Chasing The Crown

Chapter 8

Andrew

As I walk along the green carpet I answer some of the questions that the journalists and reporters have,mostly related to work which makes me happy that they are in the know about that.
When we get inside I'm ushered to my seat in the front row as John briefs me on what I will be doing. Luckily the lights are dimmed and only shining on stage and nobody notices my late arrival. I just got off a plane from Nigeria about fifteen minutes ago and we quickly had to rush here. I get comfortable in my seat,the first session has already began with a young man from Japan already speaking about his campaign. I look around,the journalists and photographers are focused on what is happening on stage and not the least fazed by me,I think I'm going to like South Africa already. This is my first time here and if the press is this behaved then I will be coming back plenty of times,at least they are giving me my own space and I appreciate it.

"Hello my love we made the front cover again!"
Audrey's text reads.
This is where me and Audrey differ because for one she loves the flashing lights and all the attention she gets from the media and secondly she loves being dictated by the Crown Counsel which is the total opposite of me. I take my phone and shove it in my pocket,no need to reply to her.

"I founded the Isabella Peters Foundation in order to help those who have mental illnesses,because this is a subject that many people shy away from I decided to use my social stance in society to bring about light to this silent killer. People should know that being diagnosed with a mental health disorder is not the end of the world,They have to be exposed to a community that relates and knows their journey which will encourage them to fight whatever disorder they come across in their lifetime." A young woman says.
She has an angelic voice causing me to look up. She is the only woman on that panel. She is wearing all red and I must say she looks beautiful. I can't see much but I notice her cognac brown eyes and her beautiful smile. You can tell just by looking at her that she is not only beautiful but she also has brains,why can't Audrey be like this then I would know that the future of our monarchy is in good hands if I marry her. Since I missed the introductions I guess I will not get her name. She speaks more about her foundation and all the work they have done in awareness of mental health.
"I believe that mental health should be treated the same way as addiction that is why we are building a center for all those that are diagnosed with such disorders,at the center they will get 24 hour access to mental health care workers and also learn about mental health and how important it is. Through the center we hope to irradicate all thoughts of worthlessness and the big tag that is crazy to mental health. Because a healthy mind is a healthy body,We believe that when people are no longer blinded by negative thoughts then that is when they will see that this is another challenge in life they can gracefully get through." She says.
Wow! I'm left stunned. I have never seen anybody this passionate about mental health. I wonder what her story is. Maybe when that "Mental Haven" as she refers to it,is done I should give it a visit. She is asked about her future plans and I just zone out thinking about what she just said. After 30 more minutes the first session ends. During the break artists perform on stage whilst the members of the first session are interviewed by the press.

"Sir they are ready for you" John says touching my shoulder.
Although I told him countless times to call me by my name he always refuses. I stand up and straighten my suit then follow him backstage where I'm introduced to members of the second panel,like the first panel there is also only one woman amongst us. It's worrisome that some women are not realizing their potential and taking the world by storm,they are just comfortable with standing by a man just like Audrey. We get called on to stage one by one.

The interview takes about thirty minutes then we are done. I feel a headache coming on so I ask John if we could skip the media round and he agrees. We go through the back entrance so that the press doesn't notice us after I have spoken to a few people that I had to speak to.

***

"Who was that girl in the first panel yesterday?" I ask John as we work on our paperwork.
"The lady in red?" He asks looking up to me. I know he has a good memory and he also likes researching about people that we come into contact with.
"Yes I didn't get her name" I say.
"She is a beauty queen. The reigning Miss South Africa so I have heard" he says shrugging.
I have never really understood the idea of beauty pageants,I personally think that they cause low self esteem amongst women. But you can tell from the way that she was poised that she is used to wearing a crown.
"I asked what's her name not occupation" I say laughing.
"Oh! Belle Peters that's her name" he says.
A beautiful name for an even more beautiful woman. I wish I could get a chance to meet her,I would really love to pick her brain on mental health because I feel I have never really been curious about it until hearing her speak. John gathers the files and stands up to leave.
"We leave in the next hour" He says turning to me then walks out.

My day has not been that busy today,I have been invited to a launch of a children's campaign which gives children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to study at private schools free of charge. I take my free time to call my grandmother and then Gwen. They are both so happy to hear from me that I feel guilty for leaving like that.