Okay, here it is, the last chapter. It's been fun, but unfortunately, it's over. Don't forget to review, I love all feedback, good, bad, mean, nice, long, short. You name it. Plus, this is my last chance for it.
Thanks to everrryone who did leave a review, whether it was one or one for every chapter.
Chapter 12 - Surviving It All
Before Jude could respond to Tommy, tears filled her eyes and she bit her lip. She whimpered quietly, putting her hand over her face and turning away from him.
"Jude, what's wrong?" Tommy asked, touching her shoulder. He expected her to push him away or snap at him, but instead she turned back to him and looked into his eyes. The pain and agony he saw in her eyes was almost unbearable.
She closed her eyes, squeezing out some of the tears that started to cascade down her cheeks After gaining her composure, or so she thought, Jude spoke in a bare whisper.
"Why me?" she asked him as Tommy wiped a tear from her gorgeous face. "I mean... why change everything for me?"
Jude was really confusing him now; just minutes ago she'd been yelling at him for being the way he is... and now she was trying to talk him out of his decision?
" I couldn't tell you why, Jude, because I don't even know... I only know that I will.. Just give me a chance..."
He watched her carefully, waiting for any kind of response, nearly looking over the small nod she gave him.
" Yes?" he asked incredulously, hoping he saw correctly, and holding his breath.
" Yes," she said, still nodding, as an enormous grin broke out on his face and he breathed again. Wrapping her in a tight hug, he couldn't help the relieved laugh that sounded. Who could have known one word could make him so happy.
" I promise you won't regret it.." he said, pulling out of their hug to look in her eyes, which were now brimming with happiness.
" I know.." she answered quietly, returning to his arms. She smiled into his chest, wondering how she ended up in such a position, but thankful for it at the same time. " God, this is dumb.. Who's to say we're even leaving here anyway..."
" We will... it's just a matter of time."
" How do you know?"
" It's fate..."
She laughed lightly, " Really... fate?"
" Yep, just like being here is.."
" Oh, so it was fate our plane crashed too?"
" Are you doubting me.."
" Maybe.. Whatcha planning to do about it?" she said, flashing her signature grin.
" Give you a lesson in destiny," he said, lowering his mouth to hers. " Do you need one, or can we continue with this instead.."
Not answering, Jude closed the gap between their mouths, smiling the whole time.
Days became routine for them after that. Waking up only to watch the sun rise, they'd go back to sleep until it was high in the sky, and when they decided it was late enough, they'd go out and collect firewood, or anything else they could find, or sometimes just took long walks, talking and admiring their new home. At night, they'd lie by the fire, sharing stories or fears, just talking or even making music. Things had gotten better, and though their status was still undecided, it wasn't something they worried about. Things were finally settling down, and they really became accustomed to this place.
But as the days passed, Tommy could sense a whole new demeanor in Jude. True, they were getting along great, and they hadn't fought at all, but she seemed weaker, like she didn't have the energy to challenge him if she wanted to. The days continued on, bringing blazing heat in the day, and intense cold at night. Worse of all, supplies were running low, and Jude seemed to lose any hope of leaving. Still, she was happy with Tommy, and it was obvious he was keeping her going. Unfortunately, she seemed to be getting worse and worse as the week wore on.
" Jude? Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Tommy asked when he was woken from his sleep a week later. She was shivering uncontrollably, but her entire body was burning.
Trying and failing to reply, she simply shook her head no, beginning to tear up at the pain pounding in her head. Everything ached, and she couldn't remember feeling so bad, ever.
" Tom.. I.. I..." she gasped for air, crying and shaking.
" Jude, wait.. Just stay right here.." he answered panicky. A million thoughts ran through his head, all horrible, as he scanned his brain for what to do. He quickly tore himself away from her, exiting the cave and making his way to their bags. Searching blindly because of poor lighting, he pulled everything out onto the beach, thanking God for the full moon. Grabbing some extra sweatshirts, a thin t-shirt, and the near empty bottle of aspirin, he rushed to the lake, wetting the shirt and grabbing her abandoned water bottle from earlier in the day. Taking long strides back, he found Jude in the same spot, but deathly quiet. And it scared the hell out of him. Leaning closer, he could make out her distinct breathing, and he let out a breath of relief.
" Jude, girl, wake up... come on, now.." he nudged her, wondering if she still slept so soundly when she was sick. Finding out almost right away that she didn't he forced 2 aspirins in her sweaty palms, advising her to take them and drink.
She obliged, but was still slightly out of it, and sitting up made the pain that much worse. She groaned, trying to swallow but finding that her throat had tightened up in the night. Gulping more water, she attempted again to swallow hard. Finally succeeding, she laid back down, too weak and dizzy to sit upright. Tommy let her go, but covered her with another sweatshirt, and rested the wet t-shirt under her neck, hoping to cool her down. He watched as she grew more comfortable with the coldness against her neck, and eventually her breathing slowed down again, proving she was sleeping, this time more soundly.
Not knowing what more he could do for her, and hoping it was a simple cold that would be gone shortly, he laid back down next to her, hugging her body as close to his as possible, and fell into a restless sleep.
Morning came, for once too slow, and he found Jude in the same state. Removing the now only damp cloth from behind her neck, he went down to the lake to soak it again, and returned it to its place. After readjusting the makeshift blankets though, he knew he had to take more drastic measures. Crying out in frustration, he racked his brain for any ideas of how to help her, how to make her better, but could think of only one. Shaking her lightly, he made sure she was okay, and told her to take more medicine. Watching as she followed his orders and fell back into a deep, disturbing sleep, he bit his lip, deciding to try and help her the only way he knew how.
Leaving the cave, he walked towards the plane that was finally, after about a month, rotting even on the outside. Taking a few steadying breaths, he walked quickly over to it, entering it before he could change his mind. So many thoughts filled his head, memories ran through his mind of the last time he was here, and images of his nightmares flashed in front of his face. He stood completely still, taking the entire scene in. It had changed, though only slightly since the last time he was here, but it was still enough to haunt even the bravest man's dreams. The smell alone told of many deaths, rotting corpses and body parts were visible in the murky water, tinted a shade of red. He didn't know how long he stood there, but he grabbed onto the side of the plane, holding himself up despite the weakness in his legs. The smell was driving him crazy, his senses went into overload as his eyes struggled to adjust to the dim light. Even with the sun shining through the windows and the opening, it was a dim gray inside, only making things worse for him. Feeling his head get light, he breathed deeply once again, trying to ignore the smells. Finally, he let his head go back to Jude, lying sick back on shore, and he snapped out of his daze. Not only was his head working now, but his heart as well, pounding faster and faster as he thought about her. He let his friends down, but she was different.
Taking a small step at first, his pace quickened, wading through the dirty knee high water. Over and over again he told himself to keep going, to ignore the horrible sites, and make it to the first class section. But once he made it, it wasn't better. There were his friends, and his dream was unfolding before his eyes, only this time, the seats weren't empty, and this time was reality. He shut his eyes, not being able to look at them, and immediately broke down. What was I thinking. His mind went back to his last visit, and he sunk to his knees, getting covered in water and filth. Just as he did last time with Jude, he sat with his friends, his face blank, showing almost no emotion at all, but he was strained. He was pulled into an almost hypnotic trance and he forgot what he was there for at all.
" I swore I wouldn't come back.." he whispered quietly, " why am I back?"
He thought for a minute, pondering his own question, before replying, " She's sick.." even softer than before. Still somewhat dazed, he stood back up, looking around confusedly, as though he didn't know how he had arrived here. This place seemed to have such a strong impact on his thoughts and emotions, that he couldn't control some of his own actions, but he remembered now why he was here. He remembered what he needed, and he knew he couldn't dwell on them. He knew they were okay now, and as Jude had assured him, they knew he was sorry. And that's all he needed. Searching frantically for something to stand on, he raised himself up to the overhead compartment, pulling out a small bag. Just as he retrieved it though, one more memory entered his mind.
FLASHBACK :
After his admission, and as soon as Jude left him, he couldn't help but break down completely. Sliding against the wall, he cried for his friends, for his guilt, and for all that was going wrong. But he soon realized it wasn't going to help. Jude had been right, and he knew it. Standing up, he made his way through the first class section that was so feared. He made his way over to his friends, cautiously, and immediately took up a normal conversation with them, to ease his fear and nerves. Talking to them and praying for a short while, he felt almost at ease. As though they really could hear him, and understood, but it still hurt. Shaking his head, and wanting to be brave, if not for himself but for Jude, he grabbed his bags from overhead, quickly going through them. Not much was in his carry on, but his friends had packed everything, and he took those bags along with his own. He grabbed the single outfit in his bag, and changed quickly in case Jude came back, though it wasn't likely. He put all the bags aside, and took one more glance in the over head, noticing his other bag. Not remembering what was packed in it, he dismissed it, knowing there couldn't be anything of value. With the reality of his whereabouts, he quickly finished his tasks, making his way out of the first class section just as black surrounded him. He was overwhelmed with darkness now, completely lightheaded, and he collapsed near the entrance, leaning against the wall for a balance. He felt the water surrounding him, filling his nose with an even stronger moldy smell, and once again he broke down. This was just too much. And finally, when he thought it was over for him, and that he too would rot there, he heard Jude's voice behind him.
END FLASHBACK
And now here was the bag. The bag that could have easily saved them last time, had he been right in the head. Taking a tighter hold on it, he made his way out of the plane, finally having a sense of closure.
Opening his bag on the way to the cave, he fished around for a minute, before spotting the item he had entered the plane for. Pulling out his cell phone, he flipped it open, relieved to find it had been turned off. Pressing the on button, he groaned out loud at the site of low battery. Nearly ready to give up, he sat outside of the cave, leaving Jude to sleep while he thought once again. That's it. That was my last hope. Digging through his bag, he found no batteries, no charger, nothing he could hook his phone up to. Praying, he tried to dial a number, groaning when it automatically hung up before connecting. Giving up, he crawled back next to Jude, wrapping his arms around her and blowing lightly at her over heated forehead.
" Tommy?" she questioned, her voice distant and groggy.
" It's okay, I'm gonna find a way to make this better.. "
" I know you will.. I love you," she whispered simply, her voice almost not heard over the pounding of his heart.
" Wha- I.. What?" his head was spinning and he didn't know what to make of her words.
" I love you.." she answered, confident with her new admission. " I don't know how you-"
" I love you too," he answered, mixed emotions being shown through the tears forming in his eyes. Why did she have to tell him this now? " God, I love you too.." he whispered, leaning in to kiss her lightly, but she pulled back fast.
" I'm sick, Tommy... you'll catch all my germs," she giggled, but he could tell she was uncomfortable. Even her lips were burning.. Or was that his imagination? He didn't know anymore. Stress was building on him, he didn't know what to do to help.
He looked at her, laying on her side to face him, her bluish-grey eyes only slightly showing through her half parted eyelids. Her breathing was slow, normal, but at the same time, different and somewhat heavy. Her cheeks were flushed, and sweat was forming at her forehead. He brushed the hair out of her face, again blowing lightly on her forehead; he watched as her head moved slightly against his hand and her eyes fluttered shut. Looking up, he spotted the line markings on the cave, marks that he had started his first day here. Each line indicated one day, and he quickly counted them. Thirty-nine. Today was their 40th day. He thought again back to that first day, and how much had changed since then. Was it possible to be so in love after only forty days? He looked back at Jude, and his question seemed stupid. Yes. It was possible, she made it possible. And once again, his brain went on overload, wondering how to cure this sickness. Was it just a cold ? Could it go away on its own? And if it did, what about next time, when it was something worse? They couldn't stay here forever. It was finally hitting him, and he realized that throughout the recent weeks, while him and Jude WERE getting along, he had wished they could. Because once they got back, nothing would be the same. Society wouldn't care that they were in love; the public would just see Little Tommy Q with a sixteen year old, who he'd spent the last month alone with. Then they'd realize he was her boss, and the press would have a no holds barred field day. He groaned at the idea.
Kissing her forehead once more, he again left her side, and walked near the shore. He pulled his phone out once again, trying and praying desperately that it would work. It didn't.
FLASHBACK :
" Somethin' wrong?"
" Besides the fact that we're stranded who knows where, with no food, water, or connection to the outside world? Nah, everything else is just peachy."
He just stared at her, not sure what to make of a response like that.
" I'm kidding... I have this thing against sharing drinks.. I don't like germs... but it looks like I'll have to get used to 'em out here, huh?"
" Looks that way... Uh, I'm guessing your phone doesn't work..." he said, motioning to the phone beside her.
She gave him an incredulous look, and he just shrugged. " When ya get home, you should get a better model... there are plans for when you're in places like this.."
" Yeah, cause that's the first thing I'll wanna do... I'll make a 'note to self', thanks..." she retorted.
" It was just a suggestion..."
" Well, I don't suppose your phone is working..."
" It would but it's in the plane."
" Well, what a help that is..."
" Yours isn't helping either.."
END FLASHBACK
He didn't have time to even chuckle at the banter that had went on between them. Damn, she was something else. How things had changed... but at the same time, they were exactly the same. She was still worried about germs, and she was still spunky, but he realized she was right. His phone wasn't helping. But maybe... maybe two broken phones made one good one?
Rushing back to her, he felt almost guilty shaking her awake, but he realized it was taking longer than usual. Maybe she was getting better, he hoped, thankful her previous sleeping habits were returning. Soon enough, though, her eyes opened, and she looked at him confused. " What is it?" she mumbled.
" Your phone.. Where'd you put your cell phone?"
" What? I haven't seen it since the day we got here, Tom. It doesn't work.. Are you coming down with something too?" she noticed his rushed breathing, but he shook his head, telling her to go back to sleep before rushing out again.
Thinking quickly, he turned and walked at a fast pace to where he and Jude had first spoken. There, buried only by a little bit of sand near a large boulder was Jude's phone, exactly as she had thrown it over a month ago.
Picking it up, he sighed realizing it was the same model as his own. Flipping it open, he realized it too had been turned off, but when he pressed it on, he realized she had a full battery. He was so relieved that he stood there and just laughed at the irony of it all; she didn't have a worldwide plan, and he didn't have batteries, and just as he suspected, the two unusable phones could be made into one that was. Dialing a number, he nearly cried in happiness when he heard the ringing, and the voice of someone picking up..
" Jude... Jude, wake up.." he shook her hard for the second time that day.
" You're gonna have to stop doin' that.." she groaned, turning to face him. " What now?"
" We're saved Jude... we're leaving. How are you feeling? Are you okay? Do you need anything? Ill get all of your stuff together... you just keep resting.." he rambled, his excitement soon faded though, at the blank expression on her face.
" We're leaving? How... wh- when? What do you mean? How?" her cheeks were still flushed and she spoke slowly, almost carefully.
"Jude, do you remember when we first got here? That first day.." her expression warmed as the memory came back to her, and a small, sheepish smile danced across her lips as she nodded.
" Your phone didn't work.. But mine was on the plane. Remember?" Again she nodded, and he continued, his excitement reforming, " I went and got it Jude... I don't want you here sick, so I went and got it, and at first the phone didn't even work. I didn't have batteries, but you did... and I took yours, and that was it.. We're rescued..why aren't you happy, girl, what's wrong?"
" I AM happy, I'm just a little tired, and .. Confused? We were here so long... and now, just like that... it's done. Why didn't I think of your phone?"
" We both forgot it, I guess.. It doesn't matter though. We have it now, and we can get you to a doctor, you can go home.."
" Where will you go?" she whispered, again getting tired. The news of everything was taking a toll on her already weak body, and she laid in Tommy's lap.
" I guess.. I guess I'll go home too.." She just nodded, while he ran his hands lightly through her hair, thinking about what being rescued meant.
" I won't be far though, Jude.. I mean, you'll be with the label, and as soon as you wanna get started.. I mean, you can wait as long as you want, but eventually, we'll be working side by side..."
" Yeah.. Side by side.." he barely heard her, but saw her lips moving slightly, almost trembling. Not daring to look in his eyes, or even at his face, she mumbled only slightly louder, " Everything will work out, right?"
And again, repeating a simple phrase that already would never be the same to her, he said, " Everything will be fine."
Silence invaded the small area, and Jude noticed her headache was gone. She was still cold, and burning, but free of the pain of her head was a comfort, and she could almost feel herself getting better already.
" Tommy, what if-"
" Jude, no what ifs, I promise everything's fine, it's all fate, don't forget that."
About to give him a piece of her mind about 'fate', she stopped, hearing a low rumbling noise. " What was that?" she asked, but as soon as she spoke it was louder, followed by a flash of lightning and an immediate downpour.
Tommy groaned loudly, muttering choice words under his breath only to apologize for them as soon as they left his mouth.
" It's just a storm, it'll pass..." Jude reassured him, not sure why he was so mad.
" Helicopters can't fly in weather like this.. They'll probably have to wait to come.."
" That's fine, Tommy, as long as they're coming at all.."
" You're gonna get sicker. Here, get away from the opening, if you get wet at all, that won't help..."
" I'm fine, I'm as far back as I can go.." she insisted, " I already feel better anyway.."
But that wasn't good enough for him, " Here then, I'll move, and you scoot back farther.. You're still hot, do you need a rag ? How bout some more aspirin? Cover up too.."
He was fussing over her, telling her to lie back down, switch positions, everything he could think of to make her more comfortable, and as grateful as she was, she didn't want him worrying. It was true she already felt a lot better than before, even if her fever still was there.
" No more rags, I just took aspirin, and I'm burning under all of these clothes..."
" Good, you'll sweat the fever away.." he said, finally satisfied as he laid next to her.
" Sweat it away? That's gross.." she said, scrunching her nose.
" My grandma used to tell me it was the fastest way to get better.. And she's never wrong.."
" Then I guess I'll take your word for it.." she laughed, leaning against him as he finally fell into a much needed sleep.
It was nearly morning before he woke again, finding Jude nearly on top of him. A smile was automatically brought to his face, and even the continuing sound of rain didn't waver it. He watched as she nestled herself closer to him, noticing her cheeks weren't nearly as flushed as before, but she was still pale, and he could feel a slight fever. Deciding there was nothing he could do for her, or outside in this weather, he continued to watch her sleep, thinking about what they had in store for them.
Jude woke to the sound of birds chirping, the sun surprisingly shining into the mouth of their cave. She yawned and stretched a little, then turned to look at Tommy who had fallen asleep watching her. An immediate smile was brought to her face as she looked over him. How they had gotten this far together was beyond her, and how she managed to fall in love was even more shocking. She thought again about their time here, and all he had done for her, not only when she started feeling sick, but from the beginning. From the help he always offered, to the record deal he was fixing for her, there was so much he'd done just to make sure she was happy. And not only to physical things, he managed to open her up, and most importantly he made this experience worth living through. Sighing, she wondered where they'd be a week from now, or a month. Would things follow through? And then she remembered his words, and how he'd never steered her wrong before.. Yeah, things would be alright.
Knocked out of his sleep by a loud humming noise, Tommy looked around. Jude was also looking around, confused, but assumed it was another storm starting. Tommy however knew better. Taking Jude's hand, he pulled her out of the cave with him and pointed up. Sure enough, a helicopter was flying over head, and Jude's heart flew into her throat at the sight of it. This is it. She thought, not sure whether she was happy or sad. Tommy squeezed her hand, causing her to look up at him, and with one look into his eyes she knew he was feeling just as confused. He offered her a sincere smile though, and she couldn't help but give him one in return, blinking back the tears. They stood back as the helicopter landed a little bit away from them, a man near his fifties walking out to greet them.
" You the on'y two here?" his voice was rough, and the sound made Judes ear drums pound. It'd been so long since she heard anyone's voice but hers and Tommy's. Tommy nodded, and the man spoke again.
" Well, you can get in, 'less you're plannin' on bringin' anything along witchas.." he looked around the camp, nodding his head, looking somewhat impressed. Tommy went to get their bags, but Jude wouldn't give up his hand, and went with him, while the man continued to explore. They gathered their stuff and went over to the man, who was now kicking the logs in the fire pit.
" Oh, ready then? Okay.." he led the way back to the helicopter, "Impressive little camp you made here... Don't know if I coulda managed for so long.."
Jude just nodded, taking one last glance at what came to be their home for more than a month. Tommy however replied, " It wasn't all bad..." eliciting a smile from Jude's otherwise sad stricken face. The man noticed the tight hold on each other and nodded, opening the door to the back of the chopper. Motioning them to get in, Tommy threw their stuff in the back, and helped Jude up before looking back once again. Sighing, he stepped up, sitting next to Jude and shutting the door. She rested her head against his shoulder as the engine started, and sniffled, refusing to cry.
" You feel okay, girl?"
" Yeah, I'm good.. I just can't believe it's over.. You would think I'd be happy to go home..."
" Yeah, it's a little weird, but I know how you feel.."
" I still can't believe it happened at all... What are the chances?" she whispered, a single tear sliding down her once again flushed cheek.
" I told you this was all fate. Don't you listen?" he asked jokingly as the helicopter rose. He wiped the tear gently with his thumb, and motioned for Jude to look out the window. They watched as they flew away from their camp, and back home.
" Yeah.. I believed you" she mumbled, "... I knew it was fate too.. It's just..."
" Just what?"
" I don't know really..." she answered simply, telling the truth. She really didn't know what she thought of it all; truth was she had mixed emotions. Thinking about it, she smiled, lightly kissing his lips. Pulling back, she looked directly into his eyes, and her smile almost met the size of his, " I just didn't think we'd survive it."
THE END ! Thanks again to everyone who's reviewed or PMed me or even just read the story. -Ashley
So that's it. I'm actually not that fond of the ending, but please please please let me know what you thought, it'd be much appreciated. I'm hoping to start another fic soon, I just have to make some time and get my ideas together. So look out for that... or maybe a possible sequel? Someone suggested it, and I'm always open to suggestions!