Exposing ELE by Rebecca Gober

Author:Rebecca Gober [Gober, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-12-11T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8 (Leading)

We meet the others downstairs. It looks as if about twenty or so people are waiting for us. I look around and a lump forms in my throat. Old habits die hard, I realize as I admit to myself I am looking for my mother to start the debriefing. I begin to wonder who’s going to be leading the group now that she’s gone.

Mr. Leroy stands on a crate and clears his throat to get everyone’s attention.

“Thank you all for being here.” He looks around the room at each of our faces. “Due to the absence of one of our former leaders, the need has arisen to appoint a new leader for this mission. This person will lead alongside me. Is there anyone here that wishes to nominate someone for this position? Please take into consideration the characteristics this person needs to possess for this role.” He takes a dramatic pause looking around the room. His gaze lands on me and stays there for several uncomfortable seconds. “Willow,” he says aloud. “I nominate Willow.”

My eyes get round as saucers. I can’t be a leader! I’m only sixteen! Before I can say ‘no’, Alec chimes in. “I second that nomination.”

Before I can let this sink in, one person after another agrees with Mr. Leroy’s nomination. My heart threatens to beat out of my chest. Oh. My. Gosh, I think to myself.

My wall must not have worked well enough because Tony has heard my nervous cries. “Consider it an honor, Willow. If you deny these people what they want, you can expect them to be wary. They need to have the leader they desire. Apparently, that person is you.” I didn't even realize he had walked up right next to me. He gives my hand a squeeze of reassurance and lets it go again.

I give him a sideways look. How can Tony go so quickly from cold to hot? Was he not just yelling at me a few minutes ago? Now he thinks I should lead these people... I let out a deep breath. I look around as more people step forward and agree that I should take my mother's place. “Tony, I am only sixteen! I can't do this! Everyone is crazy.”

“Josiah became King of Judah at the age of eight. Joan of Arc led the French Army at nineteen. King Tut led all of Egypt at age nine. Age isn't everything you think it is. Your heart and your spirit speak more than a simple candle count on your birthday cake,” Tony encourages me.

I give him a sideways glance. Who knew Tony was so passionate about history? Or so good at giving pep talks.

Unable to avoid eye contact any further, Mr. Leroy motions for me to come forward. My feet feel like lead as I move to the front of the room. He puts his arm around me and gives it a squeeze. Normally this would make me extremely uncomfortable, but right now, I feel like he’s grounding me to the earth.

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