Chapter 9

Jude awoke with a start, she had been having a nightmare about the night before and as she opened her eyes, she saw Tommy asleep in the chair beside the bed. Jude could tell it was very early in the morning by the faint light that was coming through the windows. She wasn't sure how long she had been asleep, but she was sure that Tommy had been there with her all night. Jude just continued to lie there and stare at Tommy sleeping so peacefully, he really had saved her life last night and she didn't know how she would ever thank him for it. While Jude was lost in thoughts of the night before, Tommy opened his eyes,

T: Hey girl.

J: Good morning.

T: How are you? Are you hurt, do you need to see a doctor?

J: Tommy, I am fine. Thanks to you.

T: God Jude, I was so scared when I opened the door and saw that creep all over you.

J: Yeah well I think he is in much worse shape than I am this morning. I thought you had killed him with the way you just threw him across the lobby like he was a rag doll. Seriously Tommy, I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there.

Tears started to gather in Jude's eyes and even though she fought to keep them from overflowing, she lost the battle. Tommy quickly climbed onto the edge of the bed and took Jude in his arms. He held her until the last tear had dried and she was slumped over in his arms.

T: Jude, why don't you try and go back to sleep, you really need to rest. We can talk about everything later.

J: That sounds good, I really am so tired all of a sudden.

Jude's eyes began to get heavy and with a great big yawn, she slowly lowered her head to the pillow and closed her eyes.

J: Tommy, you won't leave will you? I just don't want to be alone.

T: No girl, there's nowhere else I would be. Now close yours eyes and get some rest.

The events of the night before began to flash before Tommy's eyes. He had been so scared when he found Jude last night. That guy was such a creep; he will pay for what he did to Jude before I am through with him. No one hurts Jude that way and gets away with it.