A Second Wave-The Surge

Chapter 5-Simon

Chapter 5-Simon

The car stops in front of the Emergency room entrance of the hospital. The camera crew is already set up. Samantha the reporter is on the side with people messing with her hair and make up. She is stunning not sure why they are fussing with the make up. Then again being a guy not really sure about any make up stuff. Her hair is straight long blonde hair with not a hair out of place. Her eyes are a bright blue and her skin is tanned. The driver informs me as I step out with my mask on that he will be waiting for me to take me to the airport. Once out of the car, a lady from the crew approaches me.

"You must be Simon. I am Heather assistant producer. We need you to get into make up and the interview will start shortly. Let me introduce you to Samantha." I nod and follow her. As we reach closer, Samantha looks up from her notes she is reading.

"Simon, it is very nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to do this." She says making eye contact with me but keeping her distance per the social distancing guidance.

"Nice to meet you also. This is my first interview so not sure how this works." I say shyly but continuing with the eye contact. Her blue eyes are such a unique color. It is hard to not stare at them.

"Not to worry." She laughs lightly. Not to embarrass me. "The viewers deserve to know the truth about the virus and what they need to do to protect themselves. I would also like to get into your expert opinion on what you think each state should do. There is so much confusion and direction being given and none of it matches." She stops looking at me for a response. She was captivating to listen to. She seems geniunly concerned about people and wants the truth to be told. Then again, I have to be careful what I say as this is our Companies reputation on the line. She clears her throat not releasing my face from her stare as I must pause too long to answer her.

"Sorry. I agree about the confusion. I think talking about the science will work best. We can have lives we just need to do it safely. The areas that are spiking need to control the spread of the virus and not overburdening the healthcare system. Once that is done then can work on decreasing the spread while you try to regain some normalcy to your life." I finish looking at her shyly as I just said a mouthful.

"That is perfect." She squells with a large grin. "You said you never interviewed before." Pushing my shoulder with her hand. Is she flirting with me. No, she cannot be. She is beautiful but I am sure I am wrong. Besides I am involved with someone and at that moment Shelby's face appears in front of me.

"What's wrong? Your face went from a smile to the saddest look I have ever seen. I hope I have not said something to offend you."

"No, sorry, just some work stuff." I lie not wanting to get into anything about Shelby at the moment. Though I must admit she is an investigative reporter and the thought that maybe she would be able to help crossed my mind. I think what Shelby would do as not want to make any mistakes that could effect the company and decide right now is not the time.

Samantha turned to talk to one of the producers and the assistant producer directs me to a chair where the young girl pulls out a brush and some powder stuff.

"What is that?" I ask

"Make up." She says very confident, like I should know what she is doing.

"I do not wear make up."

"The lights will drown out your normal complexion. Without it you will look like a dead ghost." She laughs. "See." She brings one of the camera men over to show me on the monitor what I would look like without makeup.

"Oh." Is all I can say as she is absolutely correct. I just smile at her and nod my head and she puts the make up on my face. It only takes a few minutes and the assistant producer comes over and lets me know they will be ready for me in ten minutes and that I can wait where I am.

Having a few minutes, I see I will have plenty of time to get to the airport. I review some emails and texts. Mostly congratulations on the promotion, a follow up email from the attorney just recapping our meeting. Nothing from Carol about Shelby. I decide on the plan to make a plan to continue to find Shelby while I continue the work for the company in Texas.

"We are ready for you." The assistant producer says moving her arm out and guiding me where to stand and look. Samantha comes over and stands away but next to my side keeping a six foot distance.

"You can take off or keep your mask on, it is up to you." She says.

"I think I will keep it on." I then hear the camera man say Three, two and then holds a finger up one and then points to Samantha and a red light comes on the camera. She does an introduction about what she is doing and also says an introduction of me that is very flattering. I cannot help but think she is very good with her words and thinks quickly on her feet. She could make a good physician.

She turns towards me and ask makes her statement about the virus and the confusion that has been expressed and asks me to give my professional opinion of what her viewers should do. I go into the areas that will help spread the virus which is wearing a mask, social distancing and why the six feet has been established and the need to set up testing and contract testing. I quickly review what each will do and the importance of combating this pandemic. She asks me a couple of other questions of which I answer and then I hear we are out. Samantha looks over. "You did great." She says and thanks me for my time before heading toward the van that has the television station on it.

As I walk slowly back to the car, reciting to myself the interview I just did. I do think I did okay. The station promised to email me a reel of the interview. They said it is part of the agreement that Shelby's company has. Which makes sense as Carol sent me the videos of Shelby's interviews.

Shelby my pace slows even more as I get closer to the car and the driver opens the door for me. " Simon is that you." I hear and stop dead in my tracks. A shiver goes over my whole body and goosebumps form on skin. I look around quickly for who said it and that I recognize the voice, it is Shelby. My body twist side to side and around scanning the crowd, looking for her or anyone that remotely could be her. Maybe she looks different from the accident.

"Sir." The driver looks at me.

I look at him before looking around one moretime slower. Not seeing Shelby but notable to get the words or feeling out of me, I get into the car. He closes the door and I continue to glanceout the window as we drive to the airport. I know what I heard. Who saidthat? Was it in my head? No, I heard it,I know I did. I play it over and overagain in my head to figure out what it means. Simon, is that you. Simon isthat you