Chapter Forty-Seven

When the results for both WAEC and NECO were released, Dera wasted no time. She grabbed her WAEC and NECO scratch cards and headed to the internet café. Sitting in front of her computer, she navigated to the WAEC Result Checking Portal and patiently waited for the webpage to load.

After the portal opened, Dera swiftly entered her 10-digit WAEC Examination Number in the designated box on the screen. She provided the four digits of her examination year, selected the type of examination, entered the e-PIN Voucher Number, and finally, entered the personal identification number from her e-PIN. With anticipation, she clicked on the Submit button.

Dera's heart raced as she waited for the results window to appear. Nervously, she looked at the screen. Closing her eyes for a moment, she then gently opened them. Her excitement soared when she saw six A1 and three B2 grades.

'I did it!' she screamed with excitement. Turning around, she hugged an old man who happened to be standing behind her, talking on the phone. The man was taken aback and momentarily speechless. 'I did it! My WASSCE results are excellent!' She pointed to the screen, tears of joy streaming down her face.

'My granddaughter failed hers. But I must say, you're amazing. Check your NECO results; I'm sure you'll do well there too,' the old man said, smiling at Dera before continuing his phone call.

'I'm sorry that she failed,' Dera murmured. Then, she composed herself and proceeded to check her NECO results. Overwhelmed with happiness, she couldn't contain her emotions when she saw seven A's and two B's.

Upon returning home, she embraced her parents and brother, proudly showing them the result printouts. Dera grabbed her mobile phone and called Mrs. Nnaji, sharing the news about her results. Mrs. Nnaji couldn't contain her excitement upon hearing the results. She had never doubted that Dera would achieve such outstanding marks.

'Keep riding,' Mrs. Nnaji encouraged.

Dera smiled sweetly. 'Always.' She hung up and joined her family at the dining table.

Beatrice prepared a mouthwatering dinner of rice and chicken stew. As everyone eagerly indulged in the delicious meal, Dera reached for her phone to post her exam results on Goodwall, considering it one of her first significant achievements. She also took the opportunity to express her gratitude to Goodwall for playing a behind-the-scenes role in making it possible. Although Goodwall wasn't aware of its impact on her journey, Dera felt compelled to thank the platform.

Just as she uploaded the photos and commented on her results, a message from Jeff Barcelona popped up on her screen. Excitement surged through her as she opened it and discovered that she had won third place in the #Food4Thought challenge and had been selected to travel to Italy.

'I was selected to go to Italy!' Dera exclaimed with sheer joy.

'What?' Andrew looked at Dera curiously. 'I thought as the third grand winner, you weren't included in the trip but only to receive the package...'

'Look at this,' Dera said, handing her phone to Andrew.

'That's true!' Andrew hugged Dera excitedly.

Emeka couldn't believe his eyes. When he saw the message on Dera's phone, he stood up in disbelief. 'Dera, this is real!' he confirmed.

'Yes, it's real,' Dera nodded with a radiant smile.

'Who is sponsoring this?' Beatrice asked, her curiosity piqued.

'Bites of Transfoodmation and Wyss Academy,' Dera answered, still overwhelmed by the news.

Dera was going to Italy! It was dreams come true. The entire family was elated by this incredible opportunity.

'Mum, dad, I have never imagined...' Tears welled up in Dera's eyes. 'I've always wished to travel, but I never thought I'd be given such a tremendous opportunity. It came so soon! Thank you, Goodwall, for this amazing opportunity.'

'You make it sound as if Goodwall is here,' Andrew teased, and they all burst into laughter.

'You truly deserve it,' Emeka said, his voice filled with tenderness as a heartfelt smile adorned his face. 'For the first time in our family's history, someone is travelling abroad.' Tears of joy filled Emeka's eyes, marking the first time he openly shed tears in front of his family. Swiftly wiping away the tears, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude towards GOD for blessing him with such a beautiful family.

After dinner, Dera took out her mobile phone. She couldn't wait to share the news with the group chat she had created. Her classmates couldn't believe it, but they were genuinely thrilled for her. They all logged on to comment on her post, wishing her a safe and memorable trip.