Chapter 7 part 1
Amina
"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.
After driving for two hours, we finally arrived in Abuja city. I peep through the window, seeing the busy street with cars passing by. On the other hand, some hawkers we're selling things by the roadside. It's my first visit to the city but I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy my stay here. All through the drive to Uncle Ibrahim friend's house, my eyes were outside admiring the places we passed by. The car drove through another corner. The area was quiet and all the houses are big with gates on each one. The car horned in front of a black gate. I stare in awe at the huge gate. My eyes widened more when the gate was been opened. My mouth hung low seeing an enormous house in front of me. To say it's beautiful will be an understatement. It looks like some kind of guest house or hotel? Do normal people really live in the house?
"Take your luggage from the booth" uncle words brought me back from my not so long thought. He's been here before, so he wouldn't be surprised. I closed my open mouth and walked to the booth. My luggage was already pulled out by the driver.
"Thank you" I muttered grabbing the bag from his hands.
"Shall we?" Uncle inquired. I nodded in return my heart escalating a bit. Am I going to live in this gigantic place or is it some kind of dream. My inner mind proved me wrong when the entrance door was pulled open by Uncle. And that's it. The living became my TV. I feel like my eyes are going to pop out of its socket. Words could not describe how the inner looks. Everything is golden and black. I wouldn't be surprised if my uncle inform me we are in the president's house because this house is not for ordinary people. Both our rooms and parlor will fit in the living room if I'm not mistaken.
"Good day Sir" A young guy emerge from God knows where dressed in a white check shirt with black jeans.
"Good Day young boy. Is your boss around?" Uncle inquired.
"Yes Sir. Please have a seat" the guy bowed down a little. Uncle let out a sharp breath which didn't go unheard by me. We took our seat on the expensive Royal couch. The coolness of the soft tile came in contact with my foot.
"Alright then. Tell him Ibrahim is here" Uncle ushered again and the guy nodded disappearing through a door.
"Welcome Ibrahim," a voice said. I almost flinch at the manly voice. A man walked majestically towards us, dressed in a kaftan holding a walking stick.
"As promised here's the girl" uncle ushered turning to me with a smile. I managed to let out a smile as I greeted the man.
"Good afternoon sir"
"Good Afternoon lady, how was the trip?" He inquired in his manly voice. The man is fair in complexion and taller than uncle
"Alhamdulillah" I answered back. He took the single seat facing us.
"So Ibrahim have you explained everything to her?"
"Yes, I told her everything what's left now is your decision" For some reason, I felt uncomfortable. All this is new to me and I haven't even begin the job yet.
"Good. Young lady, what is your name?"
"My name is Amina Ammar sir" I retorted back.
"That's my mother's name" hearing him say mother made my mind off to my Mama back at home. She must be missing me already.
"I hope you have your documents with you? My son is the one looking for a Secretary and he's not around right now. He went for some business in your town but he'd be back tomorrow Insha Allah" I nodded my head in return. So he's not the one I'll be working for. Great. Just great. The man seems nice.
"Mr. Abdullahi since everything is settled I'll take my leave" uncle interjected rising from his sitting position. He glanced in my direction.
"Take care of yourself" before I could process his farewell he's already halfway through the living room. Now it's left me and the man only. I cast my head down. Mr. Abdullahi as Uncle Ibrahim called rise up too
"So, someone will come and take you up to your room. My daughter Abida is the same age as you she'll keep you company. So feel free, this is now your house." With that being said, he sprinted away. Now I'm left all alone. Within five minutes, a girl emerged from the same door Mr. Abdullahi went in.
"Hello, you must be our new guest" she started letting out a smile. I abruptly stood up
"Yes"
"I'm Abida, my dad said I should accompany you to your room" she ushered back.
"I'm Amina Thank you" she gestured to the door and I follow her heed. We climbed the stairs and for the second time, my eyes dart to the whole place.
"Is this your first time in the city? Or have you been here before?"
"This is my first time"
"Wow welcome to Abuja city then" she cheered. We walked through a hall stopping in front of a golden wooden door. What's with this house
"This is your room. Here's the key" she passed me the key. I stared at the not so skinny girl bogeyed. She can't be serious.
"Yeah, it's your room. Yours only" she added noticing my expression.
"Thank you" I muttered.
"Now I'll take my leave. Rest up I'll check on you later" she pats my back a little walking past me. A sigh escapes me. I did a little prayer before opening the door with a salam. The coolness of the room came in contact with my skin. The walls are painted in milk with a medium-sized bed positioned at the center, a three-door wardrobe, AC at the far corner of the wall.
"Masha Allah" I muttered to myself getting inside the room more. I looked at everything inside the room. It feels like I'm in some kind of dreamland. All this luxury looks too good to be true. Will I really get used to all this when my mom is there all alone. Fishing out my small Nokia phone, I dialed my Mama's number and she picked up at one ring.
"Assalamu Alaikum Mama" I greeted after hearing her salam voice.
"How are you, Mimi. I hope you arrived safely?"
"Alhamdulillah I arrived safely. Uncle has left already. I'm now in the room resting" I explained sitting down gently on the soft bed.
"Masha Allah. Don't forget my words, Mimi. Take care of yourself and behave well"