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In the living room, Rejoice and her father sat quietly on the couch. The room was warm, filled with the scent of afternoon rain and fresh wood polish.
Her father looked at her with his usual calm smile.
"So, Rejoice, what is it you want to tell me?" he asked gently.
Rejoice took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her blouse.
"Dad… I'd like to go to a fashion school," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You know I've always had a passion for designing clothes. I want to pursue it… officially."
She glanced up at him nervously, afraid of rejection. Her heart pounded in her chest as silence fell over the room.
Then her father nodded.
"That's a beautiful dream, my girl. And I support it."
Rejoice's face lit up with joy.
"Really, Dad? Thank you so much! I was scared to tell you… I thought maybe you and stepmother had other plans for me. I've kept it to myself for a long time. I've even been praying you'd let me follow my heart."
Her father placed a hand on hers.
"My dear, I would never kill or discourage your dreams. It's not right for a parent to force their child into something they don't love. It's your life, and as long as you involve God, you'll be fine. Just one thing…" he paused, "do you know any good fashion schools around here? I honestly don't."
Rejoice wasn't surprised.
"You don't know Salem Fashion School?" she chuckled lightly. "It's called SFD now — short for Salem Fashion Design. Everyone knows it!"
Of course, her father didn't. He was an introvert, quiet and reserved. He moved in a simple circle: church, work, home — no parties, no bars, no football games. He lived a private life. Unlike Rejoice, who loved shows, events, and football — especially as a proud Manchester United fan. Her father always said she was just like her late mother , an extrovert with a loud, bright spirit.
And when it came to fashion, her father was completely clueless.
But Rejoice knew someone Mrs. Happiness Scott, a respected employee at SFD and a mentor figure in her life. The school was one of the best in the country, known for producing top-tier fashion designers. Many of the successful designers in town were proud SFD graduates.
Mrs. Happiness Scott was a close friend of Sonia's parents — Sonia being Rejoice's best friend. Rejoice always admired her and tried to get close whenever she had the chance, learning little tips and ideas about designing. Unfortunately, Mrs. Scott was currently out of the country, but she was expected back in two months.
When Rejoice told her father about Mrs. Scott and SFD, he smiled and nodded.
"Then we'll wait," he said. "Be patient. When she returns, we'll do whatever it takes to get you enrolled."
With that, he returned to the bedroom to rest. But as he entered, he saw Victoria wide awake, muttering angrily to herself about Rejoice. He pretended not to notice, climbed into bed, and closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, Rejoice rushed to her room, bubbling with joy. She picked up her phone and quickly dialed Sonia.
"Guess what!" she squealed. "He said yes! I can finally go to fashion school!"
But she didn't know Elizabeth was lying on the couch in her room, pretending to be asleep — eavesdropping on everything.
As soon as Rejoice hung up, Elizabeth quietly got up and tiptoed out of the room. She went to her mother's bedroom, but Victoria was already fast asleep.
So she waited.
At exactly 9 p.m., she would wake her mother. That was the time Victoria always gathered the kids for a "moon night story" — an old family tradition that Rejoice secretly loved, despite everything.
It was the one thing she actually admired about her stepmother — the stories.
Even though Victoria came from a family that barely knew their cultural history, she still held tightly to the old ways of raising a child.
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