A/N: I don't own Instant Star. I don't own Cigarette by Yellowcard. Reviews are always welcome.
Episode 27 – A Long December
Part
1
When Kwest returned to his apartment he saw Jude jumping
on top of her suitcase trying to get it to shut. "Hey, need a hand"
said Kwest. "I'm surprised you're still talking to me. My
apology was kind of weak and was mostly to get a reaction from Tommy"
I said. "That's what friends are for, I guess" said Kwest who
gave me a hand off the piece of luggage before sitting on it himself
and getting it to close with ease. "How did you do that! I'm been
trying to get it closed for like an hour" I said gratefully. "It
helps that I weigh more than a toothpick although you definitely eat
more than I do" he said with a grin. "So, not sticking around for
the holiday? Christmas is only a few days away, you know" he said.
"Not really feeling the holiday cheer" I said. "Will you at
least tell me where you're going?" he said with concern. "I'll
do one better; I'll let you drive me to the bus station and if
you're real good I'll tell you what my ticket says" I said.
Part 2
Kwest was sitting with Jude at the bus terminal. "I can't believe you wouldn't let me walk up with you to the teller" Kwest said indignantly. "And ruin the surprise" I said with a devilish smile. "So where are you going?" he asked. "Well, I bought about 5 tickets" I said. "Why'd you do that for?" he said. "I told you I'd tell you what my ticket says I never told you I'd tell you where I was going" I said. Kwest's face fell. "You will call me whenever you arrive wherever you're going, right?" he said. "That look you're giving me isn't very promising" Kwest said. "I'll send you a post card, okay?" I said. "I just need to get out of here before I go crazy, okay? I'll return as soon as my head's straight" I said. "What do you want me to tell Tommy?" he said. Just then the PA system sounded listing the gates and departure times. "My bus' boarding" I said lamely as I hugged him. "Take care of yourself" he said as he squeezed back. "I will" I said.
Part 3
Kwest had just returned home from the bus terminal and had just opened the door to his refrigerator when he heard loud banging on his door. Kwest took a peak in the peep hole, but he already knew whose face he'd see. "Hey Tommy, I'm seriously considering issuing a restraining order on you" Kwest said from the other side of the door. "Can we do this later Kwest I'm not in the mood" said Tommy. "Neither was my face, but that didn't stop you from punching it did it, man!" said Kwest with annoyance. "I'm sorry okay now will you let me in" said Tommy.
Part 4
"I'll let you in on two conditions" said Kwest. "Whatever they are I agree" said Tommy. "You haven't even heard them yet" said Kwest. "I promise scout's honor, alright" said Tommy. "You were never a scout Tommy" said Kwest. "I promise okay I won't freak out" said Tommy. "Swear on your viper" said Kwest. "Promise me that whatever I tell you condition one: you won't get mad and condition two: you won't hit me. Tommy hesitated for a few seconds and then solemnly swore on his beloved viper. "Where's Jude?" said Tommy. "Jude's gone Tommy and I drove her to the bus station" said Kwest. Kwest saw Tommy's fist coming towards his face. "You promised on your viper man" Kwest said before he found himself staring up at the ceiling and an irate Tommy running out the door.
Part 5
Kwest sat by his phone hoping Jude would call, but she didn't. He started to go home for lunch to check if she did sent the post card she swore she would, but she hadn't. A few days had passed and he was getting a bit concerned. Tommy had been grilling Kwest endlessly on whether or not Jude had given any hints as to which city she would be heading to. "Personally, I think she went to NYC" said Kwest. Tommy's brows were furrowed in concentration. "That's too obvious; she probably know that's where we thought she was going so she probably wouldn't go there" said Tommy. "You said it yourself it's the obvious choice; she's probably there, right now" said Kwest who was rubbing his temples. "Why would she pick NYC, man" said Tommy. "Okay, let's review. One she lived there the first time she went packing. Two she was there the second time during her Eli phase" said Kwest. Tommy looked up sharply at the mention of Eli's name, but Kwest didn't care he'd had to endure this questioning for days now. "Tommy do any of those other cities I told you about even hold any significance with Jude?" Kwest said exasperated. "Well, she stopped on her tour there?" said Tommy. "And…" said Kwest. "And I can't think of anything else. Why are you giving me the third degree anyway?" said Tommy. "Why am I giving you…Why am I giving you the third degree! Are you crazy!" said Kwest. "Get out man! You're driving me nuts!" said Kwest who was shoving Tommy out the door. "So is NYC your final answer?" said Tommy as Kwest with a disgusted look slammed the door in his face.
Part 6
She didn't know why she had decided to go ice skating. She wasn't particularly good at it; I mean she was horrible at it actually since forever. "Everyone looks like they're having so much fun; they just all look happy. I couldn't definitely use some happiness right now" she thought to herself after she heard someone yell out "watch out" and speed right by her. "Yeah this is so much fun" she said to herself as she continued on her snail pace. "I've only fallen about 10 times already and that last fall wasn't nearly as embarrassing as the earlier one" she said to herself as she leaned back a little too much and tried to regain her balancing using some windmill technique. She fell right on her ass. "I'll just lay here" she said to herself and closed her eyes.
Part 7
Jude was happily relaxed albeit a little cold when she felt a tapping on her shoulder. "You look like you could use a little help" he said perfectly serious. Jude peaked one eye open to see a small little boy about the age of 4 hovering over her. "Let me help you up" he said chivalrously offering a small mitten. Jude couldn't help but start laughing as the tiny figure pulled with all his might. He was heaving, breathing very hard, and turning a little red. He stopped puffing and looked at Jude who had an amused expression on her face. "You're a little heavy let me get my dad" he said and sped off before Jude could stop him.
Part 8
"I'm not that heavy" said Jude indignantly who was deciding whether or not she should wait until the little boy brought over his dad or get up to save herself the embarrassment. The little boy's father however had been watching the whole exchange and dutifully came with his son over the figure on the ice. "This is my daddy he's a ranger" said the little boy proudly. "As in forest? said Jude. "As in NY" he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Up you go" he said as he brought Jude to her feet. "Hey, I said you could help!" said the little boy indignantly. Jude started laughing and lost her balance and fell over again. "Okay, daddy this time I wanna do it, but you can help a little" said the little boy. "You stand behind her and I'll stand in front of her and then on three we'll both pull her up" he said with concentration. "One, two, three…Go!" he said with childlike enthusiasm. "Thanks" said Jude with equal parts embarrassment and amusement.
Part 9
"I think I'm going to get off the ice; I think that's enough embarrassment for one day" said Jude ruefully rubbing her back. "We'll help you" said the little boy grabbing her hand. "Daddy you hold her other hand" said the little boy expectantly. He shrugged and looked at Jude expectantly as he offered her his hand.
Part 10
"Let me buy you both some hot chocolate? It's the least I can do after all your help" I said as I gave the little boy's hand a little squeeze. The three of us took a cab to Serendipity. I groaned allowed as I took in the line. He told me to wait with his son as he strode inside. A few minutes later he came back out and we followed him to a table. "The owner's a hockey fan" he said quietly as we took our seats. We had just sat down when the waiter brought to the table next to us a giant cup overflowing with whipped cream. "I want that!" said the little boy as he got up on his chair and started jumping up and down. "Aiden what did we talk about earlier?" said his dad. "Please, please can I have that daddy, pretty please!" he said. "How can I resist" he said as he gave his son a hug. I was so caught up as I watched them wishing fervently that someday Tommy and I would start a family, but that dream had died. "Are you okay?" said Aiden as he got up in my lap. "Is it your boo boo? I bet you have plenty of boo boo's after falling over and over and over" said Aiden. "Aiden that's enough" said his dad with amusement. "No he's right, actually. I did fall over and over and over" Jude said with a laugh. "Are you happy again?" said Aiden who gave me a kiss on the cheek. "I am now" said Jude. "My daddy says I'll be heartbreaker" said Aiden triumphantly. I couldn't help but think of Tommy. "Oh no you're sad again" said Aiden who was pouting. Just then the waiter came by with the frozen white hot chocolate. "This'll make you feel better I promise" he said confidently as he put a spoon in the concoction and lifted it carefully towards my mouth.
Part 11
I closed my eyes in ecstasy as I took in the spoonful. It was really to die for. When he saw that I liked it he was more than happy to share as his dad watched the two of us. We were both stuffed and little Aiden had falled asleep on me. His sugary hands were tightly clasped around my neck. "He's really taken with you" said his dad as he took a sip of his coffee. "I've never seen him like this with anyone since his mother passed away" he said. "I'm sorry" I said. "Don't be" he said. "She had cancer; there's nothing anyone could have done. I'm afraid sometimes that he'll forget about her." he said. "Sorry to be such a downer" he said. "So tell me about yourself. Are you a tourist? Resident?" he said. "My name is Jude and I'm not sure yet" I said.
Part 12
"My name's Jason" he said. "I think Aiden is about ready to go home" he said. As soon as he heard the word home Aiden's eyes flew open. "Nooooooooo, you promised" he howled as large tears started to roll down his cheeks. "It's sort of a tradition that he gets to pick out a toy before Christmas to tide him over" Jason said. "You can't break tradition" I said with an amused laugh. "You told me that it's important to never break promises" Aiden said solemnly. "Two against one" said Jason. "I guess I've been overruled" he said. "Yay! Aiden said. I was outside ready to hail a cab when Aiden grabbed my hand. "Aren't you coming" he said with a hopeful smile. "Yup, no doubt about it he's gonna be a heartbreaker" I thought to myself. "Pretty please" he begged as he latched on to my leg. "I don't want to intrude" I said as I tried to pry his little fingers off, but man did he have a grip. "Saying yes is the only way you'll get your leg back" said Jason. "I still haven't come up with a strategy break that grip of his" said Jason fondly. Aiden partially let go when he saw a horse drawn carriage making its way down the street. "Oooooh" he said as he looked up at his dad. Shortly thereafter we found ourselves making our way to the ToysRUs as cars, cabs, and buses made their displeasure obvious with the constant honking and cursing. For my part I kept my hands protectively over Aiden's little ears.
Part 13
As soon as we entered the store Aiden's eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. He grabbed my hand and insisted him on showing me all his favorite sections. We made our first stop over by the Jurassic Park dinosaur and Empire State building with King Kong. I felt a tapping on my leg. "Don't be scared the dinosaur won't get you. Plus I'll keep you safe" he said as the dinosaur roared and he hid behind my legs. "Or I could keep you safe" I said as I picked him up and I felt his hands instantly wrap around my neck. After we left the dinosaur Aiden insisted that we go on the Ferris wheel. My eyes were tightly shut when Jason whispered in my ear. "Are you okay? You look a little tense" he said with a laugh. "I might have forgotten to mention that I was a tad bit afraid of heights" she said. "You can hold my hand if you're scared" he said as I took the offered hand.
Part 14
Jason was still teasing me on the death grip I had on his hand. "Hey, man, you offered" I said. Little Aiden was a constant blur as he ran manically around the store. "Is he always…" I said. "All the time" said Jason. We had been in there for a good two hours and Aiden still hadn't picked anything out. "What's wrong buddy?" I said. "You can't possibly tell me you don't like anything in here" I said as I gestured at the toys. He shook his head. "What did you write to Santa?" I asked as I got down to his height. "I asked him for something for me, but mostly for my dad" he said. "Oh really." said Jason who crossed his arms over his chest. "What'd you ask Santa to get me" he said. "Promise you won't get mad and stop loving me" he said nervously. "I'll always love you Aiden even if you make me want to rip my hair out sometimes" he said as he picked up his son. "Wouldn't that hurt?" Aiden said touching his hair. "Okay what did you ask Santa for this year?" he said as he put his son back down on the ground. "I asked him to bring us a new mommy so you wouldn't be so sad, daddy. I think Santa got my letter, though because he brought us one" he said as he ran over to me and gave me a hug.
Part 15
I don't either of us were prepared for that; no I know neither of us were prepared for that little bombshell, so we just stood there without saying a word as Aiden obliviously ran to the nearest toy that grabbed his attention. "I'm sorry about Aiden I think he might have had too much sugar" Jason said awkwardly. "Don't worry about it; I hope I have 10 just like him" I said as I watched Aiden make his way from toy to toy. "I think I better be going" I said as I looked towards the exit. "Wait" he said he grabbed my hand and quickly released it. "Can we see you tomorrow?" he said. "Before you tell me your answer I promise I'm going to talk to Aiden right when we get home, so he doesn't get the wrong idea" Jason said as he absently put his fingers through his hair. "I'll have a ticket for you waiting at the box office?" Jason said. "Maybe the three of us can grab dinner afterwards" he said with a smile identical to that of his son's. Just then Aiden decided to interrupt us. "Jude, do you want to go to my dad's game with me as my date" Aiden said proudly and emphasizing the my part. "I don't know Aiden there's this rule that sons are definitely not allowed to go out with their mommy's unless the little boy's name is Oedipus" I said giving him a wink. "Okay, then" he said as he scrunched up his face. "Daddy Jude can't be our new mommy because she's going to be my date for your game tomorrow, okay" said Aiden with a determined smile. "I haven't said yes yet" I said with a smile. "Pretty please with a cherry on top!" he said. "Well if you're gonna throw in a cherry how can a girl resist" I said as I picked him up.
Part 16
When I entered my apartment I wasn't tired in fact all that sugar from that frozen white hot chocolate was still coursing through my veins. I stared down at the picture of me, Jason, and Aiden from the Ferris wheel; my eyes were closed and indeed I was holding on to Jason's hand with a death grip as Aiden's eyes looked up merrily at his dad and me. I couldn't help, but picture Tommy in Jason's place, and Aiden as our own. "Never gonna happen" I said as a single tear fell onto the photo. I put the photo propped up next to my bed and put my hand under the bed and pulled out my guitar.
Cigarette (Yellowcard – One for the Kids)
Watching
the days burning out like a cigarette,
Just a few drags to go.
You
built me up
And you broke me down,
Somehow.
Everything
just seemed so clear to me
Nothing left to know.
I'll love you
right and I'll love you pure,
Right now.
How
can you say,
That it's too late
To save us now
And
I would wait for you, ooh
If you would wait for me, yeah.
I
will wait for you, ooh
if you will wait for me, yeah.
Intoxicated
the edge is serrated,
So easily torn from the core.
I blushed
the first time,
But you blushed the last time
My eyes hit your
mind
Regenerated these feelings of hatred,
I long for your
love evermore
You built me up and you broke me down
This time.
And
I would wait for you, ooh
If you would wait for me, yeah.
I
will wait for you, ooh
if you will wait for me, yeah.
How
can you say,
That its too late
To save us now?
(How can you
say)
I took one more glance at the photo before putting away the guitar and slipping into bed utterly exhausted.
Part 17
When I arrived to the box for my "date" with Aiden he walked up to me with presents behind is back and said "up" when I got to him followed by a please. He gave me a kiss on the cheeks. Then proceeded to shower me with presents. He had brought me candy, flowers, and a jersey of his dad's. "I got this from daddy's closet" he said proudly. "Did you ask daddy, first?" I said with a twinkle in my eye. "No" he said as he stared at his shoes. "Next time you should ask daddy before you take his things. Pinky swear?" I said. "What's that?" he said intrigued. "You don't know what a pinky swear is?" I said playing it up. "Tell me I'll be good" he said. "Okay well first you have to hold out your pinky like this" I said demonstrating. "And then you have to interlock your pinky with the person you are making a promise to like this" I said as I looped my pinky with his. "Now say I pinky swear that if I borrow something that I will ask the person that it belongs to permission" I said. "That too hard to remember" he said as his forehead creased in concentration. "I pinky swear" he said as he vigorously shook his head and interlocked his pinky with mine. "ask first" he said proudly. "So you're Jude" said the voice by the door.
Part 18
"Uncle Travis" said Aiden who jumped on the unsuspecting victim. "Ooomph" he said as Aiden clambered up him like a monkey on a tree. "What'd we talk about last time" said Travis. "To pretend you're my dad when you see a pretty girl you want to ask out!" said Aiden. "Jude taught me to pinky swear I'll show you" he exclaimed as he reached out for his free hand and spent the next few minutes explaining the intricacies of the pinky swear. "And then you do this and say pinky swear" said Aiden. "Fascinating" said Travis. "Aiden, I'll give you some candy if you let me talk to Jude for a few minutes" Travis said with a wink. "She's my date" said Aiden as he stamped his foot. "Okay she's your date" said Travis as Aiden fished the chocolate bar from his pocket.
Part 19
"You have a real way with kids" I said sardonically in Travis' direction. "It's a gift, really" he said with equal sarcasm. "So how'd you meet Jason" he said as he took a seat by me. "I was ice skating, very badly, by the way at Rockefeller Center and Aiden and Jason helped me up" I said remembering yesterday. "Aiden really likes you" he said as he looked over at Aiden whose face was covered in chocolate. "Listen let's cut the chase I don't want to see either of them get hurt" Travis said. "Jason and I were roommates in college; he had the hockey scholarship and I was on scholarship. We became best friends and when graduation came he paid for my law degree while he went off to the pros. Then when I finished law school he hired me as his attorney and here we are" he said as he looked at me trying to gage the type of person I am. "Are we clear" he said with a smile although it seemed more like he was baring his teeth. "Crystal" I said with a tight smile.
Part 20
It was near the end of the first period when Travis and Aiden came back. "So any takers?" I said with disgust. "Jude we got five numbers" said Aiden who was waving around a napkin above his head as if it were the Stanely Cup. "About average" said Travis. I gave him a disapproving look. "Don't hate the playa hate the game" said Aiden with a giggle. "What are you teaching this boy" I said. "Very valuable life lessons" said Travis. Aiden walked over to where I was sitting and made himself comfortable on my lap with his head resting under my chin.
Part
21
It was a tied game and there was electricity in the
air. The crowd was going nuts as the plays came fast and furious. The
puck had slid into the corner and Aiden's dad was racing to the
puck with 3 defensemen on the other team in hot pursuit. He was
hunched over trying to get the puck while battling with a defenseman
when he was blindsided by a hit followed by two more hits in
succession. The roar of the crowd died down as the players made room
for the medical team. His helmet had slid across the ice after the
first hit and there was a trail of blood on the boards. "Oh my God"
said Jude as she tightened her grip on Aiden who was desperately
trying to look at the scene on the ice.
Part 22
The EMS crew put a neck brace on him and carefully lifted his body on a stretcher. Travis, Aiden, and I had just gotten out of the stadium when the ambulance pealed out. Travis quickly pulled out his cell phone and called the team doctor. "They're bringing him to NYUMC. Let's go to the hospital" he said. The valet quickly pulled up his car, a Porsche Boxter; I kept my comments to myself as I wound the seatbelt around Aiden and myself.
Part 23
When we got to the waiting room a doctor was waiting for us. Travis walked over to him while I stayed with Aiden. "I wanna see my daddy" he cried looking up at me. "Me too sweetie me too" I murmured in his ear. I looked up at Travis who shook his head. "Can we see daddy, now" Aiden said as a tear trickled to the floor. "Why don't you go ask Uncle Travis" I said knowing what was to come. He pushed himself off my lap and ran over to Uncle Travis who picked him up and embraced him before he broke down into tears. "Uncle Travis don't be sad daddy will be alright" he said with youthful abandon. "That's just the thing, kiddo he's not alright" said Travis. He quickly put Aiden on the floor who was confused by his Uncle Travis' words. "I can't deal with this" said Travis as he walked out the door leaving me with a crumpled heap of an inconsolable 4-year old lying on the floor.
Part 24
"I wanna see my daddy" he said between hiccups. "Take me to my daddy" he said with his pain-filled eyes. "Please" he said. He reached his arms out to me and I immediately picked him up as his little arms wound their way around my neck. I quietly talked to the nurses before we headed in.
Part 25
They had cleaned all the blood from his head. He wasn't connected to any machines; he was layed out with a sheet covering his body. "Daddy's just sleeping" said Aiden as he got closer to the bed. He jumped out of my arms and clambered onto the bed while I looked on with my heart breaking. "Dad, get up!" said Aiden. "Come on dad, get up!" he said as he shook his shoulder. "Dad, come on get up! No sleeping allowed!" he said. When his dad didn't respond he looked up at me expectantly. How do you explain to a 4-year old child that his father wasn't sleeping that he in fact was dead? "Can you wake up daddy?" Aiden said in a squeak. "No, I can't Aiden" I said. "Please, I promise I'll be good!" he said. "I'll even pinky swear!" he said. "I'm sorry Aiden, but daddy's with mommy now" I said. "Can I go where daddy and mommy are?" he said as he looked up at me with those big green eyes. "You will someday" I said gently as I took him in my arms. "Do you pinky swear" he said. "I pinky swear" I said. "I'll see you soon daddy. You and mommy, both" he said. I didn't think my heart could break anymore than it had, but it did. "Don't cry Jude, when I visit mommy and daddy you can come too" he said.
Part 26
When Aiden and I exited the hospital Travis nor the Porsche were nowhere in sight. I didn't know what to do with Aiden so I brought him home with me. He was still asleep when we entered my apartment. I dressed him in one of my t-shirts and put him on the bed. When I went in the bathroom to change and brush my teeth I could hear his cries through the door. I opened the door and he ran towards me with his arms out. "It's okay, Aiden I'm here" I said as pulled him tightly to me. I turned off the lights and got into bed. His sobbing had subsided and his breathing started to go back to normal. He was asleep within minutes as I continued to rub his back and hum softly into his ear. I watched him sleep for hours before I succumbed to sleep.
Part 27
I was awoken early the next morning by some knocking on the door. Aiden was still asleep, so I pulled the covers up to his chin and tip toed my way to the door. When I opened the door Travis barged in without bothering to wait for me to invite him in. He looked terrible. He was still wearing last night's clothes, he had a 5 o'clock shadow, and smelled like a bar. He was clutching an envelope and started pulling papers out. "Nice to see you too, Travis" I said with a yawn. "Look can we cut the early morning banter" he said. "Nice Travis" I said as I walked to the kitchen. "And where do you think you're going?" he said with annoyance. "I think both of us could use a cup of coffee" I said from the kitchen.
Part 28
We had a total of 3 cups of coffee each before either of us said another word. "What happened to you last night?" I said to Travis. Travis ignored my query. He started taking the papers out of the envelope. "Jason left Travis to me" said Travis. "I can't take him" he said. "What do you mean you can't take him" I said. "I'm not the paternal type" he said. When he saw that I was clearly not to keen on his response he continued. "Jude I can barely take care of myself let alone a kid. And with my living habits…" Travis said. "He'd cramp your style" I said. "It sounds so much worse the way you say it" Travis said. "He's be much better off with you than with me" Travis said nervously. "Aye there's the rub" I said allowed. "Legally it's easy to do. I'll explain to the judge how unfit I am to be his guardian; they'll do a background check on you, you'd get visited by social workers to check on him, so what do you think" Travis said nervously tapping the kitchen table. I thought about the little boy sleeping in my bed. "Just so you know; I'm not doing this for you. To be honest you disgust me and I can't imagine what his life would be like with you" I said. "Glad you saw it my way" he said. "Get out of here" I said icily. "Jude come on can't we be friends?" he said. "I'm his Uncle Travis after all" Travis said. "Not anymore" I said. "You gave up any rights you had to him when you sold him over to me like he was a think, an inconvenience you couldn't possibly deal with. So thanks, but no thanks. You do what you have to do to get this done as quickly as possible and don't come by, again" I said with emphasis.
Part 29
It seemed like all of NYC had come out for Jason's funeral. Aiden was stoic the whole time. He held my hand as we each dropped a rose on top of the casket. It was a long and trying day for the both of us and when we both returned to my apartment we both got under the covers of the bed, me in my dress and Aiden in his suit and tie, and fell asleep.
Part 30
Christmas had finally arrived and neither of us wanted to celebrate. Aiden didn't want to do anything not surprisingly. "Aiden did you and your daddy have anything special planned to do for Christmas?" I asked gently. "He said I was big enough to go to the top of the Empire State building" he said. "We could still do that" I said tentatively. "Won't daddy be mad that we're going without him" he said unsure. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind" I said. "Okay" he said. Travis had stopped by once since I told him never to come back. He brought over Travis' clothes and to finalize everything. He told me that Steve had set up a trust for Travis that he could access once he turned 18 and their apartment would be maintained. Aiden stood in front of the drawers I had put his stuff in trying to pick out an outfit. He had put on his jeans and gap kids sweat shirt, but was having some issues putting on his socks and shoes. "Can you help me!" he said from off the floor. I gave him a look. "Please, mommy" he said tentatively. I took a sharp intake of breath at those words before I let out another breath. "Of course I will come here" I said as he settled against me. We put the socks on together and then I taught him how to tie his shoes making the bunny ear loops. "Like this" he said. "Almost" I said lying. His technique was gonna need work. "I can do it next time by myself" he said. "Of course you will sweetie" I said as I kissed the top of his head. When we arrived the line was relatively short. Aiden was really excited as the elevator zoomed up at an alarming speed. "Mommy you're squeezing me too tight" Aiden said as he squirmed in her grasp. "Sorry" I said. "It's okay I like it when you hug me tight" he said. "Good because I like to hug you as tight as I can" I said giving him another squeeze that made us both burst out laughing. As soon as the elevator doors opened he ran straight towards the nearest window and had his little face smooshed up against the glass. "Pick me up!" he exclaimed. When I gave him a look he remembered to say 'please with a cherry on top.' We stood there together for about an hour taking in the skyline when Aiden got bored and insisted I put him down so he could do some exploring on his own. I continued to stare out at the skyline thinking about everything that happened since I arrived and I just felt utterly lost. I shivered, but I wasn't cold. I turned around and scanned the room until I saw a pair of familiar blue eyes. "Jude…" said Tommy. I felt a sense of relief and calm as I buried my head in his chest. He kissed my forehead and it seemed as if everything was going to be okay again. I felt a slight tugging on my pants and looked down to see a pair of angry looking green eyes looking up at Tommy.