AN: OMG, you guys totally rock! I can't believe you guys are still reading this! You all rock! OK, now on to the special ANS:
scott4eva, I'm getting there. Really slowly, but I am.
Chloe, your question will be answered in this chapter. I hope you like who it is.
Tommys my 21, thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate it.
Tommy4eva, thank you for not hating me. Your wish is my command.
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Instant Star or the characters. But I really wish I did.
Chapter 21: Long Time No See
"Nicole, what is your problem?" I spat out at the blonde girl in front of me. "What are you, 5? Huh? Why is it everytime I see you, I always see you and Jude going at it?"
"My problem? It's Jude who has the problem…" Nicole was about to go on, but I cut her off.
"Oh that's right. Jude shouldn't be the least bit upset, not after you locked her in that room for days, never gave her anything to eat or drink, and you only went in to taunt her and beat her up. So no, she shouldn't be mad at you for everything you've done to her," I said as sarcastically as I could.
"OK, OK. I get it, Tommy. I see how much you love her, although for the life of me, I still don't understand why," Nicole pouted.
"Because, Nikki, Jude gets me better than anyone else. She's not shallow, unlike some girls I know," I paused to look at her pointedly. Nicole looked away, and I went on. "She really listens, and I just get along with her better than I do with most people. It's really not that hard to, considering we spend a lot of time together."
"Aww, how cute," Nicole sneered. "So what, you guys are like the perfect couple?"
"Yeah, you could say that," I smiled, thinking about Jude and imagining myself looking straight into her big blue eyes.
"From what I hear, your little fantasy's not going to last very long," Nicole warned.
"What do you mean?" I said, puzzled by her words.
"I heard Shay's back in town. Just for a couple days, then he'll go back on tour."
"Shay?" The mention of Jude's ex made my blood run cold. "Nicole, I gotta run. Thanks for the info." I didn't wait to hear her response as I ran out of the alley and back to where Jude and Sadie were.
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Two-Timer himself," Sadie said, glaring at me.
"Sadie, would you excuse us please?" I said, wanting to have some alone time with Jude without any interruptions.
"Whatever," Sadie rolled her eyes and walked away.
"Jude, I need to tell you something. Something really important," I said, not knowing how to tell her.
"Tommy, what is it?" Jude looked worried. Probably because I'd started pacing, and looking really serious.
I decided to just tell her flat out. "It's Shay. He's back."
"What?" Jude said. "Are you serious?"
"Course he is, Shorty," Shay stepped from the shadows, completely unseen by us until that very moment.
"Shay? Is it really you?" Jude looked torn between shock and anger. The last time she'd seen him, he'd broken up with her and started dating Eden.
"It's me, Shorty. In the flesh," Shay looked as confident as he ever did.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were on tour," Jude said. I could see her struggling to remain calm, although I knew she probably wanted to start yelling at him and throwing stuff.
"I'm taking a break. Just for a couple days, then I'm going back. I really wanted to see you," Shay said. He still knew how to charm Jude even after all this time.
"Well, Jude doesn't want to see you," I interrupted, as Shay's eyes narrowed in anger. "Come on, Jude, let's get outta here." I grabbed her hand, and Shay grabbed the other.
"Why don't we let Jude decide for herself?" Shay smirked, knowing he'd get points with Jude for that little remark. "So, what do you say?"
Jude hesitated, looking from me to Shay and back.
"Tommy…" I smiled, thinking she was going to tell me to kick him out of there. "…would you excuse us please?"
Shay smirked, knowing he'd gotten the better of me. This time, I promised myself. But not again.
"Sure," I said, trying to give Jude the same impression. I walked out of there slowly. Knowing Jude, she'd be slapping him in 5…4…3…2…1.
I smiled as I heard the sound of Jude slapping him right before I turned the corner. That was my Jude, all right.I watched quietly from behind the corner as I snuck peeks at them and strained to hear their conversation.
"Why did you leave me for Eden? You broke my heart, Shay, and I don't' think I can forgive you for that," Jude started punching at him, only Shay drew her into his arms.
"Shorty, I'm sorry. I am. I broke up with Eden. You were right, she's a pain to be around." Shay spoke softly to her, stroking her head and holding her closer.
"Why should I believe you? How do I know you're not going to break my heart again?" Jude cried openly now, as she pushed him away.
"Because, Jude, I want you to come on tour with me. Be my opening act. I'll even give you 30." Shay had learned how to make deals after watching his uncle take over his music and career and watch as it quickly grew from nothing into a multi-million dollar enterprise.
"Shay, I don't know," Jude said, looking up at him for the first time in minutes.
"Jude…" Shay said, looking deeply into her eyes. He pulled her closer and kissed her.
"DAMN IT SHAY! GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY GIRL!" I was steaming mad now. No one kisses my girlfriend and gets away with it.
"Tommy—" Jude sprang away from Shay, a guilty look on her face.
"Well, if it isn't Saint Tommy, come to save the day," Shay smirked, not the least sorry about what had just happened.
"You…Leave…Now," I shot Shay a menacing look. He just smirked. I guess Darius didn't tell him that I always follow through on my threats.
"Who's gonna make me?" Shay challenged.
I paused for a while, making him think that he'd won. Then I smiled, recalling our last conversation. "You know what, man, you're still not worth it. Not now, not ever," I smiled cruelly as I took Jude's hand and walked away.
Once Jude and I were alone, I turned to her. "Jude, what was that all about? You can't seriously be thinking about joining Shay on tour."
"I don't know, Tommy. Maybe I need to go someplace else for a change. Get out of this rut, you know? I'm constantly writing and recording, and I want to travel, see the world."
"Then I'll talk to Georgia, ask her to give you a big tour," I said, trying to please her.
"Really? You'd do that?" Jude jumped in my arms, all smiles, and I loved holding her in my arms. I could go on forever just holding her like this.
"Why not? Let's go ask Georgia," I said, pulling her into my car.
"Wait, let me just tell Sadie where we're going," Jude ran off before I could stop her, and before I knew it, she'd come back.
"What are you waiting for?" Jude said, pulling me behind her. Once Jude got going, nothing could stop her.
We got back to G Major, and went into Georgia's office.
"G, I have a favor to ask you," I said, knocking on her office door. I heard murmuring, then silence. Moments later, Georgia opened the door.
"Tommy, I'm in a meeting right now," Georgia said, shifting uncomfortably. "Can we talk later?"
"OK, chief. You know where I'll be." I turned and started walking away. Then I froze as I heard a familiar voice behind me saying, "Long time no see, T."
AN: I'm evil, aren't I? Mwah ha ha ha ha! I know it's not a good place to cut off, seeing as it's really short, but it's what I could come up with. So, should I continue? Review if you want me to keep going! And if you have any suggestions as to who the person should be, let me know! I'm kinda stuck as to who to make it.