I saw the cameras the minute we arrived, the cluster of people and flashes of light.
“They’re earlier than expected,” Victoria said calmly from the front seat.
“They always are.” My mother stated that she was not at all surprised.
I didn’t bother to reply. I kept my eyes on the scene that was unfolding in front of my eyes.
It looked exactly like the kind of moment they would have written about me.
Chaotic.
Emotional.
Out of control.
Only this time—
I wasn’t the story they expected.
The car slowed to a complete stop. Victoria turned to look at me. “Once you step out of here, this moves fast.” She informed me.
“I know.” I met her gaze for a moment.
“Stay controlled,” she added. “They will try to provoke you, Maisie, be strong.”
“I’m counting on it.”
A faint smile touched her mo
