AN: I know, I haven't been able to update much in a while, 'cuz school sucks and I really don't need it. And maybe that explains why I didn't get as many reviews as I like. But that's OK, I know who really likes this story. Or is bored enough to want to review it. So thanks to everyone who reviewed (you know who you are). Anyway, here's the next chapter. And as always, let me know what you think, even if it's just to say "This sucks!"

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Instant Star and the characters. Then Tommy'd be all mine!

Chapter 32 – Surprise!

Jude and I drove over to Kwest's, where Sadie, Georgia, and E.J. were already waiting for us. As soon as we walked in the door, Sadie and E.J. started congratulating us on our new venture.

"Ladies, please, stop squealing before I permanently lose my hearing," I joked as Georgia laughed. Kwest smirked by the corner of the front hall before he came over and pulled me into a quick hug. "Congrats, man," he said, releasing me just as soon as we made contact.

"Aww," the four women cooed teasingly, then laughed as we tried to look embarrassed.

"C'mon, the food's over here," Kwest motioned with his hand. He led us into the dining room, where the table had been set and the entrees were already out and still steaming.

"Kwest, did you make any Pop-Tarts?" Jude said, just as her stomach rumbled.

"Don't be such a pig," Sadie rolled her eyes. "Pop-Tarts aren't food."

Kwest just laughed before leaning over and whispering to Jude, "I made some for dessert. That OK?"

Jude nodded and decided to try some of the other dishes.

While we ate, Kwest, Georgia, and E.J. asked about the place, and I answered their questions about it as best as I could. Jude swirled around her mashed potatoes, and tried to start a food fight to pass the time. Sadie shrieked about having gooey vegetables in her hair, and I bit back a laugh as I saw Jude roaring with laughter.

Eventually dessert rolled around, and Jude dove into her Pop-Tarts as Sadie watched in horror. She had a small scoop of fat-free yogurt, and that was it. I had gelato, which Kwest had gotten for me, and Kwest had butter pecan ice cream. Georgia and E.J. both passed on dessert, and then everyone left for home.

I pulled up to the house that was about 2 houses over from Jude's, hoping to say goodnight to her there. But Mr. H was there, waiting impatiently with his arms crossed and a glare in his eyes.

"Say goodbye Jude," Mr. H said sternly.

"Dad, you can't tell me who I can and can't see," Jude argued. I gaped as I saw the love of my life standing up for us.

"Jude, he's too old for you. I can't let you see him, he'll just break your heart and won't even think twice about it a minute later," Mr. H raised his voice.

"Dad, I don't care, I want to see Tommy, and there's nothing you can do to stop me," Jude was on the verge of tears now.

"Jude, maybe I should go," I mumbled, before Mr. H shot his daughter a look of pure triumph. Jude put her hand on my arm to keep me from going.

"If anyone goes, it should be you, Dad," Jude spat out harshly.

"Excuse me? Sorry if I just want to protect my daughter from some pedophile who preys on his artists," Mr. H. was about to blow his top.

"Dad, I'm 18. That means I'm a legal adult now. So you can't tell me what I can and can't do." Jude stood her ground.

"Yes I can, and I'll keep doing it since you live under MY roof," Mr. H. insisted.

"Jude," I broke in, hating to be the cause of a fight between them. "I should go. Maybe I'll see you around." My voice broke as I choked back the emotion I was feeling.

"No, Tommy," Jude cried out, as I blindly tore myself away from her and got in my car. I put the car in gear and took off. In my rearview mirror, I saw Mr. H go back in the house, as Jude sat on the curb and sobbed. I would do anything to go back and undo what I did, but I couldn't if I wanted Mr. H's approval.

I went back home, and tried to get some sleep. But every time I closed my eyes, all I could see were visions of Jude looking sadly in the direction I'd taken off. I got back up and paced, not knowing what to do next, or how this situation with Jude and me would get any better.

I sat down and looked at my Instant Star album, the one I kept pictures of me and Jude in. I had a record of the time she won the competition, the time she got her first single released, and many other pictures of times in between. I must've drifted off just looking at those pictures, because the next thing I knew, someone was pounding on my front door.

I rubbed my eyes groggily and walked over there. When I opened it, I saw someone I never expected to see.

"Where is she?" Mr. H demanded. He didn't even wait for me to invite him in, he just kinda stepped into my place, looking all over for Jude.

"Jude?" I asked, still unconscious.

"Don't play dumb with me, I want to know where she is right now. You know what, don't move, I'll go find her myself," Mr. H. looked around and walked all over the place.

"Where are you hiding her?" Mr. H said.

"Mr. H, Jude's not here," I said weakly, then winced as he roared in anger.

"Don't lie to me, I know she's here, because she's not home. And they've banned her from the studio, so she has to be here somewhere." With that, Mr. H took off again. He went upstairs and into every room, and went downstairs, looking over every inch of space in my house.

"You've fooled me this time, but I'll be watching you," Mr. H said, glaring at me. "If Jude even takes one step toward this house, I'll have you arrested and put away for life. You got that?"

"Yes sir," I said meekly. I knew how to deal with parents, and Mr. H. wouldn't calm down if I said something like, "For the last time, I don't know where she is, cuz she definitely isn't here."

"Good," Mr. H. spat out angrily, then left. I heard his tires squeak on my driveway. 10 minutes later, there was another knock on the door.

"Mr. H, I told you, Jude's not here," I said as I opened the door. Jude stood in front of me, shivering and pale.

"Jude, what are you doing here?" I gaped in shock. Jude looked at me with big, frightened eyes.

"Can I come in?" Jude said, shivering again.

"Of course," I said, thinking I'd send her off in a few minutes. She shocked me by pulling out 2 suitcases from behind the bushes and plopped them in the front foyer.

AN: So, what'd you think? Please let me know, OK? If it sounds good, tell me. If it sucks, tell me. And if I sound blocked, tell me. Just tell me something…anything…OK?