Chasing Alana

28 | Done

"I want to do it."

Alana stood at the head of the conference table, unwavering, as she looked every board member, executive, and her entire team in the eyes. There was no hesitation in her tone— the determination was clear in her expression.

For the first time since everything had blown up, Alana was so sure of her decision.

"I'm not going to sit here quietly while the world continues to theorize and talk about my trauma like my health and I don't fucking matter. As long as I stay silent, everyone's just going to keep coming up with bullshit, and I'm done."

The conference room was completely silent as she continued.

"I'm sick and tired of people thinking they can just make a few bucks— thinking they're tearing me down by revealing all of my secrets. So, guess what? I'm not going to fucking let them. I'll talk about it all and reveal it on my own terms. I'm not going to give them that satisfaction and if they can't handle it, then that's on them."

"They need to see that what they're doing is wrong and that they can't just keep doing this to us. Celebrities are human too, and we deserve some privacy. Whether or not we want to reveal shit is entirely up to us."

Taking a deep breath, Alana closed her eyes and sighed. "I'm so fucking tired of sitting here quietly, afraid to speak out. Why am I constantly so afraid of showing everyone my true self? If I'm having a rough day, why can't I just show that? Fuck the reporters and paparazzi for making me fear the right to show my true self. And fuck them for judging people for being human. If I want to talk about mental health, why the fuck can't I talk about mental health? I'd rather have my fans know the entire truth, and know how important it is to speak out and how important mental health is than to continue putting on a facade in front of them."

It was silent for a moment as everyone tried to take in everything Alana had just said. Asher sat next to his brother, watching proudly as the love of his life stood her ground. He could practically see the gears turning in everyone's head as they thought about her words.

Alana had talked about her plans with Asher already, wanting to hear his advice and thoughts on what would potentially break the internet. He 100% supported her decision, even offering some of his own ideas to help her out. As he had mentioned before, he would be her biggest supporter and have her back the entire way.

Adrian Pierce was the first to break the silence.

"Let's do it."

His words had Alana sighing relief as he offered his support. She was slightly afraid her idea to speak out would be rejected as it would potentially tarnish her image. Yet her mind was already set. Even if they had rejected her idea, her stubborn ass would've found a way to proceed with her plans.

And she had no doubt Asher would be right behind her, offering his support.

"I think it's a great idea, Alana," he continued, leaning forward with his hands clasped together. "I'm not one of those CEOs who only care about money and charts. I care about each and every one of my artists so, if you feel like this is the right thing to do, then I have no problem backing you up. You have this agency's whole support. One hundred percent. And you have my word for it."

The board members murmured their agreement.

"I also think it's a great opportunity for you to finally speak up about your experience with your past traumas," added Candace, her publisher, who finally looked up from her laptop, no doubt jotting down everything that was being said. "So many young girls and boys, who may be going through the same thing you did, look up to you, and I think sharing your experiences will really help them in the long run."