Chapter 12
Tave home, exhausted from the day’s whirlwind of events. Everything feels like it’s moving too fast, and I’m struggling to keep up.
I didn’t think I’d ever be in this situation–having to take care of Brandon, dealing with my emotions, and now preparing for the damn awards that I don’t even want to attend.
I walk through the front door, my thoughts a mix of everything. The house is quiet, which is a relief. I need some peace to process everything that’s happening.
I kick off my shoes and toss my bag on the couch, then head straight to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. I’m drained, mentally and emotionally, and all I want is to escape for a
Just as I’m about to sit down, my phone buzzes. I pick it up without looking at the screen, ready to check the time, but when I see the name on the display, my stomach does a little fin
It’s Harry.
I swipe to answer.
“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual, though I can’t quite hide the weariness in it.
“Hey, you. How’s it going?” Harry’s voice comes through the phone, deep and warm, like a familiar comfort.
I lean against the counter, resting my forehead on the cool surface. “Surviving, I guess. You know how it is.”
“I hear you.” Harry says, his voice lowering a bit. “It’s been a crazy week for both of us, huh?”
I smile a little at that, even though he can’t see it. “You could say that. How’s everything on your end?”
“Well, things are about to get a whole lot crazier for you, that’s for sure,” he says, his tone teasing but affectionate. “Tomorrow’s the big day, Aria. You’ve got the awards, remember? You ready?”
I roll my eyes, even though he can’t see me.
“You mean the thing I’ve been dreading all week? I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
Harry laughs. “Come on, it won’t be so bad. You’ll look amazing. You always do. And besides, it’s an opportunity to just let loose and have some fun. No more stressing about Brandon for one night, yeah?”
The mention of Brandon brings a sour taste to my mouth, and I can’t keep the bitterness out of my voice.
“Yeah, well, that’s easier said than done.”
“I get it,” he says, his tone softening. “I just want you to have a good time. You deserve to enjoy this, Aria. Don’t let anything or anyone take that away from you.”
I let out a long breath. “I don’t know if I can just forget about everything. I mean, my whole life’s been turned upside down. I feel like I’m still trying to find my footing.”
“I know, but don’t put a lot of burden on yourself. You’ll figure it out. And I’ll be right here with you. Okay?”
I can hear the sincerity in his voice, and it makes my chest tighten.
It’s been quite long since someone’s said that to me—someone who really means it. Not that idiot named Brandon.
“I appreciate it, Harry. Really.” I nod as I tell him that in a soft voice. “But I just… I don’t know. I’m still so angry.. And confused.”
“I get it,” he says again. “You don’t have to have all the answers right now. But don’t let this mess take away your chance to feel good about yourself. Tomorrow night is about you -about the amazing woman you are. So let’s focus on that, okay?”
I smile, even though it’s small. “You make it sound so easy.”
“I’m good at that,” he replies with a chuckle. “But seriously, I’m here. You don’t have to do this alone.”
I close my eyes for a moment, just letting his words sink in. For the first time today, I feel a little bit lighter. Maybe there’s hope for me to find a way to move forward.
Brandon really keeps on making me feel like a total piece of crap. But for Harry, it’s different, the complete opposite.
“Thanks, Harry. I’ll try to keep that in mind tomorrow.”
“Good,” he says, sounding pleased. “Now, get some sleep. Big day ahead, remember?”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll try,” I mutter, already feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over me.
“Talk to you tomorrow, then.”
“Talk to you tomorrow.”
We hang up, and I stand there for a moment, staring at the phone in my hand. There’s a warmth spreading through me, a sense of calm that I didn’t expect. Harry’s right.
I do deserve to have some fun, to enjoy something for myself after everything that’s happened.
I finally drag myself to the couch and slump down, flipping on the TV for some background noise.
The show is a mindless reality drama that I can barely pay attention to, but it’s enough to keep me distracted for a while.
But then, I hear something. It starts off as distant shouting, muffled voices blending together in a strange mix of anger and urgency.
I sit up, frowning, the hair on the back of my neck standing up. The noise gets louder–yelling, screams. And then I hear something crash.
I get up, walking towards the window and peering outside.
What the hell is going on?
I see a small group of women gathered in the street, shouting at each other, their faces twisted in fury.
It seems like a fight has broken out, but it’s more than that. People are gathering, and before I know it, the mob mentality kicks in.
The next thing I know, I see flames.
It’s chaos.
The women are throwing things, setting fire to anything they can get their hands on. I can hear the crackling of the flames, the smoke rising into the air.
My heart starts to race as I watch, horrified. The fire quickly spreads to nearby houses, and I can see that my own house is in danger.
I panic, rushing to grab my phone and dialing the fire department, but before I can even hit the call button, the flames reach the front of my house.
“No, no, no,” I whisper frantically, running toward the door.
But it’s too late.
The fire is spreading faster than I can react, and I can see the flames licking up the side of my house, engulfing it in seconds.
I stumble back, my heart pounding in my chest, a cold sweat breaking out across my forehead. My entire life–everything I’ve worked for–is being consumed by fire. I stand there, frozen in shock, unable to move as the fire rages outside my door.
