Obsession.

Chapter 30 ~ Valen

Mileva was right... My tests results came back conclusive for moderate Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. I don't plan to get on pills or anything, but it's actually kind of cool knowing I have it. It just explains so much about me. I always had trouble in school, and I would be made fun of for that. The only reason I did so well at Columbia is because business is a passion of mine.

I can't believe Mileva was the one who had to suggest getting tested. I don't necessarily blame anyone, but not even Amir has said anything about it to me. He was unaware of the symptoms though. I guess most people in my life just didn't have the time to notice it. There was always something bigger in the picture.

Right now we are all moving some stuff into the new building for The Liberation Project. It's not a huge place, just a few empty stories for us to use as we need. Sure I could have people do it all for me, but this is my baby, and I want to be there for all of it start to finish.

As I walk out to the truck to get another box, I spot the PIX11 news van parked on the corner of the block. Before I can run inside, Dina Lavigne is speeding towards be with her cameraman.

"Valen Schiavon!?" She calls from the middle of the street.

I turn around and present myself to her with a calm expression. Why'd she have to catch me today? I'm just in my cargo-pants and a jacket, which isn't what the news is used to seeing me in recently.

"What do you want Dina?" I ask impatiently.

"Relax, we aren't here to bust your balls or anything. We just want to get the first coverage of The Liberation Project."

She's hassled me so many times before that we are already a little more casual with each other. She has some confidence, I'll give her that, but I can tell how hard she swallows in my presence. She's scared of me.

I sigh, "What the hell, why not."

She quickly turns to the cameraman and nods. I wonder how she looks in this shot, because I'm at least a foot taller than her. After he gives a thumbs up, she holds up the microphone to her mouth.

"Dina Lavigne here with the infamous Valen Schiavon, who has had quite the coverage recently, but we are here to discuss something potentially magnificent today. Valen, can you tell the people what this project is?" She asks, holding the microphone closer to me.

Here goes nothing I guess.

"Well, The Liberation Project has been an idea I've had for years. It is a non-profit to help free women, and anyone else stuck in sex and human trafficking."

"That is truly a wonderful cause. What made you finally put this idea into motion?"

"I just had a reminder of how impactful it could be."

She gives me a slow nod, "Do you mind sharing what it was?"

I pause, wondering how many details I should give, but I guess the news isn't anything bad.

"Recently we finished freeing over four hundred girls, so imagine the impact we could make with that hobby as a real program."

She gives that signature artificial news smile, "Wow, that's extremely impressive. I won't lie though Valen, it's strange seeing someone in your line of work doing so much good. What would you have to say to anyone who isn't sure about your motives?"

I visibly grinned when she said "line of work". The big news stations have to avoid accusations of law breakers. It's the journalists who really nail you with them.

"Let's just say I'm not the monster everyone is used to around here."

She smiles, and I think it's genuine.