"So, why did you choose our school? Is it because it's a popular school?"
"I chose this school because I am sure I'll be able to get the right education from here."
"What makes you think we can give you the right education?"
"The school's stellar performances and record"
"Do you think you are qualified to be in our school?"
"Yes, I am. I passed the exam with a ninety percentile and also got through the aptitude test. I am qualified both academically and attitudinal."
"What do you think about rules and regulations?"
"Rules and regulations are created to guide conduct and for orderliness. Every society needs it including the school system."
The principal looked at me and adjusted his spectacles again for the millionth time in the past ten minutes. He went back to looking at my files.
I struggled to keep my composure as my heart beat faster and faster. I was getting cold sweats on my feet and my voice was getting wobbly as he asked me more questions.
I had given out my perfectly crafted and practised answers and had no room for any other questions. I was saying those things but my mind meant other things.
"Why choose the school- cause I want to
Rules and regulations- a perfectly crafted mechanism to make life tedious for students.
Am I qualified- should we ask that question, duuh I passed the exams."
After a moment of unbearing silence, he began asking me generic questions for the interview which I had learned and memorised beforehand.
*************
****few hours ago,
When Fred and I went for a stroll, we met the previous head girl in Pine Crest. She was a student here and was in JHS 1. We exchanged pleasantries, and she told me about the interview questions and how to respond to them. She also told me to answer every question to make the school look good before she ran off to join her fellow students. She told me she would be punished if they were caught outside conversing with a visitor.
"There you have it, the secret to my perfect interview session. I would need to thank her properly, don't you think so?"
********Back to the present*********
"What's your name?" The principal asked me.
"Elsie Williams," I replied in a shaky voice, feeling intimidated by the principal's looks.
"Your age?"
"I am eleven years old."
"Any health problems?"
"None, sir".
"Are you allergic to any food?"
"No sir. I eat a variety of foods."
Adjusting his spectacles, he looked through my file once again and stamped on it.
"Congratulations, Miss Elsie. You have been admitted into Elite Academy.
Welcome to the academy."
The principal shook my hand and handed over my letter of admission.
"Thank you sir" I greeted him as I bowed and left the office.
I was over the moon and couldn't control my emotions. I had to muffle my screams so I don't disturb others.
I went back to the hall to meet my parents. They were becoming worried that they hadn't seen me or heard my name.
"Mom, Dad, I got in. I have been admitted." I ran up to them and hugged them.
"Let's go over to that side," Dad said to me as he pointed to a stand.
"What's going on there?"
"You have to get measured for your school uniform."
My measurement was taken for my uniform, including my shoe size. I went back to the hall where my parents were waiting for me after searching for Victor in the interview hall to no avail.
"Mommy, I am hungry," Fred whined.
"You have to wait till when we get to the car," Mom replied.
"Mom, Where's Dad?" I asked as I got to where they were seated.
"He went to get something from the car."
"There's nothing left for you to do again, right?" Mom asked me.
"No, I am done with everything and submitting my files."
"Ok, let's go. The day is far spent."
"Mom, wait I still have to speak with Victor."
"Victor!" Fred said
"Yes, did you see him?"
"No, I only heard when his name was called after you left," Fred replied.
"Do you have anything to sort out with him?" Mom asked me.
"Yes," I hurriedly replied as I didn't see it necessary to tell her why I wanted to see him.
I missed the chance of seeing Ben before he travelled on our graduation day and I didn't want it to happen again.
I knew that if Victor's plan works that his father would send him to his uncle's place immediately in annoyance.
"Ok, let's wait till your dad returns."
"Mommy...."
"No, you have to wait a little bit longer." Mom said cutting Fred short.
I sat down for a while and then I decided to go back and look for Victor in the hall again. I met him at the door. I almost didn't see him as both halls were rowdy with the interview finished and people moving out to leave the school or to go and get their measurements.
"Elsie" Victor called out to me as he pulled me out of the crowd.
"Were you looking for me?"
"Yes, how was it?"
Victor smiled and said, "I'll be deported to my uncle's place first thing tomorrow morning. I just pray for the strength to get through this night."
"Congratulations! I am happy we both got what we wanted."
"I came to bid you farewell, I don't know when I'll be able to see you again," I added.
"Thank you very much for everything. You, Ben, and Katie made things easier for me."
"Yeah, it's a pity you won't see Katie before you travel." I lamented.
"That's true, but I can still see Ben as we will be going to the same school. I will see you when next I see you." Victor said as he waved at me.
"Bye-bye," I waved to Victor as I ran off with Fred. He had come to inform me that Dad had returned and we were ready to go.
As I left with Fred. I felt very happy within me, I wasn't going to have any regrets.