Acknowledgements:
Omi as always
The BTN8rs - with apologies
The BTN Chatters - for their support
Disclaimers:
"A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend" - Willow, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I do not own any Numb3rs characters nor do I have any rights to
anything related to the TV show Numb3rs. I plead fair use and claim
only my own writing and characters.
As Charlie stepped onto the stage, the klieg lights blinded him on his way to the podium. His hands were damp, his heart was racing and as he stared out across the auditorium, his throat constricted, robbing him of breath.
"I don't think I can do this," he choked out, fingers gripping the edge of the wooden stand, the microphone a foreign object sticking in his face. "I can't."
Larry came up beside his young student and put a calming hand on his shoulder.
"You can, Charles. I have faith in you. That's why I wanted you to come up here before the presentation - to see it's not so bad."
"It is bad." Charlie pulled back, wringing his hands. "They're all going to look at me and think 'what is this little kid going to teach me?'"
Larry turned him away from the empty seats and made him face him.
"Charles, you have it in you to become an exceptional teacher and an engaging orator. I've witnessed your prowess in small groups - how animated you are when sharing knowledge with others," he stated, keeping his voice slow and calming. "But first you have to prevail over this unfortunate stage fright that's plaguing you. Your age is immaterial. You wrote this paper, you published it and you being fourteen does not invalidate you as a speaker at this event."
Charlie swallowed hard and looked over his shoulder at the empty auditorium for a moment before turning back to his teacher and mentor.
"If I do this? Can you promise me one thing?"
"If it is within the realm of possibility for my personage to execute, then absolutely."
Charlie managed a weak smile as he made his fervent plea.
"Keep my mom out of the audience?"