CHAPTER THREE

It was hot.

So hot, that Charlotte regretted taking a coat. To make it worse, her blouse was sleeved. She squirmed in her seat, wanting nothing more than to take off the coat and maybe the blouse but she dared not.

One, it was indecent plus she would make a mockery of herself and two, the coat hid her pit stains from her sweat.

She sighed, putting on a bright smile to hide her discomfort.

The event hadn't started yet and in fact, she'd been there less than 10 minutes. Mia was right, no one was really overdressed. They kept it simple and classy, and white. Charlotte wondered if that was a theme Mia had missed.

She stood on her feet, ready to go and 'socialize'. She looked around discreetly for a target. She found one; a blond lady, probably in her early forties, in a knee-length white dress with a chic pair of heels and a pouch in hand.

Charlotte immediately approached her before anyone else did.

"Hi, I'm Charlotte." Charlotte said with a polite smile, extending her hand to the lady. "Charlotte who?" The lady said with a equally polite smile.

Charlotte didn't falter

"I'm an architect." She said, hoping that answered the lady's question.

"Oh, how lovely. I'm Esme, the founder of Boston Research and Grants Center." She said before shaking Charlotte's hand.

"That's impressive." Charlotte said because she had nothing else to say.

She knew nothing about Esme's foundation and she found herself feeling stupid.

"Oh it's modest. But look at you. You're an architect! You're always buildimg stuff aren't you?" Esme said with a light laugh.

Charlotte chuckled nervously.

 "Well, that's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm thinking of building a Children's center in Ansell." Charlotte said as confidently as she could.

"That's noble of you. So tell me, who exactly are you building this center for and why?" Esme asked, looking more serious.

"It's been a dream of mine to build a center for children." Esme shook her head

"Charlotte dear, you don't seem to have passion for this project -"

"But I do." Charlotte said, a bit flustered.

"Then show it dear. Why are you building this? And for who?" Esme asked again before taking a glass of wine of a server's tray.

Before Charlotte could answer, Esme handed her a card.

"Call me when you have an answer and let's talk about it. Enjoy the event."

Esme walked away gracefully, leaving Charlotte red with emotion. Charlotte couldn't tell how to feel.

Had she just been disregarded? Or mocked? Did she just present herself as someone who doesn't know what they're about? Or was Esme really trying to help?

The heat made her even more unsure and admittedly, a bit angry. She grabbed a glass of wine from a tray and turned around. She bit her lower lip as she thought of what to do next.

She had lost interest in meeting people. Why would they listen to her if she herself didn't know what she was saying?

And how couldn't she answer the question? It was that simple?

Why?

If she didn't have an answer to that question, then she better not go through with it.

Charlotte took a sip to calm her nerves. She watched the guests interact amongst themselves and began to really take notice of the setting of the event.

The event was set in what looked like a courtyard. There were no carpets or tiles or cemented ground, rather they stood on the grass. Charlotte found that choice very strategic. It added to

 the relaxed vibe of the setting. And the white flower theme for the decorations made it much more dreamy.

There was a dessert table and if Charlotte had been in a better mood, she would have had a cupcake in hand by now.

She took another sip

"Ladies and gentlemen, the event is about to start." The MC, a charming man who looked to be in his 30's, said with a smile.

Charlotte almost dragged her feet to her seat. She felt the enthusiasm of the day had been sucked out of her. She sat on her seat.

"I know, finally right?" The MC said, earning laughter from the crowd.

"I'm sure you all know me, but it's part of my job to introduce myself again. I'm Michael, your MC for this event. To the ladies, unfortunately this year, I'm not single." He said with a dramatic hand to his chest.

"What a shame." A random voice came from the crowd. The crowd laughed and Charlotte smiled a little.

"That's my fiance by the way. Hi darling." He said.

Charlotte looked in the direction he pointed. An attractive brunette blew him a kiss. Michael caught it with a huge grin.

"Awww." The crowd said.

"Yes, I know. She's lovely. She's quite the catch inside and out. Let me stop here else this event will never begin."

The crowd laughed.

"We have a tradition here folks. I'm sure you're all aware."

The crowd hooted and clapped, making Charlotte wonder what was going on.

"Yes, yes I know you know. But for the new folks, I'll say it once more. Before we pray, we'll turn off the lights. After the grace has been said, all the lights will remain off. All except one. Whoever that light stands on, has to give us a vocal solo performance. Are we ready?!!" Michael hollered excitedly.

 The crowd cheered and Charlotte found herself cheering alongside. She began to laugh as well. Mia would have loved this.

"Alright! I love the energy! Now, let's be sober for the grace. I'll hand the microphone over to Reverend Smith."

The crowd quietened and the lights went out. Soon the only voice that could be heard was the voice of Reverend Smith praying for a successful gathering.

Charlotte took the opportunity to fasten her heels tighter on her feet and adjust her pants. She closed her eyes and said a prayer of her own.

"Lord, make this happen. Please."

Charlotte felt light enveloping her. She opened her eyes to be met with a loud applause. This time, Charlotte knew what was going on. She began to panic and her hands shook.

"A beautiful young lady with a beautiful voice I reckon. Someone pass her a microphone please."

The crowd clapped. The closer the microphone came, the tighter the air seemed to be. By the time it got to her, she felt she couldn't breathe.

Charlotte took the microphone shyly.

"Go Charlotte!" Esme cheered. Charlotte gave her a shy smile.

"Charlotte, you can do it." Michael cheered and soon, the crowd was cheering her name. Charlotte's legs felt weak but she gathered all her strength and stood on her feet. Her breaths were shaky but she tried to give off a confident aura.

"Now, let's all quiet down. Our Princess is ready." Michael said.

Everyone obeyed. Charlotte felt every eye on her. She took in deep breaths. Her eyes fell on Michael's and he gave her a supportive look.

"I don't know which song to sing." She said with a nervous laugh. The crowd laughed as well but only for a moment.

"I hope you enjoy this one. I dedicate it to the people we're here to support."

 She cleared her throat.

"I've been staring at the edge of the water Long as I can remember

Never really knowing why."

The beginning felt awkward to Charlotte but the minute she eased into the song, the crowd began to sing along with her as she stood in the spotlight. She heard the piano pick up her tune and adjust to her key.

Charlotte sang through the song like a breeze and completed the last highnote with a smile on her face.

Charlotte opened her eyes to meet a standing ovation but that wasn't what she noticed first. Her breath hitched as several meters from where she stood, a man's piercing blue eyes held hers captive.