Chapter Eighteen

Dera gathered her things to go home after school. She walked down the hallway to the front entrance, intending to check on the garden before heading home. However, as she stepped outside, she spotted a familiar figure standing by the water fountain, looking at the art projects displayed by the art teacher. He was holding a newspaper. Laughing, Dera reached into her school bag and pulled out a whistle and blew it. Then, she placed two fingers to her lips and blew a piercing whistle, capturing everyone's attention.

Among the crowd, Andrew recognised the unique whistle—his sister had learned it from him. Looking at his adorable sister, his young face split into a huge grin. Running towards him, Andrew removed his sunglasses and tucked them into his pocket.

'Chidera Onuoha! Remember, you're a top student, not a shipyard whistleblower,' reprimanded Miss Nancy, a teacher walking outside towards the parking lot. Dera stopped in her tracks and turned to face the teacher.

'Yes, Miss Nancy, sorry, Miss Nancy. I'm just excited to see my elder brother. It's my first time seeing him since he got admission into Imo State University to study law,' explained Dera.

The teacher's stern expression softened. 'In that case, run along, but don't you ever disturb the school with such a dreadful noise again.'

'Yes, Miss Nancy. Thank you so much,' Dera replied gratefully. She resumed her run, her ponytail bouncing against her back as she joyfully made her way towards Andrew.

Happily, Dera ran into Andrew's open arms, and he twirled her around. Andrew was overjoyed to see his adoring sister. He was dressed in a tie and suit, as he always liked to dress up for classes. Despite his clothes being from thrift stores, he carried himself with confidence and charm. His tall stature, nice smile, well-cut dark hair, and gorgeous dark eyes added to his appealing presence.

'I didn't know you were coming home!' Dera exclaimed breathlessly as Andrew put her down.

'Neither did I, until mum called me and told me what's been going on with you,' Andrew replied, looking at his sister from head to toe. His eyes welled up with emotion. 'Dera, I'm sorry you're going through this.'

'I have always looked beautiful,' Dera laughed, playfully poking his stomach. 'And you've become even more handsome yourself,' she added, pretending to misunderstand his comment.

'Ouch, that's not a good way to pretend not to understand what I meant,' Andrew chuckled, glancing over Dera's shoulder. 'Hello, Jennifer.'

'Hello, Andrew,' Jennifer Ugo greeted with a beaming smile. She then turned to Dera and said, 'You dropped your book...'

'I didn't drop it. Maybe it fell out of my bag when I was running to meet Andrew,' Dera smiled. 'Thank you, Jennifer.' She took the book from Jennifer's hand.

Andrew noticed the torn condition of Dera's bag and reached out to take it from her. 'I'll carry your bag for you. Jennifer, if you're not catching a bus or waiting for your mum, I can take yours too, if you'd like,' he offered, and Jennifer gladly handed him her school bag.

'Dera, I told you to wait for me. Why did you run off without me?' Jennifer whispered, glancing at Dera.

'I was so excited to see my brother... I'm sorry,' Dera apologised.

Jennifer nodded, smiling.

'Despite being foodies, both of you are still so slim,' Andrew teased, and the girls giggled at his words.

'Best friends should look the same,' Jennifer joked. 'If we turn into pigs, who will marry us in the future?'

'Andrew will marry you,' Dera joked, and they all laughed.

The three of them walked home, engaged in joyful conversation. As the blue sky transformed into a shade of grey, Dera remained unperturbed. Having her brother by her side was all that mattered to her.

'It might rain soon,' Andrew remarked after a moment. 'We don't have an umbrella.'

Dera took in a deep breath, and Jennifer followed suit. 'I love the rain,' Dera laughed. 'And I'm not afraid to catch a cold. Andrew is here to shield me anyway.'

'I love the rain too, but not every time,' Jennifer added, glancing at Dera and sharing a sweet smile. When they reached the junction leading to Jennifer's house, she turned to Dera and said, 'See you tomorrow, Dera.'

'Yeah, see you too,' Dera smiled. Jennifer retrieved her bag from Andrew and bid them farewell, heading towards her home.

'I'm so happy to see you, big brother,' Dera said, slipping her hand possessively into Andrew's free arm. She wanted to make the most of their short, precious moment, knowing he wouldn't stay for long.

'When mum told me what you're going through, I couldn't concentrate in class. I had to come home right away,' Andrew explained, squeezing her arm against his side. 'But don't worry, I think I have a solution to your problem.'

'Really?' Dera looked up at him with hope in her eyes.