Whatever It Takes - Season 1 - Episode 29

4 years ago

Whatever It Takes - Season 1 - Episode 29

Graduation took place at Russell Square and we sat in the student auditorium looking like fabulous
intellectuals in our graduation gowns. Our hair was perfectly done and our matching outfits made
us the more confident. The sitting arrangement was per level of achievement. As the
undergraduates we sat in front, next was the master’s and finally the doctoral candidates. As
outstanding performers, Ife, Janice , Patrick and I sat at the very end of the undergraduates row.

The speeches were done and the awarding ceremony began. We sat quietly awaiting our turn.

Our guests were Sheridan and Amber and a special family that visited me on rare occasions.

Finally my name was called. I was the very last one of the undergraduates and I stood up to receive my degree. I couldn’t help but feel proud of my achievement as I gracefully walked to the podium.

I had come a long way. Who would have thought that a girl that started off begging on the streets of Mansa with her blind parents would one day be where I was… which was at a graduation ceremony oceans apart from home.

I felt tears gather in my eyes . .. tears of joy for sure but they could wait so I swallowed hard and recomposed myself. As I walked there was raucous applause around the square as they listed my achievements. I was an outstanding student, graduating with the highest marks in the school course records as well as a humanitarian
champion for all my efforts to draw students together in the past three years and voluntary work.

They all chanted my name and for some reason, I felt the graduation was bigger than I was.

Finally I shook the Chancellor’s hands and got my degree and other prizes that were thrown in as
the photographer took various shots of the ceremony. I walked to the other side afterwards and
joined the other graduates for a group photograph.

After the photographs Amber, Sheridan and my other family came fourth to present more gifts to
me. Ife’s mother had managed to travel and I met her. She was as bubbly as her daughter making
me conclude that Nigerians were naturally friendly people. We were laughing so hard as we took
photos. Dawn and Lydia were so full of humour and even though I was scared to be too friendly
with them at first, they had opened their hearts to me. I was more than grateful that they showed
up for my graduation. I knew my own family wouldn’t be able to make it. are you wondering who
Dawn and Lydia are? Pardon my manners. Dawn and Lydia are sisters I earned as a result of my
relationship with Harry. They were doctor Dawson’s daughters who had settled in the united
kingdom. We didnt see each other so often because they lived outside London Glasgow to be specific. They had travelled to meet me for the first time during my second year of study and we
had met three more times after.

” Sorry our little brother couldn’t be here.” Dawn popularly known as Dee dee apologised

” It’s alright. I’m glad you came ” I answered genuinely. I knew Harry had been working so hard
from all our conversations. He told me he had a wonderful surprise for me back home and I was
eager to know what the surprise was.

Ife’s family and my big family then drove out together for dinner at the nearest restaurant as we
had to return for the non ceremonial photograph shoot for the school magazine.

Dinner was wonderful and we later said goodbye to Dawn and Lydia who were flying back to
Glasgow. We returned to the square for the photoshoot later in the afternoon and We only arrived
back home late in the evening.
I had over hundred and fifty thousand pounds in prizes thanks to my outstanding performance and
as for gifts I couldn’t even begin to count. I was spoiled rotten by my family and friends.
The door bell rang and I heard Sheridan speak to someone with so much respect. Out of curiosity
I walked to the living room after I heard my name get mentioned. Ife had gone to celebrate with
her mum and were only joining us later.

” I’m glad you are here. Please sit down.” Sheridan advised and I obeyed ” our guest here is Mr
Kelly a royal messenger and he has brought something for you!” She added
” For me?” I asked shockingly.
” Yes for you.” She responded as she handed me an envelope. I carefully opened it and read the
contents

” Is this a dream?” I spoke louder than I planned

” What?” Sheridan asked
” The queen wants to dine with me .” I informed her as I handed her the note she had personally
signed

” Please be ready on time. The royal chauffeur will pick you up at 5 PM Dinner is at 6:30 PM” Mr
Kelly the royal messenger said before he left leaving behind another invite for Ife.
” I will be dining with the queen tomorrow… the queen! Oh my goodness! ” I thought to myself

” I knew you were destined for greatness Kasuba.” Said Sheridan

” Oh my gosh! What am I even going to wear?” I found myself asking
” Don’t stress. Just be yourself that will easily be sorted.”

When Ife returned, we informed her about the development and she was ecstatic. Her mother had
remained with an old friend of hers for some catching up.

That night was the longest as I kept tossing and turning. Something within me kept thinking it was
just a dream that will go away as soon as I woke the next morning except I couldn’t sleep. I only
slept very early the next morning……