The Work of a Legacy

Chapter Sixteen

Anna POV

Dear daughter,

Your first episode comes out in just two months. How exciting! I know you cannot tell me if you are still in the show, but I have a feeling you are. Any man (or woman) would be lucky to have you. I spoke to your mother yesterday. I told her about how far you've come and how brave you've been. Next week is her anniversary. You can't come because you are doing the show, but I'll give her flowers for you. I want you to know that I'm so proud of you and that I'll forever cherish you. My lovely daughter, I hope you find what (who) you're looking for.

Love always,

Your father

For the third time today, Adaeze paces the floor, giving us the occasional glare.

"Unbelievable. We complain that there haven't been enough dates because of what's going on with Stelara, and who does he decide to give a date to?"

"Stelara!" Whitney volunteers eagerly, sounding for the world like a proud student calling out the answer in the middle of class.

"That was more of a rhetorical question, Whitney."

Whitney shrinks back meekly. "Sorry."

I examine my shortly cut nails and sigh. "Can I go now? I don't see the point of all this complaining."

Seven heads turn to stare at me murderously. Whitney, always the people pleaser, pats me on the shoulder sympathetically.

"The point? Ladies, I think we may have a rat on our hands. Are you only here to gather dirt on us?"

"What?! Of course not," I retort.

"Well, if you're here for love like the rest of us- minus the rat, may she die in a hole-then you'll understand what the point is."

I shrug noncommittally. "Sorry, I really don't."

Adaeze laughs bitterly. "Of course not. The point is to get through to Hank-are ya hearing this, Hank?! We ain't happy!" She screams at the camera. "Excuse me. The point is to get through to Hank that he needs to get his show together. I planned on going on many more dates with Jason, but I can't exactly do that when Hank isn't providing us with any dates whatsoever."

I fiddle with my bracelet absentmindedly. "That makes sense and all, but he's probably going through a lot of crap. Maybe we should let the poor guy handle it on his own."

"Poor guy? The guy's a lunatic. He'll do anything to get his show ratings," Selina expostulates, nostrils flaring. "Well, before whatever happened happened, at least," she adds sourly.

My mind spins circles. "Look, all I know is that Stelara is missing and no one will tell us what happened to her. That's all I'm worried about right now."

"You would worry about her at a time like this," Steph sneers.

"Woah, what's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just saying, you guys have gotten more close as roommates than any one else has with theirs."

"She's a good person, and a good friend."

Steph smirks. "Friendship is one thing. I think you guys are past that."

"What are you implying, Steph?"