Instant Star- Rise Of The Next Generation
Author's Note: Ok, this chapter's a little different. It actually contains the start of a real plot! Yes, it's now the moment that many of us have been hoping for (hint- there is a wedding involved!). But things are not what they seem...
The title of Chapter 3 comes from my absolute favorite song ever! To the best of my knowledge, "Take My Breath Away" was originally recorded by the band Berlin in the 1980's (used in the Tom Cruise movie Top Gun) and recently covered by Jessica Simpson, and used for her wedding. Was I mad about that! That was my idea! But since my day ain't coming any time soon, I'll happily share the song with Tommy and Jude. Considering the lyrics and their history, I think it really suits them... Let me know if you agree!
As always, thanks to everyone for reading and posting feedback. My real reason for "publishing" this was to entertain people and hopefully have them enjoy it, as I enjoy reading many other people's work here. I'm soooo happy that's happening! Keep the feedback coming... and I'll have my motivation to keep this going!
Oh, and the usual disclaimer- I don't own Instant Star, or for that matter the song "Take My Breath Away".
Now, without further ado... Chapter 3.
Chapter 3- Take My Breath Away
The sun streamed in brightly thorough their bedroom window. They awoke simultaneously the next morning, naked limbs and loving hearts entwined. Jude sleepily glanced into Tommy's liquid blue eyes. She glowed all over and thought she dreamed still. Until Tommy bent his head, kissing her gently.
"Good morning" he murmured. "And how is the future Mrs. Quincy today?"
She smiled peacefully at him.
"What?" he asked her.
"I thought I dreamed it all..."
He laughed softly.
"No, sweetheart. Here.."He brought her hand to his left cheek, and turned his head to kiss her palm. Her hand then trailed down to his chest, resting over his rapidly beating heart.
"That does feel real." she replied, as her ring caught the sunlight and sparkled.
"Wow" she could only say, dazzled.
Tommy couldn't stop smiling either.
"I know. I feel it too. But I have practically since the day I met you."
They kissed again and snuggled together, as they began to plan.
"So..." Tommy said to his radiant fiancé. "The wedding. Tell me what you want."
"Well, I've always wanted an outdoor wedding. In a garden. In early fall. Flowers everywhere. Do you think..." she drifted off.
"Absolutely" he answered, as Jude's eyes penetrated his, perceiving something.
"What?" she asked. "What do you want?'
"Besides you..." he began. The genuine concern on her face encouraged him to continue.
"I just don't want this to be a huge media event. A publicity frenzy. I'd like for our wedding to be small and very personal, for just the people closest to us. I want it to mean something very special".
Jude nodded, touched as always by this sensitive man. He would be her husband soon, she thought, thrilled.
"That's what I want too." she assured him.
"I thought you would." he replied, now content.
"Surely, we can find somewhere perfect. Secluded, but still lovely. We can do this. Mom and Sadie will help, so will EJ and Georgia.."
"So much to do" he mused. "Planning a wedding. Plus, we still have another record to finish."
"I can handle this. Can't you?" Jude teased him
"Of course." he confidently replied. "Because I have you."
As they predicted, they did manage. Finding the perfect location for the wedding proved the first and biggest hurdle. They visited dozens of spots, but none seemed special or private enough so as to be undiscoverable by the press.
Ironically, it was a reporter who actually solved the problem. Quest's now-serious girlfriend, Rachel surprised Jude one day in the studio. The two women really bonded since Jude's birthday and Rachel was now a trusted and close friend. Jude was sitting, laboriously working out the kinks in her new song, when she appeared. Jude lifted her head.
"Hey, Rach." she greeted her. "Shouldn't you be interviewing teenage heartthrobs or something?"
Rachel now worked at "Scream" the teen fan magazine. Her friends teased her mercilessly about it. But she was cool with that. She knew they were really happy for her, as she was pleased with herself. The job constituted an excellent start for an aspiring celebrity biographer.
"That's exactly it!" she said to Jude. "Get your stuff! We gotta be somewhere!" she burst out.
"Rachel, are you on something?" a startled Jude responded. She had never seen her normally cool, calm and collected friend so manic. "I've got a song to finish. I can't just..."
"Where's Tommy?"
"In his office."
"We're leaving. Call him. Now!"
"Why? Just to tell him you've gone completely crazy?"
"No, silly! I found it! I was interviewing someone at this club, ninety minutes outside of town. It's perfect!"
Jude's heartbeat accelerated, as Rachel continued.
"Exquisite gardens, immaculate landscaping, a beautiful building... Even a gazebo where you and Tommy can exchange your vows. We can put chairs around it and a tent for the reception... Plus, it's remote enough to be very private. Totally secluded. You just have to see! Now!
Jude said nothing, just flipped her phone open and hit #1 on speed dial.
As Rachel predicted, the location enchanted them. It was exactly what they wanted. Once they said the word, Rachel even booked the club in her name, to hopefully keep the wedding site from the press. With these logistics finally settled, attention needed to be given to a myraid of other details. The bridal party was selected and outfitted, invitations chosen and mailed, a menu created, and a cake ordered. A ceremony and reception were carefully planned. Tommy purchased rings and as a surprise for Jude had them engraved with a very special message. It was a lengthy process, but somehow everything got done.
At least the music took care of itself. The album Jude currently worked on reflected her present state of mind. Love songs comprised it, two of which were duets sung with Tommy. He also contributed a song he wrote and performed just for her, his first solo recording in over ten years. The music would debut first at their wedding, a few days before the album's scheduled public release. This plan still amused Jude.
"Leave it to Georgia and EJ. They know how to keep something a secret, and still milk it's publicity value." But she was happy and did not mind.
Happy certainly described her today. In fact, it was an understatement. Euphoric actually described her mood even better. The sun shone bright on that second Saturday in September. Her wedding day.
"I can't believe it", she thought, amazed. She sat in the dressing area at the club. Rachel, Kat and Sadie surrounded her, already arrayed in the long, violet-blue dresses Kat designed especially to compliment Jude's wedding gown. That hung nearby, protectively encased in a cloth cover.
Sadie finished her sister's makeup and then began carefully arranging Jude's hair. With every stroke of a styling tool, the bride grew progressively edgier, finally snapping.
"God, Sadie! What are you doing? What's with the curls? I look like a poodle!"
Sadie looked at Jude's reflection, and held back her smile. She recognized bridal jitters. But Sadie also knew what she was doing, and admonished her tense sister.
"Just shut up. Close your eyes and let me finish. You're gonna love it!"
For once, Jude actually did exactly what her older sister said. A few more minutes passed before Sadie finished.
"Ok, I'm done. Take a look"
Jude stared in the mirror. Sadie really outdid herself, artfully styling her hair in an intricate updo, with bangs sweeping across her forehead and curly tendrils surrounding her face. Her delicate makeup harmonized perfectly with the romantic hairstyle. Rachel and Kat then took their cue, unwrapping the white dress and taking it from the padded hanger. They carefully helped her into it, and Sadie fastened the back. The dress had a halter top, the straps and bodice embellished with tiny crystals. Its skirt was a long, flowing swath of white satin, with an elegant train stretching behind her. For the final touch, Kat placed the matching veil on Jude's head.
"See" Sadie said after Jude was dressed.
Jude again focused on her own reflected image. She barely recognized herself.
"Wow" was all she could say.
"Tommy's gonna faint when he sees you!" Kat giggled.
"He'd better not! How's he gonna marry me if he's unconscious?' Jude giddily replied, her anxiety dissolving in the infectious enthusiasm of her friends and sister.
"Yeah. I guess he'd better keep his eyes open, all right!" Rachel chuckled.
Down the corridor, Tommy's feelings mirrored those of his bride-to-be. Ecstacy gave way quickly to nerves, only to reverse course and swing back again. His emotions surged and retrenched uncontrollably. But then again, Jude always had had that effect on him.
Quest stood nearby, observing his longtime friend. It was a rare sight for him- or anyone- to see "Cool Tommy Q" so obviously rattled.
"Chill, man. You gotta get a grip!" he said, in true supportive best man fashion.
"I know. I can't help it..." Tommy replied, trying to explain.
"You love her. She loves you. You know this is what you want and what she wants. Hell, I think everyone knows that! So, what's the prob?"
"No problem. It's just that I've never wanted anything so much in my whole life. It's just big..."
Quest nodded. With Rachel in his life, he could understand that and tried to reassure Tommy.
"Don't worry. It's gonna go great. You and Jude are meant to be. No matter what happens, you guys will make it through."
"Thanks, man"
The two normally reserved men hugged. A tap at the door saved them from further uncharacteristic emotional displays. Jamie poked his head in.
"Almost ready to roll?"
"Yeah" Tommy answered.
"You know, you are about to marry my best friend. She is amazing. Really beautiful, inside and out."
"I know" Tommy answered. He couldn't agree with that more.
"You'd better be real good to her. If you aren't, I will seriously have to hurt you."
Jamie's tone was light, but true emotions underscored his words. Tommy picked up on this, and responded seriously.
"If I ever do hurt her, you have my permission to do just that."
Jamie and Tommy regarded each other with understanding and genuine respect. The moment passed and Jamie's usual impish demeanor surfaced again.
"As long as we understand each other, I think I'll go see how the bride is doing." he said and slipped out of the room.
While Jamie and Tommy spoke, Jude visited with her parents
"Oh, honey, you look so beautiful!" Victoria Harrison eyes streamed tears as she surveyed her youngest daughter.
"Absolutely!" Stuart Harrison proudly agreed. "Tommy is one extremely lucky guy and he'd better know that".
"I think he does" called a playful voice from just outside the door.
"Jamie!" Jude squealed excitedly. "Come in"
"Everyone decent?" he asked
"Yes"
"Darn it!" he replied, snapping his fingers as he entered.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out front with the other ushers?" Jude asked.
"Yeah. But you know, I had to see you. My oldest friend getting married. You know we never could have predicted this. Jude Harrison, with a member of Boyz Attack? No friggin way!" Jamie said, shaking his head.
"Yeah. Who would have thought it. I hated that band! So cheesy!" she laughed. Then her demeanor turned serious. "But I love him. Did you see him?"
"Yep! Threatened him with serious bodily harm if he didn't treat you right!"
"Jamie, you didn't!" Jude said, laughing again. "He must have loved that."
"Actually, he agreed with me. No one messes with Jamie Andrews!". He then told Jude exactly what transpired.
"He's a really good guy, Jude. I know you two make each other very happy. You two deserve each other"
"And you are a really amazing friend, Jamie. You've always been there for me.
"And I always will be. Hey, it's my job now. I'm also your manager, remember"
"How could I ever forget that!" Jude laughed
Jamie had accepted that position just a few months ago. Offering it to him was no act of charity or friendship on Jude's part. Her previous manager, Darius Mills domination completely got on her nerves. His opinions about her music diverged further and further from her own; clearly it was time for them to part ways. When Jude told him, she expected a huge argument, but didn't get one. Daruis merely smiled, agreed and wished her well. For old times sake, she even invited him to the wedding. She was just thrilled to be working with Jamie, as they had fantasized about as kids. He had been there with her, writing her first-ever songs up in her childhood bedroom, and understood her musical tastes and style perfectly. But more importantly, he cared about her as a person, and she reciprocated those feelings. Her next words clearly illustrated this.
"Some day, I just want you to be this happy too!" Jude wished sincerely.
"I could live with that!" he replied, hugging her.
EJ ran back and forth, from Tommy's dressing room to Jude's and then back again. She clearly derived maximum pleasure from her role as ceremony coordinator.
"Places, everyone!" she called dramatically.
It was time...
Outside, in the flowery garden, the relatively small group of specially chosen guests waited, sitting on their white silk cushioned chairs, arranged in rows in front of the gazebo. A white runner bisected the chairs into two groups, one on each side of the aisle. People chattered excitedly, eagerly awaiting the beginning of the ceremony. Eyes widened in anticipation as the music finally started, Jude's voice singing "their" song.
Watching every motion,
In my foolish lover's game
On this endless ocean
Finally lover's know no shame
Tommy approached the gazebo from the side, and stepped up, with Quest at his heels.
Turning and returning,
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn to me and say,
Take my breath away...
The song perfectly echoed Tom's feelings. Standing at the altar, his head spun and his legs felt weak. Even now, two years later, the song Jude wrote for him still filled him with joy. He knew it always would. Today, it affected him even more strongly, rendering him absolutely delirious.
Watching I keep waiting
Still anticipating love
Never hesitating
To become the fated ones
Turning and returning,
To some secret place to hide
The part of his brain that still functioned dimly registered their families taking turns walking down the aisle. His father, then Jude's grandparents strolled in and then finally, Victoria Harrison entered on her boyfriend's arm. Jude's mother looked splendid in her violet suit, her blonde hair swept up. She smiled at everyone, and bestowed a special, loving look on her future son-in-law as she sat down. Her gesture made Tommy feel wistful. He wished his own mother was alive to see this moment. Sarah Quincy would have loved Jude, too. She would have been so happy for him, for them. Picturing his mother's proud, beaming face caused his sadness to dissipate as did the sound of Jude's voice, which swept him away again.
Watching in slow motion
As you turn to me and say
My love,
Take my breath away...
The bridesmaids started to enter and all eyes riveted towards them. Rachel was first, slowly strolling down the aisle, on the arm of a clearly besotted usher. With impeccable timing, Kat followed, escorted by Jamie.
Through the hourglass, I saw you.
In time, you slipped away.
When the mirror crashed, I called you.
And turned to hear you say.
If only for today,
I am unafraid.
It was a picturesque scene. Drama and romance saturated the air and everyone felt it. Tension only mounted as Sadie appeared. She sauntered towards the gazebo, enjoying her moment in the spotlight.
Take my breath away...
Smiles broke out in the crowd, as Stuart and Yvette's adorable twin four year old daughters, Lucy and Michelle stepped out. They gleefully skipped down the aisle, scattering rose petals in their wake. They were just too cute for words.
Watching every motion
In my foolish lover's game
Haunted by the notion
Somewhere, there's a love in flames
Turning and returning,
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn to me and say
Take my breath away
Take my breath away
My love,
Take my breath away...
The song trailed off, and the music changed. The opening notes of the wedding march jolted Tommy out of his trance-like state. Delicious anticipation filled him as he stared down the aisle awaiting the face, the figure, he chose to spend the rest of his life with. Finally, she appeared on her father's arm. Even from this distance, he could see her radiant face and softly glowing eyes. Powerful delight surged through him, as he realized he was the one to make her look that way. He could see only her. Nothing else mattered as the beautiful vision in white drifted towards him.
"My Jude. My wife. Forever..." he thought incoherently. As Kat had predicted, he did feel faint.
His strength returned when Jude reached him, placing her hands in his. Their eyes locked, passion and yearning clearly visible in both sets.
"Who gives this woman to this man?"
"Her mother and I do." Stuart Harrison proclaimed, kissing his daughter's cheek and stepping down.
"Jude and Tom have chosen to write their own vows"
Tommy's focus remained solely on her, as he spoke the heartfelt, carefully chosen words.
"I love you, Jude Harrison. More than I ever imagined it possible to love anyone. You are my life, my air and my sustenance. My whole world changed completely the day you walked into it. Never before had I met anyone like you, so filled with feeling, warmth, kindness and perception. No one ever made me feel so special, so alive. You just slipped past all the walls I built around myself. For once, I didn't need them. Before I even knew it, you captured my heart. Yes, it wasn't supposed to happen. And it wasn't easy for us for a very long time. But it was so worth it. You are so worth it. I love you, Jude. With all my heart and soul. You are my forever."
Jude's eyes glistened as she answered him.
"I love you, Tom Quincy. I think I always have. From the day I met you, you saw me for not only who I was, but what I could be. Who I wanted to be. And you helped me become that person. Achieve all my dreams. And somewhere, you became one of them. You have always guided, cared for and protected me. No one could know me or understand me better. We share everything, laughter and joy as well as tears and pain. I want that for now and for always. I love you, Tommy. You are my forever.
His eyes too were teary, as he continued.
"Jude Harrison, I promise to devote myself entirely to you for all our lives. Your happiness will be my joy and your sadness my sorrow. Your needs, my needs. I will try my hardest to always make you smile and never cause you hurt. I will be strong for you and faithful to you. For now and for always.
An overwhelmed Jude could barely manage to reply.
"I give myself to you, Tom Quincy, fully and completely. I promise to devote myself to caring for you. To being your partner and helpmate for life. I will trust and stand by you through everything that comes our way. For now and for always.
"Do you, Jude Harrison, take this man as your lawfully wedded husband"
"Yes" she breathed. "Oh, yes"
"Do you, Tom Quincy, take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife?'
"Yes. Of course" he replied, passionately.
"You may now exchange rings"
Tom took the gold band that Quest handed him and slipped it on Jude's trembling hand. She then reciprocated, taking a matching ring from Sadie, which soon adorned his hand. Engraved inside both bands were the two words "My Forever".
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride..."
But Tommy and Jude hadn't waited for that instruction. They simply couldn't. Needs and emotions too powerful to deny propelled them into each other's embrace, lips meeting and devouring with an insatiable hunger. After a few minutes of complete and total surrender, Sadie coughed softly. The noise returned them reluctantly to reality. Jude held on to Tommy, following him blindly as he led her back down the aisle. They were supposed to head directly to the reception tent. But Tommy veered in the other direction, back towards the club. Jude was too blissed out to notice. Her head was in the clouds, even as her feet moved across the ground. He pulled her inside the building. The sudden banging of the door shocked her back to the present.
"What? Why are we here?" she asked, completely confused.
"It's okay" he soothed her. "I just wanted a moment alone with my wife"
The expression made Jude smile.
"Are you okay?" he asked tenderly. "You seem kind of overwhelmed"
"Well, I am..." she said. "It all seems, so much...Something about a dream so close up"
"It is. It's everything."
Neither of them said anything more. They didn't need to, as they nestled together in perfect understanding. After a few minutes, Jude lifted her face to his.
"I suppose we should go back, huh?"
"I guess so. Everyone's waiting."
"I love you, Mr. Quincy"
"And I love you, Mrs. Quincy"
Hand in hand, they walked back across the lawn. The guests greeted them fondly, and took their turn bestowing smiles and genuine good wishes. All but one person.
This person looked and acted just like any one else present, outwardly benevolent. But his placid demeanor masked a violent hatred and total contempt. He viciously looked at one member of the happy couple and thought
"You screwed me over! No one plays me that way! You won't get away with that! You will pay for it, all right! Both of you will! Not now. I'll play it cool for now. The right moment will come. Just like in your song..."
On this endless ocean, somewhere there's a love in flames... Take my breath away.
He nodded, quite pleased with this evil mantra.
"That'll work" he vowed.