A/N: Okay, so I had this written out and then at the last minute, I realized it wasn't good enough. So…I re-wrote it. I know, I know. It's probably not what you would have liked, but I wasn't satisfied. What I am sorry for is the fact that it's taken me this long to get it out, but I'm pretty sure you're used to it by now, right?

Anyway, a few things changed, but I don't think that really matters. Um, this is definitely less dramatic than the last couple of chapters – for a very good reason. Angie is back and so is Jonathan. And I think this is on the short side, but what do I know?

Oh yeah, Talent Show is next chapter. :)

THANKS:

bbybty9: Aww, thanks!

kiki1993: Hi!

Ivy Lynn: Yay! Thank you. I try – that's all I can do. No, they are a bit different, but I guess it works with the story. Jude will sing – just not yet. Of course not. :)

Ivy Lynn: LOL. Yes, it's not. A part of me thought it was awkward, but then I guess it kind of worked out. I think music is huge for them – that's one of the biggest parts of IS that I wish I had kept completely – I didn't. Exactly – she should be playing a lot and I guess thus far it's kind of, well, she should know it's therapeutic, but she doesn't use it until it's too late, I guess. Music will make an appearance soon – I'm just working out some kinks.

btru2u: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I'm glad you thought that – I was struggling for awhile, but in the end it didn't turn out too bad – a little different than what was in my head, but it works. This chapter will be less dramatic as Tommy and Jude are kind of figuring themselves out right now. I'm posting now! Thank you for loving this!

Cigarettes And Moonlight: I'm so glad. Thank you! It happens – I pass over stories all the time and then I'm kicking myself later for not reading things earlier. Thank you for loving this. :)

Disclaimer: Um, I really can't think of anything, but if it sounds familiar then it most likely isn't mine.

A/N at the bottom.

R&R or R&L please.

THANKS MUCHO!

"Closer Part 2"

"You asked for the impossible, you know that?"

His blue eyes locked with hers and a crooked smile formed on his face. It took all of her strength not to kiss him in that moment. "I'm still asking," he said.

She nodded her head slowly. "I know. I can't make any promises, but I'll try." She could do this – she could be strong – for him. She had to be.

"That's all I need."

Don't Stand So Close To Me

Chapter 24

"The River"

The classroom was a buzz – discussing the man that had infiltrated their precious fifth period without an explanation. Although no one could stop taking glances at the tall man at the head of the room, they also couldn't stop talking about why Mr. Quincy hadn't shown up. Rumors of being sick, hospitalized, or dead spun around the room. There was also the viable 'shark attack' idea thrown out there.

Despite the chaos, the substitute, Mr. Johnson, had managed to pass out an assignment sheet, murmuring something about an end of the year project. However, no one paid attention to it.

Not even Jude.

Although she was the only one not engaging in starting rumors about Mr. Quincy, she was not immune to thinking about him. Especially after the night she had endured. After Tom broke down, she managed to get him to stay the night – in the guest room; of course, as she knew he was in no shape to go anywhere. She didn't sleep and her eyes showed it. She sat in a chaise lounge chair, watching Tom sleep fitfully and only left the room to get ready for school.

When she came back, he was gone. No note. No goodbye. Gone.

Jude forced herself to go on with her day, but not after calling Tom's cell phone for an hour straight without any return calls. However, as the minutes progressed toward fifth period, the less she could focus on anything but him. And when she actually made it to fifth period, all the anxiety she had acquired since leaving the loft internally exploded as she saw the substitute leisurely sitting in Tom's chair with his hands intertwined on Tom's desk.

She raced to the girl's restroom at the end of the building and ended up throwing up her breakfast in the nearest stall. After a good half an hour of taking long, deep breaths and brushing her teeth repeatedly, Jude made her way back to Tom's room and silently walked to her desk with no one asking why she was late. Not even Mr. Johnson.

Jude's fingers traced the outside of her cell phone while she tapped her desk with the pen in her other hand. She knew he had said he wanted to get better, but what she didn't understand was why he had done it so suddenly and without an explanation. But that was Tom's MO – he did things without telling anyone and whenever he felt it was right with no regard for anyone else.

That was something Jude should have already understood, she knew, but that didn't mean she had accepted it.

A sudden hush fell over the class as a cool gust of wind blew in. The air in the classroom changed – an understanding and calmness filling the room with a frenzied energy the students couldn't place. Jude took her eyes off of her desk. His eyes locked with hers for a split second and her heart flipped.

Mr. Quincy was back.

The corners of her lips turned up into a small smile as a smirk formed on his face. The pair looked away from each other – Jude to her desk and Tom to the substitute who sat in front of him, clearly confused.

He walked up to the substitute, his hand out-stretched. "Hello, I'm Tom Quincy."

The sub stood up, apprehensively shaking Tom's hand. "I thought – "

"I know," Tom said. "I just came back because I realized I left something here, but I'll be gone shortly."

"Oh," came the short reply.

Jude stared at her desk, listening to Tom talk as she replayed their brief exchange in her head. She bit her bottom lip, trying to rack her brain of all the reasons why Tom might have come back, but her mind wouldn't let go of the pull that his eyes had on her. Jude could always play it off like the next time was different – as if she wouldn't give in when he looked at her, no matter what had transpired minutes before between them. But she knew better.

It didn't matter if they were fighting or ignoring each other – she always gave in. No matter how angry or anxious she was – seeing him, being in the same room, feeling him near – she was calm. And this time was no different. What he had put her through last night didn't matter – when his eyes locked with hers – her heart pulled, clenched, and stopped beating. It did everything her mind didn't want it to do. It gave in. She gave in.

Because she loved him.

But Jude knew more than anyone around her – that love was a dangerous thing. And could obviously make a person go crazy. Even someone who seemed so level-headed like Tom.

Jude glanced back up and Tom's eyes caught hers once more. "I'd actually like to change the lesson plans for today, if it's not too much trouble."

The substitute merely nodded, clearly offended that his job had been taken over.

Tom turned in the middle of the room and faced his students. "You will still present your rivers – " Groans sounded in the room and Tom momentarily forgot about everything – a large smirk forming on his face. "We're going to start right now and since it seems that no one is willing to volunteer, I will pick the first victim."

The classroom silenced and everyone's head shot down, afraid that if they looked Mr. Quincy in the eyes, he'd pick them. Tom scanned the room, his choice already on the tip of his tongue. He hadn't planned on coming back at all, but the more he played the night over in his head, the more he realized he couldn't let time and distance come between them. He needed to make sure he hadn't pushed her away completely – only enough to clear both of their heads. His eyes locked with the top of a head and his heart started to race. He didn't want to catch her off guard – especially after the night he had put her through – but he knew she would catch on. She would do this – for him. This would give him the truth. Or a truth that he could be satisfied with.

He cleared his throat and tightened his jaw. "Jude, you're up first."

Jude's head shot up and her eyes widened. She couldn't breathe, couldn't feel the seat underneath her. All she could feel was her heart beating rapidly and the sudden instinct to walk up to Tom and smack him across the face. He was not being funny. Why was he doing this?

A brow rose, clearly enjoying the look of panic on her face. "Yes?"

Jude cleared her throat. "I forgot my river at home, Mr. Quincy," she said lamely, biting her bottom lip.

Tom forced back a laugh and continued to play the dutiful teacher. "I don't think you need a sheet of paper to talk about what has happened in your life thus far."

Jude's jaw jutted out in frustration. Fine. If he wanted to put her on the spot, then she was going to fight back.

"Whenever you're ready."

Jude slowly peeled herself out of her chair and walked into the middle of the room, purposely entering Tom's personal space. "What are you trying to pull?" she asked, her eyes glaring at him and he began to walk away.

He looked over his shoulder, a faint smile on his face. "For me," he said. Then he winked and walked away.

The sound of his voice caused her heart to skip a beat. She silently reminded herself to breathe. She nodded, glancing at the floor.

He sat down in Jude's chair, reveling in the body heat that hadn't faded away yet.

Her fingers found the flimsy hem of her t-shirt and Jude stared out into the sea of students. Her heartbeat accelerated and her head quickly turned to the right. Tom's eyes locked with hers and his eyebrows rose. He dipped his head slightly, a thin smirk on his face. Jude swallowed roughly and she turned back towards the class.

The substitute moved in the swivel chair behind her, wheeling himself to some undisclosed location.

His words played back in her head and it was then that she realized what he wanted. Jude sighed slowly, trying to release all the frustration in her body. She cleared her throat and began.

"I was born December 16, 1989 in Toronto. My parents had one child before me – a girl."

Jude's eyes found the ceiling as she feigned trying to think of something to say all so that she wouldn't cave and look in Tom's direction. This was his all damn fault.

"I've lived in Toronto my entire life – first in downtown and then the suburbs. My first 5 years were spent in a loft in downtown with my sister, Sadie, and my parents. It's my favorite place in the world. We still have it."

A smile formed on Tom's face as he remembered the first night he spent with Jude at her loft. When their relationship was just forming and he was getting back into her good graces. Now their relationship was up in the air and he was still trying to get back into her good graces.

"Then when I was 6, we moved to the 'burbs and my usual rebellious self went kicking and screaming. For my birthday that year, I was promised my first guitar – all so that I would move to the new house silently."

Jude smiled, her mind envisioning the guitar she kept back at the loft. She didn't play it anymore, but the nostalgia it held for her was of immense proportions. It signified everything she was – even now.

"I don't regret the kicking and screaming because it got my first guitar, but a part of me wishes I was less of a brat because I actually like it out here…" she said, "now."

Tom caught Jude's eye and he lowered his head a bit as if he was unworthy of her attention – which he was. At least that's what he thought.

"I grew up performing in front of my parents and friends – my sister would dance and I would sing. Those shows are probably my favorite memories growing up.

"When I seven, I found out that my father was cheating on my mom. I know they don't know I know, even now, but kids know these kinds of things. I just pretend I don't know and everything is much better because of it."

Tom bit his bottom lip – the story was all too familiar, but the one he was thinking of didn't have a happy ending. Or did it?

Jude cleared her throat, ready to move on. Remembering the one fight her parents ever had was not a highlight she liked to go over. She didn't really care what Tom thought – he had never asked and she had never offered. Everyone had moved on now and that's what counted.

"My sister and I are pretty competitive – even with each other. However, my sister is basically good at everything she tries to do. I'm only good at music. It's what I love.

"I met my best friends in preschool and I lucky to still call them my best friends. I love them more than life itself. They are the best support system a girl could have.

"I started performing at local talent shows when I was nine. It was one of the things that helped me deal with my parents' slightly unstable marriage."

Tom sighed heavily, not realizing just how much Jude's music meant to her. It was everything she had and he was taking that away from her. He couldn't do that – not again.

"In junior high, I kind of kept to myself. I still do. The only thing I'm known for is my music. Because of it, I get to close the Senior Talent Show this year. I'm kind of excited about it."

Jude could feel the restlessness in the classroom and knew it was time to stop. From the corner of her eye she could see him staring at her desk. Jude sighed. Wasn't this what he wanted?

"My life has been pretty normal – minus the parental infraction. That is…until this year. Then I met a guy. And he kind of changed my life."

His breath caught in his throat and he could see her glancing at him from the corner of her eye. The corners of her lips turned into a smirk and he could tell she was enjoying his pain – way too much.

"I never expected to like him, or love him, but I did." She swallowed hard. "I mean, I do. It's just…hard."

"You know, being young and dumb and…just trying to figure things out. Thinking that you know everything, but you don't and trying to get the things you don't know, but can't. It's…hard. And as cheesy…and cliché as it sounds…I would rather be so utterly confused with him than be completely understanding without him."

"Despite everything…I love him. I just wish he knew. But I don't think he believes me. I love him despite all of his faults. And believe me, he has many. I love him for being crazy, for being irrational, and for being downright cynical. I love him for just being him.

"I don't know what the future holds. And I'm actually okay with that. As long as I have music by side – I will be okay. And if that guy comes along, I'll be even better, I'm sure. Here's to the unknown."

Hearing the silence in the room, the class began to clap loudly.

Without saying a word, Tom rose from Jude's seat and walked across the room to his desk. As she stood in the middle of the classroom, wondering what was going to happen next – he infiltrated her personal space and caused a shiver to run up her spine. She bit back a gasp and stared at the floor, too afraid to look at him.

He made his way to his desk, picking a few pieces of paper and then turned around.

"That was great, Jude. Really great," he said, a wide smile on his face. She looked up at him and could see the smile fade before it ever reached his eyes. She bit her bottom lip in confusion. What was wrong now? "Now, remember my instructions. I hate to leave so soon, but I have some other things to attend to. Jude, you can pick the next person to go."

Before Jude could respond, Tom had already opened the door and walked through the threshold.

"Um," was all Jude could muster. What the fuck? He really loved playing with her, didn't he?

Jude bit her bottom lip again and gazed out into the sea of her peers. She didn't want to go back to her seat. She wanted to run out the door and chase Quincy down. He needed to tell her what was going on. This was going to drive her crazy.

Her hand fluttered in a nonchalant movement. "Eden, you're up."

Jude slowly walked the few steps it took to get to her seat and was instantly engulfed by Tom's scent.

This was downright fucking torture.

- - - - - -

The bell rang before Jude realized she had thought her way through six of her peers' Rivers – not that she really cared. Jude picked up her bag; folding the assignment sheet the sub had given the class and shoving it in her back pocket. She made her way toward the front door, the mass of students still gathering their belongings.

"Miss Harrison?" Mr. Johnson said.

"Yeah?" Jude said, turning around abruptly.

His hand shot out, a scrap of paper stuck between his fingers. "This is for you."

Her hand took the paper and she read over it quickly. A smile flashed over her face. Maybe now she'd get some answers.

- - - - - -

Mr. Torres took the first few minutes of the rehearsal to explain what was exactly going to happen the day of the talent show. But just like the rest of her day, Jude didn't pay attention. She heard bits and pieces – something about group numbers and only heard Mr. Torres clearly when he spoke to her private. Instead of performing her original stuff twice, she now had one shot as her other chance was now filled with a group performance because the committee thought it would be more entertaining. Translation? She was now a part of some makeshift wannabe Spice Girls group. And if there was one named Bitchy Spice, Jude would have the act down pat because paired with her earlier experience with Tom, she was less than willing to give a flying fuck.

After the initial meeting, Jude found a vacant place far enough from the chaos that was load-in and sat by herself off to the side of the stage on a set of stairs.

She watched the lighting designer work with her crew to focus the lights the way she had placed them on her diagram – the blues, reds, and yellows cascading across unknown faces.

The house lights dimmed to half and even in the dim light, she noticed the movement from the corner of her eye. She rolled her eyes as the smell of his cologne filled her nostrils. He moved toward her right and leaned against the stage, taking in the frenzy in front of them.

"Don't stand so close to me – " she started, "I might take you back."

A soft laugh escaped his lips. Her heart clenched tightly – the sound of his laugh had never sounded so good. She tightened her jaw and willed herself not to care, at least for the moment.

"This isn't easy for me, Jude."

She nodded wordlessly, her eyes still on the floor even though she could feel the heat from his gaze. She knew what he had said was true; otherwise their relationship would have been perfect and still intact. "I'm trying," she said.

"I know. And I'm thankful for that, you have to know that. I just – "

"Don't want to hurt me, I know." She raised her head and his eyes locked with hers. His face broke out in a smile. "Is that why you left so suddenly?"

He cocked his head to the side, knowing she wasn't only talking about his exit during class. "That was part of it."

Jude nodded wordlessly. She didn't want to hear the excuses because she knew that was the only reason. He didn't have to lie about it. She sighed. "Why did you make me go first?"

Tom's smile widened. "That's easy. You're my number one."

Jude rolled her eyes causing Tom to laugh. Didn't he know that was beyond cheesy? "The truth?"

Jude glanced at him with a pointed look. "That was a dumb question," he said. Jude nodded. "The truth is I thought I had pushed you away last night. I know I scared you and I know that you kept saying you understood, but I wasn't completely sure if you did."

Jude bit her bottom lip. "I don't want to lose you, Jude," he said.

"But you don't even want me around," she said, shaking her head.

Tom slowly moved from the stage and sat down next to Jude. She watched his every movement in awe as she knew that he was pushing the boundaries that they had lived by up until that point. "I can't do this when I know you're hurting. I don't want to hurt you. I want you to be here - with me because you want to. Not because you're scared."

Jude's brow furrowed. "Why would I stay if I was scared?"

Tom shrugged. This was not how he wanted to talk about this, but if Jude was willing to listen to him, then did he really have a choice? She wanted to be with him – he could see it. He needed her to know the truth though before she made any other decisions.

A sad smile played on his face and Jude wanted to reach out and put her arms around him, but she knew that would be pushing it. Tom played with his hands, twisting and turning them around before he completely stopped and glanced at Jude. "I love you."

Jude clenched her jaw, looking away. She hated when he threw that into a conversation – it always meant he was pushing something to the side, leaving something out. Her bottom lip found its way between her teeth and she sighed audibly.

Tom moved, kneeling in front of Jude, his hands mere inches from her legs. Jude's eyes locked with his, widening slightly. Her heart beat quickened. What was he doing? They were in school!

The look in her eyes didn't stop him. He needed her to hear everything he was going to say. And the only way to do that was head on – face to face. He took a deep breath.

"I need to tell you that I – "

"Um, Tommy?"

He tore his eyes away from Jude and looked up, his eyes locking with reluctant chocolate brown ones. Jude glanced to her side, waiting to be acknowledged, but it never came.

"Yeah?"

She didn't respond, but he could recognize the look in her eyes. She needed help. His help. He knew her better than almost anyone and this time was no different. He had to do this. He knew Jude wouldn't understand, but for the first time in a very long time, Tom knew this was right. He had to sever every tie with Angie if he was going to make things work with Jude.

This was his chance.

Tom turned back to Jude, his eyes locking with hers. He winked before reaching out and squeezing her ankle. He let go and stood up, getting ready to walk away. "Have a great spring break, Jude," he said, Angie right by his side.

"Wait," Jude called. Tom whipped his head around. Jude cocked her head to the side. He was not getting away with a wink.

"I'll be right over there," Angie said, walking away. Tom nodded and turned back toward to Jude.

"This is for us," he said, before she had the chance to start yelling at him, which he was certain she would, considering the look in her eyes.

Jude clenched her jaw. "I – " she started, sighing. "Will I see you during break?" It wasn't the question she really wanted to ask, but she knew it was a safe one – one that wouldn't start a fight.

A smile faintly painted his face and then he shook his head. "I don't think that's such a good idea."

Jude bit her bottom lip. "You have to get better."

Tommy cocked his head to the side and smiled. "This is for us. I promise," he said before turning and walking away.

Jude slumped down against the steps, knowing she had no choice but to believe him.

- - - - - -

The end of Spring Break had come and her room was silent as it had been every day since Jude had gotten home after the talent show rehearsal. She had spent the entire break doing two things: thinking about Tom and writing songs. After much deliberation, Jude finally picked something to use for the talent show – the only problem being that it was only a verse and her mind was no longer cooperating with her.

She flipped open her phone for the thirtieth time in the past five minutes, but the screen was still the same – no message, no call. She had texted him twice over the course of Spring Break and he still hadn't responded. It was beyond frustrating, but it was good thing she had other things to do to get her mind off of him – at least for a little while.

She tossed the phone to the side and looked back at her journal, her fingers finding their rightful place on her guitar. "We both know that we want it / But we both know you left me no choice."

Her choice had always been him. There wasn't a question in her mind about it. But there were times when she questioned what his choice would be – if she could be the one he wanted. And if she wasn't? Eventually she'd have to get over him.

The phone rang loudly and Jude jumped at it, tossing her guitar to the side. Without glancing at the caller id, she opened the phone and placed it next to her ear. "Tom?"

Laughter echoed on the other end. "Guess again."

Jude bit her bottom lip in both disappointment and nervousness. That had been close. "Hi Jonathan."

Jonathan smiled. "I was beginning to think you forgot about me."

Jude rolled her eyes. "Right. Like that could happen."

"So, how are you?"

Jude sighed. "You didn't call to ask me how I'm doing, right?"

"Of course not. I wanted to know if you wanted to go out. Movies, maybe?"

Jude shook her head. "Um, as much as the gesture is appreciated…I've got to finish up some homework and – "

"Quincy got you working overtime? I thought you were on break?"

Jude's eyes widened. Had she really slipped up that easily? "W-Why would you think it was Quincy?"

Jonathan shrugged. "I don't know. He's the only teacher of yours that I've met. And to be honest, that entire night was weird. I mean, how many teachers actually go to their student's houses?"

"I have no idea," Jude said, rolling her eyes.

"Unless – " he taunted.

"Unless what?" Jude asked. She could feel her pulse begin to race.

"Unless he has like a major crush on you or you guys are having some torrid love affair," he said, laughing.

Jude clenched her jaw. He was joking. God, boys were so lame sometimes. If he only knew how right he was. "Uh, yeah. You figured us out."

"It was joke, Jude. Lighten up."

"Look, I got to go," she said.

"Wait. I'm sorry, Ju – "

Joke or no joke, he was not being funny. Jude closed the phone and tossed it on the floor next to her. She clenched her jaw to keep from screaming. She had thought that longer they were together; the easier it would be to hear things like Jonathan had said. But time hadn't done anything to lessen the pain. It only added to her frustration and annoyance when it felt like she was only one fighting for them.

This was a two-way street and Tom had to realize that. Or maybe she just had to let go. Jude bit her bottom lip and glanced at her notebook.

Maybe Tom was right – she had to stay away. Maybe that was the way to sort everything out. To get better. Or to get over him.

A/N: Preview:

Chapter 25

"All The Worlds A Stage…"

Teasers will be posted on my FF profile shortly.