Harper Brooke has a crush on Steve Andrews, the tall, handsome boy who just moved into the house opposite hers. She was happier on learning that he would join her high school soon.
However, a twist for Harper or tragedy for Steve struck.
Due to a n...
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An attack of stage fright occurred when she walked and faced the intimidating audience. It began with nervous sweat. Her palms were stickier than glue, and her heart beat at an alarming speed that it could burst out of her chest. Her sweltering feet no longer stayed in proper contact with her sandals.
She opened her mouth. Nothing more than a whisper came. Her stomach was inflamed. The back of her head shook. Seconds went by. Her throat dried. Everybody watched her like a hawk. Even the slight stain at the hem of her dress could not escape the bright spotlight.
Harper swallowed, paper shaking in her hand. She had to grab it with both hands, moving closer to the microphone. Her labored breaths echoed in the boosted speaker. Glistening sweat slid from her forehead to the side of her face.
"Hello," she pronounced, voice croaking on the verge of tears.
It's how she felt during Professor Frank's one-hour class. Ears on taking notes for the topic of media and eyes on her when they lifted to look at the screen, but still no one uttered a word to her.
Professor Frank discussed, asked questions, and laughed while she couldn't concentrate as much.
"To what extent should the private lives of public figures be the subject of media coverage? Everybody, write down three main points. I will pick at random. You have ten minutes, go."
She read the question several times and could jot down only two points.
"Time up, Georgina, let's start with you. Give me one reason."
"Nowadays, fame comes at the cost of the loss of privacy. Journalists and paparazzi have no regard for a celebrity's private life. They cannot draw a line between stalking and reporting what matters."
"So, you are against the private lives of public figures becoming the subject of media coverage?"
"Yes, sir"
"How many of you have written something similar and agree with her?"
More than half of the class's hands shot up, excluding Layla and Harper in the smaller group.
"It looks like not everyone is agreeing with you. Let's find out where you have gone wrong. Harper Brooke, it's your turn."
Gripping her T-shirt hem, she revealed, "I got two reasons."
"That's fine. I need to hear one."
This time she sensed daggers shooting from Georgina's eyes straight at her. Clearing her throat, she answered.
"Citizens have the right to know about the private life of a public figure to a certain extent. For example, a politician in charge could misuse his power or money meant for the welfare of a country for his good. In such a way media can report whether a public figure is involved in immoral or illegal activities, whether he is a good example to represent the country, or whether he should condemn. Somebody's private life can tell you a lot about his good and bad habits."
