"Cassie are you ready?"

Cassie turned her gaze from the small window of the plane to Jackson. Her mind still elsewhere. They are close to landing in California. The afternoon sun slowly lowering in the horizon. Cass felt numb. That was the only word she could come up with. She thinks through her parents and Landon. More than anything she keeps replaying the conversation she had with Keith. 

Flashback

"Cause I care"

Cassie couldn't help feeling her heart race at his statement. She turned her body before propping her head on her hand with her elbow to the bed. Keith turns his gorgeous blue eyes to look directly at her. She studies them trying to find a sign. A sign for what? She had no clue. Maybe that he wasn't lying, maybe that he truly cared about her well being, or just maybe... that he felt it too. Leaning forward slightly Keith was quick to back up making Cassie's heart plummet. 

She sat up no longer in the mood to look at him. Keith is quick to grab her forearm stopping her. She doesn't turn even as he sets up with his eyes burning a whole in the side of her head. His free hand comes around to cup her cheek making her turn her gaze to him. She looks down rather than meeting his gaze. She feels rejected...

"I like you Cassie" Her eyes snapping up at his confession but confusion pulls her brows together. 

"But why-"

"I don't want you to regret this." She looks at him like he is crazy. Is he? Has he seen him?!? She wanted to laugh but he looked so sincere. "I am not going to jump into this Cassie... not until you are ready."

She couldn't help but laugh at him. He kept a soft expression waiting for her to stop. When she finally did, her gaze met him to give him a look of utter disbelief. "Have you looked in a mirror?"

"Thank you" Keith says as he smirks but Cassie doesn't shy away. "That's not what I mean."

Cassie getting frustrated stands up making him drop his hand. Her arms crossing her chest as she turns around to look back at him. "Then what do you mean Keith?"

Keith stands up straightening his jeans. His gaze never wavering from hers. "Do you love yourself?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"An easy one... Do you love yourself Cassie?" 

Cassie's mouth opened as she wanted to say the word but nothing came out. She was stunned by his question but even more confused on why she just couldn't spit out the word yes. Keith kept looking seeing her struggle before he leaned forward kissing her forehead. Cassie's eyes closing involuntarily at the warmth. He pulled back looking into her eyes. 

"I'm not going anywhere Cassie. I will wait... but you need to love yourself before you could truly love anyone else."

"I-I" She could feel her frustration going. She pushed his chest back enough to make some space between them. Her eyes narrow in accusation as she looks at him. "I know my worth."

"Good. Now prove it."

Keith walks out of the room as Cassie stands rooted in her spot. She felt like she just got sucker punched but not sure why. She flopped her but back on the bed looking at the floor still lost. Why the hell could I not just say it?!?

Flashback End

Cassie nodded as they exited the plane in Los Angeles. A black limo outside but also a plethora of reporters waiting out the door. The moment it opens, Jackson steps down the stairs followed by Cassie. The cameras start going off and questions being flung. She puts on her glasses and a polite smile as she makes her way to the bottom. Security guards are quick to stop the paparazzi from flanking her. She can still hear the questions but ignores the comments and questions while climbing in the car. 

"You alright?"

She nods her head looking out the window as the cameras continue to flash and try to catch a glimpse of her. The driver pulls away and she glances down at her phone. A picture of her and Nat sitting out back of her home in her spot makes her smile. She can't put her finger on the one reason why but she felt like this was no longer her home. Whether it be because her best friend and sister wasn't here anymore or because she loved the feeling of Nat's home... or maybe even Keith's company. She felt 'out of place' looking at the streets of the bustling city. She used to say that this is where her life is... now she wasn't so sure. All she really wanted to do was to go back to the comfort that Nat's retreat gave her. 

Her mind came to a halt as they stopped in front of Marx Records. Reporters once again waiting out front for her. She tucks her phone away ready to open the door before a gentle hand to her arm stops her. She turns her eyes to Jackson who seems to be studying her sunglass covered eyes. 

"Give yourself a moment Cass"

"I appreciate it Jackson but please, do call me Cassie or Cassandra... Only Nat can call me that."

He nods his head releasing his arm from her as she sighs out pressing back on her charming smile as she gets out. Two guards coming to her aid as Jackson climbs out behind her. The comments she hears getting to her making her walk a little quicker. She makes it safely inside the building where she releases the breath she was holding. Jackson puts his hand at the small of her back guiding her to the elevators. 

Once inside Cassie feels her walls crumbling. Jackson goes to touch her but she steps away not wanting anyone to comfort her. He instead presses the emergency stop button before leaning against the wall looking directly ahead. Cassie sobs and paces gently behind him letting her frustrations out. He doesn't say anything and continues to stand there as she just lets herself go momentarily. After a few minutes that felt like mere seconds, she stops pacing and stands facing front. She rubs under her eyes to make sure no tears are lying there for anyone to see. After another minute, without a word, Jackson hits the button leading them to the top floor. 

They step out onto the floor where Stacy looks up before standing to open the door to Tate's office. Cassie gives a small thank you while Jackson nods his head at her politely. Tate turns seeing who has entered before ending his call and standing. He rounds the desk to embrace Cassie who stands rigid in his embrace. Jackson just stands off to the side. He releases her before walking back to his desk and taking a seat. Cassie follows suit sitting down while Jackson remains standing. 

"Well I'm sure you have heard"

"What all has been said Tate?" Cassie says with all pretense gone. 

"Landon is still spinning his web. Most shows taking him on just for ratings. Your parents..." He trails off glancing at Jackson who just gives a settle shake of his head. "Your parents have also spoken for the first time."

Cassie inhales not believing her ears. They actually finally found a voice... but not of praise. No it was of criticism for what she has finally achieved. She heard the comments outside but couldn't believe it. Now she had to. 

"And what all did they say?"

"They spoke of how this was a cry for attention"

Cassie shook her head taking a deep inhale and exhaling slowly as her palms rubbed against her legs. She let out a humorless chuckle before looking towards the window. "That doesn't surprise me Tate."

"Cassie I want you to go on a talk show and give your side of the story."

"Will it really matter?" She ask her voice completely laced with sarcasm. 

"Yes" Tate says in a firm tone. Cassie looks to him with glossy eyes. He keeps his eyes stern looking at her. His hands interlaced in front of him. "You are stronger than any story Cassandra."

She released a strangle breath. Tate sees this and immediately stands up rounding his desk before going to a knee in front of her. He grasp her hand and holds it firmly. "You can do this and better than that... you will come out on top of this."

She couldn't say anything but just nod her head. Tate gets up to hug her as the young blonde collapses in his hold. She would never care to admit it but his words hit her hard. He believed in her. He discovered her years ago and always looked out for her best interest. He even advised that she not working with Landon but she was persistent. 

"Thank you"

************************************************

Alright Everyone please help me welcome our next guest, a superstar with over a dozen number one hits and a two time platinum artist... Cassie Lyndel!

Cassie smiles brightly and begins waving as she comes out from behind the back. The host waving her forward before giving her a polite hug. Cassie continues smiling lightly as she takes her seat while the crowd continues clapping and whistling for her. She waves again letting out a soft giggle. The host taking her seat as well and crowd quiets down. 

"Thank you Cassie for joining us today"

"Thank you for having me"

"So I have heard a lot of your music and it is absolutely sensational!" The crowd claps agreeing with the host. 

"I appreciate that. I am actually working on an all new album as we speak"

"I heard! We witnessed a demo released very recently online. It was a huge hit!" Loud cheers making the host stop for a moment. 

"Well thank you. I have a great support system."

"I have heard you have some greats ones but some also some... not so great ones."

Cassie gives a tight lip smile while clearing her throat. "Yea, that is the reason I chose the goods so carefully."

"Let's talk about the recent stories" Cassie smiles again forcefully giving a head nod. "I understand you were in a relationship with your previous manager, a Landon Bounds. He has come forward saying stories of an attack on him."

Cassie rubs her hands on her thigh while nodding her head along before the host pause allowing her to answer. "I will agree we were in a relationship previously."

The crowd slowly begins whispering. Cassie doesn't paying any attention as her fingers beginning digging at her nail bits. The host reaches over placing her hand on Cassie's. 

"That's not the story is it?" She says lowly but enough for everyone to here. Cassie chuckles as the tears come to her eyes. She holds them at bay looking upwards for a moment before answering. 

"I cared a great deal about Landon... the relationship we had was not right though."

"What do you mean Cassie?"

"Someone who truly cares about you wouldn't treat you in the manner I was treated."

"Such as?" The host pushes as the crowd sits on the edge of their seats. Cassie pauses for a moment. Her eyes wandering through the crowd. A small girl holding a poster in her hands with her picture on it as she beams at her. She focuses on the young girl for a moment before blinking looking to the ground. 

"I am not hear to continue with these stories that have been spreading in my absence. I will confirm I had a relationship that was not right and that I am glad it ended when it did."

"So what he says is true? You attacked him?" The host urges obviously wanting a story. 

"I would not attack anyone on purpose. The incident he is referring to, he was intoxicated and can not remember. It does not excuse what happened but the action that was taken was done to protect me... For that, I will forever be grateful."

The host leans back giving a small smile. She knows when to relent, it is clear the young singer didn't come here to gossip. She moves on to her next card. 

"What about your parents Cassie? We just recently were informed who you were parents were. Why the secrecy around them? Why are they coming forward now?"

"I was trying to be respectful by leaving my business separate from them. I was unaware of them making statements until recently. For why the are making statements, you would have to ask them."

"So you are not aware that your parents state that you are... and I quote 'seeking attention' from your fans?"

"The honest truth is that I don't have a close relationship with my parents. I have not spoken to them for some time now and am unsure as to how process what they believe about me."

"Do you think you are seeking attention?" The host says with a tilt of her head. Cassie studies her for a second before looking back to the young girl in the audience. 

"All I ever wanted to do was produce music that people could enjoy. I am finally at the point where my voice is being heard. I cherish the fans I have and am grateful for them truly... but at the end of the day, I am singing because it is what I love to do with or without the fame."

"That's commendable." The host nods along with the audience as the bob their heads. Cassie sits for a moment as she finally processes her own thoughts. On live TV and she realizes what she wants more than anything. 

"I want to enjoy playing and writing, I want to be free to be exactly who I am with no justification to any person."

"But Cassie... you must understand that there will always be people out there ready to tear you down."

"But who cares? If you no that you are not what people say... who truly cares?"

All go silent as the crowd smiles nodding in agreement. Cassie laughs lightly smiling realizing it. 

"I love myself and I love what I do. No past relationship or current family issues are going to sway me from what I truly believe I am meant to do." She looks directly at the camera seeing her reflection in the frame. 

"I love myself and that is enough."