Disclaimer: I don't own Instant Star.

Chapter 22: Shay and Suing.

Shay came into G Major the next day and hugged me. "Are you feeling better?"

I frowned and shook my head. "It hurts, more than you could imagine."

"You just need to get him out of your head. Put him behind you." He kissed my temple, as if to shake it from my head.

"Don't get too comfortable with each other," EJ said coming in the lobby.

"Oh god, not more bad news, I can't take it," I replied.

"Then close your eyes, 'cause you're not going to want to see this." She shoved a newspaper at us and Shay grabbed it.

"'Reunited?' Are they joking? Shay and I are just friends. Nothing has happened. I find it funny that they didn't suspected anything less than a year ago but now they think I'm into him? Jesus, he's just trying to help me."

Shay just stayed quiet at my remark. "Follow me." He grabbed my arm and dragged me off into the studio.

"What's going on, Shay?"

"I can't take this anymore."

"You can't take what?"

"I can't take you being so damn hurt by Tommy anymore. I've watched you for the past year. You had his child then he came home. Then this happens. I care about you, Jude, and I'm so sick of this happening to you."

"I don't get what you're saying…"

"This might clear things up." Before I could respond, he pushed his lips against mine.

He broke away from me and my tears started to fall. "What are you doing?" I mumbled.

"Don't you get it, Jude?"

"Don't you get it? Things with Tommy just lost control and I can't handle anything anymore."

Shay sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry; I just don't want you to suffer. I should've thought before I acted." He turned to walk away but I hugged him.

"Give it time, Shay… It may happen sometime soon."

"Okay…"

I followed him out into the lobby where Sadie was waiting with Tommy Jr. in tow.

"Hey, Sades," I said.

"Here's Tommy Jr.," she replied, handing my son over to me. "He's seems to be doing okay."

"That's good."

"And how about you?"

"How about me what?"

"Are you doing okay?"

"I could be better."

"Yeah, I saw that tabloid. Haven't you been through enough hell? Why don't these morons just leave you alone?"

"Speaking of morons leaving you alone, I'm going to go," Shay interrupted, backing away,

Sadie let out a laugh. "What was that about?"

"Shay just told me he still likes me,"

Sadie covered her mouth but I could tell she was laughing. "Oh, that's so cute! But I'm guessing it's still too soon…"

"That's an understatement."

"Did you hurt him?"

"I told him that it could happen sometime."

"So basically, never?"

"No, not never. I just need a little time."

"Okay, whatever you say."

"I will, someday."

"If you insist."

"Can we just switch subjects?"

"Sure thing."

"Jude Harrison?" A deliveryman called from the door.

"Yes?" I replied.

The guy came over from the door and handed me a large envelope. He held out a clipboard and said, "Sign here."

I did as I was told and ripped open the envelope once he walked away. My eyes started watering as I continued reading. I dropped to the floor, trying not to hurt my son.

Sadie came up to me. "Jude, what's wrong?"

"Read…" I shoved the papers towards her and she took them from me.

"No way… He- he wants?"

I nodded. "He's suing for custody of Tommy Jr."

AN: Stupid Tommy. He needs to be shot in the foot… JK. Anyways, R&R