Fools in Love

26. Distance Makes the Heart Fonder or Whatever

In the end, Matt and I skip two days of classes to let the heat die down a bit. Skipping is not a deterrent though, as we soon discover the moment we're driving out of the gated apartment complex. There are reporters everywhere, having waited for probably days on end to get their "next scoop."

Journalism is this odd form of necessary and unnecessary. We need journalists to report the truth, particularly about the world, informing the public of what is happening. At the same time, there are those hungry to delve into the lives of others that they have no right to do. Society is equally at fault, being so obsessed by celebrities, who are merely doing their job as entertainers, that paparazzi know they will get the views even if that means being morally questionable or outright wrong.

I'm thankful for Matt's tinted windows, even if I'm sure our silhouettes can be seen through the glass as paparazzi snap pictures. We pull out onto the main road, heading for class that may end up disastrous.

"Are you sure you don't want to take another day?" Matt asks, probably even more worried after seeing the amount of cameras still stationed outside his apartment complex, that are now following us in their own cars.

"We'll fall too far behind."

"I can try to talk with the school," he suggests. "See if we can do some online work for a week or so?"

"Then you're going to have everyone jumping on you about favoritism and celebrities getting special passes."

Matt sighs.

We ride in worrying silence, reaching school where Joey is already waiting. He escorts us from the car, which is parked on campus where you can't go without a parking permit. Paparazzi can't even make it in, but they're crowding the streets below, following us with Joey glaring angrily at any that dare get too close.

The reporters questions are fired so rapidly that I can't quite make them out. They're all along the same line, are you actually dating, is that really your boyfriend, won't you talk more about your drug scandal, then one catches my attention; is it true you're returning to filming over Christmas break?

I glance at Matt. He has mentioned not being sure if or when he'll return. Marceline mentioned something about filming over Christmas break too, before our argument. Now the paparazzi are here and asking, either because they have inside info or they're shooting in the dark. Either way, all of their questions are ignored then cast aside when campus security shows up. The reporters are deemed "nuisances," or so security claims, and they must vacate the premise.

Relief washes over the both of us. Matt sends me a smile.

"I'll walk with you to class," he says.

I have no argument there. People are staring at us, whispering when we walk by or even taking pictures. Joey threateningly steps towards a few or holds up his hand to try to give us some privacy.

"What was that about filming over break?" I ask.

"Huh?"

"The paparazzi asked. Did someone ask you to join a show or something?"

Matt hesitates. Seems I hit the nail right on the head.

"I got a request," he admits. "But I won't do it."

"Because you don't want to or because of what's happening?"

Matt bites his lip. I'm on a roll today.

"You should take the job if it's what you want to do," I say.

"We have enough heat as is. If there's news I'm doing a show--"