A/N: So, I was trying to update this story and I realized that this chapter just disappeared in my document manager. I kept trying to figure out what was wrong, and then I finally did. I'll probably post two more tonight to catch up with another site I have this posted on. I'm glad everyone's enjoying it so far! As for a couple of questions that were asked, all I'm going to say is to wait patiently. Everything will be explained...eventually. As for Tommy, he is in this story, I'm just not going to tell you when. That way, you'll just have to keep reading and leaving reviews asking me when Tommy's going to show up. :P But never fear, he WILL show up. Trust me, I know these things. Lots of love to everyone who's been reviewing! Without you guys, this story would be pointless.

Chapter 5

"Hey, Jude," he winked, "welcome back."

Jude flung herself from the bus into Mason's arms, not wanting to let go. Finally, a sane person that wasn't obsessed with silly string, whoopee cushions, trick gum, squirt guns, and every other thing that Speed, Wally, and Kyle had in their possession.

"Jude, I need air," Mason pretended to choke.

She finally released him, but not before swiping his cowboy hat and dancing a few steps away with it, waving it around.

"I always wanted one of these."

"Then go buy your own, Jude, that one's mine!" Mason shouted as he took off after her around the parking lot.

He chased her around for a few minutes before the guys from SME realized that they were unloading the bus by themselves. Then they joined Mason in chasing Jude and it wasn't long before the four of them overpowered her and Mason triumphantly placed his hat back in its rightful place on his head.

Liam soon came outside and forced everyone to get back to work without so much as a "Welcome back" to Jude, Wally, Kyle, or Speed. Obviously someone wasn't getting any at home.

After everything was unpacked from the bus, Jude and SME got ready to go home and catch up on many lost hours of sleep. Just as Jude was about to escape to freedom in her car, Speed yelled at her that Darius wanted to see her ASAP.

"Damn," she muttered as she got out of her car and walked through the doors.

Reaching his office, Jude tentatively knocked and called out, "Darius?"

"Come in!" he boomed through the doors. No matter what he was saying or who he was saying it to, Darius was always loud and you always listened to him, unless you didn't value your health.

Jude opened the door to find Darius sitting behind his desk, as usual, going through some paperwork.

"Welcome back, kiddo. You did good. Your merchandise sales were off the charts, as were your album sales. I'm glad to find that your sophomore album isn't following the path of your first."

"Um, thanks, I guess. Is that all you wanted to tell me? Because I'd really like to get home and get some sleep before I pass out behind the wheel," Jude rambled, anxious to just go home where her nice, comfy bed and a clean bathroom were waiting.

"Slow down, tiger," Darius chuckled. "I called you in here because I believe you've earned a much-needed break. Take the next two weeks off, and then we'll get started on your third album. Ok? Now get out of here!"

Jude couldn't do anything other than smile before rushing from his office back to her car. She started up the engine and drove to her house, soaking in all the familiar sites that she'd missed the past three months.

Unlocking her front door, found that her house was, once again, completely empty.

"Another fantastic homecoming," she said to herself. But, to be honest, she didn't really mind that no one was here to greet her, because now she could sleep in peace.

Jude hadn't even bothered to get her bags from her car; there'd be time for that later. She bounded up the stairs to her room, desperate to be in her own domain and her own bed again.

She flopped down on the unmade bed--just as she had left it. While reveling in the familiar and comforting feel of her pillows and blankets, a sudden thought occurred to Jude.

There went her happiness at being home, and her chance to sleep at the moment.

Reaching into her pocket, Jude removed her cell phone, flipped it open, and began scrolling through her list of contacts. Finally finding the one she wanted, Jude hit 'send' and waited for the other person to pick up. They finally did on the third ring.

"I'm back..."