""No wonder you hate that song."

Natalie was driving Ashley around London. Ashley sighed.

"You have no idea. I'm just so glad you know now."

Natalie nodded and gripped the wheel a little tighter.

"So those... people who'd hurt you. They're not around?"

Ashley shook her head.

"I haven't heard from anyone of them after high school ended. And I'm glad I haven't. You won't believe what nightmares I have."

Natalie hit the brakes, and Ashley jerked forward.

"What was that for?!"

"You've had nightmares?"

"On and off for the past four years. Why?"

"Why didn't you tell anyone? Does anyone know?"

"Rin does. I tell her everything. Nat, this happened when I was 14. I didn't know who to trust."

Natalie shook her head and continued driving.

"You needed to tell someone, love. You've been tiptoeing around this issue that men abused you, and  you've never told anyone important about that?"

Ashley felt guilty. She truly hadn't thought of that back when things first started. She just sat there, silent. Natalie began again.

"Listen, Queenie. I understand that you weren't familiar with that. That they took advantage of you. But there must have been someone you could've told."

Ashley shook her head.

"I didn't trust anyone. I thought everyone would hate me. I was scared, and confused. It was just so weird. And the funny thing was, they made me think that feeling wasn't normal. They made me feel like there was something wrong with me."

Natalie stopped in front of a building. "I get it. Come on. Out you go."

Ashley got out of the car. "Where are we?"

Natalie just smiled. "I took you out for surprise ice cream! Surprise!"

Ashley laughed. "Thanks, Natalie!"

They went inside. Ashley ordered a large caramel ice cream and eat it happily.

"Thanks again, Mum."

Ashley froze. Natalie just laughed.

"It was just a mistake! I don't mind, Caramel."

"Caramel?"

"Yep. I finally found my nickname for you."

Ashley grinned and went back to devouring her ice cream.

After paying and leaving the parlor, Natalie sighed.

"You know, the other Queens need to know about this soon."

Ashley nodded.

"You're right. But I can't tell them now. I don't think it's the right time."

"Whenever you feel like it, the other Queens will support you. We love you, and we all want you to be happy."

Ashley nodded. "Thanks again, Nat."

Natalie smiled. "No problem, Caramel."

Natalie drove Ashley home, and Ashley opened the door. Erin was waiting for her in the living room. She was on her laptop, and looked up when Ashley walked in.

"Hey, Ginny! Where'd you go after the show?"

Ashley smiled. "I went with Natalie to get some ice cream. It was a surprise, so I didn't know."

"Oh. Well, it's nice to know you're feeling good."

Ashley sat down in her armchair. "Yeah, I am. And you're gonna be happy, too."

Erin looked up from her laptop again. "Why?"

"I finally took your advice. Natalie knows."

Erin stood up. "Really?"

Ashley nodded. "I told her right before the show. She took me out and we talked more about it. She knows the truth. Everything."

Erin raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean everything?"

"The whole story. And more."

Ashley sighed. "I'm just so glad that I got that off my chest."

"You should be. How many time have I told you-"

"I know! I know. I'm just happy that someone I care about knows the truth."

Now that Ashley had told someone, she felt lighter. She retreated to her room and was surprised to see a massive box on her carpet.

"Hey, E! What's this box in my room for?"

"Jo sent it," Erin responded, "There's a note on top!"

Ashley nodded and read the note.

Hey, Ashley. It's Jo. These are some old things your mom owned, and she wanted me to give you. I hope you enjoy them!

Ashley opened the box and saw all sorts of objects and memorabilia her mom picked up over the years.

On the top of the box was an old phone. Ashley opened it and saw her mother.

Hey, Ashy! It's so good to know that you're safe after my death. I just wanted you to know a couple of things.

First of all, you were the only thing keeping me going. You were the light at the end of all of my tunnels. Never forgot that I love you so, so much. Everything I did was just for you.

Second, I am so sorry. You deserved so much, and I couldn't give it to you. When you were younger, your father was not in a good state, and I should have done something to make sure you lived in a better.

Third. Listen, Ashley. I know this might not be such a shock, but your father was-

The video cut off. Ashley blinked.

"Was what? What?"

But the phone shut off. Ashley knew there was something missing, but she chose to take a shower and get her journal.

She plopped onto her armchair and began writing. As she wrote, she felt someone tap her shoulder.

"Hey, Ginny," Erin asked. Ashley looked up.

"Hmm?"

Erin moistened her lips. "I never did give you that little something."

"Oh yeah. Well, do you have it now?"

Erin nodded and pulled out a little box.

"Here."

Ashley opened it, and found a beautiful locket. On the top where decorations of stars and crowns.

On the inside, the was a spot for a photo, along with an engraved message.

Never forget what make you shine.