Last night, I had to ask Emma to put me to sleep. I knew that with what happened with Mikah and my speech today, that I would not get any sleep. I feel my self being dragged from sleep, and I slowly sit up to see Emma standing there.

"Good morning." I say, pushing my hair our of my face. "Thank you for last night."

"What are sisters for?" Emma has a small smile on her face. Smaller than I've ever seen her have before. "I hope you're ready for today."

"Yeah, me too." I nod.

She pulls an envelope out from behind her. "This came for you a few minutes ago, I was going to let you sleep in longer, but I figure you should see this."

I take the envelope on her hand, and open it as best as I can, without completely destroying it.

Madam Canada,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, your presentation will be moved to the main stage, and will instead be at one (1) o'clock. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Signed,

The Vampiric Council

"What does it say?" Emma asks.

"My speech... is going to be on the main stage."

"Really?!" Emma asks, a bigger smile gracing her lips. Her eyes also get much bigger.

"Yes, and it's been moved from 10 to 1."

"For real? Canada, do you know what this means?"

"My speech will be later...?"

"No, you're going to be the only one presenting!" Emma squeals.

"Oh shoot."

"Wait, aren't you excited?"

"No! I mean, yes... no... yes and no, all at the same time. One the one hand, everybody gets to hear about the effects of climate change, which means hopefully that everyone will be more aware of the horrible things we are doing to our planet. But on the other hand, people!"

"You're going to do fine."

"I know it's just..."

"Nerves?"

"Yeah, nerves."

"Hey, 1:30, this'll all be over."

"I sure hope it will."

"Now, let's get you dressed."

I sit in the dressing room that they have assigned for me backstage. Someone else, to Emma's dismay, is doing my makeup. My leg bounces on the chair that I sit on. I try not to make the movements too big, as to night upset my already impatient makeup artist. I just can't stand still. My speech still sits in my hands, but I can't even look at it. I can just stare at the wall.

"Alright, I think you're done." The makeup artist says, looking me over one last time.

"Thank you." I say.

"Not a problem. Break a leg." She replies, walking out, leaving me to sit alone in the room once more. I walk over to the mirror, and look at myself. The makeup is pretty much natural, sure, but I look nothing like I did 3 years ago. Huh, it was only 3 years ago. I sigh, and wring out my hands again. I pull out my phone, and look over Gayle's texts once again. I scroll across the vow he made me take, and smile a little bit.

I don't see why I can't repeat that now.

I look in the mirror, and look at my phone.

"I, Canada Wayward, will try to preform my speech with confidence, and even on the off chance that I do mess up, I will recover quickly and try not to worry about it so much. and once I am done, people will leave that room more informed, and I will answer all of the questions they have about the ways that they can help. My name is Canada Wayward, I am a kick butt, I am smart, I am successful, I am brave, and I can do anything." I take a deep breath in, and let it out.

"Madam Canada?" A voice in the hallway calls out.

"Hm?" I turn my head over, hoping and praying that the page didn't hear that speech and think I have an ego turned up to 150.

"I'm here with the mic department." He says, lifting up a black cord attached to a small, rectangular, box.

"Oh, right." I say. He puts the mic, and the mic pack on me, and I feel my heart rate go up 20 beats faster.

Just about everyone here is going to see me. Everyone. I take a deep breath, and look back down at my phone.

"Also, a person will be down here to get you for your cue in about five minutes."

"Thank you."

"Not a problem. Have a great speech, Madam Canada."

"Thank you." I nod again. In the time I was doing that little mini speech, Gayle had sent me another text.

GAYLE
Hey, I don't know what time it is there, and I don't know if you've already done it, but, I hope you do perfect on your speech. I know you will. You got all of us at home backing you up! ;)

CANADA
Perfect timing, I'm about to go on, and thanks for the faith

GAYLE
Hey, no problem. How you feeling?

CANADA
Honestly?

GAYLE
Honestly.

CANADA
I'm really nervous

GAYLE
Take a deep breath in, and let it out

Even though he isn't in the room with me, I still do it. I feel the air come in through my nose, and out through my mouth.

CANADA
Okay

GAYLE
Keep doing that, maybe recite that speech I sent you the other day

CANADA
Already did that, but I can do it again

GAYLE
Do whatever'll make you most confident
You've got all of us as your cheerleaders, we'll be proud of you no matter what

CANADA
Thanks

"Madam Canada?" Another voice calls at the door.

"Yes?"

"I'm here to tell you that you've got five minutes until your show, so I suggest that you come down to the wings at this time."

"Of course." I glance back down at my phone. "I'm just gonna text my friend back."

"Of course."

CANADA
I have to go. It's time for me to wait in the wings, but I promise I'll text you after!

GAYLE
Okay! Break a leg!

I nod, and follow the woman down the hallways, until we finally reach where the stage is. I'm shown a chair where I can sit until it's my turn. I wait in the familiar wings, waiting and waiting and waiting.

I, Canada Wayward, will try to preform my speech with confidence, and even on the off chance that I do mess up, I will recover quickly and try not to worry about it so much. and once I am done, people will leave that room more informed, and I will answer all of the questions they have about the ways that they can help. My name is Canada Wayward, I am a kick butt, I am smart, I am successful, I am brave, and I can do anything.

Deep breath in, deep breath out.

"Get ready, Madam." A voice calls out. I stand back up, brushing myself off. I look out onto the stage where a man finishes off his speech.

"Thank you." He says, bowing a little bit, then he walks off stage. The crowd thunders with applause.

"You did great." The stage manager says.

"Well, at least I'd like to think so." The man straightens his suit coat, then looks at me. "Hello there."

"Hello, sir."

"Best of luck, now that I've got the crowd warm for you." He nods and walks out of the room.

"You may go onto the stage."

"Thank you." I nod, and silently walk onto the darkened stage. My footsteps are the only thing that can be heard.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Canada Wayward, of the Wayward clan." The crowd claps as the lights slowly go up.

There are so many people in here. All look and listening to me. Shoot.

I glance down at my wrist to see that both of Gayle's bracelet sits there. I smile at little bit, and look at the quote on the plaque. Be the change.

Take a deep breath, remember, I, Canada Wayward,

"Hello, everyone, like the announcer said, my name is Canada Wayward, and I reside in Clair, Michigan, United States. I was turned a few years ago, this is my first year off of parole. I go to a regular, Average Joe, public high school."

Will try to preform my speech with confidence.

"It is also here where I met the best of friends that I can say I have ever had. It's a small group, but they have introduced me to something huge. It is no secret that the world is changing. We now have technology like smart phones, computers, cars, you name it, we've got it, or we're developing it. But there is one thing, that maybe we shouldn't develop; climate change."

And even on the off chance that I do mess up,

"Yes, I know that we're all tired of hearing about, but maybe that's partially the issue. We, as a species, are growing numb. We are growing numb to our Mother Earth getting warmer and warmer by the year. We are growing numb to the fact that storms and wildfires have been getting more, and severe- more severe, sorry."

I will recover quickly, and try not to worry about it so much.

"And I don't think that we should do that. That isn't right to our planet, which has provided so much over the years. It has given us life, and food, and shelter, and clothing, and everything. If you have eaten today, or put on clothes today, or taken a nice breath of fresh air today, thank the planet. The way that my presentation will be divided up into three sections. Cause, effect, and prevention."

I look out into the audience, and find Abigail, Matthias, David, and Emma. I take another deep breath in, and deep breath out. My heart it still pounding in my chest.

"Now, causes. There are several causes to climate change, a lot of which I am sure that you are all familiar with. The first, and most common, is greenhouse gasses. These are gases that rap heat in the atmosphere. Most of this is CO2. This occurs when burn resources like coal, and fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are in things like turn on the heat on a cold night, take a drive in a car powered by gasoline, use electricity from nonrenewable resources, or manufacture, just about anything.

"Actually, any pollutants we are putting our are really bad for the environment. We are putting things in our water, that could kill all of the wild fish by the year 2048. Only about 3% of Earth's water is drinkable, and we are overusing what little we do have.

"The second cause is deforestation. We are taking away homes of animals, and creatures. Deforestation is comparable to someone coming into our homes, or places of residence, and just demolishing the place. No warning, no heads up, no promise of a new home for us, just destruction. Which, I don't think I need to tell you, is a truly horrible, audacious, thing to do.

"So, there you have it. Years and years of hard work are being destroyed in a matter of minutes, John Muir once said, 'God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods, but he cannot save them from fools.' I think that says a lot in and of itself. But, what really are the effects of this? I'm sure a lot of you know, but I hope you don't mind that I'll repeat it.

"One of the effects, of course, is Global Warming. The planet is quickly getting warmer. It's rising by about 1 degree Celsius, or 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the ice caps are melting, which brings us back to the deforestation issue with animals not having a home. I know that you know that this effects polar bears, but it also effects penguins, seals, snow foxes, and so many more organisms. Humans are creating what could be known as the 6 Mass Extinction.

"This is also what is causing water levels to rise. There could be one day, where there isn't land, just water. And no, Global Warming is not going from winter to spring. Quite frankly, I don't get why people ask me that." I try and put this in as much of a comical tone as possible. The audience seems to pick up on this, and lets out a laugh. I nod and continue on.

"The next effects is more severe natural disasters. More severe hurricanes, or possibly, even more of these severe storm. In the year 2020, we made a record for the most hurricanes, ever. Not to mention, the rapidly severing wildfires that are destroying the Earth. California Wildfires have destroyed more than 4 million acres of land. That's houses, swing sets, little houses where small children play. Completely obliterated. Not to mention the amount of trees that were burned that help create the air that we breathe.

"Now, for the million dollar question 'How in the world are we going to get out of this?' Well, great news, we do have ways. Number one, of course, is turning to renewable resources. This includes things like powering our houses solely off of solar, and wind power. Also, perhaps, owning an electric car instead of a car that runs off of gas. Then there is just use less. Turn off lights when you leave the room, don't take an hour long shower.

"Then, you have supporting agencies dedicated to bettering the world. For example, I do a charity called Save the Planet. Other are dedicated to planting trees, or provided ways to preventing further damage. Then, you can recycle things. Maybe you could cut up things like those rings that hold together pop cans, or thing rings on milk. Dispose of your plastic bags in a designated zone, and use reusable ones. Don't use single use plastic. Support legislation to help reduce climate change.

"I could go on and on forever about these things, but, I am on a time constraint." I gaze down at the clock that blinked at me how much time I have left. 1 minute. "And so, to summarize all that we have learned together today. Number one, the planet is quickly being depleted of its natural resources, and most, if not all of this, is being caused by humans. Because of this, we are seeing a decline is biodiversity, and a rise in climate temperatures. There are ways we can fix these things? Yes, but they will not just fall into our laps. We need to work to get them.

"Now, I bet you're asking a very valid question, 'But, why?' Well, to put it simply, because, number one, it is the right thing to do. And of course, number two. Number two is that we are vampires, also known as practically immortal beings. We are on this planet the longest, so therefor, we need to take care of her as much as our mortal peers. Perhaps we should even care for her better." I pause for just one moment to take a breath. I forgot to breath int between some of my sentences. When I do so, the crowd cheers and applauds. I shouldn't have done that. I have just one more thing, can I fit it in? I take another breath in, and the crowd does go silent.

"Before I leave you, I would like to leave you with another quote, by, yet again, the great John Muir. He said, 'The world is big, and I would like to see it before it goes dark.' Please, if any of you take anything away from this lecture, do not let the world go dark. Thank you." The crowd thunders, and I'm torn between taking a bow, or just waving and walking offstage. I compromise. I bow a little bit wave, and exit the stage.

"I haven't seen a reaction like that in a while." The stage manager says, smirking a little bit.

"Really?"

"Really. Nice job." She nods, and I cross the wings with my hand on the door that leads to the dressing rooms, only to see that Emma, David, Matthias, and Abigail are already there.

"How did you get here so- enhanced speed." I cut myself off.

"My kid sister is a star!" David wraps his arms around me, lifting me up a little bit.

"Thanks."

"Nice job. You really blew the roof off of the place." Matthias says.

"Thanks." I nod a little bit.

"My baby girl." Abigail cups my face, hints of tears of joy forming in her eyes. "I am so proud of you."

"Did I really do that good?"

"You were perfect."

"I think you did better than anyone could have ever expected." Emma pipes up.

"You really think so?"

"I know so." Emma says, wrapping me in a hug. Everyone else joins in, too. It's like a big... family group hug. It's weird that I'm now calling them my family.

"Do you want to go have some girl talk?" Emma offers.

"Yeah, that actually sounds great."

"Great, well then, let's go." Emma says, grabbing me by the arm and pulling me to out into the halls. "So. how do you think you did?"

"I think I did pretty good."

"I say you did pretty great. You got a standing ovation."

"I did?"

"You did. You might need a stick to beat everybody off so you can at least have some you time at the grand ball, rather than spending the whole time answering questions."

"I mean, why not?" I ask.

"Can I tell you something?"

"Yeah, sure, what's up?"

Emma pauses for a long while, and our pace slows down a little bit.

"What's up, Emma?"

"I've been offered a job here. As a page."

"For real? Emma, that's amazing!"

"But that also means that I have to be away from all of you." Our pace comes to a slow stop, and we find ourselves standing in the middle of a hallway.

"Oh."

"I don't want to leave you guys."

"Do what you want to do, Emma. If this will make you happy, Abigail and Matthias won't have an issue with it."

"I know but, I'll miss you guys everyday."

"We'll miss you, too. But if you're happy, Emma, I don't want you to put that to waste."

"So you really do think I should do this?"

"So long as it will make you happy."

"Thank you." Emma nods. "There's something else that I have to tell you." Sorrow laces through her voice.

"What's up?"

"Canada, I'm so sorry-"

"Madam Canada Wayward, there you are."

"Yes?" I turn around and see a page running directly at us.

"Reigna Na'im has requested an audience with you."

"With me?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Okay, lead the way." I say. He takes us to the library, and opens the door, wide.

"I'll let you get talk to Reigna."

"Okay. I'll see you when I get out." I walk inside, the old door thuds behind me.

"Madam Canada." The librarian says upon my entry.

"Hello, sir. I'm looking for-"

"Reigna Na'im is in the same place where you met last time." He gestures his head towards the stairs.

"Thank you." I nod my head. The library in decorated for Christmas, which I now remember, is tomorrow. Which makes today Christmas Eve. Was I really this distracted with my speech that I didn't notice that the whole palace was decorated for Christmas. It now sinks in that the hallways have wreaths and garlands in them, and I couldn't even notice. I finally reach the third floor where Reigna Na'im sits on one of the sofas. This time, she's not surrounded by mountains of books. "Reigna Na'im." I say, falling into the usual curtsy.

"Good morning, Ms. Canada, please, take a seat." I move over to the seat where she points for me to sit in. "Your speech this morning was wonderful."

"Thank you."

"I was not quite yet aware of all of the effects that the climate crisis was causing. I read all of these scientific journals, and I never picked up on that. For teaching me, I will always be grateful. With that in mind, I want to ensure that every vampire knows what sort of damage we are causing, not just the ones who came to these years Feast of Restoration. I'd like to give you a platform, Madam Canada. I would also like to start a board, an... association of sorts, dedicated to stopping the horrible effects of climate change."

"An association of vampire's against climate change?"

"Yes, I suppose."

"That sounds like a tremendous honor."

"This could involve you staying here, full time of course. Though, you wouldn't necessarily be a page."

How ironic. Mikah tells everyone that I'm becoming a page here, and then I get offered a position that's higher than a page. Some how, this offer sounds better than the one Mikah offered to me.

"Is there a way that I could maybe... do this from away for a little bit?"

"But of course. You are finishing off high school, yes?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Then, how about this, you graduate high school, we put you in an accelerated program in college, and just around that time would be the period of your relocation so, perhaps you could become a resident here."

"That sounds amazing."

"This shall also require you to be a part of my council, which would have you coming to some events. Don't worry, though, I will be keeping it to a minimum throughout the rest of your school year."

"And I am grateful for that."

"Wonderful. Talk to your fellow clan members, go over this with them. Then, should you decide to accept, I shall put in into action, and in four years, you shall be the head of our- how did you put it?"

"Association of Vampire Against Climate Change."