HUSNA

Chapter6

Two weeks later...
"Hey, Hussy! Over here!" Faiza waved excitedly from the corner of the classroom, her bracelets jingling as she did.

Husna squeezed through the rowdy crowd of students and took a seat beside her, brushing back her hijab. "Sorry I'm late, wallahi. I was in such a rush this morning."

Faiza rolled her eyes. "You're always late, Hussy. You should be given an award for it."

Husna chuckled. "You're right, I can't even argue." She rubbed the back of her neck, a nervous habit. The chatter around her....students laughing, flipping pages, dragging chairs....made her feel a little uneasy.

"Hmm," Faiza said, giving her a suspicious look. "I just said you're always late, and you're actually agreeing? Who replaced my friend this morning?
Anyway, how's your health?"

"Fine, Alhamdulillah. And thanks...

"Don't start that 'thanks' nonsense," Faiza cut in with a grin. "Aren't we sisters from different mothers?"

Husna's laughter came soft and genuine. But before she could respond, the lecturer entered, and the room instantly quieted.

"Alright, class," he said, his voice echoing across the hall. "You'll all form groups of five or six for your Antimicrobial Resistance research project. The presentation is next week. Choose people you can work with ...not just your friends. And if I find your group unproductive, I'll shuffle you myself."

Groans filled the room, but he clapped once. "That's final. And another thing... everyone should have the required textbook by next week. Without it, don't bother attending my class."

Her  stomach sank. Five thousand naira for that book? She bit her lip, thinking about Abba who hadn't been paid in weeks. Her small hibiscus drink business could never cover that cost.

While she worried, Faiza was scrolling on her phone like she hadn't heard a word. Husna tapped her arm. "Faiza! Let's go. We need a group."

They moved around, asking classmates if they already had partners. After some awkward conversations ...mostly handled by the ever-talkative Faiza....they finally joined two other girls. Husna mostly stayed quiet, nodding and giving occasional suggestions. Talking to strangers made her uncomfortable, so she let Faiza handle the rest.

After class, they both went to pray. Then, on their way out, Faiza turned to Husna with her usual mischief.

"When are you finally going to teach me your language, Hussy?"

Husna smiled faintly. "Whenever you're ready."
But behind that smile was worry....school fees, that book, food at home. Her thoughts were miles away.

"Where are we going?" she asked softly when Faiza took a turn away from their normal route.

Faiza gave her a sly grin. "To sell you. You're worth millions!"

"Faiza, please. It's getting late. Adda will start calling soon."

"Hehehe, my Hussy, relax. First, we're buying that book. Then we'll stop by Mama's place....she's been complaining you've forgotten her."

"Faiza, I can't... just drop me here."

Faiza pouted dramatically. "What? After all my convincing?"