An overdue confrontation

I didn't lean towards my companions for support, walking down with my head held high. If I wanted them to respect me, I had to earn it by standing up for myself and not cowering behind my mates. I wasn't trying to say I was bold and not scared. I was. Feeling their stares terrified me, but I carried on.

I climbed the short stairs to the raised podium and sat on an armchair. With my mates seated, I focused my attention on the people who were equally staring at me.

As one, they rose from their chairs and bowed to my mates, who waved for them to sit back down. My eyes wandered around the room until it landed on the last person I expected to see. Helen sat at the end, her gaze on mine. Huh? Seems I was right in my hunch.

Mike cleared his throat, getting the attention of the people trying to penetrate holes into my skin. “You called us here for a meeting. Can you please specify the reasons?” His voice carried on throughout the room, the tone hard and commanding.

The doctor who ran the t