2. Going Out and Coming Home W/ Bruises
Tommy: What do you mean?
Alex: well, it's totally obvious that you are into Jude. And based on the way she was looking at you I am guessing you are an old friend that screwed up. Am I right?
Tommy: yeah (changing the subject) so who is Matt and…um…Ted? Where are we going?
Alex: Matt is a friend who likes to party way too much and Ted is like Jude's new father figure but he is awesome and owns a club. It's a really hot spot and everyone from school goes there, plus the people from the school across town. You look okay; no need to change or anything but I'm going to go change. Ken is probably coming to. Try to act civil for Jude's sake, huh?
Tommy nodded. As soon as Alex was upstairs Ken knocked on the door and a slightly shorter guy with brown curly hair was behind him. Ken stepped in when Tommy opened the door and Matt soon followed. Matt stuck his hand out to shake Tommy's. "Hey, I'm Matt. Are you coming with us tonight? Please tell me you are not with Brittany." Matt had a thing for Brittany and he respected her by not saying anything and just acting like friends because she was with Mike but is sort killed Matt inside to see Brittany with any other guy.
Tommy: No, Man. I'm Tommy and yeah I'm coming tonight. I am actually an old friend of Jude's.
Matt cocked a brow and Ken sighed loudly while looking away. Tommy glared at him.
Upstairs to the Girls
Britt: So Tom Quincy, what is the deal with that?-Britt called from the bathroom putting her make-up on. Jude's was already done and she was now deciding what to wear.
Jude: What are you talking about? He was my producer and then he left. I was upset because we worked well together. That what you want to hear?
Britt: No, what I want is the truth and that was not it. So let's try being honest. He is one of the most gorgeous guys I ever met and there is no way he could resist you while working hours on end in a cooped up studio, especially with your voice filling, said studio.
Jude (laughing): Okay, okay. You want to know what really happened.
Britt (getting giddy ran back to Jude's bedroom and flopped down on the bed): Tell me tell me!
Jude (also sitting down): Okay, at my first performance I was 15 and I kissed him. He was like your only fifteen, blah blah blah. Then on my 16th birthday he kissed me with such, ugh, passion. Then he told me to forget about it because I was only 16. Then he started dating Sadie. When I found out I asked him if he cared about her more than me and he said you can't ask me that. Then on my 17th birthday he and Sadie had broken up and we both got locked in a studio space. We wrote a song and I was pissed at him because we thought he cheated on Sadie. He told me he never cheated on her and that is would have never worked anyway. I asked why and he said you know exactly why and I did, it was because of his feelings for me, the feelings why Sadie and I don't speak anymore. We almost kissed but people walked in at the last second. Then after my 2nd album was finished we made out. It was great. Then he asked me out on a date and he showed up an hour late. Then he said he had to leave. (You could see Jude's face and voice get less excited and more pained) I kissed him because I wanted to still hold on. He kissed back but he still left. I haven't seen him since today.
Britt: Well, why don't we make him squirm at what he never fully got?
Jude: If we do that you are going to have to pick out my outfit because I cannot decide.
Britt squealed with joy and lunged into Jude's closet. Jude laughed and went to check her make-up. It was good. When she came back Britt was standing there holding a jean skirt. It looked like it was sand blasted but it was still really cute. The shirt was a dark green tube top with some gold sparkles on it. The shoes were heels and tan. Jude smiled and took the outfit from Britt's extended hand. Britt was wearing a black halter top with a v-neck that showed her new belly-button ring and nice black dress pants. When Jude came out, however, Brittany was wearing a bikini top under her shirt. "What is with the bathing suit? Aren't we going to Ted's place?"
Britt: Yea, then after we are going to Ken's cousins house. He is having a party and they have a pool. Jason (the cousin) just called. He wants us there. He thinks we are two awesome girls and he told us we could bring whoever we want. I figured we could drop by Ted's and then head over to the party. That okay?
Jude: Yeah, Can you get my bikini for me? You borrowed my favorite one last week and it's still in your room.
Britt: oops, sorry. I'll get it.
Britt ran into her room and grabbed Jude's bikini. It was just a plain jet black halter bikini top and jet black bottoms. Jude thanked her and slipped it under her clothes. As they were leaving to go downstairs they saw Alex in his room. They told him to wear a suit so he did and just slipped on a tee shirt. They all made their way downstairs and saw Ken and Matt on the couch and Tommy in the recliner. Ken and Tommy never took their eyes off one another and Matt was sitting there fidgeting with his hands in his lap, obviously uncomfortable. Jude cleared her throat. And Tommy and Ken shot up from their positions; they couldn't stop staring at Jude. Matt was staring at Brittany.
Jude: Um, okay so we are going to stop at Ted's and then Ken, Jason called and said he is having a party and wanted us there so; Alex could you spare some suits so we can go?
Alex: Sure let me just…
Tommy: No, it's okay; I probably won't go swimming anyway. I'll just tag along.
Ken: And I could just borrow a pair on Jason's. We are the same size after all.
Brittany: But Jason is like 3 years older than us.
Ken: I don't know what happened but he stopped growing awhile ago. We're the same size.
Matt: Um, I am, having never met Jason, still want to go but I need a suit from Alex. That cool?
Alex: Yeah man. Let me just go grab one. You wanna come a pick one out. I don't really know your style.
Matt: Sure.
Tommy and Ken: You look great Jude. They then glared at each other realizing that the other just complimented their girl.
Jude (blushing): Thanks guys. Tommy, you really don't want to go swimming, it's so nice out and I think the pool is heated.
Tommy: No, I'm good. Thanks though. I'll be fine.
Jude: O-Kay, suit yourself.
Ken: So Jude, who you riding with? Tommy can follow us if you want.
Jude: I don't know, I think I'll ride with Tommy to make sure he doesn't get lost or anything. He has a tendency to not like following behind.
Tommy (smirking for 1. Jude picked him and 2. His come-back): Depends who I'm following.
Jude hit his arm playfully and Tommy went into mock pain.
Britt: Jude, Don't forget we are dropping by Ted's first. That's where I told Mike to meet us.
Alex and Matt came down just as she said this and Matt (Brittany's back was to them) acted like he got shot in the heart and fell to the floor. Everyone started laughing and Brittany couldn't figure out why.
Jude (still laughing grabbed onto Tommy's shirt and started pulling him toward the door): You guys ready yet or what?
They all got in their 'assigned' cars. Tommy and Jude in Tommy's Viper; Ken and Matt in Ken's Porsche; and Alex offered to drive Brittany on his motorcycle. She was hesitant because of her hair but Alex held up a covering helmet that would secure it.
In Tommy's Viper
Tommy: So how did you meet this Ted guy? How do you know he's safe? Alex said he was like a father figure to you.
Jude: We went to the club once and he came up to me and asked if I recognized him; I didn't so I said no. He told me he was the guy that owned most of the clubs I played at on my club tour. He and my mom went to middle school together or something before he moved to Ny. Ever since then I have been going to the club more and more. Before I stopped talking to my mom she said she remembered him so it wasn't just some lame excuse thing, he takes care of me. And he is so awesome. He lets me drink but not enough to get me drunk, I am always welcome at the club, he lets me bartend sometimes, which is always fun, he also cooks my favorite food whenever something good or bad happens. Ted doesn't cook for anyone but if I get a good final grade or it's my birthday he will cook; and if I get out of a bad break up he will do it to cheer me up. He is great. You would like him.
Tommy: He lets you drink? Your not 21 yet.
Jude: It's only like a pina colada or Malibu rum and coke. It's never like a tequila shot or anything. He is constantly watching over me.
There was a comfortable silence for awhile besides the occasion Jude telling Tommy where to go. Then Tommy spoke…
Tommy: I'm sorry I left Jude. I just had to and I didn't want to drag you into it. If there was anyway I could keep you and take care of what I needed to take care of I would've, but the only way I would be able to do that is if you gave up everything and came to Montana with me. I didn't want to disrupt your life like that. After you hit no. 3 on the radio I realized I couldn't take that all away from you. Then while I was on my way down I heard you hit no. 1. Then I knew I made the right choice. And look at where you are now. Who knows where you would be if you came to Montana.
Jude (looking out the window): With you, I would be with you.
They both sighed and went back into silence. It was slightly awkward but Jude understood. She didn't agree with Tommy but she understood him. They got out and Tommy saw the line to get into the club. Jude didn't even notice she just said hello to the bouncer and walked in. Everyone pulled up and followed suit, Tommy too. The inside looked great. He spotted Jude standing next to a shorter man with a pony tail and tattoos all over his arms. He put an arm around Jude and Jude went onto her tip toes to kiss him on the cheek. Then Tommy walked over to her. The older man looked at Tommy and stuck out his hand.
Man: Hi, I'm Ted. You this girl's boyfriend? 'Cause if you are you better not hurt her. Hell if you aren't her boyfriend you better not hurt her. Understood?
Tommy looked Ted straight in the eye and took his hand, with all sincerity in the world he said: Understood sir. I'm Tommy.
They dropped hands and Tommy turned around and told Jude that she could find him near Alex. Jude turned her attention over to Ted.
Ted: I like him. None of the guys you bring here ever looked me straight in the eye. Alex did eventually but you two don't mesh well, you understand? But that Tommy boy could be good for you. I am seeing the way he looks at you and I can't tell if I should kick his ass or be happy that someone could love you so much.
Jude laughed: We're just friends Ted. He's an old friend who is not yet worthy of getting any further then friendship.
Ted: Fine, just don't count out that boy yet. He still got some fight left in him, and please don't start dating Ken. That pretty boy is such a suck up and defiantly not right for you. He might seem too good to be true but that I don't think he is good enough for you.
Jude nodded and went to join her friends. Brittany caught up with Mike and left for Jason's party. After dancing for about 3 songs with Alex Tommy walked over. Tommy smirked and looked at Jude, "Mind if I dance with you, at least once."
Jude: If you're lucky maybe twice.
They both laughed and Alex stepped aside. What Hurts The Most by Rascal Flatts came on the speakers.
I can take the
rain on the roof of this empty house
That don't bother me
I
can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I'm not
afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you
gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend
I'm ok
But that's not what gets me
People
began to crowd the dance floor so Tommy and Jude were forced to get
closer. Tommy put his hands on her hips and she had her hands around
his neck.
What hurts the
most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And
watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have
been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin' to
do
Tommy started to hum along and sing (quietly). Jude looked up at him surprise. Tommy didn't strike her as a country guy. She personally though, thought Rascal Flatts was great. "You a country fan Quincy?"
Tommy looked down at her and dropped his voice to a whisper: Don't tell anyone
They both laughed and Tommy pulled her a little closer. Jude rested her head on his chest and wrapped her arm tighter around his neck, in a position like she was hugging him. Tommy continued to sing.
It's hard
to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I'm
doin' It
It's hard to force that smile when I see our old
friends and I'm alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting
dressed, livin' with this regret
But I know if I could do it
over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my
heart
That I left unspoken
Tommy (low enough so only he himself could hear): I love you
What hurts the
most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And
watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have
been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do
Jude let a single tear run down her cheek; she wished Tommy would just tell her he loved her.
What hurts
the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And
watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have
been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to
do
Not seeing that loving you
That's what I was trying to
do
Jude pulled away but Tommy wouldn't let go. He still held onto her but brought her at arm length so he could look into her eyes. He saw her pleading for him to take away her pain but he couldn't. As much as he wanted just feel it for her she needed to heal herself. He brought her into a tight hug and he heard a sob escape her throat.
Over at the bar Ken was watching from afar. He took the last sip of his 4th, very strong rum and coke. Let's just say it was more rum, than coke. He slammed the glass down and stormed over to where Jude and Tommy were staring intently into each others eyes. Tommy started to lean down when Ken drunkenly tapped Tom on the shoulder. Jude looked away embarrassed because she came so close to kissing him.
Ken (slurring uncontrollably): Don't you think we should get going. The party might die out soon and I wanted to see my cousin.
Jude: Um, yeah. Gimme your keys, you cannot drive. Tommy can you, um, follow me?
Ken (handing her the keys): Yeah Tom, can you follow us.
Tommy glared at him and nodded toward Jude. "You gonna be okay with him?"
Ken: She will be just fine, don't worry your pretty little boy band butt about that?
Jude rolled her eyes and apologized to Tommy who shrugged it off. Tommy helped Jude get Ken to his car. Ken sat in the passenger seat and Jude thanked Tommy who ran to get his car. Jude got in the drivers seat and started up the car. They drove up to a huge ass house with florescent lights on and a whole bunch of cars in the driveway. Ken had pretty much fallen asleep and Jude parked the car and shook him awake. Ken moaned and wouldn't wake up. She looked behind her to see if Tommy was near her at all. He wasn't.
To Where Ever the Hell Tommy Is
Tommy's thoughts: God, I can't believe I lost her. I was right behind her and then this idiot cut me off. How could I lose that black Porsche? God now I have no clue how to get to this Jason kids house. Maybe I should call Jude and get the address. Like it would help…Damn no service. I guess I will have to keep driving till I get a signal.
Back to Jude and Ken
Jude: C'mon Ken wake up. You're the one that wanted to be here.
Jude slumped back in her seat crossing her arms over her chest in exasperation. Then she felt two fingers stroking the side of her cheek. She looked over and saw Ken's eyes half open. He was now stroking her arm. She glared at him, trying to warn him to stop.
Ken (whispering): C'mon Jude. I know you don't want to have a relationship with me but no one needs to know about this.
Jude swatted his hand away but he just replaced it again. He leaned in and started to kiss her neck. She tried to push him off. She could easily get out and walk away but he was her friend and he was drunk. She couldn't leave him just sitting in his really nice car. God only know what would happen. She tried to get him to lay off and just come inside. He wouldn't, however, give up. She was happy to hear her phone ring. Ken laid back and then got up, frustrated and slammed the car door and then went inside.
Jude (answering her phone): Hello?
Tommy: Jude?
Jude: Uh, yeah. Where are you Quincy? Got lost?
Tommy: Yeah. I think I am at like exit (idk make up a no. cause I don't know what area they are in and w.e.)
Jude: Oh, that's not that far. Go to the next exit, turn right onto Harbored after about 2 miles and then right onto Main and we are at the party house. You will be able to tell which house. (She looked around) Trust me.
Tommy (laughing): Okay girl, you get there with Ken alright?
Jude: …Yea, why, um, why do you ask I mean why wouldn't I?
Tommy (seeing she is uncomfortable): Just asking. I know he's drunk and it's no secret he's into you Jude.
Jude (blushing): O-Kay Tommy. Everything's fine he just went inside and I am waiting out here, I guess for you.
Tommy: Well go inside girl. You never know who's around. I'll just call when I pull up and then you can come meet me and make me feel special.
Jude: I don't know, I really don't know or care about anybody here-
Then another voice was heard over the phone that made Tommy a little jealous.
Background Voice on Jude's End: Jude! Come on inside! We totally need to catch up!
Jude: Hey Jason! I'll be right in!
Jason (whining): No! Juuuude! C'mon in now! Please please please!
He came closer and got a good grip on her upper arm, dragging her playfully.
Jude (laughing): Okay Tommy, call me when you get closer and I'll meet you outside. Kay? Bye!
Before Tommy could even answer she hung up and got dragged over to the pool by Jason. Jason hadn't seen the heartbroken Ken yet.
Tommy got up to Main and saw all the cars in the driveway. He parked and saw Ken over under a far off tree. He shrugged it off figuring he just got rejected by Jude or some other meaningless chick. He walked into the back and saw Jude in her bikini along with Brittany and a bunch of other girls. She looked gorgeous but no one was actually swimming yet. Then Jude went over to another guy and acted like she was going to hug him. She swung her arms around her neck and jumped in the pool, bringing the guy with her. They both came up above water again, everyone was laughing, and even Tommy let out a slight chuckle. Then all the other girls and a bunch of guys jumped in. People were swimming now. And Tommy just leaned against the house hoping no one would recognize him as lil Tommy Q.
Jude's POV (before jumping in with 'the guy'-italics are Jude's thoughts)
Britt: So you guys know that everyone has to do a dare at a party.
Everyone giggled and nodded. Oh god I hope I get one that I can actually do. I also hope no one recognizes Tommy as Tommy. I can't wait to get my dare. Oh god, she's pointing to me. Please Britt be nice!
Britt: Jude I want you to push Jason in the pool, but that's simple so get a piece of guy's clothing. Okay?
I nodded. That wasn't so hard. No, what should I do. I sat there listening to everyone else's dare. Some of the girls got pale with fright and some laughed wickedly. I need to remember to thank Britt later; she can have quite the mastermind when it comes to stuff like this. Oh, I know what I'm gonna do. Tommy used to toy with me; it's time to show him that I learned a little something from that.
After pushing Jason in the pool, which was pretty funny I decided to perform the second part of my dare. I got out of the pool after swimming for a little while and walked over to Tommy. I was still dripping wet but I thought it just added to the effect. I pushed through all of the people dancing until finally I was face to face with Tommy. I leaned in really close to his ear and whispered, "Mind if I borrow this?" I started to unbutton his shit until it was finally off. I felt his stiffen because I was so close. I slid the fabric off his shoulders and put it on. It immediately clung to my wet body and I finally got to see Tom Quincy speechless. I made my way back over to my friends and turned to look at him one last time and smirked, I also gave a little wave to try and snap him out of whatever little day dream he was in. Whatever. I was just upset that he was wearing a beater under the button-down shirt that I took. When he wasn't looking any more I gave the shirt to Britt and told her I did both my dares. She smiled at me and I smiled back. I slipped my clothes back on and made my way over to Alex who was also leaning against the door, away from Tommy of course.
Alex: Hey rock star. You seem pretty popular. Oh and great dare by the way. I saw the look on Tommy's face and doubled over laughing. I think people thought I was crazy because they didn't know what I was laughing at.
Jude: Oh, ha-ha. Wait! How did you know it was a dare?
Alex: Please, it's not that hard to figure out. Plus I am still a little bitter from when you kissed me at the first party.
They both laughed. Then Jude felt two strong arms circle around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug. Jude honestly didn't know who it was but didn't worry. Then the person came really close to her ear and whispered, "Dance with me? Shorty?"
Jude turned around and threw her arms around Shay. They had become friends after he invited her to go on tour with him. He broke up with Eden and apologized about a million times. She eventually forgave him but they were going back to friends first. She had missed him and loved to party with him. She waved to Alex who waved her off to go have fun. Alex went in search of Ken.
Jude and Shay made their way to the dance floor. They started playing Little Sister by Truman. Jude and Shay were pretty spaced out but people started to flood the dance area. They inched closer and they were having fun. Jude had actually gotten really good at dancing since Shay had to teach her last time they danced together. The song ended and Shakira's Hips Don't Lie came over the speakers. They continued to dance but got a lot closer. Shay put his hands on her hips and turned her around so that they were both facing the same direction.
Tommy watched from afar. He was confused about the whole shirt thing but he discarded it. He knew nothing could happen between then seriously until they talked about why he left. They were both dreading that conversation. He knew. He did, however, get really pissed off when he saw Jude and Shay dancing together. They were getting a little too comfortable if you were to ask him. He didn't tear his eyes away from the pair until he heard people screaming and yelling 'fight! Fight! Fight!' He looked over and saw a bunch of people huddled over two guys going at it. Shay and Jude also noticed this and ran over. When they saw who was fighting Jude gasped and put a hand over her mouth. She turned to meet eyes with Shay, begging him to do something. Shay stepped in and pulled a fiery Nick off of a very bruised Chaz. Tommy, realizing who was fighting ran through the people and helped Chaz up. Nick was still fighting to get back at Chaz. Tommy pulled Chaz into the front and into the car. He looked up and saw a heartbroken Jude standing there and a tired Shay comforting her. He told Chaz to stay where he was and he walked over to Jude and Chaz.
Tommy: Jude, you alright?
Shay turned to look at Tommy: Why? You suddenly care. Because if I remember right I was the one helping her move on when you suddenly left and she had those fricken picture—
Jude grabbed Shay's arm and turned him around, frantically shaking her head 'no.'
Shay shut his mouth and turned to look at a very confused Tommy. Getting in his face: Take your boy band buddy and keep him away from Jude until she contacts you or him, got it? Good. See you around Saint Tommy.
Shay flipped him off and grabbed Jude's arm leading her away. Jude followed to Tommy's surprise. But she didn't get far because he grabbed her other arm. She looked at him a little relieved that he stopped her. Not because she was afraid of Shay but because she now knew that he still cared.
Tommy (still holding onto her): I am going to take Chaz back to his house. Then I will meet you back at yours alright? Can you call me?
Jude smiled and nodded. She then continued to follow Shay back to the party.
Tommy walked back to his car and got in the driver's seat. He looked at Chaz with pity. He knew Alex was the quiet type but you would never want to get him mad. Chaz looked pretty beat up. "Want to tell what that was about?"
Chaz: That Alex is one very overprotective kid, especially when it comes to Jude. I'm guessing she found out about what happened with Sadie. I came to apologize but Alex stopped me. I just feel ad because after what happened between me and Jude, I just didn't want her to think that I was using her to get to Sadie or something.
Tommy immediately stopped driving and glared at Chaz: What are you talking about? What do you mean using her?
Chaz: Oh…damn it. She didn't tell you?
Tommy (getting angry): Tell me what? Why don't you tell me Chaz? You see, I can hit you.
Chaz (gulped): We went out. Our breakup was mutual but we were both hurting after ward for awhile. Things have just been awkward ever since and when she found out about me and Sadie I wanted to make sure she knew that I really cared about her.
Tommy got an awfully tight grip on the steering wheel and started driving again: She didn't hear about you and Sadie she saw you. I drive her to the studio one day and we walked in on you and Sadie making out on the soundboard. And I don't even want to go into you dating Jude. I want to talk to her about it first.
The rest of the ride was silent. Tommy dropped Chaz at his house and then went back to Jude's. He could have gone to a hotel but he wanted to spend as much time with Jude as possible. He was sitting in Jude's room just looking around. He eventually fell asleep.
Shay dropped Jude off at home after they talked to Alex. He explained that he was just trying to look out for Jude. And she told him that she could take care of herself but she forgave him. When she went home she saw Tommy and he looked adorable. He was spread out on the bed and had and arm dangling off the side. Jude changed and lifted his arm. She climbed in next too him but he replaced him arm around her waist. She smiled and allowed him to stay there. They both had a full nights sleep. In each others arms.
