Chapter 28

For the next couple of days everything was great between Tommy and Jude. They spent the days on the slopes, skiing and snowboarding and the nights sitting in front of the fire working on songs and talking. Things were back to normal, or as normal as they ever were with the two of them.

J: I can't believe that the week is half over already. I could stay here forever I think.

T: Oh, I don't know…don't you think your family would miss you after a while?

J: They don't seem to notice if I am there or not lately.

T: Come on, you know your parents love you. They would miss you like crazy.

J: Are you kidding, they are too caught up in their own lives to even notice what has been going on. Mom spends most of her nights at her new boyfriend's house and then tries to sneak back in the morning, like Sadie and I don't even know what is going on. And Dad, well he has pretty much been non-existent since him and Yvette decided to get married. Do you know he didn't even bother to tell us about it. The only way that I found out it because Sadie told me and the only way she found out was because Yvette was wearing this huge rock and Sadie noticed it and asked.

T: I am sorry Jude, I didn't know that things were that bad. You never said anything.

J: I guess I was just trying to pretend that nothing was going on.

T: You know you can tell me anything. That's what friends are for.

J: Is that what we are? Friends?

T: Of course, don't you think so?

J: I don't know, things have been so complicated lately. There's everything with you and my sister and then Jamie and well, it just seems like we have grown apart.

T: I have to admit Jude, that lately I let other things get in the way of our friendship, but there is one thing that I can promise you. You mean more to me than any other person in the world and nothing and no one is going to interfere any more. I got sidetracked for a while, but I am going to fix all that. I give you my word.

Jude wanted to ask how he planned to do that, but before she could, Tommy jumped up from his spot on the floor beside Jude and reached down to pull her up as well. When they were face to face again, Tommy reached down and took Jude's hands in his pulling and pulled her just a little closer.

T: You know Jude, I realized that the one thing that has been missing in my life since last summer was your trust. I lost that when I made all those mistakes this year and I plan on getting that back.

Jude gave Tommy a little smile and squeezed his hands,

J: I think you are already well on your way.

Tommy couldn't hide the smile that broke out at Jude's comment. Jude meanwhile couldn't hide the yawn that worked its way out.

T: Man girl, you look beat. Why don't you get some rest.

J: I thought you said you wanted to try and finish this song?

T: You make me sound like a slave driver, plus you said so yourself, this is your vacation and you have earned it. So go, get some sleep. I have a surprise planned for tomorrow and you will need all the rest you can get.

At the mention of surprise, Jude squealed in happiness and immediately jumped into Tommy's arms. Tommy's arms immediately wrapped around her body and he pulled her closer to him in a sweet embrace. Tommy's smile widened while thinking to himself, now this is exactly like it should be.

J: So what's my surprise?

T: Now what makes you think I would tell you? I did say SURPRISE didn't I?

J: Ah come on Tommy, please tell me what it is? Please?

T: Nope, you will just have to wait.

J: Ok, how about just a hint? One small hint? What can it hurt?

T: Well, alright, here is a small hint just so you will be prepared… I had some help with the planning from EJ and it does not involve any type of snow activity.

J: What kind of hint is that? Come on you have got to tell me a little more than that.

T: I don't have to tell you anything. Now come on, off to bed you go!

Tommy led Jude over to the door to her bedroom pulling her behind him while she rambled incessantly about what the surprise could possibly be if EJ was involved. Tommy quietly handed her the pajama bottoms and tank top that were carelessly thrown onto the bed and pushed her in the direction of the bathroom. Tommy took a seat on Jude's bed while she took her time getting ready for bed. Jude felt like she was floating through her bedtime routine. Her mind was running a mile a minute, I can't believe Tommy has a surprise for me. I wonder what it could be? And he said EJ helped him plan it; god only knows what that could be. These last few days have been so great. Things are finally getting back to normal with Tommy and I. Look at me, I have the silliest grin plastered over my face, I feel like a little child on Christmas Eve.

Jude finally opened the bathroom door and saw Tommy sitting on the bed staring at her.

J: Oh, did you forget something Tommy?

T: Nope, just thought I would wait and say goodnight.

J: Oh, OK, well I guess goodnight then.

Jude made her way over to the bed and climbed in turning to face Tommy. Tommy scooted a little closer to Jude and looked up at her with a very serious expression on this face.

T: Jude, I was serious about what I said before. You are the most important person in the world to me and I am going to make up for all the mistakes that I made. I promise you.

J: Tommy, you are important to me too. I trust you and I know that you will make things better.

Tommy leaned over pulled Jude into his arms for the second time that night. I wish I never had to let you go. Soon, I won't have to.

T: Goodnight Jude.

J: Goodnight Tommy.

Tommy got up and made his way to his room quickly falling asleep with thoughts of the beautiful girl asleep in the next room.