Fresh Start, New Beginnings

Chapter 2

"Oh my gosh" Harriet gasped "You look incredible"

Abigail was finally ready after 2 hours of hair and make-up, she walked over to the mirror and looked at herself. Harriet was right the dress was incredible, but all she could see in herself was dark circles under her eyes and tired skin.

The dress Antonio had made for her fitted like a glove, it was floor length even with the Louboutin's Highness peep toe platform show, it was low cut at the front and sat just below her bus line, the back was also very low and sat just above her bum, there was a very light, blue lace panel in the back which hid Abi's shoulder tattoo, she smiled as she remember telling Antonio how she didn't want it on show all night.

Abigail's hair and make-up finished the whole look off beautifully, her dark hair was in loose curls, which fell around her shoulders and sat at her elbow and her make-up was smokey looking.

"Oh Mommy you look like a princess" A little girls voice gasped from behind her, as Abigail turned she smiled when she saw her daughter standing in the doorway.

"Thank you Freya" Abigail smiled as she reached out and hugged the little girl who was now stood in her arms "Have you packed your bag for Mama's and Poppy's?"

"Yes Mommy" Freya smiled "I wish I could come with you"

"Me too baby" Abigail smiled "I love you so much"

"I love you too Mommy" Freya skipped happily out of the room and went into her bedroom.

Harriet came back into the lounge with the phone in her hand "It's Nick" she whispered as she handed Abigail the phone.

"Hello" Abigail said as she took the phone off Harriet and put it to her ear, she held it in place with her shoulder while she put her earrings in.

"Oh hey Ab's, I know now is not a great time but I really want to be the one that tells you" Nick's voice was very shakey "Thing is my Mom has been on Facebook again, saying things about us and about Freya"

"What has she said about Freya?" Abigail was furious, she had been used to Nick's mom spreading her poisonous words about her and Nick online, but mentioning her 9 year old granddaughter was a step too far.

"She said she doesn't get to see her beloved Granddaughter and that we punish her for her mistakes by turning Freya against her" Nick sighed.

"Is that all she said?" that didn't seem to bad to Abigail "I can live with that"

"Yeah that's not bad but what she said about you as a mother and as a person, well it's not..." Abigail cut Nick off mid sentence, she was determined not to let Nick's Mom ruin her evening.

"Can we talk about this tomorrow, I am at the People Awards tonight and I am already running late" Abigail grabbed her pale blue clutch bag off the table in the hall way.

"Yeah sure ok" Nick understood that Abigail didn't want to have her night ruined "I'll speak to you tomorrow when I collect Freya"

After handing the phone back to Harriet, Abigail walked over to the window. Her manager Tony had arranged for a car to pick her up at 6.30 sharp. She couldn't help but smile when she saw a black limo outside waiting for her. Tony always did like her to travel in style.

"Right I will take Freya to your parents house, then I will come and meet you at the after party ok" Harriet confirmed the plan for a final time before gathering Freya's things.

"Have fun Mommy" Freya almost squeezed the air out of Abigail "Wow is that car just for you?"

"Yes baby" Abigail giggled at her daughters innocence, even after all these years of Abigail and Nick's fame Freya was still very unaware of it "I will pick you up tomorrow morning after breakfast ok"

Freya nodded before moving forwards for a final squeeze "I love you Mommy" she sighed.

"I love you too" Abigail replied a she stroked her daughters long blonde hair.

Harriet had returned to the door again now, she watched Abigail walk down the steps outside the house and elegantly get into the Limo, the driver closed the door before getting back in and starting the car.

Abigail always hated things like this, she had so many anxiety issues after her stalker ordeal, she smiled weakly as the driver opened the car door, she was greeted by an ocean of flashes and clicks "Abigail Over here" a male voice shouted, Abigail turned in as many directions as she could and posed for countless photos. "Abigail this way, come over here" this was the voice of a female, it wasn't until Abigail turned to face her that she realised she knew this woman, it was a girl named Kate, she worked at USA Radio.

"Hi" Abigail exhaled as she walked towards Kate "How are you?"

"I'm good thanks, you?" Kate replied "I have to say Abigail you look amazing"

"Thank you so much" Abigail smiled.

"Where is your dress from?" Kate asked.

"It's made by a very good friend of mine Antonio Portelli, he owns a small boutique in New York. All my outfits have been styled or made by him, I wouldn't trust anyone else with my wardrobe"

"Well he is very talented, so how does it feel being here again?" Kate was always very sweet with her questions.

"Brilliant, there is always a good atmosphere at these awards" Abigail gave a very vague answer, knowing what Kate really meant was 'how does your first big event without Nick feel?'

"I hear you will be receiving an award for award for all your charity work" Kate held the microphone closer to Abigail's face as she noticed another interviewer trying to steal Abigail's attention.

"Yeah that's right" Abigail realised instantly what was going on "It's an honour to accept such an award"

After a few more similar interviews Abigail finally made her way inside, she was led to the table by her waiter, a few strangers were already sitting at the table. They were drinking Champagne and making small talk.

"Well fancy seeing you here" a familiar voice spoke up, causing Abigail's heart to flutter, as she look around she saw Ryan Tedder approach her from behind.

"Yeah it's funny how we have ended up on the same table again this year don't you think" Abigail teased as she sat down next to Ryan, she couldn't help but stare at his gorgeous smile. She couldn't help but smile back, it was so infectious.

"Well what can I say your company is addictive" Abigail paused at Ryan's comment, was he flirting with her? "Besides I thought you might be happy to see a friendly face...sorry that came out wrong" Ryan stuttered over his words.

"It's fine and you're right, sitting next to you is definately one of the highlights of the evening" Abigail's reply was as equally playful, which enticed Ryan.