"Make a wish, mama," Clara said warmly, pushing the cake toward her.
Alex closed her eyes, a single tear slipping down her cheek — this time, from joy.
She stayed silent for a few moments, making her wish. Then, with a deep breath, she blew out all eighteen candles in one go. The children of Mama Tamadu erupted in laughter that sounded like jingling bells.
Everyone clapped and cheered. Alex's face glowed with happiness as she was showered with gifts and hugs. They danced, ate to their fill, and laughed until their bellies hurt before finally deciding to call it a night.
After tidying up the mess they had made, Clara's phone rang. She picked it up and smiled in surprise when she saw the caller ID.
"It's Dad," she whispered.
"Hello, Papa," Clara greeted cheerfully.
"Happy birthday, Mama!" Dean's deep voice came through warmly. "And Clara, how are you and your husband doing? I hope everyone is fine."
"We're all good, Dad," Clara replied.
"That's good to hear," Dean continued. "I just wanted to inform you that I've finished building our new house on the land I bought with my retirement money. We'll be moving in before Christmas this year."
"That's wonderful news, Papa!" Clara said excitedly.
Dean laughed proudly, exchanged greetings with Tom, and then hung up.
---
Later that night, after a warm bath, Alex returned to her room to open her presents. Her eyes sparkled as she unwrapped each one.
From her sister and Tom, she received a brand-new phone and a SIM card — something she'd been wishing for secretly. From Mia, there was a freshly sewn pair of colorful scrunchies, clearly handmade with love. Mama Tamadu gifted her a neat pair of white sneakers.
Alex felt overwhelmed with gratitude. She immediately saved her sister's, Tom's, Muiz's, and Mia's phone numbers into her new device before lying down on her bed.
As she stared at the ceiling, memories from her life before coming to Alagna began to flood her mind — back when her father had just collected his retirement money.
Dean had always been a proud man, but for years he had made one painful mistake — prioritizing his siblings over his own children. Because of that, none of his children had gone beyond their O-levels. As he grew older, regret slowly began to creep in.
Alex remembered that day vividly.
"Grace, can you believe Paul and the others shunned me just because of this small issue?" Dean had said bitterly, pacing the room. His voice trembled with anger and disappointment.
Grace sighed. "You've done enough for them, Dean. Maybe now you can finally see things clearly."
And he did. That was the day the veil fell from his eyes. For the first time, he saw how blind loyalty had cost him his children's future. It was painful — but at least he had realized it before it was too late.
Alex remembered feeling both happy and sad that day — happy that her father finally understood, but sad that the realization came so late, just before his retirement.
She didn't even realize when sleep claimed her, the memories fading into dreams.
~~~
The next morning, sunlight streamed through her curtains, waking her up gently. She yawned and stretched before following the aroma of breakfast into the kitchen.
There, she found Clara wearing one of her cozy new home dresses, humming softly as she stirred a pot. The faint smell of slightly burnt jollof rice — leftovers from last night's party — filled the air.
After cleaning up the dishes from the night before, Alex went to bathe and dress up neatly before joining her sister at the dining table. Tom had already left for work with his packed lunch and breakfast.
"I'm having my first test today, big sis," Alex said nervously, sipping from her mug of cocoa and milk. "Wish me luck."
Clara smiled warmly. "You don't need luck, Alex. You've been working so hard — just have faith in yourself. You'll do great."
Alex's heart lifted a little at her sister's encouragement. After breakfast, she hugged Clara and waved goodbye before heading out for the fashion house.
~~~
When Alex arrived, even before she stepped into the classroom, Mia suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her into the restroom, looking flustered.
"Mia, what's going on?" Alex asked, startled.
"Alex, I'm doomed!" Mia blurted out, pacing back and forth. "I forgot my practice fabric at home, and — oh God — I accidentally soaked my brown paper in water! It's completely ruined! I don't know what to do. I can't fail this test, Alex, you know I can't!"
She was rambling so fast that Alex could barely understand her.
"Mia! Mia!" Alex said firmly, grabbing her shoulders. "Calm down, breathe."
Mia froze, looking at her with wide, tearful eyes.
"It's okay," Alex continued softly. "I brought extras of everything we need for the test — fabric, brown paper, all of it. Your bestie's got your back."
For a moment, Mia just blinked, as if trying to process what she heard. Then, like a spell had broken, she broke into a watery laugh and threw her arms around Alex.
"Thank you! You're a lifesaver," she said, laughing and crying at the same time.
"That's what friends are for," Alex smiled.
After a few minutes, they composed themselves and returned to the classroom. The chairs and desks had been neatly arranged — one per person — giving the room a tense, examination atmosphere.
Moments later, the invigilator walked in, holding a stack of test papers.
"Good morning, students," she began. "Today's assessment will be divided into three sections."
She adjusted her glasses and continued:
> Section One: Pattern Drafting and Fabric Measurement. Each student will draft a basic pattern for a skirt or blouse and measure accurately, ensuring seam allowance is included.
Section Two: Cutting and Sewing Practical. Using your drafted pattern, you'll cut and sew a miniature version of your design. Precision, neatness, and finishing will all be graded.
Section Three: Creative Design and Presentation. You will sketch an original outfit design inspired by any theme of your choice, accompanied by a brief explanation of your concept.
"Each section carries equal marks," she concluded. "You have four hours in total. Begin."
Alex took a deep breath and looked at Mia, who gave her a small, confident smile.
It was time to put all their hard work to the test.