EXTRA MILE FOR LOVE

26: Beach day

"How much longer please?" Najma pouted as she touched her hair. The maid earlier saw Najma's hair and found It very beautiful. She pleaded with her to let her plait braids on her hair. It's been over four hours now and she's still not done.

"Just ten minutes more." She replied. "Najma you look like the goddess everyone calls you with in this house. I can't wait for someone to see this." Basma winked. "And you think I'd open my hair deliberately for that someone to see?" Najma chuckled.

"I'm going to video call Mummy after we are done. I'm sure she's going to be so surprised to see braids on my hair. It's been ages!" Najma squealed.

"Look who just messaged." Najma waved her phone in the air. "It's your best friend Abbakar " Najma chuckled. "Your best friend dai not mine. So what is he saying?" She asked.

"He wants to know If I'd be free for a lunch date. What time are we leaving for the beach?" Najma asked. "Don't even think about inviting him over there If that's what you're thinking of. Aunty Hassana said we would be leaving by 2pm insha Allah."

"And why can't I invite him over there?" She asked. "Isn't It obvious? You know those two don't......." The maid interrupted their conversation, "I'm done. It looks so lovely. " She announced with a smile.

"Najma stood up and stretched happily as she went over to the the dressing mirror to have a look at it. The braids looked so captivating on her long hair, reaching her waist. Her hair always appeared to be longer when braided.

"Damn! Crush all Lagos guys with your beauty, walk on them as if they're your red carpet, roast them like they're your corns , Murder all Lagos guys with your beauty! " Basma giggled as she praised her. Najma had to admit this is the finest braid she has ever got done on her hair.

She reached out for her handbag and counted 10 pieces of 1,00naira notes and offered them to the maid. "No ma'am, I can't accept this from you. I did this for you from the button of my heart." The maid happily announced. "Besides, Madam said we should take care of you as you will soon be an in-law in this house." Najma opened her eyes wide and turned to look at Basma, who gave her the same looks.

"Okay then, please accept this from me. I really will appreciate It. Am I doing anything wrong by showing my appreciation? Take It please, I'd feel bad If you don't. Basma talk to her." Najma turned to Basma. She pleaded with the maid to accept the cash and after much deliberation, She collected It and Thanked Najma, showering her with lots of prayers.

"What was that all about?" Basma squealed with delight. "I'm equally surprised. I thought you were dramatic by always trying to form a ship between I and Mr. personality disorder, but It seems Aunty Hassna is way more dramatic. I mean, we are not even a thing. As It is, I can't even call us friends. How could she think......" Najma let her words trailed off as she shook her head.

"Well you can't blame her for having such thoughts. It's so obvious to everyone that there's a strong chemistry between you two. You guys should please stop dragging this any longer and confess your feelings to each other."

"Basma even If I've feelings for him, I'm not saying I do. I can never be with a Casanova like him." She snapped. "Here we go again with the same old story. A Casanova can change! A Casanova can change! A Casanova can change! How many times do I have to repeat that? Najma If you really love Nabil, don't let that stop you from getting him. From all indications, I feel he's not really like that. Maybe a life changing event happened or something like that, that's why he's like this now. I'm not trying to justify his wrongdoings though."

"I honestly feel the same Basma. I don't know why I feel the real him is hiding behind the shield of this Casanova he's trying to display he is. It's just complicated you know. I just can't bring myself together to live with a Casanova. But look at me now, as much as I'd want to deny It, I'm not really angry with him like I'm supposed to be."