AN: So, it's been awhile since I've updated... but never fear, there's more to come! I hope y'all are still reading!
Reviews make my day. :)
"Just a reminder that SynthBeat records would like for you to keep all personal questions at a minimum and are to be asked at the end of the presentation. Thank you."
And then I was fed to sharks.
"Hello everyone, it's weird making this conference with out the members of my band with me." I laugh nervously, and the crowd of reporters laughs too while clicking photos and probably writing down possible article titles. I can see my face being zoomed in on from the monitor on the back wall, and it hits me that I'm being a coward.
"I'm not here to talk to you about my professional life today." Another click makes me jumpy, so I take out my note cards.
"It is with a heavy heart that I, Ella Pador, inform you that I have an Auto Immune System Deficiency." A frenzy of flashes happen and murmurs break out over the room.
"For a long time now, I've tried to keep my life and my health separate from each other, but as you can see, I can no longer afford that luxury. Last week, I lost a close friend of mine. His name was Kasey. He wasn't much older than I am, and he had dreams and aspirations just like the rest of us. But like most illnesses, the deficiency didn't care and his time was stopped before it even really began." I pause and look out into the wings, Jason gives me a small grin and a thumbs up.
"And I realized that if I hid in fear of what would happen, that I could miss out on so much more. I had a risk to take and I did. I spoke with doctors earlier this morning to help with the funding for my clinic and treatment center. I also spoke with my friends at the clinic." I grinned a little, "Imagine their surprise at finding out that I was famous." The room laughs again. "I also talked to my friends here at SynthBeat's, their reaction wasn't quite the same. It wasn't a pleasant surprise for them, but they took it in stride like good friends often do." I paused to take a sip of water, getting ready for the questions that would surely come after my speech was over. "But I am determined, determined to find the key to understanding this thing that controls so much of my life. I'm so sick of not having the answers for my friends that they deserve. I'm tired of having to tell the people I love that I'm sorry for something I can't control. I'm exhausted of seeing peoples lives ending before they should. And that's why I'm here today. To come and share my story. To raise awareness and to give hope to people like me all over the world and tell them that they aren't alone. So here it is world. And if you're scared, frightened, or upset, you're not alone. Thank you so much for your time."
There's a buzz of flashes and feedback from microphones, but I walk off stage with my head held high, ignoring any questions that the reporters might have asked.
Jason envelopes me in a hug and holds me close. "Come on Ells, the rest of them are waiting for us."
Jason is exactly what the clinic needed, and it makes me wonder why I kept both of my world apart for any amount of time.
"Ella-belle." Javi's face breaks out into a grin as he slings and arm over my should and squeezes me in a half hug. "You should introduce us to your friends." I roll my eyes because I know exactly what he's getting at. "You just want to meet 'my boy'." Using air quotes to tease the Latino. "Eh, maybe."
"Javi, this is Nate. Nate, this is Javi."
Javi gives an easy grin taking Nate's extended hand, and I can tell from Nate's slight wince, that his grip is set on intimidating. But Nate stays on point and keeps his grin in place before giving me a glance over Javi's massive shoulder.
"How about a game of Foosball?"
I shook my head feircly.
"Sure, why not?"
... let the match begin.
"So, you and my Ella-belle?"
Point Javi
"That's the intention, yes." Nate said, fishing the ball out of the goal.
Point Javi
Point Javi
Point Javi
"You know, I hardly lose anything, ever." Javi gives an easy grin again as Nate gets the ball and flushes in frustration.
"Really now?"
"Yep." Point Javi "You're takin' this pretty well, meanin' that you're okay with losin'." He looked at Nate's furrowed brow. "But you also don't like losin'."
Point Nate.
"I think you'd be good for my Ella-belle."
"Your Ella?"
"Yes, my little sister. Well... as close as that gets."
Point Javi
"She needs someone who will stand up for her, who will love her, hold her hair when she's sick, an' put her in her place when she's feelin' sorry fo' herself."
Point Javi
"Dude, next time, let the girl play for you." Javi laughs merrily shaking Nate's hand before walking off, to go size up the other members of Connect3, I'm sure.
...
...
...
"What just happened?" I shrug and lace my fingers with his.
"I think you just got the stamp of approval."