Page 216 of Fame & Rhythm

But I push that aside.

Mum’s reaction hits harder, her face pale, eyes wide with something close to horror.

“What does this mean legally?” Loretta asks quickly.

I glance at Jeremy, wondering the same thing.

“Technically, it doesn’t change anything,” he explains. “Annie is an adult. She can decide what she wants to do with this information. You have no legal rights over her.” He smiles lightly. “I assume you’re just looking to build a relationship, not pursue anything legal.”

Loretta’s laughter stops abruptly, and her expression tightens.

Something about that… feels strange.

But again… I push it aside.

Loretta is my mother.

“Thank you, Jeremy,” Dad says, standing. “We appreciate your help.”

We all rise, and the room feels smaller somehow as we make our way out. In the foyer, Jeremy shakes Dad’s hand again before we head out to the car park.

We stop just outside.

No one speaks for a moment.

“Well…” Dad says, breaking the silence, “… this is good news… right?”

Mum scoffs, and I roll my eyes at her while Loretta smiles at me. “It’s wonderful news,” she says. “I knew you were my baby, Annie.” She steps forward and opens her arms.

I hesitate.

Mum’s hand tightens around mine, like she doesn’t want to let go.

But… I feel like I should do this.

For her.

So I take a step forward and let Loretta wrap her arms around me.

I don’t hug her back.

I can’t.

One hand is still locked with Mum’s, and the other hangs at my side as Loretta clings to me, crying softly into my shoulder.

I thought this moment would feel different.

Bigger.

Better.

But instead…

I feel absolutely nothing.

Just… empty.

Like I’ve waited my whole life for this, and now it’s here, and all I want…