Just an FYI, I'm probably not gonna have any author's notes unless there's something specific I want to mention or point out. And I forgot a disclaimer, so this one counts for the whole story. And don't expect updates to be as often as this one. I started this story on another site so I have this written, but as of right now this is the most current chatper.

xx

Disclaimer: I do not own Instant Star...if I did, do you really think there would be a six year age difference? I also do not own any songs I may use in this story, although I do own any new characters and the plot.

Chapter 2

"The award for Best Record of the Year goes to...(Fill in the artist of your favorite song here...my pick is Alexz Johnson, hehe)!"

As the thunderous applause broke out once again, no one noticed as one girl remained immobile, her face an ashen white. Blue eyes stared straight ahead, unseeing, as the cell phone in her hand began to fall.

Actually, one person did notice the change in her demeanor as she listened to her phone. Reacting quickly, Tommy caught Jude's cell phone before it crashed into the floor and broke. He brought it up to his ear and spoke.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" Never taking his eyes off of Jude, Tommy conversed with the stranger on the other end of the line, trying to figure out what had happened to cause Jude's...reaction. His heart felt like it was a sponge being squeezed by a fist as he listened to the words of the unknown man and the trauma that was about to rock Jude's world, along with his own.

"Okay, we're on our way."

Tommy gently closed the phone, disconnecting the call. Jude still hadn't moved from her position; she remained frozen in a position of shock.

He sighed--this was bad, really bad. Actually, Tommy didn't even know the extent of it, all he knew was that it was just bad.

Steeling himself for whatever may come, Tommy stuffed Jude's phone into her purse. He then turned to face the now-brunette beauty seated next to him.

"Jude?" She didn't respond to his gentle coaxing voice. "Jude? Are you ok?"

Jude blinked, probably for the first time in several minutes, before locking her eyes with Tommy's.

"Am I ok? Did you seriously just ask me that?"

Tommy probably would've smiled if he didn't know that smiling was probably one of the worst things he could do right now. Even in a crisis, Jude never lost her sarcasm.

However, he knew that her sarcasm was mostly a cover up for the fear and worry she felt, so he spoke in a neutral tone. "Ok, stupid question. But do you want a ride to the hospital? I know you came in a limo but it'll probably take a while to find it and get it here. I parked the Cobra myself so we can get out of here quickly if you want."

Jude merely nodded and said a simple "Ok" as she tried to stand on her shaky legs. Stupid heels...she thought. Once the Jell-O feeling had left her legs, Tommy and Jude began to walk towards the exit. Before they had gotten, however, a voice called out to them from the table that they had just left.

"Tommy, man, where're you guys going so soon? This thing isn't even halfway over yet," Kwest yelled at them above the noise.

Tommy turned around at the sound of his best friend's voice and made eye contact with him. Understanding each other with their eyes was something Kwest and Tommy had mastered years before, and it didn't fail them now. Kwest could tell it was serious, so he just nodded when Tommy replied, "I'll call you later." Something bad was going down, and he knew Tommy would tell him when it was the right time.

Jude and Tommy resumed their trek towards the door, but once again Kwest's voice halted them.

"Yo, Jude, what about your award?" He asked, gesturing at the trophy sitting on the table.

In an obviously distracted voice, Jude told Kwest, "Take care of it for me, will you?" Without even waiting for a reply, she continued for the exit, determined to not be stopped again.

Reaching the doors, Jude shoved them open like she was about to kick some ass and walked through, Tommy right behind her. But as soon as the doors shut, Jude's legs became wobbly again so she bent down to remove her shoes, hoping that would help her walk to be more stable. After straightening back up again, though, it soon became apparent to her that it wasn't helping.

Tommy had always been quick, but this time he just wasn't quick enough. Jude's knees gave out and she collapsed on the floor, shivering. He quickly rushed over to her, not knowing what he could really do, just knowing that he had to try something to help her.

"Jude? Jude, talk to me, please."

She shifted and managed to look at Tommy, fear and pain from what might be coming evident in her eyes.

"Tommy, I'm so scared..."

He watched her, hating what she was going through. What she was going to face was probably going to be horrible, but not knowing what it was...that was even worse. "I know, girl, so am I."

Jude took a deep breath and Tommy almost smiled again as he noticed the slight hardening of her chin He knew that she would always be one to fight and not let anything get the best of her.

Tommy was ready to get lost in a memory about her when she attempted to stand again. Jude almost made it, but her legs still weren't cooperating and she began to decline towards the floor again.

But this time, Tommy was quick enough. He moved forward and caught Jude in his arms like you would cradle a baby. She exhaled a breath and connected her eyes with him, silently conveying her thoughts. As with Kwest, Tommy understood her eyes and straightened up with Jude still in his arms. With Jude's shoes dangling in her hand as her dress fluttered around her bare feet, Tommy and Jude left the luxurious building to the amused and confused stares of the security guards and ushers.

The two continued through the parking lot, still in the same position, until Tommy reached his car. Since it was a convertible, Tommy didn't bother setting Jude down and opening the door for her, he merely lifted her over the side of the car and gently laid her in the passenger's seat. Taking a nervous breath and running his hand through his hair, Tommy made his way over to the driver's side and got in.

He stuck the key in the ignition, but didn't start the car. Instead, Tommy turned so he was facing Jude, whose only movement since being placed in the car was to buckle her seat belt. He reached across the gear shift and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze, letting her know that he was there for her. Letting go of it, he couldn't believe how cold her small hand was. It felt like ice, too close to how she was acting...frozen. Without a word, Tommy turned the key and took off in the direction of Memorial Hospital.