After Alex got home, she immediately went to take a refreshing shower. The water cascaded down her skin, washing away the day's stress and leaving her feeling new.
When she was done, she picked up her new phone — her precious birthday gift — and texted Muiz:
> Hey, I finally got a new phone! It was a birthday gift from my sister.
A moment later, his reply came:
> Happy birthday in arrears.
Alex smiled, typing back softly:
> Thank you.
She dropped the phone beside her on the bed, sighing in contentment. "I could live like this forever," she whispered to herself before dozing off with a faint smile on her lips.
---
After resting for a while, Alex woke up and texted Mia to ask if she had gotten home safely. Then she tied her hair into a bun and made her way to the canteen to help her sister.
The canteen was crowded and lively, the air filled with the aroma of jollof rice and fried fish. Without needing to be told, Alex joined Victoria in serving customers, taking table orders, and rushing meals to the kitchen.
The evening passed in a blur of laughter, footsteps, and clattering plates. When the last customer left, Clara gathered her staff and smiled warmly.
"You've all worked so hard today," she said. "So, as a small thank-you — here's a bonus."
Cheers filled the air. Tired but happy, Alex helped her sister pack up the shop before they walked home together under the glow of the streetlights.
After dinner, Alex yawned and said goodnight before curling into bed, fast asleep within minutes.
~~~
The Next Morning
The following morning began like any other — except Alex woke up a little later than usual. She stretched, tidied her room, did her chores, then took her bath and dressed neatly for the day. After breakfast, she set out for the fashion house, her excitement bubbling under her calm expression.
When she arrived, the classroom was already half full. She spotted Mia at their usual spot and waved. Mia smiled back but looked tense.
"You seem nervous," Alex teased as she sat beside her.
Mia sighed. "Of course I am! We're getting our results today. These grades decide whether we move up or stay in this class."
Alex nodded in understanding. "Well, whatever happens, we did our best. Let's trust that."
At the fashion house, there were three main classes, each representing a different stage of skill and creativity:
1. Beginner Class – The Apprentices:
Students learn the foundations — fabric types, accurate measurement, basic stitches, and how to operate sewing machines.
2. Intermediate Class – The Stylists:
This level focuses on creating original designs, combining colors and textures, drafting patterns, and neat finishing.
3. Advanced Class – The Couturiers:
Here, students perfect their craft by producing full fashion collections, tailoring intricate designs, and preparing for fashion showcases or professional work.
~~~
The room went silent when Mrs. Thomas entered with Mr. James, one of her assistant teachers.
"Good morning, everyone," Mrs. Thomas began, her voice firm but kind. "Today, you'll be collecting your results. Some of you did exceptionally well, some performed averagely, and others didn't meet expectations."
Her eyes swept across the students, pausing briefly at the back row.
"But remember — failure is not the end. Sometimes, it's a lesson in disguise. If you failed, work harder next time. And if you passed, don't relax. Strive to improve."
The class nodded quietly.
"You'll all collect your result sheets shortly. Those who are moving to the next class will find their names posted on the notice board outside. Since today is our last class for the year, I wish you all the best until we meet again next term."
With that, she turned to Mr. James. "You may continue with the corrections."
She left, and Mr. James began distributing the result sheets. Nervous whispers filled the air until everyone had theirs.
"Now," Mr. James said, picking up a piece of chalk, "let's go over the first and second questions together."
~~~
Corrections
Section One: Pattern Drafting and Fabric Measurement
Each student was to draft a basic pattern for a skirt or blouse, ensuring proper body measurements with accurate seam allowances. This tested understanding of proportion, neatness, and precision.
Section Two: Cutting and Sewing Practical
Students used their drafted patterns to cut and sew a miniature version of their designs. The focus was on precision, neatness, finishing, and overall presentation.
Each question carried 25 marks, with attendance contributing another 25 marks, totaling 100 marks.
Alex looked at her sheet — 85 out of 100. Her heart swelled with relief.
Beside her, Mia gasped and turned to Alex with wide eyes. "Eighty-nine! I got eighty-nine!"
Alex chuckled softly. "You beat me again, smarty-pants."
They both laughed, their earlier tension melting away.
When the class ended, they hurried to the notice board outside. A crowd had gathered, everyone anxious to know their fate. Then, Alex saw her name — and Mia's — right under the "Promoted to Intermediate Class" list.
"Mia!" Alex shouted, grabbing her friend's arm.
"We made it!" Mia squealed.
They hugged tightly, jumping in excitement. "We did it, Alex! We're moving up!"
~~~
A Well-Deserved Celebration
After their excitement cooled a little, Mia grinned mischievously. "We should celebrate. How about that new amusement park in town?"
Alex smiled. "You read my mind. Let's go."
The amusement park was bursting with laughter, colors, and the sound of music drifting through the air. They went from ride to ride — the merry-go-round spinning them into laughter, the Ferris wheel giving them a breathtaking view of the city below.
They licked ice cream, shared cotton candy, and laughed until their stomachs hurt. For a moment, life felt perfect — simple, bright, and full of possibility.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Mia said with a grin, "I'm starving. Let's go eat at Clara's canteen. I miss her cooking."
Alex laughed. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Hand in hand, the two friends walked toward the canteen — the orange glow of the setting sun following them, their laughter echoing down the street.