Page 164 of Fame & Rhythm

“We’ve worked for?” I shoot back, something sharp rising in my chest. “We’re the band, Dad. Not you. Yeah, you helped us, but it’s our music that—”

“And who taught you to play?” he cuts in. “Or have you conveniently forgotten where you came from?”

Something twists inside me. “No one knows where I came from,” I fire back. “You don’t. I don’t. So don’t stand there acting like you get to judge my past—”

“Annie, that’s not what I meant—”

“Oh really?” My voice rises. “Then just say it. Say you wish you had never adopted me!”

The room goes dead silent.

Dad stares at me, stunned. “What the hell are you talking about?”

I laugh, but it comes out broken. “See? You can’t even deny it.”

“Annie…” His voice drops, sharper now. “How could you even think that?”

I turn—

And freeze.

Aston and Rob are standing in the doorway, watching everything.

Perfect.

“You know what?” I say, shaking my head. “Why don’t you all decide what happens without me?” My chest tightens, but I push through it. “After all, I am the reason you’re h-here.” My voice cracks, but I don’t stop. “If throwing me out of the band saves Staked…” I shrug. “Then do it.” Nobody says anything. “I already hate myself enough!” I move toward the door.

Every step feels heavy, and then I pass Aston.

My arm brushes his.

That familiar jolt hits instantly, sharp and unwanted, sends a shiver down my spine.

“Annie!” Dad calls.

I don’t stop.

I can’t.

I make it to the kitchen and drop into a chair, elbows on the table, my face falling into my hands as the tears finally come.

This is the lowest I’ve felt in a long time.

And that’s saying something.

I’ve managed to ruin everything—my relationships, my place in the band, any sense of control I thought I had.

And I did it all on my own.

I let out a shaky breath, my thoughts turning darker.

No wonder my birth parents didn’t want me.

The thought lands hard, ugly, and uninvited.

I squeeze my eyes shut.

I don’t even want to be me right now.