AMAL: hope

CHAPTER TWO (2).

* I am not a second choice- either you lose me or choose me.*

AMAL.

    As per our agreement we kept the issue of Mallam Audu a secret, but I noticed the way I reacted with the boys around me changed as if I was scared of them. Mama asked me what happened to my forehead and I lied, I fell down a sloppy area.

Hindatu and I avoided Hamisu and Danladi like a plague. Well will the scar on my forehead stay forever? Will I later have a story to tell? Who knows tomorrow.

Suddenly I started noticing mama's change of attitude and her bulgy stomach. I thought mama was eating much food, but Hindatu told me there was a baby in mama's belly. I didn't believe at first till I overheard mama telling Abu. I was so happy finally I have someone to hold as a sibling. I tried all my best to help Mama in whatever way I could. I ran lots of errands. Sometimes I do complain to Hindatu and being the elder between us, she told me that is how pregnant women behaves.

At some point Mama stop going to the roadside. She employed a young lady called Basma to aid her. I never liked Basma one inch but I still tried to maintain a mutual feeling between both of us.

On certain occasion Basma doesn't give Mama the complete money from her sales. I once questioned her about it and that earned me a slap on my face, since then I never asked.

That day it became clear to me that Basma never liked me much more than I don't like her.

Sometimes I do see her in Abu shop doing nothing. Hindatu told me that Basma loves my dad but I refused to believe that. why on earth will I believe that.

I couldn't wait for Mama to put to bed so Basma will leave our lives for good.

*******Fast-forward *******

Hindatu and I were on our way back home from school discussing every incident that happened. We held our hands swinging it in every childish way you can imagine, kicking stones, picking up twigs and breaking them apart.

We arrived home and I met nobody in my house every where was dead silent. Hindatu had gone to change her cloth in their apartment, when suddenly Basma came in.

" Kai, your father said I should bring you to the hospital because your mom has given birth." She said, chewing her gum like the crazy woman she is, the way she said it was as if she wished Mama dead. I guess it's just part of my imagination. You tend to imaginate the negative when around negative vibes.

I was so happy, mama had given birth to my sibling and Basma will leave our house and the peace I lack will reign. I hurriedly change my clothes wore my slippers and followed Basma who was walking like a snail. I wonder who will marry this lady, her and makeup like witch, her clothing heavy and unattractive, infact ugly.

We arrived to the hospital and we were taken to a public ward where mama held a baby in her hand and Abu was pouring something liquid into a cup. I greeted them. I rushed to the baby and looked at the tiny little human suckling from Mama's breast. There I vowed to protect her with my life, since this Friday that she was born. I hug mama and mama rub my head. You would be able to see fatique in her eyes, indicating she needs heavy amount of rest. Abu sat mama up and fed her the whatever liquid it was in the cup, mama gulps it down, slowly.

" Mama is this my sister. The one in your belly ? " I asked as I touched her bubbly cheeks. Mama nodded weakly. I stood for almost half an hour watching my baby sister different thoughts going through my small head.