Page 202 of Fame & Rhythm

I cling to her, shaking.

“I… I don’t know,” Loretta says helplessly.

Aston looks over at Mum, his expression soft. “She told Annie she loves her.”

That only makes me cry harder.

Because it’s real.

Because it wasn’t in my head.

Mum looks at Loretta, and for the briefest moment, I swear I see something soften in her expression. “Thank you,” Mum says quietly. “She needed to hear that.” She pulls back just enough to wipe the tears from my face. “See, sweetheart? You are worthy of love.”

I nod, my sobs slowly easing.

“I think we should get you home,” Mum says gently.

I nod again, turning back to Loretta. “Thank you,” I manage. “And… sorry. I just freaked out.”

“I’m not sure what I did…” she says softly, “… but you’re welcome.”

“I thought you didn’t love me,” I admit, my voice shaking. “I thought that’s why you gave me up. Because I wasn’t worth loving.”

Her face crumples. “No, honey. I loved you too much. That’s why I let you go. You deserved a better life than I could give you.”

“Let’s get you home, Annie,” Aston says, pulling me back against him.

I nod, exhausted.

“It was good seeing you,” Loretta says carefully. “Maybe… we can do this again?”

“After the test results,” Mum replies, her tone firm.

I glance at her, then nod.

“Well… you have my number,” Loretta says, looking at me. “If you have questions, or you want to talk… just call me.”

I nod, unable to speak.

Everything inside me is too loud.

“Thanks again for seeing me, Annie,” she says, stepping forward as if to hug me.

I instinctively step back.

She pauses, then nods. “Next time,” she says softly.

I nod. She gives a small tilt of her head to Mum and Dad before turning and walking away. We all stand there, watching as she reaches her car. She turns once and gives a small wave.

I don’t wave back.

I just hold onto Aston tighter. “I’m so proud of you, baby,” he says quietly as she drives off.

“Me too, sweetheart,” Mum adds, pulling me into another hug. “And see? We’ve been telling you all this time that you’re worthy of love. Now you’ve heard it from her too.”

I pull back slightly, wiping my face. “I think… I can believe it now.”

They all laugh softly.