Read United (The United Trilogy Book 1) for Free Online Page B

I supposed to go up there, and stand next to him and wait for what he is going to do? And he is going to do something, of that I’m sure.  I shoot the blonde a begging look to do something as I slowly climb the stairs to meet the President.  She shoots a quick look to Mr. Masters and a head nod in my direction. In a flash he is at the top of the stairs extending his hand to me.
    “Allow me to help you up, Miss Thatcher.”
    Just like that I can breathe again.  Less than an hour ago I was thinking that this man scared the life out of me, and now he has become my protector.  He leads me to the center of the stage but stays slightly between President Vaughn and me, for which I am very grateful.  President Vaughn’s face morphs back into the happy-go-lucky guy he was earlier, with none of the anger or contempt I had seen just moments before.
    With a joy that has to be fake he addresses the audience, “It is with great pleasure that I introduce your future President of United America.”
    Wait, say what?!  The whole place breaks out in a thunderous applause with shouts and whoops and hugging.  I'm frozen on the stage looking like a deer in the headlights for sure.  I look over at Blondie, who now is full-out radiating.  She is smiling from ear to ear and nodding at me, like “yes, this is actually true, and you’re not just having a mental breakdown!”  I look over at the President with a pleading look in my eyes, silently begging for him to say “GOTCHA!” but I am met with only the smile that he has plastered on his face.  After what feels like a lifetime he raises his hand for quiet.
    “Quiet down everyone, thank you.  Yes, it is soon time for me to  step down.  I have had the honor and privilege for the last 22 years to serve my country as President of United America.  It is with a heavy heart I leave, but I know without a doubt, I am leaving you in very capable hands.  Everyone is chosen for their jobs with the same care; however, the President is the only one picked among thousands.  This wasn’t done lightly.  This has been a decision in the making for the last sixteen years.  We believe Rosaline was made for this job, to serve you, the people and her country.  She is honest, of utmost integrity and knows well the power in equality.  She will do a wonderful job.”
    He looks right into my eyes as he says this last part, and part of me actually believes he is sincere.
    “Thank you so much for this evening, and to those new career bound, thank you so much for your service.  Everyone has an envelope with your instructions on it from the head of your department.  Make sure you find them before you leave.  Molly, Wesley and Rosaline, please see Mr. Masters for your envelopes.  Everyone is dismissed, but please feel free to stay and enjoy some refreshments; good night!”
    Vaughn turns and walks off the stage and out of the building without giving me another glance.  I just stay frozen to my spot, not knowing what to do. Mr. Masters turns towards me and says, “Rosaline, I know it’s a bit overwhelming right now.  It’s a lot to take in, but it will all be fine.”
    He gives me what I’m sure he thought was a smile, but looked more like a grimace.  He hands me my letter and asks me to give Wes and Molly theirs as well.  I nod and take the letters, stuck in place.  I look up searching for the blonde but she had already vanished, as have the other board members. 
    “Roz!  Oh my freaking great aunt, Roz!”
    Leave it to Wesley to bring me back to reality.
    “Wes, you know nobody says that and it’s weird.  How many times do I have to tell you it doesn’t even make sense?”
    He stares at me completely dumbfounded for a second.  “Really?!  Really Roz!  You were just named President.  PRESIDENT Roz!  President of freaking United America and you are going to talk to me about sayings that don’t make sense?!  I just can’t believe it, my best friend; she is going to be