"Larson, when are you going to give up and leave us alone?"
"When no more mixed marriages take place."
"Then I'll have to get used to your presence until you die." I turned and stomped off not caring about the bellboy anymore. I came to a stop as I heard my name called. Freesia was coming toward me Alex beside her.
"Having fun?" I asked making her blush.
"Alex was wondering if it was possible to see the auditorium, I'm supposed to go over the seating for the first presentation tomorrow and Alex was going to come with me. Do you think it would be okay?"
"Sure, I'm sure father won't mind since Alex is such a champion of ours." The man smiled as Freesia tugged him toward the ballroom. Yeah, he was doomed, I thought. I helped get things settled and was finally heading for my room when I hear my name being called. I turn to see my sister Patty waving for me to come over. the man next to her admittedly caught my eye. He was handsome as far as looks went but the tight anger in his eyes said that his personality wasn't as nice as his looks. The robes he wore covered his body from mid-chest down. I went over sure that my overwhelming sister had done or said something to the poor man. As I came closer, I saw his eyes look me over but whatever he thought of me was carefully hidden behind a well manicured mask. I smiled stepping up beside her.
"Patty, who's your friend?"
"Neera this is Carson Lowe. Carson this is her. Isn't she just as beautiful as I said?" I blushed and jabbed her with my elbow.
"Patty, what's going on?" She'd tried to set me up before and I had yet to be impressed by her idea of a perfect guy for me.
"Carson is the man behind the Waves of Difference." I knew who the billionaire was but I didn't know he'd truly done more than rite about change. Now I understood why everyone was so interested in him. The Waves if Difference was a group that was in support of equality for each and everyone no matter who you were. I applauded his courage, but I still thought he exploited some of the smaller groups to build his empire. "He is planning a new article in his magazine, 'The difference in our world and how they change it.' each issue will feature an article about people like me and you, those who are different, and how they work to make things better."
"You and Patty are among the top on my list. I had hoped to interview you both over the course of the convention. To be published next month in my magazine."
"No thank you. While I can't speak for my sister I'm not interested." I started to turn to leave but Patty grabbed my arm.
"But Nee, this would be great, think about all the people that could be inspired to make their own difference."
"I'm not going to help a man who exploits the lesser groups for his own financial gain, or who is ashamed of his own heritage so much, he wears robes to cover himself. You do what you want but I want no part in it." I jerked out of her hold and stomped away making several young Mer-sharks scurry out of my way. I got into the elevator, but it was stopped from closing by the man I'd left in my wake. He slid in and looked at me solidly. Gone was the anger in it's place was puzzlement.
"You aren't like your sister."
"So, I've been told before."
"She was very, enthusiastic when we met." I could just imagine her enthusiasm. She was no doubt the reason he'd looked ticked off. He was probably wondering how such a flighty girl had made a difference. She was all over the place, but she was smart and had a good heart. She just had no filter between her brain and her mouth.
"I have no doubt. I apologize for whatever she may have said to tick you off. I could tell she said something. She's sweet and wants to help people she just lets her mouth run the institution." I heard a light chuckle from him.
"I followed you in the hopes I might change your mind about interviewing for the article."
"Why? I'm sure there are plenty like my sister who would love to be honored."
"There are but I'd rather have you."
"Why?" I asked turning to him.
"Because everyone I've asked about you says that if they need real help you make the world move to make it happen. A Mer-woman with three Mer-shark children broke into tears while she was telling me how much help you were."
"Lina is sweet, you shouldn't bother her she just lost her husband." He'd been killed in a cave in while carving for new homes. She and her children had been having trouble finding housing. I'd gotten the help she'd needed.
"She actually ... she heard I was asking about you and at first was defending you. once I explained she told me what a help you were. I have heard just as many stories of your sister. She helps in a different way but just as meaningful. I'd thought to have you separate stories, but I think showing how siblings have made such a difference would help many younger ones having issues. I'd appreciate it if you did the article."
"No, I'm sorry." While I applauded his motivations, I couldn't be a party to his empire.
"For the reasons you stated?"
"Yes." I nodded. The elevator stopped my floor. I walked past the suite my parents had been given to the room I insisted on paying for.
"I can't speak to the belief of my exploiting anyone. I've been told that before. In the end there's no definitive position on right or wrong. All I can say is that I try to help. As for the other..." he hesitated, "do you mind if we step into your room for a moment?" I sighed and let him in. What, did he not want to be overheard. I was tired I wanted sleep.
"Since you are here can I offer you a snack?" I lifted a seaweed ball.
YOU ARE READING
Merworld
FantasyNeera wasn't just part Mermaid, she was something else as well. Something that made most in her world over look her but she fought for the right things, Acceptance of her and those like her. In the midst of tragedy will she find love and a champion...