Chapter 9

Tommy and Jude somehow managed to make it back to Tommy's apartment. They walked through the door, both in silence. Jude smiled at Tommy as he locked the door and struggled to get out of his wet sweatshirt. He turned around to see Jude smiling at him. He walked towards her and placed his right hand on her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her again. They pulled away after a moment, both unable to contain their smiles.

"I can't believe this is happening." Jude said, looking into Tommy's eyes.

"I'm just happy you finally came around. I mean if I had to hear you call me your friend again, I don't even know what I would have done."

Jude's cheeks turned red embarrassed for not having seen his feelings before. "I thought there was something between us, but I never thought you could have the same feelings for me that I did for you."

Tommy kissed her again making sure that there was no doubt in her mind as to how he felt. Feeling her shiver he pulled back.

"I guess I should get us some more dry clothes." Jude nodded hurriedly in agreement as she followed Tommy to the dresser in his room. He handed her another pair of sweats and a long-sleeve shirt. She headed back into his bathroom to change. Tommy himself changed into a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.

Jude found Tommy in the kitchen turning on the stove top and placing the kettle on top.

"Feeling better?" Tommy asked as he turned to her.

"Yeah, thanks for the second set of clothes." She said smiling

"Why don't you go back to the living room and put on a movie. I'll be in there in a minute with some more tea."

Jude walked out and looked through the movies on the side of the tv. She found "Love and Basketball" and put it in. Tommy came in a few minutes later, handing her a mug and sitting next to her.

"Good choice." He said putting his arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer to him.

--

Kwest walked into the apartment he shared with Tommy around 9 the next morning. He had spent the night before at Sadie's. Walking further into the room he noticed someone sleeping on the couch. As he walked up closer he realized that two people were lying on the couch. Jude and Tommy were both lying on their sides, with Tommy's arms around Jude's small frame. Kwest smiled and went to call Sadie and tell her the news.

About a half hour later, Sadie barged into the guys' apartment waking the two from their peaceful sleep.

"Tommy Quincy, what are you doing with my little sister?" Sadie yelled. Both Tommy and Jude looked at each other afraid for what Sadie was going to say next. After staring down the two for another moment, Sadie broke. "I'm just kidding, I love the idea of you guys together. But seriously Quincy, you hurt my sister and you're going to have to deal with me."

Jude looked down embarrassed about her sisters warning. "Jude don't you have a class to go to?" Sadie asked bringing Jude out of her embarrassment.

"OMG, what time is it? I have class at 11."

"Chill little sister, it's a quarter to 10. Come on, I'll drop you off at your dorm." Sadie said giving Kwest, who had entered the room upon hearing Sadie's entrance, a goodbye kiss and leaving the apartment as abruptly as she had entered.

"Thanks again for last night." Jude said to Tommy as she gathered her stuff. "I'll talk to you later." She was about to leave when Tommy grabbed her arm and turned her around to him.

He gave her a light, gentle kiss on the lips. "I want to take you out tonight, for a REAL first date. Sound good?" Tommy asked. Jude looked up with at him with a big smile on her face. Realizing he meant everything he said last night, she nodded and leaned into give him a deeper kiss.