Chapter X

It's Show Time The Instant Dating Game Let The Games Begin!!

As Jude was crouched on the floor picking up the napkins, she inhaled deeply then exhaled thinking 'What a klutz I am.'

As Tommy was deciding what other foods he should pick up, he too breathed in deeply, thinking 'Why did I even let Kwest convince me to do this?'

When Jude finished breathing, she briefly closed her eyes then stood up placing the napkins back onto the table. She scrunched her nose a bit and wondered, 'that scent…it's seems so familiar…it smells like…Polo Sport…mixed with Tommy's natural scent. No, it couldn't be! He would never do a game show, let alone one that has to do with dating a girl you've never seen." Jude continued to pick up a few more items.

Tommy finally released the oxygen he inhaled, and then raised his right brow thinking, 'What's that sweet smell? It smells like…strawberries and Romance…just like Jude.' He shook his head trying to get rid of the familiar scent, but it wouldn't leave. 'She couldn't be here, could she?' Tom pondered further, 'No, she wouldn't. She hates blind dates.'

Both Jude and Tommy took a few steps backwards as they were picking up the last items they wanted on their plates. Not looking where they were going they bumped into each other, and then both muttered softly "Excuse me." All of a sudden they heard foot steps and voices coming closer to them by the second. Jude and Tommy hastily walked away from the abundant refreshment table returning to their designated dressing rooms knowing they weren't supposed to step out. As they entered their rooms closing the doors behind them, they both turned their heads looking in the direction towards the lobby still mulling over the intoxicating scents they each drew in, and then they both questioned the voices they each heard. 'That voice sounded like Jude,' Tommy thought. 'That voice sounded a lot like Tommy,' Jude also reflected on what she had heard. "I must be hallucinating." They said to themselves.

Jude and Tommy brought their hands to their neck each pulling out half of the heart they held for one another, and again dwelled on the familiar scent and voices that just graced upon them. They both wondered if their hearts and love will ever be united as one.

Meanwhile, Mason, Sadie and Kwest were walking back towards the dressing rooms stopping at the refreshment table. "Do you think they'll be able to figure out a way so they won't recognize each other?" Sadie asked. "They've both been in this business and have known each other for a very long time. I'm sure they'll figure something out." Kwest said as he started filling a new plate full of food again. "Hey, Kwest! How did you get Tom to go on this show? I know he would not have gone for this." Mason questioned with curiosity and Kwest replied. "Well he didn't at first, but I filled out the application for him first before even telling him about it. And I just convinced him to go this one time to try since he was getting anywhere with Jude & they aren't dating each other exclusively. I figured maybe it will help him realize there's no one else for him but her. How about you? What'd you do to convince Jude?" "I did the same thing as you. We all know that she and Tom belong together. I just hope this works and they end up together."

After a few minutes, Lindsay and Steven approached the small group. "Ok, we've resolved the problem!" Steven said relieved. We spoke to the Executive Producer and our sound technicians. They are going to change the pitch in everyone's voices." "Why everyone?" Sadie asked. "We have to do it to everyone except for the host of course, because it really wouldn't be fair to change only Jude's and Tommy's voice. It would be too suspicious and odd." Steven explained. "Now, normally in the show we usually use the first person's first name in the show, except for the three contestants. They are only given bachelorette #1, #2, and #3. We are going to give Tom a phony name." Lindsay had continued. "What name?" Mason asked. "Ted." Steven replied. "Won't these changes affect the show?" Kwest asked and then Lindsay replied, "We thought about that too. Since this is a Special Show being aired here in Canada and the U.S. in cable, we are using that as our excuse, that this is a special edition of the show with it being out of the country and we are making a few special changes, but everything else is staying the same." Everyone nodded in agreement. "Oh, and one more thing, if Tommy should choose Jude, do you think at the end it would be ok to introduce them as who they really are?" Lindsay asked. "I think that should be ok, but you might want to tighten up security because if this show is being see watched here, I have no doubt that you will have paparazzi's and crazy fans waiting outside. But what makes you think that Tom will choose Jude especially with the changes you're making?" Kwest asked as Lindsay responded again, "No problem. I will contact security to have extra men on hand in case we need them and there's always a limo waiting for the happy couple at the end of the show to take them out to restaurant we made reservations at so the two can get to know each other better. Oh, and I just have a HUNCH that your TWO FRIENDS that you mentioned earlier have a VERY SPECIAL CONNECTION TO EACH OTHER. Plus I remember reading their applications. If Jude answers honestly to Tom's questions, I have no doubt whatsoever that he'll choose her." "Ok, well I guess the problem's solved!" Mason said cheerily. "Alright, get back to the dressing rooms and tell everyone to get ready. We have about 15 minutes left and at 5 minutes to 6:00 p.m. we are bringing everyone out here. Bachelor first and then the ladies after we introduce Tom, I mean. "Ted." Steven instructed, and then he and Lindsay left to make final checks throughout the studio before the show started.

Sadie, Mason and Kwest were now left in the lobby. "Remember, we keep our mouths shut and do not tell Jude and Tommy that the other is here." Sadie directed. "Right!" Mason and Kwest responded. They all retreated back to the dressing rooms.

At the girls dressing room…

Mason and Sadie walked into the room trying to keep calm of the recent situation. "Hey sis!" "Hey! Where'd you two run off to?" "We were checking out the refreshments outside and then we saw Lindsay and Steven and they said needed to explain to us on what was going to happen next and on the show. One of them will be here to get the three of you soon once they're ready for you." Mason explained. "Oh, and the same goes for you two Caitlin and Tiffany." The two girls just nodded in agreement.

Jude stood up and went to the three-way full length mirror looking at her reflection, smoothing out any wrinkles and reapplied some lipstick and gloss. "Hey guys." She called out to Sadie and Mason then continued to speak, "You know what was so strange earlier. I stepped out to go to the lobby…" "Jude! You know you weren't supposed to leave this room!" Mason shouted. "Yea I know, but these two here stepped out earlier, " pointing at Caitlin and Tiffany, "and the food they brought in looked so good that I had to get some." "Jude!" Sadie said upset and Jude rolled her eyes. "Anyways, when I was out there picking up napkins that I had dropped and getting food, I could have sworn I sensed Tommy was here. It's like I was inhaling his scent and his cologne. And then I backed into some guy and he said 'excuse me,' in a low tone and I could've sworn it sounded just like Tommy too." Jude described to them. Mason and Sadie looked at each other hoping to not give away what they were thinking, and then Sadie blurted out, "Maybe you were just imagining things hun." "I guess." Jude replied. "Honey, try not think about Tom right now. Just sit back and relax. Maybe it's just nerves." Mason added in. "I hope you're right, Mase," and Jude's thoughts still wandered to Tommy.

Tommy's dressing room….

"Hey T! How's it goin'?!" Kwest said as he stepped into the room. "Where the hell did you go Kwest?!" "I was out getting some food and then Steven and Lindsay got a hold of me cuz they wanted to explain what was going to happen next and on the show." Oh, alright." Tom said. "You ok, Tom?" Kwest asked concerned. "Yea, I guess." "C'mon man. What's up?" "Well, I stepped out earlier to get some food…" "Tom, why'd you do that?! You know you weren't supposed to leave from here!" "Yea, I know, but Thelma and you left, so I go bored and wanted to see what they had in the lobby." "Tom!" "Whatever man! Anyways, when I was out at the table, I thought that I had sensed Jude here." "What?" Kwest choked out. "I know weird, huh. But yea, It's like I could smell her scent, the strawberry scented shampoo and conditioner that she uses and the Romance perfume, and then I thought I heard her too." "I don't know what to say dude. Maybe you've been thinking about her more than usual lately." "I guess. I thought I was hallucinating." "Tom, just relax now. Either Lindsay or Steven will be here soon to get you. Don't forget your questions." "Yea, got them right here." Tommy pulled out a stack of index cards from the front pocket of his shirt showing them to Kwest.

Back at G-Major, 5:45 to 5:55 p.m.

Everyone was now filing into the conference room. Karma and Portia covered the table with a table cloth. Napkins, disposable plates, cups and utensils were set up at one end of the table towards the center leaving the edges clear so people could eat. Speed, Wally and Kyle came in carrying boxes of pizza, drinks and other snacks. Then followed Jamie and Patsy with the Chinese food they had offered to pick up since it was on the other side of town. Finally Stuart and Victoria had arrived and then Pagan strolled in, the last of the group.

Darius then announced and turned on the big screen flat panel T.V. It was hung at the one end of the room behind the other small end of the conference table. "Alright everyone, the show's about to start. So let's all grab some grub and take a seat."

"So how did this happen? Both Tommy and Jude ending up on a dating game show." Stuart asked. "Well thanks to Sadie, Mason and Kwest, they all felt that the both of them should find dates instead of waiting for each other." Jamie explained. "Do they even know that the other is also on the show?" Victoria wondered. "I don't think so. Sadie and Mason told us separately from when Kwest told us. And they told us not to say anything to either Jude or Tommy." Speid explained. "Well, I for one can't wait to see what happens. Let's eat, I'm starving!!" Patsy ordered and everyone started getting their food and drinks then took their seats.

Back at CTV Studios…..

Steven entered Tommy's dressing room 5 minutes to show time, "Tom, Kwest come with me." The two men followed the producer towards the stage. Kwest sat in a cloth folding chair to the side of the stage where he could see Tommy once on stage and some of the audience. Steven led Tommy to the stage and showed him the cushioned seat, covered in leather that was like a bar stool with a backing and a tall table which had a glass of water, cocktail napkin and pen where he would be at once the show begins.

"Ok Tommy. Here's what's going to happen. Because this is a special show, a one time thing we are doing here in Canada, but it will also be seen in the States, we've made a few minor changes." "What kind of changes?" Tommy asked in surprise. "First, when you introduce yourself Tom, be brief, but descriptive as possible, maybe telling your likes, dislikes, what you look for in a girl and describing your personality & maybe how you act with women in general. Stay away from describing your physical features, like your hair color, eye color, and weight and height stuff like that, and do not say what you do for a living. We don't want the contestants to know what you because this show is really based on the person's personality and not their looks. BUT MOST OF ALL BE HONEST AND POSITVE ABOUT YOURSELF. Also, we normally we let the bachelor or bachelorette use their own name, instead we're giving you a false name, 'Ted,' and we are disguising your voice by changing the pitch a bit, but we will still make sure it sounds as normal as possible." Steven explained. "Why the sudden change?" "Since the contestants don't know who you are we'd figure giving your actual name at the end would be a nice surprise to the ladies, and since the you all don't know what each other looks like, we figured why not change the voice too therefore you wouldn't be able to tell if the girl sounded cute or sexy." "Alright. It's your show." Tom stated and Steven led him back stage to get hooked up with a small cordless microphone by the sound technicians and then had him take a seat next to Kwest.

Lindsay walked into the girls' dressing room, "Hello ladies! I wanted to let you all know that we will be starting very soon. Also, there will be one minor change in the show." "What is it?" Caitlin asked. "When you introduce yourselves you must say 'Hi! I'm bacelorette #...,' and then give your number. Tiffany you will be bachelorette #1, Caitlin #2 and Jude #3. Briefly describe yourself leaving out your physical features such as your hair color, height, weight, eye color, and what your actual occupation is. We normally let you say what you do for a living, but we changed it so the person doesn't judge you by your career. Just give info of maybe your likes, dislikes, what you look for in a guy and how you act around men in general, and remember brief and short. MOST IMPORTANT IS TO BE HONEST AND POSITVE ABOUT YOURSELF. Also one last thing, the pitch of your voices will all be changed, including the bachelor." "Why? I don't want to sound like some cartoon character!" Tiffany whined. "We're not making that big of change. And we're going this so the bachelor doesn't judge you by your voice. This is based off your personality and character, not your looks." Lindsay replied shaking her head in disappointment of Tiffany's attitude and finally said, "Ladies, get ready, the show's starting!" Lindsay led the girls towards the backstage as Tommy was being announced. Sadie and Mason were seated on cloth folding chairs on the opposite side of the stage just like Kwest was seated by Steven. They had a view of the girls and the audience.

Briefly at G-Major…

"Alright everyone the show's starting!" Darius announced excitedly and increased the volume of the T.V.

On Stage BEFORE TOMMY IS BROUGHT OUT BY STEVEN…

The stage announcer speaks to the audience. "Welcome Everyone to "The Instant Dating Game!" We are all excited here at the studio for this Special Edition of the show that we are shooting here in Canada. It is being shown live here and in the U.S. Please pay attentions to the two boxes above me on either side of this room. These boxes light up telling when to applause; please do so when you see it lit. All of your natural reactions are welcomed, but please refrain from being rude and using any profanity. Also, you will probably recognize our bachelor and one of our bachelorettes; we ask that you keep all comments to yourselves and DO NOT BLURT OUT WHO THEY ARE OR THEY'RE NAME BECAUSE I'M SURE YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM. ALSO, THEY DO NOT KNOW THAT THE OTHER IS HERE. SO PLEASE RESPECT OUR WISHES. If you do not, you will be escorted out by security. Alright, let the show begin."

ON STAGE, THE SHOW BEGINS….

The theme song for the show is played out through the studio and the audience begins to applaud and shout, and then the stage announcer begins for the in house audience the T.V. viewers to hear, "WELCOME TO THE INSTANT DATING GAME! AND HERE'S YOUR HOST FROM BURBANK, CALIFORNIA…JOE STONE!!!"

Then the audiences' cheering dies down and Joe the host begins to speak,

"GOOD EVENING EVERYONE! I'M YOUR HOST, JOE STONE! WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL EDITION OF THIS SHOW HERE SINCE WE ARE HERE IN CANADA AND AIRING IT IN THE STATES. FIRST OFF, I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR BACHELOR OF THE EVENING, A VERY HANDSOME YOUNG MAN, TED!

Tommy stood up and the sound tech switched on his mic pack that was attached to him on the back of his pants walks on to the stage, and everyone applauses loudly and all gasped at who they saw walking out onto the stage. "Hello Ted! Nice to have you here!" Joe starts off. "Hi Joe! It's…uh…great to be here!" Tommy replies trying to get use to phony name and his voice that was deepened a bit.

Joe continues, "NOW LET'S BRING OUT OUR LOVELY BACHELORETTES! Bachelorette #1 PLEASE COME ON OUT!" Joe introduced each of the girls one at a time the same way. Tiffany, Caitlin and then Jude walk out onto the stage towards their seats that were the same as Tommy's. Tiffany came out and the clapping was loud and whistles were heard. She waved to the audience and gave a blowing kiss out and she was proud with the response she received. Then Caitlin came out, the audience was even louder than the first. Caitlin smiled, nodded at them. Jude finally stepped out, the audience gasped in awe when they saw her gracefully walked along the stage towards her seat waving at the audience and smiling. Cat calls and whistles were heard from some male members of the audience. Tommy compared the viewers' responses each time a bachelorette was introduced. He thought, 'Wow bachelorette #3 must be a beauty?!'

As the three ladies finally took their seats, Joe announced they were taking a brief commercial break.

Tiffany leaned towards Jude crossing over Caitlin. "Well, aren't you the special one tonight?!" Tiffany commented sarcastically. "Look Barbie!" Jude snapped and continued, "Like I said before, I'm here because of my friend and my sister, not for myself, and it's not my fault, the producers chose me, I didn't ask for this!"

The stage announcer called out they were coming back from commercial.

"SO TED…" Joe began. "TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF." The girls listed carefully as Tommy spoke. "Well Joe…I'm a guy." The audience laughed. "I'm in the music industry," Tom made brief eye contact with Lindsay and Steven at the back and Steven nodded in approval to go on. "I love music, it's a part of my world and it's my life." Jude was intrigued at the bachelor's answer.

"WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WOMEN MIGHT WANT TO KNOW?" "Well, let's just say from past experience and over the years, I've changed a lot. I'm happier with myself and my life now than I was before." Tommy thought about the first day he met Jude when they were first introduced. When their eyes met that's when he decided he would try to change for the better.

"WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN WOMEN TED? LET'S GIVE OUR BACHELORETTES A LITTLE INSITE ABOUT YOUR DREAM GIRL." Tommy chuckled at Joe's last words 'DREAM GIRL' the dream girl he was thinking about at that moment was just on the other side of the wall and he didn't even know it. "My 'DREAM GIRL'" Tom began, "I know is out there somewhere. She's amazing, beautiful, talented, smart and funny. She will totally get who I am and know my thoughts without me even having to say a single word. She'll love music as much as I do, most likely even more. Music is apart of her world and if her life as much as it is for me."

Jude listed carefully to the bachelor and was captivated by his words as he spoke and thought, maybe there is someone out there like Tommy. Caitlin thought, 'wow, this guy is so deep, filled with so much passion and emotion.' Tiffany's thoughts were, 'is this guy a dork or what, but he maybe cute and have money.'

Tommy continued, "She's also kind, generous, unselfish and loving. She always thinks about others first rather than herself. My 'DREAM GIRL' will so much passion and love within her, that I know I probably won't even deserve her." "WOW, THAT'S AMAZING TOM. WELL I'M SURE ONE OF THESE LOVELY LADIES WILL MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE."

Back stage…..

Kwest commented to himself, "Damn Quincy's got is bad and he doesn't even know that it's just on the other side of that wall," then shook his head and smiled.

Mason and Sadie just looked at each other with tiny drops of tears, "He's got so much passion and emotion in him, and I wish he was gay." Mason said and Sadie laughed and hit him on his arm at his last comment. "I knew he loved Jude, but that really confirms it."

Back at G-Major….

"Speidy, why aren't you ever like that?" Karma asked. "Cuz I'm no sap like Squinty over there!" Speid replied but hugged his wife lovingly. Stuart looked at Victoria who had tears in her eyes and hugged her, and they both knew that Tommy was describing their baby girl, who was now a woman.

"AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS!" JOE ANNOUNCED.

Sorry readers…it's a commercial break!! LOL!