Chapter 44

Dušica's P.O.V.

Okay, guys, that's it. Today's the day. I am so nervous but I know taking this of my chest will help me, and hopefully others as well. Also I think this will be the first Ellen's show that is live. I honestly don't know how to feel about it.

Right now, I'm in my room going back and forth and Sam is sitting on my bed watching me patiently. She spent the night here and thank god she did, if she didn't, I think there is a big chance I would go nuts.

She sighed and got up, walking towards me.

"Babe" she said gently and put her hands on my shoulders to calm me down. "First of all, please calm. Take a deep breath. Come on, deep breaths" she said and I listened, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath taking in her vanilla smell which made me smile. "That's good" she said and when I opened my eyes she was smiling too.

"Thanks" I whispered and she caressed my cheek with her thumb.

"Now listen to me" she said and raised my chin up so I was looking her in the eyes "you don't have to do this if it's hard for you"

"I have to and I want to" I said and she nodded.

"Fine, but just remember that everything's going to be just fine" she said and I kissed her.

It was slow and gentle, just enough to tell her not to worry and more than enough to make me feel better.

"Now, help me to pick something to wear" I said when we pulled away and she nodded with shy smile.

Sam and I walked in closet and looked around.

"So something casual right?" she asked from other side.

"Well, Ellen and I basically agreed we are going to dress up casually. So I guess pants and simple shirt would be okay." I said and shrugged. She hummed in response and kept looking.

"Here" she said which made me turn around.

She was holding black pants. One of my favorites actually.

"Great, now, just shirt" I said and she smiled taking shirt from behind her back. "You know me too well" I said and shook my head in disbelief and she just shrugged with big smile.

"I literally just looked for black" she said with giggles.

"Babe, almost everything in my closet is black" I answered like matter-of-fact.

"True that"

We put all that on bed and I wrapped my arms around her waist, our noses touching.

"I need to take a shower, wanna help me with that as well?" I asked while smirking and she had amused smile on her face.

"Hmm let me think about that" she said and looked away like she is thinking hard about it, but we both already know the answer. "Okay" she said and shrugged like it's whatever and we both laughed.

***

I walked out of shower feeling fresher than ever. Sam just walked out after me and stood behind me. I was leaning on sink, my hands on it. I looked her in the eyes through mirror and she smiled. She moved my wet hair aside and kissed my shoulder. Chills. Chills. Chills all over my body.

"I love you babygirl" she whispered, her voice sweet and gentle.

"I love you too princess"

We dried our bodies and I walked out of bathroom only in my underwear. My hair was over my right shoulder and I was drying it with towel.

Suddenly there was knock on my door.

"Come in" I said and Sam glared at me.

She was already in bedroom, just in her underwear as well and before door opened I throw shirt on her. She grabbed it and dressed just in moment when Natasha walked in.

I could literally feel her sending daggers at me with her eyes because I was still in underwear.

"Stylists are here" she said and I nodded.

"Alright I'll be there in moment" I said and she nodded before walking away.

Just when I turned around to face Sam something flew directly at my face.

"Hey" I complained but caught tee before it landed on the floor.

"Next time learn to cover yourself" she glared at me and I giggled. "You know how much I love that sound, don't even dare to do it n-" but before she could even finish my lips were pressed against hers.

I love to listen her talk but I also love stopping her when she start babbling. Her hands were in my hair and mine were cupping her face.

She pulled away and bit her bottom lip "I hate you" she said and I winked.

"I know" I said and put on shirt she gave me and sweatpants. "Here goes nothing" I mumbled and went downstairs to get ready.

***

Here I am in my room, without any make up on, just got my hair straightened. I put on clothes we picked with Sam watching everything from my bed. I walked back in clothes put on some perfume and bracelets. I took simple black heels and walked out and found smiling Sam.

"You look amazing" she said with smile and walked towards me "and you smell good indeed" she said against my skin when she kissed my neck.

"Babe, I have to go" I moaned and she pulled away with pout, aww cutie.

"I know, I know" she said "come on, I'll walk you out" she said and took my hand.

Outside, car was waiting for me with Willy standing in front of it with big smile. I greeted him and he opened door for me. I turned around to kiss Sam for goodbye.

"Everything's going to be fine, baby" she said with comforting smile.

"I know" I said and she got on her toe to kiss me because I wear heels.

"Take care" she whispered and than looked at Willy "Take care of my girl big man, will you?" she asked and I laughed together with Willy who shook his head in disbelief.

"Don't worry, Miss" he said "I will"

I got in car and we drove away. Willy chuckled few times and I glared at him.

"Come on, come on, spill it" I said and he laughed.

"Nothing, you two are really cute together, I'm glad I can see you happy" he said and I blushed.

"Thank you, really" he nodded with smile.

Oh, guys I almost forgot to tell you! I got phonecall from Ellen's colleague and you won't believe it, but we agreed that I'm going to scare Ellen. You know how she scares her guests? Well not anymore. This is going to be fun.

***

"Hey, you are here!" Ellen said excitedly when I walked into backstage and hugged me.

"I am so glad you called me" I said and pulled away "I hope I am not late"

"Pleasure is mine" she said "and no, you're just on time."

We chatted a little before it was time to start the show and she walked out to begin with her usual stuff.

"You ready?" One girl asked and I nodded while smiling "Yes"

"Follow me" she added and leaded me to other side of the studio.

I could see Ellen sitting on her usual armchair.

"I am really honored to have my today's guest here. Please welcome, Dušica Nikolic!" she said and crowd applauded.

Door opened but no one came out. Me and the rest of staff that was here almost burst out laughing but we needed to control ourselves.

Ellen looked around and got up. Some guy ran towards her from the other side.

"She is not here" he said and Ellen was confused.

"Now" girl that brought me here said and chuckled "Go"

I nodded and ran out while Ellen's back were facing me. I put finger over my lips to show audience not to make much noise. They laughed a little and I kneeled behind her chair.

I could hear her laugh, nervous laugh and she sighed.

"Looks like she is not coming." she said and audience gasped, I looked at them and gave them thumbs up "Well, I guess you guys are going to listen to my jokes for the rest of the night. But right now we are going on advertisements" we already knew she would ask for this but agreed they'll tell her it's on even if it's not.

"Come on, you have to sit" guy said and she walked over here.

I looked up at the ceiling and bit my lip to stop myself from laughing. I could feel she sat down.

"This never happened before, I don't even know what to do" she said and sighed and suddenly felt bad. I peeked and smiled, audience laughed a little bit Ellen fortunately ignored them.

I poked her cheek "Nice shirt" I said and she jumped off of her chair and feel on the floor.

"What the!?" She screamed.

I, myself was sitting on the floor right now laughing my ass off together with everyone from the staff and audience.

"Fuck! Shit! Fuuuuck!" Ellen cursed, I guess it's going to be beep?

She then leaned on chair behind her and started laughing with me.

"I hate you!" she said and threw something at me which only made me laugh even more.

"Sorry" I said and got up. I walked towards her and gave her hand.

She looked at me with smile and shook her head in disbelief. She took my hand and I helped her up. She chuckled which made me laugh again.

"I hate you guys for doing this!" She said to her coworkers and they laughed "thank god we are on advertisements" she added but I burst out laughing, I literally started tearing up. She realized that we are still live and gasped. Audience laughed and she looked at me. "I'm really disappointed" she added and I smiled sheepishly.

"Dušica Nikolic everyone" she said and pointed at me and I waved with smile while audience applauded and cheered.

Ellen motioned for me to sit down and I immediately got comfortable.

"First of all, thank you for coming" she said with smile.

"Thank you for having me" I said and just one look at her face was enough for me to get giggle attack which spreed to everybody else. "Sorry" I said and took a deep breath "I'm sorry"

"That's okay, you can laugh" she added but I finally calmed down. "Okay, so now that we are calm" she said, looked at me and laughed. Now it was her turn to laugh. I covered my head with my hands. Jeez, I guess half of people that are watching this right now is hating on me, but I can't help it. And honestly, I don't care if they do.

"Can we go to advertisement?" Ellen asked while trying to catch her breath "like a real one?" she added and laughed again, guy behind the camera nodded and soon we were free to laugh as much as we can.

"Okay, we are back everyone" she said after few minutes "So, it's been some time since gala, and I guess no one expected someone like you honestly. Also we all, expected some 19 years old guy or girl, but look at you, 17 years old beautiful young woman." she said and I smiled "But, I don't want to talk about that gala and you being the heir for now" she added.

"Fine by me" I said with smile and she smiled back.

We talked and talked about some random stuff, both of us enjoying with audience as well. I looked like they liked me.

"Do you have any pets?" Ellen asked suddenly and I nodded.

"Yes, one dog, Charlie and horses"

We kept talking, joking around every now and then.

"I honestly was wondering what do you think about feminism" she said out of nowhere.

"Well, I consider myself as a feminist, but I don't agree with all of that. For example I don't like that famous sentence Future is female" I said and everyone looked at me weirdly. "Feminism is not about making women more important than men, as well as Black life matters movement is not about making people with other skin color more important, pride month is not about making LGBTQ+ community more important than straight people. It's all about making us equal, us all. So, no, future I not female. Future is female, male, gay, straight, black, white, trans. Doesn't matter what is your gender, sexuality, race, religion. Your physical appearance doesn't matter. As long as you are good person, if you are good inside, future IS you." I said and Ellen just shook her head and clapped, soon everyone else joining her.

"Can you be our president?" She asked and I giggled.

"Maybe one day, who knows" I said and shrugged.

"Donald Trump, watch out" she added and I blushed.

***

"I heard that you are not single" she said with smirk and I blushed, audience giggled and I looked at them, fake glaring with smile spreading on my face. "So, by your reaction I'd tell it is true, right?" She asked and chuckled.

"That's right"

"So, I have some pictures" and audience cheered and I laughed.

"Of course you do"

"I was wondering can we see them?" she asked and I nodded.

"Sure, why not. Well, you already have it" she chuckled and nodded.

"Okay, here we go" she said and on screen appeared picture of me and... Charlie.

I put hand over my face and started laughing. She looked at me weirdly and I laughed even more.

"I don't know where you got this, but" I said between giggles "this is my ex, Charlie" I added and she gasped and audience laughed again.

"This? This is your ex? Well damn, how does your now looks like" she asked surprised and I laughed.

"Well, I can definitely show you. I have some pictures in my phone" I smirked and she nodded.

"Sure, but first I want to talk about fact that you named your dog after your ex!" she said and everyone, including the two of us bursted out laughing.

"Well he asked to" I said and put my arms up in defense.

She laughed Again and shook her head in disbelief. "We'll just give it to Mark and he'll put pictures on the screen" she said and guy started walking towards us, I got up and met him halfway.

"Here" I said and handed him phone, already opened camera roll "pick few" I said with smile and he nodded walking away.

I sat and he literally screamed from the other side which made me laugh.

"Oh my god! This can't be" he said and Ellen looked at him excitedly.

"Hurry up, I'm curious." She said and turned totally facing the screen. She is really still a child in soul. I smiled at her and waited for pictures to appear.

"I CAN'T PICK JUST FEW!" guy yelled from behind "It's just... They are... GOALS!" he said and I laughed blushing even more.

"Just do it already" Ellen said in expectation and audience laughed at her.

"Here you go!" Guy shouted again and first picture of me and Sam appeared.

Audience gasped and Ellen jumped off her chair.

"No way!" she yelled, her mouth opened and hands in her hair.

"I told you!" Mark said and she looked at me who was red as tomato but laughing my ass off.

"Oh my god" she mumbled and sat back down.

Pictures of us kept going, from the double date to France, to us chilling at her or my place, to us in car (usually pictures she took while I was driving, with me holding her hand) and many more.

I hid my face behind my hands trying desperately to hide my blush from all the people. It looks like people liked us.

"Don't hide your face now, young lady" she said with chuckle "Tell me how did you two met"

I moved my hands away and smiled. Big, happy smile, that appear only when I'm with Sam or when I'm thinking, talking about her.

"Aww look at you" she said "You are in love!" and I blushed even more.

"Stoopp" I whined and she laughed.

"Okay okay, now tell me" she said and put her hand under her chin.

"Well when I moved here, I started same school she attend." I stared "My best friend, back from London go there so I was like why not? Anyway, Sam is one of her good friends so that's how we met. She had no idea who I was, and honestly I didn't know who she is until my friend told me"

"So since are you guys together?"

"Basically since then" I said with smile "I can easily say it was love at the first sight. Because, give days later we confessed our feelings for each other" I added and blushed when everyone gasped.

"I would put you two on a boat" she said and I tilted my head aside confused.

"You mean you ship us?" I asked and she nodded and we both laughed.

"But seriously now, how could you confess it after so short time, I would be so nervous" she said.

"Oh trust me so was I, but shoutout to the best moms in the world who set us up" I said and she laughed.

"No way!" she gasped and I nodded.

"Apparently we both talked to our moms about our feelings and boom, next thing I know I was in plane to Paris with business partner also known as Sam" I said with laugh and everyone laughed. "We kept it a secret for quite some time, like two weeks ago we kissed for the first time in front of whole school, but guess word doesn't really travel that fast" I said and shrugged.

"Well, that's seriously an amazing story! You two look like great couple and it seems like you're really happy."

"We are" I said with smile.

"So, does it means you are bisexual?" She asked (A/N: Of course this is something Ellen would never ask but I need it)

"Well, honestly I don't like labels. Although, I scream 'I'm gay' every single time I see Sam buuut" I said and she laughed.

"Me when I see Portia!"

"Yeah, you can relate! But seriously I don't think labels are something people should care so much about. I'm just a human like everyone else. A simple girl, who is madly, deeply and strongly in live with another girl, Samantha Mett." And again everyone clapped.

"Can I adopt you?" Ellen asked and I laughed. "No, but seriously, you are so mature for your age it's insane!"

***

We are about to play 5 second rule right now. We were standing around that little table with red button in the middle. They told me the rules and we prepared.

"First question for Ellen. Name three things you do before going to bed"

"Uh drink tea, take shower and wash my teeth" she said and pushed the button.

"You are boring" I mumbled but everyone heard me and started laughing together with Ellen. You know her laugh...

"Okay, so now question for Dušica." Guy said "Name three things your partner-"

"Which we now know is Samantha freaking Mett!" Ellen said and I giggled.

"Do" guy ignored her "while sleeping."

"She smiles, sometimes talk and reaches out for me" I said quickly.

"Cute" Ellen said and I winked.

***

"I heard you have a tattoo!" Ellen said.

"I seriously have no idea where do you get all this informations from" I sighed and she laughed.

"But they all are true, aren't they?"

"Yes" I said with smile "and yeah I have a tattoo which I got some time ago"

"Where is it?" she asked curiously.

"On my small back" I said with smile already knowing her next question.

"Can we see It?" she asked excitedly.

I bit my lip "Sure" I got up and turned around lifting my shirt a little, enough to reveal a tattoo but not enough for any scar to be seen, I hope. It's not time yet.

"Uh it says Be the hero you are!" Ellen said, she was leaning closer so she could read what it says. "Any reason you wrote that?" She asked when we sat.

"Maybe I'll tell you later" I said with smile, god I was getting nervous.

***

"So it's almost end of the today's show and I promised you that we will talk about business and all that on the end right?" She asked and I nodded. "First I want to talk about project Alexandra you started, are you even aware how many people it could help?"

"Yes, I'm really just trying to do everything I can to help people have a better life. I want people to be happy and I'll do everything to help them be that way. When all the shelters and hospitals are finished here, we are going to start worldwide. Schools in Africa are almost done, that kids deserve to have good education, also I realized they need hospitals as well and we started building them too." I said "I'm just trying to make as much people as I can happy. Also, I know you know people who are in need, so I wondered if you make some list for me, it would mean a lot." I said and her face lit up.

"Yes of course! There is many, and I can't do all that by myself so this what are you doing will be amazing" she said with genuine smile. "But also, I wondered, because you never told, why Alexandra? Why that name?" She asked.

I closed eyes and took a deep breath. Come on, Dušica, it's time.

"You know at the start when you said everyone expected 19 years old person at gala?" I asked and she nodded not knowing where this is going, in studio was dead silence. "Well, there was supposed to be a 19 years old girl, Alexandra" I said "My sister"

No one said anything, even Ellen was lost. I guess she just let me talk.

"She is the original heir" I said and took a deep breath once again "but, she died when she was 17" I said and everyone gasped.

Ellen opened her mouth, but closed them. "I-I'm sorry" she whispered and I nodded. I knew if I don't tell this now, I won't ever.

"We were really really close, I was 15 when that happened. She got in a car accident, she gave her life to safe me" I said. "Some drunk guy drove and almost run me over but she pushed me away so she was the one the car ran into" I whispered.

"Oh my god" was heard from audience.

"Is that - Is that the real meaning of your tattoo?" Ellen asked, her voice shaking.

"Yes, and no. I mean no fully." I said looking her directly in the eyes "After that, I didn't know what to do, I was locking myself in my room, not eating, drinking, just crying my eyes out until I eventually fall asleep and then woke up with tears running down my face again the next morning. That's how I lived for some time. My parents were not much better but they tried to help me feel better but nothing actually worked. Then, after that I started drinking. Just going out in some places where people don't care how old you are, they just hive you alcohol and that's how it worked. Some of our people always was near, watching out for me. But one night, I kinda sneaked out from the guy that was supposed to keep an eye on me." I looked at her and she gulped "can I take this off for moment?" I asked and she was confused for second but nodded eventually.

I got up and turned my back to audience. Ellen got up as well and walked behind me just to see what am I going to show them. I took off my shit and everyone gasped. I slowly turned around and now they could see that big scar on my stomach.

"Oh my god!" Ellen gasped and put hand over her mouth.

I put shirt back on and sat down. I sighed and kept talking "hat night I drunk... A lot. When I was about to go home it was really late. My phone was buzzing all the time but I of course ignored it, I was stupid, I thought alcohol would take all the pain away but no. Someone followed me, I thought I was just getting paranoid but suddenly everything went black. I remember everything, even if I was so drunk. I woke up soon just in my underwear, there was some guy, I guess I already sobered up but I didn't know where I was. I tried to stood up and run away, it was just small room with mattress in the middle and little glass coffee table and chair but he pushed me on the table, glass breaking against my skin and leaving all this scars on my back. I remember every single second of it. His skin against mine, my cries and screams for help, but nothing happened. When he was done, he took knife and tried to kill me, leaving this scar on my stomach. I guess he thought I was about to die, but God somehow saved me, looks like he wanted me here. My parents tracked my phone but I dropped it like mile away and they searched everything until they finally found me" I said, with no single emotion while talking this.

Ellen was sitting on her chair, tears running down her face, she wasn't the only one tho, a lot of people cried.

"I am talking this now, just so other girls god even boys know that this does happen a lot, but it is not an excuse, it will be hard for you to get over it, but you have to go to police, if you do, maybe this monster would get caught and you could save other girls and boys from going through what you did. I didn't want to go to police and after some time girl was found dead, obduction showed she was rapped then killed." my voice started shaking, eyes watering "I blamed and I still do blame myself for that, what if same person did that? What if I could stop it but I didn't? I don't want any of you to go through what I did, I'd never wish something like that to happen to my worst enemy. It's just too much" I mumbled and Ellen got up walked over to me and hugged me.

She hugged me so tightly, sobbing in my shoulder. I took a deep breath and tear finally slid down my cheek.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" she whispered over and over again and I nodded.

"I'm fine now, it was hard, all that pictures hunted me in my dreams, but now I found Sam, I feel safe, and I'm getting over it. she made me want to enjoy my life again" I mumbled and she kissed my cheek.

"You are a strong young woman, Dušica. The strongest person I know, And I am so glad I got the chance to meet you" she said and I smiled a little.

Soon she ended show. I got up to walk to backstage and suddenly some kid ran towards me from behind and hugged my legs. I turned around to see her and smiled.

"Hey" I said and kneeled down.

"Hi" she said shyly.

"What's your name?" I asked holding her hand.

"Melina" she whispered.

"That's really nice name, Melina" I said with smile.

"You are a hero" she said "I already have one hero, my dad, but he is soon going to visit my mom, so now you are my hero"

"And where is your mom?"

"She is with angels" little girl whispered and my heart arched. "Do you think she knows your sister?"

"I'm sure in that" I said with smile "my sister was really friendly so she sure does" she giggled. "How old are you baby?"

"I'm 8, I'm here with my aunt" she said when one lady came to us.

"Hello" I said and got up, shaking her hand. She smiled politely.

"I'm sorry if my niece bothered you"

"Oh don't worry, she didn't" I said and looked down at girl and back at last "Can I ask you something?"

"Melina, would you go to bring me my phone" she asked girl and she nodded and lady looked at me.

"What is wrong with her dad?" I asked and her face saddened.

"He has cancer, it's still in first stage but we have no money so he can not stay in hospital for treatment."

"What is his name?"

"Edward Kramer" she said and I nodded.

"Don't worry, your brother is going to be just fine. Treated in best hospital with best doctors" I said and she gasped, she hugged me with smile.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Melina came back and she looked between us.

"what happened?" She asked and I kneeled down in front of her.

"I don't want to replace your dad as your hero" I said and her face saddened "He is your real hero, and heros don't die baby, they live forever and your dad won't go to visit your mother, not just yet. But I'd love to be his helper" I said with smile and she hugged me. I hugged her back and tear slid down my face.

Soon I was back in backstage, I was about to wait for Ellen to get me that list we talked about. Door opened, and I expected Ellen to be there but instead Sam was standing there.

"Oh baby" she whispered and ran towards me.

I got up immediately and her arms were wrapped around me.

"I am so so proud of you" she said and kissed top of my head.

I snuggled closer to her and kissed her jaw.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered and we pulled away.

Here hands were on my face, her eyes teary, but little supporting smile was on her face.

"I saw how bad you actually were, I just needed to be near to you" she said and I smiled.

"I love you baby" I said and leaned in to kiss her.

"I love you more" she said against my lips.

"You two are so cute" someone said and we pulled away just to see Ellen near.

"Creep" I said and we laughed a little.

A/N: Hey guys, here is an Update for my babies. So I wanted to thank you all for commenting on what girl you like more, it really helped. you probably wonder what was that all about. I just wanted to thank you all for all the support you gave to this book and you literally picked main character for the next book I'm making! I want you to be involved in my work as much as possible so that's why.

And The winner is the first one (Josephine Skriver). Result was 72:56 (I literally counted them all lmao) for her, and I'm glad you voted that way because her character is supposed to be a little bad ass. Thank you guys, I love you!

Ps. Let's pretend that studio for Ellen is in New York 😂