Among the Stars ✔️ [Completed] [book three]

Chapter 63

"Fantastic," Kathy's tone is clearly relieved. "Myself and Chris have watched the rehearsal and we feel that you both came across wonderfully. Shall we begin?"

I turn to Daniel who takes my hand in his, stroking my fingers lovingly. His blue orbs are filled with emotion, but he manages a small smile. "Yes," I answer feeling a little nauseous.

*****

"Lizzie, the reception to this is in-fucking-sane!" Chris shouts. Her expression on the screen is of pure shock. She must take in both mine and Daniel's dumbfounded faces. "How are you both doing?"

I open my mouth to answer, but can't find the right words to explain how I feel. My insides feel like a gooey mush of emotions. "Fine." I decide is the best way to respond.

"We will be fine. But, the whole process yesterday was a lot more emotionally draining than we were expecting. It's just a relief that the media have been so supportive." Daniel sighs while he sips his lager.

"Have either of you switched your phones back on yet?" Chris asks curiously.

"No, not yet." I say while glancing over at our two phones that have sat, devoid of life, for the last twenty four hours.

"After this call I really think you should have a look at them." She says simply, but I can hear the excitement in her voice.

"Why, what's going on? You've already filled us in on how well the interview has been received on all the networks and on social media." Daniel says quickly, his tone full of intrigue.

"We are being inundated with offers to help your new charity! Absolutely inundated, Lizzie! I've emailed the details across to you and Daniel, but we're talking millions!" She waits for our reaction, but we both just stare opened mouthed at the screen. She takes our muteness as her opportunity to continue speaking. "In the space of one day you have made a real difference already... #standwithlizzie has gone viral. Other people are sharing their stories with the hashtag. Women from all walks of life... from all over the world... are joining with you... oh, Lizzie... we can make real changes to women's lives! I have my whole team on this... we are going to make this dream of yours a reality." She gushes proudly.

"Are you serious?" My voice trembles with disbelief that other women are stepping forward just because I have shared my story.

"Of course! Lizzie, we spoke about how now that you're married to Daniel you have a platform for your voice to be heard... and by God Lizzie, you have been heard. I've read social media posts of famous women, career women, stay at home moms, young women, old women, all engaging with your past and feeling strong enough to share their own stories! Shit Lizzie, this is fast becoming a movement and we have to act on it now while there is so much interest to get this charity up and running. We've had calls from so many actors than Daniel has worked with over the years willing to do what they can to help."

Daniel gulps the rest of his beer. "I need something stronger." He returns with two shots of vodka. His expression is still one of complete surprise. "I'm not sure what to say! We're meeting with solicitors to get everything with the charity legal in two days."

We both down the vodka, feeling the burn in our throats. "I'm... I'm..." I stutter, unable to organise my thoughts.

"Overwhelmed?" Chris asks, and I nod immediately. "Well, I'll let you go and you can process what I've told you. Switch your phones on... and I'll call you later."

"Thanks, Chris. I think that's probably the best plan. Speak to you later." He ends the call before he reaches across to embrace me. We sit still, cuddling each other, not really sure how to take the next step. "Shall we switch them on?" Daniel flicks his head towards our dormant phones.

"I guess we better." I stand to retrieve our phones. As I switch them both on, we hear the twins begin to cry. "You could set your watch by them." I smile knowing how they love their feeds.

"I'll put both phones on silent while we feed them. Then we will look through whatever has been sent once they are settled again. Yeah?" He asks with an unsure tone.

"Yeah." I respond, knowing some cuddles from our babies is just what I need right now.

*****

"Wow!" Daniel exclaims loudly once we have read through all of messages and emails, and listened to all of the voicemails. "I feel really emotional." He confesses with a small smile.

"I just can't believe all of this. The offers of help, the messages of support, the love that is being sent our way. It's all too much!" I sob into my hands still feeling completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotion that my past has evoked around the world.

Daniel is next to me on the sofa in a heartbeat. "Look at me." He demands while he gently pulls my hands away from my face. "Lizzie, this is karma coming back to you! The help and support is exactly what you deserve! Shit, Lizzie! If anyone deserves it, it's you baby! You have wore your heart on your sleeve and told the world how you were a victim of domestic abuse. That is no small thing to fucking do! You went out there and let the world see you vulnerable and you shared your pain... and you did it like a fucking superhero!"

His words just make me cry more. "I'm sorry. I'm not sad about it. I just wasn't expecting this..." I wave my hands towards the coffee table where we have been keeping notes of the offers which have sent that are either monetary, the offer of properties for the charity to use, or people's hard earned time. "We can help so many people to change their lives." I whisper.

-

Hey guys!

I hope you are all well and safe.

What do you think of this chapter?

You all still supporting Lizzie's decision?

We're getting very close to the end now... I can't believe it!!!

Thank you all so much for your continued support. Love T x -