Dreams

18

There are so many Easter eggs in this chapter if you a real one. IDEK if this chapters makes sense so sorry about that.

Also everyone go read WorldWithinAWorld - you'll know the inspiration as soon as you find it.

Carolina.

Carolina is sitting in the middle of the hotel suite she's sharing with Stevie in a director's chair the network brought for her interview. Given their tight show schedule her publicist opted to have everyone come to her, instead of the other way around. She looks in the makeup mirror one last time, then smiles as Stevie sits on the couch across the room out of sight of the cameras. It's not necessarily that she needed Stevie for these interviews, but she's glad she's here with her.

"Hello," Carolina smiles politely at the older woman in front of her, getting situated in her own chair. She never thought she'd be at this point in her career, sitting across from Barbara Walters to talk about her work and her life. Surreal to say the least, she's felt disconnected from herself all day.

"Hello, Carolina," Barbara says gently, extending her hand to shake hers. "They'll get the lights set up and then we'll be ready to go."

Carolina nods and crosses her legs, watching Stevie out of the corner of her eye. Stevie catches on quickly, standing immediately and moving to Carolina's side. "You ready?" She smiles, wrapping an arm around Carolina.

"Stevie, nice to see you," Barbara smiles as she notes the way they hold on to one another. "You're looking well - and very happy."

Stevie makes no effort to hide the smirk on her face as she leans forward and kissing Carolina on the temple, squeezing her hand. "I am, thank you," she nods, watching carefully to see how Barbara reacts.

Ever the professional, Barbara doesn't flinch, reviewing the notes in her lap while the women have their moment. Stevie releases Carolina as the crew adjusts their lights, focusing on each on the two director's chairs. "Alright, I think we're ready," Barbara smiles, folding her hands over her thighs as the cameras begin to roll, "I won't necessarily ask you everything in order. We'll cut and edit, so don't feel like you have to get everything perfect. You've been on tour now for a few months, and you seem to have a new, explosive following. How are you adjusting to this new life in the spotlight, with Stevie Nicks?"

Carolina looks at her feet as she tucks her long, dark waves behind her ears. "It's... a bit otherworldly, I suppose. I'm remarkably grateful for every new friend who has taken the time to listen to my music. Overwhelming is probably a good word, but not in any sort of negative way. Being on tour with Stevie, getting to see the millions of people who love her, it's the most amazing thing I've ever gotten to watch."

"Speaking of Stevie," Barbara says gently, "there have been some rumors circulating about the two of you; that you're romantically involved. Do you have anything to say in regard to this, or about how this was revealed to the world?"

"Uh," Carolina clears her throat, trying to formulate her words as carefully as she can. She knew this was coming, that she'd have to address it, but the thought of Lindsey still makes her murderous. "I certainly do not agree with the way our privacy was invaded and put on display. I think that entire endeavor was both selfish and thoughtless, on the part of the so called investigator who stalked us - because let's call it what it really was, it was stalking - and the gentleman who instigated the entire thing."

"By gentleman you mean Lindsey Buckingham?" Barbara prods, looking Carolina straight in the eye.

"Uh, yes," Carolina nods, "yes, Mr. Buckingham is who authorized and paid for this person to follow and photograph us."