Page 174 of Fame & Rhythm

I gave up my best friend, my lover, because I thought I couldn’t be enough.

How could you love me when the ones who gave me life didn’t?

I was broken, and you couldn’t see,

It wasn’t you. It was me.

You’ve moved on, and you’re happy now,

But I can’t stand seeing your eyes light up for anyone but me.

I blew it, and you’re gone.

A stranger in a room I once called home.

I was broken, and you couldn’t see,

It wasn’t you. It was me.

I wanted to give up. What was the point?

I lost my friend, my lover, the only one who truly knew me.

I was broken, and you couldn’t see,

It wasn’t you. It was me.

You’re the one who completes me, loves me, but undoes me.

Your heart belongs with mine, entwined for all time.

But it was never you. It was always me.

It was always me, and now your heart’s been set free.

It was never you. It was always me.

When I finished, Aston pulled me into him, holding me tight. Being apart from him feels like such a waste now. We both felt it, and still let it go on for so long. I know I made mistakes, but I’m grateful we have found our way back.

We’ve barely been apart since. For the past week, Aston’s stayed over every night, on the couch, of course. Dad’s very firm about that.

Honestly, it’s a bit much. I’m twenty. But Aston doesn’t push it. He just smiles and says, ‘Our time will come.’

He even came with Mum and me to see Dr. Ludwick. She explained everything to him, and it helped. It helped him understand, and it helped me feel less… scattered. Having him there made it all feel a little easier to carry.

Rehearsals have been full-on all week. The tour’s been fast-tracked, and Rob’s moving quickly to keep the momentum going. Dad tried to track down who leaked the photographs. I did remember his name, Trent, but that’s as far as it went. No address, no details.

And honestly… what would it change now?

The damage is done.

The photos are out there.

Chasing Trent won’t undo any of it.

Tonight, though, Mum and Dad are heading to a charity gala, Mum’s making a speech, Dad is the guest of honor, and 12GAUGE-Slayed is performing. All the adults are going, which means the rest of us are staying here.

Every member of Staked, except Caleb, is crashing at ours.