The Struggles of Growing Up-Completed

Chapter 19

As I go over the phone call and the many... chats, Will and I have had lately, I am astonished by how utterly childish and stubborn I sound. Refusing the People spread, not telling him what's going on. I need to grow up already, and it starts now.

"Emma, People Magazine are asking one last time for an interview." Deb says tentatively through the phone. I look at her through the glass in my office. I sigh, I mean it when I say whatever it takes.

"Put them through." I groan. Deb looks startled, stops, and I make my irritated hurry up face, which sends her scurrying to connect me. I stifle a laugh. Gotta stay professional.

"Hello? Miss Rembrandt?" A hopeful woman says to me on the other line. I clear my throat.

"Yes this is she."

"Oh! Finally! I mean, we at People Magazine are excited to write a six page s-"

"I'm sorry, but I still haven't said a 'yes' yet. I'm not even sure what you want."

"Oh, well-" the lady on the phone grows nervous then stops. Probably recollecting herself, she starts again.

"My name is Carol Arobin, and I am the editor in chief of People Magazine. It has become my sole mission to enlist you for An amazing spread we have planned. We want to tell your story."

"Many other magazines have tried to 'tell my story', and without my help or Permission. People know strings of lies and truth already and it's been a while. I would think the story finally died out. Why do you want me now? Years later?" I know I'm going to end up saying yes to the damn thing, but not so easily. I want to make sure their intentions are somewhat honorable, if not I can go to another magazine. Besides, Im curious.

"Nobody is done with your story. It continues to be more popular than any other celebrity. You are look upon."

I remember what Deb was gawking about when I first hired her. How could I have been so blind as not to realize that people want to know about this.

"No other magazine has had authorized material," she continues, "This would be a significant gain for us, who only strive to tell the truth." I almost scoff but stay silent.

"Look, Miss Rembrandt, the world will always be curious about your story. We want to smooth them over."

"Why not enlist Zach and I?"

"We've thought about that, but many questions have risen with regards to women's rights and feminism, and you are back at your family's company. We want to start with you-"

"But you will not twist the story to demonize Zach Taylor. You will use my words and I will approve everything. Those are my conditions, or I will sue you for libel."

"Yes yes yes, of course." She stammers. She clears her throat. "Um, one more thing, could we have a photoshoot?"

***

I have a history of running off.

Of running off and being stubborn.

One thing my grandpa always said was that humans as a race and as an individual cannot succeed or advance until they learn to manage their flaws. I have found two in me so far, stubbornness and flight.

Lor stayed with me for a week, and we did pure girl things. Things girls in their twenties should be doing. We
Went out to a club or two, went to the salon and spa, and I managed to forget about my woes and worries for a little while, but as soon as I dropped her off at the airport, I faced reality again. But, I did vow not to leave Zach, not to despair, and to manage my flaws.