A/N – I didn't get my reviews, but I got 2 chapters done. Love me! Don't forget to leave me a review for this one...!
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Chapter Seventeen…Giving In
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"I should tell Sadie," Jude muttered under her breath. Tom popped his head in his bedroom door.
"What was that?"
She cleared her throat. "Sadie…She doesn't know about…me, yet. I should tell her."
He smiled sadly at her. "You two need to talk, Jude."
"I know…It's just…Mitchem?" Jude coughed lightly, sighing. "Did you hear from the doctor since my visit?"
"No, but he said if you whisper, you should be fine," he reminded her. She nodded. "Let me go make you some hot chocolate, okay?" Before she could argue, he was back out the door and she could hear him banging around the kitchen. She smiled to herself.
They had spent the entire day yesterday together in his studio, Tom singing and Jude working the board. Her happiness from being with him had quickly faded watching him sing. Would she ever be able to sing again? The doctor wasn't sure. And, right now, neither was she.
She sighed. Tom deserved better than this. He deserved better than her. He always had.
Sure, she loved him. And she knew he loved her. If he didn't, he wouldn't have fought for her like he did. But she could be dying. And Tom deserved better than her cancer.
"Jude?" Tom's soft voice brought her out of her head. He was kneeling in front of his bed, steaming mug in hand and a concerned look on his face. "You okay?"
Her eyes welled up in tears. "Tommy…"
He moved up next to her, setting the hot chocolate on the table next to the bed. "Jude, girl, what's wrong?"
"Tommy, we can't get married," she choked out, making sure to whisper.
Tom frowned at her. "What do you mean? Of course we can. And we are. You said 'yes'."
Her face fell, wishing this conversation would go better. "I know I did, but…"
Tom took her hands in his, staring intently at her. "No, 'but's, Jude. Do you love me?"
"Tommy, you know I do." His face softened.
"Then what's wrong?"
"Tommy, I'm gonna die. Just like my mom."
"Jude—"
"No, and I deserve it! Tommy, she killed herself because of me. It's only right that I die." Tom gripped her hands tightly.
"Don't you ever say that, Jude. Your mom's death was unfortunate, but it was not your fault. You need to admit that, or you'll never move on."
Fresh tears poured from her eyes and she choked back sobs. "Tommy, I haven't even planned her funeral yet. They keep calling me, but I…I…I can't do it!"
"You need Sadie, Jude," he said matter-of-factly, hoping she wouldn't get even more upset at the blunt truth. But he was sick of seeing her hurt. Sadie needed Jude and Jude needed Sadie. But both of them were too stubborn to admit it.
Jude wiped her eyes defiantly. "She won't even talk to me. What's the point?"
"If I get her to talk to you, will you talk to her?" he asked, loosening his hold on her.
"Yes…"
"Okay, then…" He took a deep breath. "Drink your cocoa and rest your voice."
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Kwest idled his car on the road next to the Harrisons' driveway, setting his emergency brake. He knew he shouldn't be here. Not after the scene he had caused last night. But he had to see her.
Because, even after all of this, he still wanted to hold her. He wanted to make her smile and remember everything good about her mom. Because he knew that's what she needed. Because he knew what she didn't need was a meaningless fling with some guy she had just met. Because when that was over, she would feel even emptier than she did before she had gotten herself tangled up in that.
Because he loved her. No matter what. And he hated himself for it. Because he knew that unless Sadie let herself love him back, he was just going to hurt him. More than she had already done.
Getting out of his car, he walked slowly up to her front door, eyes on the ground, and knocked.
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Sadie heard the knock and sighed. "If this is one of those stupid Bible kids, I'm gonna kill them. I don't care if I go to Hell. They will too for making me move…" Groaning, she got up from her couch and opened the door slowly.
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Kwest looked up as the door was opened, holding his breath. Sadie's face twisted in anger and she started to close to door.
"No, wait!" he insisted, reaching out and stopping her. "Please."
"Kwest, why would I talk to you? You ruined my date last night. And Mitchem won't even call me back."
"Then maybe I did you a favor." She gave him a look and he sighed. "Okay, sorry, sorry. Look, please. Just let me come in and talk to you."
Sadie paused. "Fine. But this better be good."
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Mitchem dumped some ice into a small glass, pouring some rum. He sighed deeply and settled himself into his couch. He took a long swig from his glass, losing himself in thought.
God, I was such an ass to Sadie. She didn't sucker-punch me. That damn guy did. I better go over and talk to her…
Finishing his drink, he grabbed his coat and headed for the door.
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Sadie shut the door behind her, turning to face Kwest. "Look, Sadie. I know I screwed up, but you have to understand. Mitchem…he's not good for you. You know that."
She held up her hand, silencing him. "Kwest, if you're just going to insult him, then leave. I don't have time for this…"
"Sadie, please…" Kwest walked over to her, grabbing both of her hands in his. "Do you remember the hospital? Do you remember what you said?"
She tugged her hands free and he sighed. "Kwest…"
"You said 'You're the best' to me. I'm not making this up." Reaching up, he touched her cheek. "Sadie…" His voice came out wispy.
"Kwest," she breathed, swallowing hard. Before she could say another word, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers forcefully, kissing her hungrily.
He had waited to long to do this. Nothing was going to stop him now.
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Mitchem pulled his car into Sadie's driveway, hopping out. He smiled with pride. He had never done this for a girl. He had always left it up to them to apologize and come crawling back.
"I must be getting soft," he mumbled, walking up the driveway to her door. He reached up to knock and then stopped. "She'd love this surprise…"
Gripping the handle, he turned it slowly, wanting to catch her completely off-guard. That would make it much easier for her to forgive him. He slid the door open quietly, his eyes widening.
The guy who had punched him had his hands on Sadie's face. Or was it his own face? Who knew. Their bodies were pressed so close together Mitchem couldn't tell where hers ended and his began.
"Sadie…?"
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A/N – Okay, now you Swest fans can't hate me! Feedback is appreciated!