Page 218 of Fame & Rhythm

I don’t know the woman.

And what I do know isn’t exactly comforting.

We all pile back into the car and head home.

Ella doesn’t say a word the entire drive. I glance over at her a few times, and each time she looks worse. Quieter, smaller, like she’s retreating into herself.

And I hate that this might be because of me.

We pull into the driveway, and Loretta’s car follows close behind.

We all get out and head inside, Loretta trailing after us, her gaze sweeping over everything like she’s taking it all in for the first time.

“Welcome back to our home, Loretta,” Dad says as we step inside.

She looks around, wide-eyed. “It’s beautiful,” she murmurs.

I don’t say anything, but I know what she’s thinking.

This place… this life…

It’s nothing like hers.

We move into the kitchen and take our usual places at the table. Mum busies herself at the kettle, probably needing something to do with her hands.

“I’ll make some tea and grab something to eat,” she says.

I sit down with Dad on one side and Aston on the other. Loretta takes the seat opposite me.

“So, Loretta,” Dad begins. “Tell us about where you’re living now.”

She starts talking.

But I’m not listening.

My attention drifts across the room to Mum and Ella. Mum says something quietly, and Ella nods before slipping out of the kitchen without a word.

And she doesn’t come back.

I look at Mum, frowning slightly, but she gives me a small, knowing look.

That’s all I need.

Ella’s not okay.

“Excuse me,” I say, pushing my chair back.

“Everything all right?” Aston asks.

“Yeah. I just want to check on Ella. I’ll be back.”

Mum nods, already understanding.

I head upstairs and stop outside Ella’s door, knocking softly.

No answer.

I wait a moment, then push the door open.