Olaedo sat at her desk, her head bowed. She felt like crying, but her tears had long dried up.
Her best friend, Nnenna, sat beside her in shared silence.
Their families lived in the same rundown neighborhood, so they were in the same boat. Except that Nnenna had more faith since she was a serious Christian, unlike Olaedo, who was still secretly blaming God for all her problems and couldn't bring herself to trust Him.
"Don't worry, Olaedo. Everything will be fine because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord, to them who are called to His purpose. You've given your life to Christ, so try trusting Him like you would trust your father if he were alive."
Olaedo nodded softly, though Nnenna's words stirred anger within her. 'The sermon was nice,' she thought, 'but she had to mention my dad.' The thought only added fuel to her frustration toward God.
She forced a weak smile, hardly convincing Nnenna, but she couldn't muster anything stronger. Thankfully, Nnenna understood the silent signal and stopped pushing.
They sat together in a comfortable silence for thirty minutes before Olaedo spoke. "Nnenna, I want to start a finance company, maybe even a bank when I turn 18. I don't know how, but I want to start preparing. If I write these exams, that's great, but if not, I'll find a job to support my family and save for my business."
'Starting a company at 18?! Is that even possible? Maybe i should accept that proposal, i could help her if i do.' Nnenna thought bitterly.
Nnenna looked at her carefully, admiring her friend's fierce determination to break out of the shackles of poverty. This was part of what she admired in Olaedo, her resilience, her courage, and her unwavering spirit.
'No! I won't throw away my life by forgoing my education and getting married at 18. I will fight with Olaedo to come out on top instead!'
As the exam drew near, the burden of where to get the money was heavily upon Olaedo and her family.
Mrs. Anozie and Olaedo barely sat down as they ran from one work to another, from one extended family to another, begging and pleading. Insults and disgrace came from some, while others supported with what they could afford. Olaedo took note of these extended families and friends who considered her problem their problem too.
Some who didn't have money to give took soft loans, while others called their friends to ask for help. Most of her extended family and friends truly showed up for them, warming her heart.
All these reactions, good or bad, fueled Olaedo's resolve to one day stand on top of the world. She would repay those who helped her in her lowest times and prove to those who dismissed her as unworthy that they were wrong.
Eventually, they scraped together 35,000 local currency
Then, in a moment she would never forget, Nnenna's father came to their rescue yet again.
Nnenna's father worked at a private primary school, which made him eligible for loans because he had a stable job. The pay was decent but not luxurious, so he could only collect small loans. He had already been saving to pay for Nnenna's final exam fees. When the time came, he needed just a small loan to complete the amount.
One evening, he returned home to find Nnenna sitting alone, looking worried.
"Nnenna, haven't I already paid your final exams fees? Why are you still worried?"
Nnenna, seeing him, rose immediately, greeted him, and collected his bag. "Welcome home, Dad."
She fetched him a cup of water and gestured for him to sit. Then, she opened up: "It's Olaedo, Dad. Her fees aren't complete yet, and the deadline is tomorrow! I don't know how I can help her."
Nnenna's father nodded thoughtfully, sighing as he rose to ruffle her hair with a smile. "My little girl, always thinking of others. I'm proud of you. Don't worry, the money I borrowed to pay your fees is still a bit more than I needed. I was planning to put it into the convenience store, but this is far more important. Let me go now and meet Olaedo's mom to see how we can complete her fees. Could you please warm the food for me? I'm starving, but I'll settle this first."
Nnenna's already large eyes widened in excitement, making them look even larger. "Dad, are you serious?!"
"Very serious."
"Yeeeeee!" she squealed, bouncing around like a five-year-old child.
Her father shook his head helplessly at her childishness but felt happy knowing she could grow up worry-free.
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Five months later
Olaedo passed with flying colors, As and Bs in every subject. Nnenna also did well, her grades reflecting the benefit of studying with a friend like Olaedo.
But the next mountain soon loomed: university. This time, Olaedo knew it would be impossible.
She had made up her mind to go into business and leave school behind. But convincing her mom was a battle.
After dinner and after her brothers had gone to do their homework, Olaedo called her mom for a chat. "Mom, there's something I need to tell you."
Mrs. Anozie adjusted her posture, seeing that Olaedo looked serious. "What is it, dear?"
Olaedo hesitated, then spoke firmly: "I don't want to go to university. I would rather work for a year and start a company when I'm 18. This way, I can take care of the boys and you. I will make sure they go to school."
Mrs. Anozie widened her eyes in anger. "I disagree! That will never happen. We would never ask you to sacrifice your education for us."
Olaedo nodded hastily. "Yes, I know you aren't asking me to sacrifice my education. This is my personal decision."
"No! I won't allow it, Olaedo. I won't allow it. Even if I don't have the money to send you to university, I will find a way by God's grace. I don't want to hear of this again."