CHAPTER 2

“Mr. Campbell?” Kiara exclaimed in surprise, “Oh my goodness, you’re here! What for?” She asked as she led him to the couch. He was the last person she was expecting to see visiting her since he had to man the NGO all by himself. “This is such a pleasant surprise, could I offer you anything to drink?”

“Oh, no,” he chuckled. Standing at 5’6, Mr. Campbell was a buff man who was dark in complexion. He was the one who governed the NGO that she followed to Jamaica and he was very friendly. “You must have dropped ya’ purse,” He shook his head, tutting his lips as he pulled it out of his backpack. “I have always told you to be more careful with your belongings.” He said sternly, his Jamaican accent seeping out through his words already.

“I appreciate you,” She smiled sheepishly, thanking him. Lord knows where she’d be without Mr. Campbell’s help. “Don’t call me uncle, you’re making me feel old.” He teased, laughing heartily. 

“If anything, I should be the one thanking you for all the work you’ve done, it was amazing, and the kids all love it, Kiara,” He smiled, taking her hands into his. “God bless you for me, pretty girl. You stay cool, alright?” 

“Amen. Thanks, Mr. C.” 

“Well, I shall be on my way now, it was nice seeing you again,” Mr. Campbell stood up, stretching his arms. “Thank you for this,” She shook the wallet in her hand, “ and your gracious presence,” Kiara said, as she held his arm, escorting him out. 

****

Kiara didn’t have much to do during the day, so she opted for a self-care day. She did her workouts, had her nails done amongst the rest and then she spent the rest of the day with her mom.

As they were watching a movie, snuggled up on the couch, past 8 P.M., Damian had returned from work. “Hey my snookums,” He murmured, pecking them both on the cheek. “You’re back earlier, darling,” Maria observed, as she pulled him in for a longer kiss.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Kiara rolled her eyes in fake disgust, “Get a room, you two!”

“You’re just jealous, but that’s fine. You’ll be there soon,” Damian winked as he flopped on the couch, scooting right next to them. “I have a surprise for you, princess.” Her father said as he lifted his briefcase, bringing an invitation out. 

“What is that?” Kiara looked at her father questioningly. “I’m not even meant to be talking to you right now,” She rolled her eyes as she turned back towards the television. 

“Princess, please, just look at it.” He begged, tapping her on the shoulder.

“I refuse.” She declined, shrugging lousily. 

“Okay, I guess I’ll just put the invitation back in my briefcase…” Damian sighed heavily, opening his briefcase. 

“You had me at invitation,” Kiara slowly said, sitting up abruptly, “Invitation to what?” 

“See for yourself.” He passed the fancy-looking invitation to her, “It was a very impromptu invitation, but you like this kind of stuff. Very…gen-z ish.” He slapped his knee, “Dad jokes, huh?”

“No.” Kiara stared blankly at him, shaking her head. “Don’t do that again, Dad.”

“No? Okay, sorry snookums.”

Kiara opened the invitation reading it from cover to cover. “No way…” She put her hand over her mouth, squealing and kicking her feet. It was an invitation to the biggest, most influential Charity Gala there was, Acts of Compassion. It was a two-in-one as well, it came as a masquerade party as well.

“Hey! That hurts,” Maria whined as her daughter’s hyperactivity affected her ears.

“Dad? Are you kidding? Is this a fake?” Kiara turned the letter over, trying to look for any evidence of a faux letter. But, no, instead there it was, the stamp of approval right at the bottom of the letter.

“Oh my God, thank you, Daddy!” She leaped onto him, hugging him tightly. “I LOVE IT! It’s tomorrow, I have to start getting ready?!” She hopped off the couch, skipping all the way upstairs.

Upstairs, she laid out her whole outfit, deciding to go vintage. She debated between two dresses for a while; one red and the other brown. She settled on the brown one since it accentuated her curves well.

Shortly afterward, she had nothing else to do, so she slept off.

****

 It was D-day and Kiara had spent all day getting ready. She made sure to order a custom-designed masquerade mask, which was red. She had her hair done, and her nails and made sure she got a massage.

 It was 8:30 P.M., 1 hour and 30 minutes before the party began and she was coming down the stairs in her luxurious outfit.

“Wow, they grow up so fast,” Damian sniffled, wiping away imaginary tears from his eyes. “Daaaaaddd,” Kiara whined, smiling softly. 

“You look beautiful, Princess, you’re gonna steal everyone’s breath away.” He complimented, bowing to kiss the back of her hand.

“Thank you, Dad.” She smiled, taking his hand as they entered the Jeep. Within an hour, they arrived at the venue. Paparazzi and spectators clamored around the car as she and her father got down. 

They didn’t know who was who, but they took pictures anyway. As she stepped into the venue, she could hear the sponsor of the Gala proposing a toast. “This is a celebration of life, the farther we jump, the higher we go. To us!” 

“To us!” Everyone raised their glasses in unison, and clinking could be heard throughout the room. She took a glass of wine from a waiter passing by and sipped on it lightly. She couldn't wait to start talking to the more influential people in the room.

The aura of the Charity Gala itself exuded wealth and she was happy to be there. She decided to remain alone for a while until a husky voice tickled her ear.

“Well, my lady, must I say, you look absolutely beautiful tonight.”