1. Wasn't Expecting That
"Okay dude, it's all done. Don't forget to call me if you need anything okay? I am heading back home; just take care of her would you?"-Tommy asked the man standing in front of him. The man nodded and gave a 'thanks' look to Tommy. Tommy just nodded in understanding. He had finished up his "business" in Montana and was now headed back to Canada. a/n you will find out what was up with that little girl in the finale later, which is the "business" just incase you didn't catch that Tom Quincy turned around and couldn't wait to get home. He couldn't wait to see one person in particular, Jude.
And we go to Ny.
Jude Harrison woke up early one morning. It was a Wednesday and she had classes. She was in her third year of college in New York and she hadn't talked to Tommy since she was screaming his name as he drove away. She decided to move on even though she knew he would always be in her heart. She now lived with a guy (Alex) who owns the house and her new best friend (Brittany). Alex was the next Jamie to her; he was always there for her and seemed to always know what she needed, and best of all; he hated Sadie, understood about her and her family problems, and would never dream of dating Brittany (like the whole Kat and Jamie thing). The three of them were really close, even though Jude was still Jude, Alex was a surfer kind of guy, and Brittany was the Cheer Squad Captain. Alex was tall, thin, and had blonde hair which he either spiked up or just put it in a flip, Brittany was small and thin with short brown hair with blonde highlights. So, back to Jude's Day:
Jude woke up and lazily went in to take a shower. Alex had a bathroom in his room and Brittany was away for the week at a dance competition. Jude stripped off her shorts and sweat-shirt and got under the hot liquid. It burned at first but she needed it to wake her up; she couldn't get through the day without her hot shower and (since she moved to the states) Starbucks. If she was totally running late she would make her own coffee but there was no way she could go without caffeine. She stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her. She made her was across the hallway and into her room. After picking out faded jeans and a white beater with a black bra she was ready for class. She stepped out of her room and almost directly into Alex who had his hand up in a fist like he was about to knock. "Wasn't sure if you were up yet, ready to get coffee?"-Alex asked. Jude and Alex walk to the Starbucks down the road almost everyday for coffee and then back home before class. "Yeah, I'm ready." Jude replied softly. She was still tired. They walked to get their coffee and were headed back home. Jude ran inside once they reached the house again and grabbed her book bag and some pop tarts, never losing track of her coffee. She ran outside as a black Porsche pulled up and the guy inside started honking the horn.
Guy: Jude, Alex c'mon guys I don't feel like getting yelled at by Fitzpatrick again. She already hates me because I am not as perfect as my sister. Can I please get there on time for once!
Jude (getting in the passenger side): Aw. Ken. Sorry but the daily trip for coffee was a little delayed this morning. But we come bearing gifts.
Jude handed Ken a frappochino. They made sure they always got one for him whenever they were going to be late. He loved those things. Ken drove Jude and Alex to class everyday. Alex and Ken were best friends; Ken was a preppy guy with dark brown hair which he always had in a flip. Ken was a guy you could trust and Jude liked that. He liked her too, hint hint. Ken was a total playboy but seemed to have a little more than a thing for Jude. The only one that knew about this however was Alex; and vise versa. Alex was into Jude, a lot.
Alex (climbing in the back): Calm down Junior. a/n hint hint to all you Wildfire fans We don't care if you get in trouble or not; out class doesn't start till half an hour after yours.
Ken: 1. don't bring my dad into this with the whole Junior thing. 2. Why do I drive you guys, let around hang out with you?
Jude was giggling the whole time, thankfully because Alex mumbled: I can guess why and it has nothing to do with me.
Ken (turned around and glared at him)
Jude: Aw. Poor Kenny. (She leaned over and kissed his cheek) I'm sorry I will stop laughing.
Ken turned to her and gave her a thanks look. As he did so Jude started laughing hysterically. Jude: (in between laughs) i-am-so-sorry-but-your-face-was-hillarious!
Ken put the car in reverse and drove over to campus. They all went their separate ways to their classes.
Back to Tommy.
The whole time he was away he saw her eyes glowing and pleading his to come back. Now that he was on his way home he saw them happy and excited to see him. You could tell he was fantasizing. Jude was going to flip but he was determined to make it work with her; even if they just became friends which is what he really wanted for when he got back (at first anyway). He walked into G-Major. He had talked to Darius who agreed to give him his job back. Everyone was busy running around, even Jared, the new producer. He got Tommy's slack and Kwest's since he moved to Ny with Jude. Kwest was there however, picking up some papers. Well, actually runny around frantic with a stack of papers in his hand. When Kwest caught Tommy's eye he stopped in his tracks and dropped the papers. Luckily they went down with a thud and didn't really move instead of flying everywhere. Tommy strutted over to Kwest and picked up the papers. Kwest was still struck but was able to get some words out. "What the HELL are you doing back?"
Tommy: Glad to know I was missed. I came to get my job back, and maybe get some of my friends back too.
Kwest: You know we will be aiight once you work at it but there is no way in hell you have a chance with Jude if that's what you are getting at.
Tommy: I just need to talk to her.
Kwest: Good luck with that, considering you don't know where she is. And there is no way in hell I am telling you. You know what you did to her man? It's not even the fact that you left her, yeah she was heartbroken but her family fell apart man. She hasn't talked to her dad in god knows how long, her mom said she was going on her honeymoon and never came back, and her and Sadie got in a huge fight, over you. Sadie broke Jude's nose and Sadie needed stitches in her head. They haven't spoken since. You are so lucky she had other shoulders than yours to cry on. I don't know what she would have done if Chaz and I weren't here, she probably would be all cut up and shit.
Tommy: Whoa whoa woah, what? Chaz, what the hell does Chaz have to do with all this?
Tommy was getting angry.
Kwest: Chaz came to help out with producing after you left and he and Jude got close. He's with her now actually. Not in a dating kind of way but he is where she is. And that's where I am going; college that is. She's in college now and doing great. (pause) See ya!
Kwest started to walk away but Tommy grabbed his arm.
Tommy: What! But I asked for my job back here so I could be with her!
Kwest: That's too bad man, 'cause I am on my way back home, my new home, and I really don't want to see you near Jude. I am actually going to do you a favor and not tell Jude I saw you here. So why don't you just go back to wherever the hell you were hiding and stay there. Because Jude doesn't need you anymore. No one. needs you. anymore.
Kwest was really getting irritated and was getting in Tommy's face. Tommy didn't loosen his grip so Kwest tugged his arm out of the grasp and started walking to the door. Tommy followed in a hurry pace.
Tommy: She needs to know why I left! Please just tell me where to find her!
Tommy was now pleading and basically one step away from going down to his knees.
Kwest (looked at Tommy): I swear to god if you hurt her again I will never take pity on you again and just beat you to a fricken pulp and you of all people should know I can. You were always right next to me in a fight.
Tommy (smiled): Thanks man, so where is she?
Kwest (smiled): New York, go buy your ticket and we will head over together. Just don't act all jealous. Most of her friends are guys. But they are good guys. Chaz too.
Tommy: Alright, let me just go and talk to Darius, you think he can transfer me there too?
Kwest: Why don't you see how things go with Jude first?
Tommy: Yeah, your probably right man. Thanks again.
Kwest: Yeah Yeah.
They got on their flight to Ny. Kwest had his car waiting there so he wouldn't disturb Jude during classes or anything. They climbed into Kwest's Mustang and drove over to his apartment. It was getting late and they were both tired. Kwest set everything up for Tommy in the guest room. They drifted off to sleep in their separate rooms, both dreaming about the same thing; Jude's reaction to seeing Tommy. How much Kwest wanted to witness this fiasco he needed to work tomorrow. He needed to work with Chaz on an artist they shared and what not. Tommy had his viper sent over and should be there by the morning. They way Kwest could go to work and everything without worrying about Tommy.
Meanwhile…
Ken drove Jude and Alex home and when they got there they saw Brittany's Lexus in the driveway and figured she was back early. They thanked Ken for the ride and invited him inside but he needed to get back. They waved as he drove away. Then Alex turned to Jude, "Well, if Brittany is home it was either really bad or really good because she loves traveling for dance. She wouldn't just come home early, ready to face whatever it is she has to dish out?"
Jude (smiled): Please I am a girl; girl talk is what we do. The question is are you ready?
Alex started laughing and put an arm around her shoulders. They walked into the house together to find Brittany and her boyfriend, Mike, sitting at the table eating left-over Chinese food and laughing. This was unusual because usually when Mike was over and they were alone Jude was either scarred or Alex had to cover her eyes for her, so that she wouldn't be. When Brittany and Mike realized they weren't alone Brittany jumped up to hug Jude. "Hey guys. How were things while I was gone?"
Jude: Fine, what are you doing home so early? I thought you loved traveling for dance?
Britt: I do but a girl on the other team dropped out because she hurt her ankle and didn't tell anyone. I felt bad but we decided to just come home because Andrea had an exam or something coming up and since we weren't dancing she wanted to get back. Might as well anyway, I hate winning by default. I like to prove myself ya know?
Jude: Yeah I know. Well I have class again tomorrow so I will see you guys later. Night Mike!
Mike: Night Jude!
Jude went into her room and changed into her normal shorts and sweatshirt. She drifted into sleep and when she heard her alarm ring it was way too early.
Jude got up and did all of her normal routines, along with Alex and Brittany who decided to get coffee with her this morning. Ken drove over to pick them up as usual. Brittany didn't go because she didn't have classes on Thursday. Jude walked into the large classroom and took her normal seat in the back. The teacher began speaking. They had a test today so Jude was busy looking her notes for the last minute.
At Kwest's Apartment
Tommy stretched out on the bed. Then he realized where he was and where he needed to be today. He got up and found a note that Kwest left for him. It read:
Yo Tom,
Jude has class today at like 11 and the
Campus is at 123 Degrassi AVE. She has
Math today and only one class.
I left for work and will call you later, just don't
Make an ass out of yourself got it? Or embarrass
Jude. Give her time if she explodes.
--Kwest
Tommy chuckled to himself and got dressed. He went outside to find his beautiful Viper sitting in the hallway with a receipt and note saying what number to call if he found any problems and what not. He drove to the campus area and noticed everyone should still be in class; it was only 11:10 so he decided to find her classroom. He asked on girl who walked by and was surprised by what she said.
Tommy: Excuse me can you point me in the direction of the Math room?
Girl: Oh my god! You're…
Tommy flinched realizing that he picked the wrong girl to ask: Yeah, I know. Little Tommy Q from Boyz Attack! Can you do me a favor and keep it low because I really don't want to attract anyone.
Girl: Oh, really? Cool I guess. I was going to say Tom Quincy the most awesome producer I ever heard of. I love almost every single one of your artists.
Tommy was really surprised, yet flattered.
Girl: My name is Brittany by the way (yes, Jude's friend Brittany) and the Math building is that way. (she said pointing to the right). Which teacher are you looking for? Because I am headed that way too, I need to talk to a friend.
Tommy: Um. Tommy's thoughts: should I tell her. If she heard about our relationship in the tabloids she might get giddy or something. Then again she could be a friend of Jude's. C'mon Tom pull yourself together. It's not that big of a deal. Just tell her. I don't know the teacher's name but I am looking for Jude Harrison.
Britt (who never knew about the relationship between them): Oh, I am going to talk to her friend Mike, they have the same class. I think the teachers name is Madonia or something like that. You wanna follow?
Tommy: Sure Tommy's thoughts: god I really hope that Mike guy isn't her boyfriend or even trying anything on her. Wait man, keep your cool. Kwest said most of her FRIENDS are guys. No sweat. God, she's walking away, I gotta catch up
Britt (as she walks quickly toward the building): So, how do you know Jude? She's never mentioned you. And I would have remembered if she did because I would have yelled that she knew you and never introduced me. Like I said, I love your word and Jude knew that.
Tommy: I, uh, am an old friend. I just hope she doesn't flip when she sees me. I kind of just left without a word.
Britt (suddenly stopped walking and turned to look at him): Where you two dating or something because I am getting this strange 'I love Jude' vibe. And when you say 'I hope she doesn't flip when she sees me' it sounds more than just a platonic or even friend/friend relationship. What did you do to my best friend?
Tommy didn't know what to say: I, uh, um. I…cared…about her? (he said it as more of a question than a statement. But why should he tell her best friend he loved her before he actually told her? He thought back to the night he left) a/n I changed it a little bit to my satisfaction hehe
Jude: Hey I thought you weren't coming. Are you gonna sit?
Tommy: I have to leave, I'm sorry.
Jude: Sit, talk to me.
Tommy: I got a flight to catch, I don't think I'll be coming back.
She glared at him, her eyes screaming don't you dare.
Tommy: Bye.
He walked out the door as Jude handed, well, more like shoved money in the waiter's hand.
Jude (now following): So you're not coming back? Tommy? Tommy!
She ran until she was next to him, he hadn't reached the car yet and she grabbed his arm and turned him around. They were so close, and Jude was letting go that easily, she wasn't letting him go that easily. "You are going to talk to me Tom."
Tommy (not making eye contact): Jude, I really need to go, I can't tell you why but I need to leave. Please don't make this harder than it already…
She silenced him by grabbing his collar and pressing her lips against his. It didn't take much for him to get dragged into the dark by the passion and love he felt for her. He moved her back until her back was pushed up against the window of the restaurant. He ran his fingers through her hair and then down to her hips where they rested. Jude's hands were behind his head pulling him closer. He finally realized he was never going to be able to leave her after this, he should have just gone. He pulled away and rested his forehead on hers. She started whispering, "You still wanna leave? I need you here, Tommy, did you ever think about that?"
He pulled away and looked at her, she saw the tears forming behind his expressive blue eyes, and she knew he was still going to leave. "Jude, you don't need me. You want me here and I want to be here but I cant I have some things I need to take care of. Stay strong and try to forget about me. I will remember you enough for the both of us." With that he let her go and walked away. He went into his car (where he was alone and not with that old man) and started to pull away. Jude was still screaming his name, not following though, she knew his mind was made up. He decided he was going to break her heart, even if that wasn't his direct intention he knew it was going to happen. And once Tom Quincy's mind was made up he never changed it. Jude understood that. Although she would never try to forget about him, no, not ever. It just wasn't possible.
Tommy and Britt ended up in front of a building. Tommy didn't realize how they got there but the rest of the trip was silent. Britt pointed to a room filled with the backs of heads and a woman speaking in the front. He decided to slip into the room and sit down. He was in the back room and didn't see any bright, red heads. He saw a few blondes but none looked like Jude. He started to wonder if Britt brought him to the right room so he looked back up at her, she rolled her eyed and nodded. She understood what he was asking her. She coughed in the back of the room and asked to see Mike, saying it was important and it would only take a minute. The teacher was nice and excused him; Mike got up and walked by everyone and up to Britt. They went into the hallway to talk about plans for a vacation they were planning. When Mike returned the teacher handed out the tests. Tommy got nervous. Tommy's thoughts: a test! Oh my god. I never even fully graduated middle school (a/n middle school here is 6-8th grade so since he dropped out in 7th so I am going by Ny times here cause that's where I am) oh god. What the hell is pi? They aren't talking about the dessert I know that but seriously. Oh god, look at everyone's pencils go. I can't do this. Why does the teacher not realize I am not in this class? God I cannot do this. What does that say? No. 21 (a/n couldn't resist lol) Pa-path-ogrean-Pythagorean Therom. I can't even say that! Wait, is the teacher talking, please say the test is cancelled. Please!
Mrs. Madonia: be happy class, no. 21 should be a sheer giveaway. My regular class has much harder questions then that! I must be crazy to give my honors class and easy question. But I felt bad for those of you that didn't study.
She said it with a smile and Tom was lost. Tommy's thoughts: wait. Did she say and honors class? Jude like, never cared about school and now in math, her worst subject, she is taking an honors class. God she must have changed so much. I can say what other changes she's gone through…no…bad Tommy!
Tommy mentally slapped himself. He pretended to look busy until the teacher told everyone that if they finished they could go and no class next week, if you didn't finish she expected you there to go over it and they wanted them to write a paper to replace the failing grade. Tommy slipped the paper onto the floor but it slid down the stadium seating. There was no one left in the classroom except the teacher collecting some papers, Alex, Jude, (both who hadn't noticed yet) Tommy, and like 3 other kids gathering their books. Tommy's paper flew down and knocked a girl's shoe. The girl was average height with auburn colored hair. It was a little lower than her shoulders and wavy. He just hoped she didn't realize the paper. She did. She bent down to pick it up and turned around. She had a smile because Alex said something funny about the test but then her smile faded when she realized whose paper it was. Jude and Tommy's eyes locked for a minute. Tommy was amazed. Jude looked gorgeous. Alex hadn't noticed this little staring contest and took the paper from Jude's un-moving hands. He looked at it and saw no name or any answers. Just a bunch of pencil eraser marks. "Well dude it looks like you got a paper to write man." Alex said looking up and chuckling. Then he noticed Jude and Tommy staring at each other and decided to leave, he put a reassuring hand on Jude's shoulder and leaned into her, he whispered in her ear "I'll be outside with Ken alright, holler if you need anything. We still going out to lunch?"
Jude nodded not taking her eyes off Tommy. Alex went to walk out the door but stopped for a few second to give Tommy a look, a look that said 'don't mess with her.' Tommy didn't even notice, he was too busy studying Jude. Alex didn't know about Tommy and Jude, Jude never told anyone; except Sadie and look where that got her.
Jude blinked first and going against her head and her gut she ran over to him and jumped into his arms. His strong arms that she missed so much. "I missed you" she whispered.
Tommy was taken aback by this but took advantage of it. He wrapped is arms around her back and lifted her up, "I missed you to girl, so much" He whispered into her hair.
She finally got back down and smiled, "I was totally not expecting you here. Oh my god! Did you take the test? You're lucky, that was pretty easy." She said nonchalantly.
Tommy: Well I was not expecting that welcome. And since when are you in honors anything? I always knew you were smart but you never seemed to care. Especially with math. And what is pi? And the Pythagorean therom?
Jude started laughing, shyly. She still didn't completely trust Tommy she just didn't want to get into a fight, or start off mad at him. "Once I left my family I started getting bored a lot. So I started reading the books they gave me. And then, on the test I actually knew what I was doing." Jude said it sarcastically, "I think they call it studying or something crazy like that."
They both started laughing. Tommy put his arm around her shoulders and Jude immediately stopped laughing. She didn't mind it was just weird. "So, um. Pi is 3.14 which you use to find the circumference of a circle usually. It is like some really long ongoing number but we abbreviate 3.14. And the Pythagorean therom is a2+b2c2 which you use to find the missing side of a right triangle. Those were like the easiest questions Quincy what is up with you? Old age getting to what you learned in school? Should I worry about Alzheimer's?" Jude said playfully pulling out of his grasp and looking at him as if she were mocking him. They were outside the building now and Alex and Ken were waiting there by Ken's Porsche. Alex told Ken what was going on and they both walked over to Tommy and Jude.
Alex: Jude! We going to lunch or what. Ken said he's starving. Oh, hey, I'm Alex.
Alex stuck his hand out for Tommy to shake, Tommy took it and looked at Jude. Who smiled. Tommy then stuck his hand out for Ken to shake.
Tommy: I'm Tommy, nice to meet you guys.
Ken didn't take his hand. He had his hands in his pockets and decided to leave them there; Tommy pulled his hand back and looked awkwardly at Jude, who was giving Ken a what-the-hell type of look.
Ken: You coming to lunch with us, we're heading over to Venetzia's. Good food, nice help, nice place.
Ken never took the scowl off his face.
Tommy (returning the scowl as seeing Ken was a threat): Yeah, that'd be cool. If it's alright with Jude, sorry didn't catch your name.
Jude (now jumping into the conversation): Ken! His name is Ken and we would love for you to join us Tommy, really good Italian food. You can follow us, kay?
Jude looked up at Tommy but he was too busy looking at Ken.
Tommy: Ken? Where's Barbie? I'm assuming she's your girlfriend I mean you already got the whole plastic boy toy thing down.
Ken: Actually I'm single, Barbie was a little too plastic for me. I like to keep my options, open, you know?
Ken looked at Jude and then Alex and nodded his head in the direction of his car. Then he looked back at Tommy, "Just follow the Porsche alright? And try not to get lost. Coming Alex? Jude?"
Alex + Jude: Yeah, yeah be right there.
The three of them started heading over to the Porsche. Tommy watched them walk away and then headed over to his own car. Tommy's thoughts: a Porsche? What is he trying to upstage my viper or something? That gay little pretty boy. He wants Jude, I can tell, well he isn't going to get her. Wait, man, keep you cool like Kwest said/ Don't get all overprotective and dumb shit like that. Don't do it.
They pulled up to the restaurant and walked inside. They talked about a bunch of stuff. Jude was silent the whole car ride. She talked to Alex though. She knew Ken liked her, sort of, but she never thought it was that strong of feelings. She talked to Alex and they came up with a way to have fun at lunch. Instead of sitting next to Tommy or Ken at the table, like they were begging her to with their eyes, she sat next to Alex and was sort of flirty through the whole meal. Not that Alex minded in to slightest.
Then lunch was over and Jude needed to get to the studio. Ken offered to drive but Tommy said he was going there anyway to visit Chaz and talk to Kwest about the day's events. Eventually they got to the studio and walked in on Sadie and Chaz going at it on the soundboard. Jude turned around abruptly and ran right into Tommy's chest. He held her and shut the door. Then he took her home. She started crying about how she needed to be a part of everything good in her life just so Jude's life would sink a little lower. Tommy didn't know how to comfort her. He just held her when he thought appropriate and they finally got back to her house. She managed to tell him where she lived. When she walked in the door with tear stained cheeks Britt ran to her side. Then she shot Tommy a death stare, "What the hell did you do to her!"
Tommy: I didn't do anything!
Jude looked up at Britt then Tommy, "You two know each other?"
Britt rolled her eyes: Yeah, I told him where to find, sorry. Stupid mistake I know.
Jude looked down: Know, it wasn't Tommy, I saw…I saw Sadie today.
Alex's face shot up and he ran through the kitchen and pushed Britt out of the way gently. He then wrapped his arms around her neck and pulled her close. Then she really let the tears flow. In between sobs she tried to explain what had happened so Alex knew, he was her strongest confidante and needed to know. "she was…with…Chaz…and th…they were…on…on the soundboard…god…I hate her…I hate her so much Alex!"
Alex just held her tighter. Shushing her and everything; stroking her hair and telling her it would be alright. Tommy's eyes wondered to the floor. He didn't need to see another guy, who he hadn't decided was a threat or not, holding his girl.
After awhile Jude lifted her head and wiped her tears. "Matt called, he wanted to hang out with us tonight and Ted said we were welcome there anytime. You guys wanna go?"
Alex nodded knowing she needed to get away. Tommy saw Alex nod and just agreed; he had no idea who Matt or Ted was. Britt jumped with joy and grabbed Jude's wrist. "Let's go get ready!" she squealed.
Tommy sat down on the sofa across from Alex and after rubbing his eyes and his temples he looked up and him. "That was great what you did for Jude; you knew exactly what she needed."
Alex chuckled to himself "wasn't expecting that."
