Misunderstood

Chapter XV

We clapped as the guests of honour took their seats at the podium,three beautiful ladies and two handsome gentlemen. I put it that way because of their manner of walking,which reminds me of the royal family in Britain. Currently I'm wearing a royal blue A-line dress that reaches just at me knees and black flats. My hair was for the first time professionally done,and it fell on my shoulders,and also for the first time I did make-up. I just wanted to enjoy my evening at the gala so I let loose for just one night.

When Jason saw me,he was of course speechless,I knew I would impress him(guys,that wasn't my goal!)and he equally looked good. His blue bowtie matching with the colour of my dress was uniquely done,coupled with his three piece black suit. He offered his arm and I slung mine in his. People in the hotel lobby stared at us and I managed to keep a proper walking stature until where the same Ferrari was parked.

"Where's the driver?"I looked around.

"I'm the driver,"he said as he opened the front passenger seat for me and I slid into the comfy car. My dream car.

"You carried your license here?"I asked,surprised.

"Yeah I did. Any more questions about my driving? I know I'm a careful driver,"he smiled knowingly at me, remembering the day we sped home just before my dad arrives. I burst out in laughter.

So anyway we're here at a huge hall,where the gala is taking place. There were a number of writers present,the same age group looking equally resplendent and elegant. The air was filled with all kinds of perfumes and fortunately the windows were kept open to maintain circulation in the hall. The opening speech was given by the vice president of the competition who's Italian,and I fell in love with the Italian accent. Soon followed presentations from some of the winners,which were very interesting,and one unique one which was a letter to society's and  the president of their country talking about corruption and how it is affecting their schools in terms of valuing good and shunning bad.

The awards ceremony began in earnest,after a short break which allowed for people to serve dinner. I looked disapprovingly at Jason's plate,overflowing with food. He's such a pig anyway,I thought.

"What? This the only time I'll eat this kind of food so...give me a break!"he defended himself,while I shook my head and started eating.

"Attention to all. I hope the food is sumptuous and palatable,but we need to move on with the events. Next category is duets -"the host talked which signifies that we need to move towards the podium to receive the prices which were a six month free subscription to WordPress.com where you could post and read the best of poems,in addition to fancy notebooks,pens and beautiful medals. We shared a trophy and a new laptop for the each of us. This truly came in handy for myself. After the winners received the awards we took a group photo and that point I felt Jason's hand sneaking my waist. Again I swallowed the developing stone and smiled at the camera.

Soon most of the awardees were awarded and it came to the final category,the solo essay category.

I ascended up the stairs to receive my trophy which had a person writing on a book. Apart from that a cool thousand dollars,another laptop and more fancy stationery were given. The lady who came to award my trophy gave it to me and shook my hand,but it lingered more than usual. I thought that it was an Italian tradition to do so,but her eyes were on me,tears gathering in her eyes. Is she fine? Have I done anything wrong?

She whispered in my ear as I left the podium,"Please see me after the ceremony is over. I have to tell you something very important."

"Who are you?"I whispered back.

"I'm Maria Danielle. I'll be at the porch just outside the hall?"

"Ok then."

I was invited to give the closing speech,which I was psychologically prepared to do. Jason escorted me up the steps and placed my papers before me. He gave me a little thumbs up and a grin before he went to sit.