5 years earlier:
Liana quickly peeked through the blue curtains that separated backstage from the audience. She browsed over the people gathered in the auditorium who had come to show their support for Erik Davtyan's candidacy to be a member of parliament. From the front row all the way to the back every seat was filled. Liana heard the sound of footsteps and conversing behind her. She turned around and saw Erik walking towards her with his aide. "And here's your last set of notes for you Mr. Davtyan" the aide handed them to him.
He chuckled "Where on earth we're these. I looked everywhere for them."
Ms. Harkins laughed "You left them in the dressing room sir, on the makeup vanity."
"Thank you so much for finding them. You're a lifesaver."
"Of course. Good luck with your speech!" she said as she walked away.
"Thanks, I'll need it."
Erik looked forward and saw Liana waiting for him by the curtain, twirling back and forth flirtatiously.
An expression of utter surprise crossed his face. "What are you doing here?" he asked as he opened his arms wide.
Liana threw herself in his arms. They embraced for a few seconds before pulling away. Liana stepped back and playfully hit his arm.
"I came to see you, what else?"
He laughed "And I'm so glad you did. You look so beautiful tonight. That dress is stunning on you."
Liana blushed "I know how much you love this dress so I thought I'd wear it tonight." She twirled the locket on her neck "Along with the locket you gave me of course."
He gave her an adoring look "And I'm so touched you decided to wear them, but are you sure you should be here. If your father found out—"
"It's totally fine" she shushed him. "My father couldn't care less about me or what I do. Besides, I couldn't go without attending my boyfriend's final campaign rally, now could I?"
"No, I suppose you couldn't" he responded just as playfully as she. They each leaned in and shared a kiss.
Liana then pointed behind her "Did you see the number of people here. I'm not even the one speaking and I'm nervous."
"Yeah it's um" he swallowed, "something all right."
Liana noticed the shift in his demeanor "Erik are you alright?"
"Yeah it's just that...I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing. Compared to everyone else running for this position I'm just a kid. A young up-start. At least that's what they call me in the papers. Who knows perhaps I should have waited a few years to run."
She placed her hands on his chest and looked into his gentle hazel eyes.
"Listen, this is your dream. All you've ever wanted since you were fourteen was to be a politician. Your voice is important and needs to be heard. You love this country and its people. As long as corrupt men like my father run the country or hold the reigns of power things will never change for the better. You are the answer."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I know what a good heart you have. I've heard your ideas for reforms in education, legislation, and social justice. They're brilliant."
"I suppose you have more confidence in me than I have in myself."
"Trust your instincts. Trust your heart. All my life that's what I've relied upon and everything has turned out all right."
YOU ARE READING
A Number, Not a Name
AdventureA couple of months after Jason joins the NSA he is finally assigned his first field mission. Eager to prove himself not only to Donovan but also to his new partner Tasha Forbes, Jason throws himself completely into the case. However, he soon finds h...
