I stare at my laptop computer as Meylin’s hand brushes against my back (probably as she’s gripping the chair). Okay. It’s been over a week since we came up with the idea for the interviews. I’m starting to get impatient. Now that I have Meylin over, it’s time to actually put our thoughts into action.
However, first things first, I need a platform to actually attract potential interview subjects. My best bet is creating an Instagram post describing what the project entails and to generate attention. I’ll do the same thing on my Twitter later this afternoon.
“Run by parents? What’s that?” Meylin laughs when I log into my account.
“You’ve never been to my Instagram before? Really? Anyway, I’m underage so I have to put that. My parents never look at my posts.”
“How do you know, though?”
I ignore her irrelevant question as I take out my cell phone to log in. Haven’t been on Instagram in a while. Almost forgot that I need my phone to create posts.
“You should make a post and just write what the project is about. And how, you want to, you know, educate people and stuff. You’re an actress, I’m sure you can think of something.”
“Yeah. I already rehearsed it last night.”
“Oh yeah, make sure you put your email so they can reach you. Don’t forget that.” Meylin adds.
“What? No way. I’m not putting my personal email. You know how many people will write to me? And most of it will not have anything to do with this project either.”
“Then how…”
“Don’t sweat it. I already created another email address just for this very purpose. I made up a fake person and everything. They’ll think they’re emailing someone that works with me. That way, it won’t just be fan mail.”
“You really think that’s going to work?”
“I have to do something. It’s worth a try anyway. I can always delete it if it doesn’t work.”
“Okay. Here.” I then hand her my phone as I move my chair, away from my desk, and towards the center of the room.
“Yeah…and?” Meylin asks.
“What do you think I’m doing, Meylin? Get ready to film me in five seconds (I’ll count you down).”
“Oh, right.”
“Five…four…three…two…one.”
I instinctively straighten my white blouse and lean forward so Meylin can get the best shot. Even though that’s not really necessary but whatever. Old habits.
“Hey, guys. I just wanted to take this time to thank you all for supporting Spirit Scribe. It’s been really awesome working on the show, and judging from your comments, you’ve been enjoying it as well. That means the world to me and I’m definitely excited to start filming season two.”
Okay. I’ve had enough of this pandering. It’s time to get serious. Besides, PBS isn’t paying me to promote that stupid show on my own time.
“Anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m starting a new project. Well, before I get to that, let me give you a little bit of background (just in case you aren’t familiar). I was born with learning disabilities, and last year, I was bullied because of that. So, I decided to use this platform to advocate for those with similar disabilities. The goal is to interview people with a diagnosis to help foster a more accepting world. You’ll see new interviews pop up regularly on my Instagram. Now, if you, or someone you know has a learning or developmental disability, please send an email to the address posted at the top of my page. Thank you.”
“You memorize all that?” Meylin asks as she hands me my phone.
“That’s kind of my thing.”
I bring my chair back over to my desk and allow myself a breather. That was a lot to convey but I feel good about it. I just need to watch it again to make sure it’s ready to post.
“I like the name.” Meylin says. She’s referring to the name I picked for our documentary series.
“It’s catchy, isn’t it? I thought of it last night.”
“Has a nice ring to it. Special Friends. Special Friends. Special Friends.”
“I get the picture.”
“Right, sorry.”
Okay. After watching the film, I’m confident it’s ready to post. After all, my experience with self-promotion has taught me brevity is the greatest part of valor in attracting attention. The message was simple and succinct. Just the way people like it.
The only thing to do now is wait, which shouldn’t take long by the way. Look, I have over nine hundred and fifty thousand followers, so there’s always someone browsing my Instagram. I’m not bragging but that’s just reality.
“Uh, I’m not going to wait here all day. I need to practice.” Meylin announces as she starts towards my bedroom door.
“It’s not even two yet, you have plenty of time for that. Just hold up a minute, okay?”
“Why don’t you come with? Everyone wants to see you. You’ll get updates on your phone, anyway.”
“I know that, Meylin. It’s just…it’ll feel too weird going to the courts but not playing. I don’t know. Besides, I feel like I’m in work mode when I’m at my desk. It feels more structured, you know. It’s just how my mind focuses.”
Meylin shrugs as she works her way back towards my computer chair.
As soon as she grabs the back of my chair again, I get an email.
This is great. I knew it wouldn’t take long. Only thing is I just hope it’s legit.
I open the email and subsequently slam my fist against the desk (turns out it’s not legit). Why am I even surprised? It’s by that loser creep, Andrew Gregory. He’s the most…Actually, read the email yourself first and I’ll explain after.
Hey, Autumn. This is Andrew Gregory, and as you know, I’m a huge fan of yours. Anyway, this project is such a heroic undertaking. You stole America’s heart with your courageous performance in Zombie Graveyard. Now, you’ve gone even further and eclipsed so many other actors with your philanthropy. You might not know this but I was diagnosed with learning disabilities. It’s true. They just don’t put me in special Ed classes. I don’t know why.
I hope you select me to interview. You won’t regret it! I just hope we can talk, face to face. You’re not mad about what happened with Jessica last year, right? Please don’t hold that against me. I didn’t know she was going to write that nasty word on your autographed photo. I was on your side the entire time against her. Ask anyone.
So, in closing, please choose me. I’m the best candidate for this. You’ll see why when we’re together.
Much love from your Number 1 fan,
Andrew Gregory
Remember what I said earlier, about how Meylin wasn’t annoying when she expressed her love for my work. Well, Andrew’s the exact opposite of that. He’s always begging me for autographs or asking for selfies. Not to mention, that he has this creepy crush on me. I just want him to go away.
“Gross. I should’ve known Andrew was stalking my Instagram. Him and his stupid, custom made, Spirit Scribe lunchbox. I think I’m going to be sick.”
“And he likes you.” Meylin laughs.
“Not funny.”
“I told you it wasn’t going to work, though. You’re still going to get fan mail.”
“What do you want me do then? I have to do something.”
I then get numerous notifications as more emails start to pile up. Wow. It must be fifteen or twenty in the span of ten minutes or so.
Meylin still doesn’t provide an answer to my problem as I start to read through my mail, each representing a potential candidate. Some are irrelevant to my project, while the others are dubious at best. Meaning, that I don’t think they’re being truthful about having learning disabilities.
Even more mail arrives at a fast and consistent speed. There’s nothing I can use, though. I hate to admit it but Meylin was right. It’s just useless fan mail.
“You know what? It’s okay. You can go.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’m good. I’m still going to chill here, though.”
“I’ll text you later.” Meylin promises as she hurries out the door. Seems like she couldn’t wait to leave. Some commitment she has.
This is useless so far. I then log out and jump onto my bed. The sensation of the red ball in my jean pocket, when I land on the mattress, reorients me to the familiar. It’s the only way I can relax after all that. I stim with one hand and hold my phone in the other as everything becomes ritual.
Being Special, Chapter 1: https://medium.com/@baltimoreraven87/being-special-chapter-1-b5e175dc0d00
Being Special, Chapter 2: https://medium.com/@baltimoreraven87/being-special-chapter-2-4c622095b4e9
Being Special, Chapter 3: https://medium.com/@baltimoreraven87/being-special-chapter-3-9515c777c14
Being Special, Chapter 4: https://medium.com/@baltimoreraven87/being-special-chapter-4-d9f850a08edd
