>>18681315Unaware of whatever may be going on elsewhere with her sister Carmody, Colby Jefferson is talking backstage to Amy Flame, who has returned victorious over Candy of the Bubblegum Crisis, and since dressed and showered.
>"That was incredible. We're back on the winning track now! I can't wait until we get the full taste though. Immaculate Conception against Bubblegum Crisis, two-on-two, one team will--"Amy puts a hand on her shoulder. "Colb. I can tell, you're preoccupied. You don't need to put on this face for me."
Colby Jefferson pauses then. She still bears a persistent pain in her back from the last meeting with Miss USA; something was broken or compressed then. On a good day it's an aching, throbbing annoyance that can be quelled with a few drinks. Surely she can expect to suffer further injury tonight. Before, she was a random victim. Now, she is a target.
She looks into Amy's liquid gold eyes. This is what she's fighting for. Nikki and Priscilla and most of all Amy. Miss USA is waging total war on the Divine Angels. Could Colby ever yield or stand down to that?
>"Amelia. I wish I didn't have to do this, but whatever happens out there, as long as I can, I'll never stop fighting for us. All of us. But she won't stop fighting either. So I have to go out there and face her, even knowing what that means. And I have to do it myself."She leans down and kisses Amy softly.
>"I'll be right back."When Colby crosses the threshold of the door, it's not a spasm of burning pain that shoots up her back. It's a chill. Her mind is screaming for her to LEAVE. Run out of the building, jump in her car, and just GO.
She shakes it off and steps forward. Leaden feet carry her to the entrance to the stage one step at a time.
