Chapter Thirty-Eight

The following day, Emeka happily exchanged the dollars for naira. He visited Peach Secondary School to clear Dera's debts and also purchased a new set of school uniform for her. A burden seemed to lift off his shoulders, and he couldn't contain his happiness. The thought of his daughter sitting for the major exams in a new uniform filled him with immense pride and joy, erasing the pain he had felt every time he saw her in the old, torn uniform.

Just five minutes after Emeka left the school, the secretary called for Dera to come to her office. Dera quickly made her way from the gym class to the secretary's office, knocking on the door before entering.

'Come in,' the secretary replied, sitting at her desk with a cup of coffee. The office had an elegant ambiance, with a large table, a swivel leather chair, a computer, and neatly arranged files and stationery. Dera glanced at the cabinet filled with reference books and files before meeting the secretary's gaze.

'Benjamin said you wanted to see me,' Dera said from the doorway.

'Yes, I did. Why are you still standing there? I'm not going to harm you,' the secretary reassured, motioning for Dera to come closer.

Dera approached, admiring the young and beautiful secretary in her blue suit and captivating eyes. She appeared both graceful and youthful.

'Your father was here just a few minutes ago,' the secretary informed, placing her coffee cup on the table. 'He took care of your registration for the two final exams and even paid for a brand-new school uniform.' Her eyes scanned Dera from head to toe. Initially, she had doubted whether Dera would be able to take part in the WASSCE exam, but now, not only was she registered, she also had a new uniform. The secretary playfully teased, 'All the uniforms might be a bit too big for you. Are you good with a needle?'

'Yes, ma'am,' Dera smiled. 'I can darn socks, and sew on buttons. I even made a blouse in needlework last year. Poverty has taught me to be hard working,' Dera shared, causing the secretary to burst into laughter.

'Very well, follow me,' the secretary said, standing up and walking towards the right side of the office. Dera followed closely behind. The secretary opened the door to the storeroom, turned on the light, and stepped inside. Dera patiently waited outside the door.

'I told you to follow me,' the secretary reminded, noticing Dera's hesitation. She searched through the neatly arranged piles of school uniforms. Different uniforms for various school activities were carefully arranged in the dressers in the room.

Dera entered the storeroom and observed the secretary meticulously examining the main uniform, searching for the appropriate size.

'Do you like these?' the secretary asked, holding up a skirt, blazer, and shirt.

Dera nodded, saying, 'I guess so.'

'Go to the fitting room and try them on. If they fit well, I'll have our designing department sew a name tag on the blazer. Your school sandals will also be ready by the end of the day. Come back after school to pick them up,' the secretary explained.

Dera nodded joyfully. 'What about the socks?' she enquired as they stepped out of the room.

The uniform fit Dera quite nicely, and she couldn't contain her excitement for the next day when she would finally have the chance to wear them. The anticipation of adorning her new uniform filled her with a longing for the arrival of the new day, wishing for it to come swiftly.

'They will be included with the sandals. Tomorrow, you'll look absolutely flawless,' the secretary assured her. 'Your father not only registered you for both final exams but also purchased a new uniform for you. You must be thrilled about that, aren't you?'

'Yes,' Dera smiled warmly.

'I'll forward your name to your form teacher,' the secretary returned the smile. 'Now, it's time to return to your class,' she calmly instructed Dera.

Dera nodded and turned to leave the office. However, before heading to the gym class, she decided to share her good news with Mrs. Nnaji. She ran to her office without hesitation.

As Dera entered the office, she couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She blurted out, 'I have finally registered for both my WASSCE and NECO! The school secretary informed me and she'll be forwarding my name to you.'

Mrs. Nnaji looked up from her book, her face lighting up with genuine joy. 'Oh, Dera, that's wonderful news! You should be incredibly proud of yourself.'

'Thank you so much,' Dera replied, her voice filled with gratitude.

Mrs. Nnaji continued, her eyes gleaming with warmth, 'Dera, you're not just a brilliant student, but also a kind-hearted person. I have no doubt that you will excel in the university and have a successful career. May you cross paths with many good people who will support and inspire you.'

Dera was deeply moved by Mrs. Nnaji's words. Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, she hurriedly walked over and embraced Mrs. Nnaji in a tight hug. Mrs. Nnaji had always been there for her, offering guidance, encouragement, and genuine care.

After a moment, Dera pulled back, her eyes shining with gratitude. 'Thank you, Mrs. Nnaji. Your support means the world to me.'

Mrs. Nnaji smiled warmly and gently patted Dera's shoulder. 'You deserve every success, Dera. Remember, I'm always here for you.'

With a renewed sense of purpose and a heart full of appreciation, Dera left Mrs. Nnaji's office, ready to embark on the next chapter of her educational journey.