A/N: Hey guys! I know, it's bee a few days, did ya miss me? Probably not, but I'm sure you're happy for the next chapter…right? Maybe? Possibly? Arg, here I go again, rambling on like a loon! Someone, smack me, please?

I want to let you all know, I am determined to post again possibly Tuesday. With my message board being down (the DLS, for those of you who don't know me from there), I will have all kinds of time to get you guys updated. Seriously, that board demands my attention and it's insanity over there, but it's great to see so many fans of Instant Star in one place; many of the members had been sucked in as well. So, I hope you guys review like a fiend because I'm going to miss getting tons of feedback, so please, help me stay un-depressed (is that even a word?) and reply like fiends for awhile, kay? Thanks, it'll help…and see, I'm babbling on again, and seriously, those of you who read these, I'm sorry! I really am, I just…can't stop…I don't know what it is, but it's almost like I'm compelled to write a severely long A/N every chapter…well, nearly every chapter. Arg, seriously, smack me or something to stop this rambling.

OH, I also want to note, not that anyone really cares, I got a 76 on the economics test I thought I failed! Whoot Whoot to me! I kinda thought I failed cuz I kind of sort of didn't study and skipped the review class because I just couldn't concentrate…and well, I got that test and went…shoot, I know nothing about Competitive markets, but apparently I know 76 of the info! Yay me! Thank the lord for extra credit. That's the only thing saving my GPA. Honestly, I hate economics. It's worth knowing, but it's the most boring subject ever and once you get the simple concept, they make things like 100x harder than it needs to be. Who gives a crap about how much utils are derived from consumers last bought product? Honestly! OK, enough about my rant, and I'm sorry if an economist is reading this, though seriously, Opportunity Cost is rising if you are seriously reading this…

ok! I'm done! Honestly! Go read the chapter and enjoy it and please leave feedback! Please? Maybe? I'm a feedback whore, so please, feed the feedback whore…

Chapter 13

Sadie and Kwest sat in the lobby. They heard the studio door slam shut and they turned to see Tommy storming down the hall to the alley.

"Divide and conquer?" Kwest asked Sadie. Sadie nodded in agreement and Kwest got up and went to walk after Tommy.

"Kwest, wait." Sadie said, her eyes frowned slightly. Kwest paused and stared at her.

"Sadie, someone's got to go after Tommy before he kills someone."

"I know, but I think we should switch."

"Say what?" Kwest asked, looking confused.

"I don't think it'll do any good if you go and talk to Tom and Me and Jude…we were never that close." Sadie admitted, looking sad at the notion. Kwest nodded.

"You're right." Kwest said. Sadie smirked.

"Of course." They smiled at each other and Kwest sighed.

"Be careful, ok?" Kwest said, looking at her worriedly. Sadie sighed.

"I can handle Tom." She said, smiling at him. They kissed quickly and went their separate ways. Sadie walked down the hall Tommy had been seen to stalk down and Kwest took a deep breathe and entered the studio.

"Hey," He said, his voice soft and he watched Jude a moment. The 20 year old was sitting on the floor, knees pulled to her chest, forehead resting on her knees, long red hair spilled around her like a curtain. She almost looked serene, but her body shook as she cried silently. She looked up at the sound of kwest's voice with a sniff. Kwest's eyes grew softer as he took in the young woman.

Her face was tear stained and her eyes were red and bloodshot from crying. Kwest stepped over to her, and knelt down on the floor next to her. He lay a hand on her back and began to slowly rub her in circles in a way of comfort.

"He's so mad Kwest." Jude said, tears falling unchecked down her face.

"No he's not Jude, not really." Kwest insisted, his voice soft. Jude shook her head.

"You didn't hear him." She said, a sob escaping her throat as more tears continued to fall down her face.

"Jude, you know Tom as well as I do. Probably better even. He's not at all mad that you're back." Kwest said. Jude sniffed and said nothing in response. "You know Tommy, he hates to be surprised and caught off guard. He probably felt ambushed and he lashed out." Jude nodded slightly, tears beginning to slow.

"I just…I didn't want to fight." She said, her voice small and defeated.

"I know." Kwest said, pulling her into a hug. Jude returned the gesture and pulled away.

"I need to go after him." She said, getting up, a look of renewed determination on her face.

"Whoa, Jude" Jude stopped and turned to Kwest, a look of annoyance on her features.

"Let him cool off some." Kwest advised.

"I want to get this cleared up." Jude said, "God Kwest, I still love him."

"I know, Jude." Kwest said, his voice honest. "But I don't think he's ready to hear that." Jude bit her lip and hung her head. I still love him…She thought, a tear falling down her face.

Meanwhile

Tommy stormed out of the studio. He had to get away from her, from everyone. He needed to think, to hit something, to scream, maybe even cry, but he wasn't sure about that last part yet.

She's back kept playing over and over in his mind like a montage. He shoved the door to the alley open and let it slam shut behind him. He stood just outside the door, fists clenched, head looking up at the sky. She's back…idiot. He scolded himself. He felt his anger and frustration mount. He turned and kicked the dumpster next to him, but it didn't help him feel better. She's back, and you accused her, but she lied, all of them…He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He didn't know what to think.

He stared contemplatively at the dumpster once again and sighed. He leaned against the alley wall and closed his eyes, trying to clear his angry thoughts. He heard the door open and he opened his eyes and looked to see who had followed him. He was momentarily surprised to see Sadie standing there, but he sighed and shook his head, looking away from his exgirlfriend.

"Hey," She said, taking in his demeanor before leaning against the wall next to him. "Want to talk?" She asked.

"No." Tommy said, his voice honest. Sadie watched him and saw the change in his eyes. Moments before, they were blazing with emotion. Now…they looked clear, as if he had accepted what had happened back in the studio.

"I know you probably don't want to hear it, but she really did try to tell you."

"I know." Sadie looked confused. Tommy sighed and continued.

"I know this probably sounds…lame, but I always know when she's around, I can feel it." Tommy said, shook his head. "I don't know, I thought she was at the Viper Room last week, but I thought…maybe I was crazy, wanting something that wasn't going to happen."

"It's not lame." Sadie said, her voice honest. "It's love." Tommy scoffed.

"Yeah, that worked out real well."

"No one is standing in your way."
"Sadie, a week ago, I thought I was over her." Tommy admitted, looking down at the ground. Sadie gave him a sad smile.

"She thinks you're mad at her." Tommy sighed.

"I know that too." He admitted and added "But I can't see her right now." Sadie lay a hand on his shoulder.

"Kwest wanted to badly to tell you, but we all thought it would be better for her to do it. For both of you."

"I know why you guys did what you did, I would have done the same thing…but…."

"But we ambushed you." Sadie admitted. Tommy sighed.

"I felt like the butt of a cruel joke…" Tommy said, his eyes reflecting his pain. "I just have to wonder thought…why did she come back?" Tommy asked, looking at Sadie, his eyes questioning. Sadie sighed.

"That's for you two to work out." Sadie said, grinning knowingly at him. Tommy sighed in frustration. "It'll all work out. You'll see." Sadie added.

"I don't know Sadie, I really don't." Tommy said, looking away from her and down at his shoes.