A/N: Hello and good afternoon my lovely readers! (hears collective groan) yes, it is I, Destany Mitchell back from the grave. ;) I know, I've been gone for awhile, but at least you guys had three chapters to hold ya over while I pulled a Houdini for a few days. I'm glad you all seemed to like the last round up updates. I seriously meant to update yesterday, but I got busy and side tracked, so yeah. It just didn't happen. I'm thinking about posting a new fic on here. It's been on the DLS board for a couple days and everyone seems to like it so I'm thinking the different-ness of it might be fun to share elsewhere as well. Ah well.

Again, you guys are going to get a few chapters. I think I'm gonna post doubled up for the next few updates; it'll catch y'all up sooner. After this update, you'll be…I think 8 chapters behind the DLS readers. So if I update every day with at least two chapters, you'll be caught up by Friday. (sighs) Wow, that's a lot of reading for ya guys. You up for it? I don't hear any cheers…so I'll see how those of ya who actually read my ramblings respond to that question. ANYWHO! Review like mad jackrabbits and I'll update like a crazy person!

Chapter 24

Later that Afternoon

"I don't know what to do Kat." Jude said, laying curled up in a fetal position on her bed. Kat was sitting next to her, stroking her long blonde locks.

"You have to tell him Jude. He needs to know." Kat said, watching her best friend in sympathy. She had so much after she won the Instant Star contest, but at the same time, it had cost her just as much as she had gained, and Kat had realized that too late and was still trying to make up for her own wrong doings.

"He doesn't want m-us." Jude said, tears streaming down her face. Kat wasn't sure what to say to her best friend as she cried her heart out. She was almost 21, pregnant, and the man of her dreams is a jack ass and didn't realize what was in front of him. Kat continued to try to comfort Jude as she cried, but she realized her efforts would be in vain. There was only one person who would really comfort the 20 year old, but he wasn't available.

I'm going to kill Tommy. Kat thought as she tried comfort her friend.

Meanwhile

Tommy and Kwest were in the studio, working diligently on the last track for Tommy's album. All he needed was to record the vocals and it was done.

"So, how's it feel to final have your own record?" Kwest asked Tommy as they put the finishing touches on the back tracks before he went to record.

"I'll let you know once it's approved and on the shelves." Tommy said, grimacing.

"hey man, the past is the past…"

"I'd rather contain my excitement, and remain pessimistic, thank you." Tommy stated matter-of-factly.

"You ready to record this?" Kwest asked. Tommy sighed and nodded. He was about to get out of his producer chair when the studio door opened and Michelle stood in the doorway. Tommy balked and stared at her a moment.

"Michelle, what are you doing here?" He asked as he crossed the room to greet her. She held up a hand and stopped him from coming closer to her. He looked at her quizzically.

"Can we talk?" She asked.

"Yeah, sure." Tommy said, waiting for her to start.

"Alone?" She said, looking at Kwest. Kwest went to get up and Tommy motioned for him to stay put.

"Come on." Tommy said and they left the studio and walked into the alley.

"Look, Tommy, I don't want to be the pushy girlfriend, but we've barely seen each other for the last two months. It's like…I don't know, like you don't want to be with me anymore." Michelle said. She didn't sound upset, but like she was stating the facts.

"Michelle, I've been busy." Tommy said, knowing work was only his excuse. He couldn't get Jude off of his mind and it made him feel guilty and he avoided Michelle in slight fear she would figure him out.

"Look, I knew going into this we weren't going to last long, but I just want to know, are we over or are we still dating?" She asked honestly. "Cuz, I honestly don't know anymore."

"I'm sorry Michelle." Tommy said, his voice conveying his sincerity. She smiled sweetly at him.

"It's ok. I know you still love Jude." Tommy's eyes widened as he stared at Michelle. How did she… "It's blatantly obvious Tom." Michelle said, smiling at him. "Do you still love her?" Michelle asked.

"Yeah, I do." Tommy said, honestly.

"Than why didn't you end us sooner?" Michelle asked, grinning at him and winking. "No, really, it's been fun while it lasted, but come on. We both knew it wouldn't last forever." Michelle added. She gave Tommy a quick kiss on the cheek and smiled at him.

"I do care about you Michelle." Tommy said, and added "Don't think I didn't."

"I know, but I'm not her and you're not the perfect guy for me." She said, smiling wider. "Now, go get your girl!" She commanded and Tommy smiled at her.

"I think I might." Tommy said and added silently if it were that easy.