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As the examination date drew closer, the tension among the girls heightened. Rejoice and Sonia were particularly nervous, spending long hours revising, practicing designs, and watching tutorials to better their skills. But Elizabeth remained unusually calm, often brushing off their anxiety.
"See girls, you guys are just burdening yourselves," Elizabeth said one evening, lounging across the bed, her voice relaxed and dismissive. "We are going to get the admission. Your dad already has a strong relationship with Mrs. Happiness, and Sonia's parents are also close to her. So what's there to worry about?"
Her tone was low and casual, not wanting to cause conflict, but her words didn't sit well with Rejoice or Sonia. Rejoice bit her tongue, choosing peace, but Sonia glanced at Elizabeth with subtle disapproval. To them, it wasn't just about connections. It was about dreams, hard work, and proving themselves.
A few days before the exam, Rejoice and Elizabeth packed up to stay at Sonia's house. Her house was closer to the bus stop where candidates would catch a bus to Salem Fashion Designing School, which was nearly 200 kilometers away. Being closer meant they could leave early and arrive on time.
That afternoon, Rejoice's father, Mr. Apex, and Sonia's parents stood at the frontage of Sonia's house, discussing the girls.
"The girls have really been studying hard," Sonia's father said, nodding approvingly.
"Yes, I see the passion in Rejoice's eyes every time she talks about designing," Mr. Apex responded.
Sonia's mother clasped her hands together. "I pray God grants our children's heart desires and makes them successful fashion designers, not just in our country but globally."
"Amen oooo!" the two men chorused, laughing heartily as they teased Sonia's mother for being the most prayerful among them.
Inside, the girls were helping Sonia arrange her things. Elizabeth looked around, slightly overwhelmed by the beauty of the house. She had known Sonia came from a wealthy family, but she hadn't expected it to be this stunning. The house was surrounded by vibrant, fragrant flowers, and the interior was stylish and modern. Sonia's room was filled with frames of Korean actors, male K-pop stars, and shelves of neatly stacked books and collectibles. Even her phone wallpaper displayed a famous Korean drama character.
"Wow, I didn't know you loved K-dramas this much," Elizabeth said, flipping through a nearby book.
"Yeah, I do. I also listen to their music, especially hip-hop artists," Sonia replied casually, rearranging her dresser. And u also listen to Afrobeat music Elizabeth said as she saw magazine which was about Nigerian music.
I love Afro beat music and their artists too most especially fela kuti the father of Afro beat Elizabeth said still flipping though the book.
"I'm not really a fan of Nigerian music. It feels like they sing without depth. But they're good, though." Sonia said without rasing an attempt to look at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth raised her brows slightly. "Well, I like Afrobeat. It brings joy and excitement. Most of them tour globally and are breaking records. But anyway, no argument tonight."
Sonia didn't reply, focusing on her clothes. Rejoice quietly folded her outfits, trying to ignore the tension brewing between the two.
Once they were done, Sonia's mother called them for dinner. The dining table was neatly set with steaming plates of noodles, fried fish, and camped eggs—one of Sonia's father's favorites, second only to vegetables.
The room was silent as they ate, the only sounds coming from the clinking of cutlery. Elizabeth was quietly amazed by the meal's deliciousness. Once again, the household had exceeded her expectations.
After dinner, the girls took their showers and changed into nightwear. Mr. Apex hugged his daughter, Rejoice, and headed back home to Elizabeth's mother.
Rejoice and Sonia intended to share a room, while Elizabeth, not wanting to interfere in their closeness, chose the room opposite. But Sonia's mother had other plans.
"All three of you should sleep in one room," she said firmly. "Elizabeth, you're going to be spending a lot of time with them at Salem. You girls need to bond."
"But—" Elizabeth began.
"No buts," Sonia's mother said, cutting her off. "Togetherness matters, especially among young women working towards the same goal."
Rejoice clapped her hands with excitement. "Ma, it's going to be a great night. Don't worry about anything."
"Good," Sonia's mum said with a smile. "I love my three cuties. Now, good night. And remember—no loud music or excessive laughter. Understood?"
"Yes, mum!" they chorused, sharing glances that said otherwise.
Back in Sonia's room, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and quiet tension. Sonia sat on her bed scrolling through her phone while Rejoice brushed her hair.
Elizabeth laid on the bed and sighed. "I guess this is our reality now—living, studying, and preparing together."
"It's not so bad," Rejoice replied warmly. "If we support each other, we'll do great."
"Support is good, but honesty is better," Sonia said without looking up.
Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably. "Are we still on that? I didn't lie to your dad. I only told him I preferred to study alone. He assumed the rest."
Rejoice looked between the two, choosing her words carefully. "Let's not argue. Let's just get through these exams first. We all have something to prove."
The girls spent the next few minutes chatting about Salem, wondering what kind of interview questions they'd face and if they'd be tested on design theory or practicals.
Eventually, Rejoice turned off the light, and the room went silent.
But sleep didn't come easily. Sonia kept turning in bed. Elizabeth stared at the ceiling, and Rejoice, though quiet, whispered a prayer in her heart.
"Lord, help us succeed. Help us live in peace."
Because deep down, she knew success wasn't just about getting into Salem—it was surviving the journey together.