Chapter 21

Jude and Tommy were escorted towards the back of the restaurant to a private room. The hostess opened the French doors leading into the room and everyone inside yelled "Happy Birthday Jude!" Everyone was there, Kwest, Georgia and EJ, Kat & Jamie, Sadie and Justin and her mom and dad. They were all seated around a long rectangular table and in the center were two seats for her and Tommy. Jude and Tommy took their seats and along with everyone else were soon caught up in their own conversations. Drinks and dinner were ordered. Wow, so far so good, everyone seems to be having a good time and getting along. If only we can get through the entire night like this. Unfortunately, Jude's wishes were just that, and sometimes wishes don't come true.

After everyone had finished his or her wonderful dinners, Georgia stood and asked for everyone's attention. She made a small speech thanking everyone for being here and announcing to Jude her birthday present from the Studio, a week long vacation in Mountains at this beautiful ski resort that Jude had heard about. Of course, the there was one condition; she wasn't allowed to take the vacation until the album was finished. Sadie was next and presented Jude with a gift certificate for a day at the spa. Kat and Jamie presented Jude with a couple of DVDs she had been asking for. Jude's dad was next, he stood and gave a speech about how proud he was of everything that Jude had accomplished the past year and that his gift to her was a brand new car of her choice which they would go shopping for together. At the announcement of this gift, Jude screamed and ran to her dad's outstretched arms. Jude's mom, however, was throwing looks of death at her ex-husband from across the table. Victoria had already given Jude her gift at home earlier that day and Jude took this opportunity to thank everyone for their gifts and for coming to her birthday dinner. Everyone took his or her seats once again and the cake was brought out. Jude and Kat were gushing over the enormous chocolate creation that had been carted into the room, when the room suddenly became very quiet, with the exception of a very loud discussion going on at the end of the table.

V: I can't believe you Stuart, you are just trying to buy her affection. I know that you feel guilty for breaking up our family, but come on, be sensible, what 17 year old needs a brand new car for her birthday.

S: Oh come on Victoria, she deserves it, look at how hard she has worked the last year.

V: No, I am sorry but I will not let you just hand everything to her on a platter.

S: Well last time I checked, we were still equal partners in the decision making of Jude's future and if I want to buy her a car, I will!

V: Well, maybe some things need to change then. You will be hearing from my lawyers on Monday.

Jude, who had caught the entire conversation, was starting to panic. This was exactly what she wanted to avoid. She looked quickly from one side to the other, searching for the quickest way out of the room. She felt Tommy grab her hand and as she turned to face him, he whispered:

T: Come on, I'll get you out of here.

Tommy led Jude out of the room and away from the ever-increasing argument that was going on with her parents. They made their way towards the front entrance, but suddenly she was surrounded by flashing cameras and a dozen reporters yelling, "Jude, Jude over hear!" Tommy made a quick motion to the hostess, asking her to have the limo pull up the back entrance and pick them up there. He then led her quickly in the opposite direction and soon they were exiting the restaurant through a back door. Jude finally felt like she could catch her breath. Until that moment, Jude hadn't realized that tears were slipping down her face. Tommy gently pulled her into his arms and whispered:

T: Everything is going to be alright girl. Just hang on to me.

J: Oh God Tommy, why does this always happen? Why can't I just get through one night without the drama?

T: I don't know Jude, but none of this is your fault. You don't deserve what they did to you in there and they both owe you a huge apology.

J: I must have been kidding myself to think that they could get along for just one night to celebrate my birthday.

T: Look Girl, why don't you just relax for a few minutes, here comes the limo and we can have the driver take us wherever you want to go.

J: That would be great, I just don't think I can face any of them yet.

T: Come on, let's go.

Jude and Tommy climbed into the limo and Tommy looked at Jude questioningly. "So where to Jude?"

J: Oh, I don't know. How about if we just head to the studio for a little while? No one should be there now and it will be quiet.

T: No problem.

Tommy gave the driver directions and sat back in the seat pulling Jude alongside of him.