THE ORDEALS OF NNEOMA
Episode 20
*****
As time went on Dera and Nneoma started getting along with each other.
Dera cared less about her mother. She believed she was the one bringing division in their family. And she prayed that she wouldn’t return anytime soon.
Nneoma does the chores as before. Dera would do the light ones because of her health just to be sure that she doesn’t leave everything for Nneoma.
A couple of days later, Nneoma resumed school. Her classmates were all happy to see her back to school.
Around noon, a student came to tell her that a teacher wanted to see her.
Nneoma left immediately for the teacher’s office.
The teacher was delighted to see her after some months.
“You are welcome back to school. I’m glad that you are well and sound.”
“Thank you ma.”
“Nneoma, you have missed a whole term and we are already in the middle of the third term.
The school management said you need to write some exams before you will be promoted to another class. Get the past notes from your classmates and copy them, read them well and get ready for the exams.”
“Ok ma, I’ll do that.”
“That’s by the way, hope your mother showed you your international passport I returned?”
“No ma,” Nneoma replied looking confused.
“I returned the passport because you couldn’t meet up with the process of leaving on time. Others have since left.”
“Do you mean I have lost the scholarship?”
“I’m sorry about that, let’s hope that another will come.”
Nneoma was heartbroken. She started shedding tears.
The teacher consoled her and she later left.
In the evening Nneoma’s father came back. Nneoma didn’t hesitate to ask him about the passport.
“Nne, I didn’t want to bother you about it. What has happened has happened, accept your fate and move on.”
Nneoma was sad.
“I just pray that another scholarship comes,” her father said to motivate her.
Nneoma didn’t say a word. She stood up and gently left for their bedroom.
Later on, Nneoma collected some of Dera’s notes and a few from her classmates and started copying them into her notes. Later on, she started studying fervently for the promotion exams.
Nneoma’s father and Lina always get in touch over the phone. Lina promised him they would visit them over the weekend.
On Sunday, Lina and Morris came over as she promised. They gave the girls the edibles they bought.
Morris was so happy to see them again, that he went and hugged Nneoma as usual. Morris and the girls left for the bedroom and started gisting while Lina and Mr. Ike were in the living room.
Later on, Nneoma went to the kitchen and dished out food for everyone. She gave Lina and her father their portion and carried the rest to the bedroom where she would eat with Morris and Dera.
Lina and Mr. Ike discussed as they ate.
“Morris had been on my neck all these while that he wants to see his sister. I wanted it to be during the weekend so it wouldn’t distract either of their school activities.”
“You people are free to come anytime any day. I am usually not around this time of the day but I just want to see you people. I love the way the children are getting along. What do you do for a living?”
“I am currently the owner of Limco PLC. It was my father’s company before he died. He willed it to me because I’m his only child.”
“You mean the popular Limco PLC, which usually offers scholarships to school children.”
“Yes, my father started it and I promised never to stop it.”
“Hmm. This world is truly a small place.”
She smiled
“People don’t know me too well because I rarely go to the company. I only communicate with my top employees over the phone and only go there when I’m needed.”
“Do you know that Nneoma was among the students who succeeded in the last scholarship that your company organised? She couldn’t meet up with the process because of her health condition. They had to even return her International passport booklet.”
“Are you serious? I wasn’t even aware of it.”
“How would you know.”
“Wait a minute.”
She took out her phone from her purse and called someone. She asked the person to look for the list of the students who succeeded in the last scholarship exam and send it to her.
In no time, her phone beeped indicating that a message entered.
She opened it and strolled through it.
“Is her name Nneoma Matilda Ike?”
“Exactly.”
“What!! This is unbelievable and she missed this opportunity because of her health, I will make this a reality.”
“Do you mean there is still hope?”
“Yes, of course.”
“God bless you,” Nneoma’s father said kneeling to thank her.
“Please don’t,” she said and held him.
“But I have one problem, Morris may wish to join her and I don’t have anyone. I’ve been avoiding this for years. We only leave the country together for vacation.”
“I have told you earlier, that you are free to visit anytime any day. You are part of my family already.”
“It won’t be that easy, but I’ll think about it.”
“Thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate it.”
They had already finished eating and Lina was preparing to leave but Morris wasn’t ready to go. Mr. Ike had to go and call him before he came out.
Mr Ike and his girls saw them off and they left.
A couple of days later, Lina called Mr Ike.
“I’ve thought about what I told you concerning Nneoma. Morris would join her and I also want Dera to leave with them.”
“What!! Am I dreaming? You are always welcome to my home!!” he shouted out of excitement.
“Alright. We will start the process of getting a passport for Dera.”
“I will be glad to assist. I’m so happy. My God will bless you.”
Both families continued keeping in touch through calls and visits.
A month later, the three siblings were flown abroad for their education.
Later on, Stella and Bimbo bagged life imprisonment each for some number of charges levelled against them in the law court.
A few months later, Mr. Ike proposed to Lina and she gladly accepted. They got married afterwards. Lina upgraded Mr. Ike’s business. They moved into a new mansion and lived happily ever after.
*****
Even in the face of misfortune, it is still possible to find strength to create a better future.
Nneoma has a great destiny.
Stella’s actions towards her were harmful, but it’s wonderful to see that she was able to overcome those challenges and found success despite the difficulties she faced.
THE END
I am Ayogu Oluchi Eze