Page 102 of Protecting Hailey

You thought I would fall

But I will rise

Despite it all

The stadium erupted with screaming fans, some cried, and others pulled their hair. It was pandemonium, and I shook my head in disbelief. I’d never imagined I would be here on stage like this. My heart hammered in my chest as I clasped my hand with Kendra's.

I won’t say goodbye

I won’t say farewell

I will rise

And start again

The guitar solo took over one last time, and I pulled Kendra in for a hug. She wrapped her arms around me and in that moment we put an end to the feud and the fraud. Thousands watched two female pop stars supporting one another, not tearing each other down. And they loved it.

Facing the crowd, we held hands and took our final bow.

“Thank you so much, Los Angeles. I love you. Good night!”

Kendra and I waved to the crowd until we reached the back of the stage and someone threw a white towel at us. I wiped my face, neck, and arms.

“That was beautiful, girl. I can’t believe this is your last show,” said Kendra.

“Thank you.”

Frankie stood there with his arms crossed, smiling at me. “You looked great out there, Hailey.”

“Thanks, Frankie.”

Frankie was looking good himself. He checked out of rehab last month and acted like his old self again. His hair was a little longer, and I liked it better on him.

“That song has been number one for three weeks. You’ve raised more than three million dollars on this single alone for charity. You sure you want to give this up?”

We all walked back to my dressing room. Kendra took the couch, but Frankie stood with his arms crossed, waiting for my reply.

“I’m not giving up anything I love. I will continue writing and making music. It’ll be different, but for me, it’ll be better.”

Frankie nodded. “All right. You know what makes you happy.”

I hugged Frankie and rubbed his back. “Besides, I’m not leaving you empty-handed. I see you’ve signed the vocalist I suggested.”

Frankie shook his head. “I can’t believe you met with her. That was freakin’ crazy, Hailey.”

I shrugged.

“Wait. What’s going on?” asked Kendra. “Who did you meet with?”

“Katlin Rouge,” I said.

Kendra’s brow furrowed, and she tilted her head. “Who’s that?”

“She’s going to be the next pop star, I know it,” I said.

“That’s not all she is,” said Frankie. “She’s also Ingrid’s sister.”

“Ingrid? Your social media manager, Ingrid? The woman who lured you and tried to kill you?”

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