Sorry it took so long to update, I had a little writer's block there…sooo, here we go! The lyrics are from the song "Headlock" by Imogen Heap. Don't forget to R&R!
You say too late to start
Got your heart in a headlock
I don't believe any of it
----
Tommy watched Jude listlessly brush her fingertips across the strings of her guitar from the producer's side of studio C, a frown carving deep creases in his brow. It had been two days since her sixteenth birthday party, and everyone around her could tell that the events that had occurred that night had cut her deeply. She was quieter, more withdrawn…the fire had flickered out of her eyes, and she didn't smile or laugh anymore. She only spoke when she absolutely had to, and when she wasn't penning lyric after lyric in her worn journal she was cradling her guitar in her arms and strumming sad melodies. Georgia had tried to gently coax her into talking about what had occurred on her birthday, but Jude refused her offer each time. Her family attempted to do the same, although it seemed as if Sadie always had something on her mind and Victoria and Stuart were in the midst of their own raging battle. Only Tommy knew why Jude Harrison had withdrawn into herself overnight, and it killed him to see her so broken because of it.
Every time he spoke to her over the studio intercom she'd nod or simply follow his directions, never challenging his every suggestion like she used to or even responding with more than a monosyllabic answer. She wouldn't even look him in the eye anymore.
"Alright Jude, we're done for the day. Try and get some rest, and don't forget about Under The Mic tonight" Kwest sighed over the intercom, rubbing the bridge of his nose wearily. Jude looked up, nodded, and started to pack up her guitar. She walked out through the studio doors, murmuring a "see ya" to Kwest and not a single word of farewell to Tom. He winced. I guess I deserve that.
"So, Tom…are
you going to tell me what happened with you two, or are you going to
keep pretending that there's nothing wrong going on here?" asked
Kwest.
Tom sighed and shut his eyes, rubbing his temples
furiously. He could feel a migraine coming on. "I told you, man!
She's just upset about that idiot kid Shay." Kwest arched an
eyebrow, clearly not impressed with his answer.
"She's acting like somebody died, and you mean to tell me that only Shay did that? I don't buy it." Tommy opened his mouth to protest, but Kwest raised a hand and silenced him. "Before you start, I want to remind you that I saw you run after her that night. Something else happened, and I know you too well to believe any of these bullshit excuses you're coming up with."
"I just…she…she's too young, Kwest! I can't keep thinking this way about her, and she has to know that I'm doing this for her own good!" Tommy practically cried out in frustration, restraining himself from pounding a fist on the soundboard and running a hand through his dark hair instead.
"Jesus, Tom…what did you do to her?"
Tommy sighed deeply, exhaustion weighing on his shoulders. "We…we kissed. I kissed her that night, and I made her take it back."
Kwest dropped the pencil he was chewing on, eyes widening. "Whoa, wait…you what?"
"We got caught up in the moment, and…well…shit. What am I supposed to do, man? It's out of my hands. I promised myself that I'd never cross that line, and the last thing I want to do is destroy her career."
"Well," Kwest started, fingers tapping lightly on the soundboard switches. "You could start by realizing what an idiot you're being." Tommy's head snapped up at that, his eyes glaring menacingly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he growled.
"Uh, let's see…trying something in the first place? No wonder she's so upset; the girl's been head over heels for you since day one, I'm surprised you didn't notice it." Tommy sighed again, looking away, and Kwest's eyes widened in shock. "You knew, didn't you? Wow…I don't think I can help you out of this one, Quincy. You've definitely screwed yourself this time," he chuckled. Tom glared at him again, but he was too upset for it to be more than a half-hearted attempt.
"Just don't say anything to anyone, okay? Could you imagine what would happen if Georgia found out? She'd fire me on the spot! Jude's parents would have me arrested, her career would be over…I can't let this thing get out of control. You have to keep this on the hush," he pleaded.
"It's a little too late for that," a voice grimly declared behind him. Tommy spun around slowly in his chair, swallowing hard when his cobalt eyes met Georgia's brown ones. "We need to talk."
