Trixy's Pov
The car stopped in into our driveway, after a few mins before the tall wrought iron gate opened the drive drove the car inside.
The car stopped in our house garage, and my driver got out the open the door for me. I thought I returned just a little, exhausted smile then he nodded.
I didn't get far before Momma emerged from the hallway, her hair pulled back neatly, her gentle eyes searching my face right away. She had that strange ability to look at me as though she could view everything I was not stating.
"Momma " I whispered as I drew near to embrace her. For a split second I wished I could remain like that and skip everything else, as her known warmth surrounded me for a time.
But she withdrew a little, her fingertips softly resting on my arms. " Is everything all right? You appear exhausted. "
I pressed my lips shut, "somewhat tired from today. "
"Is that all? " She spoke softly, but I could sense her looking for more.
Though I wasnt sure I persuaded either of us, I nodded. " Dad is where? "
She spoke after a break " He's by the pool right now talking to someone on the phone It sounds like something important is going on. "
I was going to my room when I hear someone's calling my name. It's from a familiar voice form someone I don't want to disappoint
" Trixy "
I turned lazily. And there he is my dad standing at the bottom of the stairs he's still wearing a formal office suite and still looking at me seriously.
" We need to talk " he said in serious tone
My heart dropped. He knows.
I followed him in the library usually dad use this as his own office when he needs to work at home. As we enter the library the familiar smell of books, old paper and newspaper greeted me. The air felt thicker, quieter and almost the walls are listing.
Dad went straight to his desk, a big mahogany piece in executive style and he sat in his swivel chair. The desk lamps warm light created shadows across the room, extending over the tall bookshelves lining the walls. And I'm standing in front of him
"Your Aunt Gwen called me today " he started, his voice firm but edged with something I couldn't quite pin frustration? disppointment? both? " She said something occurred at the university today. "
I stared down. Dad.
" She said you completed your history midterm, he went on. And your teachers office lost the key to correction. They claimed it was in your bag. His eyes met mine, looking for truth. Tell me honestly, Trixy Stacey Katarina Austen did you take it? "
My chest hurt terribly. "No, Dad. I'd never act that way. I will never ever cheat and I will never do that "
"So why we're they finding it in your bag? " Though his tone wasn't loud, every word was exact, weighing down on me like a weight.
" I .. I'm not sure dad "
Dad leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath."You don't know? Why that important documents found on your belongings? Trixy, I trusted you when I agreed to let you join your band. All I have ever demanded in return is that you treat your studies seriously. "
The instant he said it, a recollection came to me.
The day he at last said yes.
I had been in the living room with my guitar, nervously strumming while he read the morning paper. I had told him about the band auditions three times already, and each time he'd given me that look—the one that said not now.
But that day, Momma had stepped in, reminding him of how I lit up when I played. He'd put down the paper, studied me for a long moment, and said, "Fine. You can join. But you need promise me one thing you need to focus on your studies and maintain good grades " I nodded and hugged him. I never wanted to break that promise especially my dad's trust
And now… this.
"I haven't broken that promise, Dad," I said, my voice trembling.
But his expression didn't soften. "Our family's name is being questioned because of this."
"Dad, please, it's not what it looks like—"
"Enough, Trixy." His tone cut through my words, quiet but final.
The door opened and momma stepped inside her eyes look so confused while looking at us " What's happening here? "
Dad's shoulders eased fractionally, but his gaze stayed on me. "Your daughter was found with the key to correction for her history exam."
Mom's eyebrows were knitted together as she looked at us and Dad, clearly still confused by what she had heard and learned."That doesn't sound like something you would do. Are we sure this wasn't a misunderstanding?"
"They said the CCTV footage in the office was gone," Dad replied, his tone steady again but threaded with unease. "Gwen suspects it was planned."
A flicker of relief passed through me—at least someone thought it might be a setup. Still, my hands trembled at my sides.
" Well wait for the investigation results for now " Dad said in clam way " But if the investigation turns out that you did all of this " he look at me again " I'm afraid that you need to resign as vocalist on your band "
The statement hit me like a stone sinking straight into my chest.
"Dad—"
"My decision is final." He said in serious tone
The tears started to fall on my cheek I try to process everything what happened and every word that dad said but I can't. I slowly turn back and left the library and I walked to my room
When I reached my room, my eye vision was blurred. I slowly shut the door carefully. I don't want them to hear any loud from my room that when I make noise I might not be able to control myself
I sat on my bed and grabbed the pillow into my arms and hugged it tightly as if it could help me right now
Another memory pushed its way in—
The first time I performed with my bandmates on stage holding a guitar, standing in front of the audience the warm lights and the energy it's like I'm free to do everything and anything without any objections and judgement from everyone . I remembered how alive I felt, how free. Music becomes my comfort, my safe place it help me to release everything, it help me to become the person I really want.
And now? what I dream of is like dust that is slowly disappearing
Why dad didn't believe everything I said?
I didn't do it .. I didn't cheat
And yet… all the proof said otherwise.
Somewhere deep down, I knew this wasn't just about clearing my name anymore—it was about proving to Dad, to everyone, that I was more than the doubt hanging over me.
And I wasn't going to give up.