Melody of a Second Chance

Chapter Six - Reaching Out

(T/W: Depictions of abuse & indefinitely)

Hailey's Pov:
The morning after a particularly emotional night, I woke up in Zander and Luke's guest bedroom. I felt exhausted from all that had happened, but when I saw them staring at me with expressions of tremendous worry, I snapped out of my daze and felt a rush of emotions flooding my mind and body all over again.

I got up and went to grab my luggage from where I had left it unpacked, thankful that they'd allowed me to sleep in their guest room. "Thank you so much for letting me stay here, but I have an interview I need to go to," I said respectfully, not wanting to impose for too long.

Before I could even reply, Zander and Luke stopped me in my tracks. "Hey, calm down. Luke told me that you called at 4 a.m. last night, and that you needed somewhere to stay. Is everything alright?" Zander said, his tone of concern and compassion palpable.

The truth about Sebastian's actions was weighing heavily on my mind and my heart, and I couldn't decide whether or not to come clean with Zander and Luke. I was conflicted on whether it would be best to tell them what I'd found him doing, but I didn't want them to get enraged and do something irrational that could end up having worse consequences.

As I contemplated what to tell them, I realized that I had been so caught up in the emotions of the situation that I hadn't even answered Zander's question. I took a deep breath and tried to get myself to a place of calmness and reason before I responded.

I realized that it was only fair for me to be honest with Zander and Luke, since they were already showing so much concern and care for me. It was clear that they weren't going to take this news lightly, but I knew I had to tell them the truth anyway, despite the potential outcome.

"Well?" Zander asked with his arms crossed, Luke was looking just as worried now.

In the midst of my internal debate, Zander's question shook me back into reality. "Well I..." I began, unsure of where to start and not wanting to immediately drop such a bomb on them.

"Last night I came home from the tour, and when I got home I saw Sebastian...with another girl," I said softly, feeling the overwhelming remorse and embarrassment creeping over me as I confessed what I'd seen. The words left my mouth before I had the chance to stop them, and I instantly regretted it as both men let out audible gasps.

Both of them were clearly shocked by what I'd just told them, and their silence was enough to make me immediately rethink my decision to tell them. The look of rage on their faces made me feel like I'd made a huge mistake, and I feared for what they could possibly do to Sebastian now that they knew the truth.

Zander was clearly not taking the news well, and I knew that he was now absolutely fuming at Sebastian for his actions. While Luke said nothing and just gave me a hug, I found myself getting emotional all over again as relief washed over me. It meant that I was finally free from Sebastian, and that I could move on with my life. Yet, I still felt the remaining effects of the betrayal and distress I'd been through.

Both of them embraced me as they witnessed my obvious distress, which I tried to hide despite my tears freely rolling down my cheeks. "You know it's actually relieving because..." I said quietly, only to falter as I considered how I should finish my sentence.

Zander and Luke released their embrace, their concerned looks now turning to confusion. "What do you mean it's relieving?" Luke asked, his tone sounding genuinely puzzled.

I decided that they both deserved to know everything that happened, even the most horrendous details of my relationship with Sebastian. I spoke quietly yet clearly, detailing how he had tried to keep our relationship perfect with outward appearances, his volatile temperament that resulted in angry outbursts, and the occasions he made me sleep on the floor. I told them everything, knowing they'd want to know what happened.