Sorry it took so long!
Chapter Two: Where is Your Heart?
Jude stumbled up the stairs and into her room, heading straight for her bed; it had been a long day to say the least. It hadn't exactly gone bad, but saying it went well wouldn't have been at all accurate.
She couldn't imagine at all why Georgia thought she and Kwest would get along famously. He clearly had issues with her age; what had Tommy told him, anyway? She couldn't help but wonder.
She had half a mind to call him and ask, but exhaustion took over too quickly. They had spent hours after hours perfecting her songs, then recording –and rerecording- them. Even then, if she hadn't convinced Tommy that 4 hours of sleep on a school night was definitely not adequate, she probably would still be there. Who knew he was such a perfectionist? She laughed, remembering that she knew that all too well.
God, she missed their seclusion from the real world.
Tommy sighed, sitting back in his reclining chair as he channel surfed. There weren't words to describe how tired he was, but he couldn't sleep. The day's events were all too fresh in his mind.
Okay, so he didn't exactly expect Kwest to understand completely; but he didn't expect that type of reaction.
Who cares, anyway? So she's sixteen. Sixteen. At sixteen, I was… well, okay, I'm not a good example. But she's gorgeous, and smart, and an amazing musician. It's only 7 years. God, why is she only sixteen?
He suddenly thanked God that he hadn't let on to Georgia the extent of their relationship. When he had returned home, they were all somewhat surprised at his condition. Physically, he was fine. Lost a few pounds, but who wouldn't? It was more personality wise.
He laughed, remembering their expressions when he admitted to missing the place. He explained how they survived, how amazing their future Instant Star was, but he kept a lot to himself. Only Kwest knew about him and Jude as a couple. Are we a couple? He wondered what she expected of their 'relationship' now.
He groaned. They barely even talked about this stuff, and he couldn't say he was looking forward to talking about it, either.
Why is this so complicated?
Why is this so complicated? Jude silently wondered as her teacher droned on and on about the year's curriculum. She was nervous again to see Tommy, but she couldn't place why.
The only problem between them yesterday was the whole age thing, and he had told her before it didn't matter. He didn't give her reason to believe it was only okay away from other people.
The bell rang to switch classes, and she could feel all eyes on her. All day, she could hear the whispers. There's the Instant Star- She was in a plane wreck. Can you believe she survived? Look how sickly she looks. I can't believe Little Tommy Q had to be stuck with her for forty days! And now he's her producer! Think she'll get me an autograph!
It had grown beyond annoying, and she was thankful this was her last class. Luckily, both Jamie and Kat were in with her. She gratefully took a seat behind them. She noticed they had been acting strange ever since her return, but she thought maybe it was because they weren't sure how to treat her, after near death and all. She shrugged it off though.
"Hey, Jude," Jamie snickered, and she rolled her eyes.
"How's the first day treated you so far?"
"It's a total wreck. I can't believe summer went so fast," she groaned, as the teacher entered.
" I.don't.want.to.go.in!" She clenched her teeth as she stared at G Major, and finally managed to drag herself out of Jamie's car after school.
"Come on, Jude. It can't be that bad. I thought you and Tommy Q became friends?" Kat looked at her expectedly, as Jamie stared on, clearly disgusted.
"There's no way they're actually friends, Kat. They're just- well, friendly? Right? We used to make fun of Sadie nonstop for listening to that crap music. And she can't exactly hate the guy; she was stuck with him for over a month. He's her producer…she has to like him."
Jude watched them argue over her predicament, suddenly glad she didn't tell them about how she really felt about "Little Tommy Q". She knew why she didn't – she knew how Jamie would react. And as soon as she got home, it was apparent that Jamie and Kat had become a lot closer themselves in her absence. Undoubtedly, Kat would have let it slip. Then they could expect all hell to break loose, at the very least.
No, it was better this way.
She wasn't even sure where they stood at this point. Doesn't telling a girl you love her constitute for an exclusive relationship? She didn't know how it worked with 23 year olds, but in her mind, it certainly did.
"Alright, well I'm leaving you two. Don't kill each other, kay? Thanks for the ride, Jame!"
She quickly made her way to the studio, forgetting her nerves momentarily as she questioned her feelings for Tommy. Surely, she wasn't embarrassed by him, right? Right. So why couldn't she just tell her friends? Cause I know how they'd react.
Glancing at her watch, she rolled her eyes. She picked up her pace, realizing she was late. No doubt it'd be another long night; and she hadn't even worked on a new song.
Tommy watched closely as Jude continued to record verse after verse perfectly. It was a big improvement from yesterday; assumedly she just needed to get the hang of things. He saw her glance at him, holding eye contact for only a minute before shutting her eyes and finishing the song. He knew she was waiting for him to make the first move, but he wasn't sure of what to say.
God, he missed their seclusion from the real world.
Jude closed her eyes and finished the song, not being able to stand his eyes burning into her. Why won't he do something?
She exited the recording booth, shrugging her shoulders as to ask what next. That was the last song they had to record for the day, and she hadn't written anything new in a couple weeks.
As if reading her mind, Tommy passed her some paper and a pen.
"Now we write," he stated simply, and she rolled her eyes.
"I thought that meant we had the rest of the night off," she whined, and he grinned.
"The music never stops, Jude," he teased, and she swung at him playfully as he joined her on the floor to write.
"What's the story?" he asked, and she raised an eyebrow.
"Why don't you tell me?" she said pointedly.
He could feel Kwest's eyes on him as he walked out of the room, not even bothering with a goodbye.
They were silent for a while, before she muttered, "Forget it," and started writing.
"The story?" he asked, wanting to help.
"You know the story, Tom: love and confusion. This girl has no idea what he wants," she explained, grabbing her guitar. She found the chords she wanted, and hummed to herself quietly while she found the melody.
"You wanna try for a little louder?" he asked, knowing she was frustrated with him.
"I can't get it right," she complained, tossing the guitar aside.
"Well let's hear what you have so far, and we can both work on it."
"I don't believe
In the smile that you leave,
When you walk away and say goodbye
Well I don't expect,
The world to move underneath me
But for god's sake could you try…"
She started slowly, intentionally avoiding his gaze as she sang a cappella. Before she started the chorus though, she grabbed her guitar.
"I had these chord variations for the chorus, but it's not turning out right, "she explained, then demonstrated.
"I know that you're true to me
You're always there, you say you care
I know that you wanna be mine,"
She paused for a second, glancing at him. He was listening intently and she was suddenly very conscious of her words.
"Where is your heart
Cause I don't really feel you
Where is your heart
What I really want is to believe you
Is it so hard to give me what I need
I want your heart to bleed
And that's all I'm asking for
Where is your heart?"
She stopped, waiting for a response, but received none, so she continued.
"I don't understand
Your love is so cold
It's always me who's reaching out for your hand
I always dreamed
That love would be effortless
Like a petal falling to the ground
A dreamer following his dream
Where is your heart
Cause I don't really feel you
Where is your heart
What I really want is to believe you
Is it so hard to give me what i need
I want your heart to bleed
And that's all I'm asking for
Where is your heart?"
"I know what you mean," he said, shaking his head dismally. "I think the piano would sound better for backround."
He really is a genius. "Okay. You mind?" she asked, and he got up, her following close behind. She knew he could play, that's why she asked, but she had no idea where he was taking her.
They entered a smaller studio, which obviously hadn't been used in months. He sat at the piano, starting to play her song, and she immediately brightened.
"Go slightly lower with the last variation, and hold it for a minute…" she instructed, getting immediate results.
" It seems so much is left unsaid
But you can say anything
Oh anytime you need
Baby it's just you and me.."
"Follow my changes," he glanced at her, and she nodded, singing along with the changes he was making to the melody.
"I know that you're true to me
You're always there, you say you care
I know that you wanna be mine
Where is your heart
Cause I don't really feel you
Where is your heart
What I really want is to believe you
Is it so hard to give me what I need
I want your heart to bleed
And that's all I'm asking for
Where is your heart?"
She ended, and he stopped playing, a small smile forming.
"It's perfect, girl."
"Ready for recording?" she asked hopefully, forgetting her anger in the new found excitement of finishing the song.
"Maybe tomorrow," he said, standing up, and she was slightly disappointed.
"Why don't we take the rest of the night off?" he asked, and she looked at him questioningly as he walked closer to her.
"Really? Wasn't it you that said just 30 minutes ago that 'The music never stops'?"
"Wasn't it you that wanted a break?" he asked, and she noticed how close he was suddenly standing.
"How bout dinner?" he asked, and she nearly laughed from the unexpectedness.
He knew what she was saying. Well, more so singing. She was confused, and just as he expected, waiting for him to make the move.
Wasn't that what he was doing now though, with the dinner suggestion? He watched as he face broke into a grin, trying to read him.
Before she could answer though, he reached for her hand, which was already close to his. Pulling her slightly forward, he kissed her.
How's that for a sign?
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