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When Victoria, Rejoice's stepmother, heard the news from her husband, she decided to talk to her daughter Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, your father has discussed with Mrs. Happiness, and she's assured him that she'll help Rejoice gain admission into Salem Fashion Designing School," Victoria said, trying to ensure Elizabeth understood the importance of what she was saying. "You know what it means to attend Salem, right?"
Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "Mom, I want to go too!"
Victoria looked at her skeptically. "But you don't know how to sew or design clothes."
"What is a fashion designing school about?" Elizabeth replied, confidently. "It's about learning those skills. If they're willing to teach, and I'm determined, then I can learn just like anyone else."
Victoria stared at her daughter for a few moments, realizing she had a point. With a nod, she went to inform her husband.
That evening, Victoria sat down beside her husband in the living room and told him about Elizabeth's interest.
"At first, I wasn't sure," she began, "but Elizabeth is serious. I think she should go."
Her husband sighed, not entirely pleased. But after some quiet thought, he said, "If that's what she wants, I won't stop her. Maybe it's part of her journey. I'll get the form for her."
When Rejoice heard about her father's decision, she felt a stab of betrayal. She stormed into her room, and her best friend Sonia, who had come over to spend the evening, followed her.
"Sonia, can you believe this?" Rejoice fumed. "There are so many fashion schools in town, but of course, she must choose mine. Why must her mother and she always try to take everything that's mine?"
"Let's talk to your dad about it," Sonia suggested, unsure but wanting to help.
They waited until Rejoice's father came home. When he did, they approached him carefully.
"Dad," Rejoice said, her voice already raised with frustration. "There are other fashion schools in town. Why must Elizabeth attend the same one as me? Must she and her mother always be jealous and take everything I have?"
Her father's face darkened. "Rejoice! How dare you speak that way about your stepmother and stepsister? You're going to the same school, and nothing is changing. Understand?"
His voice was so loud and angry that Sonia froze. She had never seen him like that.
Rejoice sat on the couch crying, and Sonia tried to comfort her. But Rejoice was so heartbroken that Sonia herself started tearing up.
That night, Sonia stayed over to keep Rejoice company. It was past midnight, and the two girls were still awake. Sonia, feeling guilty for encouraging Rejoice to speak to her father, whispered an apology.
"I'm sorry for pushing you to talk to your dad," she said softly.
Rejoice wiped her tears. "It's not your fault. I'm just disgusted by the way they always get what they want. Now she's following me into fashion school too. It's like they're after my life."
"It's going to be okay," Sonia said, placing her hand gently on Rejoice's shoulder. "Your dad's made his decision. You know he doesn't change his mind. Just apologize, and let's move on."
Rejoice nodded, and the two hugged before falling asleep.
---
The next morning, by 6:00 a.m., Rejoice got up and walked quietly to her father's gym room. He was there doing light stretches. She stood by the door, hesitant.
"Good morning, Dad," she said in a low voice.
At first, he ignored her. But when she greeted him again, he finally responded.
"Morning. How was your night?" he asked flatly.
"Fine. And yours?"
"It was okay," he replied, still not looking at her.
Rejoice took a deep breath. "Dad, I'm really sorry for what I said yesterday. I was angry and didn't mean to disrespect you. I just didn't want to attend the same school as Elizabeth, but I promise to make it up to you. It won't happen again."
Her father paused. He could hear the sincerity in her voice. He looked at her and softened.
"Rejoice, I've forgiven you. But you need to understand—it's wrong to speak against your stepmother and stepsister. They love you, and you should love them back. It's not a sin for Elizabeth to attend the same school as you. You're not even paying the fees."
Before he could finish, Rejoice wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. He sighed and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
After they had some discussions they all went about there various daily activities.
---
After the reconciliation between Rejoice and her dad~Rejo