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14. I'm Fine
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Loving Jude 15. Late...?
"He needs to get into surgery right away, but the substances he took might interfere with anaesthesia, so we have to carry out some tests to find out what he took first. While we wait for that, we'll try to stabilise him from the drug effect and take measures against infection and further blood loss. It might be a while before we are done with him. But don't worry, his outlook is good."I nod, relieved to hear that. "Okay.""Just hang around the waiting area, and I'll come to you when we are ready to proceed," the doctor instructs."Okay, thank you," I say as he walks away.With a deep inhale, I walk back to the others. They all gather around me."What did he say?" Eli asks."They need to carry out some tests to find out what he took before they can operate on him. But he said he's going to be okay.""That's good," Simon mumbles.We all settle around the waiting room, waiting. It's crazy how this night has turned out. It feels like so long ago when my biggest worry was Eli and Jude fi
Loving Jude 16. Sister
It's half-past two when we are finally able to see Trey. He came out of surgery a while back, but they kept him in the recovery room for about half an hour. The doctor lets me know that he can leave later in the day if he remains stable.I go in to see him first while the others wait outside."You didn't tell Mum, right?" is the first thing he asks when I walk into the room.I scoff. "If this happens again, you'll have no energy to worry about Mum once I'm done with you."He rolls his eyes and sighs. "I guess that's a no."I'm glad he has enough energy to roll his eyes. I go to his side and feel his forehead. "Your fever is gone," I note."Yeah.""Are you sober now?""Yeah.""Are you in pain?"He lifts his arm, where an IV line is stuck. "Painkillers.""Oh."I jerk my thumb towards the door. "Can I let the others in now? Doc said we have to let you rest up, so they have to go soon.""Wait, I..." His eyes become downcast as he stares at the bedcover. "I'm sorry.""It's fine. We can tal
Loving Jude 17. Of Little Accidents
"That was the end of our friendship," Eli continues. "I haven't talked to him in years. Then tonight happened." He shoots to his feet and paces in front of the bench. "I almost forgot about him. The thought of him made me so angry, that I would instantly shut him out of my mind as soon as my thoughts went in his direction. It's been a while since I thought about him." "It must have been hard seeing him tonight," I say. "Yeah, well, yeah. Especially because I can't even be angry at him anymore." He sits back down. "When he followed me outside earlier, he broke down." "Why?" "He told me why he fought with your brother. Will got suspended from the school's football team a few weeks ago, and your brother took his place. When he saw Trey getting high last night, he got mad. He couldn't stand it that the guy who had taken his spot was getting away with the same thing that ruined his life." He scrubs a hand down his face. "And then he started crying, saying how he has lost everything a
Loving Jude 18. Torn Half-Way
I frown as a blue sports car comes to a stop at the curb.That's Jude's car.Trey and I are outside the hospital, waiting for Isaac to pick us up. It's about three in the afternoon and the doctor said Trey could leave, but he should rest up and avoid any activities that strain his wound. He's scheduled to come back for an appointment a week later.Earlier on, I went by his dorm room and packed up some of his clothes. He's going to be staying with Isaac and Simon for the next few days until his wound has healed enough that nobody will notice when he goes home.Trey stares at the blue car, eyes squinting. "What a sweet ride..." he trails off and rises from the bench we are sitting on. "Is that Jude?"Jude appears from the driver's side and looks over at us."Are you guys coming or not?"Trey walks over, one hand clasping the side where his wound is. "Wow. Nice car, Jude.""Thanks," Jude says, opening the back door for him. "Hop in."Trey gets into the car and leans back into the plush l
Loving Jude 19. False Alarm
I groan inwardly when I get back to my apartment and Tori is already there, making something in the kitchen. I was hoping she wouldn’t be back yet and I could get some time to myself without worrying about her saying or doing something that will ruin my mood further. But no worries. All I have to do is stay in my room and avoid all sorts of contact with her. My hope for a peaceful evening goes down the drain seconds later as I cross the living area, headed for my room. “You’re here to pack, right?” she asks. I’m of half a mind to ignore her, but I can’t resist the urge to disappoint her. “No,” I reply, retrieving my room key from my bag. “You have three days to move,” she says. I stick my key into my lock. “I don’t have to go anywhere. This is my apartment too. You can move if you want.” The sound of her scoff fills the room. “Did you forget that it’s my name on the lease?” Damn, she’s right. When I agreed to move in with her from the school dorms, she had already found the ap
Loving Jude 20. Alone Time
“That’s everything, right?” Simon asks, piling the last of my boxes in one corner of his room. “Yeah,” I nod, looking at all my belongings, now piled nicely in the corner. There wasn’t much to move, so we were able to get everything from my apartment in one trip using Isaac’s truck. Tori will be pleased to get back in the evening to find me gone. The last three days have been unpleasant. While the month is not over yet, I decided to move out early as she had demanded for the sake of my sanity. Simon’s place is already fully occupied with Trey and Jude around, but he insisted we’ll find a way. “When you told Eli you are staying here while looking for a new place, did you mention that Jude is still here?” Simon asks, leading the way back to the living room. I follow after him. “Yes.” “And he had no problem with it?” “Yeah,” I reply, heading for the kitchen and filling a glass with water at the sink. Taking a sip, I shrug, “He said it was fine.” “I think that’s a sign,” Simon muses
Loving Jude 21. Goodbye
“Want a ride?” I look up, startled, to find Jude standing over me, an apple in one hand and his car key in the other. I blink. “What?” “Want a ride to practice?” I stare at him, uncomprehending. Yes, I get what he’s offering. But… Since he showed up last evening with Trey, he has avoided me like the plague. He didn’t spare me a glance, much less say a word to me. I’ve never felt so invisible in my life. So, why is he suddenly offering me a ride as if we are on friendly terms? He’s going to give me whiplash. I give Isaac, who’s also sitting at the table, a glance, but he shrugs. I’m still trying to get over the confusion when Jude grabs my bag from the top of the table and heads towards the door. “Hurry up or we’ll be late.” I didn’t even agree… What exactly is he doing? Coming to my feet, I shove the last of my pancake into my mouth and finish up my coffee. Isaac coughs, and I look over to find him trying to hide a smile behind his wrist. “What’s wrong with him?” I ask,
Loving Jude 22. Stubborn
“Wait for me! I’ll go!” The two boys stop and turn to look at me. They are almost out of the door. They exchange a glance before looking back at me. “Sure?” Isaac asks. I nod. “Yeah. Just give me five minutes to change,” I tell them, then hurry back into Simon’s room. Rummaging through my suitcase, I pick out a pair of blue denim shorts, stockings, a t-shirt, and a leather jacket. I change into them and then hurry into the bathroom to wash my face so it doesn’t look like I’ve been crying. I apply moisturizer and lip balm, then gather my hair in a bun at the top of my head. Hurrying back into the bedroom, I get my black strappy boots and head back into the living room. Isaac and Jude are still waiting, one sitting on the couch, the other over at the balcony. “We can go!” I tell them. Isaac rises from the couch and approaches, giving me a once-over. “You look nice,” he compliments. “Thanks.” “What changed your mind?” A few minutes ago, I was against the idea of going to the pa
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Loving Jude Details on Book 3
To my lovely readers, We made it from a sad ending to a bittersweet one. Up next: the happy ending we all deserve. Loving Jude was going to be the final book. Initially, I intended to have an epilogue after Chapter 45 showing when Jo and Jude resumed the relationship. But that didn't feel right. After everything they have been through, I didn't feel good about wrapping up their story in a short epilogue. So I decided to make a third book. The title will be Forever Jude. It will be more about them actually being together, unlike the first two where they were working towards getting together. They'll also no longer be students, so you can expect a different kind of adventure. One that might end at the altar or with babies or dogs...who knows ;). Before I bring you the third book, however, I need to write a spin-off for Isaac and Ben (who saw that pairing coming? :) ). This is because their story happens before Forever Jude. Isaac's story will be titled "Fixing my Bad Boy Problem" and
Loving Jude 45. It'll Be Okay
I'm rinsing the glass when I feel his presence behind me. Before I can turn to look at him, his arms come around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder. My body relaxes into his embrace instantly, my fingers releasing the glass. He turns his head and presses a gentle kiss to my ear. "I'll miss you so bad," he whispers, his voice rough. Him holding me like this and his voice in my ear does things to me. That pang in my chest spreads, turning into an ache I cannot suppress. "I'll try harder to get better," he tells me. "I'll do whatever my therapist asks if it means I get to be with you again quickly. So wait for me, okay?" I blink, fighting tears. "I'll be here," I assure him. It's not like I have anywhere else to go. Or anywhere that I want to go. I just want to be back in his arms as soon as possible. But however long it takes to be able to do that, I'll be here, waiting. "It'll be okay," he says, now kissing my temple. "It'll be hard loving you from a distance, but it'll all
Loving Jude 44. A Step Back
The first thing I notice when I open the passenger side door is the candy littered on the seat.Jude, who has already settled in the driver's seat, notices my hesitance to sit down. "Oh," he mutters, then scoops the candy from the seat and puts them in the glove compartment.I get inside and close the door. "I didn't know you still had a thing for candy.""I don't. I didn't. It's been a while.""Can I have one?""Now? So you can yell at me tomorrow when you get a sore throat?"I laugh. "You remember that?""I remember everything about you." He reopens the glove compartment and retrieves one that's wrapped in a green wrapper. He hands it to me. "You can have this. It has mint and whatnot. It's the kind used to relieve sore throats, not cause them."I take it, lifting an eyebrow. "You were all about cherry back then."He chuckles. "Well, the dentist said I need to rethink my sweet tooth.""Bad, bad dentist," I joke, to which he laughs as he starts the engine. The sound of his laugh is s
Loving Jude 43. I Love Her
The ride to the cliff seems like the longest I’ve ever taken, even though Ben’s motorcycle is super fast. It doesn’t help that I get the directions jumbled and we waste a few minutes going down the wrong road before I realise I directed him down the wrong turn.By the time we get to the cliff, my heart is beating painfully in my chest from the fear that has gripped me. The first thing I notice through the helmet’s visor is Jude’s blue car, parked near the cliff, like back then.Ben brings the motorcycle to a stop and I start fumbling with my strap. It gets undone and I pull it off just as he removes his.Before either of us can say anything, someone appears in the headlights of the motorcycle. Jude.My heart crashes in my chest. This time, in relief.He lifts his arm to his eyes, shielding them from the bright light. Ben mutes the lights.“Looks like your boy is okay,” he says.I can’t tell how I get off the motorcycle and across the distance between us.All I know is that I’m finally
Loving Jude 42. Can I Get a Name?
It’s ten o’clock at night, Jude isn’t back yet, and my nerves are eating me alive.I peek at my phone. There’s no new message. Not that I would have missed it with the frequency I’ve been checking.I tried to call him, twice.First when he had been gone for about four hours and I was beginning to get worried. My call didn’t go through. I tried again about half an hour ago. His phone was still unreachable.Maybe he needs time, I try to convince myself, biting on my nail. I get it. I tried to break up with him. He must be mad. He’s just pissed off and that’s why he turned off his phone.But despite telling myself that, I can’t calm down. Ugly scenarios keep jumping into my mind, and I can’t help it. Not after what Robbie told me…I dial his number again, praying fervently that it goes through.My heart jumps in my chest when his ringback tone sounds in my ear. I press my hand to my chest as it rings on and on. But then it stops. Cursing, I dial him again.I just want him to pick up so I
Loving Jude 41. The Truth
I meet Robbie on Tuesday afternoon in the lobby of the hotel she’s staying at. I’m supposed to be working, but I left early. She’s waiting when I get there, sipping some drink. Before she can see me, I come to a halt and study her. Her curly hair, her 5’2-ish height, the freckles on her cheeks. The pretty sundress she’s wearing. Looking at her, you wouldn’t think she has it in her to barge into someone’s house and attack them. She looks up and notices me. She waves her hand as if to catch my attention. I sigh and head over. “Jude said that you went back home,” I say as I take the seat opposite her and place my bag on the one next to mine. She shrugs. “That’s what he thinks.” Her lips press into a thin line, her eyes seeking mine. “I’m so, so sorry about yesterday. I thought—” I wave my hand, silencing her. “I know what you thought.” She nods slowly. “Will you have something to drink?” I shake my head. “No, I’m not planning to stay long. What did you want to tell me about Jude
Loving Jude 40. Something You Must Know
Two Weeks Later“Jude, we have to wake up at some point,” I mumble, lifting my face to look at him.His eyes flicker shut as he shakes his head. “Just a few more minutes,” he says. “Don’t worry, we won’t be late.”“It’s already eight and we haven’t even showered.”He nods, humming. “An hour is a lot of time.”“We also have to eat breakfast…”His blue eyes open and meet my gaze. My heart flutters in my chest as I look back at him. He looks especially adorable like this, early in the morning, with his hair tousled, a few strands brushing against his forehead. Soon, they’ll be long enough to reach his eyes.He groans. “Can we skip? I just want to lie here with that you, all day.”“Eager to get into coach’s bad book so soon?” I poke his arm. “You can’t miss today’s team meeting, it’ll be important.”We got back from camp on Saturday and it’s now Monday, the start of the last two weeks of training before we take a two-week break. The past two weeks have been magical. I managed to sneak into
Loving Jude 39. All Of You
Heat crawls up my neck and onto my face. He smirks and pushes a stray strand of hair behind my ear.“Still want to finish what we started in the bus?” he asks.I push my embarrassment aside and nod. My breath is already going askew in anticipation as his fingers trail lightly behind my ear and onto my neck.He releases my chin and takes my hand in his, then brings me around the side of the bed.My heart’s thudding violently in my chest. When I walked in a few minutes ago and kissed him, there were no nerves at all. Back then, I was operating on pure hormones. But that’s no longer the case. My arousal is not the only thing at work here—so is my brain.Jude sits on the edge of the bed and pulls me onto his lap, straddling him. His hand moves to the top of my bun and frees it, dropping my hair tie on the bedside cabin.Then, burying one hand in my hair, he brings me to him, his lips meeting mine. His kisses are soft, tender. His other hand drops to my waist, and he rests it on the small
Loving Jude 38. The Only One
I toss for the hundredth time, unable to fall asleep. I don't think that's going to be happening any time soon. My mind can't stop thinking about what happened on the bus. And my body doesn't want to let it go either. It's been at least four hours since that moment on the bus. We got to the hotel we'll be staying at, settled in our rooms, and had dinner. And through all that, all I wanted was to grab Jude, pull him somewhere private, and have him finish what he started. God knows when we'll get that chance. The thought that I might have to wait until we get back isn't a welcome one. Maybe when I wake up tomorrow, this horniness will be gone. All I need to do is fall asleep... I groan, pressing my face into my pillow so I don't wake Melissa, the massage therapist who's going to be my roommate for the next two weeks. What's this boy doing to me? My inner turmoil is interrupted by the sound of my phone buzzing. I reach for it quickly and check the text. Jude: I have some good new
