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MidReal Story
The Heartbreak Diaries
Scenario:A eleven year old girl named Sunshine Boyce has just gone through her parents going through a divorce and her mom getting a restraining order against her dad. Her parents are famous actors that started their careers out as child stars and singers Avalyn and Cameron Boyce.
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Sunshine Boyce
determined, and emotional. After her parents' divorce, she struggles with the aftermath and her father's absence. Despite the challenges, she finds solace in her friendship with Jake and his family. She faces bullying at school but remains strong, supported by her mother's love and determination to protect her.
Avalyn Boyce
determined, and strongwilled. After a tumultuous marriage, she gains a restraining order against Cameron for Sunshine's safety. She focuses on rebuilding her life and career while ensuring Sunshine's wellbeing. Her love for Sunshine drives her to make difficult decisions.
Cameron Boyce
troubled, and unpredictable. His behavior led to Avalyn obtaining a restraining order against him for Sunshine's protection. Despite his charm on screen, he struggles with personal demons that impact his relationships with Avalyn and Sunshine.
My mom and dad are getting divorced.
Their careers started when we were both just eight years old.
They were the famous child stars Avalyn and Cameron, who grew up before the world’s eyes and became actors/singers when they were older.
They even sang a duet together when we were kids, "You Are My Shine," a.k.a. 'my shine.'
Ugh.
It was really embarrassing to hear that song as I grew up, especially when my dad sang it to me.
My dad is charming and charismatic and all the adults love him, but he isn’t the same man at home as he is on screen.
My mom has had enough of his antics and has called it a day.
I think she did it more for me than her.
He can be erratic and scary at times, especially when he drinks.
She says she’s doing this for both of us and because she wants me to feel safe in my own home.
I don’t really blame her for wanting to leave him, but I do blame her for wanting a restraining order against him.
I love my dad more than life and even though he scares me at times, I’ve never felt like I was or am in danger of him hurting me physically.
He scares my mom, not me!
I just wish she would drop the whole restraining order idea.
After dinner, I follow Mom into her bedroom.
She folds laundry while the TV plays in the background.
It’s another entertainment news segment about their divorce.
I sit on her bed and pick at a loose thread on her comforter.
"I miss Dad," I say.
She keeps folding, but her movements become slower and more deliberate.
"He can be scary sometimes, but he’s never hurt me."
She stops folding altogether and holds one of Dad’s old t-shirts that she forgot to throw out.
Maybe if she sees how much I miss him, she’ll drop the restraining order.
Her knuckles are white around the fabric.
She turns to me with tears in her eyes.
"There’s something I haven’t told you about your dad."
Oh no!
What could it be?
She sits on the couch beside me.
The laundry basket tips over and clothes spill onto the floor, but she doesn’t seem to notice.
Her hands shake as she folds the shirt into a tight square and then unfolds it.
She smooths out the wrinkles over and over again as the TV drones on in the background about another celebrity scandal.
I wait, my stomach churning.
She’s quiet for so long, I wonder if she’s forgotten I’m here.
Finally, she looks up at me and her eyes are red from holding in tears.
She opens her mouth to speak, then closes it again.
She folds the shirt one more time and then finally sets it down.
She wraps her arm around my shoulders and pulls me close.
Her arm trembles as she holds me.
"One night, I woke up to go to the bathroom and saw your dad in your room."
I look at her, confused.
"What was he doing there?"
"He was standing over your bed while you slept."
Her voice is so quiet, I have to lean in to hear her.
"He was mumbling something about protecting you from evil spirits."
I shiver.
That sounds like something from a horror movie.
"I don’t remember that."
She nods and her eyes fill with tears again.
"I tried to talk to him about it, but he got angry and aggressive. He had to be physically removed by security."
I shake my head, trying to process what she’s telling me.
It can’t be true.
My dad would never do anything like that.
My hands are cold and clammy as I grip the couch cushion.
"But why didn't you tell me before?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I didn't want to scare you," she replies, her voice breaking. "I thought it was just a one-time thing, but it's happened more than once."
I stare at the wall behind her, trying to wrap my head around what she’s telling me.
Last month, I woke up to find my bedroom window open and the curtains blowing in the wind.
I blamed it on our cat, but now I’m not so sure.
"I'm sorry," Mom says, her voice filled with regret.
"I should have told you sooner."
She reaches out to touch me again, but I pull away, wrapping my arms around myself.
The TV continues to drone on in the background, playing a clip of Dad at his latest movie premiere.
He's smiling and waving at the cameras, looking like the same dad I've always known.
But now, I can't shake the feeling that I've been living in a carefully constructed illusion.