I'm NOT A Baby Anymore

Chapter 22: Monster

      Pink smiled  at the cameras as the press snapped photo after photo, while she climbed the steps towards the podium. Though she hated the idea of losing all her friends, this was necessary, in order for her mother and sisters to never look her way with all this Rose Quartz business, she had to look like one of them. She had to be a hundred percent committed. She waved politely at a few people, nodding some to others. Her fake smile plastered firmly on her face.  She tapped the microphone a few times, giving the audience, but mostly the press her best smile.
      "Hello everyone, I'm so excited to be here today, standing before you, to tell you all about this exciting new project!" She exclaimed, using her most professional voice as the crowd went wild.

  "Ms Diamond, Ms Diamond what made your family want to shut the orphanage down and build group homes?!"

  "Pink, are you running this whole operation!!?"

  "Pink, Pink! How does it feel to be this successful at just fifteen years old!?"

   "About how much is your family giving to these group homes?!"

  Pink held up her hands, something she'd seen her mother do many, many times, and was delighted when the crowd went silent.
   "I'll answer all of your questions, just be patient with me!" She exclaimed making some of the crowd chuckle. Pink cleared her throat, shuffling hands on the podium before she smiled wide and gestured outwards.

  "My family felt it was time for a change, orphanages are outdated and quite frankly unnecessary. We are putting over a hundred thousand into each group home we build and help these kids have more one on one time but also a better brighter future." She exclaimed making a few cheer for her statement. She faked a blush, waving off their cheers and adoration.

   "How are we going to pull this off Pink? I've never-"
   "Shush, Pearl, you've got to trust me, we can do this, as long as we stick together, ok?"
  "....okay, for you my diamond, I'd do anything!"

Pink cleared her throat, silencing the adoring crowd once more. Soon it'd be time. She smiled once more at the crowd.
    "Now then are there any further questions?" Pink asked tilting her head and smiling at the crowd with faux sincerity.

   "How much exactly is this factory you're building going to make?" A unfamiliar voice questioned, well unfamiliar to her family who sat behind the podium where Pink stood. Pink knew the voice, hidden by technology to sound different, but she could pick out the emotion of her best friend. She feigned confusion, glancing back at her mother in delusory worry. White gave her an encouraging smile and Blue nodded her support. Pink took a deep breath and turned back to the crowd with another big smile plastered to her face.

   "Yes, the factory will be making an exceptional amount of money yes but most of it's proceeds will go towards the foster home my family is funding." Pink exclaimed with a flourish as she feigned pride for her family's business. A murmur fell over the crowd, she had to bite her cheek to keep from smiling. All according to plan.

   Another reporter, one she hadn't set up, stepped forward looking uncertain as he eyed Pink conflicted no doubt. Which to the teen was absolutely perfect.
   "Ms. Diamond, exactly how much will the factory be making?" He questioned. Pink pretended to stamar as if the question had caught her off guard.
   "How much were you going to put into the foster homes exactly?" Pearl piped up in her disguise at the back of the crowd, attempting to rile up the reporters.

   "Well I do-" Pink started in attempt to explain when another reporter cut her off.
   "What is your family trying to hide?" She demanded and Pink shook her head pretending to be adamant.
   "N-nothing!! These questions are crazy- I never, my family would never -" suddenly a cold, familiar hand clamped down on Pink's shoulder and she shrunk behind her mom.

   "These accusations are quite ludicrous, my daughter has put much thought into these foster homes and at just fifteen I'd say that is quite the accomplishment as for the factory we are currently unsure of the profits until it is built which, mind you will take at least fifteen months or so, so if you're all done bullying my child then we will be on our way."  White stated in a cool, professional tone that left no room for any kind of arguments.  Pink could hand it to her mom, she knew how to quiet a room that was for sure. She curled against her mother's side, clutching her arm as she sadly looked up at her.

   They'd just started to head off the stage, Pink feigning tears when a voice spoke up from the murmuring crowd.
    "Why should we believe a word you say?"

  White whirled around, eyes narrowing in on Pearl's disguised form. She pushed Pink back towards Blue and Yellow, as she slammed back into the podium, trying her hardest to keep her composure.
   "And just who, may I ask, are you?" She demanded sternly and Pink buried her face in Blue's shoulder to hide her smile as Pearl bowed mockingly and winked.

  "Rose Quartz, a pleasure for you I'm sure!" She answered through a sneer that made White's face burn red with anger.

   "Security remove this pest at once!!" She demanded slamming her fist against the podium. Pearl just winked at the tycoon and saluted her before she turned and ran from the venue, two tried security guards struggling to catch up to her.

    Pink slowly followed her family towards their limo, picking at her nails as she mustered up a few tears.
   "I'm so sorry mom, I screwed everything up!" She sniffed wiping at her eyes pathetically. Blue quickly pulled her into a side hug, gently kissing the top of her head.

   "It's alright Pink, it's not your fault, you were doing so well if not-"

  "For that blasted Rose Quartz!!" Yellow snapped, effectively cutting Blue's statement short. Blue nodded her agreement however as she rubbed Pink's arm gently.

   "Don't worry Yellow, next time we'll be ready for her." White stated calmly as she slipped into the limo opposite of Blue and Pink.
   "What're you gonna do mama?" Pink questioned softly and White cupped her chin.

   "Listen closely and I'll explain..."

To be Continued...

Sorry for the rather unscheduled and long hiatus, but I had holidays, a new job, plus I moved to a new apartment with my gf!! Hopefully I'll be able to update better but for now enjoy!!! Thanks for everything my wonderful readers!!!