Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Amina

"Good morning Cindy" I greeted her. She looked more beautiful than yesterday. Her hair was now done in a weaving reaching down her shoulder. I mouthed a good morning to Nonso and he answered back with a nod while Fareeda's seat was empty which means she hasn't arrived yet before the thought shut out of my head, the door was pushed upon followed by Fareeda herself.

"Good morning," she said. I don't know if the greeting was only directed to Cindy or to all of us since she didn't call name. Forming my lips in a thin line, I unlocked the drawer and took out the schedule file Cindy gave me yesterday. His meeting is around 9:30 am. Glancing at my wristwatch, it says 9:05 am. I almost forgot his coffee.

"I will be right back Mrs. Cindy. I will go get Mr. Ahmad's coffee"

"Sure." Cindy has already explained everything regarding his coffee and what he eats at lunch so I didn't take time in making the coffee. I exhale a sharp breath as I stood in front of his office. Forming my hand in a fist, I knocked on the door.

"Come in" came his low voice. Just like yesterday, the room was cool with the split Ac spreading throughout the room. Knowing how the company is with its coldness, I made a mental note about wearing a cardigan.

"Here is your coffee sir," I said placing the mug at his side. "And sir, you have a meeting with the suppliers by 9:30 am to 10:30 am. After that, you have another meeting with Mr. Kunle, the chairman of DS builders regarding the new shopping mall by 12 pm. After that then-"

"Can you take a deep breath?" his interrupted voice said. I heaved out the breath I didn't know I was holding. I made sure I memorize everything last night so that I won't mess it up.

"Um... After that-" I continued getting cut off by him again.

"Calm down. No need to rush things. I know you stayed up all night to memorize everything but you don't have to do that. I will pardon you since you're still new to things" My eyes were left wide open listening to his words. How did he know about me staying at night memorizing everything? Could it be...

"Are you a stalker?" I find my lips saying before I could have control of it. His lips broke into a fit of smile. I didn't miss the dimple that appears visible at the left side of his cheeks. The kind of smile he gave me back in my state. I wasn't moved by the smile at that time and I ain't going to be move now. Though he has a nice smile. I mentally scold myself for having that kind of thought.

"Did you just say I'm a stalker?" he repeated with all seriousness.

I immediately cast my head down. "I'm sorry sir for getting comfortable."

"It's okay. You can be comfortable around me" he let out slowly. Raising my head, I was met with him staring at me.

"If that's the case then, can I say something, sir?"

"Sure as long as it's not something inappropriate". I nodded my head. I know what I'm about to say is not something inappropriate. In fact, it has been on my mind since last night.

"Sir, it's about yesterday at home" I started. He watches me with one brow slightly raised. It can't be he has already forgotten about it or he's trying to play pretense.

"What about yesterday? Did something happened?" he inquired.

"I want to know why you came to my room last night. You know, your sister saw us and I don't want any misunderstanding to arise. So I would like it if you don't come to my room especially at night. If it's work-related, we can sort it here or you call me where your family will be present so that they won't think negatively about it." I let out profoundly. He didn't utter anything just kept staring at me to the extent that I'm feeling uncomfortable by his gaze. I don't like how his eyes roam around my body. It makes me think maybe he has some weird thoughts in his head. Or maybe he did have

"Um, I will get going sir" just as I turned around and was about to leave, he next word stopped me in my tracks.

"I'm not done talking" I let out a quite exasperated breath snapping my eyes shut. What exactly is wrong with this man? I haven't forgotten about our first meeting. I'm still having my suspicions about it.

"Do you need anything, sir?" I said trying to ease off the heaviness in the room.

"I don't need anything but I want to say something" he replied back. I folded my hands at my front and waited for him to say whatever he wants to say.

"What do you think, if the misunderstanding turns to the truth?"

My brows furrow in question not getting what he means. "I don't understand sir"

He took a sip of his coffee which I know must be cold already. He hasn't touched it since the time I brought it to him. He places his folded palms on the table, his lips curving up. I won't deny the fact that I hate it when he smirks.

"I mean to say that, what if seeing us together yesterday becomes the truth meaning something-" I stared at the man in front of me bogeyed. It shows something is differently fishy.

"No sir, Insha Allah it won't happen"

"Why? don't you like me? or do you have someone in your heart?"

"I don't think I'm comfortable enough to be having this kind of conversation with my boss and that at work. So I will now take my leave Sir" without waiting for his reply, I ambled out of the office. The moment I closed the door behind me, I rested my back on the wall heaving out a deep breath. Could it be what Abida said is true? What if it was the reason he buys my Moi-Moi and also why he hired me to be his secretary? I covered my mouth with my palms. I hope what I'm assuming is not the truth.

"Why are you standing there? Did something happen?" I almost flinch at her voice. Cindy standing in front of me with a questioning look. Composing myself, I let out a small smile.

"It's nothing. I was just practicing what I memorized yesterday"

"Oh, that is good. I like that. Keep working hard before you know it everything will be a piece of cake to you"

"Thank you Ma. I will now get back to my office". Getting back to the office wasn't hard today since my mind was already occupied with many thoughts.

**

"We're heading out for lunch Amina are you coming or will you order take away?" Cindy asked rising up from her seat.

"No it's okay, someone will bring it from the house"

"Okay then. See you later" she waved with Nonso tailing at her back. As for Fareeda, the continuous glare she was giving me increases more but I decided to ignore her. She sounds just like Anty Kaltume.

Receiving food from home like we are in primary school. Her grumbled words beat to my eardrums as she grabs her bag and also fled. I just shake my head. She's seeking for my attention and I'm not ready to give it to her. My phone vibrates from beside me indicating a message.

I'm waiting for you downstairs.

The message came from an unknown number. Who could that person be? Grabbing my purse and the drawer keys I ambled down too. I will know who that person is if I went down. My eyes roamed around the reception looking for the man or woman who texted me. My phone vibrates for the second time. This time around it was a call from the same number. Sliding the accept button, I place it to my ear.

"Assa-"

"Assalamu Alaikum" the male voice beat me to it.

"Wa Alaikum salam. Please who is speaking?" There is no need to beat around the bush.

"It's Nabil"

"Oh Nabil"

"Yes. Hajiya sent me with Oga Ahmad's food and she gave me your number to call you"

"Okay, where are you now?"

"I'm outside," he said.

"Come in mana," I thought he said he would be waiting at the downstairs now he's outside.

"I don't feel that comfortable. You can come and collect it". I ended the call and trekked outside where I spotted his car few miles away from where I was standing

"Hi" was the first word that came out of my mouth the moment I stood in front of him

"Hi" he answered back. And then silence. We both didn't know what to say again. I couldn't think of something to say

"Here. Oga's Ahmad food and the other blue food flask is yours." He outstretched his hands containing the white leather. Holding it slowly, I mouthed a thank you. Another silence resonates within us again until I decided to break the silence when a question graced through my head.

"Can I ask you something Nabil?" I ushered.

"Sure go on"

"Are you contented with your work?" he stares at me with a raised brow.

"I mean, are you comfortable working with the family?" I don't know why I asked him the question, or is it because I also want to know if I'm not the only one feeling uncomfortable at the house. Nabil stares into space for a while.