They Laughed When She Came To School In An Old Truck, Not Knowing She Is A Secret Heiress

PART 2:

” I know. ” If anybody threatens you, follows you, touches you, or puts you in danger, this experiment ends immediately. ” Experiment? ” That is what I’m calling this madness. Promise me. ” I promise. ” Sometimes I wish you were a little less stubborn. ” You raised me. ” Unfortunately. ” That must be Uncle Ben.

” I’ll come outside with you. ” Good morning, madam. ” Good morning, Ben. ” Young madam. ” No. ” I haven’t even started. ” [laughter] ” At school, it is Kambili. ” Understood. Kambili. ” You still have time to change your mind. ” I’ll call you. ” Kambili. ” Your promise. I remember. ” She asked  for a chance to find out who people really are. Now she will.

God keep my baby safe. ” I’ve worked as Madam Grace’s trusted driver for years. This car is meant for an important company meeting this morning. ” Daddy, just drop me at school first. ” I already told you I have work. ” It is on  the way. ” It is not on the way. ” It will only take a few minutes.

” Rachel. ” Do you want me to arrive there in a taxi? ” What is wrong with a taxi? ” You don’t understand. ” I understand very well. ” No, you don’t. Children of important people will be arriving in Mercedes, Range Rovers, and Bentleys. Then I will come down from a taxi like somebody who entered the school by mistake.

” You are there to study. ” That is easy for you to say. ” Rachel. ” Everybody already knows you’re a driver. Must I look like a driver’s daughter, too? ” All those years keeping her in good schools, Ruth and I gave everything we could. Even Madam Grace helped with part of her university fees. ” I hate being reminded of where I come from.

Thank you, Daddy. ” I will only drop you. ” That’s all I’m asking. Madam Grace Eazi’s daughter is joining the university today. But nobody even knows what she looks like. That’s why everybody is watching. Despite her enormous riches, Madam Grace has kept her daughter private for years. And I heard the girl uses her late father’s surname.

But everybody knows the Eazi name. Is that her? No. Everybody wants to see the city’s richest woman’s daughter. Come and open the door. ” What? ” Open the door for me. ” Rachel, you have hands. ” Please don’t embarrass me. ” Rachel, this car is not ours. ” They don’t know that. Just open the door. Is that her? ” It has to be.

” Madam Grace gave this watch to Mommy after a successful business year. The handbag came from the room where Madam Grace keeps things she plans to give away. ” Rachel. I have to go. ” For once, nobody is looking at me like Peter the driver’s daughter. Hi, I’m Linda. ” Rachel. ” Rachel Ezzy? Wait.

 Are you Madam Grace Ezzy’s daughter? ” You people hear everything. ” I knew it. ” What is that? Maybe they are delivering something. ” Scholarship student. ” Maybe her father works here. ” Could be a gardener. Look at that ugly truck. ” Look at her shoes. Let’s shift so she doesn’t rub off her poverty on us. ” She might be applying as a cleaner here.

” Call me when you’re done. Sorry, Kambili. ” Better. ” Do you want help? ” I can carry it. ” I didn’t say you couldn’t. ” Then why are you offering? ” Because two people carrying one stubborn bag usually look less foolish than one person fighting it alone. ” Fine. ” [laughter] ” I’m Obinna. ” Kambili.

” First day? ” Is it that obvious? ” A little. ” So that is the Okafor heir. He’s handsome, isn’t he? His family is wealthy and respected. Girls talk about him constantly. Yet he’s carrying a bag with the girl who just came in that old truck. This is beautiful. I have too many. Rich people’s problems. ” [laughter] ” I’ve been looking for this design everywhere.

Take it. ” What? ” I said take it. ” Rachel. ” It’s only a bag. ” Oh my goodness, thank you. ” She’s so generous. Imagine giving that away. Madam Grace’s daughter, of course. Many luxury brands send me things all the time. Sometimes there is no space left for everything. That bag was made for me last year.

 I never used it because I didn’t like the design. Mommy asked me recently if she could give it away. ” Excuse me. Where did you get that? ” What kind of question is that? ” It was made for me. KN It’s a private collection. ” Interesting. Who is she? ” Nobody important. ” I don’t believe that. I could tell everyone where that bag came from.

I could call Mommy. I could ask security to check the car she arrived in. But I came here to know who people really are. ” Rachel. ” What? ” You were staring. ” I wasn’t. ” Forget that girl. She probably saw the bag online somewhere. ” You’re right. This is the attention I’ve always wanted.

 I’m not letting one strange girl in simple clothes ruin it. ” We should go. Classes are starting. ” There you are. ” You were looking for me? ” I was wondering whether your bag finally defeated you. ” It survived. ” There is an empty seat here. ” Thank you. ” No problem. ” Why are they staring? ” They have nothing better to do. ” Are you always this popular? ” No.

Why are you laughing? ” [laughter] ” Because everybody knows you. ” That doesn’t mean I’m popular. ” It means exactly that. Mr. David Balogun business management ” I understand we have two new students joining us. Rachel Ume? ” Yes, sir. She uses her father’s surname. My name is Rachel Ume. I just came back from abroad, so some things here may be a little different from what I’m used to.

 I hope I can sit near one of the top students. I don’t want to fall behind. ” You can sit here. ” There’s space beside me. Rachel, come here. ” Nobody is changing seats now. ” I was only asking, sir. ” And Kambili Nwosu? ” I’m here, sir. ” Anything you want to tell us about yourself? ” Not really. ” Fair enough. Welcome to the class.

” Thank you, sir. ”  ” The truck, her clothes, the laughter, nothing embarrasses her. ” Market analysis is the foundation of any successful business strategy. You’ve done this before? ” Something similar. ” You just came back from America, didn’t you? ” How did you know? ” Your accent changes when you’re annoyed.

” My accent does not change. ” It just changed again. ” Focus on your work. ” So, the girl from the old truck is actually smart. ” You thought I wasn’t? ” I didn’t say that. ” You were thinking it. ” I was thinking you looked lost this morning. ” That is different. ” It is. ” Most people ask what my mother owns, where I live, what country I spend my holidays in, what cars I have.

 Obinna hasn’t asked any of that. Most people do not want to be seen with me. Why are you sitting so close to me? ” I am not most people. What kind of music do you listen to? ” That is your important question? ” It is important to me. ” Why? ” Because if you tell me you only listen to boring music, I need to know early.

” Fine. Mostly R&B, some Afro beats. ” Better. ” What about you? ” Anything good. ” That answer means nothing. ” It means I’m not difficult. What annoys you? ” People who pretend. ” That answer came too quickly. ” Because I meant it. ” What else? ” Rude people and people who think they are above others because they have money.

” I’ll remember that. What are you afraid of? ” Finding out someone I trust ”  ” isn’t who I thought they were. ” That is very specific. ” You asked. ” I did. ” I like that he doesn’t push. I’m actually starting to look forward to talking to him. ” Hello students. I have an important announcement.

 The university is beginning its annual education support project. This year, the money raised will support disadvantaged children and public schools that need repairs, books, desks, and computers. I’ll give 500,000, 1 million 5 million. ” Wow. 5 million. ” It’s for a good cause. ” That’s very generous, Rachel. ”  ” Sir, I can also cover Kambili’s donation.

 And Obinna’s, too, if he wants. ” You know I can pay my own donation. ” I was just being nice. I know. I was only being generous. Not everybody is fortunate. ” Rachel, that wasn’t necessary. ” I was trying to help. ” I didn’t ask for help. ” You don’t have to be embarrassed. ” I’m not embarrassed. ” Then let me help you. ” No.

” [laughter] ” Kambili, don’t let pride make poverty harder than it already is. ” You don’t have to answer her. ” I’m not angry. Mostly. ” Yes, Kambili? ” I’ll make my own donation. ” How much? ” Rachel. ” 100 million. ” [cheering] ” Wait. What? 100 million? ” Maybe she means 100,000. Even 100,000 is too much for her.

 She’s just a poor girl on scholarship. ” I said 100 million. ” Kambili. ” Yes, sir? ” You don’t have to prove anything to anybody. ” I’m not. ” Yes. ” From where? ” Does it matter? ” It matters when you’re making promises you can’t keep. ” Prove it. ” That’s enough. ” No, sir. Let her prove it. She said 100 million.

” Kambili. You don’t have to do this because of her. ” I’m not doing it because of her. Watch. She’ll come back and say her bank network failed. ” [laughter] ” Good morning, Kambili. ” Good morning, Mr. James. ” Everything all right? ” Yes. I need a payment made from the Nwosu Education Trust. ” How much? ” 100 million.

” For what purpose? ” My university is raising money for disadvantaged children and struggling public schools. ” Do you have their foundation details? ” I’ll send them now. ” All right. I’ll process it. ” Please add extra 50 million so it goes towards school repairs, books, and computers when they send the project account.

” I’ll speak with the bursar. ” Thank you. ” Finished? ” Yes. And? They’ll receive it. ” [laughter] ” Just like that? Yes. You’re unbelievable. ” [laughter] ” Excuse me. ” What happened, sir? ” The bursar’s office just called. The University Foundation has received over 100 million from a registered educational trust.

” What? ” They said the donor requested that part of the money should go toward classroom repairs, textbooks, and computer equipment. ” 100 million? ” The Mosu Education Trust. Madam Grace created that trust in memory of Kambili’s late father. ” So, she has already started. ” Madam Principal, ma. ” Nothing.

Send the official appreciation letter to the trust. Do not mention the donor’s identity publicly. ” Yes, ma. ” I promised Madam Grace that Kambili would be allowed to live like an ordinary student. It seems ordinary life is already becoming complicated. ” Maybe Obinna gave her the money. ” How? ” His family has money.

He looked shocked. ” Then maybe she has some rich boyfriend somewhere. There are girls who know how to find rich men. Maybe that’s her own way. ” That must be it. Over 100 million. It is impossible. That poor-looking girl cannot be that rich. ” What if Linda is wrong? What if the bag wasn’t a coincidence? What if Kambili really knew where it came from? What if Kambili is actually someone important? ” No.

Billionaires don’t arrive in old work trucks to this kind of school. They don’t carry faded canvas bags. They don’t dress like that. The handbag, the donation, and that calm way she carries herself. Why does it feel like she knows something I don’t? ” I think we’ve done enough. ” You’re right. ” My driver is  waiting.

” You brought a driver? ” [laughter] ” Why do you sound surprised? ” You don’t behave like someone who has a driver waiting in a luxury car. ” What is someone with a driver supposed to behave like? See you tomorrow. ” See you. Auntie Ruth? What is she doing at the university? Why are you standing here? ” My daughter, I have been calling you.

” Don’t call me that here. ” What? ” I said don’t call me your daughter here. ” Rachel, keep your voice down. You forgot some of your clothes at home. Your father said you needed them for the school event, so I brought them. You could have sent someone. I was already coming this way. ” Nobody asked you to come.

” I only wanted to help. ” What if somebody sees you? You know what people here think about me. ” What do they  think? ” That I’m from a good family. ” And we are not a good family? ” That is not what I mean. ” Then what do you mean? ” Mama, please don’t start. ” I am your mother.

 Why are you afraid for people to know me? ” Because look at you. You came here dressed like this. What am I supposed to tell them? ” What is wrong with my clothes? ” You don’t understand anything. ” I understand that you are ashamed of me. ”  ” Rachel, your father and I have worked hard for you. ” I know. ” We made sure you went to good schools.

” I know. ” Madam Grace helped us when we couldn’t afford everything. ” I know. Stop saying Madam Grace’s name. ” Why? ” Because I don’t want anybody asking questions. What have you been telling these people? Nothing. Rachel. I said nothing. ” Then why can’t I call you my daughter? ” Because I don’t want them looking at me like the housekeeper’s daughter.

I have spent my whole life trying to get away from this. ” From what?  ” This life. You and Daddy working for other people. Always waiting for salaries. Always wearing uniforms. Always asking whether we can afford something. The people in this school have parents who own big companies. They are billionaires and CEOs.

” Why couldn’t you become something better? ” Something better? ” Yes. I worked so you could go to school. ” Everybody’s  parents do that. ” Not everybody’s parents have to wake up before sunrise and come home tired just to make sure their child doesn’t lack anything.  ” Please, spare me the speech.

” I didn’t know you hated us this much. ” You need to go. Rachel,  please go. ” My daughter. ” I told you not to call me that. ” Auntie Ruth? Come, Billy. ” What are you doing here? ” I should ask you the same thing. ” [sighs and gasps] ” I came to bring something. ” Auntie Ruth, are you okay? ” I’m fine.

” No, you’re not. Come and sit. ” I need to go. ” You’ve been crying.  ” I don’t know what happened to that girl. Rachel wasn’t always like this. She always liked nice things. She always complained when we couldn’t give her what her friends had. But I thought she would grow out of it. ”  ” Does my mother know? No. Please, don’t tell Madam Grace.

Auntie Ruth. Please, come Billy. Your mother has done so much for us. She helped with Rachel’s fee so she could attend this rich people school. If she hears how Rachel is behaving, she may stop helping her. Rachel is an adult. I know. Then she has to answer for what she does. I know, but she’s still my child. I won’t tell my mother what I heard tonight.

But I’m not promising to cover for Rachel forever. And I don’t care that Uncle Peter is a driver. There is nothing wrong with honest work. I know. ”  ” But if Rachel starts hurting people because she wants to protect this lie, I won’t protect her. I will not protect her if she starts hurting people. I understand.

I’ll call Uncle Ben to take you home. No, no. I’ll get a taxi.  I wasn’t asking. You need to get home safe. You’re just like your mother. I hear that too often. Rachel. I need to talk to you. I’m busy. It won’t take long. Fine. What do you want? I saw you with Auntie Ruth yesterday. Who? Your mother.

 And I know Uncle Peter is your father. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Rachel. You’ve confused me with someone else. No, I haven’t. Auntie Ruth is a friend of a worker I know. Uncle Peter, too? Uncle Peter, too. You must be a nosy gardener’s daughter. ” The house where they work. How do you know them? ” That’s not important.

” It is important. ” No. What is important is how you spoke to your mother yesterday. ” How dare you? ” You were listening to us? ” I wasn’t following you. I saw Auntie Ruth and wondered why she was here. ” That was a private conversation. ” Then you shouldn’t have had it outside where anybody could hear.

” Are you threatening me? ” No. ” You think because you somehow got 100 million you can start looking into my life? ” I didn’t look into anything. ” Then stay out of it. ” Rachel, your parents are not your shame. ” Don’t talk about my parents. ”  ” They’ve worked hard for you. ” You don’t know anything about my life.

” Maybe not, but I know what I heard. There is nothing wrong with wanting a better life. But there is something wrong with building that life by pretending to be what you’re not. ” What exactly are you saying? ” You know what I’m saying. ” Stop what? ” The lie. ” You think you know everything. You think you’re better than me.

” I never said that. ” You didn’t have to. This isn’t about us. ” Then why are you doing this? ” Because this will end badly. ” For who? ” People like you can sit down and talk about honesty because you’ve never had to beg for anything. ” You don’t know how I grew up either. ” I saw the truck you came in.

” [laughter] [snorts] ” Listen to me, Kambili, or whatever you are called. Whatever you think you know, keep it to yourself. You still have a chance to tell the truth. ” Truth doesn’t feed anybody. Stay out of my life. ” Rachel. If all you’re doing is pretending to be rich, that’s your choice. But the moment you start hurting people to keep that lie alive, it becomes everyone’s problem.

” Mind your business. ” Good evening. Tonight’s formal event introduces our students to the coming Young Leaders Gala. We welcome parents, business owners, former students, and our invited sponsors. ” Rachel, this dress is beautiful. It was just sitting at home. Two nights ago, I took this from Madam Grace’s storage room.

 It belongs to her daughter. She ordered it for her last year, but she never wore it. I’m only borrowing it, but nobody needs to know that. This must have cost a fortune. I don’t even remember. Your life is not fair. My mother arranged a new dress for tonight, but it didn’t arrive on time. I decided not to wait for it. ” You look good in anything.

” Look who came to a formal event? ” Maybe that’s the best thing she owns. ” [laughter] ” Kambili, you should have told me you needed something to wear. I have some old dresses I don’t use anymore. I could have given you one. ” Why do you always have to do this? ” Do what? ” Talk to people like you’re doing them a favor.

” I was trying to help. ” You always do this. ” You don’t need to help me. What? Nothing. ”  ” Why are you staring at my dress? I’ve seen it before. ” Of course you have. It’s designer. ” Yes, an older collection. ” Older? ” I think so. ” Even if it’s old, can you afford it? ” I didn’t say I wanted it.

” That is one of mine. ” Yes. Sonia Blake, a very famous designer. Lagos, London, and Paris. Actresses,  politicians, and wealthy women wear her clothes. ” I remember this piece. It was from my collection 2 years ago. Still a beautiful dress. ” Thank you. ” You heard her. ” Beautiful. ” I never said it wasn’t.

” Kambili. ” Mommy’s assistant, Auntie Janet?  ” Madam Grace asked me to bring this. It arrived later than expected. ” [sighs and gasps] ” I told her I was already here. She should not have bothered. ” You know your mother. ” Who’s Madam Grace? ” It could be anybody. ” Wait. Is that the new silver piece? ” Yes.

” How did you get this? This hasn’t even been released. ” My Paris studio only completed three pieces. They haven’t entered the stores yet. ” How? It was ordered for me. ” By who? ” Someone. ” There you have it. Maybe she has a rich sponsor, perhaps a pot-bellied old man. I know that dress. Madam Grace said we protect Kambili’s privacy. I won’t expose anything here.

I’ll be outside if you need me. ” Thank you. What? ” Nothing. ” You’ve been looking at me strangely. ” I’m thinking. ” That sounds dangerous. ” Too many strange things. Madam Grace as his daughter. Rachel? ” Yes. ” I’m Daniel Maduka. ” Nice to meet you. ” I’ve heard about you. ” [sighs and gasps] ” I hope only good things.

” Mostly. Come with me. There are people I want you to meet. ” I know those faces. I’ve only seen some of them in newspapers. ” Business owners, politicians’ children, powerful families. ” Money, respect, important friends, maybe even a rich husband. Everything I’ve ever wanted. Thank you so much for watching.

Stay tuned for part two. You don’t want to miss what happens next.