Chasing Greatness :A Journey Of Hope

chapter 27: miracle

One week later, the atmosphere in school changed drastically. Rumors began circulating about suspensions in the other branch. During lunch break, the whispers became louder, and soon the official announcement followed: five students from the other branch had been suspended. The details spread like wildfire—apparently, things in their bus had gone far worse than anyone imagined. They had been drinking openly, engaging in inappropriate behavior, and, shockingly, one of them had fought with a teacher who tried to intervene.

By the next day, the news reached every corner of the school: excursions were banned indefinitely. Our school owner had made the decision himself, furious over how students had handled the privilege.

"I can't believe it," I said, shaking my head as I sat on the school bench with Gift and Laura.

"At least we got to go to Idanre Hills before this," Laura said, shrugging.

"True. But it’s sad, though," Gift added, looking disappointed. "No more excursions. That means no more group adventures. And honestly, I was already dreaming about our next trip."

"Thank God we’re almost done with school," I replied, trying to find a silver lining. "Just SS1 and SS2 left, and we’ll start preparing for WAEC."

"Exactly! Me, I’m just waiting to finish. Secondary school drama is too much," Gift said, stretching her legs out.

"By the way," Laura said, lowering her voice, " Ruth wasn’t in school today?"

"Yes," I replied. "Do you know why?"

"Her mom is sick,"gift said quietly. "She told me yesterday after class. She said it’s serious, and they’ve been going in and out of the hospital."

"That’s so sad,"Laura said with a frown. "She’s really close to her mom. I can only imagine how hard this is for her."

"I’ll call her tonight," but remember my phone is bad, with   disappointment, "Maybe we can visit her after school tomorrow, just to check on her."

"Good idea," Laura said, nodding.

"Back to WAEC," Laura said, trying to change the mood. "What’s everyone planning for the future?"

"You mean university courses?" Gift asked.

"Yes. Like, do you know what you want to study?" Laura clarified.

"Me, I still don’t know," Gift admitted with a sheepish grin. "Yesterday I was thinking accounting, but then I thought about banking. I’m confused abeg."

I smiled. "That’s normal. You’ll figure it out. Laura, you’re still going for medicine, right?"

"Yes, of course!" she said with a confident smile. "Eye doctor, specifically. I’ve already planned everything. It’s all about focus and determination."

"Wow," I said, genuinely impressed. "That’s amazing. You’ve always been so focused."

"What about you, Mirabel?" Gift asked. "Still lawyer dreams?"

"Of course! I’ve wanted that since I was a kid. Imagine me in that black robe, standing confidently in court."

"You’d be perfect," Laura said, nodding. "With the way you argue, you’ll win every case!"

"Exactly!" Gift added, laughing. "You’ll be one of those lawyers who make the headlines. I can see it already."

I laughed with them, imagining the possibilities. "I just pray all our dreams come true. It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll get there."

"Amen to that," Laura and Gift said in unison.

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break. We walked back to class together, chatting about life, dreams, and how we’d make them all happen. Though the disappointment of losing excursions lingered, our dreams for the future gave us hope, filling us with the determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.