My phone wouldn't stop ringing. The moment I stepped into my apartment, it vibrated again with Vera's name flashing across the screen. I considered ignoring it, but knew she'd just keep calling until I answered.
"Hazel! What the actual hell happened? Are you okay?" Her voice exploded through the speaker without waiting for my greeting.
I sank onto my couch, suddenly feeling the weight of the day crushing down on me. "It's a long story."
"I've been watching video clips for the past hour! Your father hitting you on stage? Ivy collapsing? The internet is going crazy!" Vera's words tumbled out in a rush of anger and concern. "Why didn't you call me? I would have come right away!"
"I just needed some time alone," I said, rubbing my temples. "Everything happened so fast."
"That bastard hit you in front of everyone." Her voice hardened. "I swear I'm going to destroy him. My family's lawyers—"
