Rocked (Rock & Romance II.)

Chapter 51. - New Day

*Gia*

I realized that I needed to cut back on drinking when I woke up hungover for the second morning in a row. Back when school was my life, I didn't have time to party. My idea of relaxation was cracking open a bottle of wine while I was reading over my notes. If I wanted to get really rowdy, I would watch a documentary while drinking said wine.

Parties, drinking, and dancing all night?! That was just not me.

But nowadays, I've had nowhere else to be. These engagements I would've most likely declined in the past were now the only things on my calendar. I've had no due dates, no classes, no assignments that I needed to focus on. My options were wide open.

London and I rode together to the airport with the newlyweds. My dad and Julianna were headed off to their honeymoon in Bali, while the two of us were returning to our normal lives. London had a successful business, decorating events, houses or even commercial space, while working on pieces in her spare time - most of which she sold for hefty amounts of money. She had a boyfriend, a career, and a home to return to.

While I was going back to my blind cat and the looming possibility of alcoholism.

"Julianna," I called out, making her turn back. My dad went ahead to get us some breakfast pastries, and London was off on the phone with someone, leaving me and my now-stepmother alone. "Remember what we talked about yesterday? About my school?"

She stepped closer, hugging her purse to her side. "Of course! Did you decide to tell your dad?"

"Sort of," I paused, thinking of the best way to say this. "I don't want to keep him in the dark. I think there have been too many secrets between us that we were just scared to tell each other. But when they came out, it turned out it wasn't all bad." She smiled shyly, catching onto my meaning. "What I'm trying to say is, I think it's best if he knows. And he should find out sooner, rather than later. I'm actually surprised it hasn't been in the papers already, with the amount of coverage I've been getting..." I trailed off.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I know it's probably selfish of me to start your honeymoon off on a bad note, but I'm going to tell him right now. This way, he won't have time to go on and on... You know how he gets." Julie nodded in understanding.

"Well, let's do this, then. Do you want me to give you space?"

I shrugged. "You can stay. You're part of the family now."

Before Julianna could get emotional, my dad walked back, both hands full of bags. "Shall we find somewhere to sit or-"

"Dad, I got suspended." I started, ripping off the bandaid. "It happened right after the story came out. I got an apartment off-campus because my housing was lost, and I don't know how or when I will get back into the program. And as upset as I know you are right now, I need you to not comment on it, go on your honeymoon, and have a great time."

My father's eyes were the size of saucers, and I wasn't sure if he was quiet because I asked him to be, or if he was going into shock.

"Which bags are ours?" I nodded toward his hands and he held out the correct ones. "Our gate is actually pretty far away, so I'm going to take London now. Don't worry about me, dad, just have fun on your vacation!" I threw my arms around him, enveloping him in a quick hug, and before he could gather his wits, I already had London and were halfway across the terminal.

There was going to be a time to discuss this. My father would get his chance to rage or tell me how badly I've messed up, and how foolish I was to throw my entire life's work away for some nonsense. He would get his chance to express his disappointment.