Finally Free [Gavin Free][Undergoing Editing]

Poppin' Tags and Receiving Acceptance

As I sped around the large building with Barbara, I was starting to grow very excited for RTX. Burnie told me the important details about what happens and I couldn't wait to see everything in action. I knew I was going to be part of the Achievement Hunter panel and also the Podcast and even though I had stage fright, I couldn't help but feel happiness at the fact that I wil be meeting some determined fans--possibly handing out autographs. If you asked me what I was doing in a few years when I was younger, I wouldn't have said this.

"So, it will be your first RTX. I remember my first. I was so nervous." Barbara chuckled to herself as we made our way to her car after our examinations on the building.

"I'm more excited than nervous. I've never been to a con or any type of convention and being part of one is something I never thought would happen." She climbed into the driver's seat as I took the passenger side. As she turned the ignition on, Jason Derulo's Talk Dirty started to blare through the speakers, having both of us jump from the intense beats and amazing saxophoone solo.

"What about the panels are you nervous about that?" She pulled out of the parking lot and onto the barren street. I ruffled my shorter pink curls and shrugged.

"Kind of. I just don't know what questions people will ask and the fact that I might stutter might be an issue." I bit my lip. I've always had a problem with speaking in public--whether it was for a presentation at school or singing in front of a crowd, I just couldn't deal with it. It gave me severe anxiety, but I just hoped I would be able to handle myself during the convention.

"Well, at least you'll have Gavin and Bree to calm you down. I'm here as well. I'll make sure that when both of your panels are up to be in the crowd, giving you an encouraging thumbs up." She grasped my hand, squeezing it lightly and I had to do it back. She was such a sweet friend when she wasn't making vulgar jokes or drawing penis' on the white boards in the office.

"Thanks, Barbs." I smiled to her as she pulled into a drive-thru at Starbucks. We both ordered a cold coffee with whipped creme and chocolate shavings and we even ordered for some of the people at the office. As I sipped my cold drink, I spotted a thrift shop on the corner of the street and I tugged on Barbara's sleeve to get her attention.

"Do you wanna pop some tags?" I giggled as I quoted Macklemore.

"Fuck yeah! Let's go get those animal print coats." We both laughed and she turned so she could drive into the parking lot. I didn't feel like going back to the office at the moment, so messing around with my other best friend was something I couldn't pass up. The air iside was muggy, making me wish I didn't wear my Adventure Time jacket. Barbara went immediately to wear there were large, fur coats on racks.

"We have to get some and wear them back to the office." She laughed, sifting through the soft coats. "We could be like 70s detectives with this shit! We have to find afro wigs." She moaned at the idea as if it was her best one yet and I just laughed at her joke--I think she was joking.

"I don't think I could rock an afro." I shook my head.

"Just stuff that pink shit up in there and wear it like you know it looks good." Barbs pulled out a leopard print, fur coat, holding it up to herself. "How about this? Is this Macklemore?" She took the hanger out so she could pull it on.

"Very. Now you just need his quiff." I giggled as she twirled in the too big coat. I came across a zebra print one that was a bit bulky, but soft and cozy on the inside.

"Yes! We have to get these now! I wonder if we could stitch a dick on mine." Barbs laughed as I made a disgusted face.

"What's with you and men genetalia?" I wrapped the large coat over my arm as we came to the check out. The man behind the counter, with his large glasses and small brown eyes, seemed bored out of his mine as he scanned each coat.