Chapter 4 School Life

• Sunday morning I found myself still feeling overwhelmed by the fact that I got a satisfactory amount of money from a man that didn't know me, a man who didn't owe me anything. The feeling lingered as the day went by. Of course, I was happy; $1,000 was a lot of money, and I got it easily, for no apparent reason. Yet, along with that happiness cameⁿ with that feeling that all was not lost because I know Mr. Xander was concerned and it would be a mistake to give up. I was more certain now that if he heard my story and got to know me better, he would be even more generous.
• The week-long wait I planned was more difficult than I had imagined. I couldn't stop thinking about Mr. Xander. Yes, he instructed me to lose his number and never to call but I doubted if he truly meant it. Come Saturday, he will hear my story
• And forget all he had said in restaurants. I was going to take the bull and horn, eliminate fear, and ask for help directly. It could be either right or wrong. I figured that I have nothing to lose except for a few days of nursing a bruise ago, and I was willing to take that risk.
• Andrea called me to scold me. I told you not to tell him your real age, yet you went and told him 19. Forget your baby face with your boobs and ass you could have passed 22 or 23. How could you blow up a perfect chance like this? It was a simple instruction for goodness' sake, Maddison.
• Mr. Xander got to her. What could I say, then, to agree with her that telling her real age has been a bad idea? I didn't tell her about my plans for the coming weekend, I just thanked her for her help, and promised to return her wig the following week.
• "There's no need, just keep the wig," alright said. "It is the latest I can do now that we're out of options."
• "Thank you, Andrea, you have been so kind to me and I will repay your help."
• "After her call, I was even more determined to salvage the situation. The long-awaited day eventually came, and I decided to wait till 4 pm,4 pm to increase my chance of catching Mr. Xander at a good time.
• I chose that time because it was his free time on a Saturday we met, and hopefully, it would be so again. I was home alone as the Twins had gone with mum to her shop, and my dad had attended a "business meeting" attended, which usually meant that he had gone to ask someone for a loan. My siblings had lost a week at school already.
• At 4 o'clock on the dot, I. called Mr. Xander. At the sound of the first ring, I found myself unable to sit still, so I stood and began walking around the sitting room. He answered on the third ring.
• "Hello."
• "Hello, good day sir," I said softly.
• "It's Maddison sir. I know you asked me not to call. I'm deeply sorry, but I just had to. Please can we meet for drinks? There are some things I have to discuss with you please."
• "No," he said emphatically. "We can't, don't ever call me again."
• "Sir…" I started, only to hear the line cut right on my ear.
• I could not believe that he hung up on me, but not being one who would back down easily, I called him again.
• "Say what you want to say over the phone," he said, the tone becoming authoritative. I have just five minutes to spare, I'm listening."
• It was my chance to make a strong impression. My life and education moving forward Now depend on me and how convincing I could sound. I started by telling him I had an excellent high school result.
• I'm impressed," he said.
• I then proceeded to tell him about my parents' financial struggles. My younger one dropped out of school because my parents had no money, and how my mum already settled for a mediocre life by getting me a form to learn to the stitcher.
• "I'm very sorry to hear all this," he said.
• "I could hear the compassion in his voice, and it encouraged me to press on. I explained how I went to Andrea for help and how desperate I wanted to leave California for Los Angeles. I'm going to study medicine and work in a multinational someday, just like you."
• "Now that's interesting."
• "I'm serious sir. I want to be like you and I will be very grateful if you can agree to be my mentor. If you invest in me now, I promise I will pay back every bit of it in the future."
• At that he laughed out loud, it was the first trace of humor I had glimpsed in all our interactions.
• "I don't need your payback for doing the right thing, Maddison. You have $1,000 with you now. Apply to two private universities. If you meet the entrance requirements and get admission, I will sponsor your education.
• I gasped, unable to believe my ears.
• "Sir? My entire education?"
• "He laughed again. "Of course, I don't intend to abandon you halfway. I have just started.
• I'm so grateful sir. Thank you so much! May God bless you and reward you. How can I ever repay you?" I didn't have enough words to express my gratitude. This was beyond what I could have hoped for.
• "You are welcome. I have just one thing to ask you."
• At that point, I was ready to give him anything he asked for. I could not be when he was about to bring my most precious dream back to life.
• "Anything sir, "I said eagerly.
• "Don't take advantage of me, I'm helping you simply because I can afford it, and I like that you are transparent and honest. Those are rare traits to find in human beings in this generation. Do what you have said you will do. Don't let me down."
• "I won't take advantage of your kindness sir, and I won't fail you, I promise. Thank you so much for your time, sir." "O, no, more thing," he said.
• "Yes sir?"
• "Drop the sir and call me Xander. Please don't make me ask again."
• "I smiled. "Thank you, Xander. I'm truly grateful.
• Just like that, there was a glimpse in the air. It's true what they say:nothing good comes to the clothing comfort zone. I was so thankful that I decided to contact Mr. Xander again, and I followed through. The direction of my life would likely never have changed otherwise if I had listened to his scolding. I was beyond happy. I was ecstatic.
• All I could think about was which school I could apply to. After devoting enough time to thoroughly researching at the cyber cafe, I settled on two schools. I brought the form online and sent my appreciation. The admission process would take a month. I didn't even tell my parents anything about the process, but I knew I would have to tell them about the plans immediately if any school accepted me.
• They probably would not believe that someone decided to sponsor my education, so I know I would have to lie.
• I called Andrea to tell her the good news. she was indeed overjoyed.
• "Babe, I'm so happy for you! Xander can be very principled when it comes to certain things. But he's very good and that's why I thought of him when you came to my shop that day."
• "I have you to thank, Andrea, because without you it wouldn't have happened. I'm so grateful, may God reward your kindness to me."
• "The pressure is all mine, what are sisters for? But you are brave after he told you to lose his number, you still ignored what he said and called…"
• We laughed and chatted for hours, discussing our dreams and painting pictures of our future. Andrea still travels to Los Angeles often, and she promised to keep in touch.
• The following week, my siblings were back in school, thanks to whoever had loaned dad money this time. Initially, I went to my mum's shop every day to assist her, but when she wouldn't stop asking me about the form of the tailoring course, I stopped going. Instead, I enrolled in swimming lessons.
• I had always wanted to swim but that was not my main reason for going there. I wanted to start associating with rich and successful people I would eventually meet. I wanted to start leaving my old life behind me even before I got out.
• My first time in the pool was an exhilarating experience. I love the water and the ambiance, and I relished rubbing shoulders with the wealthy. It was quite frustrating trying to fit in, not understanding most of what they were talking about as their reference to TV shows and travel sounded strange to me and I felt lost. Nonetheless, I had a nice time, and I remembered to myself that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. I knew I would get there in no time.
• The month went by quickly and I got a call from the shop attendant at the cyber cafe who helped me with the admission process. Not only had I been accepted into both schools, but I was also admitted to study the exact course I applied for! Finally, my dreams were coming to life. I picked up my phone and called Mr. Xander to share the good news.
• "I'm so happy for you!" He said genuine excitement was evident in his voice. He encouraged me to choose the private college as his friends had shared there.
• "Thank you for all you have done for me, and all you are going to do. You have given me hope and a new lease on life. Thank you so much," I gushed.
• The only thing left to face is my parents, and I pack my belongings into my new environment. I knew better than to tell my parents that a man I just met was sponsoring my education. They would not believe it, and it would only make them uncomfortable to accept the proposal. I sat down and told them the most reasonable lie I could come up with: that I won a scholarship and my full tuition and cost of living would be taken care of.
• "So you're going to be a graduate?
• I'm going to be a mother of a graduate? Glory be to God!" My mother said she stood and began to dance.
• "My daughter, I must thank you for taking the initiative, for being brave and smart enough to apply for a scholarship," I said.
• "This is a great miracle and a good example to your younger ones. Congratulations to my child."
• They were so happy and grateful. If only they knew that a divorced man was sponsoring their child's education.
• The resumption date was September 15, and honestly, I couldn't wait to leave for Los Angeles. My fees were sorted and Mr. Xander had sent pocket money to my bank account. When I mentioned traveling by road, he bluntly refused.
• I will book a flight for you, please. My motorist, Mason, will pick you up at the airport in Los Angeles and take you to school."
• I couldn't believe my good fortune. He had already sent me more than enough money to cover my needs as far as school is concerned, and now I would be traveling by air for the first time in my life. I felt so pampered and privileged. I decided to take Michael and Martha out before I left, this time without skimming the cash.
• "Maddison, you want to finish your scholarship money? I laughed.
• "Mummy is not a snack and ice cream that will finish the money. I'm managing it well, so don't worry. I just needed to spoil them a little, and for the fact that it will be a while.
• We went to a different eatery, where the Twins had donuts and meat pie, and egg rolls, with each getting their mini bowl of ice cream. They brought sausage rolls and drinks to take away. Happy and talking excitedly all the way. It wasn't just that my life was changing, theirs would never be the same either, and they knew it.
• On the day of my departure, I got to the airport on time, and when we boarded I couldn't hold back my tears of joy. I was beyond grateful for the opportunity and blessings God had allowed me to enjoy. It was my first time on a plane, heading to a new city where I know nobody, and starting a new life. I couldn't wait to start living it.