Broken (Sequel to Keeping Secrets)

Chapter 1.

"Tonight, on TMZ, actor and photographer, Norman Reedus was caught leaving a Seattle hotel with, yet again, another unknown woman. Now, as you all know, The Walking Dead star and well known photographer has been arrested for drug possession here this past year and a D.U.I. Ex-wife of Reedus says "He's gone off the wall. Nothing anyone does seems to help. He is just determined to be named a bad guy. I have talked with Norman many times about getting help, about what his life has become, even about how this effects our son, he just doesn't care. I hate to say it, but I'm done trying to help." What do you guys think? Would you continue to help him? Or would you just finally give up? I'm Anna Smith, and this is TMZ."

"Dani, why do you even watch this stuff if you know its about him? I'm sorry, but if he wanted you back-"

"Shut up, Jer," I snap at him. "I think I'm very aware of that. But, there is no harm done in watching these shows." I say in defense.

"Yes there is, Danielle. You and I know that you still cry over it sometimes, and you watching this shit about him being with different women isn't helping."

"Its been a year and a half, Jer. Shouldn't I be over this?"

"Its been a year and a half but, for one, he cheated on you, and for two, you were in love with him. I don't think you get out enough. You're always stuck in this apartment all alone and I know how much you think about stuff. You need to go to the club or go get a drink with friends. Keep yourself busy so that you won't have time to think about him."

Its been a year and a half. A fucking year and a half and I can't even get over that asshole I once thought was the love of my life. I should be way over him, right? I should hate him, I should hate hearing his name, right? No. Everyone copes with things differently. I just seem to heal slower, I guess. Maybe I need to take Jeremy's advice and go out. I need to get my mind off of all this shit that I'm dealing with. It might make me feel better.

"You know the Hot Spot downtown?" Jeremy's eyes widen and he smiles.

"Doesn't everyone? That's the number one club in California. Almost every celebrity goes there!"

"Well, I have connections to get in with V.I.P." I bite my lip, unconsciously. I don't know if this is such a good idea. 

It might not be a good idea, but you need this.

"You what? Why haven't you ever told me? We've lived here for how long? And you've never mentioned it? Really, Danielle!"

"Yep," I nod. His wide brown eyes focused on every word I speak. "My dad and Emilia are close friends with the owners. They've told me everyday since I turned seventeen that they wanted me to come hangout. I just haven't been big on clubs and partying lately, but I guess we could go tonight?" I shrug my shoulders. "I mean, if you want?"

"Yes, yes, a million times yes! Why didn't you tell me before?" He stands up from the couch, holding out his hand. I grab it and he pulls me up. "Come on, be my date tonight? I've heard we make a great couple." He wraps his arms around my waist. 

"Too bad you're gay," I sigh, laughing at my own words. "I'll be your date tonight until some hot man of steel takes my place."

"That would never happen!" He kisses my forehead softly. "Plus, this isn't about me tonight, it's about making you happy. Joseph will be there," 

Joseph Somers-Morales, also known as 'SoMo'. Jeremy and I went to a show last summer after Norman left. We ended up running into him and his crew at one of the bars downtown. We talked all night and hit it off right away, we talked for about three months. We would meet after shows, hangout at hotels or wherever we could, but after everything that was happening with Norman and the breakup, I thought we'd be better off as friends.