“Now, can you do something for me in return?” he asked.
I nodded. “I suppose that’s fair.”
“Never disappear like that again.”
“Done.” Scaring him had never been my intention in the first place.
“Also, can you please make up with your sister? It’s not fair to blame her for my mistake, and I’d hate to think that I’m the reason you two aren’t close like you used to be.”
This time, I shook my head. “Sorry, but I don’t think I can do that.” Perhaps I was wrong for blaming the divorce on her, butthere were so many other issues that contributed to our lack of relationship. The bad blood between us ran too deep.
“Fine.” He sighed. “At the very least, you need to apologize to her for what you said this afternoon. Also, I hope you realize that despite this conversation, you’re not off the hook. You are very, very grounded.”
I guessed that meant I’d have lots of time to figure out what I was going to do with my life now that I wouldn’t be attending Juilliard. I knew I should tell him, but after everything that had happened today, I couldn’t do it. I was too emotionally drained.
“Yeah, I figured.” I ran my fingers through my bangs. They were tangled and greasy and in desperate need of a brush. “How long?”
“We’ll discuss that later. Why don’t you go to bed? You look like you’re going to pass out right here at the table.”
Chapter 16
I didn’t leave the confines of my bed for the majority of Wednesday, instead choosing to hole up under the covers like an injured animal licking its wounds.
Thursday wasn’t any different.
Whether it was from emotional stress and heartbreak or because I’d actually come down with something, I’d been experiencing flu-like symptoms for the past two days. Dad, who so far was taking his promise to be more involved in my life seriously, had called me in sick after my temperature registered over one hundred.
To keep my mind off Juilliard and the loss of my childhood dream, I picked a mindless TV show on Netflix to binge. By the time I reached season four, my eyes hurt from staring at the glow of my laptop screen for days on end. As illogical as it sounded, my brain was fried from doing absolutely nothing.
I needed a break.
And a shower, I realized as I pushed stringy bangs off my forehead. But I lacked the energy needed for my usual bathroom routine, so I opted for dry shampoo and deodorant.
Once I felt moderately less greasy, I went down to the kitchen fora snack. I wasn’t hungry, hadn’t been since my fight with Violet, but eating was something to do. After pouring myself a bowl of Frosted Flakes, I took a spot at the breakfast nook and scrolled through the texts I’d been ignoring since Tuesday.
Tue, Dec 1, 6:38 p.m.
Galaxy Rider:
Indie, I’m so sorry.
I know I should’ve told you about Violet earlier, but can we talk? I want to explain myself.
Hello?
Wed, Dec 2, 1:51 p.m.
Galaxy Rider:
So…I may have left you the world’s longest voicemail where all I do is ramble. Feel free to save me the embarrassment by deleting it. I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with Violet and Alec. The three of us decided to push off recording the single until Friday so you and I could have time to talk. If you could give me a call before then, I’d really appreciate it.
Thu, Dec 3, 7:13 p.m.
Galaxy Rider:
Sofia said you haven’t shown up for school the past two days. Is everything okay? I’m worried about you.
Indie, I want you there tomorrow. I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for you and it would feel wrong recording this song without you.
