Chapter 5 A miracle

Jasmine descended the stairs, radiant in her purple mini skirt, white crop top, and matching sneakers. Her bright smile illuminated the room as she greeted her parents.

"Hi, Mom! Hello, Dad!" She pecked each of them on the cheek.

Her father, Mr. Gilbert, looked up from his newspaper. "Where are you off to, sweetie?"

"My manager found a plot of land somewhere... um..." Jasmine's brow furrowed as she tried to recall. "I forgot the exact location, but it was a steal! He had to pay immediately, and I want to scout the area to see if it's perfect for my next branch."

Mr. Gilbert's face lit up with a warm smile. "That's really nice, Jasmine. Congratulations, baby."

Mrs. Gilbert's eyes shone with pride. "Thank you, dear. You're doing wonderfully." Jasmine glanced at her watch.

"I need to leave now. I'm meeting Chima at the office. I want him to accompany me to check out the land."

Mr. Gilbert's expression change. "Why Chima? Why not Jason?"

Mrs. Gilbert's concern spilled over. "Jasmine, do you know where Jason is? It's been four days since we last heard from him and Timi."

Jasmine's gaze drifted toward the door, her voice reassuring. "Mom, they're fine. This isn't the first time they've gone on a trip without telling us."

Mr. Gilbert's brow furrowed. "Jasmine, your brother's behavior worries me. As GFC's future heir, he needs to show more responsibility. His carefree attitude is unsettling."

Mrs. Gilbert nodded in agreement. "We just want him to take his responsibilities seriously, dear."

Jasmine's voice remained calm. "I understand, Dad. But Jason has always been like this. He'll come around."

Jasmine positioned herself between her parents, placing a reassuring hand on their shoulders. "Dad, Mom, Jason's just going through a phase. He needs to explore and find himself. He'll come to his senses soon and realize life isn't just about freedom and spontaneity. I promise, he's alright." She pecked each of them on the cheek before heading out.

"Bye, baby!" they chimed in unison.

As soon as Jasmine left, Mr. Gilbert turned to his wife with a hint of frustration. "You've spoiled him, dear. That's why he thinks he can just disappear whenever he pleases."

Mrs. Gilbert defended her son, "Jason isn't spoilt, he's just finding his way. You're too hard on him."

Mr. Gilbert shook his head, standing up. "You always make excuses for him, supporting his nonchalant attitude. That's the problem."

With a sigh, he walked away, leaving Mrs. Gilbert looking concerned.

****

Jasmine entered GFC, receiving warm greetings from the staff. She acknowledged them with a wave and bright smile. At the reception, she chatted with her best friend Sharon on the phone.

"Girllll, please come back soon!" Jasmine exclaimed. "Our trip is today, and going with my brothers is stressing me out, especially Chima."

Sharon laughed. "Chima, the perfectionist! He's got your back, though. I trust his advice." "I'll be back next week," Sharon reassured. "My work here will be done."

Jasmine teased, "You're not running off with someone's husband, are you?" The friends erupted into laughter.

"Talking of someone's husband, how's Ray?" Sharon asked.

"Doing his thing," Jasmine replied, her tone neutral.

"Jasmine?" Sharon probed. "What?" Jasmine responded, playing coy.

"You two quarreled again, didn't you?" Sharon teased.

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Enough about me. Come back soon, we need to plan your wedding!"

"I know, righhhhttttt! My Aunt wants to invite her whole village," Sharon laughed.

"I can imagine," Jasmine chuckled.

"But, girlllll, you know what I want?"

"What?" Jasmine asked, intrigued.

"GFC's latest wedding gown, the one launched last week. Oh, I love the baby pink color!" Sharon squealed.

"That dress costs a billion!" Jasmine exclaimed.

"I want it!" Sharon cried, prompting Jasmine's laughter.

"You crazy clown!"

Just then, Chima approached, wrapping Jasmine in a warm hug.

"Hi, sis."

"Hi, Chichi!" Sharon chimed in, smiling.

"Bye, Sharon. Let's talk later," Jasmine said, ending the call.

Chima raised an eyebrow. "What's the mission?"

Jasmine hesitated, walking alongside him to the car park.

"Let's just get going first. I'm too embarrassed to say the name of that slum out loud. I keep pretending I forgot."

Chima chuckled."You've made a bad decision, just like our brother Jason."

Jasmine shrugged. "Something like that."

"Tell me about it," Chima said, unlocking his car.

As they settled in, Jasmine noticed Chima's curious gaze.

Chima, their cousin, was the son of Mr. Gilbert's younger sister. Born out of wedlock, his mother passed away during childbirth, and his father's identity remained unknown. Raised by the Gilberts, Chima now served as GFC's Managing Director. A steadfast and responsible individual, Chima prioritized GFC's growth. Sharing Jason's age, Chima was older by mere months.

***

Chima chuckled as he navigated the car through the slum's narrow streets. "Here, of all places, sis? They'll steal you and your company before it even establishes."

Jasmine's eyes widened, fear etched on her face as she gazed at the urchins surrounding them.

"Chima, can we just be positive?" Chima's laughter filled the air.

"Cheap land, girl... purrr!" He teased, noticing Jasmine's discomfort.

"Why are you my cousin?" Jasmine asked, exasperation lacing her voice. Chima grinned.

"Would Jay have done better?" Jasmine shrugged. "I don't know who's better between you two."

"Jay always makes bad decisions," Chima said, shaking his head.

"Heard he's gone on another mystery trip."

"You gossip too much," Jasmine said, clutching her chest. "Jason just wants to explore."

Chima chuckled. "Indeed, Jason the explorer!" He pulled over in front of a small store. "Let's get you water."

"I'd love to get milk too," Jasmine added. "I'll come with you."

They stepped out of the car, Jasmine donning her sunglasses and grabbing her purse. Inside the store, they were greeted by Hannah's warm smile.

"Good day and welcome! What can I get for you?" Chima couldn't help but smile back, struck by Hannah's beauty.

"Water and milk, please," Jasmine replied, smiling. Hannah's eyes sparkled as she began gathering the items.

Chima's gaze lingered on Hannah, his mind racing with curiosity. "Bottle water is-" Hannah was about saying.

Just then, a young boy who had purchased a drink and was waiting for his change, snatched Jasmine's purse and sprinted out of the store.

Jasmine's eyes widened in shock, her voice caught in her throat. Without hesitation, Hannah dropped everything and chased after the thief. Jasmine and Chima exchanged a startled glance.

******

Hazel sat in the compound, lost in the pages of her novel. A humorous passage tickled her funny bone, and she let out a carefree laugh. Just then, Bisi stormed by, her face twisted in hostility.

"Who are you laughing at?" she snapped, her eyes blazing with resentment.

Hazel's smile faltered as she glanced around, ensuring Bisi's anger was indeed directed at her. Confirming her suspicion, Hazel shrugged and returned to her book, choosing to ignore Bisi's bait. But Bisi wouldn't let up.

"Of course! Drop out!" she spat, her venomous words designed to wound.

As Bisi stalked away, her insults pierced Hazel's heart like a dagger. The pain stung, but Hazel refused to give Bisi the satisfaction of a reaction. Their classmates often joined Bisi in taunting Hazel, fueled by jealousy and resentment. Hazel's academic excellence made her a target, and her family's poverty only seemed to intensify the ridicule.

Tears streamed down Hazel's face as she contemplated her bleak future. Being a high-achieving student in a hostile class had taken its toll. With no friends to turn to, she felt isolated and alone. Just as she gathered her belongings to retreat to her room, a dispatch rider roared into the compound, drawing the attention of curious neighbors. Bisi, ever eager to insert herself, approached the rider with a bright smile.

"Who are you looking for?" she asked, her tone sugary sweet.

The rider's response sent a jolt through Hazel's weary heart:

"Williams Hazel."

Bisi's expression darkened, her irritation palpable. Hazel, oblivious to Bisi's glare, focused on the dispatch rider.

"I'm from RHS," he said, handing her a small, colorful traveling box and an envelope. "This package is for you."

Hazel's curiosity piqued, she accepted the package uncertainly. "Congratulations!" the rider said with a warm smile before mounting his bike and speeding away.

Bisi's eyes narrowed, her interest piqued despite herself.

Hazel pondered the mysterious package. "A gift box from RHS, how?" she wondered. Bisi craned her neck, attempting to sneak a peek. Hazel shot her a side-eye, her patience worn thin.

"Stretch your neck well, it's not as if you can read yourself!" she quipped, rolling her eyes.

Undeterred, Hazel opened the envelope, careful to shield its contents from Bisi's prying eyes. As she unfolded the letter, her eyes scanned the page, her expression transforming from confusion to shock;

"Dear Williams Hazel, We are thrilled to inform you that your exceptional performance in the scholarship exam has earned you a prestigious award. We are pleased to offer you a full scholarship to attend Royal High School for your final year. The enclosed box contains all the essential items you'll need for the upcoming academic year.

Any additional requirements will be provided upon resumption on August 15th. Your scholarship encompasses:

· Breakfast and lunch expenses

· All trips and excursions

· School bus transportation

We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our community! Sincerely, Royal high."

Hazel's eyes widened as she read the letter, her heart racing with excitement. She felt like she was floating on air. Suddenly, her legs gave way, and she collapsed to her knees.