Chapter Sixteen

'Thank you for telling her. Because of what you did, she suggested that I look for work. That's actually a good idea. So, thank you so much,' Dera said, her tone softer now.

Dera made her way to her usual seat in the classroom and sat down. Jennifer settled into her own seat moments later. A few minutes passed, and the principal's voice came over the intercom.

'Can Dera go to the garden and tend to the plants? She should not enter the classroom until I give her permission to do so,' the principal announced.

'She's on her way,' Jennifer muttered as Dera walked out of the classroom.

Dera headed to the school's garden, where she hoped to revive the struggling plants and make them flourish once again. She stopped by the janitor's office to grab gloves, a watering can, and other gardening equipment. As she arrived at the garden, she noticed Jennifer already tending to the plants.

'When did you get here?' Dera asked, a bit surprised. 'Are you now flying Jatt?'

'I'm sorry,' Jennifer apologised instead, tears streaming down her cheeks. 'I shouldn't have told my mum about it...' Her voice trailed off, filled with regret. 'Honestly, I told her because I wanted her to help you somehow, not to mock you. Please, forgive me.'

Dera could see the sincerity in Jennifer's eyes, and she couldn't help but feel touched. She took Jennifer's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. 'I'm not mad at you,' Dera said, a sweet smile spreading across her face.

'What was that about Flying Jatt?' Jennifer asked curiously after a while.

'Flying Jatt is a 2016 Indian superhero film co-written and directed by Remo D'Souza, produced under the banner of Balaji Motion Pictures,' Dera explained. 'The superhero's enhanced strength, speed, and flight abilities are similar to Superman's. When I saw you here in front of me, it reminded me of the film.'

Jennifer chuckled. 'I'm familiar with the movie, but I couldn't resist teasing you a little.'

'Oh, you got me!' Dera playfully responded. 

'Hey, I'm a fan of Captain America, Shazam, Iron Man, Black Adam, Hulk, Hawkeye, Wonder Woman, Thor, Superman, Ant-Man, Spider-Man...' Jennifer listed her favourite superheroes.

'Wow, you're such a fan of superhero films. Maybe you should consider starring in one and joining the ranks of the Justice League or the Justice Society,' Dera playfully suggested, sparking laughter from Jennifer.

As they continued their conversation, they immersed themselves in their respective activities, thoroughly enjoying each other's company.

Dera had always had a deep connection with nature and growing things. Though she wasn't officially part of the school's gardening team, she handled plants with delicacy and expertise. Being in the garden seemed to ease her troubles, allowing her to apply the knowledge she had gained from watching YouTube videos about flowers and weeds.

Since the school's gardener had resigned the previous year, the garden had been neglected. The principal's decision to assign Dera to take care of it was seen by some as a punishment for her debt, but Dera viewed it as an opportunity for fun and fulfillment.

To support and encourage Dera, Mrs. Nnaji had brought a tray of plants from home for Dera to work on. Jennifer, being there to assist Dera with the garden, realised that while the punishment assigned to Dera was to work on the school garden alone, she couldn't simply sit back and watch her best friend tackle the task alone. Driven by their strong bond, Jennifer felt compelled to lend a helping hand to Dera in tending to the garden. As her best friend, she believed it was the right thing to do, to offer her assistance and ensure that Dera did not face the challenge alone.

Dera loved gardening; to her, it was like building a paradise on earth. It provided her with an opportunity to design and create her own space, where she had almost full control. She enjoyed the exposure to sunlight and fresh air, knowing it helped her body naturally produce Vitamin D, essential for a healthy immune system. So, this wasn't a punishment; it was her Gardening Moment.

During break time, Dera would go to the library and study the gardening book she had borrowed from the Agric teacher, along with other books she collected from the library. She believed that reading those books would expand her knowledge of plants, flowers, and trees. However, the realisation that she was barred from entering the library saddened her.

After tending to the garden, Dera returned the gardening equipment she had collected from the janitor's office and headed towards the classroom building. The principal hadn't given her permission to enter the classroom yet, so she waited in the hallway.

Meanwhile, Jennifer excused herself and made her way to the restroom before returning to the classroom. Taking her seat at her desk, she became fully absorbed in reading a magazine she had borrowed from her mother's collection at home. Lost in its pages, she patiently awaited the arrival of the French teacher, engrossed in the captivating content as time seemed to slip away.