Chapter 5: Chapter 5

___________

Amina

____________

There stood the man behind my mother's suffering. The man who pushes her into marrying my stepfather who doesn't consider her a wife. My eyes scanned the room finding my stepfather followed by two unknown people then grandmother and her daughter.

"Oh And here comes the daughter of the house" My stepfather started and all their faces turn to me. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. I'm not some kind of celebrity.

"Good afternoon Uncle Ibrahim" I greeted him. Uncle Ibrahim is my mama elder brother. I respect him but I didn't forget how he made her remarry again.

"Afternoon Amina how are you?" He ushered flashing me a smile.

"I'm fine thank you. Good afternoon" I greeted the rest too. My stepfather nodded his head while the two regular troublemakers watch me with a scowl. Especially Kaltume who didn't stop in showing her dislike even in front of the family. I didn't waste any more time to dwell on them, I don't have any business with them. Though I wonder what brings Uncle Ibrahim to our house. He rarely comes until he has a serious issue to discuss with my mama. I hope this time around all is well. Just as I leap forward, uncle Ibrahim spoke up.

"Amina I'm here to see you" My brows cringed in confusion. He wants to see me? But for what? I didn't argue so I sat on the rug carpet waiting for him to tell me his reasons for coming.

"Amina I know you're an intelligent and calm girl, so I won't beat around the bush. I'll just get straight to the point. I was discussing with my friend yesterday and he talked about looking for a Secretary and I know you're looking for a job so I recommend you to him. He phoned me early this morning that I should bring you along, so I decided to come myself and tell you about the good news" For some moment, everything seems to stop moving. Did I just hear him talking about job? If I start working everything will be much easier. I'll get to take care of my mother well.

"We've spoken to your mother already, so now the choice is left for you. And the company pays so well." He added.

"Thank you uncle for your kindness but what type of company is it?" I asked. If I'm to accept the offer, I need to know what type of company it is.

"It is a construction company located in Abuja. I know you studied computer science but it doesn't matter, you'll learn as you work. Now if you've accepted the offer then." A small sigh escapes me.

"Alright uncle I'll think about it and get back to you" he nodded his head in return "Take your time he's not in a rush. Those two are the ones that will take us there, so don't worry they can wait till you've given your answer. I glanced at them. One was young and the other looked the same age as my stepfather.

"I'll take my leave now call me when you've come to a decision. We can leave anytime," he said rising up from his sitting position followed by the rest.

"Thank you, uncle. Let me call Mama" I strode to the room. Finding mama ironing clothes.

"Mama I'm back. Uncle is leaving" I ushered. She unplugged the cord from the socket. Taking her big veil off the bed, she wrapped it around her head down to her shoulder and left the room.  I gently slouched down on the soft mattress. Uncle words earlier flashed through my head. What will it be like to see myself working in a company? Besides, I always wish to see myself work In an office. Now that my wish is about to be granted I kind of feel somehow. I'll have to leave my mom all alone with Hajiya and Kaltume. That will give them more privilege to treat her badly the way they like.

"Mimi" my mama's words brought me back from my little thought.

"Yes, Mama" I flashed her a smile. She sat back down and plug in the cord again, continuing her ironing of clothes.

"Have you spoken to your Uncle?" She inquired.

"Yes, Mama. He told me about the job but Mama if I accept the job now and leave you'll be left all alone and you know hajiya-" the kind of look she passed me made me retreat back my words.

"You've been looking for a job since last year and now that the job has come to your doorstep, you're thinking of declining. I don't want you to have any negative thoughts. I'm not alone, I have Allah with me. Don't worry about Hajiya and Kaltume, I'm already used to their behavior, there's nothing more they'll show me. Go ahead with it. Insha Allah my prayers will be with you and Allah will protect you. Oh, now why the tears" I touched my cheeks feeling it wet. I didn't even know when it came out of my eyes. One way or the other, my mama makes me weak with her words.

"I told you I don't want to see you in tears again rather I want to see you smile. Now wipe off your tears. Make me proud" She's right, I need to work and take care of her well and put Kaltume and Hajiya to shame. I let out a small laugh.

"Good. Now bring your clothes let me iron them for you later you can call your uncle and let him know about your decision" she said. I did as she instructed and drag my medium size box where I used to set my clothes in.

"Mama here's the money for the Moi-Moi. The people came today and the man gave me his card" I placed the money and the card beside her. Mama knows about them as I told her since the second day.

"Masha Allah. May Allah reward him abundantly"

"Ameen. Let me go and perform ablution, it's almost passed 1:30 pm" I was halfway through the room when she spoke again.

"Mimi" she called. I turned around.

"If you're done with the prayers take the food to your father" I know she said it deliberately, she knew I don't get along with him. The same goes to uncle Ibrahim. But now my little dislike for him has started fading since he helped me. I'm grateful for his kindness. Hajiya calls me the grudge holder but I don't see that as the truth. It was all because of how badly they're treating my Mama. If you treat her good, I'll respect you and if you treat her bad then I won't have much respect for you. I will do anything for my mother's happiness.

I carried the small kettle which I'll use to perform the ablution and trekked towards the well. Reaching for the rope another hand reach for it too. It was none other than Kaltume. She let out a hiss. "Aren't you going to let go?" she said dragging the rope from my hands but I held it tightly.

"If we are to judge based on first come first serve. I was the first to hold the rope" I said tight-lipped trying to keep a calm conversation but it seems Kaltume isn't ready to settle things quietly as she drags the rope forcefully.

"What's my business with your first come first serve. I'm your senior, so I have the right to use it, however, or whenever I want to. Or do you think now that you're about to go to another city, you have the chance to talk rubbish to me right?" I wasn't surprised by her words. I know she would eventually talk about it. She and Hajiya are the kind of people who doesn't want to see me successful.

"You can say whatever you want to say. I'm just holding myself back because Mama has warned me not disrespect you but if you won't stay within your limits then I won't hesitate to -"

"Insult me! You and your mother are used to that" she interjected throwing her hands up in the air.

"I'm warning you Aunty Kaltume, you can insult me but don't try to insult my mother" I muttered calmly. I don't want to lose my patience because I know if I do so, my anger is not a pleasant one to see. I won't care about whoever that person is.

"And what will you do? Beat her?" Hajiya shouted from the door. I shut my eyes. My mama words resurface through my head. I opened them and intake a sharp breath. Without saying anything, I grabbed my kettle from the ground and left the house. I'd rather fetch the water from the neighborhood since the two won't leave me in peace.

I decided to just trek to Aesha's house since it's not far from ours. I'll pray there and also tell her about the good news. I didn't even enter through the gate when I bumped into Aesha coming out.

"Hey did you miss me already we just finished bading each other farewell. What's the use of saying Good night. I should have just said see you later" we both laugh. Yeah, we should have said later to each other, If we knew we'd meet each other again.

"Actually, I want to pray Zuhr and Hajiya and Kaltume won't leave me in peace so I decided to venture here. I also have good news to tell you. Are you going somewhere?" I inquired.

"I want to buy something from the shop but it can wait now let's go. I can't wait to hear the good news already. Aesha guided us inside the house.

______

"Wow, Minono I'm so happy for you. Now your wish to work in a company is about to be fulfilled. When are you leaving?" After I'm done with the prayers we sat in the living and I told her about the job news.

"If I accept the job then we leave tomorrow," I said my lips forming a thin line. Aesha's face lit up.

"Accept what? You're going jor" her smile suddenly fade. "But I'm going to miss you. Hope you'll be visiting every weekend" I'll surely miss Aesha too. She's a good friend.

"It's a must"

"So call your uncle and tell him your decision. Where is your phone?" Talking of phone, I don't really use the phone that much. Who will I even call? The people I interact with are all close to me. No need for any phone. I shrugged my shoulder.

"Hmm....now that you're going a bit far from here, the phone will be of use." She glared at me.

"Let me get going, I didn't tell my mom I was coming here," I said rising up.

"Alright then before you leave we will see each other. Goodnight for real"

"Goodnight"

________

I stared at our house. I can't believe I'm leaving this house to another city, all alone without my Mama. A slim tear rolled down my eyes as I stared at my Mama, her face held in a smile. I know she's holding herself back. She doesn't want to look weak in front of her daughter. "Take care of yourself, Mimi. Always remember who you are. Maintain your dignity and please don't cause any trouble. I know you" she advised in her motherly tone.

"Insha Allah Mama pray for me. And don't take Hajiya and Kaltume words to your heart" I ushered. The two are inside the house. I know they're watching us through the window but jealousy and hatred won't let them. Aesha cleared her voice her eyes swelled up due to all the crying so as mine.

"Tohm my only advice to you is to maintain your pride and dignity as you always do and Abuja is not like here don't cause trouble. I won't be there to save you" A chuckle escapes me by her words. It's not like I'm a troublemaker.

"Insha Allah thank you Aesha we will get in touch" we hugged each other once again.

"Okay enough with the goodbye let's get going" uncle Ibrahim interjected. I glanced at my Mama once again before getting inside the car. I saw her wiping her face from the window. So she didn't want me to see her cry. I wiped off my face with the back of my palms. I won't cry. I'm starting a new life in a new city with a good job too. I'll take care of my Mama and make her proud. I assured myself. A smile made it way out of my face. Little did I know that a big storm is coming my way.