[Chapter 70: Try Your Best]
Though there was no military parade or large-scale national gala organized, the United States treated Independence Day with great importance, celebrating in a variety of ways.
In plain terms, it was all about eating, drinking, and having fun -- backyard barbecues, camping cookouts, hamburger and hot dog eating contests. Since July was National Hot Dog Month, it was no wonder many Americans had their share of extra pounds.
People decorated their clothes and accessories in red, white, and blue, symbolizing the flag. Interestingly, every year on Independence Day, the U.S. imported over 4 million American flags, and since the 21st century, 98% of them were made overseas.
And of course, fireworks were a huge part of the celebration -- especially the display on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which attracted over a million viewers annually.
Parades float down the streets, street performers, and other city events were also major tourist draws.
Many TV stations put on their own smaller celebrations, although nothing as grand or government-sponsored.
For politicians, Independence Day was the second most important event after the quadrennial presidential election, and the midpoint congressional elections every two years.
For example, Hillary Clinton was attending more than just Madonna's party today. In fact, she'd only show up for less than an hour before rushing off to the next engagement.
Madonna, along with some lower-tier politicians and New York socialites, were actually the main attractions at this party.
Orlando, as a rising superstar singer, went on stage to perform, then stepped down to let the politicians take the spotlight.
Hillary Clinton went up first to give a speech, followed by others. While their speeches were stirring and dramatic, with Orlando's telepathic ability, their words held no real weight. To him, they were all just actors playing a different stage.
But the real audience was the average American public.
---
Bored and needing a bathroom break, Orlando excused himself to the few New York socialites he had just met and headed off to find the restroom.
The party's main venue was the garden behind Madonna's Long Island estate. Behind the podium, a red carpet stretched out towards the villa.
Following the party signs, Orlando walked to the nearest restroom door.
Suddenly, a woman holding a small notebook rounded the corner and collided squarely into his arms--
Good Lord, she was soft, with a really nice figure.
"Ah!"
The woman stumbled, nearly falling, but Orlando was quick and steady, half-supporting her: "Are you okay?"
At that moment, his telepathy detected three people nearby who wanted to kill him.
He glanced back and saw three large men in black suits, expressionless, approaching.
Their murderous intent vanished when the woman on the ground waved them off.
Feeling relieved, Orlando finally looked down closely at the woman. She seemed about early thirties, wearing a sharply tailored dark suit that accentuated her curves, and her expression showed an unmissable air of nobility.
"It's nothing," she composed herself, brushing hair from her forehead. "It's my fault -- I was too focused on this notebook. Sorry."
As she stood and took a step, she wobbled again, saying softly, "Damn, my ankle..."
Orlando opened his arms again to catch her. She was soft like cotton in his arms.
"Ma'am, you look like you twisted your ankle. Let me help you to the lounge."
Twice in a row she had fallen into a stranger's arms; her cheeks flushed. "There's a lounge just over there. If it's not too much trouble..."
"No problem."
In the lounge, she sat on a single sofa and looked up at Orlando: "Thanks. Someone will bring bandages and medicine soon."
Orlando smiled: "I'll wait here until they arrive, just in case."
---
"Ma'am! Are you hurt?"
Lilith, her assistant carrying a medical kit, rushed through the door and went over to Hillary.
"Don't make a fuss, Lilith. It's just a sprain," Hillary glanced at Orlando.
"Mr. Keller? You're here too?"
Orlando shrugged, "Sorry. Mrs. Clinton's tripping had something to do with me, so I stayed."
Yes, this woman was among the more prominent guests at Madonna's party tonight -- the First Lady hopeful, the wife of the Governor of Arkansas, Hillary Clinton!
"I'm fine, Lilith."
Hillary briefly explained what happened, rolled up her right pant leg, and took off her high heel.
Lilith squatted immediately and sprayed medicine on her pale ankle, gently massaging. Hillary instinctively looked up and met Orlando's unhidden gaze.
Her heart jumped.
This man seemed electrified!
That brief contact left her tingling.
But she did recognize him -- the hottest young star in America right now, and tonight's featured performer.
"Mr. Keller, thanks for your help. Lilith can take it from here."
Her tone clearly hinted for him to leave, but Orlando was not the type to back down: "She's too gentle. Let me try. Consider it my apology."
Hillary: "..."
Lilith: "Huh?"
Hillary gently moved her ankle. A sharp pain shot through, and she hissed.
Lilith immediately worried, "Still hurts? Do you want to go to the hospital?"
Hillary bit her lip: "No, that'd be a waste of time. I have other stops tonight -- no time for the hospital."
Orlando spoke up again: "I know a bit of first aid. Let me help -- should ease the pain."
Hillary hesitated, then said to Lilith, "Let him try."
Lilith stood and handed over the medicine. "Thanks, Mr. Keller."
"No problem."
Orlando suppressed a smile as he took the medicine and knelt on one knee before Hillary, holding her foot from below with his right hand.
Hillary shivered.
That tingling, almost electric but not unpleasant sensation returned from the contact point.
He sprayed medicine on her ankle: "It might hurt a little at first. Bear with it."
Hillary bit her lower lip: "Okay."
Orlando put down the spray and began rubbing her fair, smooth ankle firmly.
It was painful initially. Hillary grimaced but kept quiet.
Soon the pain eased considerably.
And that tingling sensation felt comforting.
"Lilith, get some gauze."
"Okay." Lilith searched in the medical kit and found some.
Orlando wiped the medicine from his hands with a tissue and wrapped her ankle tightly with the gauze. Then he bent down and bit off the end.
"Try standing."
Hillary swapped to low heels and stood with Lilith's support, eyes brightening: "Hey, it really doesn't hurt much anymore!"
Lilith smiled, "Mr. Keller, you're amazing. I didn't expect that besides singing, you are also so good at first aid!"
[T/N: Free chapters are completed with this. There are 8 more paid chapters available.]
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