Okay, after 5 chapters of setting up this story and lots of amazing feedback, we've finally hit the point when the story starts to get really good. I apologize if it seemed to drag at all up to this point--like I've said, I'm not objective, so I can't tell what's good and what's unnecessary, which is why I love your reviews! I promise, from here on out, every chapter will have drama. Some willhave more than others, with a range of intensity, but the story only gets better the longer they're stuck.
So please continue to read and review, I love everything you've posted so far and it makes me so happy that you like it. So here we go again...brace yourselves for some upcoming excitement...
Disclaimer: I do not own Instant Star, but I do own Jude's house during this blizzard!
"So, how did you all get here?" Tommy asked staring around the room.
Sadie turned towards them. "I had a double date scheduled for tonight and we were all supposed to meet here. Kristen got ready with me and Ryan and Drew, who is Ryan's friend over there, drove here to meet us."
Jude's mom continued. "Jamie was here to go to the concert with you, Jude."
Kat spoke as she and Jamie approached Jude. "I was hanging out with Jamie until you got home. My parents couldn't get the car out of the driveway, so here I am."
"Guess no Interpol," said Jude disappointedly.
"Not likely," agreed Jamie.
"And Steven was here for dinner," continued Jude's mom. "Quite the full house."
"Yeah, just a little," muttered Jude staring around again. "And we're all…stuck? Like, for good?"
"I think so," her mother responded, following Jude's eyes around the room. "Unless the snow stops soon, which seems unlikely."
"Mrs. Harrison, the weather report said that the snow isn't supposed to let up for at least another day or two at the earliest," chimed in Kwest.
"Well then, I guess we're all here for good," said Jude's mom. They all stood quietly for a minute looking uneasy at the thought of the days ahead. All of them? Under one roof?
Mrs. Harrison cleared her throat. "Tom, Kwest, why don't you come with me? Jude's father left some clothing here when he…well, you know…let's see if there's something you could borrow," she said as she walked towards the stairs with Tommy and Kwest following.
Jude was anxiously still surveying the crowd.
Kat, noticing Jude's nerves, soothingly asked, "Jude, your mom made hot chocolate. Want some?"
"Sure," Jude said with a small smile.
They walked into the kitchen andgot hot chocolate. As they all sat down at the table, Ryan's friend Drew walked in.
"Mind if I join you guys? Sadie and Ryan are arguing about some physics exam and Kristen is taking Sadie's side. I choose to take myself out of it," he explained.
"Good idea. Once Sadie starts an argument, your best option is to exit immediately," Jude replied as Drew came over and sat down next to her.
Suddenly, Kwest came running through the kitchen door and sliding over to the stove, holdingclothes in his hands and a few pairs of socks under his arm. "I smelled hot chocolate," he said, helping himself to a cup.
"That's some storm outside…" Jamie said gazing out the window.
"It's supposed to be the biggest one to hit this area since 1942," Kwest responded. "You see, the wind patterns from the Southern hemisphere…"
As Kwest explained the wind patterns to Jamie and Kat, Drew and Jude started talking. After brief introductions, Drew asked Jude about her music and admitted to being a fan.
"I'm actually in a band too," he said.
"Really? What kind of music do you play?"
"Kind of eclectic, but mostly covers. I play bass."
"Bass? I love the bass. I tried to play it once but it sounded like a dying cat," responded Jude with a laugh. Drew laughed too watching her eyes light up.
"That couldn't have been half as bad as my singing. Dead cat would be an understatement," he responded smiling.
They continued to compare performance memories when Tommy walked in holding his clothing stash. He stood behind the counter contemplating which conversation to join and was immediately drawn to Jude and Drew. He watched Jude leaning in to Drew and Drew lightly touching her arm. Something bothered Tommy about their sudden interest in each other. Who was this kid and why was he hanging all over Jude?
He decided to break up their conversation.
"What's so funny?" he asked approaching them.
Jude glanced up at him. "Oh, nothing, just comparing embarrassing stories." They hushed as he sat down.
"Don't I get to hear it too?"
"Well …I told Drew about that time when I knocked the microphone stand off the stage in Cincinnati and nearly gave some kids concussions and then Drew was telling me abouthow he blew out a speaker during one of his shows and it started smoking…" Jude concluded giggling. Tommy just sat there waiting for the punch line. "Guess it wasn't as funny when I told it, but I promise, Quincy, it was funny."
"Sure it was. So you're a musician too?" he asked Drew, who was staring at Jude.
"Yeah, I play bass in a friend's band. Just a local gig, nothing serious."
"Oh stop, I'm sure you're being modest. I bet you're great," replied Jude smiling at him.
It was at this point that Tommy's bother turned into a combination of nausea and anger.
"Jude…can I talk to you for a minute?" Jude nodded and stood up, following Tommy into the dining room.
"What are you doing?" he asked vehemently.
"What are you talking about?" she responded, confused.
"You know…what are you doing…with him?"
"We're just talking."
"Really? Cause it looked like you were on your way to more than that."
Jude's eyes narrowed. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"It's just…you don't know him and maybe it's not a good idea to act too friendly."
"Friendly? In case you haven't noticed, we are now stuck in this house until god knows how long and you're telling me that I shouldn't act too friendly towards someone who's stuck here with us? If we're not friendly, this may be the worst few days of our lives!" Jude cried, flailing her arms around to emphasize her point. She quieted down and added, "Besides, why do you care? I'm not of your concern."
Tommy looked at her and took a deep breath. "First, you are of my concern. Everyone is. We're all stuck here and this is not the biggest house in the world. Whatever choices you make, the rest of us will have to deal with the consequences." Jude looked down knowing he was right."And second, I'm just looking out for you. I don't want to see you upset over the next few days."
Jude looked at him crossly. "Why do you assume I'm going to wind up being upset?"
"I don't, I'm just—"
"You know, save it. I don't want to hear it. If you have a problem seeing me become friendly with someone, then just don't come near me," Jude said, walking away.
"Wait, Jude! Hold on—"
Tommy grabbed her arm but was interrupted as the whole house suddenly went dark. They heard the heat stop rushing through the vents as they stood silently in the pitch black.
"The power's out!" Sadie yelled from the living room.
"Thanks a lot, genius!" Jude yelled back not moving an inch. It was dark outside so she couldn't see anything and only felt Tommy's hand still holding her arm.
"Oh no…" she heard her mom's voice. "The power's out all over. It's a total blackout."
There it is--the start to the juicy part of the story! Let me know what you think and I'll try to post again later in the week. Thanks for reading!