A/N: Okay so I knew you guys wouldn't like how I ended that last chapter so I thought that I would post this one right now as well. And good news, the story is coming along just fine, the problem now is me deciding finally which direction I want to ultimately take with the second fic...there's a couple different directions and since I have this one finished I can totally focus on that now...but anyhoo hope you guys have enjoyed these posts. There's more ready to come out, so remember to review and I'll get them up as soon as I can.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Jude regained consciousness slowly, her eyes remaining closed. She could tell she was inside somewhere, probably the mansion, as she could no longer feel the cool ocean breeze. She could faintly hear voices and felt a cool cloth placed upon her head. Opening her eyes slightly she squinted at the bright light, being able to only make out the outlines of a dark figure. When her eyes came into focus she recognized Tommy hovering over her. Immediately remembering what she had to tell him, Jude opened her eyes fully trying to sit up.

"Jude, just lie down; rest. How are you feeling?" he asked worriedly, sitting beside her on the couch. Jude stayed still as she was told, trying to remember what had happened. The last thing she remembered was running to Tommy on the beach. She looked up to him questioningly.

"What happened?"

"You were running up to me outside and when you caught up with me you collapsed. You scared me to death Jude. One minute you were standing up, the next you just fell. I almost didn't have time to catch you," he replied. Jude smiled weakly at him, glad to know that he had cared for her. Tommy returned her smile, staring straight into her eyes. Snapping away from his gaze Tommy pressed the issue further, "Are you sure you're okay? The doctor said it was probably just the heat and some exhaustion, but you still seem a little out of it."

"A doctor came by? How long have I been out?"

"Only about an hour or so," he replied before adding, "long enough to make me panic." Tommy chuckled while Jude cracked another half smile. "What was so important that you had to sprint all the way down the beach to see me? You could have just waited until I got back you know," Tommy smiled. Jude laughed before sitting up in her chair, feeling stronger.

Jude just now realized that she was in the living room. The doors were shut, and as far as she could see, there were no people or cameras in sight. The excitement of the elimination had worn off hours ago, and like all the other elimination nights, everyone just kept to themselves.

Brushing a piece of hair out of her face she focused back in on Tommy, and the real reason why she had sprinted after him. A serious expression grew across her face, her nerves starting to well up inside her stomach.

"We have to talk," she started. Tommy took a deep breath.

"I know. I owe you an explanation. You need to know the truth, Jude," he replied. Jude nodded her head for him to continue. As desperately as she wanted him to know the truth, a part of her wanted to make sure she was about to do the right thing in telling him. She wasn't going to pour out all of her secrets unless it was for a good reason. The knot in her stomach grew tighter, fearing what words might come from Tommy's lips.

"I lied to you Jude. I tried to get around saying it because I wasn't sure; even half of a truth is a lie," he started. Jude's face stayed stone cold, trying very hard not to interrupt him with angry accusations or questions. "I did like Rachel, yes. However, I don't anymore; I can say that for a fact," he stated confidently. This time Jude did speak.

"And what about the kiss? If you don't like her, then what happened?" she asked, trying not to sound angry.

"I feel horrible about that, Jude. I really do. But I just needed to find out a way to figure out my feelings for Rachel, and when she kissed me I thought I should take the opportunity," he replied before pausing, trying to read Jude's expression. Jude took a deep breath.

"And?"

"And nothing. I felt absolutely nothing. It was like kissing my grandmother," he said. Jude laughed and gave him a look before he replied, "Okay, maybe not that bad. But it wasn't anything like you."

Jude smiled as Tommy brought his hand over to touch hers. It was a comforting gesture that gave Jude a great sense of relief. If she really wants to be with Tommy she has to learn to trust him without any questions or doubt. That's what a real relationship is all about, right? Learning to trust one another solely with your heart, and not be jealous or conceited. Taking a deep breath, Jude braced herself for the blood bath that would surely take place soon enough.

"Tommy, there's something I need to tell you," she spoke keeping her head down. Tommy's brows furrowed in question. Lifting her gaze back to his, Jude continued, "You're not the only one who hasn't been telling the whole truth…" but before she could go any further, they were interrupted when the double door burst open. Sadie strode in the room like wild fire, reaching Jude's side in seconds.

"Jude, oh my god, what happened? All I heard was that you passed out! They never tell us anything, damn producers…" she rambled before taking a seat beside her sister. Jude couldn't help but laugh at her sister's intrusion. Truth was… she was a little grateful for the delay in having to tell Tommy about the million dollars. She may even have to thank Sadie later.

"I'm fine Sadie. Just wore myself out a little too much, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? You don't look too hot right now," she replied in a concerned voice Jude had never heard directed toward her from Sadie.

"I'm completely fine, Sadie. You don't have to worry about me. I just got a little dehydrated, plus with the elimination tonight and cameras everywhere. I guess I've just been a little stressed," she replied glancing back at Tommy, who had remained silent throughout Sadie's visit.

"Actually, is it okay if I talk to Jude alone for a minute Tommy?" she asked, acknowledging him for the first time. Jude darted her gaze back to Tommy, not knowing if she would get another chance soon enough to talk to him about the million dollars. Tommy met her gaze quickly, almost as if he could read her mind. Sadie looked between the two of them. "Unless, I was interrupting something; it could wait…" she spoke slowly, rising from the couch. Jude was the first to intervene.

"No that's okay, I can just talk to Tommy later," Jude replied giving him a knowing look.

Tommy rose from the couch, taking his cue to leave. Bending down he planted a kiss on the top of Jude's head before nodding to Sadie on his way out. Sadie turned to Jude with a questioning look on her face, but Jude spoke before she got the chance to pursue it.

"So what did you want to talk to me about Sades?" Sadie sat back down on the couch and faced Jude.

"I don't know. I just wanted to have the chance to just talk. We haven't really done that lately, and I think this show has put a strain on our relationship," she replied concernedly.

"Yeah, I guess it has. It's weird; we've never wanted the same thing before in our whole lives. Now we're competing for it on TV," Jude laughed. Sadie smiled.

"Yeah, and I guess I'm not used to not winning for once," she replied with a smirk.

"I thought you hated me for joining this show?"

"I definitely thought I did at first. But I was just jealous because I realized I wouldn't really have that much of a chance against you, and I didn't want to admit it. But now that we're both in the final three, I've realized that it doesn't matter whoever wins. We're still going to be sisters long after this competition, no matter if you win, I win or Rachel wins," she answered. Jude tried hard not to shudder at Rachel's name. She was a nice girl, but Jude still couldn't shake the image of her with Tommy. Nevertheless, Jude smiled warmly at her sister, grateful that she wasn't mad at her anymore. "And I've also come to realize that even if I didn't win, I've still fulfilled my dream. I got to date Tom Quincy. If it doesn't work out, so be it; he wasn't meant for me. But still, how many girls can say that they've had the chance to be live with him for a few months?"

"Probably about 20…" Jude laughed while Sadie hit her lightly in the arm. "But I'm glad we've cleared this up. If I had to leave this show without Tommy and a sister, I wouldn't be a very happy person." Sadie looked at her quizzically.

"What do you mean 'and'? Have you seen Tommy? He's like in love with you, there's no way you'll leave this show without him," Sadie insisted. Jude kept her head low in silence. "Jude…what's wrong?" Looking back up, Sadie could see Jude try to hold in her tears and look strong.

"Nothing's wrong...I'm just a little scared."

"Scared of what?" Jude didn't respond. "Is this about what I walked in on earlier?" Jude kept her head low, not making eye contact.

"Partially, yes," she stated brushing away a tear with the back of her hand.

"If you ever need anyone to talk to, you can always come to me; you know that right?" she insisted, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah, I know. But this is kind of something I have to do on my own." Sadie nodded her head knowingly.

"I understand," she rose slowly from the couch. "Well, it's getting late; I think I'm going to head on up to bed. It's been a long day," she said with a weak smile, Jude rose with her and gave her a hug.

"Thank you, Sades. I needed this." Sadie smiled back at her sister.

"Me too, sis. Me too," she spoke softly before turning and leaving Jude to her thoughts.