The shady vermin

11

They will not give me a high blood pressure today, that's all I know.

I stepped out to go and meet this mysterious lady was. As we walked, Mansoor kept rattling, "Kai Oga!, this fine bebé, like Coca-Cola bottle! Kai!". Before I tried to slap his nape and he dodged and ran to his post at the gate. As I opened the gate, there she was!
I was startled a bit, I wasn't expecting anyone at that spot. I looked up again, to get a better view of who she was. She was average-height, honey skin, she has rounded, light brown eyes, small ears, a wide face and a rounded jaw. Her brown hair is short and straight, and is worn in pigtails. She has wide hips, short legs, average-sized feet, and narrow shoulders. It was the woman from that office!

"Wh-what are you...H-how did-", I stuttered.

"I figured I had to make such an appearance, to get an audience, baby. Hello, Saleem", she said.
"Why are y-", I was trying to connect so many dots and so many questions kept pooping up.

"My name is Maia, baby. Maia Rayan, but you can call me May, baby. Okay, so let me answer your questions what, how and why. But first, thank you for saving me, baby. Good! So ONE, I'm here talk to you, rather help you. TWO, the receptionist gave me your contact and address. Yeah I know right she's like a hypocrite, that's another story. THREE, because you saved me from John the other day, baby". Maia rambled. She went on about how, she's not an employee there, but it's her father's company. She added that she had spoken to him and showed her father data from my application profile, and convinced him to make them hire me at the company. She told me her father agreed, but on the condition that I'd move to the capital city and join him at the main branch of his company, and also showed me proof of what she said on her phone. Then, she gave me her contact card.

"I understand this is a lot for you to take in, baby. So I'll let you sleep on me. I mean...on it, baby", Maia finally said.

"Who is this, Saleem?", Nabila's voice came from behind (are they trying to give me a heart attack today?).

"Oh, Nabee. This is Ms. Rayan, the one I told you about? From that organization, remember?", I said to Nabila.

"And so?", Nabila replied with a cold tone.

"Hi I'm Maia. Nice to meet you, baby", Maia said seeming all bubbly. Next thing I heard was Nabila hissing. As I turned to look at her, she pulled me inside and pulled the gate to shut it. Before it shut I looked at Maia who said, "Call me, baby. Time is ex-". And the gate shut.

Nabila left me, and went inside the house. I could hear Maia enter her car and leave too. I stood there like the internet explorer, lagging. I then put the card in my pocket and went into the house. I met Nabila in the sitting room, clearly agitated. I went and I sat down beside her. She immediately stood up, looked at me with disgust.

"What is this Saleem? Tell me. What is the meaning of this?", she queried me. Her voice was low and shaky. I slowly stood up, and tried to calm her down so we'd have a decent conversation. As I tried to hold her, the flung my hand away.

"Don't touch me! Saleem don't you dare touch me!", she exclaimed.

"Nabee...it's okay. It's alright. Everything is go-"

"Shut up! That's what you said the last time. And now you led the whore here! To our...to MY HOUSE! I told you, first she cost you a job. Now it's me, right?"

"I really don't understand what this is about, Nabee", I said

"Oh, really?", she replied sarcastically while she eyed me.

"Yes, I really don't. All I know is I helped her, and she's returning the favor. Nabee, I'm getting a job", I said as I brought out the card Maia gave me and extended it to show Nabila. But, instead of having a look at it, she snatched it, and then tore it in half.

She stood there, glaring at me with fury as the tears from her eyes raced down. Then she turned her face away, avoiding eye contact. She then said, "I will not have this in my house. You will leave and go and meet her, since that's what you want. Pack your things, Saleem", in a cold, shaky tone. I tried to move closer, maybe get a hold of her and try to make her calm down.

"Don't fucking touch me, you freaking bastard!", she shouted. "I told you not to touch me! Go get your stuff and leave!", she pointed to the door.
I was confused, shocked, that, is this really happening? Nabila? I brooded. I tried to say something, I made an effort but, I could only feel pain down my throat as I swallowed my saliva, and it felt like I'd cry.
So, I walked slowly to my room to pack, pondering the heartache. I drew out my box, opened the wardrobe and starting pulling out my clothes, as I thought to myself. This must be a nightmare, or one of those half daydreams I normal have. Unfortunately it wasn't. I had so much in and out of my head. Why is Nabila acting like this? Where does she expect me to go? Should I try a friend's place? Do I have a friend? Maybe Ubayd's wife? No! Hell no! But, did she really call me a bastard too? Well, yes I am. And I've come to terms with that, but, I don't know. The fact that it was Nabila, it broke me. Why is she doing this? Should I just call Maia and leave town already? No. Leaving town is not an option. I can't leave this place. I will not leave this place, (as if it is my father's house). But, if I'm not leaving town, how am I to solve this conundrum. Perhaps I should try and bargain with Maia's dad directly, yeah. I am sure I could sway him to consider the offer. Alright then, I should call her right away then. I then remembered that Nabila tore the card her number was on. So decided to go check the sitting room. As I reached for my door knob, the door opened, rather , someone opened it from the other side. It was Nabila, standing right in front me. Glaring, with eyes tired, from crying. What was it again? Fight? Or she came to kick me out?

Wahala no dey finish?