My amazing man.
My body retained a stiffness until I caught him miming his ‘I love you’. I have his devotion, his comfort, and his praise. The room fell silent, the thrumming of a racing heartbeat in my ears.
It’s now or never.
“All around the world, childhood sex abuse has been a longtime ever-growing and horrific tale. Take a look around your table at the people sitting amongst you now, most of you might know of someone that has experienced such tragedies. This terrible truth is why we are all here this evening.”
My body relaxed as my gaze fell to Gran next to Alexander, then back to my man. Gran took his hand resting on the table, a comfort both seemed to need then. As I told my story in a vague premise, I swept my eyes around the tables. My hope is that I’m telling my story in the most profound way possible without feeling overly sappy.
“As an artist, I want to live in adventure; go places, see things, explore the unknown. The idea is to bring back many tales, set them to canvas, tell people of these magical places they may never experience for themselves in the physical. My goal is to plant a seed in their minds’ eye of these wonderous places frozen in time. I’d like nothing more than to observe the desire light their eyes, see their imagination take them on a journey no one else will ever truly understand. Everyone experiences art in their own unique way. That in of itself – is exquisite. To see a person find their joy as they visually touch one of my pieces – it’s the most profound feeling in the world. From this journey, I then can take my creations and give back to those who need it more than I.”
Deep breath. Keep composed.
I had the attention of everyone in the room. I’m not the girl who fears her past any longer. The eleven- to fourteen-year-old is screaming her elation at what we’ve overcome and worked through. We cheer today. We cheer all days now.
I’ve got this.My smile is broad, shoulders are back, posture is tall, and my chin is raised high.
“Thank you for your thoughtful donations and contributions to this ever-needing cause. Children all around the world need our help, and one day soon, Tamara Kennedy and I hope to see theL.J. Hayes Art Foundationgive to children wherever it’s needed. With your continued support we will end childhood abuse, once and for all.”
I stepped away from the podium, the crowd all stood, clapping and cheering, my smiling dancing, my mind whirling from their praise.
Tamara and I hug ever so tight, this dream started off as a college project, soon forming into a plan, that plan shifting to a multitude of ideas and strategies. Paintings, sketches, pastels, and so many other fine arts have led me to this moment, all this wouldn’t be possible without Gran. She is the true mastermind behind everything we have set to accomplish; a dream that is now a reality.
Shark stood near the curtain behind me and touched his earpiece, scanning the room for anything out of place. I trusted no one better than Alexander’s Marine brothers as my security detail.
Weston stood at the other side of the room and did the same movement as Shark, communicating the all clear.
I don’t know much about the lad other than he spent years in the British Military and Special Reconnaissance Regiment. He is now head of command at the newAxisSecurityForceLondon location. He seems to be a loyal lad that I can grow to trust.
I’m not going to ruin anything, but I see something blossoming. I’ll keep it to myself, that is until Tamara catches wind, then all bets are off.
“Lili dear, that was absolutely wonderful!” Gran said, wrapping me in her warm embrace.
“This is all for ye, Gran. I love ye, so much. Thank you fer believing in me.”
As soon as we pulled apart there were approximately twenty patrons surrounding us to ask me questions, and give complements, something I have taken in stride and can better accept.
_ALEXANDER_
This talk with Lili’s Gran had me on edge.
I cannot believe I am this nervous.
A Marine should never be nervous.
Think of it as a mission Gorski, you can do this.
And so, I did. I had nothing to worry about. She gave me the news I wanted to hear; plus an extra wonderous gift I know Lili will love for all days. It’s almost as beautiful as she is.
Later on in the evening Lili’s best friend and bar owner, Patrick Shaw made his way to the table Daniel, Gran, and I were stationed.
Lili was whisked off to somewhere with Tamara, potentially for a new project they might start on in the next few weeks. This night keeps getting better and better for my siren. The light in her eyes shone as bright as Sirius, the brightest star in our night sky. Today is her day, she is taking on this momentous path, gearing up to explore the wide universe at her disposal. She’s triumphant. Fearless. This Goddess is soaring high. Lili did it. I am so proud of her.
“A word, Alexander.” Patrick’s tone is clipped, not giving anything away, but I know what this to be about. The man is dressed in traditional Scottish attire, a blue and green kilt, hoes, and a black sporran. Quite a unique style compared to my damn penguin suit. He isn’t the only one dressed in such a way tonight, the pride for their country is alive and well within these walls.
I expected this to happen, not tonight, per’ se, but the timing couldn’t be better. This Marine is ready for what this mission has in store. Excusing myself from the company of Daniel and Gran, I caught her knowing stare before we departed.
“Behave, Patrick. Dinnae make me want to kick yer arse.” Gran is quick to chastise. Remind me never to get on her bad side.