Chapter 10: The Red Chamber's Secret

The Sassari School of Arts' outdoor grounds were deserted, with only one student visible, racing across the ground from the road. She was rushing up to the big entrance door. Rakiza was late for her speech class due to an errand she had to run for her dormmates and roommates. She went to the market early in the morning to look for what they needed. It was her extra cash.
As soon as she got to the main entrance, she pushed it hard, causing a loud thud as the door banged against the wall. Rakiza's eyes widened in response to what she saw.
Several students gathered on one side of the wall lobby, racing to read notices placed on the "Student's Wall," while on the other side of the wall stood a corner cabinet with pelmet and a glass display case where some of the students' art works were displayed.
Rakiza's clumsiness drew the attention of every student in the foyer once more.
Someone in the group of students suddenly clapped their hands. Susan, Chin, and Muriel were among the students, and they let out a joyful yell when they discovered something on the wall involving Rakiza.
Rakiza's eyes brightened as she noticed the familiar image on the student's wall. Her artwork was on exhibit, Theo Monsanto's half-naked body drawing. And it won first place, with her name listed as the artist below. With perplexed emotions, she walked closer to the wall in her sketch. She couldn't believe she had won the competition.
Some students cheered her accomplishments, while others frowned. They had been defeated by Rakiza's drawing.
And it seemed too good to be true for Rakiza until her pals crowded around her and gripped her hands in congratulatory response. Susan, Chin, and Muriel were overjoyed with their friends' accomplishments and hugged her.
The main entrance reopened, and everyone's gaze was pulled to the newcomer. Theodulf Monsanto stood at the door, puzzled, looking at them. He had no idea what was going on.
"Is he your half-baked model, Rakiza?" screamed Susan, breaking the silence.
Rakiza looked surprised at Theo, as did Theo at them. And after Susan muttered something about him being a half-baked model, his look changed to something repulsive. Everyone had heard what Susan had just said, and they were looking at Rakiza, then back at Theo.
Rakiza's face reddened after Susan's announcement, which turned Theo's reaction into a frown while staring at Rakiza.
Some female students flirted with Theo with their vivacious giggles to attract Theo's attention, and they all gathered around Theo, talking about the drawing on the wall and his physical appearance. Every girl race to be noticed, but Theo's attention was glued to Rakiza, until Theo was covered with women.
And then the school dean's secretary arrived and pulled Rakiza from the group and into the dean's office.
Rakiza struggled with her trepidation while walking to the dean's office. As a result of Theo's possible misinterpretation of what Susan had said, which Theo had overheard, that might have fueled his distaste for her.
Rakiza was sitting in the front chair at the dean's table after a few minutes. She was alone in the room, waiting for the dean to emerge from the restroom. The office was nearly full of awards the school had received throughout the years. Trophies for various sports, cultural activities, and contests were displayed in an open cabinet, while plaques and awards earned by the school were displayed on the wall. While Rakiza was thinking about the school's reputation, the door to the restroom opened and Sir Benedict Moga emerged.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," he said. He was a just man who respected all people, including animals. In the residence, he raised five dogs and three cats. In his massive frame, he smiled like a schoolboy and said, "By the way, congratulations to you, Rakiza Zanier, on winning the first award," he said, as he sat across from Rakiza in his enormous swivel chair.
"Perhaps you already had an idea why I summoned you here?" he said.
Rakiza hesitated when she replied to the dean's question, "Is it because of my drawing?"
"You're correct. It was incredible for you to win at such a young age and to display your great work of art for us. But there's something else I'd like to talk about with you. Again, congratulations on your efforts to win the contest. Secondly, I'd like to personally present you with the cash reward before the formal event at the end of the month. I know you needed some money for your art project, and I'd like to ask your permission to show all of your sketches and paintings in your art classroom. "
Rakiza said shyly, "Why me?"
"It's not about you; it's about your paintings and your art. I want other students, especially newcomers, to be inspired by your art. "
Professor Malden entered through the open door, smiling as he closed it behind him.
"I'm glad you're here, Malden," the dean said, motioning him to a chair. "I'd like to speak with you about your plan, Malden." The board had approved your plan to create a modest gallery for your students."
Professor Malden grinned broadly at the dean and looked at Rakiza with genuine delight. "The plan is for all the pupils' art pieces to be showcased at the school gallery, Rakiza."
Rakiza's "Red Chamber" painting was hung in the art classroom later that day. When anyone entered the classroom, they could see the painting from across the room. Her name was listed as the artist beneath the painting.
After that unexpected event of overwhelming success, Rakiza sat alone in the room, staring intently at her painting. Something about the painting bothered her. It was still a wonder to her how she came up with the notion of a gorgeous room in her head. No matter how hard she tried to remember where she had potentially seen the bedroom, nothing came to mind. Every time she looked at the painting, she felt a sense of déjà vu. It was real for her.
A deep, familiar voice echoed through the room, "Have you figured out where we could locate that bedroom?" Theo was standing at the door, gazing at her intently.
They were looking at each other, and Rakiza was the first to withdraw her gaze.
"Why are you so interested in the red chamber?" Rakiza asked.
"It was too familiar with me," Theo said.
"So, it was you who had the idea of where we could see that bedroom?" Rakiza said, as she pointed to the painting on the wall.
"You have to remember that chamber." Theo said bluntly.
Rakiza responded, "You have to provide me with a good reason why I should do it," she said.
He sighed and moved closer to the painting, staring at it for a moment.
Rakiza was just observing his movements when Theo turned to her.
"Did you know what flower is this?" he asked, touching the Lotus flower painting on the Red Chamber painting.
Rakiza responded, "I think it is a lotus flower. My dorm mates knew exactly what it was, "she said.
He then moved a bit and pointed to the other painting on the red chamber painting. "Did you know what kind of roses are these white flowers in your painting?"
"Roses have a variety of colors and origins, and for me it was just a simple white rose painted by an unknown painter."
"These white roses are vampire roses," Theo declared.
Rakiza’s stomach churned at hearing Theo’s superstitious beliefs.
"Do you believe in vampires?" Theo inquired.
Rakiza raised her voice slightly. "I don't believe they existed," she murmured, remembering one of her interests, writing, and silently decided to continue her novel about vampires, adding, "But I love vampire tales."
"Don't love them," whispered Theo. "You must hate them," Theo warned.
"They're not real," Rakiza stated.
Theo urged, "You have to think they existed in order for your story to be genuine. But please, don't trust anyone of them. "
Rakiza was captivated by Theo's comment regarding the vampires.
But suddenly, Theo jolted as if he was hit by something in his head. "No!" He growled.
Rakiza was taken aback by Theo's unexpected reaction.
Theo cocked his head, as if he was listening to something.
Rakiza inquired, "Do you hear voices?"
Theo slowly retreated from the room as if he listened to the different voices calling for help in his head, bumping some chairs. He covered his ears.
Rakiza followed her, pushed by curiosity. "What’s wrong with you? Are you suffering from severe headaches? Your face reddened."
"Don’t look at me, Rakiza." Theo continued to the door.
Rakiza felt concerned about what happened to Theo as his face turned white with anger.
Theo savagely slammed aside all the chairs that he bumped into on his way out of the room. And all the chairs were turned to pieces, leaving Rakiza astounded and in horror looking at them. "He is so strong." She murmured.