Unfinished Business: The Sequel

Chapter 1: Dear Dairy

"Dear Dairy,

I know I shouldn't dwell on the things that happened in the past. I know I should move on, but how can I? I remember a time when things were easy in life. It was just Jamie, Kat and me against the world. Now, it seems as if the world is against me. I stand alone. I remember a time when ice-cream could wipe away my sorrow. When Jamie acting stupid took away all my pain. When sneaking out of the house at night, just to walk the forest with my two best friends, was the highlight of my life. Everything has changed. When did things get so complicated?

I even remember the time when I won Instant Star. It's been almost 5 years now. I remember being happy. I had my share of stones thrown my way but I never expected this. I try to, but it's hard to face him. It's hard to face reality. I don't know what this feeling is but it's suffocating me inside. I can't breath.

I tried so hard to please everyone and at the same time tried to stand my own ground, but somewhere along the line I crashed. I lost myself. Who am I? Will we ever be able to recover? Will I? How could I have fallen so far down the pit? I feel like no one is there anymore. It's dark where I am. It's lonely. Cold.

Dear Diary, why isn't he here with me? What have I done? Was it my fault? Did I make the wrong decision? What happened? So many questions that will stay unanswered.

Diary, when I pick up a magazine and I see my picture in it, I can't help but think that girl is not me. I've sold out stadiums. I've had multi-platinum albums. I've seen most of the world and yet now I would give it all up just to be one of those normal girls. The girls that get to read the gossip and rumors instead of actually being it. They wish they could live my life? Well, I wish I could live theirs. If they only knew how it is behind the camera. Behind the mic. If they only knew how it is being me.

It's funny how my mind is on so many things right now. My childhood, G Major, my family, my friends. Tommy! Reflecting on the way we used to be. The way we are now. Does it matter any more to him? Does it matter to me? I think I might actually be giving up. On life, on hope, on love, on everything that once mattered to me. Does it still matter? I don't know. Another question left without an answer.

I can admit to it. I need help. I never understood why people say the hardest part is admitting needing someone. It came pretty easily to me. Maybe because there is no one to help me now. Maybe I've fallen too deep. Too deep to return.

Diary, you're my only true friend. You're the only one that listens. The only one I can turn to in times like these. The only one I want to turn to. When I was a little girl I would write on your pages and tell you all my secrets. Then I grew older and stopped. Now that I am an adult I am turning to you all over again. It's funny how life takes sudden, unexpected turns. You're the only one I can depend on. You're the only thing that hasn't changed in my life. I wish my problems now were as small as they had been back than.

Dear Diary, wake me up when there's hope again. Hope for a better tomorrow. Hope that I might actually make it through the day.

Jude"

Jude Harrison threw her Dairy in her purse and rose weakly to her feet. She just stood there. No one by her side except her packed suitcases, in the middle of her home. The home she had shared with Tommy Quincy not so long ago. It's been over two years since he had asked her to move in with him. Two unforgettable years, filled with love, pain, happiness, betrayal even resentment and regret.

She looked around the familiar apartment. All her belongings were still there except for most of her clothes. She had packed those up. It was time to leave this chapter of her life behind for good. Time to move on.

A farmed picture, on the coffee table had caught her eye. It was of her and Tommy. He had his arms wrapped around her and they were both smiling. She remembered that day only too well. It was taken a few weeks after she had moved in. A single tear left Jude's pain-filled eye when she began to remember all the events of the two last years of her life.

Flashback to Two Years Ago

G Major, Georgia's office.

Georgia: "So let me get this straight. You want me to give you AND Jude 2 weeks off so you can take her somewhere?"

Tommy moved a little in the uncomfortable chair trying to adjusted himself.

Tommy: "Yes." he simply answered.

Georgia: "And where might this somewhere be? May I remind you that you and Jude just came back from a week off only what? 2 months ago?"

Tommy: "I know this G. This place that I want to take her to is a surprise. G, I really need you to do this."

Georgia knew she wouldn't be able to say no to Tommy but she wanted to squeeze him for information. She knew how Tommy felt about Jude and wanted to know what he was planning. She was curious. He was one of those people that was in her heart. One of those few people she just couldn't refuse and say no to. She pushed some papers away from her chest, which were lying around on the desk and crossed her arms.

Georgia: "How is the duet album coming alone?"

Tommy: "We have 6 songs done, 2 more written but not recorded."

Tommy never took his gaze off the woman that had become closer to him than his own mother.

Georgia: "Fine, you can have this time off BUT only because you're ahead of schedule and I want you back to work as soon as you guys return."

Tommy's face lit up and he got up off the chair and gave an approving smile to Georgia.

Tommy: "Thanks. I appreciate this." he turned around walking towards the door when Georgia interrupted.

Georgia: "Tommy, you're going to do it. Aren't you?"

Tommy: "I don't know what you're talking about."

He just smiled, waved to her and walked out closing the door behind him. He knew what Georgia was talking about. The rumors had been flying for months.

"Ugh that man gives me a headache sometimes. But I am pretty sure I know what he is up to. I wonder if Jude knows." Georgia thought as she turned back to the papers in front of her and began to read.

Jude just sat there in the studio with Kwest laughing. Tommy walked to the door and stopped wanting to hear what his best friend and girlfriend were talking about.

Kwest: "So how are things with Tommy and you?"

Jude: "They've never been better. I love him. We're finally together."

This brought a smile to Tommy's face.

Kwest: "I can see that. Took you long enough. I've never seen Tommy this happy. It's scary. What did you do? Brainwash the poor guy?" he joked.

Jude: "Shut up, Mr. Smooth." she hit him in the arm.

Kwest: "Ow, you got quiet an arm on you, for a girl."

Jude: "For a girl?"

Tommy: "Oh man, don't go there with her." he joked as he walked inside the studio.

Jude seeing Tommy walk in: "What's that suppose to mean?"

Tommy shrugged and finally reached Jude. He leaned down to where she was sitting and kissed her gently. Kwest smiled. It was good to see his two best friends this happy after everything they've been through. He knew how it felt having someone in your life. He had Amy now.

Jude: "Don't think a kiss will make me forget what you just said. Now tell me, what you meant by that."

Tommy: "Nothing, I just meant that once you press an issue you don't let go that easy. I don't think Kwest wants to be here for another 3 hours arguing a lost fight."

Jude: "I do not."

Tommy: "You do too."

Jude: "DO NOT."

Kwest: "Ok, we are NOT going there. Tommy, how did it go with Georgia?"

Jude turned to Kwest and than back to Tommy not knowing what they were talking about.

Jude: "Georgia? How did what go with her?"

Tommy: "I have a surprise for you."

Jude jumped to her feet: "Really? What kind of surprise? Where is it?"

Tommy smiled. He loved seeing her happy: "Not here. Go home and pack a couple of things. I'll pick you up in 2 hours."

Jude: "Pack things? For what?"

Tommy: "If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise now would it? Bring a bathing suit too."

Jude: "O-K. Whatever. I'm on my way. I see you're both trying to get rid of me."

Jude turned to head out but stopped, walked back to Tommy, grabbed his hand and pulled him outside the door. Both Kwest and Tommy wondered what this was all about.

Tommy: "Whoa girl, what's going on?"

Without a word, she stopped outside the door, closed it, turned to Tommy, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. As always, fireworks flew. With every kiss they're feelings grew more intense. Finally parting Tommy opened his eyes only to find the beautiful, young woman staring back at him. She was less than an inch away from him and he never wanted to let go of her.

Tommy: "I love you girl."

Jude: "I love you." she whispered.

She let go of him and walked away. He watched her leave. She was finally his. After all the turmoil and heartache she was his. No one could do anything to split them up. It was finally legal. She loved him and he loved her. That's all that mattered. Finally snapping out of his thoughts he walked back inside the studio where Kwest was in.

Kwest: "What was that about?"

Tommy blushed, something he rarely ever did: "Nothing, you know Jude."

Kwest: "Yeah, I know Jude. Not as good as you though." he added with a hint of sarcasm.

Tommy: "Whatever man. So did you get everything I asked for?"

Kwest: "Yes, everything is in your other car. I left it in the garage like you ordered. I can't believe this day has come. I never thought it would. At least not for you."

Tommy looked irritated now: "Why not for me? What's wrong with me?"

Kwest: "Nothing, it's just because you're the famous Little Tommy Q. The heartthrob that has girls crying over him. The same guy whose things are being sold online for thousands of dollars just because you touched them once. Little Tommy Q, the one that broke a million and two hearts over the years. Should I go on? I have a list somewhere." he padded his pockets as if looking for the list.

Tommy: "Ok, Ok I see your point. Things change. I've changed."

Kwest: "For the better. I'm glad you're happy."

Tommy: "Hey thanks man, for doing this."

Kwest: "No problem. What are friends for?"

An hour and half later Tommy arrived at his place. The place he now shared with Jude. As he unlocked the door Jude was sitting at the kitchen counter eating a bowl of cereal. She looked up and smiled with her mouth full of milk. Tommy couldn't help but grin back at the sight of her. She made him all warm and fuzzy inside. He wouldn't change her for the world.

He looked around the apartment and saw Jude's duffel bag fully packed.

Tommy: "I take it your ready to go?"

Jude: "Yes, are you going to tell me where we're going now?"

Tommy: "Nope. And why are you eating cereal in the middle of the day?"

Jude: "Because I was hungry and you didn't go groceries shopping again."

Tommy: "Oh, well I was a little preoccupied."

Jude: "Uh huh." she nodded her head, got up off the stool and put the bowl in the sink. Tommy walked over to where she had left her bag and picked it up.

Tommy: "Ready?"

Jude: "Yes."

They walked out of the apartment and Jude locked the door. Then they made they're way to the garage and hopped in the H-2 Hummer. Jude turned around to see the car loaded with food and another bag. It was Tommy's. She turned the radio on and Tommy took a hold of her hand as he drove with the other. Jude didn't ask where they were going any more. If Tommy wanted her to be surprised she knew there was no getting around it. She'd have to stick it out and wait. Hours and hours later they finally arrived at the spot. Jude was asleep. Tommy parked the car and gently woke her up.

Tommy: "Jude, babe? We're here. Wake up." he whispered in her ear as he brushed a couple of red strands of her hair away from her face.

Jude moved in the car seat as Tommy removed her seat belt. She opened her eyes just a little to find him only an inch away from her.

Jude: "Are we there yet?"

Tommy smiled: "Yes."

As soon as he answered, Jude pushed herself up and took a look outside the window. She couldn't believe her eyes.

Jude: "Oh my God Tommy, you didn't."