Entrance to the Song (completed)

Chapter 3 - Paradise Lost

A forest's wilderness is a gateway to the universe

The hours crept by–they served a variety of gelatinous food in squares for lunch. The government decided that actual food proved less convenient than balling up the vitamins and minerals kids needed into tasteless torture.

"Looks delicious," Anon said sliding into the seat beside me.

"Hi, Anon," Raya said showing off her smile.

"Raya," he said staring at her. His thick eyebrows gave him a predatory look. "Your smile is even more stunning than usual." His voice had a disapproving tone, but she didn't notice.

"Why thank you." She curled a piece of her hair around her finger. "I look forward to hearing your presentation at the Emporium. Something about gravity?" She blinked her eyes a few times.

"Space exploration," I said poking at the orange gelatin on my plate.

He turned with surprise. "That's right. I've been studying a planet with earth like atmosphere."

"It's an amazing discovery," I said.

"Sounds fantastic," Raya said taking a slow bite of her green glob calling attention to her mouth.

Anon examined her with a slight frown. "Yes, I'm excited to share my findings." He gazed at me. "What about you? You've kept your proposal a great secret; can I get a hint?"

I shook my head and swallowed, feeling the food slide down my throat.

"Well," he tapped his plate with his spoon. "We'll all find out the great mystery in a few minutes."

We all walked to the auditorium together–it was already half full with students and visitors viewing the different presentation areas. I tapped on my mobile device to confirm my allotted presentation area was number forty-two. The map led me to the right between two other booths that had students setting up displays.

"My booth is this way," Anon said pointing in the opposite direction.

"I'm over here," I said.

"Do you need help setting up?" He asked.

"No, thank you."

"I'll help you set up," Raya said grabbing Anon's arm. "See you later Pendra." She waved.

I took a deep breath and entered my presentation area. Pushing the button for the privacy screen to rise from the floor, I moved to the center panel to plug in my device. The slides I provided, and myself, would be projected to the podium in the middle of the room and all the outer wall panels when my allotted time came up.

The blue button allowed me to see the audience in return. Did I want to watch their faces? Bile rose in the back of my throat at the thought. How else would I know they were receptive? A timer popped up on the screen, "Ten minutes until your presentation," said a soft feminine voice.

I went through the notes and slides again.

"Five minutes."

My palms were sweating.

"One minute."

I took a deep breath. My finger hovered over the blue button.

The panels flashed red, yellow, and then green for me to begin.

I closed my eyes and hit the blue button when I opened them the crowd stared back at me. I licked my lips.

"Welcome to this year's science emporium. I'm privileged to present on a subject that is very important. I hope to provide an alternative for the less fortunate to earn currency."