Today I am going to be doing a broadcast announcing my departure from TV and the whole fame life. It's about time. I never knew that this something that I needed to do or say, I thought that I could just drift away but I couldn't. This life really has a way of sucking you back in.
I had spoken to my family about this beforehand, they did suggest a few talk shows but I would rather have this broadcasted alone. I booked out a space where I'm just going to release what I'm feeling. A few television programs such as BET have offered to show it on their channels which I accepted. I'm doing this because more awareness needs to be brought to domestic abuse and the long lasting effects that it can have on an individual.
I assumed that I was ok after my father was put away but I wasn't. I just pushed it aside and keep it pushing because I was done with that part of my life which wasn't the best idea.
I need to set the record straight.
My family and my siblings are here today which I really appreciate because I need all the help that I can get.
"Ti, are you ready?" I look at Kat with a smile.
"Always."
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I sigh deeply as I take a seat on the white sofa which contrasts well against my skin and all black outfit.
I look at my mom who is standing behind the camera, looking really nervous.
"I am Tiana Braxton." I pause for a second, "I just wanted to take this time to announce my departure from Hit The Floor and any other projects that I have been working on. The first season of I am Tiana will be released this year but I am not planning to work on a new season. I won't be appearing in any of the family shows and I won't be attending any award shows or events." I take a deep breath. "I'm not ok, I haven't been ok and this is why I must step away from this life."
I gulp as I look away for a second. "What many of you would know is that prior to coming into the spotlight I was domestically abused... by my father. I along with my siblings were abused by Tyson for almost 10 years. Running away didn't solve anything seeing as he followed me here to LA. It's been a lot and I'm sure that you have all seen or heard about it in the media."
I clutch my chest at the pain that I am internally feeling, "For almost 2 years you guys have seen someone who has slowly been becoming successful. Everyone saw me as being this happy girl who lives in Hollywood but all is not as it seems. I've been hurt this entire time. I was told to seek some therapy but I refused to, I thought that I could push it aside. I became consumed in the fame life and created a toxic environment for myself."
I spend the next hour detailing my experience as a victim of abuse and just bringing more awareness to the issue. I even had my siblings come on as well as my mother to share their part in my journey. After the hour passed we took a break before I came back to perform Warrior by Demi Lovato with my mother.
It was the beginning of a new life.
I went on for another hour discussing why I needed to leave. I let my emotions run and it hurt me to see members of my family break down at my words.
We went our separate ways after that, we all needed our own time to process everything.
"Do you feel free?" Val asks as I sip on some water.
"I feel a lot of things. I need to really renew my faith and get back in touch with that because I'm angry with life. It's not fair and I don't think that I deserved any of that. I lost my childhood, I don't really know who I am and I don't like what I have become." I shrug, "It's not easy being Tamar Braxton's Daughter because I'm not strong like she is, I'm weak and I'm exhausted."
He cups the back of my head before pulling me in close, he gently kisses my forehead.
"Is that why you're leaving?" He asks as he rubs my back.
"I'm leaving so I can find myself," I cup his face as I pull his face closer, "In six months you will see me again as a stronger individual."
He leans down slightly as our lips brush against eachother.
"I'm going to miss you." He murmurs against my lips.
"And I you." I lean up and press my lips against his.
I love you, Valentin Chmerkovskiy. I wish I could tell him, instead of thinking it but it's not the right time. In 6 months I will be renewed, in 6 months I will be me. I will be Tiana.
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AN: This book is my baby and I truly feel like crying as I type this. Sadly, I don't see this book going any further, I love this book so much that I don't want to keep dragging it to the point of no return. So, this book will be ending after two more chapters.
I am so grateful for everyone who has read, voted and commented on this book. I see and read everything, i appreciate all of you.