Serena's P.O.V.

"Someone to listen, 

Someone to make me happy. 

Someone who loves me, 

What if that anybody is you?"  

I sang softly as I lightly pressed the ivory keys of Aidan's keyboard. I decided to stay home from the studio the next day. The thought of going back there the day after what almost happened was traumatic for me. T.J and I had been texted ever since 9:00, and it felt a little weird not talking to her in person. But I was glad I still had her as a friend. For a moment, I was worried she would turn her back on me, but I was glad that it didn't.

T.J.

T.J: So, are you still planning on doing the concert? I purchased my ticket a couple of nights ago, and I just wanted to be sure you were in a good state after what happened.

Serena: Yeah, it's too late to cancel now. Plus, I don't want to let down my fans. That would feel awful.

T.J: I understand that.

Serena: I should probably get back to writing and rehearsing.

T.J: Okay! Love you! 😘

Serena: Love you too! 😘

"Sounds very good, Serena!" Mr. Gallagher said from the doorway. I looked over, not realizing that he was listening. When we were back in LA, Aidan and his parents were there in the recording studio when I started recording my music with my record label. They were all supportive of me, and hearing the words of encouragement from my caretakers meant so much to me.

"Thank you, Mr. Gallagher," I smiled before starting to work on one of my older songs. I could already imagine meeting some of my fans after the concert. After performing at The Blue Moon, I wanted to expand my fanbase, and I was hoping if the concert went well, that might happen. A couple of hours later, and I felt my stomach begin to grumble, signaling I should take a break, but I continued to work for another hour.

Preparing for this concert felt like I was studying for a big test. I got a rush of energy, and I had the little voice in my head telling me, "Keep working, don't stop," repeating itself like a mantra. "Serena? Aren't you going to have something to eat? I made veggie burgers if you want one?" Mrs. Gallagher asked. Instantly, I caught the whiff of the burgers from the bedroom, and how could I say no to veggie burgers? Especially when she made the best homemade burgers I've had in a long time.

"It's nice being here with you guys instead of going to the studio," I smiled as I took a bite of my food. "Well, we're glad you decided to spend time with us today," Mr. Gallagher smiled. Having lunch with Aidan's parents reminded me of myself and my parents, and I felt myself getting closer and closer to being a true part of Aidan's family. I no longer felt like a burden on their shoulders.

"So, you were thinking about going to Ritz Volos for your birthday?" Mrs. Gallagher asked as she dug through the fridge, looking through one of the bags full of leftovers. "Aidan told you about that?" I asked, a little stunned that he never mentioned talking about it to them. "Yeah, I know it's on the fancier side of dining, so if you guys don't want to go then-" "We didn't say to didn't want to go. We'd love to try it out. It's your birthday, your choice," Mrs. Gallagher cut in, assuring me it was okay.

I had a habit of assuming the worst when people questioned me about the things I wanted to do. A habit that I desperately tried to break away from but failed every time. I couldn't help but smile and thank them so many times. Shortly after lunch, my phone started ringing, and I got a FaceTime from Aidan. "Hey Serena, there's something that I need to talk to you about, something I forgot to tell you yesterday," Aidan said almost immediately went I picked up.

"Oh no, please don't tell me you and Eden went neck to neck again," I sighed. "No, it's not that. Gerard and Steve have been asking me all day if you want to press charges against Cameron. I wanted to ask you sooner, but I didn't want to tell you about it when you were upset," he explained. It felt like a ton of bricks fell onto my shoulders. Part of me wanted to press charges and see him get sent to jail, but the other half of me didn't want to ruin his life any more than it already was. He was already fired and forced to leave the set. And to be honest, I couldn't imagine seeing him in prison if he got convicted. He wouldn't last a day in jail without getting shanked.

"I know it's a tough decision for you to make, but if we don't give them an answer soon, I'm worried they're going to take this situation into their own hands," Aidan said comfortingly. I closed my eyes for a moment, pondering what I should do again. "I-I can't, Aidan. I can't press charges," I answered. Aidan's eyes widened with shock but slowly went back to their normal size. "Serena, are you sure?" Aidan asked. I didn't want him to get away with it, but at the same time, I worried that Cameron would try to hurt me again if he found out. Or worse, hurt Aidan.

"Yes," I nodded, tears beginning to form in the corners of my eyes as I let it slip out. Aidan nodded understandingly, and we changed the subject, talking about the concert. The bricks lifted off my shoulders, and we talked more and more about it. It had felt like forever since I was on stage. "I am a little nervous, Aidan. This is my first performance without you being onstage with me," I admitted when he asked if I was nervous.

"Serena, you've got nothing to worry about. You are going to be amazing, remember Blue Moon when you nervous at first, and by the end, you were comfortable up there?" Aidan consoled. He always knew the right things to say, and I couldn't help smile as the memory from being onstage appeared in my mind. "You're right, nothing to worry about. Thanks, Aidan," I smiled. "No problem, Serena. Well, I got to go. I'll see you tonight!" He said before disconnecting from the call.