Countdown Chapter 3: Bad Luck, an instant star fanfic

Thank you all for your reviews. I'm kinda stuck on how to continue this. I know how to end it...I just need to figure out how to get there. So if any of you...and I mean any of you have any ideas please tell me in a review. So here's chapter 3. This is the first time I'm not using any of my own songs. I was just lazy. so here it is.

Disclaimer: I do not own Instant Star or Before He Cheats, I Just Can't Live a Lie, and Whenever You Remember by Carrie Underwood.

Chapter 3: Bad Luck

Right now, he's probably slow dancing with some bleach-blonde tramp

And she's probably getting frisky

Right now, he's probably buying her some fruity little drink

'Cause she can't shoot the whiskey

Right now, he's probably up behind her with a pool stick how to shoot a combo

And he don't know

That I dug my key in to the side

Of his pretty little supped up four-wheel drive

Carved my name into his leather seats

I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights

Slash a whole in all four tires

Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats

Right now, she's probably up singing some white-trash version

Of Shania Karaoke

Right now, she's probably saying I'm drunk

And he's thinking that's he's going to get lucky

Right now, he's probably dabbing 3 dollars worth

Of that bathroom cologne

And he don't know

That I dug my key in to the side

Of his pretty little supped up four-wheel drive

Carved my name into his leather seats

I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights

Slash a whole in all four tires

Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats

I might've saved a little trouble for the next girl

'Cause the next time that he cheats

Oh, you know, it won't be on me

No, not one me

'Cause I dug my key in to the side

Of his pretty little supped up four-wheel drive

Carved my name into his leather seats

I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights

Slash a whole in all four tires

Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats

I finished my song and went out of the booth. I wrote that song a while ago, when I still hated Tommy. I didn't hate him anymore. I was mad, but I didn't hate him. I wanted to be his friend again. But with Adam breathing down my neck, I couldn't even look at him. I told Adam I was going to get a bottle of water. He said ok and went back to mixing. Once I was at hospitality, and just my luck, Tommy was there pouring himself a cup of coffee. I looked around making sure that Adam wasn't looking at me. He was too busy mixing so I decided this is my chance.

Jude: Sorry.

Tommy: Don't be. Adam's a jerk. So what are you doing talking to me? Won't Adam get mad?

Jude: I still want to be your friend Tommy.

Tommy: Really? By the way, nice song.

Jude: I wrote that when I still hated you. I don't hate you anymore. I need you're friendship Tom.

Tommy: I need yours too, but Adam…

Jude: Forget about Adam. Listen, I'll talk to him ok.

Tommy: Alright.

I went to get a bottle of water when Tommy patted my back. I winced and hissed. It still hurt.

Tommy: Are you okay?

Jude: Yea, I'm fine.

Tommy: What's wrong with you're back?

Jude: It's just a little sore.

Tommy: Sore?

Jude: Yea.

Tommy: Okay, I need to go back to my artist so…

Jude: Alright. Talk to you later?

Tommy: Sure, I'll meet you at the rehearsal space later.

Jude: See you then.

Just as Tommy left Adam came in. He saw Tommy leaving.

Adam: Were you talking to him?

Jude: Uh, yea, I was telling him to shut up and go away.

Adam: He's still bothering you.

Jude: No, he just wanted to know…how you and I were doing. I told him to shut up and he left.

Adam: That's my girl.

I smiled and he kissed me. I opened my eyes and saw Tommy looking at us with a frown. He looked away and walked back to the studio. I closed my eyes again and pulled away. He smiled at me and he embraced me.

Jude: Ow.

Adam: What's wrong?

Jude: Just my back.

Adam: That was from me wasn't it?

He looked so guilty, like he was really sorry about it.

Jude: Its okay, I'm fine.

Adam: I really am sorry.

Jude: Babe, stop. You're forgiven. Now lets see what you did to my song.

There are 3 dates that I remember. June 22, January 5, and April 13. I'll get to the other dates later. But June 22 was one of the biggest ones.

I was at my rehearsal space working on a new song. But the more and more I got into the song, the more I didn't want to record it. One reason, Adam. He might figure out that it's about Tommy and I. Okay, I know what you're thinking. But I just don't Adam to get mad again. We haven't been having any fights since that night and I didn't want to mess it up. And no, I wasn't falling for Tommy again. It was just something that popped in my head. I already had a name for it, a tune, and all I needed was one more line. I wrote it and it was done. I loved it. I heard a knock on the door and told them to come in. It was Tommy. We've been meeting here for a while. He thought I told Adam but I never did. Adam has no idea about our little meetings that we had.

Tommy: I heard you singing from down the hall. I like it, what is it.

Jude: Just a song.

Tommy: Well are you going to sing it or what?

Jude: I don't even think I'm going to record it.

Tommy: Oh, c'mon. Let me hear it.

Jude: No, that's okay.

Tommy: Jude.

Jude: Fine.

I started strumming and bolted out the words full of emotion.

When you look back on times we had
I hope you smile
And know that through the good and through the bad
I was on your side when nobody could hold us down
We claimed the brightest star
And we, we came so far
And no they won't forget

Whenever you remember times gone by
Remember how we held our heads so high
When all this world was there for us
And we believe that we could touch the sky
Whenever you remember, I'll be there
Remember how we reached that dream together
Whenever you remember

When you think back on all we've done
I hope you're proud
When you look back and see how far we've come
It was our time to shine
And nobody could hold us down
They thought they'd see us fall
But we, we stood so tall
And no we won't forget

Yeahhh, Ooohh

We claimed the brightest star
And we, we came so far
And know that we showed them all
And no they won't forget

Yeahhh

Whenever you remember

Ooohh, whenever you remember

I could tell by the look on Tommy's face he knew it was about us. I looked away embarrassed. He grabbed my hand and my head whipped back to face him.

Tommy: It's really nice. I like it.

Jude: Thanks.

Just incase you didn't know I have the worst luck in the world. Just then Adam came in. I was horrified and Tommy looked at me confused. Adam looked furious. I looked at Tommy and pushed his hand away and stood up immediately. Adam walked over to us steaming. I swear you could see smoke coming out of his ears like in those cartoons. Finally Tommy caught on that I never told Adam.

Jude: Adam, it's not what it looks like. He was just helping me with a song. That's all.

Adam: Why didn't you tell me about your little meeting today huh?

Jude: It's not like it was planned!

That's the first time I yelled at him.

Adam: Don't you raise your voice at me!

Tommy: Hey, cool it, like she said. It wasn't planned. I came by and saw her. She was having trouble with a song and I helped her!

Adam: You stay out of this! Jude! We're going home, now!

I quickly gathered my things. Adam was already half way down the hallway. Tommy grabbed my arm when I was trying to leave.

Tommy: Jude, don't do this. You don't have to listen to him.

Jude: Tommy…

Tommy: No, Jude.

Jude: You'll just get him even angrier.

Tommy: Who cares?

Jude: Let go, Tommy, let go.

He let go of my arm and let me leave. Both of us knew that I meant that in more ways than one. Once I got home I tried to say I was sorry. He wouldn't hit again. He promised he wouldn't.

Adam: So, now you're cheating on me with Tommy?

He said it so calmed that it made me uneasy.

Jude: No, it's not like…

He did it again. He slapped me. Tears started to come.

Adam: I won't be played with Jude. You promised me that you weren't going to see him again!

Jude: I'm sorry.

I started to cry, and my heart was beating faster and faster. He grabbed me by the neck and threw me on the bed.

Adam: You're suppose to love me and only me!

Jude: I don't love Tommy! I love you!

I could hardly talk.

Adam: You're going to regret ever cheating on me, Jude!

He pulled me off the bed my hair and knocked my head on the desk. Then he picked me up and punched me in the stomach and then slapped me again. I was so afraid. He just wouldn't stop. I screamed as loud as I could but no one heard. No one cared. He left me on the bedroom floor. I felt the back of my head and I was bleeding. I couldn't get up. I was numb and broken.

After I took a bath and cleaned myself up I didn't want to come out of the bathroom. Then I heard Adam call my name. Was he ever going to stop? I hesitated before answering.

Jude: Yea, I'm in the bathroom.

Adam: When you're done, can you come out here?

Jude: Uh, sure, just a minute.

I looked at myself in the mirror. I had a bruised lip, a ring around my neck, and a bruise on my face from where he slapped me. It hurt, not just physically but emotionally. I know I should leave him, but I loved him. I couldn't leave. He was the only man that loved me that I could hold on to. I came out of the bathroom. He was standing next to the kitchen counter practicing some kind of speech it seemed. He looked at me and had that same guilty look he had last time this happened. But this time it was a lot worst. He looked at my face and touched the bruise on my cheek. I cringed in pain.

Adam: I'm so sorry. I only did it, because I love you and I don't want to lose you.

I just nodded my head. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. I looked at him surprised.

Jude: What's that?

Adam: Jude, I love you. I love you more than anything. I hope that you feel the same way about me because I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Adam went down on one knee and opened the box. A beautiful ring was inside of it. It was a 12-carrot white gold with a perfect cut diamond in the middle and two sapphires on each side.

Adam: Jude Harrison, will you marry me?

Jude: Adam, I…oh, my god.

A smile went across my face and tears of joy came out of my eyes. He stood up and I jumped into his arms.

Jude: Yes, yes, yes! I will! I love you, I love you so much!

Adam: I love you too!

They you go again. Thinking the worst right? You're probably saying "Jude, you're so stupid. Why didn't you get out of it then? You should've said no." I thought that if we got married everything would stop. I loved him, what else what I was suppose to do. I was happy. I was getting married to the greatest guy in the world. He only hit me because he cared. So that sounds really stupid and it doesn't make sense. But it made sense to me. At least, back then it did. Oh, sorry, back to my story.

The next day I woke up smiling. I saw Adam sleeping peacefully. I carefully got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Once I faced the mirror my smiled faded. The bruises on my face and neck were still there. I got my make-up bag from the corner of the sink. I took out my cover-up, blush, and foundation. I never wore foundation. Sadie gave it to me one time but I never thought I would need it. The memories kept flashing in my head. I tried to shake it off and think about the only happy memory from that night. Adam Branch asked me to marry him. That smile came back. I saw him in the mirror and he came up behind me and started to kiss my neck.

Jude: Good morning, fiancé.

Adam: How are you, fiancé?

We both laughed and then got ready for the studio. But when we got there Darius had a big surprise for us.

Jude: Tommy's producing me again?

Darius: He's going to be co-producing with Adam.

Jude: But why?

Darius: Both of his artists are on tour and he needs work. So I decided for him to work with Adam.

Jude: Um, I don't think that's such a great idea.

Darius: Why not?

I looked behind me to see Adam and Tommy already yelling and fighting. Darius also saw the scene. I looked at him with a "see what I mean" look.

Darius: I see. But you can get them to work along with each other.

Jude: I don't think…

Darius: Good, now get to work. Time is money.

I walked back to Studio 1 and, like I said, Tommy and Adam were yelling.

Adam: This is outrageous! You set this up somehow didn't you? Just so you can be near Jude!

Tommy: Yea right! Like I want to be stuck with you in a studio all day! I had no choice in the matter!

Jude: Whoa, whoa. Okay, everyone just sit and calm down.

Amazingly they both shut up and sat down.

Jude: Wow, didn't know how much power I had over you two.

Adam: So how's that ring looking?

I held up my hand and looked at it.

Jude: It could've used a few more diamonds.

Adam: Excuse me?

Jude: I'm just playing babe. I love it. It's lovely.

I leaned in and kissed him. Tommy looked away disgusted.

Tommy: What ring?

Jude: Oh yea, I forgot to tell you. Adam and I are getting married!

Tommy: You're what?

Adam: We're getting married. Is that a problem or something?

I knew where this was going so I cut them off. I sat on Adams lap and tried to get them to stop before they started.

Jude: Okay, one rule here. If both of you are producing me, I don't want to hear any fights through my earphones. I need my eardrums. So either you two clean up your act, or I'm not working 'til you do. Kay?

Both Adam and Tommy nodded in agreement. I got my guitar and walked into the booth. I sat on the stool and opened up my journal.

Adam: Okay, superstar, let's see what you've got.

I looked at my notebook. I didn't know which one to sing. Both meant so much to me. It was either Whenever You Remember or the new one I Just Can't Live a Lie. I looked between Tommy and Adam. They looked at each other in confusion.

Adam: Is something wrong?

Jude: Um, no. Sorry. I have a new song.

Tommy: Do you want us to record?

Jude: No, just listen.

Lately nothing I do ever seems to please you
And maybe turning my back would be that much easier
Cause hurtful words are all that we exchange
But I can't watch you walk away

Can I forget about the way it feels to touch you?
And all about the good times that we've been through
Could I wake up without you every day?
Would I let you walk away?

No, I can't learn to live without
And I can't give up on us now

Oh, I know I could say we're through
And tell myself I'm over you
But even if I made a vow
I promise not to miss you now
And try to hide the truth inside
I'd fail cause I, I just can't live a lie

Could I forget the look that tells me that you want me?
And all the reasons that make loving you so easy
The kiss that always makes it hard to breathe
The way you know just what I mean

No, I can't learn to live without
Ohh, so don't you give up on us now

Ohh, I know I could say we're through
And tell myself I'm over you
But even if I made a vow
I promise not to miss you now
And try to hide the truth inside
I'd fail cause I, I just can't live a lie

Ohh, and I don't wanna try

Ohhhh, I know I could say we're through
And tell myself I'm over you
But even if I made a vow
I promise not to miss you now
And try to hide the truth inside
I'd fail cause I, I just can't live a lie

I just can't live a lie

But even if I made a vow
I promise not to miss you now
And try to hide the truth inside
I'd fail cause I, I just can't live a lie

Oh, I cant live a lie

When I finished I saw both of them look at me in astonishment. They looked so funny I tried to hide my laughter.

Jude: Um, how was that?

Adam was the first one to snap out of it.

Adam: That was…awesome. So real.

Then Tommy spoke.

Tommy: That was amazing Jude. So much emotion.

Jude: Thank you. I think I'm ready to record it.

Adam: Of course sweetie. But why don't we take a break first. Get some water.

Jude: Alright.

Adam and I walked to hospitality together and left Tommy behind. I looked back at Tommy and stopped.

Jude: Do you want to come to get some water with us?

Adam: Jude.

I whispered in his ear.

Jude: Adam, if we're going to be working with him we need to at least get along.

Adam: Really. You seem to get along with him just fine. I got my proof yesterday.

Jude: Adam, I told you nothing is going on between us.

We were talking out loud now and Tommy could hear us.

Adam: How can I be so sure?

Jude: Who did I say yes to? I love you, not him. He's just, a good producer okay, nothing more.

That's when Tommy got mad and walked out to the alley. I felt really guilty but I didn't let Adam see.

Adam: Fine, I trust you.

Jude: Listen, I'm going to go and talk to Tommy because I don't want him mad at me when we have an album to finish.

Adam: Why don't I talk to him?

Jude: Baby, I love you, but somehow I don't think that's going to work.

Adam: Alright, but be back in like 15 minutes so we can record that song.

I smiled at him. See, I knew things would be different once we were engaged. So I went to the alley. Man did that hold a lot of memories. I saw Tommy looking over the railing. I cautiously walked over to him.

Jude: Hi.

He just looked at me. It was the same look Adam gave me before he hit me.

Jude: Um, I'm really sorry about what I said in there.

Tommy: Sure you are.

He stood up straight now and he still had that look. I backed up a little bit.

Jude: I just said that so Adam wouldn't think anything was going on between us.

Tommy: Right, nothing to worry about right? Because you don't love me.

He walked closer to me.

Tommy: I love you Jude! That's something! When you said that it made me so mad!

He lifted up his hand and I crouched with my hands over my head and began to cry.

Jude: Please don't hit me. I'm sorry, just please don't hit me. I didn't mean it.

I was crying and then I felt him touch my shoulder. I jumped.

Tommy: It's okay Jude, it's just me. It's Tommy. I'm not going to hit you. I would never. Why would you even think that?

I looked up not realizing that my tears were washing off my make-up. He saw a little black on my face.

Tommy: What's this?

He touched my cheek and I winced and turned away.

Tommy: Jude, c'mon, let me see.

I paused before turning back to him. Tommy slowly wiped off the remainder of my make-up. I closed my eyes in pain. When he finally finished he looked at me. Fear was in his eyes and I cried even harder.

Tommy: Jude, tell me he didn't do this to you.

Jude: It wasn't his fault. It was mine. I lied to him. I broke my promise and I shouldn't have. I deserved it.

Tommy: Jude, no. That's not true. No one deserves this. No one should ever hit you.

Jude: He just cares for me Tom. He loves me and is afraid of losing me. He just sometimes gets a little out of hand.

Tommy: Are you even listening to yourself? You need to get yourself out before it's too late.

Jude: Get myself out. Tommy I can't. I love him, I can't just leave him. Didn't you hear my song? I love him too much to leave him.

Tommy: That's not love in your eyes, that's fear. You're scared of what he might do if you leave him aren't you?

I couldn't admit that he was right, could I? I looked into his eyes and he was truly concerned. I don't know what came over me. I guess it was just good to have him there. The look in his eyes was mesmerizing me. I kissed him. It wasn't a long kiss. No tongues included. It was just a nice peck that you would give a friend. But Adam didn't see to that. Bad luck just followed my everywhere. He looked at me and then at Tommy. I didn't even know he was there until he grabbed my arm to pick me up from where I was squatted.

Adam: So, nothing's going on between you, huh?

Jude: Adam, it was just a friendship kiss. Please…

Adam: That's a load of shit!

Tommy: Adam! Let her go! Don't you even think about putting one finger on her!

Adam let go of me and went over to Tommy. They were going to fight if I didn't stop them. I knew Adam, he would hit you and never stop until he was satisfied. I couldn't let him do that to Tommy. I got in between them.

Jude: Stop, it's my fault. I kissed him. Lets just go home and discuss it there.

Adam: Damn right we'll discuss it!

I looked at Tommy.

Tommy: Jude what are you doing?

Jude: Tommy, I might not be here tomorrow. Just remember one thing ok? I love you.

I whispered to him knowing that was the last thing I was ever going to say to him. Adam grabbed my arm and dragged me to the parking lot. On June 22, that was the night I knew I was going to die.

So how was it? Was it terrible? Did you get any ideas? BecauseI could sure use them hinthint! Review please!