MARRED

CHAPTER THIRTY- FOUR A Family Reunion.

Assalaam'alaykum guys. Okay. I know I have been quiet for a while. That's because I was busy making some cash off this piece here.😁😁😁

Okay, now here is your newest chapter. Have fun. Send in your comments as usual.💐💐💐💐

Amanah

"Baby, are you sure you want to do this?"

Ahmad asked me as we waited at the detention's visiting room. I picked my nails nervously, and nodded.

I looked up at him and smiled nervously. "I have to."

"No. You don't." He reassured, going on his knees so that he is eye level with me.

"And if you have changed your mind..."

"Hey... No. I haven't changed my mind. I have to do this." I affirmed, stressing the 'have to'

He nodded then gave my thigh a comforting squeeze. Then he placed a hand over my head and made a dua' for me. It was the fourth time he was doing that today. I wanted to make jest of him for his fear, but the door opened and she walked in.

She looked older, worn-out. She was still in her native wrapper outfit. I remembered Aunt Juwayriyyah to be a big lady. Tall and chubby. But all I saw in that instant was her height. She had really slimmed down.

She sat before me, but could not get her eyes off Ahmad. "You look familiar. Have we met before?"

Ahmad came back to his feet. "It's hard to forget a face I have met before Ma'am." I could hear the crisp edginess in his response.

I took his hand. He looked down at me again and I nodded. He understood.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded again. He kissed my forehead one more time and left us alone.

Aunt Juwayriyyah smiled. "You are an adorable couple. With the baby coming up, I bet he can't leave your side either."

I must have worn my shock on my face, for she said;

"Don't be surprised. I am an old lady. I know a pregnant woman when I see one. Even if she is in her first trimester."

Immediately, my hand went to my belly under the table and I made adkaar against evil eye.

Then I placed my hands on the table.

The woman kept staring at me.

"Your eyes... They look familiar. Anyways. Who are you and why have you asked to see me?"

I couldn't help it. The tears that rolled down my eyes had a mind of it's own. "Aunt Juwayriyyah. Do you really not recognize me?"

She studied me one more time and recognition set in. "Olorun maje... I mean... Ramatu?"

"It's Amanah." I corrected her, sternly.

Her eyes became clouded. "That was why... Why we couldn't find you. You changed your name."

I wiped the tears from my eyes. "Maje or whatever was never my name to begin with."

"I know. I know. You didn't die in the fire." She sounded astonished.

"That is what you would have preferred, isn't it?"

She reached for my hand on the table, but I pulled away.

"My daughter. I am sorry for everything I did to you... I truly regretted it."

"Why?" I asked in a whisper.

"Why what?"

"Why did you hate me so much? Why did you take me from Okene if you didn't want me?"

She squeezed her eyes shut as though she was reveling a sad old memory. When she opened them, they were filled with a desire i couldn't place my hands on.