Page 90 of Shatter

Word got around that Athena and Chris were arrested for stealing my money for the last decade. And the public response to my photo of Harrison and me was as I expected. A lot of people didn't realize how much work I'd gotten done in the name of "Melody Snow". A lot of people were humbled and a lot weren't. A lot doubled down on how ugly Harrison's scars are, but that's the public - a lot of keyboard warriors who would never have the balls to say that to his face.

The public's reaction wasn't what was important to me. It was important that they know I'm not embarassed of his scars. That I love him because of his scars. That he's much more impressive than I am.

Tonight I put this chapter of my life to bed for good.

"You're on, Miss Snow."

I smile, not bothering to correct the assistant. The world will know soon enough.

I walk from behind the curtain into the bright lights to a round of applause. I walk up to Andy and give him another hug, because why not? I'm happy and excited.

"Ladies and gentlemen, apologies for this last minute show, but when the great Melody Snow says she has a bomb to drop, and insists on doing it on my show, well. I had to say 'yes'." Andy starts.

I drop into the chair and cross my ankles like I've been taught.

"Thank you, Andy. Your show has meant a lot to me during my career, so it seemed only fitting that I say this on your platform."

Andy sweeps he hand out graciously to the audience that we can't see because of the spotlights, but I'm vaguely aware of feet.

"Please, enlighten us."

I find the camera with the red light on it, indicating that it's the current feed.

"I wanted to announce to the world that I'm retiring. Effective immediately." There's a chorus of gasps and small murmurings. Andy tries to take back control.

"I heard about your parents..."

"That's right. They stole millions from me throughout my career, and they're paying the price for it. But it's more than that. I've found somebody who makes me dream bigger than acting."

Andy interrupts me with a scoff. "You're the biggest actress in the world, what more could you want?"

He suppresses a wince, knowing what he said was rude and captured for all the world to see. But my knowing smile in indulgent.

"I am, aren't I? And the last time you interviewed me, what did you ask me about? Acting? My movies? My craft? My struggles? No. You asked me about my sexual relationship with my boyfriend at the time, didn't you? So how important do you see the world's biggest actress, Andrew?"

I purposefully use his full first name. Because fuck him.

"Is that all I am to you, Andrew? A woman's value is her sexuality? Don't you see us as human beings?"

"Alright! Alright!" Some director or producer storms into the shot, the red light turns off on the camera and others of the production crew start shouting about cutting tapes.

Andy's beet red at this point, being so blatantly called out for his sexism. He pushes to his feet, bracing his hands on his desk and towering over me.

"I can't believe you'd blow up your career for that freak."

Crack.

My knuckles throb at the impact of my punch to this asshole's face. He stumbles backward, completely taken off guard. His chair clatters to the ground behind him, as he's now on the floor on his ass. Now it's me on my feet, towering over him.

"Say another fucking word." I glare, ignoring the chaos happening around me.

Obviously, this interview is over and the production company is going to have to do damage control.

"That's assault! I'm going to have you arrested!" Andy shouts from behind me, but I'm already walking off the stage.

Ellie's standing by the door to the hallway, in the shadows of the stage. She smiles at me knowingly and gives me a tiny high-five as I leave.

Satisfaction, contentment, joy, and freedom are all my companions as I leave the studio and hire an Uber to take me back home.