So here it is...it makes me sad actually posting this chapter, as this is technically the last in the story. As I've said, there will be an epilogue that goes along with this chapter, which I should be able to post tomorrow after a few minor tweaks, but then this story is officially done. The good news is that the new season comes back on Friday and I'm still definitely thinking about doing a sequel after all of your incredible feedback and support. So we're not really done, we're just beginning :-)
This chapter is a little longer than the others in order to tie up some remaining loose ends. There is a little more action in this scene than the last few, which should help to make it go quickly. Thanks again for all of your reviews! You guys have no idea how happy it makes me to go on here and read them! So here we go, our last scene before they all leave...ENJOY!
Mrs. Harrison served the group their final lunch together, as they talked around the table about their plans, who they wanted to see, where they would go first. As lunch ended, they all wandered back to the living and dining rooms. They rolled up sleeping bags and blankets, gathered candles and flashlights and clothing. Few words were spoken as the remaining items were picked up and Mrs. Harrison began vacuuming the floor.
Jude walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water and saw Sadie sitting at the counter with her cell phone.
"Hey," Jude said, filling her glass.
"Hi," Sadie responded, shutting her phone. "Jude, we need to talk."
"Oh no, not another confession…"
"No, it's not like that. I've made a decision and I need to talk to you about it."
"Okay, what is it?" Jude asked curiously.
"I've decided to transfer schools. I'm going to start at McGill University in Montreal in the Fall."
"What? Where did that come from?" Jude said, feeling her heart drop.
"It's something I've been thinking about for awhile and with everything that happened with Ryan and Kristen, I could use a fresh start. And McGill has an amazing Journalism program."
Jude nodded, listening to her rationale. "Wow, Sadie, I guess that's great then. If it's what you want."
"It is," Sadie confirmed with a smile. "It'll be nice to get away, you know?" Jude nodded but looked down, visibly disappointed. Sadie saw her reaction and said, "Hey, Montreal's not far. You'll have to come visit me."
"Okay," Jude agreed, more cheerful. "That could be fun." Jude then walked over to her sister and gave her a hug. "I'm really happy for you, Sadie."
"Thanks," Sadie replied. "Besides, it's not like I'm leaving you all alone. You'll have a special someone to keep you company while I'm gone."
Jude grinned and looked away. Sadie continued, "Don't even try to deny it. I knew it the second I saw you two go upstairs last night. You know, he talked to me a couple of nights ago. I've never heard somebody gush like he did about my little sister. It was really sweet."
Jude blushed, not meeting Sadie's eyes. Sadie added, "You don't have to tell me anything, but just know that if you ever want to, I'm here for you and I wouldn't say anything."
Jude looked at Sadie and smiled warmly. "Thanks, Sadie. That means a lot."
Finishing their talk, Jude walked back into the living room, as Jamie and Kat approached her.
"We're going to take off," Jamie said.
"How are you getting home?" Jude asked Kat.
"Jamie's parents are going to take me. You guys have enough people to take home."
"Okay," Jude agreed.
"Well, I guess we'll see you at school?" Jamie asked.
"School, ugh," Jude said, having conveniently forgotten about this part of her life.
Jamie leaned in and gave her a hug. "Thanks for letting us crash here the last few days."
"No problem, you guys know you can crash here anytime. Even without a blizzard," Jude said with a smile.
"Thanks," Kat said, giving her a hug too. "For everything."
Jude nodded and ushered them to the door. "Bye, guys."
"Bye," they both said, walking out the door and down the driveway towards Jamie's house.
Jude turned around to see Steven gathering the rest of the group to walk back to their cars. She started saying her goodbyes. She gave Drew a quick hug, while Ryan and Kristen awkwardly thanked her for her hospitality. She just nodded at them and continued on. She stopped at Kwest and gave him a big hug.
"You're going to be okay in such a quiet house?" Kwest asked as they pulled apart.
"I'll manage," Jude said with a smile. "At leastnow I won't have to wait in line for the shower."
"True," he agreed. "So I'll see you tomorrow at the studio?"
"I'll be there."
She turned to the last one in line, Tommy. They looked at each other for a few moments, Jude trying not to show her sadness at seeing him go.
"So, how are you getting back to the studio for your car?" Jude asked.
"Kwest is taking me. I'm going to help him dig out his car and then he's going to help me with mine."
Jude nodded in understanding. "Well…" she started.
He looked around and saw Mrs. Harrison and Sadie starting their goodbyes. Making sure they weren't being watched, he took her hand and quickly dragged her back into the laundry room. Before she had a chance to ask what he was doing, he grabbed her and pushed his lips onto hers. Her questions were silenced as she closed her eyes and conceded to the warmth of his breath and smoothness of his tongue against hers.
After a few moments, he ended the kiss and looked at her. She stared back trying to catch her breath.
"Did you really think your goodbye was just going to be a friendly handshake?" he smirked, seeing her reaction.
"I…guess not," she replied breathlessly. "I clearly still need to get used to this."
"Is it really going to be that tough?" he asked.
"What do you think?" she said with a grin, circling her arms around his waist and pulling in for a hug. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a light kiss.
Still in the embrace, she quietly asked, "Will you call me later? I just want to make sure you get home okay."
"Of course," he responded. "I have to call you. Otherwise, I'm going to go through withdrawal."
"We'll see each other tomorrow," she reminded him, pulling back. "Oh, who am I kidding? That's too long," she said, coming back into the hug.
He sniggered and held her for a few more moments before she pulled back, saying unhappily, "I know, time's up."
"Don't look so sad. You said it yourself—we'll see each other tomorrow," he said soothingly. "And if you need anything later with your dad, just call me."
"Okay, thanks," she replied. She looked into his eyes and he gently kissed her one last time. He smoothed out her hair and said quietly, "I love you, Jude."
She smiled, she would never get tired of hearing him say that, and returned quietly, "I love you too, Tommy."
He smiled affectionately at her and then turned to leave. They walked back into the living room, seeing everyone waiting around.
"And where were you?" Kwest asked loudly, as they approached.
"Umm, we were…" Tommy started.
"In the laundry room. Tommy thought he left some clothes so we had to sift through the laundry, but he has it all," Jude lied. Tommy just stared at her, in awe of her lying ability.
"Okay, let's get going," Steven announced. At that, they all headed out. Tommy squeezed Jude's hand and gave her a smile before stepping out with the group.
Jude watched him leave with the rest of the group and stood alone in the living room, waiting for Sadie and her mom to go to the hospital. She looked around and took a deep breath. Everything was about to go back to normal—back to the studio, to school, to her daily routine, but she would always remember the time they had all spent together. Thanks to a little snow and being stuck for 72 hours in her own house, she felt refreshed, renewed, and ready for whatever challenge life threw at her next.
And they're off! But wait, there's more...come back tomorrow for the Epilogue, our final scene. Hope you enjoyed!
:-)