Parental Control

Fiona's POV

I have a horrible habit.

When I get upset and I feel like my life is out of control, I go shopping. Of course this is an issue because I don't really have money. I mostly blame my mother for this habit. She taught me how to spend money I didn't have.

It's all she did after my dad died. She bought all kinds of shit, but never groceries. Never things for me. Only things for herself. She acted as though she was the only one who lost my dad. Like I wasn't affected by it too.

The only thing my mother ever actually gave me was bad habits and crippling insecurities about whether I was important or not. And yet I continued to have her in my life. We sat down for dinner once a month. 

Same time, same place, and ordered the same things. It was a routine I don't think either of us enjoyed very much, but at least we could pretend we were trying. 

"So how is everything?" She asked.

"Fine. School is fun and the band is doing great, we actually just added another member. A guy." I said. 

"How fun. And how's Uma? Still a star?"

Even my own mother is more interested in Uma than she is me. 

"Yes, of course she is. She'll always be a star."

"Oh honey, you're a star too. Who else plays drums like you do?" Mom smiled.

I sighed. "I play the keyboard, mom. Olivia plays the drums."

"I always get it mixed up. Anyways don't know where your musical talent comes from."

"Dad taught me. How could you forget that?"

"Um, I don't know, sorry."

"You know, this has been fun, but I actually have some stuff that I have to do. I'll see you next month."

I stood up abruptly. I exited the restaurant as I texted him. 

Had a bad day send $$ plz I'll model the clothes for u

When I reached my car my phone buzzed.

Sure baby get something lacy and pretty too ;)

My phone buzzed again. My eyes widened. Three thousand dollars had been added to my account. 

If I was smart I would save this money so I could go longer without having to call him. But I had a really bad day.

I could do with some shopping.

Olivia's POV

My father hasn't looked at me in about a year. He thinks I don't notice it. Hell, maybe he doesn't even know that he's doing it. But it's so obvious to me.

He looks over me or to the side of me, but never directly at me. Never in my eyes. I knew why.

I wasn't who he wanted me to be. I wasn't the happy, excited little girl I had been before. Ever since Uma had found me on the bathroom floor that day when I almost died Father simply didn't know what to do with me.

He didn't understand my disorder or why I felt the way I did. And I couldn't really describe it to him either. 

"Have you eaten today, darling?"

"Of course. So much!" I lied. 

He studied me. I never understood why he did that. He could never tell when I was lying. 

"Well how has your group therapy been going?"

"Really well, actually. I've met some really great people who are in the same headspace as me. We kind of get to grow together, it's awesome."

Dad smiled. "Oh, that's amazing sweetie. I'm glad you're taking the steps to better yourself."

His eyes were right next to my head. I wondered when he would look at me again. I missed his eyes looking into mine.

"How your mother?"

I shrugged. "New boyfriend, new city. I don't really have time to keep up with her with school and the band."

"Your mom always was a rolling stone." Dad rolled his eyes. "Want some ice cream?"

Salad and water. Cigarettes and gum.

"No, Daddy. We actually have band rehearsal. I should get going." I said grabbing my bag. 

"Can we sit down and have dinner soon?" He questioned.

"Of course." I kissed his cheek. "Love you."

"Love you too."

While I walked to the lawn I was hit with a sudden wave of dizziness. I dropped to my knees, shutting my eyes tightly. 

Shit. The dizzy spells were back. I reached frantically in my bag for my water bottle and gulped the rest of it. Slowly the dizziness went away. I slowly stood up.

"Are you okay?" A guy walked his dog asked. 

"Yeah. I tripped." I forced a laugh. "Total klutz here."

"Okay." He kept walking.

I got into my car and shoved a piece of gum in my mouth. My body getting used to not eating was always the hardest part. 

Salad and water. Cigarettes and gum.

Uma's POV

Hendrix is so hot. Nothing turns me on more than a talented person. Someone who knows how good they are at what they do. 

That's one of the reasons I liked Cassius. Sure, our parents set us up and I kind of felt like I had to date him, but when I saw him act I really fell for him. He oozed with confidence on the stage. He knew he was the best person up there. I loved that.

Of course now I know that Cassius is kind of insecure. It's a bit of a turn off.

"You play any instruments?" Hendrix asked. 

"Piano," I offered. "But other than that my voice is my instrument."

"Ever thought of learning? I could give you private lessons."

"Does that work on other girls?"

"Always."

"Well, I have a boyfriend." I shrugged. 

"I get that a lot, and you know what?"

"What?"

"Those boyfriends don't stick around for long." Hendrix smirked. 

"Are you hoping for the end of my relationship?" I asked. 

"Yes. Because you'll be so upset and the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. I'd love to see you under me."

"I have to go. I have dinner. With my boyfriend."

"Tell him I said hi and sorry in advance for stealing his girl."

~~~

"You're late." Cassius stated. 

"Sorry."

"Let me guess, band rehearsal?" Mom asked. 

"Perfect practice makes perfect." I smiled. 

"I admire your dedication." Mr. Graham stated. "You can't just have talent, you have to work hard too."

"Uma works a little too hard, Dad." Cassius said. "She barely has time for me."

"Well, you're not going to make me a star, darling." I pointed out.

"No man will." Mom grinned. "I taught her well."

"I may not be able to make you a star, but I can make you scream." Cassius whispered in my ear. "Dessert in my room?"

"Sure, why not." I said as my phone buzzed.

I nearly gasped. It was from Zora!

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I would love to meet up. When and where works for you?

What do you wear when you meet your sister for the first time?

Raquel's POV

I really don't like Hendrix being in the band.

All he does is play bass really well and flirt with Uma. They have unfortunately great chemistry while performing. She does that thing where she leans on him and she's even going to do duets with him. 

I hated it. 

I mean doesn't he respect the fact that she has a boyfriend? He's been so inappropriate with Uma. Maybe I could get him into Fiona instead.

"Hey Hendrix." I smiled sitting next to him.

"Raquel, I was hoping I could talk to you actually."

"About what?"

"Are you gay?"

"Excuse me?!" I exclaimed. How did he know?!

"Oh shit, I'm sorry. I was just...I was kidding. It was a joke." He assured me. 

"It's not very funny."

"Sorry. It's just...you're the only one who never flirts with me."

"I have a boyfriend."

"Yeah, so does Uma." Hendrix pointed out. 

"Well I'm not Uma and you're not my type."

"Well you're not my type."

"I am glad we're on the same page." I laughed. 

"Let's be best friends then." He said simply.  "Help me get Uma."

"Oh, Uma is not someone you get. She's someone you earn."

"Well how do I earn her?"

"Why don't you try Fiona instead? She likes you." I offered. 

"Don't get me wrong, Fiona is cute, but Uma...she's illuminating. I have to have her." Hendrix stated. "And I will."

He got up and walked away. Keeping him from Uma was going to be harder than I thought.

~~~

"How are your grades dear?" Mother asked me.

I pushed my food around my plate. "Fine. I think I'm acing everything."

"Why do you only think?" Father asked. 

"Well, they don't give weekly updates like in high school."

"You can email your professors, no?"

"I guess I could do that." I sighed. 

"It's important you have all A's." Mother said. "How else will you get into Harvard for law school?"

I never knew how to tell my parents I didn't want to go to law school. But I also didn't know how to tell them I was gay, so there's that.

"I will email them." I promised. 

"Now how is David?" Father asked. 

"Lovely."

"What a good boy for you!" Mother smiled. "He will make a good husband."

"Mhmm." I forced a smile.

"Oh and before I forget, Raquel, please tell your friends to send things to your apartment, not here." Father said. 

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He handed me a black envelope with my name on it. I wondered what it was. 

After another hour of talking about law school and David, I finally went home. I sat on my bed and read the note.

Raquel,

I know your secret. Who should I tell first? Your parents...or Uma? You choose.

Oh shit.