“Okay, one last question before you go.” Alison said as she noticed the growing crowd around her. The interview had took longer than expected, often they would find themselves falling back to those certain high school moments, talking about the days when things were less complicated. AJ shrugged. “I’m not really busy today, my job is done, you can ask as many questions as you want.” “Great! Now, what can we expect from the debate today?” Alison asked. “Other than the expected arguments when debate is concern, of course.” AJ looked around the crowd. His parents wouldn’t be there, they had told them earlier on. They will arrest us at home and you go do what is right, his father had told him last night. They had their last dinner together, wondering when they will ever get to be together again after that night. He saw Justin, still clinging on to his father, perhaps he was secretly savouring these final moments with him. He wondered where his mother was. We’re gonna be orphans after today AJ, Justin had told him earlier. Maybe it was more difficult for him, AJ thought. At least his parents knew what was going to happen and they talked about it. “AJ?” AJ cleared his throat and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry…um, yeah, about today…I’d like to give you a head start on this okay?” Alison nodded excitedly. “Not everything you see is what it seems. What you think is the truth, you will find out it’s all a lie, and what you think is gone, well, they’re not.” Alison frowned. Maybe, just maybe, the glaring sun was too much on her friend. “I have…no idea what you’re talking about.” AJ laughed, of course she doesn’t; at least, not for now. “Just remember what I said, you’ll understand it soon enough. Expect some shocking news, that’s all I can say.” - “Okay, I’ve checked with your trusted Miss Felicia and everything is ready. No one noticed the switch.” Justin said as he stood next to AJ by the stage. Both looking at the two candidates standing behind the podium, ready to start their battle. “MY trusted Miss Felicia?” AJ smirked. “Yeah, YOUR. If she bails, I’m not gonna be responsible man,” Justin said. “And will you NOT look at me and act busy or something? I don’t want people to get suspicious.” “What’s so suspicious about two guys talking to each other? We’re supporting the same person for God’s sake.” “But we’re not supporting who we’re supposed to be supporting.” Justin argued. “And you shall shut up so that no one will find out.” AJ smiled. The emcee was starting her opening speech and they fell into silence again. This is it. It’s now, or never. [no puns intended, ppl!] - “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Kristina mumbled to herself as she waited patiently for the next move. “Who could?” She looked up and found the female police officer, Paulien, as she had introduced herself earlier, looking at her. Kristina smiled and felt herself blushing. “This really looks like the one up north, doesn’t it?” “Yeah. I can’t believe we didn’t even know it exists.” Paulien replied. “My husband died of Darla, this is really personal.” “I’m sorry to hear that.” Kristina said. “We’re expecting victims in there, people whom their family thought are dead. Aren’t you a bit expectant though?” Paulien frowned. “Expectant?” “Yeah. I mean, haven’t it come across to you that maybe, there is a chance your husband isn’t really dead?” - Megan Daniels had her mouth gaped for the longest time. Not only did the building amazed her, the field of soldiers, police officers and doctors that were surrounding the building shocked her. So Beth wasn’t lying at all. Something huge is about to go down. “Oh my God, I totally didn’t expect this at all.” Beth gasped. “What do we do?” Megan asked. “I think they’re going to kick our butts back to the station.” “I don’t think they’ll be bothered with us Meg, I’m sure this is more important.” Beth replied. “Besides, we’re just showing the truth to the public, I’m sure they’ll let us.” Megan eyed the crowd nearest to them and her uncertainty faded away. “I think I have someone who can help us out.” She approached the group and went straight for the man in blue. “Emile?” Officer Emile Heskey was surprised to find Megan Daniels. They were childhood friends, living just a few blocks away from each other. “Megan?” “Wow, been a long time.” Emile eyed the woman standing next to her. He knew her, she was one of the reporters in Ebay’s only news station. “You’re Kristina Johansson aren’t you?” “That’d be me. As you can see, we’re trying to get a broadcast on this.” “We’re thinking that maybe you can help us.” Megan added. “Help out? I don’t think there’ll be any problems if you do what you do. You’ll only help spread the truth faster this way.” Emile replied. “But you can help us further.” Kristina said. “Like how?” “We understand you’re put in teams. Let us follow yours.” Megan explained. Seeing Emile thinking silently, Kristina knew she had to convince them. “We won’t be on your way. We will follow your rules. Just let us be in there.” - “I’m voting for Dawn Seymour.” Leighanne blurted out as Mayor Nielson made his speech. Bob laughed and shook his head. “You don’t have to tell us Leigh, it’s supposed to be confidential.” Leighanne nodded. “I know, but I don’t see it as my secret or anything.” Jackie smiled. “Why not Nielson? He’s a very strong influence to Darla.” “That’s the whole point. Did he ever acknowledge our foundation? He’s never made any statement about what he feels of us. I don’t like him, he’s not trustworthy enough.” “Well, Seymour is about to make her speech, lets hear what she has to say.” Jane said. Eyes were on the screen again. Momentarily, the camera zoomed in on the people and the surrounding crowd and for just a split second, she saw AJ. “AJ!” Angel cried, pointing towards the screen. “Mom look! AJ’s on TV!” Aaron laughed. Jackie Littrell laughed along. “Oh boy, it is him. It’s been forever since I saw him.” “He lost a lot of weight don’t you think?” Leighanne frowned. “The boy is too pale.” Bob agreed. Jane felt uneasy all of a sudden. Nick had looked just like that weeks before they found out he had Darla. She hoped it was just due to stress and nothing serious. She couldn’t let her thoughts linger for long when the screen on the stage started to play images. “…they say actions speaks louder than words, so I shall leave this podium and show you the truth.” - I remember it like it was yesterday. Everyone was gathered in front of the TV set while I sat on Brian’s bed, his back resting heavily on me. He had his head on my shoulder and to this very day, I would sometime feel his heavy breathing next to me. Deep inside, I knew that he was getting worse and the best that I could wish for him then was to have him died a free man. Not in that room. Kevin stood a few feet away from the bed, often he would glance nervously over to Brian and Nick. He hated to admit it, but Brian looked like he wouldn’t make it through another minute. He felt guilty the entire day; maybe, if he had not let them play basketball in their condition, Brian would still be a lot healthier than he is now. The debate was about to start in a few minutes and the cameraman was showing the entourage from both Mayor Nielson’s and Dawn Seymour’s party. The very first time the TV caught AJ, there were small, excited conversations in the room. “Look guys, it’s AJ!” Howie said, smiling from ear to ear. “He looks sexy.” Brian had blurted out and everyone turned to face him instantly. Kevin wished he had a camera with him because it was definitely a Kodak moment. “I think Brian is seeing things.” Brad frowned. The guys agreed. “I think AJ looks good.” Mare had said and suddenly, there was a debate about AJ’s TV presence. Kevin personally think that AJ had lost some weight and could do with a little tan. But then he remembered that he was dying too. The debate started and Mayor Nielson gave one hell of a speech. He promised, among other things, a continued government funding on Darla Foundation and the well being of unfortunate residents who were struck by the disease. He called out for more volunteers and sponsorship to aid them in the search for a cure and better living for patients in the Home. “He’s good.” Brian whispered and Nick smirked. Not only was Nielson good at winning the town’s votes, he has the power to make people believe in every single word that come out from his mouth. When Dawn Seymour took the stage, Nick felt himself perspiring profusely. There were doubts and uncertainties, a million and one questions bombarded his heavy head, scenes of what could have gone wrong presented themselves to him. He thought, if this all fails, do we get stuck in here and suffer stage 5? “Nick, are you okay?” Brian’s question brought him back and he told him that he was fine. But Brian knew better; no one who trembles like you are fine, he had said. Nick shrugged it off like he always do. “Don’t worry Nick, you’ll get out of here a free man.” Brian said. Nick shook his head. “No, WE will get out of here a free man.” - Dawn Seymour didn’t chose to talk much and went straight to the point. Her speech had, to this very day, touted as the Liberated Speech. A speech of freedom. I listened to her speech almost everyday after that, it’s embedded somewhere within me. I stand here today, to show you the difference between being a human and trying to play God. I shall send those who sold your souls to the devil, to the very pit of hell. And I shall bring back the dead to life and be free again. They say actions speak louder than words, so I shall leave this podium and show you the truth. They watched in heavy silence as the screen on the stage showed the South Darla Home. For the first time, the people of Ebay were presented by this exact replica of the Darla Home. A voice was heard and a reporter came into view. If you follow the schedules, you should be watching a documentary about how Max Coultron and Mayor Nielson worked in support for Darla. But you have been channelled instead to this ‘live’ telecast. You will not be disappointed. It looks like the Darla Home. Every architectural design was built in equal ratio to the Home we all know that stands proudly in the North Hills. But where I am right now is the Southern Hills and here lies Ebay’s deepest, darkest secret. I’m Beth Ibrahim, join me as I take you on a journey you never will forget. It looked like a parade. Hundreds of police officers and soldiers geared up for the sudden intrusion. A group of doctors could also be seen. They were making their way into the Home, every step taken, freedom was a step closer for the prisoners trapped in there. “Do you realize what this means?” Mare said suddenly. It brought everyone’s attention back to the room. “What?” Howie asked, still in a daze. “It means they’re right outside right now! They’re here!” Mare cried. Everyone started to hug one another. Yes, freedom is by the doorstep and soon it will come knocking on their door. Nick closed his eyes and said a silent thank you. He saw himself in the embrace of his family again and now, it doesn’t seem farfetched anymore. “You hear that Brian? We’re going home. We’re finally going home!” He pulled his friend closer, hugging him and whispering him encouragement to hang on. The tears fell, the smile left and his body was once again tensed. He pulled himself away from the embrace and looked at his friend. Brian wasn’t moving and he was cold to the touch. “Brian?” Nick shook him a little but Brian didn’t move. Nick frowned, forcing himself not to cry. This can’t be happening, his heart screamed. He did not just give up on this! “Brian, wake up.” Nick continued, refusing to believe that Brian had left him forever. He was okay a minute ago, his heart whispered. Everything inside of him keep saying that Brian wasn’t dead. He couldn’t be dead. Too consumed in his sadness, Nick hadn’t realized the sudden crowd around them. Freedom had come to their room and taking them home. A woman in white coat finally got his attention. Her name tag showed ‘Dr. Johansson’. “Are you okay?” She asked with a frown. Nick nodded and the tears started to fall again. A camera woman and a reporter were approaching him and he saw his own face on TV. Oh my God, my parents could be seeing this! Mrs Littrell could be seeing this! She can’t see Brian like this! “I’m okay…but my friend…I think…I think…please…you have to…you have to save him!” - I remember watching them lifting Brian on a stretcher and wheeling him away. I remember watching my friends being taken away from the room and seeing Brad embracing one of the female police officers whom I would later found out was Paulien, the girl he had fallen in love with when they were seventeen. I saw Kevin and Lisa helping them out with information. And I certainly remember being aided to a wheel chair and taken out of there forever. There will be no more suffering for us. We shall die a free man. As we come to the end of this documentary, I hope that I have in some ways, open your eyes and your heart to see what we had went through. All we want is to survive the South Darla Home and live to tell our story. We hope that in generations to come, our story will still live on and that YOU will continue our effort in hoping that one day, a cure will be found and lives will be saved. Please don’t dwell in the fact that at the end of the day, all of us who had fallen victim will die. We have accepted our fate. Please rejoice instead, for when we eventually leave this world, we will die a free man. The End This documentary is made possible with the help of Mr. Nick Carter and his experience being one of the patients in the Southern Darla Home. He was interviewed in the early stages of making this documentary in 2001.