Playing With Fire || d.h

88. Cloud Nine

I check the clock on my phone for the thirtieth time in the last five minutes, which reads 7:58. I'm sitting at Dan's desk, in front of the computer, Skype already loaded up. I had sent Shane my username, and he said he'd call me at eight o'clock exactly.

I adjust my hair for the thousandth time, which I had curled, then straightened, then curled again. It had taken me almost two and a half hours to prepare for this interview. I cried from stress only once, but came extremely close to cancelling the interview more than once. Somehow, I had been able to do my hair and makeup to something close enough to exceptional. Call me conceited, but after the comments I've been receiving, I was going to do whatever it is I can do to look the complete opposite of trashy.

7:59. A knock comes from the door, and imma head snaps to the right, where Dan is standing in the doorway. A look of empathy crosses his face, and he walks toward me, crouching in front of me. He grabs my hands, entrapping them in his own.

"You have nothing to worry about, trust me," Dan tries to reassure me. "Obviously Shane wants to do this, and I'm sure he'll be completely understanding. It's going to be fine."

I sigh, knowing I'm overreacting. However, no matter how much reassurance I'm given, my anxiety's not going to budge. But I don't want to worry Dan, so I put on my steadiest smile. "I know. I know it's going to be okay. I'm just trying to convince my nerves."

He gives me a cute smile. "You're going to nail this." He looks as if he's about to add something else, before a ringing comes from the computer screen.

Shane Dawson is Calling...

The sensation of having the wind knocked out of me fills my chest, and I look up at Dan. He gently kisses me in the cheek, before letting go of my hand, and standing up.

"You want me to stay in here?" He asks. "I can even just sit in the corner so Shane doesn't know."

I shake my head. "I think that would only make me more anxious," I admit honestly. He gives me an understanding smile, before walking out of the room, closing the door behind him. I take a deep breath, and decide not to keep Shane waiting any longer.

I click the green button, and Shane's cheerful smile pops up onto the screen, fuzz surrounding the edges.

"Hey!" He greets me with the laugh I've heard in all of his videos. The familiarity loosens the knot in my chest, and I can relax just a bit more.

"Hi, there," I reply, waving at the camera and letting my hand fall awkwardly by my side.

Shane must be able to tell I'm nervous, as he instantly says, "(y/n), I know this can be nerve wracking. However, this is going to be an interview, not an interrogation. I want you to be as honest as you're comfortable with. And remember, we have the power of editing, so you don't need to feel like you're walking on eggshells. It's just you and me."

I instantly feel more comfortable around him, as if a large weight had come off my chest. "Thank you. I mean, I'm not going to lie, I'm incredibly stressed."

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. If it seems like I'm digging too deep, just tell me."

I let out a nervous laugh. "With as much of my baggage that I've put on the internet, I don't think that's something you're going to have to worry about."

He gives me a smile. "Okay, well, let's get started." He then turn to his left, which I can only guess is a camera, and says, "Hey, guys, so I'm on call with the actual (y/f/n)."

"Hi!" I wave to his screen, already seeing in my head how the layout of this video will work.

Shane put his hands on his face excitedly. "Ah, I can't believe I'm actually with you right now!" I laugh at his energy, instantly making me feel more relaxed. If there's one thing he's good at, it's definitely this.