FATIMA (YOU series #2)

Chapter 18

               Is it killing you like it is killing me?

- Unknown.

Fatima

I fiddled with my fingers anxiously while I waited for my mother to come to get me. This morning would be my last in this house. I'm finally escaping my prison, and when my mother leaves, I'll have no business here.

But for now, I'll plaster a fake smile and get through the morning. Mama informed me that I had to meet with my aunts and dad. Then, I would be taken to Ibrahim's family house to meet with his aunts, uncles and dad before finally being taken to my new home.

I wasn't looking forward to any of it, but I knew meeting with his family would be easier since they weren't a bunch of assholes, unlike mine. I envied what they had, a loving relationship across all age groups.

Mama pushed the door open and walked in, "what's gotten you so lost in your thoughts? I hope you aren't freaking out again."

She gave me a long talk earlier to ease my mind. She repeatedly reminded me how good this would be for me, and my heart agreed with her words. I wasn't sad, just anxious.

I shook my head and offered her a smile. She held her hand to me, and I grabbed it as she led us out.

"No matter what they say, do not react. When they finish, thank them and walk out," She said.

I'd been mentally prepared for their words for years now. Their insolence stopped bothering me ages ago. As I arrived in the living room, Mama sat on a loveseat and urged me to sit on the floor by her feet.

My father sat on the two-seater couch with his eldest sister while the rest of his siblings and cousins were littered across the room. How many of them needed to be here?

It is on rare occasions like this that I appreciate having ADD. As they began spewing rubbish, I zoned out. My eyes were trained on the carpet and my mind, millions of lightyears away.

In those moments, I remembered things I'd been pushing aside, like my dissertation. I was enrolled without attendance but still had to do the work. I had assignments due and online examinations.

A tap on my shoulder brought me back to reality. Mama gave me a look, and I turned to the losers giving me stupid looks and muttered "thanks" before leaving.

"That wasn't so bad," Mama says, leading me outside.

I nodded, "I didn't hear a thing but sure."

She halted and pulled me into the waiting room by the foyer.

She smacked me lightly on the arm, "I'll give you the summary then. Be good to him, and he'll be good to you. Communicate and sort out your problems within yourselves. Then, if you need advice, come to Amina or me."

"Got you," I reply, flashing her a thumbs up.

"Is this a joke to you, Fatima? You have to take it seriously," she scolded.

"It's not a joke," I replied, giggling at her annoyed expression.

She was about to say something before one of my aunts interrupted, "Zulaiha, bring her out. It's time to go."

Mama nodded, and she left.

"Juju and Safina will go with you. We'll part here for now. I'll see you soon," She said with teary eyes.

I threw myself into her arms, fighting back the tears. I promised myself that I wouldn't cry over leaving this hell. So why were my eyes betraying me?

Mama pats my back, whispering, "everything will be okay soon".