CHAPTER 35

The shackles of fear that gripped my being began to break loose. My voice, which started out trembling and shaky, found its rhythm along the line. The words that were skillfully captured from the speech made earlier by the Jerkins came fresh, but it didn't sound copied; it was as real as realness itself. I spoke genuinely from within, crafting my thoughts and knowledge with preciseness and passion, and to my surprise, I could feel my listeners resonating with me.

Their once numb expressions drifted off to sincere interest and engagement as their genuine nods transformed into sitting up and with utmost concentration. A warm hush descended over the hall as words departed from my mouth. My voice is smooth and courageous now, accompanied by the weight and authenticity that was absent in the speech made by my rival, or, should I say, Adrian's rival. I could see the spark in their souls, the surge of depth in their silence, everything just pushed me and gave me a reason to keep going.

By the time I was done, the whole room was in chaos and an eruption of applause sprang from the audience. It came with sincere admiration and flair. I stood there frozen, dumbfounded, and stunned for some seconds, trying to wrap my head around the fact that this was reality. I ran my eyes through the audience and fished Adrian fixing my gaze on him. His expression was unreadable; instead of his usual smugness, his bewilderment was barely hidden. For the first time, I did not just scale through; I conquered.

I strode to where the host was standing, mouth agape, and handed over the microphone to him. He was speechless and ashamed because someone had rendered him intangible and that person was Jenny Sterling.

When the event came to a wrap and I got into the car with Adrian he couldn't hold it back anymore.

“What just happened in there?” He stuttered.

“I don't know,” I replied, blinking nervously.

“Are you a witch?” He asked out of the blue.

I stared at him in disbelief. It sounded ridiculous and I didn't know how to react to it. I just found myself laughing lightly.

“What is funny?” He asked, sounding pissed off.

“Seriously it's amusing because I never knew you believed in mystical powers,” I said bluntly.

“That doesn't answer my question.” He roared.

“Because I don't know what to reply. I mean, that question is quite ridiculous.” I blurred.

“I couldn't help but ask because clearly, that was not you on that stage.” He stuttered, his voice laced with doubt.

“Then who was it?” I asked, looking at him intently.

“I don't know. If I knew, why would I be asking you?”. He replied.

“Why is it so hard to believe that it was me who made that exquisite performance?” I asked with summoned courage.

“Well, apparently, I didn't see that coming”. He replied defiantly.

“If I may ask Mr Adrian Sterling, were you expecting the outcome of this to be the other way around or the opposite?” I asked.

He stared at me with contempt and looked away.

“Whatever, just have it at the back of your mind that this doesn't change anything.” He stated plainly.

“I never expected it too,” I whispered.

“Better,” He muttered.

“What. You heard me?” I asked, looking alarmed.

“You are just unbelievable”. He mumbled and signaled the driver to move.

The ride was as cold as always, Adrian savoring his defeat at his corner while I stood tall in my new world of triumph. When we got back to the hotel, we strode our paths separately and went into our room, but he called me before that.

“Get ready, we are leaving tomorrow.” He muttered and went inside his room, shutting the door behind him.

“Much better,” I screamed silently.

I entered my room and closed the door. Peeling off my clothes from my body. I went closer and stared at the mirror hoping to find a clue about how what happened earlier happened. But all I could see was Jenny, a 23-year-old girl who had experienced a whole lot in life. Looking inside, I could see a young, ambitious lady with prospects but held back by life's cruelty.

Looking outwards, I could see my curves and my well-built body, though flawed by some circumstances. My bubble breasts stood firmly on my chest as fresh as ever, never touched or sucked by anyone. My waist was small and soft, sliding down to my thighs which were as smooth as ever. I caressed them passionately, turning around swiftly to view my butt. They were rounded as ever. I stood back and smiled at myself sheepishly.

“At least life hadn't cheated me in this aspect. I have a great body.” I whispered.

I moved inside the bathroom and turned on the shower allowing the Water to cascade down my body in sweet bliss. My thoughts drifted briskly to Mom. It's been a while and I have been away for so long. For a moment, I wished she was present at the event today and seen her only daughter enter into the spotlight with glamour and elegance. She would be damn proud of me beaming with smiles all through.

Maybe I should visit home again when we return to America. I know it will not be simple but I am ready to pay the price. It was quite funny that when I wanted something, no matter how impossible it seemed after much struggle, I would still get it.

I stepped out of the shower and went back to wearing my nightie. I slumped on the bed bouncing twice before settling. My phone beeped constantly so I had to check what was going on while I waited for sleep to arrive.

“What the heck” I gasped.

So many pictures of me during my speech were littered everywhere on the internet with amazing captions. The heat was overwhelming; I was literally going viral.

“Jenny, welcome to the spotlight.”