A limo came to pick the crew up. I sat with next to Kori, Adam, Alesa, and Mason, and Liberty. Everyone else sat across from me.
When we got there, I got to go back stage and get ready. The people backstage even helped me put on light makeup, which I had never even tried. Kori insisted on doing her own. Two of the crew members even asked for my autograph.
Frazzled directors made last minute touches as I heard Ellen speak the words: "And now, the teen sensation that is sweeping the nation, let's hear it for Independence Gail!"
The directors nudge me forward, and without thinking I grab Kori's hand and walk on stage with her in tow.
The crowd goes wild as we sit down. Ellen applauds us too. I snake my arm around Koriandr's waist and peck her cheek in response.
"What are your names? Although I doubt anybody doesn't already know." "I'm Independence, and this is my girlfriend of 8 months, Koriandr" "And how old are you two?" "We are both 13" "And how did you two meet?" asks Ellen . "Well, long story short, I sent her email telling her how I felt, and ended up sent it to the whole school. I hid the closet, and she came to comfort me!" An audible aww escaped from the crowds lips.
"When did you realize you were bisexual?" she asks. "The moment I saw Kori" "The moment I saw Indie" we both said at the same time. I rested my head on her shoulder.
"Now we both know why you're here, because of this video posted to youtube. Why don't we play that for those of you who haven't seen it?" The video is projected on the big screen.
"When this video went viral, what were your thoughts?" "My first thought was, how many people will think I'm the hero, and how many will think I'm the villain?" "Well, we're all on your side here, believe me! You are an inspiration to so many people."
"What encouraged you to stand up to him?" "I didn't really think, I just thought of how much I loved Kori and was sure of my sexuality. I couldn't take it." I said. "Plus, he was acting like a two year old." I added. The crowd laughed.
"I understand you have a sister too? Is she here with us today?" "Yes, she is actually!" "Why doesn't she come on out?" Liberty comes out crying, but immediately stops when she is put in my arms. The crowd awws again. "This is liberty,"I said. "My mother stayed alive long enough to give birth and name her." "Now, people everywhere are wondering your story, if it isn't too personal, what brought you here?"
I take a deep breath. Kori touches my shoulder. "It's okay Kori..." She nods. I look at my shoes and start to talk.
"It all started about 5 years ago when I was 8. That's when my father lost his job. He started drinking a lot. Everynight he came back drunker, more violent, and less aware than the night before. For the first two months, he would wake up and be so sorry." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding." He didn't know what had gotten into him. Then he would say sorry every other night. Once a week, once a month, until he would wake up and not even know what had happened. And when he did, he felt no remorse. " the crowd gasped. I paused for a moment and Ellen took advantage. "If you don't mind me asking, why didn't your mother leave him?" "she was so scared, and by the time she gathered the courage, she was pregnant." "And how did you end up with your current parents, who happen to be youtube sensations?"
"One night, he came home in a rage. He was looking for a fight, and came at screaming, fists flying. I took a few hits and my mom came in protesting. He stopped coming after me and..." Tears are pouring down my face. Ellen passes me a box of tissues. "He got my mom and sister. I though-i thought I was dead. So I ran. I ran until I ran right into Adam and Alesa. They called the police ..." Ellen pants my arm. "libby and I are the only two..." I wipe my eyes as Kori wraps me in a hug. "I owe everything to the people I now know" I finally look at the crowd, and they clearly came on the journey with me. Seeing all the teary eyes, I feel like everyone is on my side.
Everything was perfect.
YOU ARE READING
Freeing Independence
FanfictionLife has always been hard for Independence (Indie). She has an abusive father, and lives in fear of him with her sister Katie and her mother. But one fateful night, she finds haven with some friendly strangers who take her in. But will Independence...
