Breaking The Image

Chapter 9

Marli

Cameras Flashing as I strut down the red carpet with Miguel's arm wrapped around my face. Reporters shouting out questions as they snap away at their favourite Hollywood couple. Fans scream and shriek as they hold out tshirts,pictures and body parts for us to sign.

We smile and pose at all the right times. To anyone on the outside we would look like a perfect couple who are still at the honeymoon avenue stage of their relationship. It's so far from the truth. It's been months since I last saw/heard from him. No text. Nothing. He went back to Australia to finish filming the rest of the movie a week after we buried our baby. It publicist was the one who told me about his film premier. I wasn't even sure if he wanted me there but his publicist said attendance was mandatory despite what was going on between us.

We halt half way down the carpet to answer some questions.

"Is it a boy or girl?"

"Marli! Miguel!When's the wedding? "

"When's the baby due?"
I feel Miguel grip my waist tighter pulling me into his side.

"Is it true that you aren't the father of the child?" A pap known for twisting celebrities words and printing them in his trashy magazine asks. He sees that his word were affecting Miguel and continues to goad at him. I rub Miguel's back hoping that he would stay calm.

"Is it true that Marli had a self abortion?"

I gasp.Tears spring to my eyes. One moment Miguel's beside the next he's on top of the reporter pounding in his face.

Everyone scrambles away as security comes towards the commotion.
"Miguel!" I scream trying to get him off the reporter. He pushes me so hard I fall towards the floor tearing my dress. Everything seems to happen in slow motion. My heel breaks as I try to regain my balance. I hear and sense cameras taking pictures as I fall. My eyes meet Miguel's as I make way down. Gone is the man who I loved all that's left is an empty shell.

I start to feel pain in my leg as I get closer to the floor. I scream and then everything goes black.