MARRED

CHAPTER FIFTEEN- TAKE ME HOME

Ahmad

"Then, Take me home." The three words stretched between us as I took Amanah into my arms again. She was a treasure that I had taken for granted. I was even more certain in that moment that she was the only one for me.

"I am sorry." I repeated. She was visibly shaking now, as though allowing her fears and anxiety to reign down freely.

"I am sorry." I repeated again.

Truthfully, I was in so much wrong that I was not certain which one I was apologizing for at the moment.

She had wanted me here. She wanted to know where I was and what had happened. I did not even know If I was ready to tell her, or anyone else for that matter. Yet, she was ready to go home with me. I had ruined what would have been a memorable day for her and she was ready to go home with me.

I couldn't recall how long we spent in each other's embrace simply silent until we heard voices outside.

I helped her up and we walked into the living room. Everyone was indeed waiting for us. Mom was the first to walk up to us.

"Poor child." She said, taking Amanah into her arms. When she let her go, she pulled out something from behind her. A blue parcel. Was that... The parcel?

"I gained a daughter today, Amanah." Mom began. "A strong and amazing daughter. All I ever wanted and prayed for was a woman who would love Ahmad without measures. All your exceptional qualities are added bonuses for us. Thank you, Amanah for being that woman. Thank you for coming into our lives."

She started to push the parcel into Amanah's hands. "Here. This has been a family heirloom for as long as my grand mother can remember, passed from generation to generation of my female blood-line. My Mother, her mother before her, however high. It is now yours my dear."

Amanah pulled her hand away from the inside of Mom's, covering Mom's hands instead.

"It is I, who is lucky to have found myself amongst your wonderful selves. I have a husband who loves me. An additional family who sees me as daughter and Sister. I pray that Allah continues to unite us all upon goodness."

"But..." She looked at Mom's hands. "I cannot accept this, Ma'am. This heirloom is Sumayyah's by right. I am still a daughter-in-law. I will not break the family tradition."

"But... you have not even looked to see what's in it."

"I do not need to Ma'am. I know it's a treasure that is not mine to keep in the first place." She was so soft, yet firm in her words that Mom just sighed. Mom knew she had a point. I guess love for Amanah drives all of us to act out of normalcy.

Sumayyah was moving towards us when Amanah turned to her, holding her off with her raised hand.

"You are more than a Sister-in-law to me, Sumayyah. Every day, I am in awe of how... How just yesterday, we met at the highway. It was you who accepted me with all my flaws and treats me like a Sister. This is more than I have ever asked for. But to take the heirloom that rightfully belongs to you? This is beyond me, Sumayyah."

My talkative sister looked speechless for a moment. She looked from Mom to Amanah, and to me, and walked up to Amanah. "I was not going to tell you to accept it. I was going to say... 'thank you.' For being my sister." She hugged Amanah as well.

Dad coughed. "You realize we are all still in Abuja, right? "Abu Ahmad asked.

"And if there is anyone who should be acting all mushy, it is Umm Sophia. She is the one losing a daughter."

"What a line to come up with Yusuf. Aaliyah is not losing her daughter. She just expanded her family." Mom observed, going to stand beside Umm Sophia. "Right, Aaliyah?"