A/N: Wow! I know I haven't been here in awhile, and it still blows my mind that you guys still stand by me:D I'm glad you're liking. I'm sure you can tell by now, only a couple of chapters left. I'm going to be updating fics like crazy so keep a look out. I've got a lot written, just nothing up; most likely, daily updates. Great for you guys, eh? ;) Enjoy the chapters! And remember, reviews are life.

Disclaimer: I do not own the song "Cry" by Faith Hill.

Chapter 14

It had been two days since Jude left Tommy's apartment. She had thrown her things into a duffle bag and ran out while Tommy wasn't paying attention. Mason picked her up and she remembered him taking her back to his place where she cried her heart out and poured her soul out to him.

Jude had been avoiding the studio; avoiding him. She didn't want to go in and see him and remember what almost happened; what would have happened. Darius had called her this morning, asking to set the meeting for her album wrap up and she had feigned ill as an excuse not to go in. She knew she had to do it eventually; but why not push it off as long as she could? She lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She realize what she had done. She had let herself fall for him completely. She wasn't able to differentiate what was 'pretend' and what was real. She felt like a small child, seeing the world in rose-colored glasses.

She sat up quickly and ran a hand through her hair. God, she hated him. He always managed to get under her skin; he infuriated her, intoxicated her, and constantly took advantage of her presence. But at the same time, he understood her like no one else could. When they were together…they were really together and the world always seemed to slip away and nothing else existed by her and him and their music.

He was everything she ever wanted in a guy; He understood her, he listened, he made her laugh, though sometimes, he made her cry. He played the guitar, he could sing and write lyrics like the best of them, and she really thought that he wasn't the poster boy for a boyband – she knew that image was just that, pretend. A persona to hide behind; but sometimes…she just didn't know how true that image was. He was definitely a player, in every sense of the word. He knew how to push her buttons; how to rile her up, calm her down, and even make her fall for him. He knew exactly how to piss her off and make her love him even more simultaneously. He confused her and he excited her. He was definitely a walking contradiction.

Jude grabbed her journal from her bedside night stand and picked up her pen. She uncapped it and bit the end of it, a thoughtful look on her face before her pen scratched across the paper.

If I had just one tear rollin' down your cheek
Maybe I could cope

Maybe I'd get some sleep

Since she had left his place two days ago, she had been consumed by thoughts of him. It was nearly impossible to sleep; she was restless and she was exhausted all at the same time. She glanced thoughtfully once again at her lyrics and sighed deeply.

If I had just one moment at your expense
Maybe all my misery would be well spent


If she could only get him to talk, to open up to her and tell her what was going on in his mind. She wished he'd confine in her more. She poured her heart out to him more times than she could count, and what did she get? She only got a simple "you know why" on her 17th birthday when she had asked why he and Sadie didn't work out. She knew; deep down. It was because of this…connection they seemed to have. Always had. But he never acknowledged it; never actually said "Hey, Jude, I love you." It left her frustrated, alone, and hurt every time.

Could you cry a little
Lie just a little
Pretend that you're feeling a little more pain

He never seemed bothered by their closeness. Her 16th birthday for instance. They kissed, and it was nothing to him. It meant everything to her and he said "forget it," "we can't work together if you don't say it". What else could she do? She couldn't live without him; even then. She had said it never happened and it had broken her heart to say those words. And then…he acted as if nothing happened; as if she was just another scratch on his long list of love-sick teenage girls.

I gave, now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me

Tell me you love me Tommy. She thought. That's all I need to know; all I'm asking. Do you love me? Am I the reason you get up in the morning or am I just 'that girl'.

If your love could be caged
Honey I would hold the key
And conceal it underneath
The pile of lies you've handed me

And you'd hunt those lies
They'd be all you'd ever find
That'd be all you'd have to know
For me to be fine

Yeah

And you'd cry a little
And die just a little
And maybe I would feel just a little less pain
I gave, now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me

Jude finished writing the next verses, and set her pen down. She glanced critically at the lyrics and nodded her head, liking how the potential song was going. She sighed heavily and picked the pen back up and tapped it impatiently against the notepad. She closed her eyes and tried to think of the next lines.

Give it up baby
I hear your doin' fine

Mason called earlier today to give her an update and see how she was feeling. Apparently, Tom was back to work and wasn't showing any signs of the heartbreak she was feeling. Mason said he'd asked him if he knew where I was and Mason told me he knew and that's all he was going to say about it. I gave kudos to Mason. Mason had drove me back to my dad's house and I honestly didn't want Tommy coming by and bugging me. I hadn't looked at my cell in a few days either; not since that night and I'm sure I'm going to find a message or two of him asking me where I'm at; if I'm lucky. Yeah well, he can sit and wonder and worry for all I care. Maybe he'll finally realize what he wants that way.

Nothings gonna' save me
Til I see it in your eyes
Some kind of heartache honey
Give it a try

Just once I want to see the kind of pain he's caused me in him. Sure, I got the puppy look when Sadie thought he cheated on him and he wanted to try and make it up to her. Apparently, I made a bad move pushing him in the hot tub and listening to Portia's evil mind games. But still, he deserved that and a lot more. He's caused me more pain and heartbreak than Shay, Jamie, and my parents combined. Just once, I want to see some kind…reflection of my pain in his eyes.

I don't want pity
I just want what is mine

On my sweet 16th, he kissed me out of pity – or he wants me to believe. I don't want him to be with me because he feels sorry for me, but because he wants to be. I know he loves me – somewhere deep down inside him. But he keeps running scared and I'm sick of waiting.

Would you cry a little
Lie just a little
Pretend that you're feeling a little more pain
I gave, now I'm wanting something in return
So cry just a little for me

Yeah

Cry just a little for me
Whoa whoa
Could you cry a little for me
hmmm yeah yeah