Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Amina

His face didn't show any form of seriousness and that made anger rise inside me. My foot took off on their own standing right in front of him, with enough space between us muttering in a low voice the way it will reach his ear. "You know, I don't know what is between you and the family or your reason for working here. But for me, I know that I'm here to work and earn money for my family. I don't have anything against the family. You shouldn't have told me in the first place if you're not ready to tell me the reason. So I will put it upon myself to find out the reason why you said I should be careful. Because I'm not someone who will sit around and let people control her. And for your information, I don't care about your reason as far as you won't get me involved. Excuse me" I didn't wait to hear what he had to say again, I left. Proud of my confession.

***

"Amina can you please help me photocopy this and staple this. I need to go to the site now, the workers are waiting for me." Cindy passed me a bunch of papers together with an office file. Like she said yesterday about a lot of work, it was indeed true. Since the moment I set my foot in the office, I didn't step out. My eyes were glued to the computer screen. It was during Zuhr that I and Fareeda stepped out to pray. Since the kitchen has a big space, we prayed there. I'm glad Mr. Ahmad doesn't have a lot of work in his schedule due to the big project so I didn't walk back and forth to his office. Taking the papers, I trekked to the photocopy machine which was only few feet away from my desk, and started photocopying them. I was so engrossed in my work that I didn't notice Nonso's presence behind him. My heart almost did a flip when I finally notice him. Deep down I was startled by his presence but outside I composed myself.

I was about to give him space since he's only holding one piece of paper but he ushered me to continue. "Go on" he had said. It's the first time he spoke to me directly and to say I was a bit surprised will be out of the word. I knew how to use the machine so it didn't take me ten minutes to finish everything. All the while, he was standing. I wonder if he enjoys standing. Stapling the papers, I arranged them in the office file and set it gently on her desk.

Mr.Ahmad told me he had already informed Hajiya that she shouldn't pack him food considering how busy he would be. He won't get time to eat. What I heard from Fareeda, that Ahmad doesn't like eating food outside, so his mother always packed food for him. And because he'd be busy today, food was not sent to me. Great.

Checking the time, it was almost 5:30 pm. Cindy told us we'd stay normal than our time. Does that mean we would reach six or maybe seven? I didn't finish closing off my thoughts when the door was pushed open revealing Cindy herself. She clapped her hands together. "You guys are lucky today as well. The job we're supposed to work on late was postponed so you can all leave and rest. Including me. So have a nice day" she beamed. "Thank you for this Amina" she began again, putting the files inside her drawer and locked it.

I was glad we won't stay up late. I wish it will be this way every day. I won't say I'm enjoying the work but it's still better than nothing. At least, I will learn some new things. Without wasting any more time, I grabbed my things, and together with Fareeda, we left. After we descend down, we parted ways. I was thinking Ahmad will make himself present any moment since I know he'd be tired too but the message I received from him made me roll my eyes. Yesterday, we left without him, today too. Shrugging my shoulder, I plopped the phone back to my back, and just in time, Sadiq's car ventured into the driveway. Morning events flashed through my mind. I heard his whispered greetings. I nodded my head instead and got in ignoring his slightly confused face. It didn't take him a minute to join me in the car.

"What of Oga Ahmad?" he asked.

"He still has some work" I ushered my head turn towards the window. He didn't say anything more and I'm glad he didn't. I was mad at him for not telling me about the whole thing. He knew I was curious and he still chose to act that way. Silence prevailed throughout the drive back home not because I want it but because I don't know what to say. Besides, if I'm to talk it will be about the incident which I know he won't tell me.

"Why are you quite today? Is everything okay?" And there he goes again. Can't he figure it out?

"Um" was the only word I uttered. I could feel his gaze on me which tells me, he wasn't satisfied with my answer.

"Is it about yesterday?" he began again. I heard him but chose to ignore it. I don't have the strength to talk about something that is not worth it.

"Amina"

"Amina"

"What?" I turned around aggressively.

"I'm asking if it's about yesterday that you're quiet?"

"No, it's not. I'm just exhausted from work" I answered back turning my face once again. I don't know why but the fact that he pulls the event up angers me.

"Why do I feel like you are lying?" And his words are enough to make me lose the small patience I've been holding in. "Lying? Why would I lie?"

"I have a feeling you are because I can see right through you"