Everybody's Changing

by ISFAN

Instant Star Season 2: Jude returns from tour to find a much changed G Major and a chaotic life. This fan fic chronicles Jude's life from age 16 and into her 20s. Lots of drama. 33 episodes.

32. What Did I Get Myself Into

A/N: I don't own Instant Star. Reviews are always welcome.

Episode 32 - What Did I Get Myself Into

Part 1

What's the point of having a big house for two people? Okay, scratch that, two and change now that Tommy and I are going to have an addition. We have all these spare rooms, so I had the brilliant idea of having Sadie, E.J., and Kat move into the house, temporarily, until our buns in the oven entered the world. What us girls got out of it was obvious; three other people to bitch with about our current state, basically a support system. What did the guys get out of our little arrangement you may ask? Saving gas money is one. Trust me, when a pregnant woman has a craving and she asks her guy to go get said craving it pretty much causes a reaction chain and the other three preggers must have their own said craving as well. And this system is pretty brilliant considering the guys worked it in shifts allowing the others to get more sleep and stay relatively stress free; okay that's a flat out lie. Four pregnant women and four clueless guys; you do the math.

Part 2

"I am going to castrate who ever took the last poptart and didn't bother throwing away the empty poptart box! I mean honestly who does that!" Jude yelled from the kitchen. Jamie, who was said offender and had begun to sweat profusely, quickly walked out of the living room and to another safer part of the house. He spotted Jake leaving his room. Jake slowly made the long walk down the hallway and began to stretch and yawn. "Here Jake have a poptart" Jaime said as he shoved the pastry in Jake's half open mouth. "Thanks Jamers! Ummm, strawberry" said Jake. "Safe now" Jamie said. Jake walked into the kitchen unsuspecting and was greeted by a very irate Jude. "Good morning Jude" Jake said while munching on the poptart. Jude took one look at him finishing the last poptart and started stampeding towards him.

Part 3

Before the impending beat down Tommy grabbed Jude by waist using one arm while opening the wrapper of some poptarts. "We're you looking for these?" said Tommy innocently. Jude impatiently took them out of Tommy's hands, nuked them in the microwave, and began to munch on them. "Nice cover up Tommy, but the ones that were in the finished box were s'mores. I love you though for trying!" said Jude who gave Tommy a kiss on the cheek. When Jude looked around the kitchen she saw that Jake had made his escape.

Part 4

"Hey Jake" said Jamie. "Don't hey Jake me Andrews!" said Jake. "You knew perfectly well what you were doing when you gave me Jude's poptarts" said Jake with annoyance. "You seem to be in one piece" said Jamie who eyed him over. "I'm only in one piece because Tommy gave her the emergency poptarts he keeps hidden" said Jake accusingly. "Next time, find someone else to take the fall" said Jake. "Hey guys" said Jackson. Jake continued to glare at Jamie. "Poptarts" said Jackson. "I can't help myself" said Jamie who shrugged apologetically. The three guys slowly made their way over to the kitchen.

When they reached it, Sadie, E.J., Kat, and Jude were sitting around the table and Tommy was looking into the fridge. He shook his head and slowly began opening the cabinets one by one. "We're out of food" Tommy stated. "Have you checked the pantries? The bomb shelter?" said Jamie. "Yup, we're completely out" said Tommy. "Whose turn is it to go grocery shopping?" Tommy asked. Everyone immediately said that they had gone the last time. "Will one of you just be a man and volunteer" said E.J. No one made a move. "Okay, how about rocks, paper, scissor" said Jake. "Fine" they all said. Jamie ended up losing much to Jake's delight. "It's karma man" said Jake. "Just shut up and give me the list" said Jamie.

Part 5

The four pregnant women were still sitting around the table. "So don't be mad, but I signed the four of us up for a class at the gym?" said Sadie. "We're not fat Sades just pregnant! And besides you're supposed to gain about 25 to 35 pounds and I plan on enjoying every single one!" said Jude. "You know male seahorses are the ones who give birth; I should have been a female seahorse" said E.J. who had been feeling "moody" lately. "Endorphins are supposed to make you happy! You could use it." said Kat with empathy. Everyone separated to their rooms to get ready.

"I'm gonna have to talk to Tommy about getting a bigger water heater!" I said with my teeth chattering. I got out of the shower, draped on my towel, and went rummaging in my drawers. Finding nothing suitable to wear, I went over to Tommy's drawer and pulled out one of his t-shirts and oversized sweatpants. I held his clothes close to my face and breathed in. I don't know how long I had been standing there when my trance was broken by someone calling my name. "Jude hurry up we're already late for class!" Sadie yelled. I quickly threw it on and hastily put my hair in a pony tail and raced down the stairs. E.J. looked hardcore in her tank top and body hugging yoga pants. Kat was wearing some gym clothes she had designed. And Sadie had a similar outfit as mine. "I'll drive" I chimed. All of them shook their heads. "I've so gotten better!" I said defensively. E.J. grabbed her keys and shoved all of us out the door.

Part 6

When we arrived at the gym there seemed to be herds and herds of people. We got turned this way and that. "Sadie do you know, which room our class is in?" Kat asked. "Sure, it's um this one" she said as she pulled open the nearest door. Twenty pairs of eyes locked with ours. "Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence. You're only a half an hour late in a 90 minutes class. Now the class can finally begin" he said with slightly veiled venom. He was wearing a tank top, capri pants, and sweat was glistening on his sculpted arms, chest, and legs. He was definitely nice to look at. "What are you waiting for?" he said. I looked around to see that Sadie, Kat, and E.J. had found bikes to sit on in different areas of the room. The only one remaining was in the very front. I quickly got to the bike and tried to adjust the seat, but I was having a little trouble. He came over, so I started fidgeting with it. "Stop" he said. "There" he said. I sat there shamed face staring at the floor. As I looked around the room I noticed that everyone in here looked extremely fit and definitely not pregnant. I started to feel self conscious in my sweats. "Okay class, now we're gonna start doing the San Francisco hills setting if you can handle it" he said eyeing me in particular. "Geez do I have a bulls eye on my forehead or something" I mumbled under my breath. "What was that? You in the front. What's your name?" he said pointing a finger at me. "It's a…" I mumbled embarrassed. "Speak up" he said. "Her name is Jude" said Sadie. "That's great, but was I talking to you?" he said. Sadie glared at him. "That's what I thought" he said. I looked over at Kat who was scratching her nose, a.k.a. totally giving the instructor the middle finger. I couldn't help, but laugh aloud. He glared at me even more and I felt like I had shrunk to half my size. "Let's begin" he said.

Part 7

It wasn't so bad in the beginning and then it got progressively worse. "So I'm a little out of shape; no big deal" I thought to myself. I looked over at my compatriots and saw that Kat and Sadie looked just as red and sweaty as me. Only E.J. looked like she was enjoying herself; she had an evil grin on her face; I'd have to ask her about it later. "God I need a water break" I thought to myself. I looked over at E.J. who was the only smart one to bring a water bottle and started pantomiming. I caught her eye and she literally hurled the Poland spring bottle at me without warning. Before the bottle could hit me square in the face I closed my eyes and mentally braced myself for the hit. Nothing happened. I peaked and saw a hand holding the bottle. I reached out for it, but to no avail. "Say please" he said as he waved it around my face. I folded my arms across my chest. I just had about my fill of humiliation for one day. The room only seemed to contain me and him as we stared at one another neither refusing to break it. To my annoyance he slowly opened the bottle and started drinking the water as if he were in a Gatorade commercial. "God was I getting even thirstier by the minute" I thought, but I wouldn't give in. And then the bastard finished the water and tossed it in the garbage.

Part 8

I was so mad that my anger kept me fueled to cycle just as fast as he did perhaps even faster. I could barely see from the sweat pouring down my forehead. If I had looked around I would have noticed that Sadie and Kat had given up and were to the side resting and drinking water. E.J. eventually tired out as well. I wouldn't let up. Suddenly the techno stopped playing and the screen that showed San Francisco blacked out. "Good class everyone see you next week" he said. I got off my bike feeling stiff and really thirsty. Sadie thrust a water bottle into my hand and ordered me to drink. I drank until I could feel the water sloshing around in my belly. The four of us were walking out of the room when I blacked out, so maybe there was a point to drinking those sports drinks since they return electrolytes and salts into your body. Before I hit the ground I felt a pair of strong arms around me.

Part 9

When I woke up I saw four pairs of eyes on me; I tried sitting up, but the dizziness made me lie back down. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant!" he hissed through his teeth. "Actually the four of us are pregnant. That class seemed way advanced for pregnant women" Kat said. "That's because it was an advanced spinning course. The exercise class for pregnant women is in studio f" he said. "Sadie" E.J. and Kat both yelled. "Sadie if I ever get off the floor I'm going to kill you!" I said. "Then I guess you won't be an aunt" said Sadie. "Here drink this" he said as he slowly helped me sit up. I tasted a burst of sweetness on my tongue. "Hmmm strawberry and banana" I said. "I'm sorry if I gave you a hard time in there" he said. "Are you really sorry or is it cause I'm pregnant that you pull the sympathy card" I said. "I um…" he said. "What cat got your tongue!" I said. "I guess I deserved that" he said shamefaced. "You deserve a lot of things" said E.J. "So I see the endorphins haven't kicked in yet" said Kat to E.J. "You better sleep with one eye open tonight Bennett" said E.J. "Jude, I repeat hide all sharp objects from that one!" said Kat. "So I'll see you four next week?" he said. We all gave him a look. "Or not" he said as he got up and brushed himself off and walked away. "I'll give you one thing he does have a cute ass" I said as I tilted my head. The three of them did the same and we all started to giggle.

Part 10

Tommy's cell phone started playing "Time to be your 21." He glanced down and saw he had a new text message. "We're on our way back from the gym. Run a bath for Jude. She needs it; I'll explain later" – Sadie. Tommy furrowed his brow. Tommy took the stairs two at a time until he entered their bathroom in the master bedroom. He turned on the water and let it run. He was looking through the cabinets and drawers until he found what he was looking for; it was what he wasn't looking for that sent him reeling. Tommy held it in his hands reverently. He marveled at it; it took him to a time and place that caused him to mist up. A shudder went through his body as a tear fell. He straightened up; put some bubble bath solution in the tub and placed it lovingly in the water.

Part 11

"You guys I'm fine! Sadie, stop acting like a mother hen!" I said as I swatted away her hands. Tommy watched in fascination until Kat came in between the two women before they came to blows. Tommy took in her stark appearance. Jude's hair was lank, her cheeks were flushed, and she was looking pale. Tommy felt a knot of apprehension in his stomach. Without thinking he scooped her up and carried her up the stairs. "Tommy, I'm perfectly capable of walking" I said although truthfully I relished every second seeing as how I totally over did it at the gym. He put me down once we reached the bathroom. He methodically began undressing me. "Okay dad I think I can take it from here!" I said through gritted teeth. "Jude you have to take better care of yourself, especially with our baby on the way" he said with his hands on my shoulders as his ocean eyes bore into mine. "Our baby" I said as the annoyance melted away and I subconsciously put my hand on my stomach. Tommy gently placed his over the hand on my stomach. "Now get in the tub you stink" he said with a playful shove. "Way to ruin the moment Quincy I ought to…" the words died in my mouth as I turned facing the tub and saw what was floating atop the water. "I thought it was lost. When I was packing his room I couldn't find it anywhere…" I stammered as I held it to my chest. "I found it while I was preparing your bath" Tommy said choked up. "This means so much to me" I said as I held the boat in my hands; the boat Aiden had so generously offered Tommy while I had made the two of them take a bath after the day at the zoo. "Have I told you how much I love you, how in love with you I am" I said as I hugged him not caring that I was half naked. "At least 3 times a day, but I like to hear you say it" he said as he drank me with his eyes. "I love you" I said. "I love you" he said as he gave me a hug. "Awww now I have Jude sweat all over me" Tommy feigned disgust. "Oh well, I guess you'll have to join me" I said mischievously as I pulled his shirt over his head. "If you insist" Tommy said. "I so insist. Come here" I said as I pulled him by his belt loops towards the bathtub.

Part 12

Their clothes were scattered along the bathroom floor. I sighed with contentment as Tommy began to massage my feet. After a good ten minutes on each foot he began to gently massage my legs, which had gotten pretty stiff due to the cycling. I was in absolute ecstacy. And then I was in absolute pain when he shifted his position in the bathtub and began to work on the knots on my shoulders and back; although, at least I had a comfortable pillow to lean back against; that would be Tommy of course. "Jude, just close your eyes and try to relax" he said gently in my ear, so I did what I was told with little protest and closed my eyes. After a few minutes Tommy began to hear snores. He smiled to himself. He gently got out from under Jude and toweled himself dry. He picked up his sleeping beauty, put her in her pajamas, and tucked her into bed. He was glad Jude was such a heavy sleeper. Feeling too restless to join her in bed he watched her sleep for a while. Then he quietly tiptoed around the room, picked up a pad and paper, and took the acoustic guitar out from under the bed.

Part 13

When Jude finally woke up she saw Tommy sitting on the edge of the bed. "Tommy, what are you doing way over there" I said as I reached toward him. I looked down at myself. "I don't remember putting on my pajamas" I said confused. Tommy had an amused grin on his face. I smacked myself in the forehead, "Oh God please don't tell me I fell asleep on you" I groaned. Tommy began to laugh earnestly and I covered my head under my pillow. "Don't be embarrassed" he said teasingly as he gently uncovered my face from beneath my hiding spot. "Besides, if you hadn't fallen asleep I wouldn't have written this" Tommy said. "Will you play it for me?" I said. He nodded his head and began strumming on the guitar.

"Faces" (Josh Kelley – For the Ride Home)

I like the faces you make at me
When we're lying in bed
They are always so beautiful
I like the way you tuck your body close to me
When we're sleeping it's all right
CHORUS
Dream your fears away
And I'll be here all day
Dry your eyes
'Cause I'm here to spend
This moment in your arms again
The forecast calls for rain to take away the day
I guess we'll just have to stay
Inside the room
I'll bring your breakfast warm to wake you
From your dream
As I lift your head upright
CHORUS
And so good love
The day between us comes and goes
So soon and so magical
You bring the lock
I'll bring the key to set you free
As I lay your body down
CHORUS
This moment now
This moment now...
This moment in your arms...
This moment in your arms again

He placed the guitar on the floor and sat next to me in bed. "What did you think?" he said. "I think I can safely say that I won't be falling asleep, again" I said as placed a kiss on his lips. "Are you sure, Jude, because you still look a little tired" he said with concern. "First of all never tell a girl she looks tired. Second of all, just shut up and kiss me Quincy!" I said as I looked at him challengingly only to feel his lips on mine. And then there was no need for words.

Part 14

Tommy and Jude sauntered downstairs with secret smiles and took their seats at the dinner table. There was an array of take out boxes sprawled on the table. "Sorry we ordered without you guys, but you were occupied" said Sadie discreetly. "Yeah, I mean I knocked and knocked and no answer" said Jake, who being Jake, was completely oblivious. "What were you two doing that you couldn't bother answering the door?" he said. EJ smacked him soundly in the back of the head. "Ow" he said. "You know brain cells don't regenerate" said Jamie who in turn got smacked by Kat. Kat made some hand gestures towards Jake. "Okay, my pint sized muffin of love I think we all got the message" said Jamie who covered Kat's hands with his own. "Okay, well I for one still don't get it. And besides I don't speak sign language" said Jake. "Oh for the love of God, Jake, they were having sex!" EJ cried out in frustration. "Why aren't we having sex?" said Jake. EJ looked just about ready to strangle him. Justifiable homicide, anyone? Everyone else around the table tried their best to keep neutral expressions on their faces. Paolo and Sadie started passing out the food. It was about half-way through dinner when Jake cried out, "Oh that's what that sign language you keep referring to as "hand gestures" meant?" And that was when EJ's patience ran out and she nailed him in the face with some meatballs and commenced the food fight.

A good half an hour passes. "Who knew dumplings could bruise" Tommy said in dismay. "Aw honey just think of it as a badge of honor" I teased punching him in the arm. He picked up a noodle that had gotten stuck in my hair. "My hero" I said. Clean up was slow, but the prospect of facing it in the morning was not an option. "Oh you've got a little something…" Tommy said as he leaned down and kissed me soundly. "Hmm, tiramisu" he said licking his lips. "Tommy, there was no tiramisu" I said. "Oh really" he said innocently. "Yeah, so admit it?" I said. "Admit what?" he said. "That you wanted to kiss me under false pretenses?" I said. In a flash he had grabbed the cheesecake out of Jamie's hands and smeared some all over my face. "Oh, so is that how you want to play" I said as I grabbed the macaroni and cheese and smothered it all over Tommy's hair. Tommy grabbed more food and aimed it at me, but I ducked in time and it got Paolo instead. Needless to say food fight number two was inevitable.

When the leftovers adorned the floor, walls, and ceiling there was an unspoken truce. This time EJ took over the post of clean up manager and no one was stupid enough to cross the feisty Asian. Everyone was sleeping on their feet by the time the place was spic and span. E.J. inspected the room up and down before she dismissed everyone. Tommy and I made our way to our room. I began to strip out of my food stained clothes and so did Tommy. With the last of my strength I pulled the covers off and got into bed. He pulled me in close, so my back was touching his chest and his arm was draped across my waist. With his hand lightly resting on my stomach I closed my eyes.

Part 15

I'd be lying if I told you the rest of the pregnancy and everything that went along with it went smoothly. Let's just say I hope my unborn soon to be born bundle of joy appreciates wearing mommy's favorite clothes because someone hasn't mastered the concept of laundry. I could have sworn we were all impregnated around the same time, but Sadie being the competitive nut that she is must have passed that gene along to her daughter because Sophia decided to come early. I've got to give it to Paolo though he was absolutely there for her and stoic and perfect. I know the three of them are going to be really happy. Kat's baby boy; he's going to be a handful I can tell. Jamie seems to be terrified of accidentally dropping him; it's cute. He's got this I love you, so much, but please try not to squirm so much. He's a baby Jamie! He's going to be the best dressed baby let me tell you. E.J. and Jake. It's funny because once the labor started E.J. magically transformed into this helpless crying female and all of the sudden Jake was the one taking charge. I'm so glad I had the foresight to bring the video camera for future viewings of hilarity. It's funny to watch those two together because they're such opposites, but they exude such warmth and love towards each other; I guess opposites do attract minus how cliché that sounds. I on the other hand am desperately trying to remember what it felt like to be about fifty pounds lighter; I know! Fifty pounds is a lot. I blame Tommy, out loud even; he takes it like a good sport. I can sense his unease as the days go by. I keep telling him that everything is going to be fine and squeeze his hand in reassurance, but I don't know that. I don't know that everything is going to be fine. I just hope and pray that it will be.

Part 16

I dip the paint brush into the paint can and let the excess drip off before I climb onto the stepladder. I hum as I begin my work. After a half an hour I start to feel lightheaded and remembered that I had forgotten to open the window. I take deep gulps of the fresh air and my headaches slowly starts to dissipate. Two coats later and I'm admiring my work. I see some trouble spots and begin to work on those. I'm working on the last spot; it's too high I sighed as I stand on my tippy toes and start to lean dangerously to the side. I stick my tongue out in concentration. I'm really straining now to reach the spot when the ladder starts to sway. I drop the paint brush and desperately try to grab anything I can; I hear an oomph. I look up to see my rescuer who does not look in the least bit happy. He carries me towards the couch and gently deposits me there before chewing me out. I let him get all the anger out. I hear the words "crazy" and "better care" and start to imagine what it would be like to actually hold the baby in my arms for the first time and to feel that unshakeable bond that so few of us have with those in our lives. "Are you even listening?" he says. "I'm sorry okay; I didn't like that shade after all and no one was around to help, so I thought…" I mumbled. "that'd you'd go ahead and do it and everyone else be damned" said Tommy. "It sounded much better in my head" I said. "Yeah I bet" he muttered. I look at him with puppy dog eyes. "Not working" he said as he closes his eyes. I get up off the couch and kiss him. "I'm sorry, okay, I promise to be more careful" I said. Tommy gave me a look. "And not to do things I shouldn't be doing without supervision" I said. I could see I was breaking down his resolve. "Thanks for catching me by the way" I said. "I'll always catch you" he said as his fingers intertwined with my own. He was about to kiss me when I grabbed my stomach in pain and felt a rush of water.

Part 17

Did I mention that Tommy made us meticulously practice the "what to do when a pregnant woman's water breaks." Well preparation meant squat because everything that could go wrong did. I'm talking the emergency bag wasn't packed. Tommy was haphazardly throwing things inside my gym bag. Tommy I don't think I'm going to need my hairdryer in the delivery room. "What? Oh, right" he said as he frantically thrust it out of the bag. "Aaarrgh" I cried out as I gritted my teeth. Oh and did I mention that Tommy has refused to get a "family" car. The closest thing we have to a family car is the hummer since it has more than two seats. Tommy throws the bag into the back seat and helps me into my seat. We've made it out of the driveway and halfway to the hospital we managed to run out of gas and get a flat tire. Luckily as we hitchhiked our way there someone was kind enough to stop and give us a lift. Did I mention that that someone happened to be a huge Boyz Attack fanatic? I'm pretty sure she had a shrine dedicated to Tommy. Yes there was screaming and tears and not from me. Also, dagger looks headed in my direction; so I'm having Little Tommy Q's lovechild. Get over it. All in all it was not the happiest fifteen minutes of my life. "Jude, loosen the death grip there" Tommy practically squeaked in a falsetto, which I found hilarious. "Sorry" I said innocently as I squeezed his hand even harder on the next contraction. A nurse helped me into the wheelchair and all I can remember thinking was how long until the stupid epidural started to kick in. Tommy was in and out of the delivery room; he was a nervous wreck. He called E.J. who of course called everyone. So, the delivery room was more than a little full and at one point people were kicked out. I think at one point I yelled out for morphine; oh good times, not. "Jude, I know you're tired, but you have to keep pushing" Tommy coaxed as he wiped the sweat from my forehead. "I'm just so tired" I said. Tommy started making the Lamaze noises and I started laughing hysterically through my tears of pain. I shut my eyes as I thrust my whole being into the push. Stars start to dance in my eyes as I hear the wail of a baby. "You did great, Jude" Tommy said as he kissed her cheek. "Okay Jude we're going to need to ask you for a few more pushes for the other baby, okay?" said the man hidden behind the mask. "The other baby" Tommy said dumbly. I pushed like my life depended on it; scratch that I pushed like both our lives depended on it. I dimly remember seeing the doctor hand the other baby to the nurse to clean off before I closed my eyes to oblivion.

Part 18

Tommy looked down at Jude. "Why is there so much blood" Tommy asked the doctors. "Jude can you hear me? Squeeze my hand if you can, please" Tommy said desperately. The machines that were monitoring Jude's vitals started to beep frantically before the wavy lines started to plateau. Tommy lost it right then and there. "Can somebody please get him out of here" said the doctor. Tommy grabbed the doctor. "Sir, let me go. Let me do my job" the doctor said. Tommy felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Kwest. "C'mon Tommy" Kwest said as he hauled Tommy out of the delivery room. When Tommy exited through the double doors he was met by a huge group of people all clamoring to know what was going on. Kwest put his hand up and they gave Kwest and Tommy space; Jude's family and friends walked towards the baby ward and left Tommy in Kwest's hands.

Part 19

"Tommy you need to calm down" Kwest said who was always the voice of reason in Tommy's life. "It's happening all over again" Tommy said as he dragged his fingers through his hair in frustration. "It's not, Tom. Jude's a fighter. You'll see" Kwest said to reassure his best friend. Tommy literally jumped out of his seat every time someone came out of the delivery room, but there was still no news. Tommy's body language was not good. "Tommy you keep pacing like that and you're gonna reach the foundation" Kwest joked. Tommy glared at him. "Too soon for jokes, huh?" said Kwest. "Look waiting around is driving you crazy, obviously. Why don't we go say hi to your kids" Kwest said, which stopped Tommy in his tracks. "If there is any news I'm sure someone will come and find you" said Kwest. Tommy reluctantly agreed. Tommy pressed his forehead against the glass and closed his eyes until he heard tapping against the glass. He opened an eyelid. The neonatal nurse beckoned for him to come inside the room. He dug his hands in his pockets and entered cautiously. She asked him who he was and then led him to his babies, a boy and a girl. He marveled at how small their little hands were and awed at the strength in their grips when he offered his pinky. His felt an ache in his heart when he thought about Jude, how she must be doing, how she must be feeling. He saw the nurse leave the room for a few seconds and strained to hear the whispered conversation in the hall. She came back into the room and walked with him silently to the waiting room. It was deathly silent. "Jude's in stable condition" said the doctor. Everyone sighed audibly with relief. "The twins' birth was hard on Jude's body; she lost a lot of blood and there were complications. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but Jude won't be able to have anymore kids. She's lucky that she was able to survive the delivery" said the doctor solemnly. Tommy sat down hard feeling the pain in his chest magnified. "Jude's awake. I've told her the news" said the doctor. "Can we see her" Tommy said boring holes in the ground with his gaze. "She's weak and in a very vulnerable state" said the doctor. Tommy nodded. "You can see her" he said his words aimed at Tommy. "She'll be needing all of you" said the doctor.

Part 20

"Hey, girl" Tommy said tentatively as he sat on Jude's bed. "Shhh don't cry, Jude" Tommy said as she burrowed her head into his chest. "I know" he said into her hair. "I know" he said as his tears mixed with hers. Jude made room for Tommy on the bed and the two of them slept.

Part 21

Jude hadn't been asleep for that long when two nurses came in with the babies. She hadn't seen them since the delivery and hadn't gotten a chance to hold either one of them yet for the first time. Tommy sat up and rubbed his eyes. The nurse gave each of them a baby to hold. As she held her son in her arms Jude felt utter happiness, a sense of wonder washed over her as she looked at what she and Tommy had made together. It was better than any song they had every written especially when for a split second her son looked up at her face and smiled; her heart melted right then and there. Tommy looked at how small his daughter was in his arms and he knew he was hooked right there. After a few minutes of cooing and coddling they switched babies. There was an instant connection between the parents and the twins, an unshakeable bond was forged in that room that day. "Now I have another little Tommy Q; boy am I in big trouble" I teased. "Although for confusion sake we can call him by his middle name and use his first name only when he's in trouble, which since he's your son will probably be a lot!" I said. "Thomas Kristopher and Kara Elizabeth" I said with a smile. "Tommy about what the doctor said about not being able to have any more children…" I said. "It doesn't matter Jude. All that matters is that you're safe, we have two beautiful children, and we're a family now" Tommy said as tears rolled down his cheeks. "Tommy are you crying" I said in astonishment. "I'm just so happy" he said. "So these are good tears?" I said. "Jude there'll only be good tears from now on" he said as he placed kisses on Kara, Kris, and me.