Shattered

Chapter 8

Annie's POV:
We tell my parents all about the partying. The drinking. My hookup with Brennan. But it barely phases them until they find out about the photo on the Internet.
"Annie, so you realize what you've done? Your going to lose so many opportunities. For singing, gymnastics, maybe even for college. Why?" My mom demands.
"I...I'm only curious, mom." I lie. If I told them about being hurt and upset, they'll just say I'm making a big deal of nothing.
"Okay, Annie, that's fine, but these pictures? What're we going to do?" Dad says. The fact that they don't care about me hurts me even more.
"Just say they're edited. That it's not me. Because I'm the perfect daughter, and I never do anything wrong." I say, crossing my arms.
"But the lipstick?"
"Coincidence. There. Are we done now?" I say, getting up.
"I...I guess. Thanks for calling us, Jill." My parents say, shaking the Donelleys hands.
And we leave. Just like that.
Just to test them, I ask a question.
"Hey. I'm going out this weekend, is that still okay?"
"Sure. Whatever." Mom says, texting our manager.
The fact that my own parents don't care about my well being makes me want to scream.
When we get home, I hug Hayley. Like we usually do. As soon as everybody's in, we sit at the table to discuss the rumours.
"Hey guys. We just wanted to talk about that picture that's going around right now. Apparently it's me and Brennan, and everyone thinks we kissed... Those pictures are not me, nor are they Brennan. They're only edited, I don't know who those people really are. I'm still dating Tyler, so I don't know who made those. Brennan and I are just friends." I finish. Mom and dad nod and discuss some things as me and Hayley leave the camera.
I go straight upstairs to get over yet another hangover. I hear a knock at my door.
"Come in." I say from under my pillow. I lift it to see that it's Hayley.
"What do you want." I ask, covering my face again.
"Annie... Is it really you in the pictures?" She asks. I just smile and shake my head. I don't need her saying anything accidentally.
"No. It's just some weird freak who's good at editing." I smile. She nods her head and cartwheels out of the room. I sigh and get some rest.

Brennan's POV:
After the Leblanc's leave, were free to go back to our rooms. As I soon as I get to my room I sit on the bed and grab my phone. I text Annie.
B- So your parents don't even care?
She replies instantly.
A- Yup. I told them I'm going out this weekend and they just shrugged it off. FML
B- You're not actually though, are you?
A- I am. What else am I going to do? Sit in my room crying?
B- Well... Yeah. Doesn't that help you get it out?
A- Nope.
B- Oh.
B- what you said last night, that I make you feel again, did you really mean that?
A- Yes. But now that you're under a tight leash, I guess I won't be seeing you for 2 months.
B- I could sneak out.
A- And risk getting in more trouble? No.
B- It would be worth it.
A- What do you mean?
I look up from my phone. What do I mean? What am I saying? I hook up with a girl once while we're both drunk and now I'm ready to literally ruin my life for her.
B- Nothing. Ttyl

Annie's POV:
It hurts even more at the fact that my parents don't care, rather than them being angry. Now Brennan's texting me, and I'm so confused. I want him...
But I can't see him until summer. In a month and a half. Brennan makes me feel again. With him, I feel something. I don't feel pain. I don't feel numb. I feel... Happy. I text him again.
A- I take it back. Can you come to my house tonight?
B- yes.
A- Bottom floor doors. Any other ones make alarms.
My heart flutters with excitement. We're putting everything on the line to see each other again. It means that he really does care about me.

*LATER*

It's 10:00. I'm downstairs, waiting for Brennan on the couch. I know I saw him earlier today, but this time will be on good terms.
Soon enough, I hear the light knock on the glass. I see his tall silhouette in the darkness and let him inside. I instantly hug him.
"What do you need me for?" He asks.
"I just... We need to talk. About everything." I say. Brennan nods and I grab his hand and take him upstairs. We sit on my bed and start talking.
"I feel something when I'm with you Brennan. I really do." I admit.
"I do too. I can't resist you, Annie." He replies. I grin cheerfully.
He leans in a kisses me. For real this time. Not for some stupid dare, and nobody is drunk right now. He cups my face with his hands and I wrap my arms around his neck. I don't ever want to let go of him.
"Annie... I know it's a little soon... But will you be my girlfriend?" He asks.
"Yes! Of course, Brennan." I kiss him again. I feel... Happy. Loved. Maybe one day I'll be okay.

Tad shorter chapter than usual. Whatever. BRANNIE HAPPENED! In the story, at least....