Page 117 of Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars
“Why? Does it not feel safe?”
I shake my head. “She won’t talk about my mom. She hates my mom.”
“Hates a very strong…”
“She does,” I cut her off. “She told me.”
Dr. Novak takes a beat, finding the most tactful way to respond.
“They didn’t talk for twelve years,” I elaborate. “Mom and Miranda. Neither of them would tell me why. But I think it was about money. At least that’s what Ryder told me.”
“Ryder?” Dr. Novak questions.
“He lives with Miranda.” I shift in the seat. “And me, I guess. Anyway, Ryder said Miranda said something about money when she mentioned I was coming to live with them.”
“And Ryder will tell you about this estrangement, but your aunt is unwilling to?”
“Ryder doesn’t know much,” I blurt, shifting again. “I mean, he’s not part of our family. He just lives there. He’s actually told me more than once he doesn’t want to get involved.”
Dr. Novak nods slowly, making a note. “So Ryder lives with your aunt, but he’s not family. What’s his connection to her?”
“My aunt manages his band. He’s a really talented musician.” I pick at the edge of the folded report. “Their band, Sky Chaos, has even been on TV.”
“You sound impressed by them,” Dr. Novak observes. “Have you and Ryder bonded?”
“He’s helped me through some stuff,” I mutter. “But he can be a real jerk sometimes.”
“How so?”
“He’s just really angry sometimes, and he can be really harsh.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. That must be difficult to deal with, especially being under the same roof.”
“It can. But I guess he’s easier to deal with than my aunt. Miranda is either fake nice or cold-blooded.”
“I’m sure it’s a difficult transition for both of you.”
“She didn’t have to take me in. She could’ve kept ignoring Mrs. Rodriguez’s calls.”
“But she did take you in. Don’t you think that…”
“She’s using me,” I cut in. “She saw I’m good at school and agreed to take me in so I’d tutor Ryder. She doesn’t want me for me. She wants what I can offer.”
Dr. Novak shifts in her chair and adjusts her glasses as she takes in the new information. “And how does the tutoring arrangement make you feel?”
“Like a commodity.”
“Would you like some help to process these feelings so you can discuss this with your aunt?”
I shake my head. “I’m not talking to Miranda about this. She wants me to put on a smile and say everything is fine.”
“Alice, masking your feelings isn’t the healthiest choice. But here, with me, I want you to know it’s safe to talk about whatever is coming up for you.”
I press my hands firm against the paper on my lap. “I’m fine. I’ll graduate soon and then I’ll leave Miranda’s house.”
“Alice, if you’re uncomfortable in your new arrangement, I can suggest to social services that…”
“It’s fine,” I blurt. “Ashworth Academy is a good stepping stone to good colleges. I’ll get my head on straight and be a good student again. It’ll all work out fine. I promise.”
