𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 26

Ariana

I think I might've skipped my 'okay' pills today. Seriously though, it's Saturday and tonight's the homecoming dance.

Normally, I hang out with Shay and Joanna before formal dances, but today, I just want to lie on my bed and watch TikTok videos on repeat.

It's not that I hate it or anything; I'm just being my usual self and doing mundane stuff. I don't even have a date for tonight, but that's alright. I can just go to the dance, find a guy without a date, and dance with him.

Lately, Dad's been away a lot, either on business trips abroad or busy at the office. I hardly see him.

I guess this is when I could really use someone to talk to, like a mother figure or even my own mom. I'm feeling stressed, but who cares? Nobody!

After scrolling through more TikTok videos and updating my social media, I toss my phone on the bed and stare up at the ceiling.

My life feels pretty miserable right now.

Then a silly idea pops into my head, and I burst out laughing at how ridiculous it is...

****

40 minutes later, I'm all dolled up and standing outside the hotel where my mom is staying.

This is probably going to be a moment I'll regret, but might as well give it a shot.

I take a step towards the entrance, then hesitate and turn around, heading back down the steps.

Nah, come on, Ariana. You got this.

I turn around again and march back up the steps.

Screw it, I'm going in.

I almost walk away in a hurry, ready to retreat and never step foot in that hotel again.

Even the doorman gives me a puzzled look for my back-and-forth dance.

"Ariana?" I hear a familiar voice and freeze.

I swallow the lump in my throat and turn to see my mother standing just outside the entrance, dressed elegantly, flanked by two buff dudes in suits.

My eyes get a little watery thinking about why I'm here and seeing Mom about to leave.

Guess I'm truly on my own.

As I start to walk away again, she grabs my arm.

"Hey there, what are you doing here?" I shake my head and put on a fake smile.

"Just passing by. I should get going, and so should you." She looks at me with concern.

"Are you okay, sweetheart? You look like you haven't slept much. Wanna come inside? We can talk in my suite."

Before I can refuse, she signals to one of her bodyguards and cancels all her appointments for the day.

Great, now I'm intruding.

She leads me inside the hotel, through the lobby, and into the elevator, pressing the button for the 5th floor.

We don't say much initially, which is fine because I need to figure out how to try and talk to her.

The elevator stops, and we head towards the room. She uses her keycard, and the door swings open.

I'm awestruck by the decor and the way everything just screams "rich."

I stroll around a bit, gazing at the chandelier and the big balcony beyond the sliding door. I glance back and see her tidying up some papers on the coffee table by the couch. She shoots me a smile and gestures for me to join her.