The Blind Date

Chapter One

"Steps fueled by your passion produce more results than steps that aren't. You're only limited by your imagination, nothing else. So spread your wings as wide as you can and soar, the world is yours to take. Perseverance, patience, passion. If you remember nothing else, take these three P's with you. Keep them in your heart as you work on making your dreams into a reality. Thank you." I conclude my speech and lift my head a bit, before taking a step back as the roaring applause from the audience stun me for a moment.

It rolls over me like a wave, echoing around the auditorium of the William V. S Tubman high school. This reaction from students is unheard of, and it makes me smile a little. I feel Phoebe's hand on my arm and I let her lead me away from the podium.

"Amazing as always, boss." She squeezes my shoulder and guides me to my seat on the side, where I was placed with the school's administration. I just smile and sit as ladylike as possible. One of the teachers assume the podium and start to talk about my achievements, while discreetly adding my disability.

I can feel Phoebe tense up beside me, like she usually does. The people around me are self-conscious about the fact that I'm blind when I can barely get myself to care. I mean, sometimes I get curious about the world and want to see my fabrics and the things that I sew but I've accepted the fact that it isn't going happen.

It will be nice to know what Phoebe really looks like though.

"Miss Padmore will be giving us fifteen minutes out of her busy schedule today for any questions that you might have. I'll let you know when you can start asking. For now, let's give a big round of applause for Miss Padmore as she comes back onstage."

They clap and I wear my smile before walking towards his voice. Phoebe stays at my side, a hand slightly under my elbow. When I settle, she steps back and I lift my head as high as is allowed.

"I encourage all of you to ask any questions that you might have. I'll do my best to answer them honestly. I'm here so that your confidence that might have disappeared can resurface. If a blind girl like me could create a striving business for herself, you can do more. If I could become a millionaire in this country without sight, there's so much you can do with your perfect sight. I'm ready for your questions."

The hall begins to buzz with excitement. I can feel their many questions that they are about to hit me with. I smile in quiet anticipation.

"We are ready for questions." The teacher's voice is somewhat shaky, like he's nervous. He probably is. "Just raise your hand if you have a question. Wow. This is unbelievable. Okay. Girl in the second row. Please stand, call your name and ask your question."

"Good afternoon, Miss Padmore. My name is Monkonjay Johnson. My question to you is; how do you sew without sight? Or do you have someone who does the sewing for you?"

I laugh before answering. "Very important question, Monkonjay. My mother taught me how to sew when I was nine years old. I pricked myself a lot and my lines were always crooked but I never gave up. There were days that I avoided the machine though, I'm not gonna lie. It was tough to learn. But the passion for making my own clothes came early and I thank God for that every day."

"To answer your question, no. Nobody sews for me unless I want them to. I sew my own clothes. It took years of practice but I'm pretty good at it now. I even sewed the pant suit I'm wearing."

"Wowww. Let's clap for Ms. Padmore. This is truly wonderful. First row, on the right. Yes, stand up, say your name and ask your question."

"Hello Ms. Padmore." I turn my head towards the voice. "My name is Crystal Morris. And my question is; how did you manage to achieve your status? Is it just from sewing lots of clothes and selling them?"