Just You by Marcia King-Gamble

Author:Marcia King-Gamble [King-Gamble, Marcia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Indie Author Project
Published: 2015-12-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Steve had shown up at the walkathon after all. It appeared that he cared but knowing him, he had an agenda. Somehow, he’d managed to push his way onto their team, announcing loudly that he was Halle’s dad. To avoid a scene, Juliette had been forced to accept his presence. He’d brought Halle a huge bouquet of pink balloons and it would be petty to insist he find another group to walk with.

“Look at the crowd,” Pattie said, punching Juliette’s arm. “We’ve pulled it off, girl. You’ve got to feel good about this.”

“You did most of the work,” Juliette said graciously.

“Not true. You contributed just as much. You were the one interviewed and because of that A-hole’s comments we got lots of exposure.”

Earl Porter’s words had caused a maelstrom and cost him his job but it had garnered a lot of attention for the walkathon.

Juliette felt an enormous sense of pride that all these people had turned out to support Halle. There were so many corporate sponsored t-shirts she couldn’t keep track. The neighboring schools had sent out cheerleaders, glee squads, and their bands. The physically challenged came in wheelchairs, some with attendants pushing them. Many were bald and obviously infirm, but they were there, spirits high, cheering and chanting. Walkers and runners warmed up, side by side. All were there determined to bring attention to a disease killing way too many people. The excitement was palpable as they waited for the grand marshal to mount the dais. Cancer did not discriminate among ethnicities or age.

No point in getting maudlin. She had to think positively. Her child would survive. Teams were lined up alphabetically, banners held high. The grand marshal; a popular Jersey Shore rock star, also a cancer survivor, bounded onto the dais to screaming fans. He began singing the Gloria Gaynor’s song, I will survive.

“Momma,” Halle said, threading her fingers through Juliette’s. “Why are all these people staring at me?”

“Don’t be nervous, darling. Just smile and wave. These people left jobs, children, chores etc. to come and support you and a cause they believe in.”

Steve, not one to be out of the limelight for long, took a hold of Halle’s other hand. To the outside world they must look the perfect couple. Juliette couldn’t bring herself to look at Pattie. She knew her friend’s facial expression would be her undoing. Even Juliette’s mother, Nora, shot Steve a startled look. What an actor he was.

Pattie linked hands with Brynna and Lauren. Nora and Fred Winters, Juliette’s mom and dad, were brought into the circle. The song ended and the crowd rushed the stage. It took a while to get control back and then the speeches by neighboring officials seemed endless. The Mayor of Asbury Park was the last to speak. He had an inspirational message that left the crowd teary-eyed.

On sensory overload, Juliette blinked back tears. There was so much to be grateful for; having a good friend like Pattie for one, who’d made her do this, even when she would have given up.

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