The bus rolls in and many brace for a possible confrontation.  The cameras are rolling and people at home with their TV’s set to one of the cable news channels are watching.  This has become a more anticipated event than even Sharon was expecting and she fears it’s for less noble reasons than fighting breast cancer.  The bus pulls in and parks.  Ilene, the bus driver turns around with her right hand on the handle that opens and closes the door.  She looks at Sharon who, like everyone else looks at the mob outside their windows.

Ilene: Good luck.

Sharon: …Thanks.

What Sharon fears, Howie suspects, bringing a scowl over his face that he tries to hide from his mother.  Regardless of sides taken outside, it’s nothing more than a circus to him with clowns holding microphones and cameras looking to get the soundbyte for their "B" block next hour.  The last couple of weeks of punditry kicking around the pending divorce of his parents hasn’t helped matters, either.  The door opens and one by one, they exit.  Mark has his camera rolling, almost in an act of defiance more than documentary.  Their exit lead straight to a tunnel away from the crowds.  Sharon’s sunglasses are on as she walks by everyone, trying to focus on the speech ahead.  Out of the corner her eye however, she does see Faye.  Faye looks on and for the first time, her emotions shift from confrontational to concern.  She’s seen Sharon’s demeanor that way before and it’s never been good.

An usher greets the group of weary travellers, assuring them that they all have seats reserved for them up front.  Sharon is then escorted away from the group, including Howie.

Sharon: Howie, stay with them.

Howie: Mom, I-

Sharon: Stay with them, please!

Howie nods.  Nearby is perhaps the one person among the group who knows Howie well enough.  She gently places her right hand on Howie’s back.

Alice: It’s okay, Howie.  You’re with us now.

Howie: It’d be great if you guys were…

Howie walks forward as Alice and Lara walk with him.  One by one, they shuffle into the auditorium.  The audience inside see them being escorted to their seats and begin to applaud.  They know they’re the group on the bus, but they also know that Sharon is about to speak soon.  Everyone takes to their seats and Sharon is introduced, leading to another ovation.  Now, Sharon is in her element.  She’s given so many public speeches that it’s routine now.  The initial nerves hit as she steps on stage, but after the opening sentence, she’s calm under the pressure of the blinding spotlight.