A/N: I don't own Instant Star yaddh yadda yadda

Part 3

Although it wasn't a short walk from Tommy's apartment Jude's anger seemed to fuel her legs as she made her way back to the mustang. Jude's lip began to tremble as tears stung her eyes. The car windows had been smashed. She cautiously walked towards the vehicle. Her guitar was gone. Garbage was strewn inside her car. She desperately clawed through the refuse to reach her secret compartment. All the money that she had saved was gone. She sat there with her head in her hands, but she did not cry. Tears wouldn't help. She clutched her journal to her chest and walked out of the alley without taking a backwards glance.

She was so upset that as she emerged from the alley she didn't bother looking when she crossed the street. She finally did glance up when she heard the screech of tires and a bright pair of headlights headed her way. "So this is how it all ends" she said silently as she braced for impact. It never came. She opened one eyelid slowly as she said a small thank you to who ever was watching out for her upstairs. "I'm sorry" he said dejectedly. "I never read it. I was looking for you this afternoon because I wanted to return it to you, honest" he said with a pathetic look on his face. "I'm sorry I upset you" he said pleadingly. "Please can you find it in your heart to forgive me? Just tell me what to do to fix it. Just don't be mad at me" he said whole heartedly. She surprised the two of them when she walked up to him, put her arms around his neck, and broke down. Sobs escaped from her lips as the tears soaked into his shirt. He was too shocked to do anything at first, but then his senses returned to him and he encircled his arms around her back protectively and whispered into her hair. "Whatever it is it'll be alright" he said as he found his body melding to hers. They clung to each other as if their very lives depended on it. Once her crying had subsided she led him to the broken down mustang and told him what happened when she returned. "I've been alone for so long, you know. And now I have no home; no music. It just hurts" she said wondering what it was about him that made her reveal everything she was feeling and had been feeling for a long time. She said. His heart ached for her; it truly did. He didn't know it then, but what he was about to do was irrevocably going to change his life forever. "You're not alone. Not anymore. C'mon grab your stuff, you're coming home with me" he said. Jude looked up at him with astonishment, anger, and a trace of fear. "Before you freak out just listen. I have plenty of room in my apartment; you can live with me. No strings attached, I promise. Let me be here for you..." he said earnestly. "Jude. My name is Jude" she said as she offered him her hand. "It's nice to meet you Jude" he said as his hand engulfed hers. "Thank you, Tommy" she said looking up at him. "For what?" he said. "For saving me" she said. He squeezed her hand reassuringly and led her to the car. As the viper made its way down the street Jude took one final glance at her old life before looking at Tommy and the road ahead.