Okay I cried well writing this chapter. So I hope you like it as much as I do and please let me know what you think.

Chapter 20

"Okay, I know you think I have some weird ideas when it comes to fashion but I seriously think I outdid myself today," Portia said finally backing away so I could turn my chair to look in the mirror.

"That's me," I whispered surprised. After my meeting with Darius I was allowed to control my wardrobe. But my seventeenth birthday party was going to be a big deal since Darius was throwing a huge party. But it wasn't only a birthday party; it was also my album release party. So I decided to let her deal with the dress. I had school to worry about, plus my new boyfriend (though he hated being called that), and my own album which was officially finished. Tommy and I had worked for two months straight to finish it.

Darius was a little skeptical about some of the tracks but when he realized Tommy and I weren't budging, he signed off on it. Tonight would be the public's first chance at listening to my next single, Anybody but You and to hear the rest of the album. I was nervous but mainly excited. When my first album dropped, I had been full of fear. Fear that it would fail, that nobody would buy it but mostly fear that I was destined to be a wannabe star. Now I had none of that. I was a star, I was a success. It didn't matter if some people protested my music, because it was still my music. For ever person who hated it, there were ten people raving about it.

"That's you," Portia said crossing her arms over her chest as she smirked. "Guess my fashion sense isn't so bad now, is it?"

"I barely recognize myself," I said turning around slowly. The dress was black, all black. Which was good because I loved the color black. But with my blonde hair, yes, I decided to keep my hair blonde. As much as I loved my red hair, the blonde looked good. But back to the dress, it looked amazing with my blonde hair. It was a halter dress but it was very low cut, probably the lowest cut dress I've ever worn; and the back, there was none. It literally was backless. I loved it. "Thank you so much Portia, I look so…grown up."

"Well, you may only be turning seventeen but to me, you've been more grown up than most teenagers," Portia said beginning to clean up all her makeup utensils and hair accessories.

"I still can't believe it's me," I said still staring into the mirror.

"Well, you won't be the only one saying that tonight, I have a feeling a certain producer may be thinking the same thing," Portia said seriously.

I looked down at my hands which were gripping each other tightly before turning to face her. "I know you don't approve of Tommy and me. I know you think I'm too young or that he's too old. But I love him."

"I don't think any of that actually," Portia said after a moment of silence. "I admit I had my doubts when you two went public that it would last. Tommy's only ever cared about himself and you, you're way too young to be so serious but even I can see it."

"See what?" I asked curiously turning back to the mirror.

"How you belong together," Portia said smiling. "When I divorced Tommy I thought my life was over. I loved him so much but he never loved me and that was what made me bitter I think. The only thing that got me through was my knowing he just wasn't capable of loving."

"That's not true," I said slightly pissed off whipping around to face her again.

"No it's not, what is true is that he wasn't capable of loving me," Portia explained calmly. "I've hated him a long time but watching him with you, I can't seem to hate him. He loves you; it's in his eyes, his body language. When you walk into a room, his eyes are immediately drawn to you and vice versa. I've never seen two people so incredibly attuned to one another."

"He's amazing," I said smiling as I thought about him.

"I want that," Portia said nodding her head as she went back to cleaning up. "I've been afraid to put myself out there but now, I'm ready. I want what you found with Tommy."

"I hope you find it," I said softly. I turned back to the mirror and took one final look. "Well, I'm ready, time to face the music, or in this case, the reporters."

Portia smiled. "You'll be fine."

"Thanks again Portia," I said picking up my little clutch purse before making my way to the door. I had a party to get to and even though I was confident with my music, my last birthday hadn't gone the exact way I had planned. I could only hope this birthday would be better.

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"Where is she?" Tommy asked for the millionth time.

Kwest rolled his eyes. "Chill Tom, she's on her way. I called Portia and she should walk in the door any minute."

"Leave it up to Jude to be late to her own party," Tommy said checking to make sure his guitar was in tune once again. He couldn't decide if he was more nervous about performing a song from his upcoming album live or singing a song that had been specifically written for Miss Jude Harrison.

It had been Sadie's idea to have a song written about her when she walked into her party. But it had been Darius's idea to make Tommy perform it live instead of playing it off a CD.

"She's walking up the red carpet now," Kwest said closing his phone. "Get in position."

Tommy walked to the center of the stage and looked back at Spied, Kyle and Wally who were all goofing off. He couldn't believe that he had to use Jude's own band but he didn't have a band yet. That was another headache for another day.

When Jude walked through the doors Tommy started strumming his music and he smiled as Jude's eyes immediately found his. She looked confused but more importantly, she looked happy.

I don't know what it is tonight
your smile, your eyes, yeah
even in candlelight
you shine so bright
and you're so beautiful
more beautiful than you've ever been
I catch my breath
and fall in love again

I can't imagine where I'll be without you with me
I need you every day more than words can say
I want you in the life
And for all the life
This night will never end

You take my hand
And I fall in love again

I've been sure that a miracle
could've brought you here to me
When I'm with you
Heaven's all I see
All I see

Caught up in ever touch
I feel the rush of this moment back when we're here
Each time we kiss
I fall in love again
I can't resist
"I fall in love again," Tommy sang stepping slowly back from the mic. He watched as Jude slowly made her way towards him and he was humbled by the tears in her eyes. Sadie had been right, the song was a hit.

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I had never imagined when this day had begun that I would end it being serenaded by my boyfriend who publicly, had been less than impressive. But privately, he was attentive and romantic. To watch him openly admit his feelings not in a speech but in a song, that I know he wrote. I couldn't have stopped the tears if I had wanted to.

I walked towards him slowly trying to find the words to thank him but as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a very public kiss. I knew there weren't words to express how much I felt for him at this moment. So I put everything I had into this kiss. So when I pulled away and he stared at me with that slightly dazed look in his eyes, I knew he understood.

"Thank you," I whispered giving him one more peck.

"No thank you," Tommy replied leading me onto the dance floor.

I barely heard the music in the background but smiled when I heard White Lines begin playing in the background. It had been the last song recorded by Tommy and me for my CD. It was probably the most personal song on my new album because it described exactly how I felt coming home from my last tour. There had been tears when I had finally admitted to Tommy who that song was about and not only by me; he had shed a few too. But I think that late night in the studio had helped cement our relationship even more.

It wasn't going to be easy. We had an uphill battle ahead of us. Me with my tour coming up and Tommy with his album he had to finish recording. But as I danced in his arms staring into his baby blue eyes I couldn't bring myself to care. I loved him and in this moment, I had no worries.

"I love you," Tommy said softly rubbing his hand up and down the middle of my back.

"I love you," I said surprised to find tears forming behind my eyes. I would have thought I had dried out by now. I laid my head on his chest and relaxed. I was going to be okay. We were going to be okay. I had to believe that.

The End


Okay that was the end but maybe not. I have had a couple people asking me to continue writing this story and make it a trilogy. I have an idea already formed in my head but I'm not going to post anything until I get your opinion. So if you would like me to continue this, review and tell me. I have had a wonderful time writing this story and I want to thank everybody who read and reviewed. Especially those of you who reviewed religiously. Thank you so much. That is the reason I keep writing and slaving away. So please give me your thoughts. Ciao!