It was many years ago—perhaps fifteen—since Angel first met Dera and they became friends.
Back then, Angel had to repeat Nursery One, all because of a partial teacher.
This teacher was notorious for exploiting pupils, charging more than the standard fees. If a pupil's parents paid the exact amount instead of adding a 10% "extra," she would deliberately fail the child.
Unfortunately, Angel's parents were careful. They always verified fee details with other teachers and paid only the correct amount. For that, the teacher punished Angel repeatedly.
Then came the day of result collection.
Angel returned home with an F, and at the end of her report booklet was a scathing, unbelievable remark from her teacher:
Not intelligent, always an annoying and disrespectful child. Fights in class, never listens to teachings, and is disobedient.
The words were shocking.
Yes, Angel was stubborn, and she sometimes spoke before thinking—she was just a little child then—but disrespectful? Disobedient? A fighter?
Never.
She didn't even know how to fight. She might shout threats when provoked, but she always ran away if it came to an actual confrontation. Most of her outbursts were triggered at home, by her siblings or her mother.
Even when she was hurting, she never lashed out. She knew her limits. She might wince or go quiet, but she never crossed the line.
Her parents, disturbed and confused, went straight to the school. What they found shocked them further.
About one-third of Angel's classmates were gathered at the Headmistress's office.
The headmistress looked up as they approached. "Are you here regarding the teacher?" she asked.
What followed was a full inquiry.
The pupils revealed that the teacher barely attended class. She only showed up during meetings or when it was time to collect money.
When questioned, the teacher offered an excuse: she had kids, a husband, and in-laws to care for.
The headmistress blinked in disbelief.
"Are you the only one in this school with children to care for?" she asked.
"Ma, it's not like that…"
"Then how is it? You're newly married, a new mother—I'm a reverend sister, I try not to judge—but let's talk about other teachers in your section."
"Sister, my child is stubborn… he can't even stay at home if I'm not around…"
"Shut up! Just shut up! Let's set your family aside. Tell me why you've been collecting more than the actual amounts for textbooks, exercise books, and party contributions during festivals?"
"Nothing… I just wanted to save some money in case anything happened in the school."
"How thoughtful of you." The headmistress narrowed her eyes. "Now—where is the money?"
"Money? It's in the bank…"
"And since when did you become our treasurer? Or our bursar?"
"Umm…"
"And you failed the pupils? I know Angel. I've awarded her many times on Speech Day. For her to repeat a class doesn't make sense. According to our ledger, the pupils who paid only the standard fees all failed. The ones who paid more—miraculously promoted. Is that how you run a class?"
Mrs. Goodness had no answer.
"You're fired," the headmistress said coldly.
"What?"
"I said—you are fired." She repeated the words like a lullaby.
"But…"
The headmistress picked up the phone and dialed the bursar.
When the bursar arrived, she didn't mince words. "Make sure Mrs. Goodness doesn't leave the school premises until she pays back every kobo she took. And she's fired. If possible, deduct half of every salary she's ever received. If you dare to be partial, you'll join her."
Sacred Heart School was one of the top schools in Anambra State. Their teachers were well paid, and getting fired—especially with debts to repay—was like forfeiting two months' worth of salary or more.
—
Eventually, everything was resolved. The pupils who had been failed were promoted.
Except Angel.
Her parents made a different decision. Since the previous teacher hadn't taught her anything—only collected money—they preferred that she repeat the class, this time under a proper teacher. It would benefit her more in the long run.
And so, Angel remained in Nursery One.
But this time, she had a new teacher.
To Angel, that woman became the kindest and best teacher she ever had—not just in that school, but throughout her entire academic life.
And that's where she met Dera.