Confessions of an Invisible Woman

Chapter Three Part Two: Oh Now You've Done It

I brush off her words but her energy was definitely making it impossible for me to breathe. I felt like I was suffocating just by being in her presence. For some reason the smile she was trying to do never reached her cheeks, and to be honest it was very uncomfortable.

"Dean Campbell, what an honor", I find myself trying to keep my composure. At this point she takes her mask off and all the women walking into the restroom make a u-turn and walk right out of the restroom. There it was I saw first hand her piercing green eyes up close and personal; there was insecurity and jealous at its finest. It made me think hmm a real rat or snake is more like it.

"My dear I believe it would do us justice if we agreed not to lie to each other in the moment, wouldn't you agree?"

I gulp, "Yes I believe that would save time". I make sure to stay behind my mask and keep it cool. I don't know what this lady is capable of and she doesn't strike me as a quiet type that hides her hands.

"It could all be so simple for you darling. You could have the typical hair salon, nail salon, or even run the fashion industry empire, but you want to do real estate?" she sneers as if she's disgusted. "You know AlphaView cannot hold itself to sponsor real estate or acquiring land".

"Well I'm not like most students – I actually want to make a difference..." "Well.. I wouldn't put my hopes up for it. This is your last chance. Do not embarrass yourself tonight it's not worth it. You'll be the laughing stock of AlphaView and I'll make sure the city of Atlanta never recognizes you", she cuts me off.

"I'm sure the student body will see right through you like I do right now. Dean Campbell".

She steps to me, "Where did you come from child?"

"I'm an Atlanta native born and raised. One of the few southern peaches you see here". I gain some kind of confidence and for a second I think she's about to clutch her pearls instead she just folds her arms. Her arrogance personified to a tee.

"Well personally I was born in Miami, but I was raised here. Something you may not know about me. However you're really a pretty girl. That's actually a shame. See in Miami we're used to hurricanes arising and having to weather down our homes and be sure we take cover. I'm sure you can imagine how frustrating it is to board down everything and either little damage happens or no damage occurs at all. Then we would have done all that work for nothing", she sighs.

As she's taunting me I see her in the mirror – brown innocent helpless eyes to flaming green eyes. "Well Rasheeda, you're about to learn that a hurricane is on the way for you. Her name is Marisa Campbell and when this bitch hits, it destroys everything you hold dear and in her sight. I want you to remember that I said that". She lets me go and puts her mask back on and starts walking away, "And Rasheeda be careful crossing the tracks. You would not want to lose that pretty face. It's so much easier for an unattractive woman to lose her beauty than a natural looking one. Have a good evening".

As she walks out I exhale, I haven't realized I held my breath for that long. I held my own and now tears were starting to run down my face. Where was Dean Campbell coming from? Was I her next target like Adrienne? Why did I seem to be a threat to her? What was going on here? I then hear the door open and I glance out my peripheral and I see it's Jasmine and I see her mouthing but no words come out. What is she saying?

Jasmine then shakes me, "Rasheeda the showcase is about to start. You better get out there girl and represent!"

I then wipe my eyes and head back. When I walk back to the arena I make a dash for my portfolio and flashdrive.

"Miss Lancaster, stand on the stage please", I hear Professor Tau instructing me. That embarrassing butterball who just earlier seemed to be my enemy hours ago.

Dante Baker just gave his revolutionary idea, "Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome to the stage Miss Rasheeda Lancaster", the emcee's microphone booms from the speaker.

This was it – do or die! All the nights I've spent brainstorming these ideas and just giving it all I got. Here we go.

After I take my seat next to Calvin he brushes my arm and I can clearly read his mouth, he's asking if I'm okay and after three more people present their proposals, the judges deliberate for a moment.

After what feels like an eternity, I hear the voice of the emcee standing at the podium.

"The judges have decided this year's symposium is one of the most extraordinary in the history of AlphaView University. They have decided to sponsor three scholars with a few concessions. These concessions include reducing tuition here by 10,000 dollars and these two will be the SGA President and Mr. or Ms. AlphaView University and will assist President Chancellor in his duties over AlphaView. The first scholar with an award winning $50,000 investment towards themselves and will be our inaugural representative for Mr. AlphaView University will be Garrett Smith."

Everyone stands and gives a thunderous applause and two billionaires stand with him and hold a check to take a picture.

"Simmer down now... our SGA President that has truly lifted the hearts and inspired us to give her an opportunity to help advance and will receive a $100,000 advancement will be shared with Ashley Reynolds and Rasheeda Lancaster".

Holy shit! Did the emcee just say what I thought he just said, I was awarded an advancement. Oh gosh I swear the goat upstairs really does answer prayers and has heard my cry.

I turn and look in the corner and I see Dean Campbell giving a dry empty stare at me and clapping weakly – she's planning something and I don't know what, but I don't think she's going to try anything soon.

Jasmine and Calvin rush up to me and squeeze me to death in their group hug. 

The night goes on and we start a ballroom style dance. Everyone has a partner and as I put my medal and certificate and check down in my purse I feel intensifying eyes and before I know it hands are on my hips.

I turn around and before I know it I'm in the embrace of you guessed it... Matthew Joseph.

He looks around and we both see everyone caught up laughing, enjoying the food and dancing. He takes me aggressively by my arms and is practically dragging me out of the building. Thank God I had my purse and everything with me. Once we're outside he pushes me into a corner and looks around quickly and before I even have a chance to react on impulse, he swoops down and kisses me.

Gosh I can't take it anymore, he forces my lips apart and his tongue eager and ready to explore and end it all. I try to fight it off but the more I do the more I realize this is what I've been missing and what I want. I mean we were interrupted earlier and with no distractions in the way this is it.

"What are you doing Matt?" I'm breathless and caught off guard. I can hardly think straight. "Don't think about it – I know you want this". I moan hungrily and fist my fingers into his hair and before I know it I hear a rip from my blouse.

What are we doing? Here now? Oh hell let's just get this over with. Rasheeda, you have really done it now.