Just Listen

Annabel awakens the day after listening to the “Just Listen” CD feeling renewed, stronger, and ready to speak up. She listens to Owen’s radio show, per her Sunday morning ritual, and drives to the radio station on instinct. When she arrives, she finds Owen, Rolly, and Clarke. Rolly and Clarke give them space, heading out for their usual bacon breakfast, and Annabel finally faces Owen. She tells him she came to talk about the blank “Just Listen” CD, but he reveals he didn’t make it blank on purpose.

They argue about the last two months of lost friendship, her avoidance, and his anger. Owen states that he doesn’t play games and that she could have opened up to him. Owen tells her he would have been mad for a while, but they could have worked through it rather than their entire relationship imploding. She didn’t realize it was all or nothing, and she repeats the line he said about the CD as she begins to tell her story: “Don’t think or judge. Just listen” (349).

After Annabel explains the story of her rape, Sophie’s cruelty, Whitney’s eating disorder, and everything she’d kept inside, Owen comforts her. He says he’s so sorry about the trauma she endured, but that she can share this with others. He tells her she’s stronger than she believes and can make a difference, so Annabel agrees to call the lawyer. Owen also says her family will surprise her and that her mom won’t break apart as she expects.

That night, after Annabel calls the lawyer and agrees to testify against Will, she tells her entire family about the rape. She concentrates on Whitney, who she views as the strongest after healing from her eating disorder, and finds the power to reveal the truth. Kirsten cries, her dad is upset, her mother gasps and pats her hands, and Whitney’s eyes never leave her. Her family takes the news better than Annabel expected. She feels free, wholly loved, and sheltered by her family’s reaction.

Despite her nervousness, Annabel testifies against Will Cash. She notices Will has a black eye, which his team tried to cover with makeup. Her family supports her and Whitney never flinches through Annabel’s story. Her mother doesn’t crumble as Annabel anticipated either, patting her father’s hand through the ordeal. Annabel thinks that every relationship is layered, that her parents switch roles to support one another, and that they all support her when she testifies.

Although he promised he’d be there, Owen doesn’t appear at the courthouse. After Annabel shares her story, she feels a giant weight lifted off her. She leaves the courthouse with her family, and Owen finally arrives. He apologizes profusely, explaining that he was so pissed after Annabel told him the truth that he went to see Will’s band play. He couldn’t control himself when Will started talking to him, and Annabel realizes Will’s black eye was from Owen.

Since he was grounded by his mom for punching Will the night before, Owen missed the trial. He continues apologizing, and Annabel forgives him; she was just worried about him not coming. She understands and teases him that his version of freaking is the opposite of hers, which involves hiding and isolating until she finally erupts with the truth. They kiss, and Annabel feels life is looking brighter.

After the trial stress, Will is sentenced to six years in jail for second-degree rape. Annabel feels better than she has in months. She shines in her new life as she dates Owen, reconnects with Clarke, and spends quality time with her family. Emily gets the job for the spring department store commercial, and she and Annabel are friendly, knowing they’re linked by their experience. Sophie becomes introverted and isolated after Will’s sentence, and Annabel thinks about reaching out to her but she doesn’t, as Sophie never did to her.

Annabel also takes over the radio show while Owen is grounded for hitting Will. She titles her segment “Story of My Life” and plays eclectic songs that make Owen proud, but also her favorites. Mallory is an avid listener, and Annabel enjoys the radio show because, after years of being judged by her appearances as a model, she’s known for only her voice and music now.

Annabel also tells her mother that she wants to quit modeling because she doesn’t find the same joy in it after her trauma. Grace takes her decision better than expected and becomes the modeling agency’s receptionist. She remains in the modeling world she loves, though her daughters are now out of it, and books other girls in their ads. Kirsten officially announces she’s dating her TA, Brian, now that the semester is over, and Whitney starts taking writing classes at the local university. She continues writing her memoir, cooking, and gardening, and her therapist agrees she can move out to an apartment in the spring. Annabel feels happier and more at ease with her family, friends, and Owen.

When Owen comes into the radio station after her segment to give her feedback, Annabel listens to his critiques. But as Clarke and Rolly watch them, she lays her head on his shoulder and tells him to be quiet and just listen to the last song she’s playing, one of his favorites.