3. Playing Actress
Tommy woke up and went to wrap his arms around the person that fell asleep next to him. But when he moved there was no one next to him. Oh well, Jude probably had class or something he thought. He, instead, hugged the pillow and got lost in her scent. He was happy and was about to drift back to sleep when he heard snickering.
Jude: Comfortable Quincy? Because I would love for you to enlighten me about what you were dreaming about with that goofy grin on your face but I wanted to see if you wanted to pace me.
Tommy (Who was now sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. When he opened them he saw Jude standing there in really short shorts and a sports bra, not only exposing her perfect stomach but her belly button ring. Tommy's weakness): Umm…uh…pa-pace you?
Jude (snickering again): Yea, It's Saturday. I run for awhile and then head over to the gym. You wanna run with me?
Tommy: Uh, sure.
Jude threw him shorts and a wife-beater. They were Alex's because she didn't want to go through Tommy's stuff. He got dressed and they started running on the sidewalk.
Tommy's thoughts: Why does she need to run? What happened to the lazy Jude, I am okay with lifting weights and everything but my cardio isn't that great. God, she doesn't even look tired. But she is starting to sweat. Oh god she looks so hot right now. Since when does she have a belly button ring anyway? Fate just hates me doesn't it? I know I left without talking to Jude but must she torture me like this? God, she is already playing mind games with me.
Jude noticed that Tommy was slowing down and he looked deep in thought. She stopped running and leaned over, putting her hands on her knees. "Geez Tommy if running wasn't your thing I could've just gone by myself but don't slow me down."
Tommy chuckled: Yeah yeah Harrison. I was just thinking about…um…stuff.
Jude: Which one of my friends are you thinking about? I mean I bet like all of them hit on you last night.
Tommy: N-no. I wasn't thinking about anyone. Just, um…stuff like work and…yeah.
Jude laughed and continued running. They entered a park where a bunch of little kids and dogs were running and playing in the jungle gym area. Out in the field a bunch of girls dressed similarly to Jude were working on stunts. Britt was one of them and she turned around and waved at Jude before turning back to the squad. Jude waved but never once slowed down. Tommy did a pretty good job of keeping up and eventually they were going through town and ended up in front of the gym. Jude walked in and greeted a few people. Tommy followed awkwardly. Jude walked into the weight room and saw Kwest working on a machine. Tommy was surprised. Jude walked over to him as he stopped working.
Jude: So what are we working on today?
Kwest: Well, I was thinking---
Tommy: What's going on here?
Kwest: Chill man, we do this like every Saturday. I am sort of like Jude's personal trainer only I am not certified. I just spot her and stuff.
Kwest led Jude over to a machine that worked the stomach muscles. Tommy watched her work and couldn't help but stare at her belly button ring. He decided to work his arms so he wasn't standing there like a retard.
After about two hours Jude told Tommy and Kwest that she was going to take a shower. She walked into the locker room and the guys were standing there in silence. It was finally broken.
Kwest: So, I guess I owe you an apology. (Tommy looked at him questioningly) You didn't hurt Jude like I thought you would. It better stay that way man. She's got a lot going on now. Especially with you back it doesn't just bring problems between you two; a lot goes on between Jude and, pretty much everyone she knows when it comes to you.
Tommy: As much as I want to take credit for not hurting her, we still need to have the talk about why I left and stuff. And as much as I don't want to hurt her I can't help but think that I might and that kills me man, it just kills.
Kwest nodded in understanding. Finally, his best friend was realizing what he does to this girl, and coming to terms with what she does right back to him.
Jude finally come out of the locker room in jean capris, a clash tee shirt that she rolled up and tied in the back almost as high as a midriff, and her running shoes. Her auburn hair was pulled high into a pony-tail. She smiled at the guys and asked Tommy if he was ready to go. He nodded and they walked out of the gym after saying good-bye to Kwest.
Tommy (they were walking side by side and Tommy grabbed her hand intertwining there fingers): One, we need to talk. Two, where are we going?
Jude (looking down at their hands and suddenly getting nervous): There's an old, abandoned park around here. I thought we could talk there.
Tommy: Okay.
They got to the park and Jude pulled her hand away from Tommy's. She jogged over to the rusted swing set and sat down. She started rocking back and forth.
Jude: I love it here. This is where I do most of my writing. I like how it's secluded and hidden behind those trees. It's like this little, old playground is all mine.
Tommy smiled: Yeah. So, you wanna try small talk or get right to it, why I left and what's going on here.
Tommy sat down on the swing next to her. She wouldn't meet his eyes and she turned away and squinted as the wind blew in her eyes. It also blew her hair back and off her shoulders. Tommy couldn't help but stare at her. She looked so beautiful. He brought a hand to her face and turned it for her so she would look him in the eyes. He didn't even process what he was doing, it was an impulse. When she was finally facing him he put a single finger under her chin and kissed her forehead as a single tear fell down her cheek. He wiped it away quickly. "My sister died." He whispered.
Jude's head shot up to look him right in the eyes, on her own. She opened her mouth to speak but he spoke first.
Tommy: Don't say you're sorry because I've heard it so much it really doesn't mean much to me anymore. That's not entirely why I left. If that was it I would have told you the story before I left the way I did. She had a daughter. Kailey, she's my niece and adorable. She was devastated when she lost her mom because she never really knew her dad. Don't get me wrong, her dad was a good guy. His name was Kory. He sent money every two weeks and called somewhat. He was there for my sister all through her pregnancy. He just wasn't ready emotionally, plus he was always traveling. After my sister died she left custody of Kailey to me. At the funeral Kory showed up and said he wanted to be Kailey's real father. I checked him out and made sure he was ready to be a father. I wanted him to get to know Kailey before he just took her off. That's where I was this whole time. Eventually I found the kid to be legit and he took Kailey. I am gonna continue to check up on her and him but I'm happy that their happy. Both of them.
Jude: I understand, I really do and I am happy that everything worked out but still, why didn't you tell me?
Jude started to sob; she couldn't help but relive the heartbreak she felt that night and every night after that without Tommy.
Tommy (sighed and hugged her close): I knew how we both felt about each other and I didn't know how long I was going to be with Kailey. I knew that if I told you what was going on you would say you wanted to come with me and help or something, and as much as I would love for you to come and help me raise Kailey, I didn't want you to throw your life away for me; which is what I knew you would be willing to do.
Jude got off her swing and went over to Tommy's. She sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around her neck. She buried her head in the crop of his neck and whispered, "You didn't want me to come with you. It's okay. But then why did you kiss me that night?"
Tommy (wrapping his arms around her back and pulling her closer): No, no no Jude. I didn't want you to throw away your family, you life, your rocketing career. And if I remember you kissed me. I kissed back because, well, c'mon Jude. (He pulled away so he could look at her) You know how I feel about you. Once Kailey was gone and I knew she was going to be okay the only thing I would think about was how you were going to act when we saw each other again because I knew I wanted to see you again. Even when I was with Kailey I wanted to call you and tell you everything and tell you to come out and help me. I saved all 112 messages you sent me and I listened to a different one every day. Just so I could hear your voice.
It was after hearing Tommy, in a way; confess his feelings for her; that Jude knew things would be okay. Even if things didn't work out with Tommy in the end, or if they even officially went out; things would be okay. She pressed her lips to his and although he was taken aback it didn't take him long to react. He ran her hands through her hair pulling her closer. She got a grip on his beater and refused to let go. She was still sitting on his lap and although he didn't mind and she wasn't heavy his legs were giving out. He slipped off the swing and laid her down on the ground. She didn't break the kiss, but only intensified it more. Once seeing that laying her down didn't bother her he climbed on top of her. He eventually pulled away and looked at her. His eyes full of questions, once she fluttered her eyes open he saw that hers were also filled with questions. Once she comprehended what happened she shot up, causing Tommy to stumble on his side because he was on top of her.
Jude (pacing and running a hand through her hair): Oh, no no no. This…this…oh my god. What did I do? I can't do this. I won't do this. No, not again.
Tommy's heart broke when he heard her talking like that. His heart broke even more when she turned around and ran, right out of the park. He scurried up to follow her but when he passed the trees that hid the park he couldn't find her. A lot of people were walking around, it was like the city, and she didn't have her bright red hair anymore.
He found his way back to her house, he was going to get his stuff and find a hotel or go back to Kwest's. He wasn't going to leave but he knew he couldn't stay with Jude. It was now like 7 at night and Jude still wasn't back. Tommy made his way inside her house and saw Alex sitting there watching TV. Tommy just grabbed his stuff and put it in his car. Then he went back inside, he wanted to talk to Alex.
Jude wouldn't pick up her cell when Tommy called, he guessed she saw the caller i.d. and didn't want to talk to him. Maybe she would pick up for Alex.
Tommy: Uh, Alex?
Alex (looking up from the TV): Yea?
Tommy: Jude kind of ran away from me, that was at like 2 and she isn't back yet. I'm worried and she hasn't picked up her cell for me, you think you could call to see if she's alright.
Alex: She's fine. She came by here at like 3. She grabbed Britt and they went out. I asked where they said nowhere. They are probably just going to Ted's or Mike's house or something like that.
Tommy: Oh, um, okay. Can you call me when she gets back? Just to make sure she's okay?
Alex nodded as Tommy wrote down his cell number. He went out to his car and drove over to Kwest's place. When he pulled up he noticed an extra car. He silently prayed that Kwest didn't have a girl in there.
Tommy knocked on the door and Kwest answered, Tommy looked past Kwest to see someone sitting on the couch. Tommy's eyes widened but he walked in to talk to them anyway.
Going Back to Jude when she got home at like 3
Jude stormed into the house and saw Britt at the table reading a book. Jude grabbed her forearm and stormed upstairs. They changed and stormed out waving to Alex who was working on his laptop.
Jude and Britt were walking in silence. Brittany knew Jude needed to vent and this was her way of doing it. She knew not to ask Jude about it but just go along with whatever Jude was doing. Only, Britt started to wonder what was going on when Jude led her away from Ted's and toward a whole other part of town.
Britt: Um, Jude. Where are we going? I know you need to vent and everything but Ted's is that was. (Britt said jabbing a thumb to her right.)
Jude: I know. There is always a house party going on in this area and no one knows us there. That's where I wanna go tonight. Thanks for coming with me.
Britt just nodded. She didn't feel comfortable going to a house party. Jude wasn't naïve to what goes on at these downtown parties but Britt knew she wasn't thinking right. But Jude was determined and there was no talking her out of it now.
They passed a small house with Christmas lights everywhere even though it was late spring. There was loud music playing and people laughing. Jude heard splashing in the back and figured there was a pool. So, she knew it was a party, she knew there was music and people, she thought there was a pool, and she knew there was alcohol. Her and Britt made there way inside and eventually lost each other. Britt saw some people she knew and Jude wandered off while she was talking. Jude was standing on the side watching people dance and then she noticed someone she knew.
Jude: Jason! Jason over here!
Jason (Ken's cousin) noticed her and walked over to her spot on the wall.
Jason: Hey! What are you doing here? You know Ethan?
Jude shook her head 'no'. "I just needed to vent, Britt is here too but I sort of ran away from her."
Jason shook his head in understanding. "Well, if anyone bothers you just give a yell alright. Or if you need to talk we can go out in the back where it's quieter or something."
Jason was a real playboy. Sometimes he was worse that Tommy, but he really knew what Jude needed. He could be really sweet. Just watched him walk off and get lost in the crowd. Jude wondered to the backyard. It was quieter but still loud. There were just as many people too. Jude saw the pool. Scratch the thought above, she knew now. She was walking around. People were either grinding or making out. Some people were swimming but the pool was hardly full. A guy came up to her from behind and leaned in close to her ear. "You wanna go skinny dipping with me? I have a hunch you look really hot while wet."
Jude turned around abruptly. She wanted to say something like 'no, that's alright' but she was now pushed up against a wall and he seemed to be on the strong side. Her 'no, that's alright; then turned into a 'get the hell away from me.'
Now that she was facing him he leaned down again to whisper in her ear while playing with the hem of her shirt, "Or we could go inside and get wet all on our own."
Jude swallowed hard as he led her inside. Why wasn't she fighting? Something inside told her it would be alright, she was at a party and could do whatever she wanted. But the rest of her was screaming 'rip that guys head off!' How is it that one small voice could overcome the rest of her screaming body?
She learned the guy's name as Mark, a few people called out to him and he answered. He brought her to the dance floor and got rather close to him. She could tell he was drunk so she found a beer herself. She hated the taste of it she really did but it was alcohol, and she needed it right now. She started buzzing but wasn't drunk. She knew when to stop so she put her drink down. She started to take a liking to Mark. They were dancing for a long time. Her cell continued to ring but she never even processed what it was. Eventually she and Mark stopped dancing and he led her into the kitchen. There was almost no one in there. He looked at her and smiled. She was confused until he leaned down and kissed her. She kissed back. He picked her up and put her on the counted stepping in between her legs. He had one hand on her hip, slightly under her shirt, and the other hand was holding a tight grip on her knee. Her hands were sitting on his shoulders. He pulled away when he heard her cell ring again. "Do you have a boyfriend or something?" she asked out of breath, Jude could tell the alcohol was wearing off, on both of them.
Jude: No, but he acts like it.
Jude leaned down to kiss him again, he was a good kisser, and he took the kiss but ended it quickly. "Answer the phone; just tell him you're alright. That way he will finally leave us alone. You want me to take care of it?"
Jude considered this, it would really piss Tommy off but Tommy would freak out even more then she wanted him too. She nodded 'no' and unclipped her phone from her jeans and opened it up to see Tommy's picture. She opened up the phone and gave and exasperated 'hello?'
Tommy: Jude, where are you? I know you're upset but I need to know you're alright. It's like 10 and Alex said you haven't been home since 3.
Mark started to kiss her neck and whispered 'I can take care of him if you want.' Jude shook her head 'no' again and tried to talk to Tommy but Mark was distracting her.
Jude: Tommy, I'm fine. I am at a party with Britt. Actually she left with people she knew a while ago. Jason's here I think. I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me.
Tommy: Where are you! You're not at Ted's I want to make sure you're okay!
Jude was now getting mad: Yeah I'm not at Ted's! So what! I can't go anywhere besides Ted's. I am at a party downtown. I'm at E-E---(she couldn't remember the name Jason told her)
Mark had enough, he took the phone from Jude and considered hanging up but then he figured he would play with the guy on the other end a little bit.
Mark: Jude, baby it's alright. (Tommy heard in the background, and then Mark turned to the phone) Listen, you gonna keep calling? Or do you want me to just leave the phone on so you can hear me and Jude get intimate? I don't think you wanna hear that. And by the way, she doesn't need a keeper. She's out having a good time and I am the fun toy hat she picked to play with and cure her boredom. Her boredom with old, tired toys like you.
Mark waited for Tommy to respond but he was speechless. Mark hung up and handed the phone back to Jude. "You alright?" he asked, sincerity coming from each word.
Jude nodded and started to nibble Mark's ear. "Thank you." She whispered. He cupped her face and brought it to meet his. He kissed her again. She hopped off the counter as he led her to one of the few unoccupied bedrooms and se followed, never breaking the kiss.
Back to Kwest's House (when he first got there)
Tommy: Dude, what the hell are you doing here?
Kwest moved out of the way so Tommy could get in. The person on the couch stood up.
: I wanted to talk to you. You kind of shut up last night after I told you about Jude.
Tommy: Chaz, I really don't know what you want to talk about, and I really don't wanna talk about your relationship with Jude. Is that it?
Chaz: Well, I need you to talk to Jude for me. I am guessing she is kind of mad to say the least about what's going on with Sadie. Which is nothing by the way. I don't really know what happened. She just kind of came onto me and I was still, am still hurting over Jude.
Tommy: I think not. I am actually going to go call Jude now. Bye Bye Chaz.
Tommy walked into the kitchen and dialed Jude's number. She didn't answer. He figured he would call one more time just to try and make sure. When Jude picked up you know what happened. After the conversation he ran into the living room where Chaz was just about to leave and Kwest was saying goodbye.
Tommy: Ju-Jude! She's out having sex with some fag! God! What did I do!
He started pacing and then grabbed his keys. Chaz and Kwest stood there wide-eyed. Tommy then started mumbling to himself as he pushed passed Kwest and Chaz, "Downtown, she said she was at a downtown party. Which fucking way is downtown?"
Kwest (took the keys out of Tommy's hands): I'll take you man.
Chaz wouldn't move, his mouth was agape like a fish. Chaz got in his car and said he would follow but Tommy drastically took the keys back from Kwest. "No, man I need to help her alone. She will hate all of us if we just bombard her like this. Just tell me where to go. Where's downtown?"
Kwest pointed toward the left, he lived on a main street so there weren't really any turns to inform Tommy of. Tommy ran to the viper and sped in the direction Kwest told him to.
Back to the Party
Jason was searching frantically for Jude. He was worried, he knew how there guys got, especially when they were drunk and Jude was hot. No doubt about it. He asked a few people but no one really noticed her. He started asking around for Britt instead. Someone said they saw her leave with a bunch of girls. He relaxed and went to talk to Ethan.
In the bedroom:
Mark continued to kiss Jude, hard on the lips. She didn't mind but she did stiffen when he slipped his tongue into her mouth. She was pressed against the wall and Mark had pinned her hands above her head. This caused her shirt to lift up a bit. Mark noticed this and began to kiss her exposed skin. He worked his was up her stomach and pulled her shirt up as he kissed. He finally removed her shirt completely and she released her own hands and pushed him over to the bed. She laid him down and climbed on top of him. He liked it when his girls took control of the situation. He smiled and ran his thumb over her naval. She removed his shirt and started to finger his belt. He propped himself up as she straddled him and he trailed kisses around her collar bone. She had undone his belt buckle and he was about to unclasp her bra when they heard doors being shot open and people screaming. Then another door opened. More screams. Someone was checking all the rooms.
Jude searched frantically for her shirt. She found it and slipped it on. She smoothed out her hair. She threw Mark his shirt and took a pen from the nightstand. She wrote her phone number on his arm and told him to call her. He nodded and pulled her in for another kiss. She reluctantly took it and ran into the bathroom. She poured water in her eyes to make it look like she was crying. Mark didn't understand why she did it, he watched her climb out the window. She second she jumped out the door swung open, reveling a very mad Tommy. Mark didn't know him but he figured it was the guy from the phone.
Tommy: Where's your girl?
Mark: She jumped out the window. Her dad called. (The lying came easily to him)
Tommy eyed the guy and continued to search for Jude. When he didn't find her he got really worried. 'There must be another party' he thought. He got back in his car and started driving. He saw a girl with auburn hair walking, she looked tired and she looked like she was crying. He stopped the car and got out. 'Jude?' he whispered.
She turned around abruptly and ran into his arms. She would have to play actress or explain what was going on to Tommy. She chose to play actress.
Jude (sobbing): Tommy, I thought…thought he was nice. He was too forward and I couldn't…I wouldn't. Tommy, I didn't know when you called, it was so hard.
Tommy (holding her close and falling for the whole act): Jude…shh…it's alright. Who was he?
Jude: I…I don't know. We were just dancing and then he pulled me-
Tommy: Into a bedroom? (he remembered that punk kid who said his girl snuck out the window)
Jude figured Tommy found Mark: No, not a bedroom. They were all full he said, he pulled me into the bathroom. When someone started opening all the doors he slapped me because he thought I called someone (she brought a hand to her cheek) The he left so I ran. I ran for my life Tommy.
She cried into his chest and he held her tight. He brought her home and then went back to Kwest's after she fell asleep. Jude woke up to her cell ringing. She thought it was Tommy but the number was something she didn't recognize.
Jude: Hello?
: Jude, I am on my way to the mall. Wanted to know if you wanted to join me?
Jude: Mark?
Mark: Yeah, I wanna go on a date with you. I don't want you to think that last night was just a horny guy hitting on a pretty girl at a party.
Jude (laughing): Okay, (beep) I got another call so gimme like a half hour. Bye!
She switched over to the other line. It was Tommy.
Jude: Hello?
Tommy: Hey, I wanted to hang out today.
Jude I can't I'm going to the mall.
Tommy: I will meet you there because I really need to talk. Bye!
He hung up before Jude could tell him no. Damn! She thought.
