Man in the Mirror

Chapter 7: Leave Me Alone

May tried to hide her disposition with sunglasses. She turned away from every flashing camera and ignored all questions, especially those about her health, as she walked to her limo. Among the crowd, fans cheered with relief that she recovered from her fainting. Nevertheless, it did little to ease May's frustrations with the intrusive media.

"May, a moment to ask why you fainted after Gabby mentioned Drew?" a reporter grabbed her by the arm.

May pulled away, glaring at him through her sunglasses, "Leave me alone," the girl answered. When she entered the limousine, more reporters pleaded for answers. May didn't care. The brunette shut the door, and the vehicle departed.

The girl took off her sunglasses once she had her privacy. She looked at the hospital disappear in the distance. "Maybe I should've stayed there," May mumbled. At least no one would bother a sick person.

"Look at the bright side. The board decided to give you a day off tomorrow so you can recover. You're free from all duties," Wallace informed with a smile. He sat back with a relaxed posture.

"Just one day?" May glared at her mentor. What good will that do me?

"Were you hoping for more? That would be a big ask," Wallace raised his eyebrow.

"Which is why I never even bother asking," May rolled her eyes. The irritated coordinator crossed her arms.

Wallace sighed in response. When they arrived at their destination, more reporters waited outside the house. "My, they don't quit. Take us through the back," Wallace instructed the driver when he saw the crowd. The driver silently nodded. May thought little of it. They would still linger for answers like leeches thirsting for blood.

The driver drove to the back entrance, which hid among the dense trees. No one waited for her back here; it was just the limo and the silence of nature. The driver entered through the large back gates, entering a garden fit for royalty.

Wallace looked to his pupil as the limo pulled up to the curb. "Try to enjoy your day off, my young apprentice," Wallace encouraged her.

"Thanks," May flashed him a half-hearted smile before closing the door.

One of her bodyguards awaited her at the door. "Ma'am, we have a secure perimeter around the entire area. No one will be capable of trespassing," the guard informed her. May nodded. She didn't care much for anything other than to be left alone.

The coordinator spaced out of the present when she entered the modest mansion. She didn't want to eat, she didn't want to watch anything, and she didn't want to talk to anyone. May's motions almost seemed lifeless as she walked up the stairs. The brunette opened the door to her room, slipped off her shoes, took off her blue bandana, and tossed it all aside. She threw herself face-first on the mattress.

Finally, she thought. Suddenly, her Holo Caster began to ring. "What now?" May cursed when she took out the device from her shirt pocket.

She tapped on the button. A hologram of Norman and Caroline appeared. "May, thank goodness!" Caroline said with alleviation, her worrisome look disappearing.

"We were so worried about what happened to you. We're glad to see you're alright," Norman also appeared relieved.

"Hey, Mom, Dad. I'm fine now," May gave them a weak smile.

Being May's parents, they noticed the unhappy look in May's eyes. Norman noted his wife's distressed gaze. He knew he couldn't allow his wife or daughter to be this way. "What did they tell you at the hospital, May? What happened?" Norman inquired.

"They said I fainted due to a combination of stress, dehydration, and poor nutrition," May explained with an indifferent tone.

"You have to take care of yourself, May. I know it's hard to keep up in this business, but you'll fall behind if you don't make sure you look after yourself," Norman rubbed his wife's arms as he lectured his child.