As the performance of "We Are The World" filled the air with its uplifting melody, the outgoing students poured their hearts into the song, their voices blending harmoniously in a powerful display of unity and compassion. The audience was swept away by the emotion and energy of the performance, with parents and spectators joining in the celebration, dancing and joyfully showering the students with money. Amidst the sea of faces, Richard stood out as a standout performer, his voice ringing clear and strong above the rest. Yet, despite his talent and dedication, there was a noticeable absence of his parents in the crowd, a poignant reminder of the challenges he faced and the sacrifices he had made along the way.
As the performance drew to a close and the festivities came to an end, Richard couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that gnawed at him. While others reveled in the joy of the moment, he felt a sense of loneliness and isolation, his heart heavy with the absence of his parents' presence and support. But amidst the bittersweet emotions, there was a glimmer of warmth and reassurance in the form of Bolu's father, who stepped forward to shower Richard with a gesture of kindness and generosity. With a smile of gratitude, Richard accepted the tokens of appreciation, touched by the genuine warmth and compassion of his friend's family. As the party concluded and the students bid farewell to one another, Richard and Bolu took a moment to capture the memories of the day, snapping pictures together on their phones. Aware of Richard's need for the photos, Bolu promised to forward them to him on WhatsApp, ensuring that he would have a memento of the special occasion to cherish. Yet, as Richard made his way home, the excitement of the party faded into the background, leaving him with a sense of melancholy and longing.
As Richard returned home, his heart heavy with the weight of the day's events, he was met with a mixture of disbelief and astonishment from his parents, especially his mother. They couldn't believe their eyes as they beheld their son's transformed appearance, his meticulously designed attire a stark contrast to their expectations. His mother, in particular, was shocked by the sight before her, her disbelief evident in her words as she struggled to comprehend the reality of her son's achievement. Richard, ever pragmatic, reassured her with a calm demeanor, reminding her that their doubts would soon be put to rest when his examination results were revealed. With a sense of detachment, Richard made his way to his room, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. As he opened the dish of party food, the tantalizing aroma filled the air, drawing the attention of his two younger sisters who couldn't resist the temptation to sneak a taste. Moved by their innocent plea, Richard couldn't help but feel a glimmer of joy amidst the melancholy that clouded his thoughts. In that moment, as he shared a simple meal with his sisters, he found solace in the bonds of family and the simple pleasures of companionship.
Bolu's parents inquired about Richard's parent absence at the party with the quality of his performance, Bolu hesitated, unsure of how to explain the situation delicately. With a heavy heart, she admitted that Richard's parents simply hadn't shown up, leaving him to stand alone on stage. Her father's reaction was immediate and harsh, his shock turning into judgment as he condemned Richard as a "bad child" and warned Bolu against associating with him. The weight of her father's words hung heavily on Bolu's shoulders, but she couldn't shake the feeling of loyalty and compassion she felt towards Richard. Despite her father's disapproval, she knew in her heart that Richard was a good person, deserving of understanding and support.
As the days passed, anticipation grew for the release of the external school examination results. When the long-awaited moment
arrived, Richard's performance was nothing short of outstanding. He excelled in his W.A.E.C., clearing all his papers with flying colors, bringing a sense of pride and accomplishment. However, there was a bittersweet twist to the news as his results for the N.E.C.O. examination revealed a D7 only in one subject. Despite this setback, Richard remained undeterred, finding solace in his success in the art NECO GCE examination, where Ife, his teacher, had been a source of inspiration and guidance. The prospect of having his work recognized on such a prestigious platform filled him with excitement and determination to continue pursuing his passion for art.
As Richard's father eagerly handed back the smartphone, his face lit up with genuine happiness and pride. The unexpected turn of events, with Richard's excellent exam results exceeding all expectations, filled him with a sense of relief and joy. With a smile, he returned the phone to his son, a silent acknowledgment of Richard's achievements and a gesture of trust and pride. With his prized possession back in his hands, Richard wasted no time in reaching out to Bolu on WhatsApp, eager to retrieve the cherished memories captured during the school party. As the images of laughter and camaraderie flashed across his screen, Richard couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the friendship and support Bolu had provided him.
Before long, Bolu extended an invitation to all her schoolmates, including Richard, to her birthday party on July 7th. As the day of the celebration arrived, Richard arrived at Bolu's home with a carefully wrapped gift in hand—a beautiful artwork portrait framed and adorned with brown paper. It was a testament to his creativity and thoughtfulness, a tangible expression of his affection for Bolu. Amidst the festivities and laughter, Richard found a quiet moment to express his feelings to Bolu, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation. With sincerity in his voice, he confessed his admiration and love for her, acknowledging that he had never met anyone quite like her before. He promised to work hard and strive for greatness, not just for himself, but for the future they could build together. Bolu listened attentively, her heart touched by Richard's heartfelt words. Yet, she remained cautious, aware of the uncertainties that lay ahead. With a gentle smile, she thanked Richard for his honesty and sincerity, but made no promises in return. Instead, she encouraged him to focus on their individual journeys and strive for greatness in their own right.
As Bolu gently conveyed her feelings to Richard, she emphasized the importance of focusing on their individual growth and journeys for the time being. With a sense of maturity and understanding, she expressed her belief that if their relationship was meant to blossom in the future, it would do so in its own time. For now, she was content to prioritize personal development and friendship. Richard listened to her words with a mixture of admiration and gratitude, respecting her decision and appreciating her honesty. He nodded in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom in her words and silently vowing to take her advice to heart. Despite the pang of disappointment, he found solace in knowing that their bond remained strong, even if it took on a different form for the time being.
With a warm smile, Bolu expressed her genuine happiness for Richard's outstanding exam results and thanked him sincerely for the thoughtful gift he had brought to her birthday party. The gesture touched her heart, reaffirming the depth of their friendship and the special connection they shared. As they embraced one another in a heartfelt hug, the air between them filled with a sense of warmth and mutual respect. With a final wave goodbye, Richard bid Bolu farewell, his heart lighter knowing that their friendship remained unchanged despite the complexities of their emotions. Watching him depart, Bolu couldn't help but smile, holding the portrait gifted artwork close to her heart as she retreated to her room. In that moment, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her, grateful for the genuine bond she shared with Richard and hopeful for whatever the future might hold.
Richard passionately explained the breadth and importance of art to his parents, he hoped to broaden their understanding of his chosen path. He emphasized that art extended far beyond mere portrait sketching, playing crucial roles in media, industries, and even scientific fields. His potential, he insisted, was vast and multifaceted. However, despite Richard's earnest efforts to convey his perspective, his father remained resistant to the idea. When Richard proudly presented his N.E.CO GCE art result as evidence of his capabilities, his father's reaction was far from supportive. The sight of the result seemed to awaken a dormant anger within him, and his demeanor quickly shifted from indifference to hostility.
With a sudden outburst, his father raised his voice, his words laced with frustration and disbelief. Stammering in a mixture of confusion and anger, he dismissed Richard's aspirations as mere "nonsense," unable to comprehend or accept his son's dreams. Feeling the weight of his father's disapproval, his heart sank, his hopes of gaining his parents' understanding and support dashed once again. With a heavy sigh, he watched as his father stormed out of the room, leaving behind an atmosphere of tension and disappointment. As Richard turned to his mother, hoping for some understanding and support, he was met with silence and indifference. His heart sank as she walked away, leaving him feeling even more alone and misunderstood. Disheartened but determined, Richard retreated to his room, seeking solace in the familiar glow of his smartphone. With trembling fingers, he opened WhatsApp and noticed Bolu was online. With a sense of urgency, he poured out his frustrations and hopes to her, confiding in her about his struggles to convince his parents to let him pursue his passion for art.
To his surprise and delight, Bolu responded with unwavering support and a plan of action. She suggested that he come over to her house and meet her father, who she believed could potentially help him navigate the challenges he was facing. The prospect of her father's assistance filled Richard with hope and excitement, and he eagerly accepted her invitation. Overwhelmed with gratitude and relief, Richard couldn't contain his joy. Falling to his knees, he whispered a silent prayer of thanks, feeling as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. With a newfound sense of optimism, he danced and sang with abandon, reveling in the belief that, at last, God had come to his aid once more. Richard arrived at Bolu's house the next day, his heart raced with anticipation and nervous energy. Bolu greeted him warmly, her smile putting him at ease as she led him towards her father, who was relaxing in the garden under a canopy.
From a distance, Bolu's father observed Richard's approach, taking in his appearance with a critical eye. Though Richard was neatly dressed and presented himself respectfully, there was a noticeable absence of the trappings of wealth that might have impressed her father. Nevertheless, Richard squared his shoulders and approached him with confidence. With a polite greeting, Richard prostrated to Bolu's father, who responded with a curt welcome, his tone brusque and businesslike. Sensing the need to be direct, Richard wasted no time in coming to the point, explaining his desire to pursue an art course and seeking her father's assistance in convincing his own parents to support his aspirations. As they continued their conversation, Richard poured his heart out, sharing his passion for art and his dreams for the future. With each word, he felt a sense of liberation, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
As Bolu's father confronted Richard with harsh words, accusing him of being a commoner child with a confusing present and future, Richard's heart sank. The weight of the accusation and the rejection from someone he had hoped to gain support from left him feeling dejected and remorseful as he ordered him not to get closer any longer with his daughter. As he made his way home, his thoughts were consumed by the pain of the encounter and the uncertainty of what the future held. Meanwhile, in the stillness of the night, Bolu's father's troubled mind compelled him to wake his wife from her slumber. With a heavy heart, he confessed to her the events that had transpired, expressing concern about Richard and his daughter's friendship. In his desperation to protect his daughter from what he perceived as a harmful influence, Bolu's father recounted Richard's presence at the school party, highlighting the absence of his parents and what he interpreted as a lack of respect and responsibility on Richard's part. He expressed his concern that Richard's presence in their daughter's life could lead to her downfall and proposed sending her overseas to distance her from him.
As his words hung heavy in the air, Bolu's mother listened in silence, her heart torn between her husband's concerns and her own reservations. Though she understood his desire to safeguard their daughter's future, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease at the thought of sending her away. In the darkness of the night, as husband and wife grappled with the weight of their decision, they couldn't help but wonder what the future held for their daughter and the boy who had unwittingly become entangled in their lives. As they sought solace in each other's embrace, they knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges and difficult decisions, but they were determined to do whatever it took to protect their only child from harm. As the days passed, Bolu's parents remained steadfast in their decision to send her overseas, determined to protect her from what they perceived as a harmful influence. With heavy hearts, they began the process of arranging her departure, navigating the bureaucratic hurdles and logistical challenges that lay ahead.
Meanwhile, Richard found himself at a crossroads, torn between his passion for art and his parents' desires for him to pursue a career in medicine. With a heavy heart, he set aside his dreams of studying art and reluctantly agreed to follow their wishes. Choosing Lagos State University (LASU) as his first choice, he threw himself into his studies, determined to excel in his new path. Despite his efforts, Richard soon faced a new obstacle. The burden of his family's debts loomed large, casting a shadow over his hopes for the future. Denied access to loans and financial assistance, Richard found his parents unable to afford the cost of higher education after gaining admission. As the realization of his predicament set in, Richard felt a sense of despair wash over him. Despite his hard work and determination, it seemed that fate had dealt him a cruel hand, thwarting his aspirations at every turn. With his dreams of studying medicine dashed and no viable path forward, Richard found himself at a loss. As he grappled with the harsh reality of his situation, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him and whether he would ever be able to overcome the obstacles that stood in his way.
Despite the setbacks he faced in his educational journey, Richard refused to let despair consume him. Determined to make the most of his time at home, he took on the responsibility of managing household chores with diligence and dedication. Yet, as the days stretched into months, he felt a growing sense of frustration at his lack of direction and purpose. With a desire to find meaningful employment, Richard embarked on a quest to secure a job that would occupy his time and provide him with a sense of fulfillment. After submitting numerous applications to various stores and supermarkets, he received a call for an interview at Best Choice Supermarket. On his first day of work, Richard approached his new role with enthusiasm and a warm smile. Equipped with a vest of identification as a staff member, he quickly endeared himself to both colleagues and customers alike with his affable personality and quick wit.
Richard's jovial nature and engaging demeanor transformed the supermarket into a welcoming and lively environment. His interactions with customers were marked by kindness and humor, leaving a lasting impression on those who crossed his path. As word of Richard's charm and charisma spread, customers began to frequent the supermarket just to experience his infectious energy and friendly banter. Even his colleagues found themselves drawn to his magnetic personality, enjoying the camaraderie and laughter that he brought to their workdays. Despite the challenges he had faced in his academic pursuits, Richard had found a new sense of purpose and fulfillment in his role at the supermarket. With each passing day, he embraced his responsibilities with enthusiasm, grateful for the opportunity to brighten the lives of those around him with his positivity and warmth.
As Richard continued to excel in his role at Best Choice Supermarket, his dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed by the company's leadership. When the position of company secretary became vacant due to the resignation of the previous secretary, the CEO recognized Richard's potential and promoted him to the role, despite his relatively short tenure as a sales boy. Embracing his new responsibilities with enthusiasm and determination, Richard quickly adapted to his expanded role, proving himself to be a valuable asset to the company. His strong work ethic and attention to detail earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, while his friendly demeanor and approachability endeared him to customers and clients alike. In addition to his professional duties, Richard also forged a close bond with his boss's children, including the Supermarket possessor's son who was studying art in Senior Secondary School. When the young boy sought Richard's help with his literature assignments, Richard gladly offered his assistance, eager to support him in his academic endeavors. However, when Richard's boss overheard their conversation about literature, he couldn't help but tease Richard about his willingness to lend a hand in a subject outside of his expertise. With a lighthearted laugh, he reminded Richard that art and literature were distinct fields, each requiring its own set of skills and knowledge.
As Richard stood before his boss and his friend, he felt a sense of pride in sharing his passion for art and his achievements in the field. With a confident smile, he explained that while he may have been perceived as a science student, his heart truly belonged to the world of art. Eager to dispel any doubts about his commitment to art, Richard offered to provide proof of his academic accomplishments, citing his success in the NECO GCE exam with a one-sitting result in art. He assured them that he could bring his printed result to validate his claims. His boss and his friend, the Barrister, listened intently to Richard's words, intrigued by his dedication and determination. The Barrister, in particular, questioned why Richard hadn't pursued his passion for art more vigorously and what he envisioned for his future.
With a hint of sadness in his voice, Richard confessed that while he longed to pursue a career as a creative art designer, his parents had not supported his aspirations. Despite this setback, he shared his innovative ideas for product designs, including a new helmet for motorbike riders to use in rainy conditions, textile patterns, tricycle designs, bags, shoes, and even chairs. As Richard spoke passionately about his creative vision, his boss and the Barrister were impressed by his ingenuity and ambition. They encouraged him to never give up on his dreams and offered their support in any way they could. With newfound confidence and determination, Richard vowed to continue pursuing his passion for art, knowing that with perseverance and dedication, anything was possible.
As Richard graciously accepted the business card from the Barrister, he felt a surge of gratitude for the unexpected opportunity that had presented itself. With a sense of determination and excitement, he vowed to make the most of the connection and promised to reach out to the Barrister soon. His boss, the proprietor of the supermarket, observed the interaction with interest, noting Richard's confident demeanor and his genuine commitment to helping his son. Satisfied that Richard was capable and responsible, he offered words of encouragement and reminded him to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the Barrister's offer. With a nod of appreciation, Richard assured his boss that he would not forget to follow up with the Barrister and expressed his gratitude for the support and guidance he had received. As his boss departed, Richard felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination to pursue his dreams.
In the days that followed, Richard found himself collaborating closely with his boss's son on his assignments, using his expertise and creativity to help him excel in his studies. As their bond strengthened, Richard felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that he was making a positive impact on the young boy's academic journey. As Richard eagerly awaited the scheduled meeting with the Barrister, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and hope for the future. Armed with his sketches and designs, he felt confident that he had something truly special to offer. When the Barrister arrived at his office on Thursday morning, Richard greeted him warmly, his excitement palpable. As they sat down to discuss his designs and aspirations, the Barrister was impressed by Richard's creativity and vision. He expressed his belief that one of Richard's designs had the potential to transform his life and elevate him to greatness.
Moved by the Barrister's words of encouragement and support, Richard felt a surge of gratitude and determination. He knew that with the Barrister's backing, he had a real chance to convince his parents of the value of his dreams and aspirations. Later that day, Richard shared the news with his parents, informing them of the Barrister's interest in meeting with them. His father, although initially skeptical, agreed to the meeting, suggesting that the Barrister come to their home on Thursday when he typically spent more time there. He also extended an invitation if the Barrister can visit him at his workshop. With the meeting arranged and his parents' tentative agreement, Richard felt a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the future. He knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but with the Barrister's support and guidance, he was determined to pursue his dreams and prove his worth to his parents.
As Thursday approached, Richard prepared himself mentally for the pivotal meeting that could change the course of his life. With the Barrister by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead and take the first steps towards realizing his dreams. As Richard watched the Barrister drive off, a sense of disappointment weighed heavily on his heart. Despite the Barrister's persuasive arguments and hopeful vision for his future, Richard's father remained hesitant to fully embrace the idea of him pursuing his creative talents. Feeling disheartened by his father's reluctance to support his dreams, Richard couldn't shake the feeling of frustration and disappointment. He had hoped that the Barrister's words would sway his father's opinion and open the door to a new chapter in his life. As he prepared to return to work, Richard couldn't help but wonder if his dreams of becoming a successful artist would ever become a reality. Despite his father's reservations, he remained determined to prove himself and pursue his passion for art with unwavering dedication and perseverance.
With a heavy heart, Richard left his home and headed back to the supermarket, where he would immerse himself once again in his work, finding solace and purpose in the daily routine of serving customers and interacting with his colleagues. From Richard home, the Barrister paid a visit to his elder brother, who also happened to be Bolu's father, they exchanged warm greetings and caught up on each other's lives. The Barrister inquired about his brother's family, work, and Bolu's well-being. To the Barrister's delight, his brother shared the news that Bolu had been studying in London. This revelation filled the Barrister with joy and pride, knowing that his niece was pursuing her education in such a prestigious location. He congratulated his brother on making the right decision for Bolu's future, expressing his trust and confidence in his brother's choices.
Excited to hear about Bolu's endeavors, the Barrister eagerly requested her international contact information, eager to reconnect with his niece and hear about her experiences abroad. Before he prepared to depart, the Barrister felt grateful for the opportunity to catch up with his brother and celebrate the success and achievements of their family. As Bolu's father listened to his Barrister brother's explanation, a look of intrigue crossed his face. The mention of a boy named Richard and his struggles with following his passion struck a chord with him. With a furrowed brow, Bolu's father racked his brain, trying to place the name Richard. Suddenly, it clicked. He recalled hearing about Richard from Bolu herself, mentioning him as her close friend from school.
With a growing sense of curiosity, Bolu's father leaned in, eager to hear more about the situation. The Barrister proceeded to share the details of his encounter with Richard, emphasizing the young man's talent and potential to make a significant impact with his creative designs. Bolu's father shared his concerns about the boy who had created closeness with his daughter, the Barrister listened attentively, his shock evident on his face. He hadn't realized the extent of Bolu's father's apprehensions and the drastic steps he had taken to protect his daughter's future. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Barrister nodded in acknowledgment of Bolu's father's decision to send Bolu abroad and provide her with a new smartphone immediately to cut her away from Richard. Despite his surprise, he respected Bolu's father's judgment and the reasons behind his actions. However, a lingering doubt remained in the Barrister's mind. Could the boy Bolu's father described be the same Richard he had spoken about earlier? He couldn't shake off the possibility, but he decided not to press the matter further for now.
As Bolu's father moved to serve him wine, the Barrister took a moment to reflect on their conversation. He couldn't help but wonder about the boy Richard and the challenges he faced. Regardless of the circumstances, the Barrister was determined to do what he could to support young talent like Richard and help them overcome any obstacles in their path. As Richard waited patiently in the Barrister's office, he couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. When the Barrister finally arrived, Richard listened intently as he inquired about his father's response to their previous discussion. With a heavy heart, Richard admitted that his father had not been receptive to the Barrister's advice. Despite his disappointment, Richard remained determined to pursue his passion for creativity and art.
Encouraged by Richard's resolve, the Barrister offered him some practical guidance. He suggested that Richard resign from his current job by the end of the year and use the money he had saved to invest in himself. Specifically, the Barrister recommended that Richard learn graphic design, as it would enhance his creative skills and allow him to reach a global audience. Additionally, the Barrister emphasized the importance of acquiring a laptop to facilitate his learning and work. He reassured Richard that he would be there to support him every step of the way, offering assistance whenever needed. Grateful for the Barrister's guidance and support, Richard nodded earnestly, determined to take the next steps towards realizing his dreams. With renewed determination, he thanked the Barrister for his invaluable advice and left the office, ready to embark on a new chapter in his journey towards success.