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After a month had passed, Mrs. Happiness called Mr. Apex, Rejoice's father, with urgent news. "The admission forms for Salem Fashion Designing School have just been released online," she said. "You should get them quickly because people are rushing to apply. Some parents are even taking loans from the bank to enroll their children."
"Thank you so much for the information and your continued help," Mr. Apex replied gratefully.
"You're welcome. If there's anything else you need, just let me know," Mrs. Happiness said before ending the call.
Without wasting time, Mr. Apex went online and purchased three application forms—one each for Rejoice, Sonia, and Elizabeth. He then asked the housekeeper to inform the girls that he needed to see them immediately.
Rejoice and Sonia had gone to assist a friend in planning her 18th birthday party, but the moment they received the message, they politely excused themselves and rushed home. Their friend understood and waved them goodbye with a smile.
Upon arriving home, the two girls found Mr. Apex, Victoria (Rejoice's stepmother), and Elizabeth seated in the living room.
"Welcome," the three adults said in unison.
"Thank you," Rejoice and Sonia replied cheerfully, taking seats on the opposite couch.
"I've bought your forms for Salem Fashion Designing School," Mr. Apex began. "You'll all be going for your entrance interviews and exams in the next two or three weeks. I expect you to prepare well."
"Okay, Daddy!" the three girls chorused enthusiastically.
However, deep down, Rejoice felt nervous. She knew how competitive the entrance exam was, and without God's grace and some connection, passing would be extremely difficult. She had heard stories of bright students who were denied admission due to the tough selection process.
Rejoice and Sonia became laser-focused on their preparations. They studied, designed, and prayed together every day. Late nights became normal as they poured their hearts into the dream of being admitted into Salem Fashion Designing School.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, was unbothered. She believed her stepfather's connection with Mrs. Happiness would get her through, so she spent most of her time watching movies and lounging around. Her nonchalant attitude irritated Mr. Apex.
One evening, he called Rejoice and Sonia into the study.
"Why isn't Elizabeth joining you in your preparations?" he asked.
"We didn't stop her, Dad," Rejoice quickly replied.
"Yes, sir," Sonia added. "We even invited her once, but she said she preferred to study alone."
Mr. Apex frowned but said nothing more. He left the room and headed straight for the living room, where Elizabeth was sprawled on the couch, engrossed in a movie and munching popcorn.
The moment she noticed her stepfather, Elizabeth sprang up and switched off the television.
"Why aren't you studying with your sister and Sonia?" he asked.
"I just want to avoid any arguments, Dad. They are best friends, and I don't want to intrude," she responded, trying to sound sincere.
"Nonsense. Sonia is a lovely girl, and Rejoice is your sister. You should be doing things together. I want you to join them from tonight. You need to know at least the basics of sewing and designing."
"Okay, Daddy. I will start studying with them this evening," Elizabeth said, pretending to be enthusiastic. As soon as he left, she rolled her eyes, irritated by the new expectation placed upon her.
Later that evening, Elizabeth entered Rejoice's room. Rejoice and Sonia were deeply focused on assembling fabric pieces for a short dress design.
"Good evening, girls. Well done," Elizabeth greeted, trying to appear cheerful.
"Thanks, Elizabeth," both girls replied without looking up, trying to keep the peace.
"What are you working on?" she asked, walking closer.
"A short dress pattern. We're trying to get the fabrics aligned perfectly," Rejoice replied cautiously.
"Can I help with anything? I want to be useful since I'm now studying with you," Elizabeth offered.
Before Rejoice could reply, Sonia stood up.
"So why did you tell your dad we didn't let you study with us?" she asked pointedly.
"Sonia!" Rejoice interrupted, trying to defuse the tension.
"Point of correction," Elizabeth snapped. "I didn't say that. Your dad saw me in the living room and asked why I wasn't with you guys. I just told him I preferred studying alone. I didn't lie or report anyone."
Sonia rolled her eyes and walked over to the side table to grab snacks. She handed some to Rejoice without saying another word.
Rejoice closed her eyes briefly and whispered a prayer. "Dear God, let there be peace in this house."
Over the following days, the dynamic between the three girls remained tense but tolerable. They studied together, but it was obvious that their unity was only on the surface. Rejoice kept her focus on the goal—admission into Salem Fashion Designing School.
One evening, Mrs. Happiness paid them a surprise visit. She wanted to assess their progress.
"Good evening, girls," she greeted when she entered Rejoice's room.
"Good evening, ma!" they all replied, standing up respectfully.
She observed their setup: sketches, half-sewn fabrics, fashion books, and sewing machines cluttered the space.
"Wow! This is impressive," she said, genuinely pleased. "Let me see what you're working on."
Each of them showed her their current projects. Rejoice presented a trendy two-piece design, Sonia displayed a simple but elegant gown, and Elizabeth hesitantly showed a skirt she had barely completed.
"Hmm," Mrs. Happiness said. "Rejoice and Sonia, you're doing great. Keep it up. Elizabeth, you need to put in more effort. This is not enough to pass the Salem exam."
Elizabeth frowned but nodded respectfully.
"Remember, admission into Salem is not by connection alone. It's your skill and determination that matter," Mrs. Happiness added before leaving.
After she left, Rejoice and Sonia exchanged glances. Even Elizabeth seemed shaken.
"Let's help each other," Rejoice said quietly. "If one of us fails, it affects all of us."
Sonia nodded. Elizabeth looked at them, surprised by Rejoice's maturity.
"Thank you," she whispered.
That night, for the first time, the three girls worked together in harmony. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress.
The days flew by quickly, and soon, they were just a week away from the entrance exam. Rejoice continued to lead by example—encouraging group prayer, teamwork, and late-night rehearsals. Sonia remained her loyal support, while Elizabeth, slowly but surely, began to show real interest which will soon be blown away.
And though Rejoice still felt uncertain about the future, one thing was clear—whatever happened next, she would give it her best