As Time Goes By

by Save-Ted24

Jude Harrison knew Tommy Quincy was the one when she was 11 years old. He left, but came back years later, and though their feelings are known, it doesn't mean everything's perfect in Jommyland.

6. No Surprises Part 2

I'm surprised I wrote this chapter so quickly. Maybe it's because I was really excited about it. The title says it all.

And thanks for all the great comments. You make me smile.

Part 6: No Surprises (Part 2)

The next morning, Sadie walked into the kitchen to find Jude hovering over a frying pan. "Okay, either you're sleepwalking or you're anxious about something, because I know for a fact you haven't been up this early since you were five." Sadie paused to get a closer look at what Jude was doing. "And, are you cooking?"

"I'm making us omelets. I thought it'd be a nice change from shredded wheat and bananas." Jude began whisking three eggs in a bowl. "Oh, and for the record, I distinctly recall waking up at 5:30am every Christmas until I was at least 10."

"Whatever. So, is something wrong?"

Jude stopped whisking but chose not to look at Sadie. "What makes you think something's wrong. I'm only up 45 minutes before I normally would get up considering it is a school day."

"I'm talking about the impulsive need to be a chef this morning." Sadie casually approached Jude so that Jude had no choice but to look at her. "Usually when you cook it's because you're distracting yourself from something that's bothering you. So what is it?"

Jude turned away from her sister to continue her breakfast process. "It's nothing, okay? I had trouble sleeping…I heard this constant tapping noise coming from somewhere and I knew it was no use trying to sleep through it. So, I came down and thought I'd surprise you with breakfast." She flipped the concoction in the pan. "But if you don't want it, I can find a vagabond nearby to feed. There always a desperate bunch."

Sadie knew she was upset but decided not to push it any further because when Jude started cracking jokes in these situations, it meant she was not going to talk about it. "Nice try. You know I never could pass up Jude's famous Omelete de fromage."

Jude smiled and finished making the food so they could both be on their way to work or school.

All day at school, Jude found it difficult to concentrate. Part of the reason might have been because she was so tired, due to her lack of sleep from the previous night. The other reason was because the only thing she could concentrate on was Tommy. She didn't want to think about him or what had happened between them, but it seemed inevitable at the current moment.

Last night was…unforgettable, to be sure. Jude had always imagined what it would be like to kiss Tommy, and the reality of it was even better than she had dreamed. But because it was real, she knew it shouldn't have happened. It was okay to fantasize about kissing Tommy, because the consequences of their actions don't exist in her mind. However, here in the real world, there are always consequences, and excuses, and a history that does not want to be repeated. The best thing for Jude to do for now was to avoid Tommy until she could figure out a comfortable way for them to maintain their platonic relationship.

Therefore, she didn't go to GMajor after school. She ignored the many voicemails Tommy left on her cell, and, instead, called Sadie to have her tell Darius she wasn't feeling well and that she wouldn't be coming in to work today. It wasn't lying really, considering she wasn't all that great, psychologically that is.

Shortly before dinner, Sadie got home from work. Jude had ordered a pizza, because cooking this morning was enough effort for one day, and it would be arriving any minute. Sadie had just enough time to change out of her work clothes before the delivery guy appeared on their front doorstep. She paid the scruffy-looking man before settling down in the living room to eat and watch a movie with Jude in silence.

Halfway through dinner, Sadie decided she didn't like the silence anymore. "So Tommy was worried about you today when I told him you didn't feel well." Jude continued to stare at the screen, avoiding what she thought Sadie was going to say next. "He thinks something else might be wrong."

"We've had this conversation, Sadie. I'm fine." Jude was now on her third piece of pizza.

"What, did you two get into like an argument, or something?"

Jude slammed her pizza back onto the plate. "Geez, Sadie! Why can't you just butt out sometimes?!" Jude got up and headed for her bedroom. Sadie was bewildered by Jude's crazed tone, but chose to let it go and not follow her.

Jude emerged 15 minutes later with a large backpack in her hand. Sadie questioned the action. "And where exactly are you going tonight?"

"Kat said I could sleepover. I'll be back sometime tomorrow."

Sadie wasn't happy but she knew she couldn't stop her. "Alright, but don't forget about the party." She barely got the last word in before Jude slammed the front door shut.

Jude did hear her though, and up until then she had forgotten about the party. She knew Darius wouldn't let her not show up, so to make it a somewhat pleasant evening Jude just needed to figure out what song she would perform, and find a way to avoid Tommy all of tomorrow night.

Back at the Harrison residence, Sadie was cleaning up the kitchen—as sad as doing that on a Friday night sounds. She had just filled the dishwasher when the doorbell rang. Sadie was surprised to find Tommy at her door, but let him in, nevertheless.

"Hey, Sades. Is, uh, Jude feeling any better?" Tommy's voice sounded awkward and nervous, and Sadie caught on to that fact quickly.

"Yeah. She's fine. She's actually staying at a friend's house tonight." Sadie could see relief wash over him. She couldn't stand being in the dark anymore. "So, seriously. What happened between you two? You're kind of a sore subject for her right now."

Tommy tried to find the right words to say, without actually telling the truth. "It was just a stupid argument that was blown way out of proportion. It was about one of her songs."

Apparently that answer was good enough for Sadie. "Oh, I see. Jude can be particular about her music."

"You know it." Quiet engulfed the room as both of them thought about what they wanted to say next. Tommy was thinking about Jude, and what happened, and how he screwed it up so easily. He was confused and knew he needed some guidance in this department, but telling Sadie about his feelings for Jude might be weird. He felt she could help him, though, since they had dated before. Tommy decided to ask for her opinion on the subject by making the girl in question very elusive.

He was about to talk again when Sadie beat him too it. "Are you hungry? We have some leftover pizza from dinner."

"That's alright, Sadie. But I kind of did want to ask you something, if you don't mind." Sadie smiled at this remark and led him to the couch in the living room.

"What's up?" proclaimed a sincere Sadie.

Tommy was glad she was so willing to listen to him. This seemed like a different Sadie than the one he knew before. "Um, alright. I feel a little weird and juvenile doing this but…there's this girl."

Sadie smiled again. "There always is, Tom. What's the problem with this…girl?"

"Well, the thing is, I have strong feelings for her, but I'm not sure how she feels about me at the current moment. And, worst of all, we kind of have a bizarre history."

Sadie was enthralled by his story. "Go on."

Tommy looked away from Sadie briefly, trying to find the right question to ask. "I'm just wondering if I should tell her how I feel…even at the risk of losing our friendship? I mean, I respect that more than anything. What do you think?"

Sadie now beamed at Tommy. She couldn't contain herself anymore. "Oh, Tom!" Sadie threw her arms around Tommy's neck and rested her head on his shoulder. "You don't have to worry about ruining our friendship because I want to get back together with you too."

Tommy's eyes widened at this confession. Oh god! I just royally fucked up. All he found himself saying in response was, "Really?"

"Yes, Tom." She wiped at her eyes, since the joy of the situation was too much to bear, and released Tommy so she could look him straight in the eyes. "Look, I know we ended things horribly in high school, but we were young then. We've both changed and have become mature adults that can handle making a relationship like this last." Sadie's eyes darted towards the ground as her tone changed. "I'm not too proud of things that I've said or done in the past," Sadie confessed before looking back up at Tommy, "but I never stopped caring about you, and I think we really have a shot at making things right this time around."

Without a warning, Sadie pressed her lips on Tommy's. Shock hit him full force again. How was he going to get out of this one? If he tells her she's not the girl he has feelings for, she'll be heartbroken, and now is not the time to make the other Harrison sister upset as well.

Sadie stopped kissing him, which gave Tommy a chance to plan his exit route. "Okay, well this is all happening very quickly, and I think we really need to take things slow. So, I'm gonna go…and think about it for a while." He stood up and looked down at Sadie. "I will see you at Darius' Valentine's party tomorrow, okay?"

Sadie smiled and gazed adoringly at Tommy. "Sounds perfect."

The second he left the house, Tommy began mumbling and cursing, amazed that he could be so stupid to assume this was all going to work itself out. He couldn't keep leading Sadie on, so he'd have to tell her tomorrow that they would be better off as just friends. He also needed to solve this thing with Jude as soon as he could.

It was now close to midnight and Jude still had trouble sleeping, even at Kat's house, because of her preoccupied thoughts. She thought about why the kiss was wrong, and why it was 'oh so good' at the same time. It just didn't make sense why it had to be so difficult for her to wrap her pretty little head around.

And then it hit her, like a ton of bricks that suddenly came flying through the window. It didn't have to be difficult at all. Yes, she still had emotions of hurt and sorrow from when Tommy left, but he never made any promises to her then. Jude has dreamt of being with Tommy for so long, and now that he had somewhat expressed how he felt about her, it was time she told him how she really felt. Years of keeping her true feelings at bay was more difficult than people realized, and it was time the caged animal inside of her was set free.

Now that Jude knew what needed to be done, the only question left was how. How would she tell him, and when? I'll write Tommy a song; it's the best way for him to understand that I'm speaking from my heart and soul. And I could sing it for him at the Valentine's Party.

Jude quietly got out of her makeshift bed that was assembled on the floor, searched for her notebook and a pencil in her backpack—which she carried with her at all times, and began writing her lyrical message to Tommy.

Within an hour and a half, Jude was satisfied with how the song had turned out. She then crawled back into her bed, finally able to drift off into a peaceful slumber, which was much needed considering the big day she had ahead of her tomorrow.

Jude awoke, the following morning, in a fairly decent mood. She didn't want to get her hopes up too much regarding Tommy's response at the party, but confessing her feelings for him was a transformational step for Jude. Kat's mom took the girls out to breakfast to celebrate Jude's musical debut. Kat had asked Jude what song she would be playing tonight, which reminded Jude that she needed to call up SME as soon as possible so they could rehearse the new song enough to be prepared for tonight's performance.

"Jude, the party's in eight hours. We've never only had less than a day's practice before performing a song." Spiederman was obviously not convinced that Jude's plan would work.

"Well, there's no harm in trying something new. Who knows, maybe some good will come out of our quick experimentation."

"Whatever that means."

"Listen, I don't care what you say. I'm coming over in a half hour. Call Kyle and Wally and tell them rehearsal's at 11am."

"But it's 10:55 now."

"I know. Since they always show up 30 minutes late, they might actually be on time for once." Jude hung up her phone so she could now concentrate on shopping for a dress for tonight, which Kat was aiding her in, before she had to dash to Speed's house. Time was of the essence, and Jude feared she was running out of it very quickly.

It's temporary insanity
What's going on with you and me?
Is it real or is it fantasy?
Forever or just temporary?

"Actually, you know what guys it still doesn't sound right…if we could, I don't, try that chorus half an octave higher and maybe…Kyle can I have you do a triple meter instead."

"No." Jude glared at Kyle for his matter-of-fact statement. "I'm kidding. You don't have to go all psycho on me."

Jude sighed. The stress was starting to get to her. "I know. I'm sorry. I just really want this song to be done in time, and I'm trying to put a good edge on it so it doesn't sound too rough, you know?"

"Don't worry, dude," Speed interjected. "You know we'll always have your back. Besides, this is a really different song from what you've written before so we expect it to be more difficult to practice."

It was Wally's turn to add in his two cents. "Yeah, it's deep. And all those music hotshots you'll perform to tonight will definitely dig deep."

Jude smiled at her boys. "Thanks, guys. And if it's any consolation, I'll always have your backs too."

Speed cocked his head to the side. "And when is that gonna be necessary?"

"Shut up," Jude proclaimed as she shoved Speed into Wally. They laughed it off and got back to their places. "Alright, let's just start from the top again and see what we have so far." SME started up the intro music as Jude began to sing.

What just happened?
Did you kiss me?
Cause that's a place we've never been until now

And I don't know how it's gonna be after this
Do we pretend these feelings don't exist at all
Or do we fall?

"Good, now do that tempo transition."

My confusion shows whenever you get so close
I stumble, I stutter, forget what to say
I'm nervous, I wonder why I'm acting this way…

Tommy was waiting by the bar in his tailored, blue pin-striped suit, nervously glancing at his watch. It was 7:16pm and Jude wasn't at the party yet. She didn't need to be, but Tommy just wanted to see Jude soon so he could explain things, and, hopefully, tell her how he feels without her freaking out and running away again.

The room was full of people, but not so many that Tommy would have a problem picking Jude out of the crowd. In fact, when Jude did show up, Tommy spotted her immediately. She was the blonde goddess in the red silk dress on the top of the stairs; a picturesque sight,, like you'd see in one of those cheesy romance films. Jude's hair fell down her shoulders in wavy curls, and her halter dress curved its way down to her ankles. Most of the people in the room stopped to look at her as she made her way gracefully down the stairs, because she looked like a movie star, but in a classic way like Grace Kelly or Ingrid Bergman.

Jude soon found Tommy's gazing eyes and made her way toward him until they were only a foot apart.

Tommy felt almost speechless looking at Jude, but knew he had to say something. "Wow…you look…I've never…fantastic."

Jude scrunched up her face, which Tommy found even more irresistible, but soon smiled at the thought. "I'm gonna take your incoherent sentence as a positive response to my appearance."

Tommy took a swig of the beverage he had in front of him, hoping it would aid him in forming words correctly. "You should."

"Thanks. And, you know, you're not too shabby yourself tonight." Jude eyed Tommy from head-to-toe.

"Well, I do dress to impress." Tommy could already feel himself getting more comfortable in front of Jude; she made it easy.

"If the offer still stands, I would like to be your date for the party." Tommy smiled at Jude's acceptance. "You see, the truth is, I couldn't find anyone else to go with me. All of my 'usual' escorts were unavailable for the evening and even shady Mr. Stills, the homeless man across the street, had something better to do than accompany me to a boring, stuffy Valentine's Day celebration at GMajor. Who would've thought?"

"So, let me get this straight. I'm your last resort?" Tommy questioned in mock offense.

"Afraid so. Is this a first for you?"

"It is…but I'm strangely okay with that."

Jude laughed at his benevolent comment. "It's good to see you lowering your standards every once in a while, Quincy."

Tommy jutted out his elbow so Jude could link her arm through it. "Shall we brave the corporate execs now and get it over with?"

"What must be shall be." The pair then zigzagged their way through the room to do their monotonous meet-and-greets.

Exhausted from putting on a cheerful façade, Jude led Tommy to a corner of the room so they wouldn't be hounded anymore. "Ugh, if I have to talk to one more person who insists on judging me profusely, I swear I'm gonna take off one of my shoes and jab the pointy part straight into their eye."

"You mean the heel?"

"Yeah, whatever. If you haven't noticed already, I don't wear these kinds of shoes very often. Especially since they make me feel like I'm walking on needles." She put her hand on Tommy's shoulder for support as she massaged one of her feet with her other hand. Once both feet were firmly on the ground again, Jude grabbed Tommy's wrist to see what time it was. "Crap, I go on in a couple of minutes. I'm starting to get a little nervous."

Tommy grabbed Jude's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Don't be. Just pretend these people are the same ones that would show up at the café to hear you perform." He slowly released her hand, even though holding a part of her felt like something he could do forever. "So what song did you choose, anyway? You never told me."

Jude looked down and took a few deep breaths. "Actually, I'm glad you asked that." She looked back up at Tommy again, hoping his warm eyes would help her form the words that needed to be said. "I'm actually gonna perform a new song…one that I wrote just last night. It…it means a lot to me and has a lot to do with how I feel right now. I really want you to…"

Jude stopped speaking when she noticed an arm snake its way under Tommy's. "There you guys are," came the familiar voice of Jude's sister. Sadie looked at Tommy and kissed him on the cheek. "Sorry it took me so long. Darius had me help with making sure people were on the guest list. You wouldn't believe how many non-invitees tried to get in tonight."

Jude's breath caught in her throat. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. It was like she just woke up from a really good dream and was now back as her 11 year-old self again. Tommy could see the confusion on Jude's face. "Sadie, Jude and I were just in the middle of a conversation."

"Oh," Sadie exclaimed as if remembering something. "I feel so silly. I haven't seen you all day, Jude, so I haven't even told you, yet?"

Jude knew exactly what she was going to say, but needed a confirmation of it to believe it was actually happening. "Tell me what?" Her voice sounded weak and unsure.

Tommy turned to the girl attached to his side. "Sadie, now's not the best time to do this."

"Oh, please, Tom. She's gonna find out anyway. And I want her to know before everyone else does." Jude took another deep breath and held it in until Sadie spilled the news. "Tom and I have decided to get back together."

As Jude let out the air in her lungs unsteadily, everything inside of her felt empty. She knew it was coming, yet actually hearing the words from Sadie's lips still took her by surprise. Tommy closed his eyes because he couldn't think of anything to say in front of either of them. He didn't know how he was going to resolve this mess he had created.

Jude knew keeping quiet might make Sadie suspicious of her feelings, so she feigned congratulations. "Really? That's…That's awesome you guys." Jude felt like screaming because her pretense was becoming difficult to maintain, but she did it nonetheless. "You two always were the perfect couple." Jude's upset state was increased by the fact that Tommy refused to say anything.

"I know, right?" reacted Jude's overly cheery sister.

Jude couldn't be near them any longer. "Well…I gotta go. I'm about to sing in front of a bunch of stuck-up strangers, so I better prepare myself." She didn't leave herself time for more parting words before turning around and practically jogging to the stage.

Once backstage, Jude felt like breaking down, but forced herself to stay composed until the party was over—then she could smash as many things as she wanted.

She didn't even see Tommy appear until he started talking to her. "Jude, what happened back there…it's not what you think."

"You don't know what I'm thinking, Tommy. And, you know what, it's not important anyway." Jude paused to muster up the guts to say the next part. "I really am happy for the two of you. You belong together."

"Sadie and I aren't…"

"Tommy it's none of my business what you 'are' or 'aren't'. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a song to sing." Her tone was serious, so Tommy knew now was not the time to try to explain himself. He left without another word.

Jude soon heard Darius's proud voice booming through the microphone. She wasn't in the mood to pay attention to his little speech, and just waited for her cue: "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the newest sensation to grace our presence, Jude Harrison."

Jude walked out onto the stage amid bright lights that hurt her eyes, which momentarily subsided the pain in her heart. Standing in front of the MIC, Jude realized that singing this song will now just make her look utterly ridiculous in Tommy's eyes. The opening music for "Temporary Insanity" began, and out of desperation, she turned around to face her band.

"Guys, stop the song."

"Jude, what are you doing? We're live right now."

"I know…just start playing 'Let Me Fall' okay?"

All three of the musicians looked at each other confused, but they didn't have time to question it further since a very quiet crowd was staring intently. "Whatever you say." The new intro music began.

I feel chained, chained down
You shoved me to the ground
I can't run, I can't shout
Just let me out

Tommy was confused. This wasn't a new song. They recorded it together a week ago. Why did she stop the first song from being played?

For someone heartless, this couldn't mean less
Gonna push it in your face
I'm only human
And I've got something to say

Let me rise, let me fall
Let me breathe
I wanna lose control, I'm not afraid to lose it all
Let me break, let me crawl
Cause I'll get back up again if you let me fall

Jude was singing this song with raw emotion. It spoke to her at this moment and she needed it to speak to Tommy so he wouldn't be worried with how she felt about her sister and him dating again.

If I burn down in this fire
Well, I got myself to blame
I can't stop or give it up
I need to feel the pain

Can you hear me?
Don't come near me
You'll just get in my way
I'm only human
And there's nothing you can say

Let me rise, let me fall
Let me breathe
I wanna lose control, I'm not afraid to lose it all
Let me break, let me crawl
Cause I will get up again if you let me fall

Say you know who I am
And what I'm about
Then you'll understand that I feel alone
I live my own life

Let me rise, let me fall
Let me breathe
I wanna lose control, I'm not afraid to lose it all
Let me break, let me crawl
Cause I will get up again if you let me fall

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
If you let me fall
If you let me
If you let me fall
If you let me fall

I will get up again if you let me fall
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
If you let me fall
If you let me fall
Let me fall

Applause was heard from everyone. Well, they obviously liked her song, so that should give her something to look forward to. Darius came back up on stage to join Jude.

"Alright, folks. You heard it first. That was our very own Jude Harrison belting it out to her new single, 'Let Me Fall'. Give it up again for Miss Harrison." The cheers grew louder as Jude's stomach felt hollower. Darius leaned in to whisper in Jude's ear. "Great job, superstar. The new CD you and Tommy are working on is gonna be a major success. I can feel it."

That was the last name Jude needed to hear at that moment. Great. I guess it's back to playing pretend again if this album ever wants to be made.