FEELING FULFILED BUT ENTANGLED WITH FEAR

CHAPTER 3

Cassandra grabbed her favorite handbag and stuffed two files in it. She slipped into a pair of brown sandals, tied her hair into a knot, and dashed out. It was the final day of her clearance.

Ruby had gone out an hour ago. She will be seeing her aunt in the city and had dropped a note for Cassandra, telling her to get enough rest after the clearance for they were partying till dawn.

Cassandra got to the University and headed to the dean's office. She was hugging her bag tightly. The dean, a round man in his early sixties smiled and rubbed his bald head the moment Cassandra walked in.

"Sit." he offered presenting the sofa to Cassandra.

"Thank you," Cassandra mumbled with a smile. She sat and pulled out a file from her bag. She presented it to the Dean.

The Dean was a professor of public law. He shoved the books scattered on his table to the side and accepted the file. He picked up his spectacles from the table and wore them.

"Cassandra Jonson Briggs. The name that rings a bell in this faculty. Your colleagues will forever talk about you." he said and pulled out a pen. Cassandra smiled and lowered her head.

"I was with the head of your department earlier. Dr. Romeo said you declined the department's offer of retaining you as a staff here." he opened the file, appended his signature where it was required and handed the file back to Cassandra.

"I want to practice law," replied Cassandra. "I'll be a terrible lecturer anyway."

The dean positioned both his hands on the table. "You think you'll be a terrible teacher?"

Cassandra smiled without a word.

"I believe we can shape our destinies, Cassandra. So whether you teach law in this University or practice it in a firm, you'll perform exploits." said the Dean.

"Thank you," Cassandra said and stood up.

He extended his right hand to her and Cassandra was stunned. The dean was a formal man.

"I wish you all the best Casandra. Go out there and shine."

She immediately shook him and couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you so much, sir."

After Cassandra left the Dean's office, she headed to the departmental library, then to the student affairs division and soon her clearance exercise was complete.

She returned to the apartment she shares with Ruby feeling wearied and fulfilled. It was a few minutes past 3 pm so Cassandra decided to sleep before getting ready for the graduation party her team had organized that evening.

Three hours later, Cassandra was awakened by several taps on her back from Ruby. She sat up, wiped her eyes with the back of her palms and yawned.

"You've been sleeping like a log Cassandra. We must get ready. It's past 5 pm." Ruby alerted.

Cassandra jumped out of the bed, grabbed her towel and headed to the bathroom. Ruby was taking out clothes from her closet and dumping them on the bed.

"We are not going to stay till dawn, right?" Cassandra screamed from the bathroom. "I have a flight to catch tomorrow morning," she added.

"Why don't you shower quickly and get over here first? We will discuss the appropriate time to leave the party."

Cassandra stepped out of the bathroom with a towel tied across her chest. She pulled out a short green maxi dress from her closet and pulled out a pair of black heels from her shoe rack. She applied a little make-up on and released her hair from the clutches of its ribbon.

Ruby got dressed too. They grabbed their purses and left their apartment. At exactly 7 pm, they were seated with some of their course mates across a round table in one of the most luxurious resorts in town. On the table were bottles of champagne, barbecue, some fruits, a graduation cake and pizza.

The group consist of five people. Ruby, Cassandra and three guys. In their class, the group is called the lucky team. They studied together, hanged out together and had always been there for each other.

Gorav, an Indian who was considered the group leader stood up and grabbed a bottle of champagne.

"We are out here to celebrate ourselves. It's been four years and we all know how tasking it was but I'm great we all made it through." There was applause.

Ruby screamed in excitement. "The lucky team made it through."

Gorav continued. "I said we are out here to celebrate ourselves and hang out one last time but I want to make a toast to Cassandra." he lifted the bottle to his face and pushed it toward Cassandra.

"To Cassandra!" they all screamed in excitement and clapped.

"Thank you," she mumbled.

Charles, who was sitting next to Cassandra playfully slapped her left thigh. "Get up girl, we are dedicating this day to you."

She stood up, smiled and folded her palms before them as if she was praying. "Thanks, guys."

"You're welcome Cassandra but are you okay?" said Gorav.

"Yea. You seem too cold tonight," commented Sam.

Cassandra gave a half smile. "I'm good. I just have a slight headache." she lied. Ruby eyed her and she cast her gaze down.

"Congratulations Cassandra. We are so proud of you. I'm glad the best graduating student of the year is from my team." Gorav said. Another round of applause followed.

"I couldn't have done it without you guys. Thank you so much for the support you've shown me in the last four years and even though we are departing from tomorrow, we will always keep in touch." Cassandra told them.

"You are a genius, Cassandra. I wish we could swap results." Charles blurted. They all laughed.

Gorav popped the Champagne which was followed by screams and applause.

"Everyone sits tight, relax and have fun. You can order anything but ensure you've got your credit card near." Sam said with a smile.

"Why don't you guys start eating? I'll use the restroom." Cassandra said and stood up.

"I think I need to go too." Ruby said and hurried after Cassandra."

After catching up to her, Ruby pulled Cassandra by the arm into a corner. "You are not going to the restroom to cry. Aren't you?"

Cassandra sighed and looked away. Ruby noticed how she was fighting to hold back her tears.

"Everyone is happy for me Ruby but I'm not happy. I know I should be over the moon. I graduated top of my class but you know I just can't take that certificate home."

Ruby placed a hand on Cassandra's shoulder. "I understand. Why don't you loosen up a bit and have fun? You'll need all the strength you can get tomorrow."

Cassandra nodded and heaved a deep sigh. "Tomorrow, the cat will be let out of the bag."

"You know I can come home with you right?"

"Oh don't worry Ruby. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure you can stand before your parents alone?" Ruby asked.

"I've looked forward to this day. It's time to defend my cause." Cassandra replied.

They shared a hug and returned to the party. The friends danced and had fun. They left the resort around 1 am after Cassandra informed the group that she was leaving London the next day. She had a flight to catch at 9 am.

.................

Cassandra alighted from the cab and dragged her luggage bag carefully behind her. She made her way into the airport and presented her tickets for a check. After she was cleared and her luggage taken. She heaved a deep sigh and mumbled.

"Time to face Mr and Mrs. Jonson Briggs."