A/N: ok, um…I'm speechless. Nearly. I can say I'm speechless, but much more than that, I can't form a thought. You guys blow me away, seriously. I love coming home and seeing all your wonderful comments. :D Believe it or not, only one more chapter after this one! I hope you guys enjoy it and I'll look forward to your fan-tastic reviews.

Chapter 17

After the initial shock wore off, Jude leaped off her bed and rushed out of the house. She borrowed her father's car, not bothering to leave a note, and drove off to the hospital.

She made it without incident and she rushed into the hospital, glancing around uncertainly. She had never been to a hospital before and she was uncertain as to where she should go. Jude spotted a nurse's station and asked a nurse at the where to find Tommy and was promptly directed to a room on the third floor.

Jude thanked the woman and rushed upstairs, hoping that he'd be ok. As the elevator dinged open, she rushed out of it and towards the room number as instructed. She quickly found what she was looking for and she opened the door to see Kwest sitting in a chair beside the bed. Kwest looked up at her and Jude locked eyes with him before looking over at Tommy.

Tommy's eyes were closed; in sleep or because of loss of consciousness, she didn't know. He had a couple wires in him and hooked up to a IV. She noticed his left wrist was bandaged and he had a couple cuts on his face.

"How is he?" Jude asked, walking closer to the bed, her eyes never leaving Tommy.

"He's asleep. They have him on some good pain medication. They want to keep him overnight to watch the concussion." Kwest said, getting up from his seat and letting Jude take it. Jude sat down gratefully and picked up Tommy's hand and stroked it with her fingers. "I'm gonna go to the cafeteria…will you be ok?" Kwest asked and Jude just nodded, her attention focused more on Tommy than anything.

She didn't hear Kwest leave but she reached over and brushed some stray hairs away from Tommy's eyes. She couldn't help but notice how peaceful he seemed and she was glad to know he wasn't in too much pain. She bent forward and kissed his cheek, her lips lingering longer than necessary and when she pulled back, she reached up and smoothed his hair back again.

Her fingers kept holding his hand and massaging the area round where the IV was pushed through his skin. Tears stung her eyes as she realized the gravity of the situation and she was startled by the opening of the door once again. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a nurse entering the room. The nurse offered her a small smile and took his vitals.

"How is he?" Jude asked her, wondering if something was wrong.

"He seems to be doing just fine Miss. We're more concerned about a concussion than anything." She said, smiling reassuringly at Jude before making a couple notes on the clipboard and leaving the room. Jude watched her go and she turned her attention back to Tommy.

"Hey," A heavy voice said and Jude gasped as she looked into Tommy's half-open eyes. He looked exhausted, but otherwise ok. Jude felt a smile appear on her face as she looked at him.

"Hey, how you feeling?" Jude asked, her hand still holding his.

"Tired." He said, shifting slightly before wincing and settling back.

"You look like shit." She stated, lightening the mood slightly.

"Know how to kick a guy when he's down eh?" Tommy said, his voice slurred slightly and Jude couldn't help but laugh at the sound. "What?"

"You sound drunk." She stated.

"It's the drugs." Tommy said simply, looking away from her. "How'd you?"
"Kwest called me." Jude stated, and then remembered their situation and she let go of his hand. Tommy didn't say anything, but she knew her hand suddenly felt cold without his.

"Jude, I"

"Don't." Jude said, shaking her head. "Let's not do this now." She insisted. Tommy looked at her and shook his head slightly.

"No, Jude, let's stop avoiding this." He insisted. Jude sighed and didn't say anything in response. "Jude, I'm sorry." He said, reaching over and taking her hand. Jude looked up at him and she stared into his eyes. She was surprised to see the slightly glazed over look gone from his blue eyes. She had wondered if he was saying this because he was on medication, but the look in his eyes… "I didn't mean…I wanted…," He stammered, and frowned. The medication was making it hard for him to think. "I love you." He said, simply, his voice soft.

"Tommy, I…"

"Jude, I love you." He insisted, and continued on. "I miss you, and I'm sick of pretending we're just friends. I'm sick of seeing you go out with other guys and me wishing it was me instead of him. I want to be the guy who makes you happy and you'll never know how sorry I am that I made you cry." He said, his voice getting heavy once again and his eyes kept fluttering like he was fighting sleep.

"Tommy," Jude said, her voice breaking. She'd always wanted to hear those words from him…well, maybe not those exact words, but something similar. And it was too good to be true. She couldn't just accept a proclamation of love from a man who was too drugged out to know what he was saying. Jude sighed and leaned forward, kissing him on the forehead. Tommy's eyes kept watching her, waiting for some kind of a response. "Get some sleep, ok? We'll talk when you get up again." She said, and Tommy rolled his eyes, but he was loosing his battle to stay awake.

"I mean it Jude." He mumbled before he drifted back to sleep. Jude felt tears sing her eyes at his words. She closed her eyes, her breath coming in small gasps. I really hope you do Tom. Jude thought, a single tear falling down her face.