Chapter Six

Dera wiped her tears and rushed to Mr. Johnson's office. Standing at the door, she looked at the nameplate that read "Chibueze Johnson, Principal of Peach Secondary School." Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

'Come in,' Mr. Johnson said.

Dera pushed the door open and entered. Mr. Johnson stood by the window with a smile on his face, a sight she had only seen during his motivational speeches at assembly. This confused Dera. Could it be that a miracle had happened?

'Sir, you wanted to see me?' she asked.

'Yes, I need to talk to you,' Mr. Johnson replied.

'What is it, sir?'

After a moment of silence, Mr. Johnson said, 'I wanted to ask if you're sure your parents will really clear your debt. I don't want to delay the submission of the registered students just for you, only to hear another sob story in the end.'

Tears welled up in Dera's eyes again. 'I hope...'

'I don't believe in hope, Dera. Even though I give motivational speeches every morning, I don't believe in just hoping. I don't believe in money miracles, only in healing miracles. For money, I have to work hard, and for healing, I have to pray hard. However, since healing comes from GOD, I believe in it. But for money, I don't sit back and hope to get it. You still have to pay the two-term fees you owe the school. If not, how will you register for your WASSCE, which costs about thirty-eight thousand naira? And I'm not even mentioning NECO because I've already closed that page. It's not possible, right?'

'My parents assured me this morning that they will pay and...' Dera's voice trailed off.

'And?' Mr. Johnson looked at her intently.

'And... they will not disappoint you. They pleaded for more time,' Dera replied, struggling to speak.

'For late registration, you'll have to pay an extra five thousand naira. You're good at math, so you can do the calculation,' Mr. Johnson remarked.

Dera had hoped that Mr. Johnson would register her from the school's funds and spare her the shame of late registration, which she would have to pay anyway. But Mr. Johnson had no intention of doing so.

'Sir...'

'Peach Secondary School is a well-respected institution known for its high teaching standards and impressive enrollment rate here in Imo State. Although I granted you admission to this school due to your father being my secondary school mate, it's important to understand that the school requires funds to operate. Therefore, I can no longer tolerate your financial difficulties. I will give you a two-week deadline, and if you fail to meet it, I will have to remove you from the school.'

'When my father had a job, he always prioritised my school fees above everything else...'

'But now that he has lost his job, what about the situation at hand? Is your father the chairman of Peach Secondary School? No, he isn't. So why should I make an exception for you? I am simply doing my job. Don't take it personally. Dera, if you are unable to pay, I can assist you in transferring to a more affordable school. Before you get angry with me, ask yourself this: What if your parents are unable to gather the funds? What if I waited for you in vain? Would you have the conscience to face your classmates, knowing that the school couldn't submit their details for the examination because of your unpaid fees?'

Dera's gaze dropped, her spirit deflated, and she anxiously rubbed her trembling hands together, tears welling up in her eyes. She wanted to respond to Mr. Johnson's questions, but words eluded her. Doubt gnawed at her, and she couldn't help but fear that he might be right in his assessment.

Slowly, she glanced up, ready to reply, but Mr. Johnson gestured for her to leave his office. 'Go back to class,' he curtly instructed. As Dera turned to depart, he added in a callous tone, 'Despite my previous mention of your inclusion in the gardening team during the assembly, I have reconsidered. I would prefer if you no longer join the team and instead take sole responsibility for tending to the garden...' With those words, Mr. Johnson unfastened his suit jacket, gracefully draping it over the back of his chair.

After leaving Mr. Johnson's office, Dera headed straight to her classroom. As she reached the door, a hush fell over the room, followed by laughter from the students.

Everyone tried their best to cheer up Dera without her knowing their hidden plan to contribute money and support her in whatever way they could. However, in that moment, Dera's mood prevented her from deciphering their hidden intentions, even though she had a sense that they were withholding something from her.