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Days passed slowly, and Rejoice, along with her best friend Sonia, became increasingly anxious. Their nerves tangled tighter as the examination and interview for Salem Fashion Designing School (SFD) drew closer—just three days away. While Rejoice found herself praying silently each morning, Sonia kept repeating affirmations to calm her racing heart.
On the other side of town, Elizabeth didn't seem half as worried. She lounged in her room, scrolling through her phone, occasionally chatting with her friend Grace. But beneath her calm demeanor was confusion. Why were Rejoice and Sonia acting like the world was ending?
"Like seriously, why are those two girls so nervous?" Elizabeth said, flinging a hairband onto her bed. "I should be the one worried. I'm not even close to Mrs. Happiness. That woman barely knows my face, let alone my name—and she's the one helping us work admission into SFD."
Grace, who was sitting on the floor painting her nails, scoffed. "That's their business. I've always told you I can't stand your so-called sister Rejoice, and that ratchet Sonia? Please. Don't ruin my mood this sunny afternoon by bringing up their names."
Elizabeth let out a dry laugh. "Alright then, let's go get drinks and catch up. I need to chill."
Grace dropped her nail file and reached for her handbag. "Now you're talking."
Meanwhile, at Sonia's house, Rejoice was pacing nervously around the room. Her eyes were fixed on Sonia's shoes—a pair of black loafers that she seemed to be tying and retying just to avoid conversation.
"Our exam is in three days," Rejoice muttered. "I can't stop thinking about it."
Sonia looked up, gently placing a hand on Rejoice's shoulder. "Everything will work together for our good, okay? You just need to calm down."
"I know, I know. But this is our future on the line."
"Which is why we're not going to let anxiety ruin our vibe. Come on, let's grab a drink at the cafeteria down the road."
Rejoice flopped back onto the couch, arms crossed. "I'm fine. I don't feel like going anywhere."
Sonia rolled her eyes and grabbed Rejoice's arm. "Girl, we're going. Period."
Rejoice grinned and played along. "Okay, okay. But only on one condition."
Sonia raised a brow and adjusted her glasses. "What condition?"
"You pay for the drinks!"
Sonia let out a dramatic sigh. "Deal! Now get up before I carry you out myself."
They both laughed loudly, their tension melting a little. As they descended the stairs, Sonia's mom spotted them.
"Where are you two headed?" she asked, arms folded and eyes squinting with suspicion.
"We're just heading to the cafeteria to grab something to drink," Sonia replied, trying not to roll her eyes.
"Alright. Just make sure you don't stay out too long. You know it's not safe for young girls these days. May the blood of Jesus cover you both."
"Yes, Mum. Amen!" Sonia and Rejoice chorused, stepping outside.
Once out of earshot, Sonia shook her head. "I can't believe my mom is still stuck in the stone age. Like seriously, this is the white man's land, can she not adapt?"
Rejoice chuckled. "That's what happens when you grow up in Nigeria. They bring all that strict parenting abroad and act like it's gospel."
"Tell me about it. She literally clapped me in public last week for standing next to a guy. Like ma'am, I'm seventeen!"
"Trust me, if she was still in Nigeria, it would've been worse."
Sonia gave a defeated sigh and pulled out her phone. "Anyway... wait, where's Elizabeth?"
Rejoice paused. "That's true. I haven't seen her since morning. Did she say where she was going?"
"Nope. After breakfast, she disappeared."
"I'm going to try calling her," Sonia said, pulling out her second phone.
She waited, but the call didn't go through. "Can you imagine? She's busying my calls."
"She's crossing the line lately. I don't know what her problem is," Rejoice muttered.
"She'll come back home eventually. When she does, we'll question her."
As they approached the cafeteria, a young man with a mischievous smile welcomed them.
"Hi pretty girls! What can I get you today?" he said with a deep voice and a strange twinkle in his eye.
"What's up with this man?" Rejoice whispered, clearly caught off guard.
"He's just doing his job—though he's doing a bit too much," Sonia giggled.
Their laughter echoed through the small café, catching the attention of a few nearby customers. Embarrassed, they tried to compose themselves as they slid into a booth.
Midway through sipping her apple juice, Sonia's eyes widened. She nudged Rejoice. "Look! Isn't that Elizabeth?"
Rejoice turned to the glass window. "It is! And... wait, who's that with her?"
"That's Grace, obviously. Have you gone blind?" Sonia teased. "As for the guy in black I have no clue."
"Oh, I see it now. Grace is wearing a wig. No wonder I didn't recognize her. But the guy... he looks familiar."
"Hmm, let's go outside and talk to them?" Sonia suggested, grabbing her bag.
"Sure, but let's finish our drinks first. And you're paying, remember?" Rejoice smirked.
"Right, right." Sonia called over the waiter. "Excuse me, how much is our bill?"
"Five dollars," the guy said with a dazzling smile.
Sonia handed over her card. "Here you go. By the way, I'm Sonia. May I know your name?"
"I'm Nelson. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sonia." He handed her the card back. "Hope I get to see you again."
"You definitely will," Sonia replied with a slight blush.
Rejoice raised an eyebrow. "Girl, don't tell me you're crushing already."
Sonia clutched her heart dramatically. "Yes! I'm in love, bestie. This is love at first sight."
They both burst into laughter again and stood up to leave.
As they stepped outside, Elizabeth spotted them and immediately folded her arms.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up," Rejoice said.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "You act like I owe you an explanation."
"You do when you go missing for hours without telling anyone," Sonia chimed in.
Grace didn't even bother to greet them. She just smirked and whispered something to Elizabeth, who laughed.
"And who's this?" Rejoice gestured at the guy standing beside them.
"Oh, this is Caleb," Elizabeth said. "He's... a friend."
"Friend or boyfriend?" Sonia asked bluntly.
"That's none of your business," Grace snapped.
Rejoice stepped forward. "It is when you bring random boys around and make us look like we're the bad ones."
"Whatever," Elizabeth said, brushing past them. "Come on, Grace. Let's go."
Caleb gave them an awkward smile before following the girls down the street.
Sonia sighed. "Something about that guy doesn't feel right."
"Agreed," Rejoice said, watching them disappear into the distance. "And I have a feeling this week is going to be even more dramatic."
Sonia nodded. "Let's just focus on the exam. We've come too far to let distractions mess us up."
As the sun began to set behind the buildings, the two girls walked home, determined to stay focused on their dream no matter the chaos around them.
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