Chapter Five

Finally, Mr. Johnson addressed the issue. His voice changed slightly, indicating that he was about to discuss something serious. Dera was aware that the principal intended to discuss her outstanding debts, particularly her failure to register for the WASSCE examination. However, she tried to reassure herself, believing that her parents, like the other SS3 students' parents, would procure the necessary funds to register her for the exam.

'It has come to my attention that a student in SS3 class A hasn't yet registered for her WASSCE,' Mr. Johnson began. 'I am glad, of course, to know that she's a top student who has made this school proud. However, I won't tell the West African Examination Council that she wasn't able to register because she was a top student. For sure WAEC wouldn't appreciate such a nonsense story. Sob stories are told in drama series, not in reality TV shows.'

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the rows of boys and girls standing in front of Dera. Taking a deep breath, Dera tried to reassure herself that everything would be fine. If the principal called her to the stage, which he was definitely going to do, she would have to walk elegantly and without any nervousness. She wouldn't let herself stumble on the steps leading up to the stage where the teachers stood. She would remain calm and answer Mr. Johnson's questions confidently, without any fear.

'So, I won't keep you in further suspense as to who this student is,' Mr. Johnson said with a slight sigh. 'Chidera Onuoha, could you please come up here.'

As soon as the principal uttered those words, everyone's attention shifted to Chidera, affectionately known as Dera. She mustered a warm smile, taking confident steps toward the stage, determined not to let Mr. Johnson's words affect her. She focused on maintaining grace and composure, ensuring a smooth ascent up the stage where the principal stood.

'Dera, I brought you up here not to embarrass you, but to wake you up from your sleep,' Mr. Johnson began. 'I know that you're a smart student, but smartness doesn't pay school fees.' He paused. 'When I was in secondary school, I sold my wristwatch so that I could buy a mathematics textbook for myself. I'm not suggesting you sell your bicycle, but I want you to know that you have only two weeks to pay up. If not, I will have to expel you. Do you understand?'

Dera nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. She should have known that Mr. Johnson's promise of two weeks would come with the embarrassment of facing the entire school.

Dera told herself that she must keep smiling, not letting Mr. Johnson's words change her demeanour. Just think about your dream of becoming a renowned journalist and nothing else, she thought as she walked back to her place in line. She focused on her smile, even when some students laughed at her. The smile helped her overcome the ridicule, and if there were tears in her eyes, no one would notice.

She maintained her smile as Mr. Johnson informed the students that he wasn't running a charity home but a school meant to yield profit. Her friends from her class nudged her to answer the principal's question about joining the gardening team until her payment was made. She was also prohibited from using the library. Dera clenched her teeth together and maintained her smile as she responded to him.

Was the principal really punishing her for owing the school, or does he want her to join the gardening team? Regardless, Dera loves gardening, so she didn't consider it a big deal to plant flowers and water them. She noticed the principal looking at her intently. Despite feeling embarrassed in front of the whole school, she promised herself not to hate him. She understood that he was just doing his job, and as a businessman, his priority was making money. However, she found it disappointing that instead of encouraging her not to give up, he chose to say hurtful things. He was the one who had taught the students to audaciously dream, but now he had shattered Dera's belief in the audacity of hope.

Dera kept her smile on until it was time to leave the hall and go to their classrooms. Then, she let the threatening tears take over as she ran to the school garden to find solace. She didn't know whom to seek help from, but if she did, she would hurry immediately, regardless of what others might think, because saving her future was more important than anything else.

As she cried and contemplated her next steps, her friend Jennifer appeared in front of her.

'Mr. Johnson wants to see you,' Jennifer said.

'Okay, I'll go see him right away.'