Chapter 27: Chapter 27

The Next Day....

Melvin tried to get her attention but nothing worked. He knew that Humaira wasn't interested in him but for some reason, he saw her as a proud person. What's hiding anyways? Meat wey they Don chop remain...

'Yes, it seems she's proud after all. The first day she came here, she was looking like a rag. Now, her life is upgraded, she's now telling me no. I'll show here pepper very soon. She don't know anything.' he thought within himself.

Melody stares at him severally. She noticed that Humaira was ignoring him, from time to time. She snickered too.

'So awkward. Only if he can ask me out. It would definitely be a yes.' Melody muttered in her mind and smirked once again.

***

Back To Abuja.

It was the 5th of February. Amina finally came back from the business trip she went for in Enugu. It was a week trip and a lot had happened since she left. All of it, Ibrahim was ready to tell his mother.

Later that evening, Abdullahi went to visit a sick friend in the hospital so, Ibrahim was chanced to tell his mother all of it.?

When Amina heard his gossip. She as so angry and furious that she stormed directly into Zainab's room. She was copying a note so, she almost freaked out as Amina entered. Zainab wasn't expecting her to enter that way. At least, she used to enter with a knock on the door but today was different.

"Zainab!" She stormed in.

"Yes ma." She answered, closing the book as she stood up immediately.

"What happened when I wasn't around?!"

"It's nothing ma." She stammered.

"Do you want to lie to me again or what?! If you didn't speak the truth, I'll wipe the hell out of your body this evening!"

The tune in which Amina used was very harsh. It sent goosebumps to Zainab's body. She had never seen Amina so angry before. And she began to think...

'Was it because of what happened in her absence or it's something else?'

"Actually, Ibrahim and Isah beat me. Idris reported, So... Dad beat them back."

"Can you hear yourself? Yen-yen-yen-yen-yen... All you spot is rubbish! I don't blame you! I blame my husband that was foolish enough to take you in. Too bad, I accepted!!!"

"I'm so sorry ma. I really don't mean to. Please forgive me ma. Dad forced me to say the truth...vi couldn't lie."Zainab knelt down and pleaded.

"Don't call him your dad because he's not your dad! And for your information, you've not seen anything yet o, this is just the beginning. It's obvious that you and your sister are gold-diggers. All you want is to steal the peace in my family ehn? As small as you are."

Zainab just kept quite hearing all what she gave to say.

'Ibrahim must have narrated everything to her.' She imagined.?'What would I say to calm her down now. This woman would just hate me for nothing.'

Look here. I'm a very transparent person and I won't lie. Even though I wanted to care for you like a daughter before, I wouldn't anymore. I've been suspecting that you belong to a supernatural group. I mean, how can both of your parents die like that. Thee must be something behind it. Maybe your family is cursed after all. But let me tell you something. That I'll luck will never come to my family and your charms would never work too!"

Hearing he accusations and insults, Idris entered her room.

She heard his 'mum' and turned back.

.what are you doing here mum? Shouldn't you be resting after your journey and how can you utter such terrible words to Zainab like that. You're our mother..."

"Shut up, Idris! And go to your room." She ordered but he didn't move. He looked at Zainab in a kind of Saad, pitiable face but she didn't look at him. All she did was staring at the floor and silently crying.

"What are you still waiting for?! I said leave right now!!" She stormed again at him and he left for his room angrily.

The fact that his mother shouted at him wasn't what pain him but for the fact that she shouted at Zainab. He still remembered clearly. About few months ago when Zainab just came newly, she introduced her as their sister. If she was already part of the family, why would his mum treat her like that. Like an outsider.

Idris wasn't happy. He just locked himself in the room and stayed up in bed.

"And you, don't tell your headmaster about this else, I'll send you out sooner than you expect." She hissed and rolled her eyes at her disgustingly. "I know you're wise, you understand what I mean." She grunted before leaving.

Abdullahi cane later that day tired and hungry. His friend that had an accident was also a staff from the school. It was only a deep injury on his left leg and they needed bone marrow transplant... It seems to be critical that it looked but Mr. Abdullahi tried to convince his friend's family that everything would be fine and successful, Insha Allah.

Amina and the rest of the family had taken dinner. So, Zainab set the table immediately he entered. Amina too came out. She welcomed her husband and sat beside him.

Welcome back home, wife. He placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Thank you. But why did you leave today of all days. When you know I'm coming home.

So sorry wifey, Mr. Johnson in my school had an accident this early evening so I had it go because it was urgent.

Eyah, what happened?

One stupid truck like that his his motorcycle o. You wouldn't believe it.

Subhanallah!" She huffed silently, because it was already night. May Allah Grant him quick recovery.

Amin

So how was Enugu now..?Any gist for me?" He asked interestedly.

She couldn't help but to blush out.

Well Enugu is fine now. My business there went well but I'm so tired right now.

Me too wifey. I can't even ear much right now. He washed his hands in a small plastic bowl and started eating his dinner it was semo and vegetable soup. All made by Zainab. She sat in a corner, waiting for him to complete his meal but Amina looked at her with a stupidly annoying look. As if she wanted her to leave the both of them alone. But Zainab still waited

"Go to bed now, abi!"

"Okay ma." Zainab replied her. "Good night sir" she muttered to Mr. Abdullahi before going in.

"Good night dearie. Hope no problem? You're looking so down." Mr. Abdullahi called back immediately he noticed the sad look on her face.

He stopped eating immediately and held her forward.

"Hope no problem? You're looking so full this evening.

"Nothing is wrong with her hubby. It's night already, she might be sleepy or something."

"Okay." He agreed with his wife. Go and sleep. "Okay? We'll talk better tomorrow "

"Okay sir." She muttered before going inside. Amina put on a satisfying smile, knowing she won't be able to tell him any of their little secret anyways.

Zainab went to her room with a lot of thoughts clouding in her mind.

'What happened to Mrs. Bala? She been so kind to me since this while but... Why did she suddenly change. It was all a mistake... Hopes she understands. And her looks. Oh Allah, please save me from this punishment and help Humaira wherever she is. It's past 4 months now and she haven't checked on me. Not even once. Not even a phone call at least. I'll tell Mr. Abdullahi to call her tomorrow. At least, she's can't just abandon me like this... It's not fair, seriously.'

Zainab whispered some payers into her palms before going to bed. Somehow, she hope to join this beautiful family and maybe one-day, every one of them would love and accept her. But for now, she won't tell Mr. Abdullahi about it. It's going to be their little secret.

***

The next day came, as if it wasn't going to come after all. It was a Saturday morning. Zainab woke up, swept, mopped,?washed the plates and prepared breakfast.

She set the dinning table as everyone woke up to eat. It was noodles, fried egg, bread and tea. Everyone's favorite.

That morning, Mr. Abdullahi noticed something odd with the table... Especially the frown onIdris face. While others were smiling. Something was fishy, he could just find out.

"Hope no problem, Idris. Do someone offend you?" Mr. Abdullahi asked, turning to Idris that was sitting right beside him

"No dad. It's nothing " he replied, trying to avoid more trouble for his new sister and best friend.

Zainab placed three slices of bread on his plate and quietly left. Although, she wasn't happy seeing his that way. She hoped her would eat his food and forget all about her. At least, he should stop defending her for once. All these thoughts played in her memory but she walked pass him emotionlessly. As if he meant nothing.

Well, Zainab didn't join the table. Because she don't use to.

"Zainab, why don't you join us today, ehn?" Mr. Abdullahi started.

"No sir, I'll just eat in my room."

Amina couldn't help but to wonder why he asked her to join them for breakfast? Of course, she had already told her from the beginning never to join them on the dinning table so, she wouldn't.

After serving breakfast, she went to her room to ear her own share. It was a very small portion, actually. Just like the remainant of it all. Ibrahim and Isah always complains that Zainab serves them little food so Amina warned her to increase the portion of their food and reduce her own if possible.

One this was for sure. This life wouldn't last forever. Perhaps, a lot of things had changed since Zainab started living with the Bala's. She had to cut her hair, she had to eat alone in her room and she had to study even harder. As it is, whenever Mr. Abdullahi wasn't around, she shows her other side but whenever he's around she acts normal.

****

Good thing, Zainab and Idris wrote their common entrance examinations and came out with flying colors.

Zainab Ahmad Sanni took the overall first position in the whole Gwagwalada Area Council. Even though she took the entrance examinations at basic five, she scored credibly. Her school honoured her as the best student of the year as she was promoted to J.S.S 1. Her name was announced on the radio and television. Despite all the house chores Amina gives her at home, Zainab still scored high. Idris too did well he was one of the five best student in the school.

Mr. Abdullahi was so excited that he decided to celebrate it for both of them.So, he organized a small family party. Most of the teachers attended and his close family friends.

Earlier that day, Mr. Abdullahi bought three new gowns for Zainab. He was so excited, it was his first gift for her. Zainab too was happy but the way Amina looked at her killed the joy immediately.

"Go and try it on... I can't wait to see you in it!" Mr. Abdullahi begged. She has no choice but to do it.

And when she came out... She looked so beautiful in it that Amina wanted to collect it from her and burn it into ashes but her husband would definitely ask if she was crazy. Her would know there little secret.

'Well, he won't be here to protect her forever. I'll burn it soon enough... T And where'll be no going back.' she thought with a wicked smirk.

"So what about Idris's own?" Amina asked jealously.

"He has clothes now. I thought I bought him ten new clothes not long ago. He should use one of those?"

"So your son should use his already used clothes while an outsider should wear something new now, ko?"

It was as if Mr. Abdullahi didn't hear his wife well. She just said that with so much hatred and wickedness. As if she didn't care about Zainab at all. Too bad,he was just noticing.

"Why are you self centered, Amina? Aren't you happy seeing Zainab in a new dress? A she wears are rags and you know it. You promised to buy her new clothes didn't you?"

"What are you insinuating now, Abdullahi? That we care for Zainab the more because she wear rags?"

"I have clothes mummy... I haven't even worn them. And there's no need to argue.." he cuts in but she shushed I'm almost immediately.

"Shut up Idris! When two elder are people are talking, don't interfer, okay?" She stopped him.

"I'm not in the mood for any drama this morning, Amina. Get a good cloth for Idris and he'll be fine." Abdullahi hissed and walked away, leaving the kids to wonder what their aregument was really about. It's been 16 years after their marriage and this was there first argument so far.

***

Back To The Party.

One thing was clear. That Zainab wasn't really happy. But Idris was trying to cheer her up. He apologized for telling his dad the truth from the first time. And he agreed that he was the cause of all the drama going on in his family recently but he promised to end it for her as soon as possible.

"And how can you do that?" Zainab asked him.

He couldn't help but to smile.

"Well, if you believe I can. Then I will, definitely."

'Because I like to see you happy.' he said in his mind. And as if she heard him, she blushed and uttered

'Me too.' in her mind.

*****

Should Amina's little secret get exposed?

Or

Should Something bigger happen?

I wouldn't know? I think I need your idea.

...What do you think is going to happen in their party? Can't wait? Me too!

***

Words and Translations

Enugu: A state in Nigeria

Subhanallah: Glory be to God

***