Page 38 of Fame & Rhythm

I want to tell her the truth, but I can’t. If she knows about Aston, Dad will know, and that will make everything worse.

“I just felt… out of place,” I admit instead. “No one was talking to me. I was sitting there on my own. I hated it, and I wanted it to stop. The drink was there, and I didn’t think. I just… did it. And then I kept going.”

She sighs softly, and I can see the disappointment in her eyes, which makes my chest ache even more.

“Annie, you should have come to me,” she says gently. “I would have taken you home. I don’t like those big parties either. I would’ve been more than happy to leave with you.” I swallow hard. “I thought we had an open and honest relationship,” she continues. “I’ve always told you that you can come to me about anything, anytime.”

“You did,” I say quickly. “And we do. I just… got overwhelmed so fast. It was a split-second thing. I didn’t plan it. I swear.”

“I know you didn’t,” she says softly. “But you still have to be responsible with your choices. Otherwise, your father will never let you out of his sight again, and trust me, I know how overbearing he can be.” Despite everything, I let out a small breath of a laugh. “He loves you,” she adds. “More than anything. Sometimes he just doesn’t know how to handle it.”

I hesitate. “He got really upset after I went upstairs, didn’t he?”

Her eyes widen slightly. “How do you know that?”

“I heard him,” I admit. “Was he crying?”

She pauses, then reaches for my hand. “He was. But only because he was scared. He thought something really bad could have happened to you.” My chest tightens painfully. “He loves you, Annie. He loves all of us. And when your father loves someone, he loves hard. Yes, it can feel a bit overwhelming sometimes, but that’s who he is. And we love him for it, just like we love you… no matter what.”

I bite my bottom lip. “Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?”

She smiles gently. “It’s not about forgiveness. He’s stuck on the ‘what if’ right now. Once he gets past that, he’ll be okay. You need to remember that your actions affect the people around you, too.” I nod slowly. “I love you, Annie,” she says softly. “And I’m sorry you felt like you had to escape like that. I wish I’d noticed.”

I shake my head immediately. “No, Mum, this isn’t your fault—”

“Maybe not,” she says, brushing a tear from her cheek. “But I should have been paying more attention to you instead of everyone else. Those people don’t matter to me. You do. You, your sister, and your father… that’s what matters.”

“Mum,” I say gently. “You didn’t fail. This was on me, okay?”

She cups my chin, giving me a soft smile. “Let’s agree to disagree. Right now, you need to take those painkillers and drink your water. I’ll make you something to eat. That’ll help too.”

“Okay.”

She leans in and kisses my forehead. “And no more doing something like that again. You scared the hell out of us.”

“I promise,” I say. “No more screw-ups.”

She rolls her eyes lightly. “Annie, honestly.”

I give her a small, weak chuckle. “I grew up around rock stars. I’m hardly a model teenager.”

That laugh immediately turns into a wince as my head throbs again.

“Painkillers,” Mum reminds me with a knowing look.

I nod, popping two capsules from the packet. “I love you, Mum,” I say quietly. “Can you tell Dad I love him too?”

She smiles softly. “I love you too, honey. But I think you should tell him yourself… when you’re both ready.”

I nod, chewing the inside of my cheek.

“Can I stay in here for a while?” I ask. “I’m not ready to face him yet.”

“Of course. Rest, drink your water, and I’ll bring something up when it’s ready.”

“Thanks, Mum. For everything.”

“You’re welcome. Now take those tablets.”