And Then There Were Two

Chapter Twelve - If Only

Have you ever impulsively volunteer to do something and then after you realized how stupid you were? Well that was how I felt right now.

There was a reason why I never spoke in public and that was I was afraid. I would tremble and my voice would change. I didn't even keep eye contact. My confidence was gone once I had speak publicly.

I was in the bathroom at the this fancy restaurant that I forgot the name of. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and I smiled.

My hair that was usually brushed or placed in a messy bun or ponytail was perfectly styled for this occasion.

Veronica made sure she perfected everything. I had to do my nails, and my hair and even my makeup was done professionally.

Apparently this dinner was huge and a lot of her Co workers and even the president and his family would be there.

She forced me to get a new outfit, but I made her agree to make me choose since I had no control over anything else.

The black dress that I chose had a feminine flair and playful short sleeveless. It had a high scoop neckline and surprising cut out bare back. I love it because it was cute and simple, and it just screamed me.

"Skai?" A female voice called. It was Mrs Isaac, William's mom. She spotted me standing in front of the mirror. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I replied. "I'm a bit nervous but I'm okay."

"You'll do great." She reassured.

"I'm have a question." I said.

"Yes?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were William's mother?"

"To be honest with you I don't know," she started. " I didn't want you to get any ideas that will make you stop liking my son."

I smiled. "Only Will can do that."

"I hope he doesn't. You're an amazing young lady." She said returning the smile.

"Thank you."

"Now we have the youngest guest speaker of the night," the mc announced.

"I guess that's my cue." I said walking out the bathroom.

"Ms. Skai Jackson."

"Good luck!" She said walking behind of me.

I slowly walked to the stage. Taking a deep breath I greeted the crowd.

"Good night everyone,"

"Good night." They chorused.

"Mr. President, Mrs Obama, what's up, how are ya?" I asked. They both laughed along with everyone else.

"I am Skai Jackson." I smiled. "Before I start, let me say that we all have something in common." I paused dramatically. "You don't know what I'm going to say... and neither do I."

The room began to fill with laughter.

I really didn't have a speech prepared, so I'm just gonna wing it, and hopefully it won't be terrible.

"When Mrs. Carter asked me to speak tonight, I was quite hesitant." I started. "But after she told me why she chose me and going home to think about it, I accepted. You see, I've been in the system for as long as I can remember. The last home I was in, I was abused. Funny thing is, nobody really noticed because my attitude was the same. I didn't really have friends, I was a loner. I didn't want to explain to them why they couldn't come over, or why I had bruises. On top of my abuse, I was doing great at school. I was a top student and the teachers spoke highly of me. But, I'm not here to tell you about my achievements, I'm here to tell you you can achieve things even though you're going through a lot."