Page 156 of Fame & Rhythm

I exhale slowly, my body still trembling. “Is Indi working?”

The nurse shakes her head. “No, she finished earlier.”

Of course.

I sink back against the pillow, dread settling in my chest. Mum is going to be furious… or worse—terrified.

I deserve both.

“I’ll go call her,” the nurse says, slipping from the room.

The silence presses in around me, and I close my eyes, trying to piece together what happened.

A guy. Trent. Drinks. Dancing. His flat.

After that… nothing clear.

Everything blurs together, slipping through my fingers no matter how hard I try to hold onto it. Time doesn’t make sense either. It stretches, folds in on itself. I don’t know if I’ve been here minutes or hours.

Then something hits me.

I look down.

I’m not wearing a bra.

My stomach twists as I pull my shirt forward to confirm it.

A flash—hands, movement, taking it off…

I squeeze my eyes shut.

God…

I swallow hard, my chest tightening.

I wish Aston were here. The thought hits me harder than it should.

The door bursts open not long after, though I have no idea how much time has passed, and Mum rushes in, Ella right behind her. A nurse follows, guiding them inside.

“Oh God, A-Annie,” Mum murmurs, her voice breaking as she reaches me, taking my hand. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay,” I say quietly. “Just… feeling stupid.”

Her expression tightens, relief and anger battling for space. “I’ve already had words with your sister,” she says, her voice firm. “She told me you went to London. A club, Annie? And now you’re here, hooked up to a d-drip.” Her voice cracks. “I could have l-lost you.”

Guilt slams into me. “I’m sorry, Mum. I don’t even know what happened. I’m trying to remember.”

Her gaze sharpens. “Did someone spike your drink?” she asks quickly. “Please tell me that’s what happened.”

I hesitate. “I… I don’t know,” I admit, my voice small.

Her face falls, disappointment flickering through the fear. “Annie… you’re on medication. You know that mixing it with alcohol is risky, let alone anything else.” She exhales sharply. “You’re hurting, I get that… but this? This could have killed you.”

“I know,” I whisper.

“When Ella came home without you…” She shakes her head, her voice unsteady. “I was terrified. You were alone in London, with no security. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is for you?”

I stare down at the sheets, shame burning through me.