Invisible String

Chapter 8 -Not judging you

"Why?"

"There are many reporters at your house, the record label, and even the recording studio. No one else but your parents and Alexa know you're here."

My parents.

How could they look me in the eyes knowing what had happened? How could they forgive me for allowing this to happen, for exposing myself in this way?

Anxiety thoughts swirled in my head, torturing me with catastrophic scenarios as I prepared to face the consequences of my actions. I felt trapped in a whirlwind of guilt and shame, unable to escape the emotional storm enveloping me.

Tears returned to my eyes. I tried to be strong and not let them escape, but I felt myself failing with each passing second. I didn't know how much longer I could keep my composure.

"I talked to Alexa after you fell asleep," he continues, "she thinks it's best if you're not seen for a few days, at least until they figure out how to handle the situation."

"Can't I go home?" My voice breaks. All I wanted was to hide under my sheets forever.

"I have a guest room," he offers, but I almost immediately refuse.

No. I needed my space.

"I couldn't ask you to do that for me, you have your own commitments and me being here doesn't make it easier for you, quite the opposite. You've done enough." I wriggle out of his grip and continue my search.

"Genesis, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you have nowhere else to go," his words are harsh, I feel as if I were being stabbed in the back. "The paparazzi know where to find you, but they don't know that you know me, or that you're with me."

"Logan, we barely know each other."

"Then I'll get a hotel to move to for a few weeks, I'll leave you my apartment."

"Are you insane? It's too much. You stay here, I'll leave." I feel some of my anger seeping into my voice.

I wasn't angry with Logan, I was angry with Noah because he not only embarrassed me in front of everyone, but he took away two things I value more than anything: my privacy and freedom. My self-esteem was shattered.

"I can rent an apartment anywhere in the city," I add, and I feel somewhat relieved when I find my shoes on the side of the couch.

"You know well that the media wouldn't take long to find you."

"And why wouldn't they find me here?"

"Because no one knows we know each other, there's no way they know you're here," he argues.

I knew he was right, but staying here and disappearing from the face of the earth would only let Noah know how much he had hurt me. I didn't want to give him the benefit of destroying me, although he already had.

"But..." I try to contradict him, but nothing comes out of my mouth.

I didn't know how to counter his arguments, I felt completely exhausted and that my day had just begun.

I let myself fall on the couch, feeling the overwhelming weight of shame and anguish crushing me. My hands sought refuge in my face and hair, but so many thoughts tormented my mind that I could barely focus on one.

The couch sank beside me, indicating that Logan had sat down next to me, but still, I didn't move. 

"Can you look at me?" His voice was soft, full of concern. I trembled at his question, feeling the knot in my throat growing with each passing second. I knew that if I looked at him, the avalanche of emotions would sweep me away, and I didn't want anyone to see me like this.