow? Doesn't she have off for her graduation?"

Kwest: "Yeah. But we're all going. You should come."

Tommy: "To her graduation? I don't think so."

Kwest: "It's her day. So what are you going to do? Walk away again? If you do, don't bother coming back this time."

Tommy: "I don't know. What's with the hostility?"

Kwest: "Man you didn't see her the first time you left. She was broken to say the least. And I had to work with her."

Tommy: "Chill. I'm not leaving. If I do I'll say my good-byes this time. But I'm going home right now. I'm beat. I'll see around."

Kwest: "Ok. Hey Tommy. I was thinking about going sailing maybe next week or so. Wanna come?"

Tommy: "Sure. We haven't done that in a while."

With this Tommy gets up and leaves home.

The next day Jude dragged herself out of bed. She got ready for school and left without letting anyone know. It was graduation day. When she walked inside the building seniors everywhere were all going crazy screaming "Seniors graduating". Jude rolled her eyes and then walked over to Jamie and Kat after she spotted them by the water fountain. Together they made they're way to the graduating students lined up in alphabetical order in the auditorium and found they're own spots. As everyone chatted away full of excitement Jude could only think about Tommy. Were they really not meant to be? She pushed her thoughts out of her mind and concentrated on the task ahead. The GYM had a build in stage where the seniors would be walking on when called to receive they're diplomas. The bleachers were beginning to fill up with family and friends. The seniors walked over to the doors outside of the GYM and lined up again. It was time to leave her High School days behind and enter the real world. "Oh joy." Jude thought as the doors opened.

The seniors walked inside 2 at a time. A girl and a boy. Boys in blue, girls in white caps and gowns. Jude was paired with a guy named Ryan. He was the captain of the football team and very good looking. Jude didn't mind even though she would have liked to walk down with someone she actually knew personally. Everyone was clapping and calling they're kid's name. As Jude looked around walking to the seats she saw her little fan club on the left side. Everyone she wanted there was. Her mom, dad, Ivette, Sadie and Jason, Kwest, EJ, Georgia, even Shay had flown out just for the day so he could be there.

Principal Mayer walked up on stage and took the microphone "Good morning parents, friends and family. Today is a very special day. Your children have worked all they're lives for this day. Finally they are leaving childhood and entering adult hood. Now I won't take much of your time so lets just get started. Here is Jessica Parker, the Valedictorian." everyone clapped as Jessica made her way to the stage.

15 minutes later she finally finished her speech and the seniors clapped and cheered once more. Then came counselor Mrs. Smith on stage and began handing out diplomas. About 20 minutes into the process "Jude Harrison, ladies and gentleman." everyone clapped, cheered, screamed "Jude I love you." "Can I have an autograph?" Jude walked up on stage and shook Mrs. Smith's hand as everyone had. She turned around to walk off when all of a sudden everyone started to scream even louder, like they were being chased by a huge monster. Jude's eyes flew open instantly. She couldn't see what was going on. It seemed that all the girls had gotten up and were screaming they're lungs off. And then Jude heard it. A loud scream that shook her to her bones "TOMMY"

Jude froze. Her throat closed up. She couldn't believe he actually came. She remained standing. Jude watched Tommy whisper in Mrs. Smith's ear and take the mic. He walked over to the center of the stage and put the mic to his mouth "It's nice to know I haven't been forgotten." he smiled cockily. The girls screamed even more. "Shhhh" he said. "Now I'm here for a reason. Jude Harrison everybody?" everyone quiet down wanting to know why Tommy was on stage. Soon everyone's attention was on Jude.

Tommy: "Ok I know you all are wondering what I'm doing here." the room faced Tommy again. He then continued "Well see I met Jude a little over 2 years ago. Since the beginning there had been something between us and we both knew it but we couldn't do anything about it. I was her producer not to mention the age difference. Let's just call this a few bumps in the road."

"What the hell is he doing? Is he seriously going to tell everyone every little detail of our past? He can't" Jude thought as Tommy went on.

"Jude started dating Shay about 9 or so months ago, for a second time around, and I just couldn't take her being in somebody else's arms so I left without a word. I came back before Jude's 18th birthday hoping we could pick up where we left off. Boy was I wrong. I soon came to realize that Jude's feelings for Shay were deeper than I thought but I wasn't about to give up." he stopped for a while as everyone just stood there breathlessly waiting for him to continue. After a couple of minutes he finally did

"She told me she loved Shay. I knew she was being honest. Wait I can't do this. Jude will you please come up next to me?" everyone turned they're attention to her again. They began cheering her on "Go Jude.", "Your so lucky.", "Go on girl. He loves you."

"I can't believe this is happening. He even got these girls crying." She thought as she made her way to the stage where Tommy was waiting for her. When she finally made it Tommy took her hand. "Awwww" everyone was saying in unison. Kwest whistled.

Tommy: "Jude I've been waiting for this moment for 2 and half years now and I don't care who is watching. I don't care if the whole world knows that I'm in love with you. There is only one for me and I found her. Found YOU. I don't know why you and Shay broke up and quiet honestly I don't care cuz it means that I might actually have a chance. I know I hurt you in the past and I can't promise that I'll never hurt you again but I'm willing to try. What happened with Sadie and with Darius had nothing to do with us being together. Jude I know you care for me. Don't blame the things that happened on you and me being together. You know it's not true. You can't run from this. You can't run from US. You told me I wouldn't get you back with words so I'm here in front of everyone on my knees, begging for your love." Jude began to cry. Tommy dropped down on his knees. The kids watching had already been crying long before. Tommy wiped a tear from Jude's cheek and took her hand. He placed it under his shirt, over his heart. She felt his bare skin and it gave her Goosebumps remembering the night she had slept in Tommy's arms.

Tommy: "Do you feel that? My heart beat? It only beats that fast when you're around. When your name comes up in a conversation. When I see your face, your smile. It makes me feel alive. You inspire me. You never disappoint. Jude my heart only beats for you. I don't want to promise you the moon or the stars. The only thing I can give you is my love and my heart."

Jude: "Tommy, we can't do this. I'm scared of what happens when I'm with you." she confessed through her sobs. Everyone was holding they're breath so they wouldn't make a sound and miss a word.

Jude: "Shay knew way before I did. I feel so dumb for not realizing this sooner. Tommy it scared me. Feeling what I felt for you. What I sill feel for you. I don't want to hurt anymore. I don't want to hurt others anymore. Tommy please don't do this." the audience released they're breath awaiting Tommy's response.

Tommy: "Jude don't. Just look at me. I love you. I need you."

Jude: "No Tommy."

Tommy: "Jude, just say it. I know you feel it."

Jude: "No I can't." she was crying.

Tommy: "Say it. Say it. Please!" he was raising his voice.

Everyone held they're breath. This was better than any soap opera. Any tabloid magazine. Shay got up like he was going to say something

Shay: "Jude tell him how you feel. Be honest."

Jude looked at Shay. Her tears blurring her vision. She turned to Tommy again who was still looking at her.

Jude: "I love you, Tommy." she couldn't deny it any longer.

Tommy's eyes shone. Those were the words he'd been longing to hear for over 2 years now. "Did she just say she loved me? Jude said she was IN LOVE with ME." He threw his hands on her waist, picked her up and twirled her around in happiness. Everyone was clapping and wiping they're tears away. EJ, Victoria, Georgia, Ivette and even Sadie all had tears in they're eyes.

Tommy: "I love you too Jude Harrison and I will never ever again let you go." and with this he put her down and planted a deep kiss on her that lasted at least 3 minutes. Everyone was cheering and clapping but they weren't letting go of each other. Tommy was so happy to finally have her in his arms that he wanted to keep her there forever.

Tommy reached in his pocket and took something out holding it out for Jude.

Tommy: "I believe this belongs to you." he said smiling as he gave Jude the key to his place. Jude took it and smiled again. He kissed her one more time.

All he wanted to do was protect her from whatever harm might come her way. Neither Jude nor Tommy felt so alive. Neither knew that fate was about to throw another curveball they're way. One from which they might not be able to recover this time.

Neither Jude nor Tommy were ever this happy. They were constantly together giggling and making out. They just couldn't keep they're hands off each other. Every day brought them closer and closer together. It was three days after Jude's graduation and they were both in the studio trying to come up with new material but failed. They were instead making out.

Jude: "We should get to work." giggling.

Tommy: "We will." he pulled her close and kissed her "Just as soon as we're done doing our private work."

Jude laughed: "Our private work will get us in trouble."

Tommy: "I don't care. I'm with you. That's all that matters."

They were now sitting on the couch. Tommy was hovering over Jude consuming her in every way possible when the door opened.

Person: "Oh God not again. Will the two of you get a room? You're like the energizer bunny." almost gagging.

Tommy flew off of Jude and wiped his lips just in case he had Jude's lipstick on him.

Tommy: "Uh Georgia, don't you knock?"

Georgia: "Knock? I shouldn't have to. This is a work place. Look, I'm really happy the two of you finally decided to get together. How about you take the day off? It's not like you're getting any work done anyways."

Jude: "Really?" she jumped off the couch and threw her arms around Georgia for a hug.

Tommy: "Thanks G. I promise we'll work extra hard tomorrow."

Georgia: "Yeah. Yeah. I'll believe it when I see it. Besides, don't you and Kwest have off tomorrow?"

Tommy: "Oh yeah. I completely forgot about that."

Georgia: "Well I'm actually happy about that. Maybe Jude can get some actual writing done."

Jude: "You have off tomorrow? Why?"

Tommy: "I didn't tell you? Kwest and I are going sailing. We do it at least once a year. You could come."

Jude: "I think I'll pass. Sounds a lot like male bonding. Let's go."

Jude grabbed Tommy's arm and they walked out.

Half hour later they were at the beach. It was cold and the waves were huge but Jude didn't care. After all she had Tommy to keep her warm. He spread out a blanket and sat on it. Jude sat right in front of him both facing the water. He wrapped his arms around her front and put his chin on her shoulder.

Tommy: "I wish I could hold you forever like this."

Jude: "I'm not stopping you." she turned her head to face him and he leaned in and kissed her. The sensation he got whenever he was with her, kissing her, was undeniable. He knew no one would ever measure up to her.

Tommy: "I love you Jude Harrison."

Jude: "And I love you Tommy Quincy."

He sighed.

Tommy: "I can't believe after all this time we're finally together. Jude you have no idea how hard it was for me to watch you with Shay."

Jude: "Let's not talk about that. I'm here with you now. That's all that matters."

Tommy: "You're right."

They kissed again.

Jude's nose was red but she was hot. Who wouldn't be with Quincy's kisses? They sat there in silence as the waves crashed the shore. Jude broke the silence.

Jude: "So what time are you and Kwest leaving tomorrow?"

Tommy: "Around 8:00 AM. Why?"

Jude: "Just wondering. When will you be back?"

Tommy: "Around 10:00 PM. What's up with all these questions?"

Jude: "I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to survive the whole day without you."

Tommy: "You? What about me? You're always in my head. It's not even funny any more."

Jude kissed him.

Jude: "Well you better hurry back to me than."

Tommy: "Babe, nothing could keep me away. You're freezing. Your nose is red. You look like Rudolph."

He laughed as Jude elbowed him.

Jude: "Funny Quincy. You wanna leave?"

Tommy: "Yeah. I don't want you getting sick. Besides, I have to pack for tomorrow."

Jude and Tommy got up and he picked up the blanket. Together, hand in hand, they walked back to the familiar Viper and hopped in. 25 minutes later Tommy was dropping Jude off.

Tommy: "I love you. I'll call you as soon as I get back tomorrow."

Jude: "Promise?"

Tommy: "Promise, cross my heart."

Jude leans over and kisses him.

Tommy: "Don't do that. I'm missing you already."

Jude: "I just wanted to remind you of what you'll be missing out on tomorrow." she smiled as she grabbed the door handle.

Tommy: "Not so fast." he pulls her in for another long kiss.

Tommy: "I love you, babe."

Jude: "I love you too."

Jude walks out and Tommy drives away.

The next day Jude woke up at 8:15. She's supposed to be at G Major by 9:00. She rushes into the shower, gets ready and leaves. The whole time thinking about Tommy. She would have called him but he had left by this time.

Tommy and Kwest are on the boat now still at the docks.

Kwest: "Ok I think we're ready."

Tommy: "Looks that way. Let's go."

Kwest pulls up the anchor while Tommy releases the sails. The weather was perfect for sailing. The wind was strong. The water a little unruly but nothing Tommy or Kwest couldn't handle. They both look back at the harbor while farther and farther drifting away. Pretty soon no shore was to be seen. The whole day was spend fishing and catching up. The sky was getting dark and it looked like rain. The waves were picking up. Kwest and Tommy didn't notice.

Kwest: "So you and Jude, finally."

Tommy: "Yeah, finally."

Kwest: "You happy?"

Tommy: "Never been happier. You were right. She's the one for me. There's no doubt in my mind."

Kwest: "I'm glad you went for it. Took you long enough."

Tommy: "I know what you mean. Man, now that I'm with her I can't picture myself with anyone else."

Kwest: "Did you guys….you know?"

Tommy didn't seem surprised Kwest asked this. It was a common topic in a circle of guys just like it had been in a circle of girls.

Tommy: "No man. I want to but I know Jude is not ready yet. I don't want her to feel pressured. I want it to happen when she's sure that that's what she wants."

Kwest: "You're man and a half. I don't think I could hold on for as long as you have if I loved someone as much as you love her."

Tommy: "That's the whole point. When you do love someone this much you want it to be perfect for them. You don't think about your self. That person becomes number one."

Kwest: "I guess you're right. I never felt that way for any one."

A few minutes later…..

Kwest's voice was sounding concerned. "Hey Tommy man, this weather doesn't look too good. Maybe we should head back." the boat was rocking back and forth now. The deck was filling up with water. The waves were too big.

Tommy: "Yeah. It looks like a hell of a storm is coming."

Kwest ran inside to steer the boat in the direction of home. It began to rain heavily. The waves became even bigger. Tommy was on deck trying to raise the sails so they wouldn't rip. Holding on to the knotted string a piece of the sail broke off and hit him, knocking him unconscious. A huge wave filled the deck and washed Tommy off board. Back in the cabin Kwest was trying to take control of the starring wheel. He noticed Tommy was no where to be seen and ran outside in search of him.

Back at G Major

Jude was in the studio writing alone. There was no Tommy to distract her but she didn't think about him any less. It was around 7:30 PM. She was counting down the hours until she would hear his voice again. There was a knock on the door.

Georgia: "Hey Honey. How's it coming along?"

Jude: "Oh hey. It's good. But I miss him."

Georgia's face darkened. "Jude, has Tommy called you today?"

Jude: "No. You know he can't. Kwest and he are out in the open waters. They're cell phones don't work. Why?"

Georgia: "There's a storm outside. I'm sure they're fine." she tried to hide her concern with a smile.

Jude: "A storm?" she ran by Georgia and headed to the window in the hallway. The Studios didn't have windows.

Jude: "Oh my God. How long has it been raining like this?"

Georgia now catching up to Jude: "About an hour. Jude I'm worried. When were they supposed to be back?"

Jude: "Later on tonight. Georgia, what if something happened?"

Georgia hugging Jude: "Honey I'm sure they're fine. It's not they're first time out. They might even be back already."

Both were worried but neither let the other see.

Back to Kwest and Tommy

Kwest: "Tommy? Where are you?"

No answer. The boat was rocking back and forth. The rain was getting stronger, the clouds darker. Kwest was running through the water on the deck trying to find his best friend.

Kwest: "Tommy? Answer me man."

A huge wave attacked the boat again, this time washing Kwest off board. He was conscious and was able to swim above water. The waves were drowning him. The boat was being pushed farther and farther from him but that was the last thing on his mind.

Kwest: "Tommy?" he screamed.

Now he was divining trying to find Tommy. No such luck.

Hours passed. The storm had calmed down. The waives were almost back to normal. Kwest was still barely above water. He had looked for Tommy. Dived. Screamed. Tommy was no where to be found. They're boat was long gone. It was dark. The water was cold. Kwest was freezing and tired. He couldn't bear to think of what might have happened to Tommy. More time passed when Kwest saw a light approach him. When it came closer he could make out what it was. It was a navy boat. They had spotted him and were coming to his rescue.

10 minutes later Kwest was safe on the boat explaining what had happened and that his friend was missing. The captain of the boat send rescue troops out in the water. They were trained divers. After 2 and half hours of diving they had come up with nothing. Giving up the last glimpse of hope they decided to make they're way back to shore.

It was around 12:15 AM. Jude and everyone else at G Major were worried sick. No word had been heard. They had called the police to report that Kwest and Tommy were missing. Jude was wrapped in Georgia's arms crying. The room was silent. Everyone prayed for the safe return of they're loved ones. Jude's cell rang. She quickly took a look at it to see Kwest's picture flashing on the screen.

Jude: "Kwest, are you all right?"

Kwest was silent for a second. How could he tell Jude that he didn't know where Tommy was? Or for that matter if he was even alive?

Jude: "Kwest? Are you there? Please say something."

Kwest: "Yeah Jude I'm here." he said in a low voice.

Jude: "Oh God. We were all so worried."

Georgia jumped up: "They're Ok?"

Jude: "Yeah they're fine." turning her attention back to the phone "Kwest, where's Tommy? Can I talk to him?"

Kwest: "Jude. There's something I have to tell you."

Jude: "What? Kwest? Where's Tommy?" Georgia's smile left her face.

Kwest: "I don't know." a tear left his eye.

Jude: "What do you mean you don't know? Kwest where is he?"

Kwest: "Jude, the waves were too high. I was trying to steer the wheel inside. When I walked back out he was gone. We tried looking for him for over two hours. We didn't find him."

Jude fell to the floor. Her cell phone hit the ground and shattered into a million pieces. Georgia and EJ ran over to her. They both fell next to her. Both knowing that Tommy was gone. The two woman tried holding onto Jude but she just pushed them away. Crying. Screaming.

Jude: "No. No." she screamed. "Tommy. Please you can't leave me." Georgia tried to pick her up but Jude just pushed her away again.

Jude: "NO." she screamed through tears. "Leave me alone. I need him. I can't go on without him. Please just find him."

Her outburst brought the whole room to tears. Georgia and EJ were crying in each others arms. Over an hour passed. Jude was still crying, huddled alone in a corner. She didn't want anyone but Tommy.

Kwest walked in. His clothes were torn. His face was pale. His hair a mess. He looked so weak like we was going to collapse. Jude sprung to her feet and ran over to him.

Jude: "Kwest where is he?" she cried.

He put his arms around her. "I'm so sorry Jude. We looked. It was dark. We just couldn't find him."

Jude: "NOOOOO." she screamed. He pulled her closer. She just cried in his embrace too weak to fight him off.

Kwest: "I am so sorry." he cried with her. They were both on the floor, both still taking in the fact that Tommy Quincy might be lost forever.