Author Notes: Sorry it took so long; I swear anything that could go wrong did go wrong with this chapter. This chapter does not have the Halloween party, because the chapter as a whole ran too long—like double what all my other chapters are. Then I started to add more during the first editing, so I spilt them up into two chapters. The other chapter (with the party) will be added on Thursday—in the middle of final edit. If all goes well I can have the first chapter of Ten Weeks posted on Saturday. So just hope that my bad luck with computer is over now.
Pairing: Jude/Tommy; Kwest/Sadie;
Summary: Tommy faces an obstacle in his relationship with Jude—his old friend Bruno.
Disclaimer: I do not own Instant Star or its characters. I also do not own the character Kate Howard.
Rate: NC-17 (Warning: Angry Rough Sex) (You'll get nice and sweet next chapter)
Season: 2
Category: Romance/Drama
Spoilers: Up to "Personality Crisis"
********************************
Kyle groaned as he shifted in the hospital bed he was in, life sucked. He had been in this stupid bed with these stupid casts for four weeks and he still had two more weeks before they even considered taking them off. He was healing damn it, he should be able to move around just a little. But no--he went from having a father who thought he was dirt to have a foster father who though he was porcelain. It felt like Darius didn't want him to breathe without permission or supervision. Not that he didn't appreciate everything that Darius was doing for him, he did, but he had to get out of this bed.
Kyle let his head fall back there was nothing on the television but talk shows and soap opera, and they bored him after a week. Darius would bring him a new movie each day he dropped by, but you could only watch the same movie so many times in one day. Plus they were always some G rated kids film. Jude was his life saver she kept him up on current events, snuck in something he actually enjoyed to watch. Tommy always came with Jude and he always brought food that actually tasted like food. Portia would always hide what they brought when Darius or Trevor would come in to see him. Since when she was not at work she was at his side. Wally and Spied came by daily as well each adding a new doodle or saying to his cast. Jamie and Patsy came by every few days she'd bring him something that most people would not see as a normal gift.
"Good afternoon," Jude chirped grinned as she walked into his hospital room. Kyle smiled widely; Jude always had a way of making him forget that he was stuck in here. "I come baring the best of news."
"You're helping me to escape this prison," Kyle sighed his smile fading as he saw the leaves falling to the ground outside. The whole world was changing while he was stuck in this bed unable to do anything but just watch.
"Well maybe the second best news," Jude laughed, she had had the paper for weeks but Darius forbid anyone telling Kyle. Trevor, Kyle's doctor, wanted to keep him mellow for a bit. Darius gave them some long medical explanation but truthfully none of them understood a word expect the threat of being banned from seeing Kyle until he fully recovered. "We all wanted to tell you right away but Darius got told by your doctor to wait…something about over stimulation."
"Yep that's Doctor Trevor Carter," Kyle groaned, he might be a great doctor but Kyle wanted to scream through the roof. "He's not happy unless he's controlling everything about me and I do mean everything."
Jude took her normal seat next to him as he did his best to shift towards her. His ribs were sore but almost healed completely, his skull fractures were healing as well, and it appeared there shouldn't be any after affects of them. His leg and wrist would come out of the cast in about two weeks, and then he would begin his physical therapy. The nurses have been taking him for walks around the hospital once to twice a day but Darius or Trevor were always there with him. He was just getting so tired of being watched, he just wanted one hour to himself. Just one hour---sixty uninterrupted minutes of peace quiet and solitude.
Taking the piece of paper Kyle gasped as he saw what it was. Jude laughed as his eyes widen, this was a dream come true. This was the moment they had been waiting for; they had been nominated for a Music Award. Actually Jude had been nominated for four of them but SME had been nominated for one as well. How many times had they imagined while on tour what this would be like? How many times did they dream before their tour what it would be like to just be nominated? But here it was in black and white print.
Best New Female Artist: Jude Harrison
Best New Duo/Band: Spiederman Mind Explosion
Single of the Year: Skin
Album of the Year: Jude Harrison
Best Special Performance: Boyz Attack and Jude Harrison
Kyle had no feeling right now his mind was complete blank. All he could do was stare the paper then he looked back at Jude who was smiling as widely. Kyle could almost forget about the last almost six weeks. This right now brought him a little hope that his life was getting better. That Portia was right this was the beginning of a new day for him; a life of no fear or pain a life where he could be just Kyle again. For the first time since his tour Kyle felt happy. A joy that was unknown to him flooded his heart and all he could do was hold on to this piece of paper. For right now it was a life line, it was proof that he would not be stuck like this forever. That soon he would be able to break free and once again let the music he loved flow from him and in his again.
"I can't even talk right now," Kyle gushed looking at the paper amazed Jude laughed but the smile faded the moment's Kyle's did. The award show was in a little over three weeks.
"What's wrong Kyle," Jude asked confused, she and Portia thought this would brighten up his recently depressed mood. It took Portia over a week to get Darius to finally back down. Darius was so afraid that Kyle would push himself too hard to fast and end up back in the hospital.
"Darius is never going to let me go to this," Kyle sighed leaning back as he gave the paper back to Jude, who sighed taking it.
"The award show isn't for three weeks," Jude told him getting him to look over at her blankly. Kyle wasn't so sure; Darius didn't even let him leave this room without checking with him first. "Plus I might have heard Portia and Darius today, it seems like you're going to be released soon."
"Don't tease me Harrison," Kyle warned his eyes shinning with hope of freedom. The idea of getting out of here was almost better than wining one of those music awards—almost.
"I'm not," Jude laughed as he laughed then stopped as pain started to flicker in his side. "But Darius is keeping you out of school until after winter break."
"I know," Kyle mumbled thinking about his tutor Eliza, a fifty something woman who smelled like coffee and gum. "Oh my god…I have to live with Darius."
"I know and you have our deepest condolences by the way," Jude sighed patting his hand as Kyle's head fell back. He was going to go from one prison, to another, to yet another prison. Oh life sucked!
*****
Portia crinkled her nose as she looked at the dress in front of her; it was a beautiful ivory color. Yet she could not get herself to like it. Andre had called her only an hour before he would be here in two weeks. There was no way he was going to trust anyone to touch Jude Harrison then himself. She then picked up the black dress shaking her head no. The ivory one was just too innocent and the black one screamed the word tramp. If she was older than sixteen Portia was sure she could make it work. All she needed was a dress that was a mixture of both that would look good on Jude.
Titling her head to the side she let out a deep breath, Jude was such a hard person to dress. She had such a presence about her that it was hard to pick outfits that matched that. Plus she didn't have one type of style she mixed it up a lot of times. Jude clothes showed what she was feeling at that moment. Luckily she had talked to two designers a few days ago and they jumped at the idea for Jude wearing one of their dresses. She only hoped their dresses were better than the stuff she had in front of her right now. The award show was in three weeks.
Portia sucked in another deep breathe of course this would be so much easier if she could put her full attention on her work. But she knew Jude was going to see Kyle and she really wanted to know his reaction. Plus Darius's Halloween party was tomorrow night and the idea of leaving Kyle by himself pained her heart. Shuffling through the dresses she picked up the one dress that she actually thought about throwing into the fire.
"Tell me I am not wearing that," Jude begged seeing the soft baby blue colored dress that made her think of what her grandmother used to force her to wear to Sunday school.
"No," Portia laughed pushing it aside. Yep this dresses needed to be burnt. "I'm still debating on your dress."
"Didn't Darius want that picked by tomorrow," Jude asked knowing how anal Darius and Liam could be.
"He's in a pretty good mood since Jamie got Boyz Attack to sign a five year contract," Portia smirked getting Jude to gasp. Chaz had seemed pretty determined not to sign with Darius again.
"Chaz said that he wasn't signing with Darius," Jude replied coming to sit next to her getting Portia to look still smiling. "He said he would rather never perform then ever work with Darius Mills again."
"I guess Jamie made an offer that neither Boyz Attack or Darius could refuse," Portia shrugged, all she knew was that both Liam and Darius were impressed by seventeen year old Jamie Andrews. Portia put the dresses down because she had to know. "How did you visit with Kyle go today, was he excited to hear about the nominations."
"He was," Jude nodded seeing Portia smile then turning away from her. After a long moment Jude looked up to see Portia engrossed now in what the guys would be wearing. "Portia Kyle is coming to the ceremony right."
"Don't worry Darius isn't going to keep him from it," Portia assured her smiling; Darius had already begun to make plans. Then she stopped turned to look at Jude with a stern glare. "But he better not even think he's performing…Trevor said it is too soon."
"When will he begin to think about drumming again," Jude asked almost desperate to know. They all missed performing on stage and they missed playing with Kyle. Practice seemed so empty without him.
"After they take his cast off, he'll start physical therapy to build the strength back up," Portia sighed knowing that Kyle wanted to get right back into drumming. She knew how much it hurt him not to be able to do what he loved to do more than breathing or eating. "It's going to be a few weeks, and even then he's going to need to take it slow."
Jude nodded as Portia went back to work, this all seemed so unreal to her. Calvin Walsh had been arrested not only for child abuse, but also for attempted murder of Kyle, and for the physical assault of Portia. The first hearing of the charges was not for another week or so, and she knew that Kyle did not want to go. The judge even said that Kyle did not have to be in appearance for this one but Kyle told them he needed to. He wanted to look his father in the face and once and for all show him that he did not break him. That despite everything he Kyle Calvin Walsh survived and that he would live another day; to do what he loved to do.
Jude stood up as she heard Tommy's voice she followed it to see he was talking to Chaz and Bruno. She knew they were trying to talk him into going out with them tomorrow night. Tomorrow night was Halloween and Darius was throwing a huge annual Halloween Party at his house. Jude was going to perform a song, but she refused to do one of hers. So she decided on a cover, one that she felt went perfectly with her costume. The one she chooses went perfectly with only have two of her band mates.
Jude leaned against the wall as she could tell Bruno was doing what he always did—trying to get Tommy to cheat. She knew that Bruno did not see it that way in his eyes Tommy's relationship with Jude was fake. Jude was just a bump in the road, one that he planned on flattening. She would not get so annoyed but Tommy took what he did as a joke. Always laughing and telling her to just let it go. And she did until one of those women he tried to hook Tommy up with actually arrived at his door-step in a dress that had less fabric then one of Sadie's lacy nightgowns. It also did not help that when Bruno was around Tommy became someone else, someone cold and different. He never saw it but he was; always pushing her away, ignoring her calls. She was close to bursting, but she bit her lips, because she refused to do it in front of him. Then he would leave and Jude would forget about it until eh came back. Only now he wasn't going to leave he was staying.
She watched Kwest for a moment he did not look happy but at the same time he didn't look mad either. The one thing about Kwest was that he never made a scene, he was professional. Chaz was starting to warn his way back into Kwest life slowly. Jude knew that given time they might be able to work past their differences, given time. Looking ahead Jude saw Sadie. Sadie right now was rushing around the place. Marianna had called in again today. The only reason Sadie was here was because of the Halloween party. Usually she came in around three or four in the afternoon and worked until seven or eight. But because of the Halloween party Darius had asked her to come in and work a full shift today.
"Hey sis," Jude said watching as Sadie finally was able to sit down. Though the look in her eyes showed that she was not grateful for the seat the look was one Jude had seen. The least time Sadie had that look was when she accidentally dropped bleach on her new pair of 90 dollar jeans.
"I have had it," Sadie snapped her normally light blue eyes a dark sapphire due to the anger. "She calls in at least once a week, she doesn't follow the procedures, she doesn't take legible notes, hell I'm sure she doesn't even works while she's here. Yet they do nothing and Liam actually told me I need to be more like her."
"Is there anything I can help you with," Jude whispered getting her to let out a small growling sound. Sadie tried to stay calm she needed to stay calm.
"Ms. Harrison," Liam snapped coming to stand behind Jude. He was not happy they were talking when there was work to be done. "Why is there no coffee, what if we had company today?"
"There is no coffee because Marianna did not order any coffee like she was supposes to, just like there are no labels, no printer ink or paper," Sadie began slamming her hands down on the counter as she stood up to look Liam in the eyes. She refused to back down; she refused to take the fault for that woman again. "The list goes on because Marianna was supposes to order supplies over a week ago and never did even though she told me she did."
"Sadie just calm down," Jude told her softly she could see Sadie was about to blow.
"Jude here is right," Liam told her softening his tone slightly, but still trying to seem in charge. Everyone knew that Liam had a crush on Sadie. "I'll send someone out to get some supplies until the ones we need come in. I'll just need you to make out an order."
"Done," Sadie told him walking over to the file cabinet. She pulled out the papers walking them over and extending them to Liam. "Plus the secretary for the editor of Teen People called, they want to remind you about your lunch meeting for tomorrow."
"Thanks you Ms. Harrison," Liam replied taking the paper as Sadie went to answer the phone that began ringing again.
Jude laughed slightly as Liam rushed off Sadie was not one to push around. She looked at Kwest had been watching the whole thing and she could tell that he too was laughing. Sadie had been working her butt off the past month to pick up to slack from Marianna, who seemed to not want to work anymore. Ever since Georgia left she had just gone down hill. Jude did not understand why because she only had half the work. Darius split up the jobs so each one always had something to do, but as of late Marianna didn't do anything.
Jude looked straight ahead to see EJ and Portia arguing about something, most likely her dress for the award show, they could not decide on anything. EJ had attempted to be nice after the whole Kyle ordeal but that could only last so long. EJ didn't like people telling her what to do; EJ also did not like much of anything that Portia liked. The more Jude looked at her she didn't know what was going on because it also looked like EJ could be having another one of her hysterical fits. Of course that usually only happened when something exciting happened. Shrugging it off she turned to see Jamie and Darius talking about something but she did not miss Darius looks at Chaz and Bruno. Who by the way were still with her boyfriend and by the looks of it was not going to be leaving his side anytime soon.
She looked at her watch it was neatly five thirty and they needed to pick up their costumes for Darius party by six-thirty. She saw Tommy look casually at his watch then back to give a laugh. Jude sat down as she watched them for a moment. She knew that Chaz knew she was watching them because he looked at her a few times. She could tell by his hands movements that Tommy was trying to get away but Bruno kept stopping him. She could right now that if Bruno was going to be around more she and Tommy were going to need to talk. Because she refused to be second best to someone like him.
"Tommy if we don't leave now we're going to be late," Jude said interrupting the guys who just looked at her. Well Chaz smiled but Bruno gave her a look that confirmed everything she had ever believed.
"Late for what," Bruno asked in a surgery tone that let Jude know he was trying to mock her. Jude gave him a smirk that made Chaz bit his lip from laughing; he knew first hand Jude was not one to push.
"Oh it's nothing," Tommy shrugged putting his hand on Jude's lower back to guide her away. This was another thing that annoyed her when ever he came around or anyone he knew Tommy quickly rushed her away. Sometimes she still felt like they were dating in secret.
"We have to pick up our costumes for Darius party tomorrow night," Jude explained giving Tommy an annoyed look. Right now she was in no mood to play one of his games; and she was in no mood to deal with Bruno's either. "Are you two coming?"
"D's parties are the only good thing about being signed with him," Bruno laughed getting Tommy to smile nervously. Tommy silently prayed that Bruno kept his mouth shut about any of the parties of the past.
"So what are you two going as," Chaz asked smiling as he watched Tommy look at her; it was clear Tommy was uncomfortable. He could see that Tommy really did not want her around them and for the life of him he could figure out why. It would be a cold day in hell before any one of them hit on Jude. For one she was Tommy's girl and for two well she was sixteen.
"You'll have to wait and see," Tommy said once again trying to guide her away from them. Only to see that Jude had her feet firmly planted down she was not going to budge until she wanted to.
"Why," Bruno asked confused, had she really talked him in to something that dorky and corny. Jude smirk had not left her face and he saw it grown as she began to speak.
"Because Tommy refused to tell me which costume he wanted because he thought it would get him out of going," Jude explained getting Chaz to laugh softly while Tommy looked even more uncomfortable then he had ever in his life. He looked more at ease when Tommy's mother had dinner with him and Portia. "So he has no idea what I picked and by Darius orders he has to wear it."
******
Tommy gulped as Jude walked out of his bathroom in her costume. She was dressing up as a 20's singer, the ruby red dress went to her mid-thigh and she was going to have on red high heels. Portia had agreed to do her hair, plus she had managed to find some really neat jewelry to match. He had thought he loved her in the color green but the color red was proving to be a better color on her. The ruby color made her pale skin glow against the moonlight that was beginning to shine in the room.
Tommy of course was going to be wearing a slightly matching outfit. It fit perfectly. He had tried his costume on in private claiming he didn't want to have to wear until he needed to. He watched as Jude fixed the dress the reveal she had on a garter belt that matched. He groaned she was trying to kill him; she was trying to finish him off. It was black and red, he bit his lip this was payment for his conversation with Bruno and Chaz.
Jude must have heard Bruno trying to hook him up with some actress he met last week. He knew that Bruno was not one of Jude's favorite people and vise versa. Even Tommy would admit that Bruno ability to not accept Jude was beginning to get on his nerves. He knew that once Jude got to know Bruno and once Bruno got to know Jude they would get along; he was sure of it.
"You're cruel," Tommy told her coming to stand behind her. Jude turned herself around as he leaned forward she put her hands on his chest to push him away. She could almost laugh at the look on his face.
"You can not touch me in this," Jude ordered, because she knew he would ruin it. "Until after Darius's party tomorrow night."
"Then take it off," Tommy told her sternly coming towards her only to have her move out of his way.
"What is your problem," Jude asked putting her hands on her hips giving him an icy glare. Jude was still in no mood; she was still annoyed that Tommy would act like Bruno did nothing wrong. When she knew for a fact he tried to hook Tommy up with someone.
"We haven't had sex in a month," Tommy groaned making himself look like a little boy. Jude annoyed glare quickly went to one of anger. Of all the things she thought he would say that was not one of them.
"And we aren't having it tonight," Jude snapped walking away from him. Tommy watched her as she made her way towards his bathroom, unable to think what was making her this mad.
"Jude," Tommy whined then jumped at the loud slamming noise the door made when it shut.
Jude slammed something down on the floor, and not so gently went to take off her costume. This happened every time he went around Bruno. Chaz wasn't so bad sure he would go out drinking and came back smashed but that was okay. That she could deal with but how did you fight someone that never actually fought you to your face. Bruno hated the fact that they were together. The age difference didn't play a big part either; well maybe a little but not much. Bruno hated the fact that Tommy was finally with someone and that he was remaining faithful. So every time he came around he would take Tommy out, throwing god knows what at him.
Tommy waited until Jude stormed out of his bathroom, he was so annoyed that he didn't care that she was only in a shirt. Well that was a lie but right now he was not in the mood. He wanted to know what her problem was. He watched her as she went for her pants that she flung off across the room when she came in. She had been so excited to show him her costume, she just been so excited. Even he had been so excited he wanted to see her in her costume. Then it changed, and he knew what it was—Bruno.
"Jude," Tommy said taking her pants away from her getting her to turn to look at him. Jude did not want to fight with him, she wanted to get dressed and go home. But she had never listened when she should.
"You get like this every time you are around Bruno," Jude snapped crossing her arm to her chest. She was tired of this little game that Bruno was playing; because she didn't know how far he would go to win.
"Like what," Tommy snapped back throwing her jeans back on the floor. She turned to see him her eyes shimmering with tears of anger and tears of a great sadness. She did not want to lose him.
"Like a jerk," Jude told him holding back tears, she would not cry. No matter how much she wanted to, no matter if she had to run from him she would not cry. "You get so cold when you are around him, like nothing matters, especially not me."
"Jude I love you," Tommy whispered cupping her face to see the tears beginning to fall. "Oh baby, don't cry you know I hate it when you cry."
"Then stop being a jerk," Jude told him getting him to laugh without humor. She wanted to stop this; she wanted to just go home.
Jude pushed her self away form him, slapping his hand away when he tried to touch her again. She was mad no scratch that she was pissed off. She was tired of being treated like crap whenever his friends came around. Kwest was different but she knew that was only Kwest knew her before. And the fact that Kwest was her brother-in-law played a major part to. But every time Bruno came in town or Chaz, or some other guy he used to hang with Jude took back seat. She was tired of him separating his life with her to his life in the past.
Tommy tried to pull her to him only to have her push him away aggressively. Tommy snapped grabbing her arms he yanked her around. He didn't mean for anything to happen between them he just wanted to talk to her. He needed for her to understand that Bruno didn't mean to come off the way he did. He was just used to certain things. He was used to the parties they would go to, the woman they would seduce, and wild nights of alcohol and lust. And now that life was just a thing of the past for Tommy and for JP too. Though part of Boyz Attack JP had settled down; now married with children.
Crushing his lips against hers Tommy hissed in pain the moment her teeth sank down hard to bite his bottom lip. Lifting her off the ground her legs wrapped around his waist. He pushed the shirt over her head before he tossed her on the bed. He quickly pushed his jeans down kicking them aside. Tommy didn't have time to react or to think because the moment he kicked his jeans Jude grabbed his face. Pulling his hair as his lips crushed against her for a bruising kiss that he was sure would leave marks.
Falling back on the bed Jude groaned as Tommy nipped her ear. Tommy let out another hiss as her nails dug into the skin of his butt. Grabbing her wrist he pushed them above her head pinning them down. He moved them to the railing and she could hear the command to hang on to it. Jude held on to the railing tight as his teeth bit at her erect nipple, then nipped down her body to her hips. Without much gentleness he moved her thighs apart spreading them wide. After the longest moment Jude began to open her eyes but she shut them just as fast as she cried out, he pushed himself deep inside of her. The thrust was quick fast hard and borderline painful.
Tommy pushed himself inside of her, holding her hips moving her up and down, up and down as fast as he could. Jude thrashed her head back and forth as the once pain blurred into something else completely. Just when she didn't think he could go any faster, when she couldn't feel any more he did something to prove her wrong. Tommy let out a cry of his own as his body shook as he felt her muscles contract around him. She was close he could feel it, could hear it in her cries and whimpers. Then as it slammed into her and Tommy was right behind her. Falling on top of her he rolled off of her quickly tossing away the condom.
"Jude," Tommy whispered rolling to his side to look at her. He had to suck in a deep breath to keep him self calm, he hated when he got like this with her.
"No Tommy," Jude snapped, he could see the pain and anger in her eyes had returned from the lust and desire she had moments ago. "I'm so tired of this you're too good for me crap, and that is what it is. Whenever you get around him you get like this and I don't know how much more I can take of it."
"That isn't what this is about," Tommy groaned rubbing his eyes as he sat up and she slipped out of his bed. He felt his stomach twist in a tight knot as he saw the red marks on her thighs. "I didn't hurt you did I."
"Like you care," Jude hissed going for her panties making an angry noise when she saw them in two pieces. "You got your sex."
"Come on you know it wasn't like that," Tommy grumbled watching her shaking her head, then turn to look at him. Her anger hit him harder then any blow to the face could have. That was the power she held over him.
"What other stupid ideas did Bruno put in your head," Jude asked crossing her arms over her naked chest. She was not going play the game anymore, Tommy had a choice to make and he was making it--tonight. "Because just in case you haven't noticed I'm not one of his favorite people."
"Bruno likes you," Tommy argued getting her to laugh bitterly as she went for her jeans again, this time uttering a few curse words. The Tommy had to open his mouth; Jude threw her jeans at him hard as he spoke the last part. "Maybe you should try to see it his way…find some common ground with him."
"Last week he texts you the name and number of three single models," Jude yelled as her jeans hit him in the face. Tommy eyes widen at the intensity of her anger. Her face was flushed red her hands were shaking and her breathing out of control. "Of course that probably wouldn't happen if you treated me like a girlfriend when he's around."
"What does that mean," Tommy asked getting just as angry as she was. He treated her better than any other girlfriend he had ever had in the past.
"You never take me around your friends Tommy," Jude hissed getting him to sigh and look away guilty. "Maybe if you actually took around them they would see that you are serious about me. That I'm more than just some teenager you hooked up with, because that is how Bruno sees me."
Tommy looked away knowing she was right, they went out to events but he made sure to keep her separate from his old life. Sure she'd talk to Chaz but he was different as was Kwest. He let her see the part of him that he kept hidden from the rest of the world. Yet at the same time he kept her from the rest of the world. It wasn't that he was ashamed of her, it was the opposite he was worried she would become ashamed of him. That she would see he wasn't the man she saw when she looked at him.
Jude wiped her tears away angry, man when they had fights they had fights. But this was not going to go away; she had let this problem eat away at her for too long. Bruno and some of his friends would call and invite him out and he usually said no unless she told him he should go. She didn't mind she had faith in Tommy and in their relationship. But the moment Bruno tried to hook him up with other girls was when it started to eat at her. She knew Tommy would never cross that line, but she couldn't help but wonder why he kept her hidden.
"I know you love me," Jude told him softening just a little bit. But the anger was still there in her eyes but at least her body had relaxed. "But I can't help but feel like maybe there are times when you regret getting with me."
"Don't be stupid," Tommy hissed giving her a disbelief look. He never in a million years meant to make her feel like that, she was his entire world. Jude body stiffened slight again at his tone.
"Then what," Jude snapped climbing on the bed to sit in front of him. "I've never met any of your friends, well besides a few lunches with Chaz, and Kwest is my brother-in-law so he doesn't count. So tell me Tommy how the hell am I suppose to feel? You keep me hidden away, and I have to know why?"
"I'm sorry," Tommy told her seriously moving towards her to cup her face smiling softly when she allowed him. Her tears hit him worse then the anger did, he hated seeing her in pain. And he hated it even more when he was the cause. "What if you don't like what you find out?"
"That's the reason you keep me hidden away," Jude grumbled giving him a matching disbelief look. "Tommy what more could they tell me about you that I don't know."
"Nothing," Tommy admitted with a nod, but his eyes showed his fear. "But Bruno doesn't see anything wrong with the way I used to treat women, hell he still sees nothing wrong with me cheating on Portia."
"There is nothing no one could say about you that would ever change the way I look at you," Jude swore cupping his face. When he didn't say anything she brought his lips to her softly. "Like I've said a hundred times before Tommy Quincy, the things you did in the past made you the man I love now, and the man I will always love in the future."
Tommy knew she meant it now but he didn't know about when the stories began. When she found out how much a jerk he had been? He was not proud of the way he treated women in his past. For he treated them like their sole purposes was the please him. He had told Jude that before but he didn't think she ever truly got it. He knew that Bruno would start on the horrible ones; the ones that today made him wish he had a time machine so he could punch himself. Chaz had been so awesome about him and Jude, and Kwest too. He figured once Bruno got here he'd see, but if anything the last few weeks had been worse.
Bruno liked Jude as a singer and even as a person, but he hated that she was his girlfriend. He took what Bruno did as jokes laughing them off and rolling his eyes. Sure he knew it annoyed Jude, he knew it even upset her at times but until tonight he didn't know how much. He never really asked even when she asked him to call Bruno and tell him to stop. Tommy also kept her away from them because he didn't want her to change. He didn't want her to thinks she had to change herself to be with him. He loved her the way she was, and he didn't want her to ever think differently.
The moment Tommy's eyes met her eyes he felt what she felt, she was everything to him. Jude Harrison was his reason to live, and he knew that if he lost her he wouldn't want to live anymore. He was beginning to understand what his grandfather said about relationships. He told him that it was about giving and taking that each day had a new challenge and a greater reward. He finally got that part, because everyday with Jude he discovered something. Usually about him self; Jude had a faith in him that he didn't deserve.
"Are you okay," Tommy asked eyeing her up and down, he could not believe he did this again. He smiled a little smile when he saw the look in her eyes.
"I think so," Jude told him faking a frown as she shifted to the side. "I think I'm going to need you to check…just to make sure."
"I probably should," Tommy told her mocking a serious look as he moved towards her slowing. "I would hate for you to have to cancel your appearance tomorrow night…Darius would be furious."
"Exactly," Jude nodded smirking as Tommy hands went to her hips pushing her towards him.
"But I am going to warn you Miss Harrison," Tommy smirked his lips coming against her. "I am going to have to be very thorough…it might take awhile."
"God I hope so," Jude whispered before his lips crashed down in her.
********
Sadie sat at the table waiting for Kwest to come and join her for breakfast. Today was Halloween tonight she and Kwest were expected to be at Darius's party but that was tonight. Right now they had to eat and make their way to work. She took up she needed to talk to him about something, something she had been keeping hidden for two days now. She watched him walk into the room giving her a kiss on the cheek as he sat down. She looked down at the breakfast then back up at her husband wondering if things could get any better than this. Sadie knew how lucky she was.
Sadie nibbled on her bottom lip as she wondered about the future. Jude's dreams were coming true; she was one of the biggest rising stars in the music business. She was dating Tommy Q one of the most wanted men on the planet. Their father was happy with his growing relationship with Yvette and their mother well she didn't know what to think about her recent behavior. She had gone form being a caring and loving parent to one of the most selfish people she had ever met. Kyle was getting better with each passing day and Wally was beginning to open up to people. Things seemed good they looked like the issues were beginning to work out for him and his family. And now this, she looked up at Kwest, there was no way to do this then just doing it.
"Do you like your eggs," Sadie asked softly getting him to look up and smile at her.
"Sadie you know I love your cooking," Kwest told her laughing softly as he took another bite. Kwest went back to looking at the papers in font of him. Darius was being so picky about this party compared to his ones in the past.
"You're happy right," Sadie asked getting him to look at her confused. Sadie watched him look at her like he had never seen her before.
"I've never been happier," Kwest replied frowning putting down his fork and papers now intrigued by his wife's questions. "Sadie is something wrong?"
"Do you remember my check up at the doctors," Sadie questioned getting him to nod slowly. She didn't know how to word it; she didn't know how to say it. Maybe bow wasn't the best time, but it wasn't like she could go back now. "Well the test results came back."
"Is everything okay," Kwest asked scared, almost not wanting her to answer. He knew she had been off the past few days, even Portia mentioned her strange behavior.
"I'm eight weeks pregnant," Sadie announced in one deep breath then sucking in another anticipating his reaction.
"Oh my," Kwest mumbled his frowning face going to a blank one. Kwest stopped breathing for the longest moment he did nothing but stare at Sadie before she began talking again. But as much as he wanted to no sound came out of his mouth.
"Now I know you'll want to tell your mom but I really want to tell Jude first," Sadie began to ramble as Kwest could only nod. "I was thinking we could tell our parents at the same time. So I thought we could invite my parents to dinner and get your mom and speaker phone."
"Speaker phone," Kwest repeated as Sadie went on about her plan to tell them at the same time. "Pregnant."
Then it was lightening, it call came crushing down on Kwest. Sadie laughed as Kwest jumped out of his chair as it finally hit him. She laughed as he picked her up from the chair kissing her on the lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Never in his life did he imagine this moment. Pulling away from her he leaned his forehead against hers as his dark eyes met her blue ones. Running his fingers through her hair he pressed his lips against her again softly. He could not say anything she could have anything she wanted he didn't care.
Sadie smiled when he his hand went to her stomach the idea that she carried his child filled him with a joy unknown to him. Her mind played out so many different responses to when she told him. They includes him being mad, him walking out, him passing out and so many other but she knew in her heart he would take it like this. Kissing her gently on the lips again he could not get rid of the happiness the flooded over him. He was going to be a father, god he could only imagine how his family would react to this news.
He knew his sisters would squeal. They had been trying to hook him up for years with their friends and he even went on few of the dates. But none of them fit him; none of them were what he wanted. His aunts would jump up and down and his mother. He knew his mother would go crazy. She would call Sadie everyday, because she did it with his sisters. Then she would arrive weeks before the baby was born to help out and stay a two weeks after the baby to "help" out. Suddenly Kwest pushed Sadie away gently with a ghostly white look on his face.
"My mother will kill me if we tell her over the phone," Kwest gulped getting Sadie to nod smiling softly. "I'll tell call her and invite her to come down for a visit. We'll all have dinner then."
"What if she can't come right away," Sadie asked worried, she didn't know how much longer she could keep this hidden. Actually she did know, maybe a few weeks. She needed to tell people, she had to tell people are she was going to go crazy.
"This is my mother," Kwest reminded her smiling widely. His mother never looked an invitation in mouth. If he knew his mother she would be on the next plan to Toronto. "She'll come…then the real problem will occur."
"Real Problem," Sadie questioned confused as Kwest sucked in a deep breath.
"Getting her to go home," Kwest smirked going towards the phone.
Sadie shook her head in disbelief at his words but she knew where they were coming from. Abigail loved Kwest but she was not a big fan of his career choice. She wished he would have stayed in college became a lawyer or something that in her mind was more stable. Sadie sat back down taking a drink of her orange juice as Kwest talked to his mother. She looked around their apartment, the first thing they needed to do was get a bigger place. She knew Kwest loved this place but it was only one bedroom.
Sadie knew that Jude was going to go crazy. But she also knew that when she told Jude she had to tell Tommy too. Biting her bottom lip she wondered if telling Jude first was the best option, maybe they could all find out together. Sadie smiled at the idea of having a little dinner party. She knew they could not have it here this place was too small. But she knew the Harrison home was big enough for them all to enjoy a nice dinner and some good company.
"She is on the phone booking her a ticker as we speak," Kwest sighed taking his seat looking down at his breakfast. "She's going to call me back to tell me when we should expect her."
"I was thinking about a dinner party," Sadie smiled getting Kwest to look up at her. "Our parents, Jude, Tommy, Portia, and Jamie…he's like a brother to me."
"He'll bring Patsy," Kwest mumbled imaging his mother's reaction to seeing Patsy. It would more and likely be a prime example of Jamie's Grams reaction; one of horror and shock. She still called Patsy the devil's daughter.
"I'll talk to him before hand," Sadie promised smiling at the idea of telling them all. Jamie met Abigail briefly during her last visit, so Sadie was sure Jamie would know not to bring Patsy. And if he did bring her she better look normal.
*****
Darius liked his office to be run efficiently he liked to know when he left G-Major his employee could be trusted to do their jobs. Looking at the job that had been given to him by Marianna he was not getting that at all. Then there were the complaints he kept receiving not only by various individuals at G-Major but others who were visiting. He liked to consider himself a fair man. He gave second chances when they were needed; if anyone doubted that they should ask Tommy. But Marianna had spit in his face basically. When he called her she made another male excuse as to why she had to call in. Darius tried to keep calm, he tried to remain professional but she laughed at him. She laughed at him Darius Mill. She laughed at him because he gave her a choice; either come into work today or never again.
Sadie looked at her watch smiling as one of Liam's interns came to take her spot. Darius told her that he wanted to see her at 9:30 no excuses. She assumed it was something about the award show. He had been so high strung about Jude looking right, about the entire band looking right. You'd think with someone like Kate Howard calling he'd be happy. Of course she knew it was different. This would be Kyle first appearance since his hospitalization. Darius was making sure Kyle out of the media's eyes right now. Plus he knew people were going to be all in a buzz to see if Wally brought someone. Plus Tommy and Jude were still the couple to watch.
Sadie pushed the few wrinkles out of the black skirt she was wearing, than fixed the buttons on her pink business suit-jacket. She took her pad for note taking as she started towards Darius's office. She saw Kwest talking to one of the other techs, waving his hands as he explained something. More and likely how he wanted something set up. Kwest had worked with Darius long enough to know how he liked things to be done. She watched Kwest for a moment as the tech listen closely to everything he said. The tech was new to G-major and by the looks of him new to the business as well. And Kwest came with a reputation of his own; one that sometimes intimated those who didn't know him.
She saw Portia going over some sketches with EJ and she knew who they were from Kate Howard. Her assistant came by yesterday and it seemed that she wanted Jude. Which was not unheard of as of right now everyone wanted the newest sensation Jude Harrison. When Sadie got to Darius's office door she knocked seeing he was on the phone. He nodded waving her inside motioning for her to take the seat in front of his desk. She realized soon he was talking to someone about Kyle homecoming tomorrow. Darius knew Kyle would be excited and he wanted that but he did not want Kyle to get hurt.
"Sorry about that," Darius told her smiling widely. Sadie smiled back as Darius shuffled the papers around on his desk before looking up at her more seriously. "I wanted to speak to you about your position here at G-Major."
"My position," Sadie questioned concerned she was getting fired. Sadie placed the note pad she held in her lap trying to remain calm. But if he in any way event hinted that Marianna was a better worker he was going to get an earful.
"Due to poor job performance Marianna has been let go," Darius explained softly not wanting to go into any more detail than that. Sadie had to bite the inside of her bottom lip to stop herself from smiling. She figured that would be unprofessional of her. "So we'll be looking for her replacement and before posting the job outside of G-major I wanted to know if you were interested in the position."
"You want to make me full time," Sadie gushed unable to believe it. Okay that was not true she did believe it, she knew how hard she worked, and she knew that for the most part everyone liked her. Plus the more she worked here the more she began to like the business aspect of the music world.
"Sadie your hard work and dedication to this place does not go unnoticed," Darius explained firmly. "I have actually wanted to promote you to full time for weeks now, but Liam claimed you would not be interested."
"I'm interested Mr. Mills," Sadie assured him giving him her classic smile, then frown. "But before you promote me to full time there is something you need to know. Some thing that could affect my job performance physically…something I would appreciate keeping private for now."
"I don't understand," Darius frowned; he read her application several times and remembered nothing on there about any physical limitations. If he remembered right she had been in every sport plus cheerleading. "I was under the impression you were in perfect health."
"Kwest and I just found out I'm eight weeks pregnant," Sadie explained smiling ear to ear as he let out a deep sigh of relief. For a moment there he was truly worried, he didn't know if Jude could handle anymore stress at this point. Especially not with Bruno around.
"Unless you plan to stay at home and become a homemaker this does not affect my decision to promote you," Darius laughed getting her to smile again. "But I do extend my congratulations to you and Kwest."
"Thank you," Sadie giggled. "Sorry you're the first person I've told besides Kwest…that is why I need to keep it private."
"You have my word," Darius swore. Sadie nodded going to stand only to have Darius put his hand up to stop her. "Boyz Attack has a meeting at noon with Tommy about their new album. I need you to send in Bruno before the meeting starts…we have something we need to discuss."
"Of course Mr. Mills," Sadie told him standing up as she wrote it down so she would not forget.
Walking out of his office Sadie did not think this day could get any better then this. Most people here were already flying high due to the Halloween party this evening. Darius had made a major deal out of this party; wanting to endorse everyone and anyone who was connected with G-Major. He had actors, actresses, models, magazine editors, fashion designers, radio personalities, MTV, E! News, and anyone one else he could find coming. Plus he made sure that he had the best in entertainment, but he knew people wanted to see Jude and SME perform more than anything. This was the party to end all parties. Darius was going to make sure this was the Halloween party to be at.
Tommy looked down from his office giving Sadie a smile as she walked out of Darius's office and towards her husband. Darius had called him early this morning to ask him if he thought Sadie wanted the position. Truthfully he didn't know but he did know that Sadie would be hurt if she had not been asked at least. So he told him he should at least ask because he didn't know for sure. From the way Kwest was smiling in awe he would say that Liam was wrong. Tommy knew that Sadie was going to keep on advancing; she was smart pretty and quick on her feet. Three things that helped you make in this business.
Tommy rubbed his eyes he had so many ideas for the Boyz Attack's new album. Luckily for him Chaz was actually interested in trying something new but he also wanted to stay true to the fans. He smiled at the song in front of him Jude actually wrote it over the summer. In one of his e-mails to her he told her about maybe producing a new album for them and it seemed this song popped into her head. The funniest thing was that the song was great and he knew the guys could do wonders with it.
"Work hard or hardly working," JP joked walking into his office smiling. Tommy laughed as he stood up to give his old friend a hug.
"Just got here," Tommy explained as he went back to his seat while JP sat in front of him.
"So when do I get to see your girl," JP asked getting Tommy to look at him confused. "You know what I mean T."
"Actually I do," Tommy nodded remembering his huge fight with Jude the night before. "You should drop by tomorrow afternoon, she and the guys will be here working on her album most of morning to late afternoon."
"Okay," JP nodded smiling as an idea popped into his head. "How about I bring lunch for you guys?"
"As long as there are no onions," Tommy crinkled his nose, JP loved onions. It was one of the stupid yet epic fights on board of the Boyz Attack Bus. JP laughed it was nice to work with Tommy again.
"T man there is a reason I came and it wasn't all about meeting Jude again," JP confessed sucking in a deep breath. JP and Chaz had spent the entire night talking about Bruno and unlike Chaz he knew what Bruno could do. And he knew that Bruno didn't learn his lesson. "It's about Bruno."
"I know he doesn't like what I have with Jude," Tommy sighed looking at his old friend.
"T he's out to destroy what you have with Jude," JP told him seriously, giving Tommy a look that made Tommy's blood run cold. "And trust me he won't stop until someone is hurt."
TBC
Note: Anyone who has watched General Hospital in the last few years will know who Kate Howard is. So I am taking the character but in no way will be making this a GH crossover, I just wanted a designer for Jude. So Kate Howard is a world known Designer who has worked her entire career for Couture Magazine. She recently left them to start her own Magazine--Crimson. She'll actually make an appearance in the next chapter!