Blossom With Clarity

Chapter 3

Alison's POV

My father announced his run as a Democrat for the New York Senate seat two weeks ago after Hannah and I ran a survey of the average New Yorker's likelihood to vote for Chief DeAngelo if he ran for the position. After a few weeks of extensive research, the data showed an overwhelming approval of his worth ethics, perception as a man, a family man, and whether or not they believed he would carry their interests to the big stage in Washington. The look on his face when I brought him the final report made my heart fill with joy and excitement. Energized by the survey's findings and from random people approaching him on the streets, he held a press conference and announced the official launch of his campaign. The crowd appeared to be excited in response to his announcement and immediately offered up their support.

Thankfully, two weeks into the official start of the campaign, no one appeared to be willing to challenge my dad for the Democratic nomination. Thankfully this makes it much easier to steer the focus on the presumed Republican nominee. Needing technical support and a strategy team member, Chief hired Hannah's boyfriend, Cade Rivers, to run point on that side of the campaign. I fully supported this hire due to Cade's impressive skills in hacking and programming, his social media awareness, and his overall savvy mental gamesmanship. Plus, he's Hannah's hipster boyfriend and has simultaneously become a friend of mine now that I am creating a new life in New York.

"So from everything that I can see on social media and from emails in the Governor's office, Pamela Walker will be announcing her run for the open seat today," Cade announces as he busily types and clicks away on his computer, briefly brushing away a strand of his long locks from his face.

"Well we were prepared for that…right," I ask feeling unsure all of the sudden.

"Yes we were. But we weren't prepared for the twist that they are about to throw at us," Cade replies now pausing and turning his attention towards me with his intense, hazel eyes.

"Cade, what the heck does that mean? You're freaking me out," Hannah replies nervously.

"Yea me too! Why are you all the sudden looking at me like what you're about to say involves me," I ask, feeling the anxiety rise in my chest.

"It's because it does," Cade continues, "Pamela Walker is going to suggest a televised and live streamed mini debate on Friday between you and her daughter as a preview for what will be discussed when the main debates are held later on."

"So kind of like when the Vice Presidential nominees have a debate... it's another opportunity to portray a campaign's message," Hannah replies as if almost thinking aloud to herself.

"Exactly. And if my gut is right, I bet they think they'll be able to make you look like a fool," Cade adds while shaking his head with frustration and rubbing his scruffy beard in the process.

"Well let's not let that happen," I reply with resolve while secretly dying inside from pure anxiety and panic, "Let's show them that they're not better than anyone else and that my dad is the best candidate for the job".

Hannah and Cade turn their attention towards me with a look of pleasant surprise.

"Alrighty then. Then let's get to work. I'll prepare an entire work up on the Walker family, especially their daughter Emily," Cade replies while resuming his ferocious typing, "We only have two days to prepare. Do you think you can handle it?”

"Thank you Cade. Yes of course I can handle it. If anything, this attempted surprise only fuels me to kick her ass in the debate. I'll do a little research on my own too. Who knows what I may turn up that might be able to help me during the debate," I reply while reaching for my laptop and pushing my reading glasses further up the bridge of my nose.




Emily's POV

As I look out into the sea of media reporters and their cameras laser focused on myself, my father, and especially my mother excitedly making her big announcement, I can't help but zone out while maintaining my classic smile and look of interest. What will the upcoming months bring me? How much hard work is this campaign going to require? What am I going to do if Jacob wants to move in together? A zillion thoughts swarm my mind until the sight of my mother turning around to face me brings me back to the present moment.

"Emily is looking forward to the opportunity to face off against Ms. DeAngelo. Right Emily," my mother asks gesturing me to the podium.

Stepping forward, I lean slightly into the microphone and reply with a toothy smile, "Absolutely. I look forward to displaying why my mother is the best candidate for the job" before resuming my picture perfect, statuesque stance in the background.

It's now the night before the event. Jacob is off on a business trip with his father so I have the night to myself without stupid interruptions.

"Hello my most loyal friend," I say aloud as I pour myself a hefty glass of wine and head for the living room.

"We meet again," I add before taking a long, slow sip.

Vibration in my pocket interrupts my moment of comfort. "Ugh Tim yes I will look over the notes for tomorrow. I'll be prepped. How hard can it be? It'll be like shooting fish in a hillbilly barrel," I boast bitterly as I read Tim's text.

Tossing my phone across the room, I whisper fondly, "Now. Where were we," as I take another long sip, throwing head back as the magical juice of the God's warms my throat.

Loud banging on my front door startles me from my drunken slumber as I begrudgingly adjust to the brightness that has enveloped my apartment.

"Shit. What time is it," I ask myself as I frantically search for my phone.

"Dammit! 11 AM. The debate starts at noon," I continue.

"Emily open the damn door," Tim yells angrily from the other side of the door.

Opening it quickly, I swing the door open and walk away, leaving him dumbfounded in the doorway.

"Are you kidding me? You're not even dressed," he states as I feel his eyes glaring at the back of my head.

As I step into my bedroom to throw a classy look together in record time, I hear him yell from the living room in is booming voice, "Emily, why the hell would you drink two bottles of wine all by yourself the night before an important event?"

I remain silent as I brush my teeth and hunt for an appropriate outfit in my closet.

Now in angrily thumping his massive body into my room, Tim continues, "Did you hear me? Answer me dammit! Did you even prepare for this," he asks throwing his hands in the air in frustration.

"Listen," I suddenly yell at the top of my lungs, "My private life is none of your business! I am your boss. You do not speak to me like this. I do not report to you or owe you an explanation for what I choose to do behind closed doors".

Silence befalls the room as Tim glares at me through the obvious painful affect of my hostile words. Finally speaking, he scoffs at me, "You... you are a piece of work. You are such a bitch. I actually pity you. I have stood by you for years and this; this just gets to be too much sometimes."

"Pity me all you want. I may be a bitch but I'm a bitch that gets things done. And I pay you handsomely for your help. So don't complain. Now leave me alone. I'll be downstairs in 10. We have enough time. I will win this debate. I will bury this hick and show the world just how futile their efforts really are," I say confidently, finishing the swift application of pale pink lipstick.



Alison's POV

"There. All done. Testing, testing. Okay Alison, you're good to go. We'll be starting in about ten minutes," an older, frizzy haired woman says to me as she finishes placing a microphone on my baby blue blazer and wrapping the cord around my waist towards the battery placed on the small of my back.

Hannah approaches me with a comforting smile and asks, "Are you ready to kick some ass?"

"Oh hell yes. I've done my research and I'm ready to take on the infamous Emily Walker," I reply confidently, mustering up the brief moments my emboldened side decides to make an appearance. 

"Aww that's cute. You actually think that you can win this. How... naïve," a menacing voice interjects from behind me.

Hannah's face immediately turns red with anger as her eyes narrow at the source of the voice.

Spinning around to face the source, I'm immediately taken aback by how close she is to me. Undoubtedly as an intimation factor due to her taller stature, the infamous Emily Walker stands tall and confident before me, folding her arms across her torso, and smirking at me devilishly.

"Learn one thing very quickly... right here... right now," she says stepping even closer to me while pointing her finger at me.

"You can't beat, outsmart, or take Emily Walker. Emily Walker takes you," she finishes before walking away from me triumphantly, effortlessly sashaying confidently with her long, brown hair swaying softly down her back.

I stood my ground during this entire encounter, not wanting to show any weakness. Truthfully, she didn't scare me or intimidate me in the slightest. I was more shocked by what I observed during this mini showdown. Was she honestly that heated and hell bent on trying to freak me out that she blew her cover and exposed a secret?

Underneath the perfume and lavender lotion, one could barely detect it. Only through close face to face contact was I able to confirm my suspicions.

"Wow Ali. You didn't even back down or show any signs of being afraid of her," Hannah remarks in amazement.

"Hmm... interesting," I reply still gazing upon where my opponent once stood.

"Earth to Alison," Hannah jokes while tapping my arm.

"That's because I'm not afraid of her Hannah. She's actually quite easy to read," I reply while walking towards the spot where I'm supposed to stand before I take the stage.

"Easy to read," I hear Hannah reply sounding flabbergasted, "She's such a bitch it's unbelievable. She thinks she's a queen and doesn't appear to give a damn about anyone else but herself".

"That very well may be true Han. But let's just focus on winning this debate," I reply attempting to calm her down.

Walking out on stage with my head held high, I met Emily center stage at a classic debate style table and sat down in my seat with a deep, cleansing breath. "Welcome Ms. DeAngelo. Welcome Ms. Walker. Thank you both for agreeing to this debate today. I'm going to start off with some pretty easy questions for you all then we'll get down to the nitty gritty topics on policies and practices," Roger Wills, a local news anchor says to us from the other side of the circular table.

Feeling empowered by my inability to see the packed crowd just behind the blinding lights that obscured my vision, I decided to take a blunt stance to the way I spoke. "I don't know about what you're comfortable with," I reply looking over towards Emily's direction, "But I'm ready to get down to business. No need for easy questions".

Emily stares back at me and then towards Roger and replies with a warm smile, "I couldn't agree more."

"Well alright then ladies. Let's get down to business," Roger says while flipping through his papers. "First off, Ms. Walker, can you tell us the impact you will be making on your mother's campaign and how you'd impact her thought processes if she were to be elected?"

Taking a deep breath and relaxing her posture, Emily folds her hands on the table in front of her and replies, "Well of course I'll be helping her in any way that she asks during the campaign process. Now speaking in terms of the exact extent, I can't say for sure at this moment. Down the line, if she wants to run ideas or thoughts by me, I'd welcome it. However, no one tells my mother what to do and at the end of the day, she will go with what she believes is right".

"Now Ms. DeAngelo, what would your response be to the same question," Roger asks turning his focus towards me.

Looking right into the center of the room, I reply sincerely, "Well I've already become a member of my father's team in our grass roots efforts. I will continue to be there for him in whatever capacity he needs. As far as if my father would be consulting me if he won the open seat, I can pretty much guarantee that he would. You see, my father is a family man. He's humble and he's not foolish enough to think that he has all the answers to every problem in life. He knows that he needs the opinions and input of others from every point of view in order to make the right decision whether that be a more conservative, moderate, or liberal decision. My father also knows at the end of the day that family is where you ground yourself. Your family keeps you in line and helps you stay the path. There's nothing wrong with consulting with trusted allies when trying to effectively bring the concerns of your average New Yorker to the big stage in Washington. But when all is said and done, my father will compromise and consider the greater good for whatever situation may arise".

After about 45 minutes of continued questions and discussion, the moderator asked us summarize why our parents would be the best candidate for the job.

"Well," Emily replies looking deep in thought, "My mother already holds a powerful and influential position in office. She has experience with politics and knows the ins and outs of what all of that entails. She has connections, determination, and an understanding of what needs to be done for the state of New York".

I can't even believe the words coming out of her mouth right now. She's making it seem like they understand your average Joe and give a damn about creating change when in reality all they want is more power.

"Oh that's just rich," I interject laughing at Emily's staged response.

"Is something funny," Emily asks while starring at me coldly, maintaining a polished exterior.

"Yes. Yes in fact there is something funny," I reply still chuckling to myself.

"Can't you see the huge difference?" I ask now starring at the camera.

"Enlighten me," Emily replies coldly after sitting up in her chair and folding her hands on the desk.

"We come from dramatically different backstories. You come from extreme wealth and power. You swim in the exclusive sea that belongs to the elite of this country. You have your law degree from Dartmouth and a Public Relations Masters from Georgetown. What average American can afford that? How can you and your family honestly say that you understand the plight of your everyday American or New Yorker? You have no idea what it's like to pinch pennies, live paycheck to paycheck, and wonder of your life will amount to anything. In case you haven't noticed, most people don't live in penthouse apartments or mansions. Most people work multiple jobs just to get by and support their family in the tiniest of living conditions" I bark back knowingly, feeling the air in the room shift in my directions as mumbles roll through the audience.

"Oh and a little country mouse like you that only runs a small hair salon can understand the magnitude and complexity of governing a body of people?" Emily asks while trying her best to conceal her anger.

"Yes I do actually," I reply the instant I realize that I've made her flustered, "I was fortunate enough to not grow up hungry or without a roof over my head. But my father was the fire chief in our town and worked tirelessly to better the lives of everyone in our community. He constantly kept me grounded and appreciative of what was provided for me. I grew up seeing how some people struggled to get by and how through the incredible efforts of my father, his fellow fire fighters, and leaders from surrounding communities, their lives changed for the better. That kind of effort and true heart is what this country needs. New Yorker's need a representative that doesn't mind cutting the yard of an 83 year old woman after a long day at work. These people need a man that will walk in the shoes of those that struggle and offer any support that he can offer. Yes, I may run a small hair salon, but I'm far from some uneducated, naive, country mouse that you're implying. I have my masters from Vanderbilt University. I am a licensed mental health counselor and I understand people. Everyone knows that your hair stylist is like your therapist. You have no idea the kind of joys and sorrows that I've heard from my chair as I try my best to make every client feel heard. I don't stand in front of others with a sense of superiority. I don't turn up my nose to the less fortunate because they have nothing to offer me. And that right there comes from the guidance and the up ringing of two incredible parents. And that right there is why my father is unequivocally the best candidate for the job."

"Well thank you very much ladies for taking your time to do this. I can only hope that future debates between your parents will be as passionate as this has been," Roger Wills interrupts in conclusion before the cameras shut off.

Standing up gracefully and thanking Roger, Emily spins and turns to exit the stage. I quickly thank Roger and follow Emily offstage. Once out of sight and away from watchful eyes, I forcefully grab Emily's wrist and quickly turn her around to face me.

The familiar look of complete fury explodes in her eyes when she realizes it's me.

"What do you want country bumpkin?" Emily asks trying to remove her arm from my death grip.

"You thought you could make me look like a fool today didn't you? You were so confident and so sure that you were better than me. But guess what, you were sadly mistaken. You obviously didn't do your homework on me or my father," I reply without emotion in my voice.

Taking a step closer to her now, I whisper, "Maybe it has something to do with your binge drinking last night".

I can see she's fighting back the urge to slap me so I decide to throw another curveball at her, "Underneath all of that beauty, all of that money, and all of that influence....a broken woman exists in misery. You seem to have to world fooled with this flawless exterior and a well crafted facade that you fight so desperately to uphold. But guess what Emily Walker? You don't fool me. I see you Emily. I can see right through you".

A look of complete surprise flashes in her eyes at an almost undetectable level if only it weren't for my trained eyes and expertise in observation. I've clearly struck a nerve and I’m pleased to say that I’ve won the first of many rounds to come with this complex person.