Karl The second round had left a bitter taste in my mouth. Seeing the way that the judge, Logan, tore into Abby on live television left me feeling maybe a little too overprotective, but I couldn’t just stand idly by while Abby had her integrity ripped apart on stage. I told Abby I needed to take
Abby As Karl speaks, my fingers worry the hem of my white chef’s coat, now no longer pristine but splattered with sauce and tiny stains and the remains of haphazardly cooked meals. It feels like a perfect representation of my inner world right now: once untarnished and lily-white, but now stained
Abby The stage lights feel even more blinding now from the tears in my eyes. A makeup artist darts around, dabbing my face with powder to cover the streaks from crying. In more ways than one, I’m glad this hell is almost over; right now, I’m just looking forward to getting this damn makeup off.
Abby My apartment is dark when I finally get home tonight. It still smells faintly of fresh paint from the new coat that my landlord put on, but I can still sense the lingering scent of smoke, too. I decide to avoid the harsh glow of the kitchen lights as I plop the wine glass that’s been tucked
Abby A curse slips out of my mouth as I lurch across my living room. My fingers are clumsy as I fumble with the door handle, but finally, I yank it open. The porch light filters in, revealing Karl, his figure imposing even in the darkness of the street outside. “What are you doing here?” I’m mor
“Oh, Abby…” Chloe’s voice is the first to crackle through the speaker. “I’m so sorry we can’t be there. This food poisoning has us all in bed.” “But we watched the whole show,” Daisy chimes in, her voice hoarse. “You did so well, Abby.” “I can’t believe you were sabotaged.” John’s voice is stern
Abby The morning light creeping through the slits of the blinds pulls me from sleep. There’s a throbbing ache nestled behind my eyes, a telltale sign of last night’s overindulgence in wine. I prop myself up on one elbow, the room swaying slightly, and my gaze lands on the bedroom door. Beyond it
And before he could respond, I was scurrying away. My bedroom door closed behind me like an impenetrable fortress, and I was cast in darkness in more ways than one. Now, the memories of last night feel like a leaden weight in my chest. I run a hand through my tangled hair, wincing at the thought o