Pray For Me

Happy Birthday

One month later

"Happy birthday!" Jude says, jumping on her knees above Timothy. He chuckles and opens his eyes. Octavia sits between her parents and giggles, hitting her hands on Timothy's chest.

"Thank you, my loves."

"Get up, Timothy, it's late and we have dinner in a few hours."

"Why didn't you wake me sooner?"

"It's your birthday, you get special treatment."

Timothy rolls his eyes and sits up, looking at the clock on his night stand.

"Jesus! It's already 4!"

Jude nods and pushes him off the bed. He lands awkwardly and looks at her. Her eyes go wide and she screams, taking Octavia with her as Timothy chases her around the bedroom. Octavia squeals, making Jude laugh. Jude pushes her hair out of her face and gestures to her watch. Timothy glares at her and makes his way into the bathroom to shower.

"Are you ready to go?" Timothy asks, holding Octavia's hand as she attempts to walk.

"Yep!" Jude smiles, straightening her dress and turning away from her vanity. Octavia beams up at her mother.

"Mama!"

"Tav!"

Octavia giggles and Jude smiles. Jude grabs her purse and coat from the closet. Octavia continues waking with Timothy. The family loads into the car and they drive downtown to Castro's, Timothy's favorite Italian restaurant.

They get seated, and Octavia sits on Jude's lap. She's wearing a deep red crushed velvet dress and white tights, black Mary Janes on her feet.

"You look handsome, my love," Jude smiles, reaching for Timothy's hand over the table. Octavia is now sitting in her high chair, playing with Jude's straw.

"Thank you, rare bird. You look stunning, as usual," Timothy says, tightening his grip against her hand.

Jude and Timothy share a bottle of wine with dinner, carrying on light conversation over the classical music in the restaurant. Octavia falls asleep in the car on the way home, and Jude looks back at her.

"Is she sleeping?" Timothy asks, glancing over at Jude. Jude nods, sighing and closing her eyes, rubbing the back of her neck.

"You tired, baby?"

Jude nods and relaxes as Timothy places his hand on her neck. Jude takes Octavia to her room and lays her down after undressing her. Jude rubs her temples and leaves the bedroom door open a crack. Jude leans against her vanity and stretches her arms. Timothy comes out of the bathroom and unzips Jude's dress. She sighs rolling her head back against his shoulder. Timothy rubs her shoulders, and she moans at the release of tension. He chuckles, pressing light kisses to her spine. She sighs, shaking her hair out of its updo. Timothy pushes her dress all the way down her shoulders, and she steps out of it. She's left in her bra and underwear. Jude reaches behind her and pushes Timothy's pants off his hips. He steps out of them and Jude turns around. She maintains eye contact as she slowly unbuttons his shirt. Timothy closes his eyes and groans as Jude's cold hands slide over his chest. Jude walks him back to the bed and straddles him. Timothy closes his eyes and rests his head against her shoulder.

"I love you."

"I love you too," he smiles, leaning up to kiss her. She chuckles and pulls his boxers off. He slides her bra off of her shoulders and un clasps it. She slides her underwear off to save him the trouble. Timothy flips her over, and she laughs. Jude takes control of the situation and lets herself release all her pent up emotions. Ever since Lana came to the hospital, she's been full of anger and sadness. She lets it all out, and Timothy is appreciative. He grips her thighs as he nears his release, and Jude is overwhelmed with emotion. She starts sobbing, but doesn't slow her pace. Timothy kisses her lightly and wraps his arms around her when they are both spent.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know," she sighs, sitting up and holding the sheet over her chest. Timothy hands her a silk nightgown and pulls on his boxers. She pulls the garment over her head and wipes her tears.

"Here," Timothy says, handing Jude a cigarette and lighting it for her.

"Thanks," She says weakly, hands shaking.

"Jude, please talk to me."

"I just... I've been having all these emotions since Lana came to the hospital. I've been just bottling them up. I'm hurt, I'm angry and I'm annoyed. I feel like she doesn't deserve to be a part of my life again, because some way or another, she always ends up hurting me."

"Well, maybe you guys need a little more time."

"Yeah. I mean, look at us. I felt the same way about you at the beginning. We're getting married in three months," Jude sighs, placing her hand on Timothy's cheek. He smiles lightly.

"I love you, Jude. So much. You know that right?"

She nods.

"Happy birthday," Jude sighs, resting her head on his chest. Timothy just smiles, happily basking in the afterglow after calming Jude down.